SeniorLivingGuide.com Podcast

Finding Happiness in Retirement: Beyond the Bucket List

Join host Darleen Mahoney as she welcomes bestselling author and ThePeacefulRetiree.com [https://thepeacefulretiree.com/author/tom-marks] editor-in-chief Tom Marks for an honest and engaging conversation about finding fulfillment in retirement. Drawing from his acclaimed book, Coming of Age in Retirement [https://www.comingofageinretirement.com/], Tom Marks shares the challenges he faced after leaving a high-powered career in advertising—including losing his identity and tackling the “hamster wheel” of endless activity. Together, they explore the importance of managing expectations, letting go of perfection, and discovering happiness in everyday moments. From the healing power of gratitude and daily rituals to forming genuine connections and embracing small joys, Tom Marks and Darleen Mahoney provide practical advice and personal anecdotes to help listeners navigate both retirement and life’s transitions. Whether you’re retired, approaching retirement, or supporting loved ones, this episode offers inspiration for living with purpose, kindness, and meaning. SeniorLivingGuide.com Podcast sponsored by TerraBella Senior Living [https://terrabellaseniorliving.com/] & Tom Marks, Best Selling Author on Retirement [https://www.comingofageinretirement.com/]   The background music is written, performed, and produced exclusively by purple-planet.com. https://www.purple-planet.com/ [https://www.purple-planet.com/] SeniorLivingGuide.com Webinars and Podcast represents the opinions and expertise of our guests. The content here is for informational and educational purposes. It does not necessarily represent the views, recommendations, opinions or advice of Fairfax Publishing/SeniorLivingGuide.com or its employees. TerraBella Senior Living [https://terrabellaseniorliving.com/] TerraBella Senior Living, Independent. Assisted Living, Memory Care in SC, NC, TN, GA, KY & VA Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

The Rising Trend of Caregivers: Surprising Report in 2025 with AARP

In this illuminating episode, host Darleen Mahoney welcomes Rita Shula, Senior Director of Caregiving at the AARP [https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/]Public Policy Institute, for an in-depth discussion about the dramatic rise in family caregivers across America—a trend revealed by AARP’s latest research. Together, they unpack the staggering statistic that one in four adults now provides some form of caregiving, exploring the forces driving this increase: a rapidly aging population, evolving care needs, and the shortage of affordable professional support. Rita Shula shares insights from the study, revealing that caregiving isn’t limited to retired or older adults—most caregivers are actually employed, with a growing number balancing careers, child-rearing, and demanding care roles. Through personal stories and data, the episode dives into the emotional, physical, and financial toll caregiving takes, from invisible stressors and “sandwich generation” pressures to the impacts of loneliness and strained health. The episode also turns to solutions, as Rita Shula explains AARP’s advocacy for practical policy changes such as tax credits, improved healthcare navigation, flexible savings accounts, and workplace support. Listeners will discover free resources, expert guides, and vibrant online support groups. SeniorLivingGuide.com Podcast sponsored by TerraBella Senior Living [https://terrabellaseniorliving.com/] & Tom Marks, Best Selling Author on Retirement [https://www.amazon.com/Coming-Age-Retirement-Advertising-Enlightenment/dp/B0FRJMDXJR/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=2G2CHFPCRB40W&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Aw8DWVu1Ag_VZ7tF6PhIEw.ifW3CVX3qn23H8oil_8_hSTgKrnB2593evlumYXzgfs&dib_tag=se&keywords=coming+of+age+in+retirement+tom+marks&qid=1761028926&sprefix=%2Caps%2C209&sr=8-1] AARP 2025 Report Link [https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/ltss/family-caregiving/caregiving-in-the-us-2025/] AARP Caregiving Resources [https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/]  The background music is written, performed, and produced exclusively by purple-planet.com. https://www.purple-planet.com/ [https://www.purple-planet.com/] SeniorLivingGuide.com Webinars and Podcast represents the opinions and expertise of our guests. The content here is for informational and educational purposes. It does not necessarily represent the views, recommendations, opinions or advice of Fairfax

Fresh vs. Frozen Veggies: Myth-Busting Your Way to Better Eating

In this episode, we tackle the age-old debate of fresh versus frozen produce with two expert guests who bring real-world insights to your kitchen. Lisa Johnson, corporate dietitian for Homestyle Direct [https://homestyledirect.com/], and Maddie Ehrlich, Boise account manager for Simplot, join host Darleen Mahoney to bust myths and share practical wisdom about maximizing nutrition while minimizing waste and cost. You'll discover surprising truths about when frozen vegetables actually outperform fresh ones nutritionally, how Americans waste an average of 37 minutes daily on food prep, and why that $20 bag of cherries might be costing you more than you think. Lisa and Maddie walk through what freezes well (broccoli, peppers, kale) versus what doesn't (lettuce, cucumbers), smart strategies for organic purchases, and cooking methods that preserve both nutrients and texture. They also share creative smoothie recipes using frozen produce and offer a practical framework for deciding when to choose fresh or frozen based on your lifestyle and budget. Tune in to discover actionable tips that could save you hours of prep time, reduce your grocery bills, and help you actually eat the produce you buy instead of tossing it in the trash. Whether you're managing a tight budget, dealing with mobility challenges, or simply trying to eat healthier without the hassle, this episode offers invaluable guidance for making smarter choices in the produce aisle. SeniorLivingGuide.com Podcast sponsored by TerraBella Senior Living [https://terrabellaseniorliving.com/] & Tom Marks, Best Selling Author on Retirement [https://www.amazon.com/Coming-Age-Retirement-Advertising-Enlightenment/dp/B0FRJMDXJR/] The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by purple-planet.com. https://www.purple-planet.com/ [https://www.purple-planet.com/] *SeniorLivingGuide.com Webinars and Podcast represents the opinions and expertise of our guests. The content here is for informational and educational purposes. It does not necessarily represent the views, recommendations, opinions or advice of Fairfax Publishing/SeniorLivingGuide.com or its employees

Home for the Holidays: Checking in on Aging Parents

In this episode, we sit down with Chandler Burckbuchler, Senior Division Manager and Marketing Manager for Terra Bella Senior Living [https://terribellasrliving.com/], to discuss the critical warning signs families should watch for when visiting aging loved ones during the holidays. Chandler explains why the weeks following Thanksgiving and Christmas are traditionally the busiest times for senior living inquiries, as extended family time reveals changes that might go unnoticed during brief visits. She shares practical guidance on identifying concerns ranging from cognitive decline and medication management to nutrition, hygiene, and driving safety. We also explore the emotional aspects of aging, including loneliness and depression in seniors, and hear touching stories about the importance of listening to our elders' experiences. Chandler emphasizes that caregivers need care too, and offers actionable advice on conducting home safety checks—from testing smoke alarms to removing fall risks. She stresses the value of having conversations about care preferences before emergencies arise and encourages families to visit senior living communities during the holidays to understand their options. Tune in to discover invaluable insights that can help you support your aging loved ones while navigating these sensitive conversations with compassion and preparation. Whether you're noticing subtle changes or planning ahead, this episode offers the practical tools and emotional support families need during the holiday season and beyond. SeniorLivingGuide.com Podcast sponsored by TerraBella Senior Living [https://terrabellaseniorliving.com/] and Tom Marks, Best Selling Author on Retirement [https://a.co/d/hWz47SQ?utm_source=SeniorLivingGuide.com&utm_medium=eblast&utm_campaign=Sponsorship] The background music is written, performed, and produced exclusively by purple-planet.com. https://www.purple-planet.com/ [https://www.purple-planet.com/] *SeniorLivingGuide.com Webinars and Podcast represents the opinions and expertise of our guests. The content here is for informational and educational purposes. It does not necessarily represent the views, recommendations, opinions or advice of Fairfax Publishing/SeniorLivingGuide.com or its employees

When Holidays Feel Different: Navigating Grief & Life Changes

In this episode, we explore the emotional complexities of navigating grief during the holiday season with Amber Stanley, a licensed social worker and author of Everyday Life and Loss Grief Workbook [https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Life-Loss-Grief-Workbook-ebook/dp/B0CMC4TC8P]. Amber brings her expertise from years of hospice work and bereavement counseling to help listeners understand why holidays can be particularly challenging when dealing with loss, explaining how the constant reminders and nostalgia create a mix of emotions that affect us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Our host, Darleen Mahoney, shares personal stories of losing the large, multigenerational holiday gatherings she cherished as a child, while Amber offers practical strategies for managing expectations, simplifying traditions, and creating meaningful rituals that honor deceased loved ones. We also discuss the importance of avoiding unhealthy isolation, supporting grieving family members, and involving children in age-appropriate memory-making activities. Through touching anecdotes—including a humorous story about an ugly purple bathrobe—we discover that it's often the imperfect moments that create the most meaningful memories. Tune in to discover compassionate guidance on maintaining healthy behaviors during this stressful season, creating new traditions while honoring the past, and remembering that it's okay to let good enough be good enough. Whether you're experiencing your first holiday season after a loss or supporting someone who is grieving, this episode offers invaluable insights and practical advice for finding moments of connection and peace during the holidays. Don't miss it! Visit: https://amberwavesstories.com [https://amberwavesstories.com/] SeniorLivingGuide.com Podcast sponsored by Tom Marks, Best Selling Author on Retirement [https://a.co/d/hWz47SQ?utm_source=SeniorLivingGuide.com&utm_medium=eblast&utm_campaign=Sponsorship] & TerraBella Senior Living [https://terrabellaseniorliving.com/] The background music is written, performed and produced exclusively by purple-planet.com. https://www.purple-planet.com/ [https://www.purple-planet.com/] *SeniorLivingGuide.com Webinars and Podcast represents the opinions and expertise of our guests. The content here is for informational and educational purposes. It does not necessarily represent the views, recommendations, opinions or advice of Fairfax Publishing/SeniorLivingGuide.com or its employees