Women Over 70: Aging Reimagined

Hosted by Gail Zelitzky and Catherine Marienau

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300

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Women Over 70: Aging Reimagined challenges outdated narratives about aging and celebrates what’s possible in later life. Through thoughtful conversations, personal reflections, and honest storytelling, the podcast explores creativity, purpose, resilience, and reinvention after 70. Each episode features real voices and lived experience, offering insight and inspiration for navigating this stage of life with curiosity and intention. This podcast is for women who refuse to be invisible, who are open to growth and change, and who believe aging can be a time of meaning, connection, and possibility.

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60 recent

September 9, 202625 min

397 Ann Stanford: Envisioning the Fullness of Self

Retirement has afforded Ann Stanford, age 75, “unbelievable luxury—the space and freedom to let things bubble up.” She savors this time to reflect on how she really wants to live and what it means to become fully herself. Always a writer, a former mentor to adult learners, and now a spiritual companion, Ann is committed to “telling my own truths”—and helping others express theirs. Psychoanalysis and contemplative practice have opened the door to “profound spiritual experiences,” helping Ann move beyond a difficult childhood and later struggles with depression and addiction. She is deeply grateful for the “mooring” provided by family and community, as well as for the space that silence and solitude have given her to listen inward. Ann lives by a simple but powerful maxim: “Don’t be afraid of the demons. Trust other people to help you. The answers are in you.” "If ever I lose my intellectual and physical functioning, I pray I will still have a place inside myself that welcomes me." - Ann Stanford Connect with Ann: astanfor@depaul.edu Thanks to our Platinum Sponsor, AARP Illinois, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 1.7 million members in Illinois, AARP volunteers advocate for better health, financial security, and stronger communities. Visit AARP.org/IL to learn more. Shining the Light on the Age-Wise Collective: Adriane Berg, host of the podcast, Ageless Traveler—stories from people 50+ who never want to stop traveling. https://agelesstraveler.com/podcasts/

September 2, 202626 min

396 Cynthia Goren: A Life of Learning, Listening, and Helping Others

At 89, Cynthia Goren is navigating a profound new chapter. Since the death of her husband last October after 67 years of marriage, she has become more aware of her own mortality—and more determined to live meaningfully. For Cynthia, that means continuing to learn, staying engaged in the things she loves, and, above all, helping others. “People need favors,” she says. “Physical help, someone to listen to their stories.” Listening and helping have been threads throughout Cynthia’s life. A lifelong learner and teacher, Cynthia traces her love of learning to her parents. Teaching became a natural extension of her curiosity: she taught English in elementary school and literature at community college, delighting in explaining ideas and sharing what she was discovering. Even today, learning remains an essential part of who she is. Cynthia’s Jewish faith and traditions have also shaped her sense of responsibility to others. Wanting to pass those traditions on to her children and grandchildren, she wrote Tales from a Jewish Grandmother: A Book of “Bubbe Meises,” using stories, food, Jewish education, family life, and humor to preserve a heritage she treasures. Now she is turning to another family story: the life of her father, who grew up in a shtetl before coming to the United States at age nine. Using handwritten notes he left behind, Cynthia is transforming his memories into historical fiction—preserving one generation’s story for those who come after. Her compassion has extended beyond her family. Trained as a para-chaplain, Cynthia met weekly with older adults in a nursing home, using conversations about the Sabbath to create a space where people could talk openly about sadness, loss, and the realities of their lives. Cynthia’s story reminds us that meaningful living doesn’t require standing still when life changes. It can mean adapting, remaining curious, listening deeply, preserving the stories that matter—and continuing to ask, “How can I help?” “Helping others is the Jewish way of life.” - Cynthia Goren Connect with Cynthia: Book: Tales from a Jewish Grandmother: A Book of “Bubbe Meises Email: cyngoren@gmail.com Thanks to our Platinum Sponsor, AARP Illinois, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 1.7 million members in Illinois, AARP volunteers advocate for better health, financial security, and stronger communities. Visit AARP.org/IL to learn more.

August 26, 202634 min

395 Melinda Blau: Life is a Series of Nexts - Take Pride in Little Things

For much of her life, writer Melinda Blau, 82, was curious about older women. Now she is discovering what it means to be one. Melinda began her career in educational publishing, where writers don’t have to worry about word count. Later, working on her first magazine piece for New York, her editor, T. George Harris challenged her: “You skip through life. Why are you lumbering on paper?” It was one of many lessons in a lifelong writing career—and a reminder that there is always something new to learn. That same curiosity eventually drew Melinda to nine older women whose friendships profoundly influenced her life. They became the inspiration for “The Wisdom Whisperers.” Henrietta, legally blind and living to 99, into her 100s, became Melinda’s model for courage. Zelda still played tennis at 99 and walked three miles a day into her 100s. Marge, who might have been New York’s oldest Wall Street investor, was still managing her own portfolio at age 104. Melinda affectionately called them “my old ladies.” Each showed her something about resilience, independence, courage, and finding pleasure in the everyday. Their examples stayed with her as she faced her own losses, changes, and “nexts.” And then came the moment that stopped her: someone said to Melinda, “You are my old lady.” In this conversation, Melinda reflects on what these women taught her, what she is learning now that she is 82, and why aging well may have less to do with grand accomplishments than with drawing on what we already know, remaining curious, taking pride in the little things—and continuing to look for the good. “There are challenges in aging. Look at what is, use your skills, draw on past experiences for strength—and look for the good.” - Melinda Blau Connect w Melinda: Substack: Melinda Blau Email: melinblau@aol.com Book: The Wisdom Whisperers-Golden Guides to a Long Life of Grit, Grace, and Laughter Meet Our Platinum Sponsor AARP Illinois, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 1.7 million members in Illinois, AARP volunteers advocate for better health, financial security, and stronger communities. Visit AARP.org/IL to learn more. Shining the Light on the Age-Wise Collective: Adriane Berg, host of the podcast, Ageless Traveler—stories from people 50+ who never want to stop traveling. https://agelesstraveler.com/podcasts/

August 19, 202629 min

394 Paula Nesoff: A Social Activist Born from the Realities of Life

As the daughter of Holocaust survivors, Paula, 77, understood early what it meant to live with absence. Her parents each lost their entire families eventually meeting after the war and emigrating to the United States with Paula. Paula read every book she could find about the Holocaust, asking herself: Why do people do this to one another? Her parents' understanding of history, trauma, and survival, as well as a distinct way of seeing the world, helped shape the direction of Paula’s life. Growing up in a lower-income neighborhood, Paula saw injustice everywhere. She tried to talk with people about her parents’ experiences, but their lack of engagement strengthened her determination to change the way people respond to inhumanity, illness, and suffering. Married in 1970 and a mother at 21, she and her husband supported each other as they completed their education while raising their son. Paula eventually earned a Master of Social Work degree and worked for 27 years teaching at a community college. Throughout her career, she has worked as a social worker, advocate, and community organizer. She advocated for housing for people with disabilities and her work at a community college allowed her to help people one-on-one—an approach grounded in her belief that empowerment is essential. Paula has been retired for six years and has not slowed down. She leads hospice and bereavement groups; works with formerly incarcerated people and individuals in prison, ia a Reiki practitioner, and after retiring became a massage therapist to serve underserved communities. And now an author! One day, while riding the train, Paula imagined a woman who seemed to embody everything she had experienced and witnessed. That woman became the central character in her novel, Among Us. With the support of writing groups, Paula developed the character’s story and brought the book to life. When asked how she feels about aging, Paula says, “I feel like I am all ages.” "If I can understand the human condition, surely there is a solution." - Paula Nesoff Connect with Paula: Email: pnesoff@gmail.com Book: Among Us AARP Logo Thanks to our Platinum Sponsor, AARP Illinois, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 1.7 million members in Illinois, AARP volunteers advocate for better health, financial security, and stronger communities. Visit AARP.org/IL to learn more.

August 12, 202624 min

393 Terry Craig: The Power and Satisfaction of Building Community

At 71, Terry Craig reflects on a life shaped by creativity, curiosity, movement, and reinvention. Growing up as the second of six siblings, Terry learned early how to resolve conflicts and bring people together. Her mother sewed clothing for the family, and Terry soon discovered her own love of sewing and creating patterns. Over the years, she expanded into quilting and fiber art, including painting with wool and learning wet felting. Always eager to try something new, Terry embraces projects that keep her engaged and inspired. After studying interior design at the Art Institute, Terry realized she wanted a career centered on people and moved into human resources, and later into sales, after relocating to Florida. Upon returning to Chicago, she again worked in HR. Wherever Terry lives, she brings her sewing machine and seeks out community. Local community centers offer groups and classes where she can play Scrabble and connect with fellow stitchers. Physical movement has always been important. Terry began cycling after high school and met her future husband through the sport. Together, they explore multi-day rides, and they are now preparing for a five-week, self-guided e-bike tour along the canals of Paris, ending with a week on the Riviera. Today, she and her husband split their time between Chicago and Scottsdale, AZ where she teaches sewing to a group of 167 people. The group also completes charitable projects, including Easter baskets, pillowcases, and activity totes for children. Terry stays active through hiking, pickleball, cycling, and walking—10,000 steps barely faze her. She believes age is a state of mind and encourages others to overcome fear by starting small and celebrating tiny successes. For Terry Craig, reinvention is a lifelong way of living. “Age is a state of mind and you can overcome fear by starting small and celebrating tiny successes.” - Terry Craig CONNECT WITH TERRY: Email: teresalcraig@gmail.com AARP Logo Thanks to our Platinum Sponsor, AARP Illinois, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 1.7 million members in Illinois, AARP volunteers advocate for better health, financial security, and stronger communities. Visit AARP.org/IL to learn more.

August 5, 202624 min

392 Ruby Hill: A Life Shaped by Love, Learning, and Service

Recently, at 95, Ruby Hill spends time reflecting on her life. Two principles stand out: “I cared deeply about the needs of others, and the results were better than I could have imagined.” She also believes that much of her life was shaped by others, beginning with her father’s decision that pharmacy should be her career. Ruby married the young man who sat behind her in Dr. Paytash’s Chemistry 101 class, when classroom seats were assigned and attendance was taken by name. A year after earning her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and passing the State Board exam, they married. By the end of that decade, they were raising three thriving children. Decades later, inspired by the values of a small Unitarian Universalist congregation, Ruby responded to George Floyd’s murder by helping launch a STEM initiative for Black girls that combines science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with self-care, leadership, and community care. "Beginning with love for ourselves and each other, we can keep learning, know that we all belong, and create hope for future generations." - Ruby Hill Connect with Ruby Email: hoopbab@hotmail.com Thanks to our Platinum Sponsor AARP Illinois, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 1.7 million members in Illinois, AARP volunteers advocate for better health, financial security, and stronger communities. Visit AARP.org/IL to learn more.

July 28, 202629 min

391 Maureen Rafa: Advocate for Compassionate Care for Older Adults

Drawing on decades of experience in psychiatric mental health and a wide range of health care settings, Maureen Rafa now runs her own business as an elder care coordinator. She also actively volunteers to improve coordinated care, build livable communities, and promote thoughtful end-of-life planning. In this conversation, she challenges common misconception about aging—from the fear of dementia to the expectation of simply “dying in one’s sleep”—and urges older adults, especially women, to recognize and confront the “rampant ageism” embedded in our society. Maureen encourages women to become informed self-advocates and models that philosophy in her own life. At 72, she has downsized to an independent-living community, planned financially for future care, and remains intentional about avoiding isolation. “Always keep your female friends.” - Maureen Rafa Connect with Maureen Email: maureenrafa10@gmail.com Maureen Rafa | LinkedIn Women Over 70 Welcomes our Platinum Sponsor AARP Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they wish to live as they age. With nearly 1.7 million members in Illinois, AARP volunteers advocate for better health, financial security, and stronger communities. Visit AARP.org/IL to learn more.

July 22, 202631 min

390 Abbie Rosner: The Psychedelic Renaissance Among Older Adults

What if aging could become a time of deeper meaning, connection, and personal transformation? Writer and baby boomer Abbie Rosner explores that possibility in her new book, Psychedelics and the Counterculture of Aging. Drawing on hundreds of clinical studies, authentic stories, and an overview of safe practices and the evolving legal landscape, she examines how psychedelics are being used to support the psychospiritual journey of becoming an elder. Abbie emphasizes that maturity matters: yesterday's risk-taking has evolved into today's thoughtful, intentional exploration. She invites us to consider whether a growing movement of conscious elders—committed to connection, compassion, healing, and purpose—might reshape how we think about aging. Whether you're curious, skeptical, or simply interested in new perspectives on aging, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at one of the most unexpected developments in later life. Connect with Abbie Book: Psychedelics and the Counterculture of Aging (Park Street Press. July 2026) Website: https://www.abbierosner.com The ELDEREVOLUTION Newsletter on Psychedelics in Older Life. https://abbierosner.substack.com Women Over 70 Welcomes our Platinum Sponsor AARP Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they wish to live as they age. With nearly 1.7 million members in Illinois, AARP volunteers advocate for better health, financial security, and stronger communities. Visit AARP.org/IL to learn more.

July 15, 202631 min

389 Road Scholar and Solo Travelers: An Opportunity for Learning & Intergenerational Connection

Lifelong traveler, Barbara Winard, 78, has been exploring the globe since she was in her twenties. She loves traveling independently and has taken 8 trips as a solo traveler with Road Scholar— the not-for-profit world leader in educational travel for older adults. Barbara travels to learn, so Road Scholar’s focus on educational travel has been a perfect fit for her. “Discovering new things in your life is wonderful,” she says. “All travel expands your world and helps you understand other people.” After traveling with Road Scholar to South Dakota, Barbara started writing blogs for the organization and quickly became Road Scholar’s go-to expert on solo travel. Through her work with the organization, she formed a friendship with Road Scholar’s former blog editor (and now PR director) Kelsey Knoedler Perri, 38. They have since traveled on a Road Scholar trip together to Quebec City. They both appreciate that Road Scholar has given them the opportunity to build an intergenerational connection. Hear about Barbara’s experience as a solo traveler, how travel has changed for her as she ages, and learn from Kelsey about Road Scholar and how working for the organization for over 10 years has changed her perspective on older adults and aging. “Discover new things in your life. Don’t overthink traveling alone. Take the leap.” - Road Scholar Connect with Kelsey and Barbara: Kelsey: Kelsey.Perri@roadscholar.org Facebook: Women with Road Scholar Website: www.roadscholar.org ___________________________________________________________________ And, Women Over 70 is pleased to welcome our platinum sponsor, AARP Illinois, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they wish to live as they age. With nearly 1.7 million members in Illinois, AARP volunteers advocate for better health, financial security and stronger communities. Visit AARP.org/IL to learn more.

July 8, 202624 min

388 Katina Strauch: Founder and visionary of the Charleston Conference

Visionary. Connector. Builder. Those words describe Katina Strauch, 79. When we spoke with Katina, she was recovering from a broken leg, talking with us from her bed on her smartphone. Despite the setback, she remains what she has always been: an active writer, researcher, lifelong learner, and trusted consultant to the Charleston Conference—the influential global gathering for the scholarly communications community that she founded more than four decades ago. What began as a meeting of just 20 people has grown into an annual conference that attracts thousands of academic librarians, publishers, booksellers, vendors, and information professionals from around the world. In the late 1970s, major research libraries had opportunities to meet through the Association of Research Libraries, but there was no place where smaller academic libraries, publishers, and vendors could come together as equals to exchange ideas and solve shared challenges. Katina recognized that gap and imagined something entirely new: an informal, collaborative conference where every voice mattered. At the time, she was on the tenure track and looking for a meaningful way to establish her professional reputation. Rather than pursuing a traditional academic path, she created a gathering that transformed an industry. By inviting antiquarian book librarians, publishers, vendors, and librarians into the same conversation, she built a community that continues to shape scholarly communication today. Reflecting on its impact, Katina simply says, "It's had a huge impact." The Charleston Conference recently entered a new chapter when it was acquired by the nonprofit Annual Reviews, helping ensure that Katina's remarkable legacy will continue for generations to come. "Smaller academic libraries, publishers, and vendors now could come together as equals." - Katina Strauch Connect with Katina: Email: katina.strauch@gmail.com Book: Doing the Charleston (2025) – Katina's memoir chronicling the creation and evolution of the Charleston Conference alongside her career as a librarian. Thanking our Platinum Sponsor—AARP Illinois, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 1.7 million members in Illinois, AARP volunteers advocate for better health, financial security, and stronger communities. Visit AARP.org/IL to learn more. Shining the light on Age-Wise Collective—check out Boomer Banter with Wendy Green—it’s in a new chapter, with shorter solo episodes focused on her personal caregiving journey and the search for purpose in later life. Going deeper, her Substack, Thriving Through Time, by Boomer Banter is where she really opens up. Find everything on Wendy’s website, heyboomer.biz.