Episode 5: Aging on the Airwaves

Guests: Joanne Sandler & Idelisse Malavé – Hosts, Two Old Bitches podcast

In this episode, we take to the airwaves with two special guests — and fellow podcasters — Joanne Sandler and Idelisse Malavé. Their thought-provoking program, Two Old Bitches, is dedicated to telling the stories of remarkable women over 50. Discover how these dynamic hosts navigate the digital landscape to share powerful conversations, celebrate aging, and challenge stereotypes.

Learn more about the Two Old Bitches podcast here! (B.eing I.n T.otal C.harge of H.erself)

Want to be part of the show? Click here!

Meet the Host: Sheila Solomon

Sheila Solomon was born and raised in Newport News, Virginia, where she spent her early years exploring becoming an artist, then a physician, and finally a journalist. Growing up, she exhibited the same curious nature she has now, eager to meet new people, learn, and discover new things.

After graduating from Hampton University, Sheila embarked on a career journey that continues to be both challenging and rewarding. Sheila has worked at The Hampton Monitor, the Daily Press, Newsday, The Charlotte Observer, the Chicago Tribune, and Rivet 360, and continues to hone her skills in the media industry as an older adult.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Sheila is deeply committed to giving back to her community, volunteering with with organizations like City Bureau, The Obsidian Collection: Black Media, and Growing Community Media. In her free time, Sheila enjoys book club meetings, traveling, dancing, and hanging out with friends and family.

Share Your Thoughts for a Chance To Be Featured on the Podcast

Your voice matters to us, and we’d love for you to share what Senior Planet’s motto — Aging with Attitude™️ — means to you. We’ll be selecting various entries to feature on the podcast!

Instructions: 

Think about what aging with attitude means to you. This could be an inspiring message, a mantra, or your thoughts on how you defy stereotypes about aging. Capture your message in a voice recording or video taken on your mobile device, tablet, or computer. Please keep your message to 30 seconds or less. If you’re unable to share an audio or video clip, written submissions will also be accepted. Submit your answer by filling out the form below.

Free Online Classes About Podcasts

Free
Mon, September 9 EDT
6:00PM EDT / 5:00PM CDT / 4:00PM MDT / 3:00PM PDT

Podcasts at a Glance

Learn what Podcasts are and where to find them!
Free
Wed, September 18 EDT
11:00AM EDT / 10:00AM CDT / 9:00AM MDT / 8:00AM PDT

Spotify

In this lecture, you'll learn about Spotify’s important features, including how to search for songs and create your own playlists.
Free
Tue, September 24 EDT
3:00PM EDT / 2:00PM CDT / 1:00PM MDT / 12:00PM PDT

Podcasts at a Glance

Trainer: Johnny Hernandez

Learn what Podcasts are and where to find them!

Continue the Conversation on Senior Planet Community

Explore our ad-free social platform, exclusively for older adults! Meet new friends, chat about common interests, ask questions, and exchange tips. Check out these groups and more when you sign up for a free account at community.seniorplanet.org:

About the Show

What does life as an older adult look like in today’s digital age? What might it look like in the future? Dive into Aging Rewired, where we explore the intersections of technology and aging. Join us for insightful conversations where we will learn from experts and hear stories of older adults from all walks of life.

At Senior Planet from AARP, our motto is Aging with Attitude™ and we’re on a mission to help older adults harness the power of technology to thrive in the digital world. We’re flipping the script on aging, celebrating inspiring older adults, and closing the digital divide. Get ready to see aging in a whole new light!

Listen to the Trailer:

 

Episode 1: Aging with Attitude™️

Guest: Tom Kamber, Executive Director of OATS from AARP

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Aging Rewired! In our first conversation, host Sheila Solomon dives into the world of aging and technology with guest Tom Kamber, Executive Director of Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP. Tom shares the origin story of OATS flagship program Senior Planet and explains the meaning behind our slogan: Aging with Attitude™. Sheila and Tom share their thoughts about getting older, what it will take to change ageist narratives and stereotypes that still linger today, innovation (and intimidation) in tech, sexy fast-food ads, and so much more!

 

Episode 2: Rewriting the Script on Aging

Guests: Samuel Van Vleet, Richard Brunner, and Jerry Riesenberg – Institute for Learning in Retirement at Miami University in Ohio

It’s never too late to tell your story! In this episode of Aging Rewired, Sheila speaks with gerontology doctoral student Samuel Van Vleet, and students Richard Brunner and Jerry Riesenberg from his “How to Make a Movie” class at The Institute for Learning in Retirement at Miami University in Ohio. Older adult students in this class learn the art of filmmaking from the ground up using modern digital techniques and equipment. Hear firsthand from Richard and Jerry as they discuss their experiences making their first short film, the place of older adults in higher education, and the transformative power of storytelling at any age.

Click here to watch Samuel, Richard, and Jerry’s documentary short film, Friend of a Friend.

 

Episode 3: Images of Aging

Guest: Barbara Shipley, Senior Vice President of Brand Integration, AARP

In today’s digital media landscape, we are inundated with visual images across an ever-growing list of platforms. Portrayals of older adults often perpetuate ageist stereotypes, such as depicting older adults as frail, technologically inept, or disconnected from the modern world. In this episode of Aging Rewired, our guest Barbara Shipley, AARP’s Senior Vice President of Brand Integration, discusses AARP’s innovative work to reshape the image of aging and challenge traditional media’s portrayal of older adults.

Learn more about AARP’s Disrupt Aging® Collection in collaboration with Getty Images here.

 

Episode 4: Aging with Pride

Guest: Wes Morrison, Senior Planet Participant

As a dedicated volunteer leading LGBTQ+ support groups online for older adults, Wes Morrison sheds light on the importance of safe and inclusive settings. Join us as we discuss challenges faced by older adults in the LGBTQ+ community and celebrate the resilience, strength, and unity found in these supportive online spaces.

Senior Planet’s Pride Discussion Group meets online over Zoom on Mondays at 4:00pm ET. Learn more and sign up at www.seniorplanet.org/pride.