Discover Unavoidable, Adventures in Aging

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“We have not forgotten” was the opening chant of the rally held at the McCook, NE ICE Detention Center on August 15th, reminding detainees of the facility and their families that they are not alone. Sue and Shan were part of the nearly 300- unpaid, peaceful-protesters gathered to remind everyone that the fight for justice for all is alive and well…we have not forgotten!

Please join us at Unavoidable-Adventures in Aging as we share our amazing experiences at this rally and we encourage you to not forget to VOTE in November!

STAY INFORMED

ACLU:

  https://wwAw.aclu.org/

INDIVISIBLE

https://indivisible.org/

TACO TUESDAY FAMILIA

https://actionnetwork.org/groups/taco-tuesday-familia

GOOD TROUBLE

https://www.goodtroubleliveson.org/

MOTHERS AND OTHERS:JUSTICE & MERCY FOR IMMIGRANTS

https://mothersandothersjm.com/

PISSED OFF GRANDMAS

https://www.pissedoffgrandmas.org/

And for your listening pleasure...

Them Toad Suckers

https://youtu.be/W558qFIugE4?is=3vN3qKk_J__7MO5u

   “Lies” isn’t really the correct word. Untruths? Fibs? Little white lies? Basically, things our parents told us to keep us healthy, behaving, and free from serious injury.

Of course, there are those involving Santa Claus, but were you told about swallowing gum or putting pennies on railroad tracks? And we’re sure that you didn’t take the chance of cracking your knuckles too often!

Join Sue and Shan on Unavoidable-Adventures in Aging as we discuss those lies our parents told us (and those we told our own kids!)

Check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJh9t9h6Wn0 (Expletives)

 This week Sue and Shan will answer the other half of the family questions found in the raspberry sherbet container. 

Sue and Shan recently enjoyed getting together with our family for our annual reunion, EDC-Ellis Days Celebration. Amid the eating, games, laughing, …and drinking, we asked our kids and grandkids to help write this episode. The famous Raspberry Sherbert bucket was put to use. We asked everyone to write their answers to the question, “What are your burning questions or worries about aging?” and pop them in the bucket.

There are bound to be some interesting conversations as we respond to their questions!

How would you answer?

"I worry about what's going to go first, my body or my mind."

"Do I ever learn to let go of regrets?"

"How has your perspective of death changed as you have aged?"

"Did you ever make a Bucket List?  What have you completed?  What do you want to complete still?  Is there something you wanted to do, and don't think you will?"

"As I get older, I'm terified of losing the people I love.  I know I'll go through it eventually.  What has helped you get through times of grief?"

"What is it like to get a hundred flies in the house?"

 Have You Read It? Theo of Golden - The Ending

Looking for some positivity in your life right now? Does it seem like the only news is bad news lately?

Please join Sue and Shan on Unavoidable-Adventures in Aging as we present our first book talk. We have often talked about actually reading a book and discussing it on the podcast someday. Well, thanks to a recommendation from a couple of listeners, today is that day and Theo of Golden by Allen Levi is the perfect book to start with.

This book was such a welcome departure from all the negativity going on around us right now. Theo of Golden reminds us that there is so much good in the world. We just have to take time, slow down, listen, and recognize it.

Sue and Shan share their impressions of Theo and all those he meets…an artist, a barista, a homeless woman, an aspiring musician, and so many more. He manages to bring them all together as friends and family. All it takes is a kind word, a thoughtful gesture, and someone who truly listens - things we could all do if we would just take the time.

Visit:

https://www.allenlevi.com/ 

 This week’s episode of Unavoidable-Adventures in Aging is truly a family affair.

Sue and Shan recently enjoyed getting together with our family for our annual reunion, EDC-Ellis Days Celebration. Amid the eating, games, laughttps://websites.godaddy.com/hing, …and drinking, we asked our kids and grandkids to help write this episode. The famous Raspberry Sherbert bucket was put to use. We asked everyone to write their answers to the question, “What are your burning questions or worries about aging?” and pop them in the bucket.

There are bound to be some interesting conversations as we respond to their questions!

How would you answer?

"What is a crossroads in your life that had you made a different decision you would have a different life?"

"Is mayonnaise an instrument?"

"What advice do you wish you could give your younger self?"

"What has made you proud through different phases of your life?"

"Tell me about a moment when you looked at everone that is there because of you and how you felt?"

"If I was given a six months to live diagnosis, how would I handle that remaining time.  Do I focus on a bucket list or enhance existing relationships that I can take with me?"

"When you were younger what was the thing that scared you about aging?  Has it happened yet? Was it as scary as you thought OR does it still scare you?"

 Season 4 is coming to a close so Sue has selected her favorite episode from this season. Enjoy a "rerun"....

“Gone, but not forgotten” is the saying, but Sue and Shan prove this week that, unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

Chanhassen Alan, Shan’s brother-in-law, joins us this week in a little game created by Tim, our Production Supervisor. Tim has put his research skills to work assembling a list of “famous” people who died in 2025. Alan will give us the date and a few clues as to who this person is and we will try to come up with a name.

Join us this week playing, “Gone But Not Forgotten”, and see if you can do better than we did.

(We have no doubt that you will!)

And thank you, Alan, for being such an amazing MC and faithful fan!

Season 4 is coming to a close so Sue has selected her favorite episode from this season. Enjoy a "rerun"....Sue and Shan are contemplating if we older people are wondering if any one still sees us. Everyday, 11,000 Americans are turning 65. No wonder we ask the question, “Do you see me?” We are finding that retirement is not always a bed of roses. It can be lonely, frightening, and sad. It does not have to be that way for retired people, all people matter, it just that sometimes we as individuals have to find our purpose. Unavoidable, Adventures in Aging helps tell older people find that purpose and explains the importance of “mattering.” 

      Theo of Golden got us thinking about other books we have enjoyed over the years. From our elementary years to our golden years, we have those books that have stayed with us. Do you have a favorite book that you read as a kid or maybe some that you read to your own kids? Even some of the professional books you’ve read may have left a lasting impression. 

     Please join Sue and Shan this week on Unavoidable-Adventures in Aging as they share some of their favorite reads.

     Families come in all types and sizes and so do family reunions. You may not get along with every member of your family all the time, but for one day or weekend each year it’s great to get together to celebrate your crew.

    Do you have special foods each year? How about a theme or entertainment? What are your family reunion traditions that you look forward to? This week on Unavoidable-Adventures in Aging, Sue and Shan will discuss the various kinds of get-togethers, including our own!

 “Gone, but not forgotten” is the saying, but Sue and Shan prove this week that, unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

Chanhassen Alan, Shan’s brother-in-law, joins us this week in a little game created by Tim, our Production Supervisor. Tim has put his research skills to work assembling a list of “famous” people who died in 2025. Alan will give us the date and a few clues as to who this person is and we will try to come up with a name.

Join us this week playing, “Gone But Not Forgotten”, and see if you can do better than we did.

(We have no doubt that you will!)

And thank you, Alan, for being such an amazing MC and faithful fan!

    Unavoidable - Adventures in Aging offers a 2 for 1 episode this week.  We start with sharing our listeners’ response to our question, “What is the most significant election you have participated in so far?”  We have some really thoughtful, intelligent listeners!

    Are we all destined to become rude “olders” with no filters?  Well, to a certain extent…yes! Sue and Shan discuss “The Age Of Audacity”in the second part of this week’s show.

  Not only can she help find where you buried grandma , this week’s guest, Becci Thomas, can also guide you through your search for your long-lost relatives or find your yearbook that you misplaced in one of your many moves over the years.  Becci, director of the Knight Museum and Sandhills Center keeps Sue and Shan entertained as she explains all the other services the museum provides.  She is the local expert on researching genealogy, managing the archives of family histories and as to finding grandma?  We can’t wait to join Becci on her next cemetery tour or grave witching!!  All of this and more this week on Unavoidable - Adventures in Aging. 

https://knightmuseum.com/

https://www.facebook.com/KnightMuseumAndSandhillsCenter

Tag along with Sue and Shan as they dive into the world of possessions. Do your kiddos a favor and declutter today! Take it from us, "Your children are not eyeing your stuff.  In their mind’s eye they’re thinking “how long will it take me to get through all mom’s stuff?”

Although unintentional, today’s episode of Unavoidable, Adventures in Aging seems to reflect the chaos of the political atmosphere we are living in. Are you having a hard time following a continuous line of thought these days? Please hang in there with us because Sue and Shan  really do have some great points about mentoring and encouraging the younger generations to register and vote in the upcoming elections.

 Are You a Techno Dork? Do You Need to Be One?
Discover the answer in this week’s episode of Unavoidable: Adventures in Aging. Sue and Shan delve into the Best Smart Home Devices of 2026, highlighting how these innovations can help you live independently for longer while alleviating your children’s concerns about your safety at home as you age. As proud Techno Dorks, we’re dedicated to exploring ways to embrace technology and maintain our independence in our golden years.

Wirecutter.com

Best Smart Home Devices To Help In Home Aging https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/smart-home-for-seniors/ 

SNL Skit: Alexa Silver

 https://youtu.be/YvT_gqs5ETk?si=6QWm8VwgPT3XGb-W 

 Sue and Shan are contemplating whether older individuals feel seen by others. Every day, 11,000 Americans reach the age of 65, which leads us to ask the poignant question, “Do you see me?” Retirement can often be less than idyllic; it may bring feelings of loneliness, fear, and sadness. However, it doesn't have to be that way. Every person matters, and sometimes, we simply need to discover our purpose. Unavoidable, Adventures in Aging serves as a vital resource, helping older adults find their purpose and highlighting the significance of “mattering.”

http://carnegieartscenter.com/exhibits/  “Age Is Just A Number” Artis: Brian Stephenson

https://bit.ly/4r86CfH Mattering: The Secret To A Life Of Deep Connections and Purpose by Jennifer Breheny Wallace

If you subscribe to the Wall Street Journal, check out the article, “The Retirement Crisis No One Warns You About: Mattering”

 It has been a few days since we welcomed in The Year 2026.  Did you make new year’s resolutions?  Have you kept those resolutions? Or are you like Sue and Shan and know better than to even attemp to make a resolution in the first place?  Today Sue and Shan are going to talk about other ways to make a resolutions than the usual I will quit smoking, I will lose wieght, I will get organized.  For us those are pie crust sayings...easy to make and easy to crumble.  Let’s talk about Krist Tippett’s idea of “Forget New Year’s Rsolutions. For 2026, sit with a question instead.”  The Washington Post printed this idea, “set an intintion word for 2026.”  

Website links for your health:

Be FAST Be FAST Stroke.org 

BEFAST 🔎 befast stroke assessment - Google Search

Heart Attack Symptoms Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

 It has been a few days since we embraced the arrival of the Year 2026. Have you set any New Year's resolutions? Are you managing to stick to them? Or perhaps, like Sue and Shan, you realize it’s wiser to forgo resolutions altogether. Today, Sue and Shan will explore alternative approaches to resolutions beyond the typical promises of quitting smoking, losing weight, or getting organized. For us, these are merely “pie crust sayings”—easy to make and easy to break. Let’s delve into Krista Tippett’s suggestion to “Forget New Year’s resolutions. Instead, consider sitting with a question for 2026.” Forget New Year's resolutions. For 2026, sit with a question instead In addition, we will explore and establish our “intention for 2026.” The Washington Post, in its December 29, 2025 issue, presented an alternative to traditional resolutions: “Choose a word that embodies your intention for 2026.” * Want to set an intention for 2026? Use this word generator.(*Free to subscribers or $2 for nonsubscribers)