Women Over 70: Aging Reimagined

Wendy Cole, age 76, was 67 when she decided to live out in the world as the femaleshe was born to be. As a young person, Wendy was informed by ‘authorities’ that shewas a male with a psychological condition that was untreatable and uncurable; she was “a freak.” Wendy tells her story of living 45 years of repression while hiding her secret from the outside world. On the brink of suicide in 2014, Wendy learned her diagnosis had changed back in 2012. It is now treatable by therapy, hormones, and surgeries. And people are born transgender: “Gender is between the ears, not the legs.” In 2015, Wendy transitioned and began living fully as her authentic self. Currently, she is a transition mentor who guides individuals through significant life changes. She shares her story to “open minds and possibilities…to show others the beauty and possibilities of living authentically…It is never too late!” "I was born female but assigned male based on my physical anatomy; now, I live freely and fully as a woman."  - Wendy ColeConnect with Wendy: She invites you to ask her anything!  Connection website: https://MeetWendyCole.com Email: wendycole212@gmail.com Website: https://wendycolegtm.net Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wcole212/@wcole212 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendycolegtm YouTube Channel:  https:www.youtube.com/@wendycole8326@wendycole8326 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-cole-gtm Private Facebook group, Demystifying the Transgender Journey, Open to anyone curious to learn more about being born transgender and livingwith it from childhood.

Cynthia Bargar, 76 is the author of Sleeping in the Dead Girl’s Room (Lily PoetryReview Books), selected as a Massachusetts Book Awards 2023 Honors Poetry Book. Her poems have appeared or are forthcoming  in Sugar House Review, Ocean State Review, Lily Poetry Review, Verse Daily, On the Seawall, The Last Milkweed Anthology, and elsewhere. Cynthia is associate poetry editor at Pangyrus LitMag.  She lives in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Cynthia has had 3 careers. First, teaching video and photography to teens; then, she worked in fundraising for 30 years, with nonprofits focused on grassroots activism and social services. When she became sober 44 years ago, she found her voice and started writing. Cynthia’s father was 28 when she was born. It was the same year his 18 year old sister, also named Cynthia Bargar, died of uncertain causes. As a newborn she occupied her aunt’s room. Throughout her life, nobody ever talked about it and she never understood exactly what happened to her father’s sister.  Many years later, as a practicing poet, Cynthia began to explore the unspoken, her aunt’s mysterious death. Her debut collection, Sleeping in the Dead Girl’s Room, is the result.  CONNECT WITH CYNTHIAEmail: cynthia.bargar@gmail.comWebsite: www.cynthiabargar.com/Book: Sleeping in the Dead Girl’s RoomOrder from Bookshop.org

On the northshore of Chicago, there has existed a magical boutique gift store for 37 years. Its name: The Yellow Bird. Recently the shopping center where it had thrived all those years, was sold to make room for new residential buildings and some commercial. Yellow Bird’s lease was over but Carol was not. Yellow Bird’s owner, Carol Schaner, 87, was not yet ready, however, to lock the door and walk away. She, her daughter and indispensable manager, Laura, were determined to successfully relocate. And, indeed, they did. The Yellow Bird can now be found in downtown Wilmette.Carol’s handling of the situation is an example of her resilience; of a can-do attitude that has held Carol in good stead over her entire life. She is resilient, courageous, creative and connected. The community loves her and proved it by supporting her in her new location.What will I do in the future? I’ll continue with everything I am doing now! I am blessed to be here. Joy abounds.This episode tells her story. CONNECT WITH CAROL:Email: yellowbirdstore@sbcglobal.netFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/YellowBirdStore/Yellow Bird Stationery, Invitations & Gifts: 1199 Wilmette Avenue, Wilmette IL 60091, 847-256-1380

Andrea Gilats—writer, educator, artist, yoga instructor—believes that“when one writes a memoir, one has to be oneself.” Andrea’s captivating newmemoir, Radical Endurance: Growing Old in an Age of Longevity,reveals her journey of ‘discovery through the pitfalls and possibilities ofaging.’ She reflects on dealing with prolonged grief following the early deathof her husband, navigating serious chronic illnesses while living alone, andlearning to recreate her identity and sense of belonging after retirement.Now age 79, Andrea highlights the “singular pleasures of growing up again.”With deeper self-knowing and well-earned wisdom, “this time we can enjoyit… My horizon is no longer longer than I can see—I have arrived!” Andreashares how she is now able to “live a life of peace, joy, and contentment.”Connect with Andrea:Email: agilats@gmail.comBooks by Andrea:Radical Endurance: Growing Old in an Age of Longevity (2024).After Effects: A Memoir of Complicated Grief (2021)Restoring Flexibility: A Gentle Yoga-based Practice in Increase Mobility at Any Age (2015)

For 15 years, Karen Allen (age 73), actor and director of stage and film,and Sarah T. Schwab (age 39), writer, director and producer, have enjoyedcollaborating on theatre and film productions, notably addressing oft-avoideddiscussions about dying and loss. Their award-winning film, A Stage ofTwilight—written and directed by Sarah and starring Karen—is a “grass-roots awareness campaign for end-of-life care and decisions.” It raises thedifficult question: “Whose death is it—who has the right to decide when,where, how, and with whom someone dies?” Karen’s directorial debut, theaward-winning A Tree. A Rock. A Cloud., is a short film about the “passingof wisdom from an older man to a young boy.” In 2025, Karen will bedirecting her first feature film, The Batting Cage, with Sarah on theproduction team. This film depicts how two sisters reconnect after the deathof their sibling. In her upcoming third feature film, Crybaby Bridge, Sarahapproaches suicide through the genre of psychological thriller. Please meetKaren Allen and Sarah T. Schwab—friends and collaborators who “reach forthe light” while pursuing what they love."Loss ties us together as human beings; we must learn to respecttime and cherish loved ones."CONNECT with KAREN and SARAH Karen Allen Karen Allen - Biography - IMDb Sarah T. Schwab Sarah T Schwab - Biography - IMDbWATCH A STAGE OF TWILIGHThttps://tubitv.com/movies/100026437/a-stage-of-twilightWATCH A TREE. A ROCK. A CLOUDhttps://tubitv.com/movies/100002111/a-tree-a-rock-a-cloudFor information to support the BATTING CAGE, Via Brian Long, producer.Brianlong.blong@gmail.com

Sharon A. Brangman, MD, Syracuse NY, is a geriatrician who has been a leader in the field of geriatrics for over two decades.  Her focus is directly on the phenomenon of normal cognitive aging, concentrating on prevention. Dr. Brangman serves as Chair of the Department of Geriatrics, Director of the Center for Excellence for Alzheimer’s Disease and is a Distinguished Service Professor at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.  She has held leadership roles at the national level and was elected to the board of the Association of Directors of Geriatric Academic Programs in 2013 and served as President from 2015-2017." My goal is to help people maintain the highest quality of life throughout their lifespan. "Dr. Brangman is a widely published researcher by the National Institute of Aging. In 2024, Dr. Brangman was elected to serve as a Trustee of the McKnight Brain Research Foundation in 2023.This episode is full of information to guide you in proactively caring for your brain health. Connect with Sharon:Website:  https://mcknightbrain.org/brainworks/

From a very young age, Pamela Rand, 81, described herself as a comic, a clown, a funny kid who liked to make people laugh. She continues today to sing, dance, speak in multiple accents and create skits on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and TikTock. Laughing at herself is her prime mode of comedy. In her early 20’s, Pamela went to Clown School in Paris where she journeyed within to discover her inner clown. Having lost both her mother and brother, this “school of movement, mind and theater” helped her regain her innocence- her silly side-and she learned that 20 minutes of daily laughter enriches your life and is good for your brain. Today she focuses on physical comedy, formerly known as slapstick.  ”Humor is vital to our sanity and longevity.”Pamela is the “Self-proclaimed president of the mature mothers’ society”. Her daughter was born when she was 42, and not wanting her to be an only child, she birthed twins at 51.  She believes in positive addictions - meditation, eating healthy foods, chi gong, weight training, Pilates, and, of course, humor.Pamela Rand is a role model for an aging population and an inspiration for youth.CONNECT WITH PAMELA:Website: PamelaRand.netWebsite: Adventures in Feeling YoungYou Tube: Adventures in Feeling YoungTikTok: Adventures in Feeling YoungInstagram: Adventures in Feeling Young

For 50 years, Marcia Naomi Berger, 79, has experienced a journey from madness to love and meaning. Her first manic episode was at 29, when she was already a well-respected licensed clinical social worker - an experienced psychotherapist well-trained in cognitive-behavioral, family systems, process, and psychodynamic approaches. She draws from many treatment approaches to fit the needs of her clients. Naomi’s life changed abruptly when she experienced the first of two difficult hospitalizations. While her early upbringing was difficult and influenced her decision to become a therapist and concentrate on relationships, nothing prepared Naomi for a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. From that moment on she was determined to write a book about this difficult, shame-inducing condition. Everytime she took pen in hand, she found she could only get so far and would put it away. It was only in May of this year that she accomplished her goal and The Bipolar Therapist was published. Prior to that, Naomi published two books on relationships.Naomi lives her life by three convictions:Don’t bow down to stigma - you are a multi-faceted person who has a lot to give to this worldWhatever your situation is, don’t let other people define you.Live a whole meaningful life. Find happiness every dayCONNECT WITH NAOMI:Email: mnaomiberger@gmail.comBooks: The BiPolar Therapist Marriage Minded: An A to Z Dating Guide for Lasting Love,Marriage Meetings for Lasting Love: 30 Minutes a Week to the Relationship You've Always WantedLinkedIn Profile

Anne Burke, age 80, retired Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court, began her career as a physical education teacher, earned her undergraduate degree as an adult student at the School for New Learning/DePaul University, completed a law degree while raising four children, and created the Special Olympics. Her law practice centered on helping vulnerable children and citizens. Anne served on the Illinois Supreme Court for 16 years, the last three years as chief justice, during the covid pandemic. Upon retirement, Anne returned to DePaul University as a non-degree seeking student taking courses in history, philosophy, ethics, and creative writing. She has received numerous awards and 13 honorary degrees, including from her alma mater."The core of me is children; I am devoted to helping special populations."Connect with AnneEmail: ambjurist@gmail.com

Ruth Schimel, 84, has original ways to make the most of life’s possibilities. An author of over 70 published articles and seven books, she was previously a diplomat/foreign service officer at the Department of State. She has also taught at four universities. With her mother, Ruth created the Schimel Lode to promote collaboration and innovation in the DC area.In her 40’s, Ruth designed an inside-out approach to career and life management that transcended narrow labeling of her clients. Preferring to honor their complexity using adventure and good judgment, she continues to provide the tools and experiences to help clients access and keep developing their true selves independently. As a child, Ruth and her family were isolated by a flood for four days. She learned first-hand the power of uncontrolled water. That experience makes her involvement with efforts to mitigate climate change reality based. Finding ways to transcend isolation during the pandemic, Ruth and her long-time friend and colleague, Shari, developed a process for using art to generate engaging conversation, deeper relationships and visual intelligence. Their mashups of juxtaposed paintings with poetry became recordings to share online to benefit others’ explorations and insights."Becoming courageous is a process accessible to most people to step into the life they want."Her PhD research on courage, international experience, work with a range of clients and continuing curiosity are catalysts for her own growth and her work assisting others. Ruth knows that becoming courageous involves “the willingness to realize your true capacities by going through discomfort, fear, anxiety or suffering and taking wholehearted, responsible action.” It is a process accessible to most people.CONNECT WITH RUTH:Website: https://www.ruthschimel.com/Website: https://artingconversations.com/Website: https://www.theschimellode.net/Books: https://www.ruthschimel.com/books/