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Published on:

3rd Jun 2022

089. A practical guide to letting go, and finding unexpected happiness, with Katharine Esty, PhD

Katharine Esty likes to joke that she has “peaked at 87.” A psychologist and activist for aging, she’s also the author of Eightysomethings: A Practical Guide to Letting Go, Aging Well, and Finding Unexpected Happiness. The book contains insights from her interviews with 128 people aged 80+ from all around the country about what it means to age.

Katharine explains how the world becomes smaller in your 80s: friend circles shrink, living spaces downsize, and you even physically shrink. For her it was uncharted territory as she was accustomed to keeping up with her family despite her age. However, her own life and her interviews with other people over 80 reveals that they’re a happy group - even happier than people who are decades younger.


She and Senior Living Expert Lori Williams discuss:


-Making accommodations and adaptations as we age


-Finding happiness (and purpose!) as we age


-The 5 types of people coping with health issues


And more.


It’s easy to hold on to the past and memories of who you were before aging. However, when you finally let that go, there’s another side to it – a worthwhile, wonderful life full of new possibilities. And it’s never too late to find pleasure in new things or find a new purpose.


Topics discussed:


-Turning 80


-Attitudes around aging


-Embracing change


-Downsizing / senior housing


-Retirement


-Finding purpose as we age


-Senior happiness


-Staying social as seniors


Takeaways from this episode:


-Happiness is letting go of everything you think your life is supposed to be and celebrating everything it really is.


-It’s important for seniors’ health and emotional well-being to stay connected to other people as they age.


-Research shows that people in their 70s and 80s generally mellow out, are less angry, and worry less.


-The 5 types of people who are coping with health issues are deniers, stoics, realists, complainers, and worriers.


-People are happiest when they have a purpose and are contributing in some way.


-Instead of trying to preserve the life you had, try new things you haven’t done before - you might find another person and a new life on the other side.


Resources mentioned in this episode:


Learn more about Katherine Esty, PhD.'s work:


https://www.katharineesty.com/


Purchase her books:


https://www.katharineesty.com/books


To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast please email Lori@Loriwilliams-seniorservices.com


For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter please visit:


https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/


https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/


https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/


https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

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About the Podcast

Aging in Style with Lori Williams
Aging in Style with Lori Williams is about finding the silver lining no matter what life throws at you. Whether you're a caregiver or an older adult, you can count on author and multi-award-winning senior living expert Lori Williams to provide you with education and resources on all aspects of aging. The podcast will introduce you to aging experts and inspirational seniors.
Lori pulls from her experience as the caregiver for her husband Mark who is a stroke survivor, and shares how to pay for care, navigate senior housing options, advocate for your loved one's care, and most importantly, learn to thrive not just survive as you age.
loriwilliams-seniorservices.com

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Lori Williams