What does it mean to age with purpose, curiosity, and conviction — especially while living in another country?

In this episode of Don’t Be Caged By Your Age, I sit down with Robert W. Norris, a 75-year-old Vietnam War conscientious objector, longtime resident of Japan, retired university professor, and author of multiple novels and memoirs ... two of which he wrote in his seventies.

Robert shares his extraordinary life journey, from growing up in Northern California to refusing to fight in the Vietnam War and serving time in a military prison, to settling in Japan in 1983. We talk about what it’s really like to age as a foreigner in Japan, how older adults are viewed, and the realities that exist beyond the romanticized version many of us imagine.

We also explore the power of writing later in life, the influence of his mother on his memoirs, the importance of staying physically active and socially connected, and why intergenerational relationships matter so deeply as we age.

Robert’s story is a powerful reminder that aging isn’t a closing chapter ... it’s an invitation to keep showing up fully.

To learn more about Robert's wonderful memoirs, please visit his website here.

If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here.

☕ Love listening to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age? Join the movement to end ageism and celebrate pro-aging!

For just $5 a cup, you can sponsor the podcast and help:
✨ Amplify inspiring voices
✨ Break age-related stereotypes
✨ Reach more listeners worldwide
💻 Visit: Buy Me A Coffee

Every cup makes a difference - thank you! 🧡

Waving from Boston – cheers!

Ande ♥

CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/
https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage

SPONSORSHIP
If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact through sponsoring the Don’t Be Caged By Your Age podcast – ande@dontbecagedbyyourage.com.

As soon as I turned 65, something shifted in the exam room… and not for the better.

In this episode, I’m sharing my personal experience with ageism in health care - how the tone of my medical appointments changed, why the attention to my symptoms dropped, and why so many of us suddenly get a pat on the shoulder instead of real care.

This isn’t just about Medicare or paperwork.

It’s about what happens when the medical system quietly decides we’re “too old” for deeper investigation.

I break down:

• The subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways ageism shows up in doctor’s offices
• Why the system often stops ordering tests after 65
• The stereotypes and assumptions that leave older adults underdiagnosed and overlooked
• How we can push back, advocate for ourselves, and get the care we deserve
• The exact phrases that shift conversations with clinicians
• And why refusing to internalize medical ageism is an act of self-respect

And because I never want you walking into a doctor’s appointment unprepared, I created a free one-page guide you can take to your next annual physical:

👉 “What to Ask For at Your Annual Physical After 65”
This checklist covers the physical, mental-health, and cognitive screenings every adult over 65 should be receiving, but often aren’t.

Grab it here and use it as your personal advocacy tool.

Growing older doesn’t mean fading into the background of the medical system.
We deserve curiosity, attention, and care at every age — and we’re not afraid to ask for it.

✨ Tap here to tune into EP 24 to hear Tami Barber's story about firing her cancer doctor - I know you'll love meeting this former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and Love Boat star.

If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here.

☕ Love listening to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age? Join the movement to end ageism and celebrate pro-aging!

For just $5 a cup, you can sponsor the podcast and help:
✨ Amplify inspiring voices
✨ Break age-related stereotypes
✨ Reach more listeners worldwide
💻 Visit: Buy Me A Coffee

Every cup makes a difference - thank you! 🧡

Waving from Boston – cheers!

Ande ♥

CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/
https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage

SPONSORSHIP
If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact through sponsoring the Don’t Be Caged By Your Age podcast – ande@dontbecagedbyyourage.com.

In this deeply illuminating conversation, Conscious Dying Coach Laurie Reese joins me to explore how we can approach the end of life with intention, creativity, and a profound sense of personal agency.

Laurie brings over 15 years of experience as a Household Manager and Personal Assistant supporting vibrant seniors and families through major life transitions. Her compassionate philosophy — “I walk beside people, not ahead of them” — guides everything she does, from managing daily household needs to helping individuals design a meaningful and personalized end-of-life experience.

Together, we explore:

• What led Laurie from the entertainment industry and private estate management into conscious dying work
• What a Conscious Dying Coach / end-of-life doula actually does
• How creativity, environment, and personal values shape a meaningful end-of-life experience
• How to grieve while still living — and why anticipatory grief matters
• How hiring support for everyday tasks allows families to be fully present during a loved one’s final chapter
• The importance of envisioning your ideal death and planning with dignity and clarity
• What Laurie has learned from walking beside people through life’s biggest transition
• How she is thriving, growing, and living with purpose at this stage of life

Laurie’s work reminds us that we can design our final chapter with as much care, love, and presence as any other milestone. And that aging — and dying — can be approached with empowerment, choice, and grace.

To learn more about Laurie and her extraordinary work, please connect with her on LinkedIn here.

If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here.

☕ Love listening to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age? Join the movement to end ageism and celebrate pro-aging!

For just $5 a cup, you can sponsor the podcast and help:
✨ Amplify inspiring voices
✨ Break age-related stereotypes
✨ Reach more listeners worldwide
💻 Visit: Buy Me A Coffee

Every cup makes a difference - thank you! 🧡

Waving from Boston – cheers!

Ande ♥

CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/
https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage

SPONSORSHIP
If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact through sponsoring the Don’t Be Caged By Your Age podcast – ande@dontbecagedbyyourage.com.

Have you ever felt the pull to let go of who you’ve been and step into a life that feels more aligned, more authentic, and more you?

In this episode, I chat with Ray Martin, executive coach, global citizen, and author of Life Without a Tie, about how to embrace your later years with purpose, freedom, and joy.

Ray shares the pivotal moments that led him from a successful corporate career to a life filled with adventure, self-discovery, and meaningful connection.

We explore the power of self-acceptance, radical self-love, and authentic living, especially as we age. Ray talks about how meditation helped him quiet the noise of life and uncover his true self, and how aligning with your unique strengths and values can create a life that feels deeply fulfilling.

This conversation also highlights the importance of human connection, the joy of serving others, and the wisdom that comes from experience. We tackle ageism, limiting beliefs, and the ways we can step into leadership and personal growth at any stage of life.

If you’re ready to thrive after 60, embrace your best years, and design a life that’s authentically yours, this episode will inspire you to loosen the ties holding you back and step boldly into the life you’re meant to live.

If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here.

☕ Love listening to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age? Join the movement to end ageism and celebrate pro-aging!

For just $5 a cup, you can sponsor the podcast and help:
✨ Amplify inspiring voices
✨ Break age-related stereotypes
✨ Reach more listeners worldwide
💻 Visit: Buy Me A Coffee

Every cup makes a difference - thank you! 🧡

Waving from Boston – cheers!

Ande ♥

CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/
https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage

SPONSORSHIP
If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact through sponsoring the Don’t Be Caged By Your Age podcast – ande@dontbecagedbyyourage.com.

✨ "I'm living my life in the best way possible, and I want to have a wonderful time as long as I'm here." ~ Erika Andersen

In this uplifting and joy-filled conversation, I sit down with Erika Andersen, bestselling author of The New Old: Crafting Your Best Later Life, to explore what it truly means to age magnificently.

Erika and I explore how to consciously create a vibrant, purpose-filled third act - one grounded in curiosity, community, and intention. She shares stories and insights that remind us aging isn’t an ending, but a new beginning filled with possibilities for growth, purpose, and connection.

Here’s what we talk about:
🌿 Why aging magnificently is a choice, not luck
💫 How curiosity keeps us lifeful and open
💪 Why purpose doesn’t retire, it evolves
🧘‍♀️ The power of mindset and mindfulness in later life
🌍 The joy of learning new things at any age
❤️ Why community and connection are essential to thriving

Every moment becomes more precious as we age, and Erika’s wisdom is a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to learn, grow, and glow.

Connect with Erika Andersen via her Website, Substack, and grab a copy of her book The New Old: Crafting Your Best Later Life.

Thank you for listening to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age - where we celebrate thriving after 65 and shatter age-related expectations, one inspiring conversation at a time.

If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here.

☕ Love listening to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age? Join the movement to end ageism and celebrate pro-aging!

For just $5 a cup, you can sponsor the podcast and help:
✨ Amplify inspiring voices
✨ Break age-related stereotypes
✨ Reach more listeners worldwide
💻 Visit: Buy Me A Coffee

Every cup makes a difference - thank you! 🧡

Waving from Boston – cheers!

Ande ♥

CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/
https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage

SPONSORSHIP
If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact through sponsoring the Don’t Be Caged By Your Age podcast – ande@dontbecagedbyyourage.com.

What if the fear of public speaking wasn’t something to conquer ... but something to transform into confidence, joy, and self-expression?

Guest Linda Ugelow, speaking confidence and vocal coach, podcast host, and author of Delight in the Limelight, brings us an inspiring conversation about finding your voice after 65.

Once paralyzed by stage fright, Linda now guides others to speak with ease and authenticity - whether in front of a camera, on stage, or in everyday conversations.

With her background in Expressive Arts Therapy and Movement Studies, and decades performing worldwide with the women’s music ensemble Libana, Linda brings a deeply embodied approach to helping others overcome speaking fear and step into their glow.

You’ll discover:

• Why fear of speaking is so common - and how to reframe it
• How EFT, visualization, and body awareness release anxiety
• The surprising link between movement, healing, and confidence
• What it means to delight - not dread - being in the limelight

If you’ve ever thought, “It’s too late for me to start,” Linda’s story will remind you that your voice grows more powerful with every passing year.

The stage of life is yours ... and the world is waiting to hear your beautiful, seasoned voice.

To learn more about Linda's wonderful work in the world, please visit lindaugelow.com

If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here.

☕ Love listening to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age? Join the movement to end ageism and celebrate pro-aging!

For just $5 a cup, you can sponsor the podcast and help:
✨ Amplify inspiring voices
✨ Break age-related stereotypes
✨ Reach more listeners worldwide
💻 Visit: Buy Me A Coffee

Every cup makes a difference - thank you! 🧡

Waving from Boston – cheers!

Ande ♥

CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/
https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage

SPONSORSHIP
If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact through sponsoring the Don’t Be Caged By Your Age podcast – ande@dontbecagedbyyourage.com.

You’ve heard me say it before: pastures are for horses, not humans.

But where did that phrase come from ... and what does it really mean?

In this episode, I’m sharing the personal story behind the saying and how it perfectly captures the painful side effects of ageism.

From my childhood surrounded by horses to the outdated cultural beliefs that try to send people “out to pasture” after 65, we’ll reveal the indoctrinated messages that shape how we see ourselves as we age.

It’s time to challenge those beliefs ... to remember that dreams don’t have expiration dates, we can still learn, grow, and contribute in new ways, and that being alive at this age is an extraordinary gift.

So join me for this short and spirited solo episode ... and let’s move forward with curiosity, courage, and a spring in our step.

Because pastures? They’re for horses, not humans.

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment or message me and, if this episode resonated with you, please share it forward.

If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here.

☕ Love listening to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age? Join the movement to end ageism and celebrate pro-aging!

For just $5 a cup, you can sponsor the podcast and help:
✨ Amplify inspiring voices
✨ Break age-related stereotypes
✨ Reach more listeners worldwide
💻 Visit: Buy Me A Coffee

Every cup makes a difference - thank you! 🧡

Waving from Boston – cheers!

Ande ♥

CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/
https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage

SPONSORSHIP
If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact through sponsoring the Don’t Be Caged By Your Age podcast – ande@dontbecagedbyyourage.com.

Who says fulfillment has to stop when your career does?

Don Akchin shares the best advice for when the career chapter closes, how do you find meaning, joy, and purpose in what comes next.

A lifelong writer whose remarkable career has taken him from the newsroom to the boardroom - and now into the world of positive aging advocacy - Don’s decades of lived experiences ideally prepared him to bring us the insights and wisdom we need to thrive after 65.

In this inspiring conversation, Don shares how he transitioned from a traditional career into a fulfilling, purpose-driven life after retirement.

We talk about his newest book, The AfterWork: Finding Fulfilling Alternatives to Retirement, and explore how we can all rethink the way we view this next chapter of life.

Together, we chat about:
✨ How Don’s diverse career shaped his post-retirement creativity and outlook
✨ Why aging should be seen as a time for reinvention, not retreat
✨ The importance of curiosity, passion, and staying connected after leaving the workforce
✨ How to dissolve those sneaky, internalized ageist beliefs that keep us small
✨ The joy and freedom of building your own “after work” life

Don also shares the story behind his weekly Substack newsletter, The Endgame, where he explores the art of aging positively and purposefully. His wisdom, humor, and honesty remind us that ambition and creativity don’t expire — they evolve.

If you’re curious about how to design a vibrant, meaningful life after 60, you’re going to love this conversation.

🎙️ Connect with Don Akchin
Website; Substack; The AfterWork

Listen, learn, and let’s thrive together.
And remember: stay strong, stay curious, keep growing, and keep glowing.

If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here.

☕ Love listening to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age? Join the movement to end ageism and celebrate pro-aging!

For just $5 a cup, you can sponsor the podcast and help:
✨ Amplify inspiring voices
✨ Break age-related stereotypes
✨ Reach more listeners worldwide
💻 Visit: Buy Me A Coffee

Every cup makes a difference - thank you! 🧡

Waving from Boston – cheers!

Ande ♥

CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/
https://www.instagram.com/dontbecagedbyyourage

SPONSORSHIP
If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact through sponsoring the Don’t Be Caged By Your Age podcast – ande@dontbecagedbyyourage.com.