What 80 Really Feels Like No One Tells You This

What 80 Really Feels Like No One Tells You This

Welcome back to Walks with Mom, where real conversations meet real life between two generations figuring it out together. In this episode, Kim and Karren celebrate a major milestone turning 80. But this is not just about a birthday. It is about what it actually feels like to age, the surprises that come with it, and the conversations most families avoid but desperately need to have. Karren shares what it was like celebrating her 80th birthday surrounded by friends, family, laughter, and a spontaneous dance party that no one saw coming. From blowing out candles with a room full of loved ones to starting a conga line that threw off the entire plan, this celebration perfectly captures her spirit. Joyful, active, and not ready to slow down. But underneath the fun is something deeper. What does it really feel like to be 80 Karren opens up about the surprising disconnect between mind and body. Mentally and emotionally, she does not feel old at all. In fact, she feels much like she did decades ago. But physically, things are different. Slower. Harder. Sometimes frustrating. This honest reflection leads into a powerful conversation about attitude. Choosing to stay active. Choosing to keep going. Choosing not to let age define what is still possible. The conversation then shifts into something many families tiptoe around doctor visits and cognitive health. Kim shares why she wanted to attend her mom’s appointment and bring up baseline cognitive testing. Karren shares her real and very human reaction hesitation, resistance, and a bit of avoidance. Together, they unpack why these conversations feel so hard and why they matter so much. Because the truth is simple Planning is easier than crisis This episode is not about having all the answers. It is about starting the conversation. Karren also shares her advice for anyone approaching 80 or supporting someone who is Stay active even when you do not feel like it Be intentional about staying socially connected Plan your days with purpose and keep moving forward And maybe most importantly: Do not let a number define your life. This episode is funny, honest, and incredibly relatable whether you are walking this journey yourself or walking alongside someone you love. So grab your coffee, maybe a glass of wine, and join the conversation. You might just find the words you have been looking for to start one of your own. Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones. So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom. Special thanks to our Sponsor Amada Senior Care Mesa serving families and seniors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and the surrounding East Valley area. Accredited VA Provider (NPI # 1558048199) and Trusted resource for Long-Term Care Insurance Claims Compassionate, personalized in-home senior care starts here – contact Amada Senior Care Phoenix today by phone at (480) 418-5422 [tel:480-418-5422] or visit us online to get started and give your loved one the support, dignity, and independence they deserve. www.amadaseniorcare.com/mesa-senior-care [https://www.amadaseniorcare.com/mesa-senior-care/]

Traveling Solo at 80 Years of Age and TSA Surprises

Welcome back to Walks with Mom, where two generations come together to have the tough, honest, and sometimes hilarious conversations about aging. In this episode, Kim and her mom Karen dive into a very real and relatable topic:  traveling while aging, and what happens when independence meets concern. What started as a simple trip to visit a lifelong friend turned into a deeper conversation about safety, confidence, and letting go. When Karen decided she wanted to travel alone to Colorado, Kim had her reservations, especially with winter weather, airport navigation, and the unknowns that come with aging. But Karen went anyway. From unexpected snow to TSA surprises (including a full body search and an apple butter incident you won’t forget), this episode is filled with humor, honesty, and valuable insight for anyone navigating aging parents or aging themselves. They talk through the real concerns: hearing challenges in busy airports, navigating gate changes, handling luggage, and the emotional balance between independence and safety. Karen also shares practical advice from her own experience and her peers, including why you might want to consider TSA PreCheck, when to request wheelchair assistance, and why nonstop flights can make all the difference. More than anything, this episode is about perspective learning how to support aging loved ones without taking away their independence, and recognizing that the desire to live fully doesn’t go away with age. In this episode, you will learn: Why planning ahead matters when aging parents travel Common fears (and realities) of traveling solo later in life Practical airport and flight tips for older travelers How to balance independence with safety and support Why “travel while you can” is more than just a saying This conversation will make you laugh, think, and maybe even rethink how you approach independence for yourself or someone you love. So grab your coffee (or a glass of wine), and join us for another walk. Because aging isn’t for the faint of heart but it can still be full of adventure. See you on the next walk. Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones. So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom. Special thanks to our Sponsor Amada Senior Care Mesa serving families and seniors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and the surrounding East Valley area. Accredited VA Provider (NPI # 1558048199) and Trusted resource for Long-Term Care Insurance Claims Compassionate, personalized in-home senior care starts here – contact Amada Senior Care Phoenix today by phone at (480) 418-5422 [tel:480-418-5422] or visit us online to get started and give your loved one the support, dignity, and independence they deserve. www.amadaseniorcare.com/mesa-senior-care [https://www.amadaseniorcare.com/mesa-senior-care/]

Healthcare System Navigator The Power of Hospice Support Teams

Welcome back to Walks with Mom, where real conversations meet real life decisions. In this episode, we sit down with Alicia Williams, Chief Business Development Officer at Faith Hospice, for an honest and eye opening conversation about hospice care, planning ahead, and navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. This conversation challenges that long held belief and opens the door to a new understanding of what hospice truly offers. With nearly 20 years of experience, Alicia brings clarity, compassion, and insight into a space that many families don’t explore until they are already in crisis. Together, we unpack why preparation and planning are so important, and how families can make empowered decisions before urgency takes over. One of the most powerful parts of this discussion is the role of patient navigators professionals who help families make sense of a fragmented and often overwhelming healthcare system. From coordinating care to connecting resources, these navigators provide guidance when people need it most. We also talk about something many don’t realize: you have a choice when it comes to hospice care. Not all hospices are the same, and asking the right questions can make all the difference in the quality of care your loved one receives. This episode is about shifting perspective from fear to understanding, from reaction to preparation, and from confusion to clarity. Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones. So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom. Special thanks to our Sponsor Amada Senior Care Mesa serving families and seniors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and the surrounding East Valley area. Accredited VA Provider (NPI # 1558048199) and Trusted resource for Long-Term Care Insurance Claims Compassionate, personalized in-home senior care starts here – contact Amada Senior Care Phoenix today by phone at (480) 418-5422 [tel:480-418-5422] or visit us online to get started and give your loved one the support, dignity, and independence they deserve. www.amadaseniorcare.com/mesa-senior-care [https://www.amadaseniorcare.com/mesa-senior-care/]

What No One Told You About Hormones with Dr. Neely

Walks with Mom is back and in this episodes Kim & Karren sit down with Dr. Micol Neely of Phoenix Wellness and Rejuvenation for a insightful discussion on hormones, women’s health, and why so many people feel “off” even when doctors say everything looks normal. From her fast-paced career in emergency medicine to building a practice centered around prevention and whole-body wellness, Dr. Neely shares the moment that changed everything. Burnout, motherhood, and the global shift during COVID pushed her to rethink how healthcare should actually work—not just saving lives in crisis, but helping people truly feel well every day. What unfolds is a candid, multi-generational conversation about the gaps in women’s health education. From first cycles to perimenopause and beyond, the truth becomes clear: most women were never taught how their bodies actually work. Dr. Neely breaks down what hormones really do, why “normal ranges” don’t always mean optimal health, and how modern medicine is finally starting to catch up—decades behind—on understanding women’s biology. This episode is equal parts eye-opening and empowering, giving listeners permission to stop brushing off symptoms and start asking better questions about their health. About the Guest: Dr. Neely Dr. Neely is the founder of Phoenix Wellness and Rejuvenation and a leader in concierge functional medicine. With over 15 years of experience in emergency medicine, she transitioned into a more holistic, preventative approach to healthcare after experiencing burnout and recognizing the need for deeper, more personalized care. She combines traditional medical training with advanced education in functional medicine, collaborating with experts across disciplines to help patients optimize their health, balance hormones, and prevent disease before it starts. Her mission is simple: keep people healthy, informed, and thriving at every stage of life. If you’ve ever been told “everything looks normal” but you still don’t feel like yourself, this conversation will resonate deeply. This episode opens the door to conversations many families never had—and gives you the knowledge to start having them now. Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones. So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom. Special thanks to our Sponsor Amada Senior Care Mesa serving families and seniors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and the surrounding East Valley area. Accredited VA Provider (NPI # 1558048199) and Trusted resource for Long-Term Care Insurance Claims Compassionate, personalized in-home senior care starts here – contact Amada Senior Care Phoenix today by phone at (480) 418-5422 [tel:480-418-5422] or visit us online to get started and give your loved one the support, dignity, and independence they deserve. www.amadaseniorcare.com/mesa-senior-care [https://www.amadaseniorcare.com/mesa-senior-care/]

Compassion with Passion Rethinking How We Care for Aging Loved Ones

In this episode of Walks with Mom, we step into the conversations most families tend to avoid but truly need to have sooner rather than later. What begins as a lighthearted moment about an 80th birthday and what should or should not be part of the celebration quickly unfolds into something much deeper. This episode centers around one powerful idea preparation matters more than reaction. Together, this mother and daughter duo share the heart behind Walks with Mom and the growing need they have seen both in their community and within the church. While acts of kindness like meal trains and visits are meaningful, they have realized that today’s aging population needs more intentional and informed support. They introduce the idea of compassion with passion, sharing how a church based compassion team was created to go beyond surface level care. Through consistent connection, relationship building, and awareness of real needs, this approach brings dignity and purpose back into the aging experience. This conversation also highlights an important truth many people believe they are prepared for aging because they have a will or trust, but that is only one small part of a much bigger picture. Navigating healthcare, caregiving, resources, and even avoiding scams requires far more awareness and planning. You will also hear honest reflections on the emotional and logistical responsibilities placed on adult children, the complexity of caring for both parents, and the gaps in knowledge that many families face even when they think they are prepared. This episode is not about having all the answers. It is about asking better questions and creating space for conversations that matter. Come with us as we explore what it means to navigate these years with our aging loved ones. So grab a cup of coffee—or maybe a glass of wine—subscribe, invite your friends or family, and join us for Walks with Mom. Special thanks to our Sponsor Amada Senior Care Mesa serving families and seniors in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Mesa, and the surrounding East Valley area. Accredited VA Provider (NPI # 1558048199) and Trusted resource for Long-Term Care Insurance Claims Compassionate, personalized in-home senior care starts here – contact Amada Senior Care Phoenix today by phone at (480) 418-5422 [tel:480-418-5422] or visit us online to get started and give your loved one the support, dignity, and independence they deserve. www.amadaseniorcare.com/mesa-senior-care [https://www.amadaseniorcare.com/mesa-senior-care/]