Sheila Solomon, 72, host of Senior Planet’s new podcast, Aging Rewired, is no stranger to the media. An award-winning former newspaper reporter and editor, over her 51-year career, she’s worked with notable publications such as Newsday, The Charlotte Observer, and the Chicago Tribune.  She now serves as the Strategic Alliance Manager at Rivet360 in Chicago. Sheila co-founded Journalism Funding Partners to support local journalism; her awards include induction into the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications Hall of Fame at Hampton University. From living abroad in Okinawa, Japan, to working on stories and programs across the country, Sheila’s dedication to journalism remains undiminished, and she now explores the intersection of technology and aging with Senior Planet’s new podcast, Aging Rewired.

Did you see yourself ever hosting a podcast?

I was interested in broadcasting when I graduated from Hampton University and even worked at the campus radio station. However, I faced rejection from the only radio station I interviewed with, which pushed me towards print journalism. Over time, my career path was shaped by the opportunities that came my way. After leaving the Chicago Tribune, I wasn’t sure what would come next but kept being drawn back into journalism. This eventually led to my current role with Rivet 360, which has evolved into focusing on podcasts.

What are some of the key topics and themes you’re excited to explore in upcoming episodes?

In one future episode, we talk to older adults in Ohio (in their 70s), who created a cool documentary together. In another we’ll talk to principals of organizations affiliated with OATS/AARP. We plan to cover LGBTQ+ topics. Sex. I can’t think of anything that we won’t be talking about.

What do you hope to achieve with this podcast, and how do you envision it impacting your listeners?

I believe Aging Rewired is about helping people, but especially older adults, learning how to get the most from technology. It’s about connection — how to connect, why you want to connect and how to stay connected. We’re going to introduce listeners to people who’ll inspire them and teach them about opportunities that may be new to them.

What does Aging with attitude mean to you?

I love that question!

As a journalist, I have been just observing people, but these days paying even more attention to older adults, and not only because I am one.

Aging with attitude: I see it. I feel it. I believe in many ways, I’m reflective of it. What was seen as the place for older adults – even a few years ago?

You stay at home, you’re reading a book, or you’re traveling.  Maybe you go to the grocery store on occasion –  but you aren’t really out having what I consider fun, engaging with people who you don’t know, or even taking on a new job, or starting a new company.

That was not the expectation for older adults when I was younger, and it still seems that that’s the case now, for some people who aren’t quite paying attention.  Aging with attitude is all about living  – and living your life with the freedom that you may not have had when you did have a steady nine to five.

We’re not just aging; we’re actively living, staying fashionable, and enjoying life to the fullest. It’s about not letting age define our capabilities or joys.

Stay tuned for new episodes and more from Aging Rewired here.

Want to be part of an Aging Rewired 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 – 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. We’ll be selecting various entries to feature on the podcast! For more details, visit here.

Photo: Sheila speaking at OATS 20th anniversary & podcast launch party. Jason DeCrow/AP Content Services for OATS from AARP.

NaBeela Washington, an emerging Black writer, holds a Master’s in Creative Writing and English from Southern New Hampshire University and Bachelor’s in Visual Advertising from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. She has been published in Eater, The Cincinnati Review, and others. Learn more at nabeelawashington.com.