An educator for more than 40 years, with nearly 30 years as a school district superintendent, Denise O'Dea has learned to embrace her age, saying, "You can't stop the years going by." Finding joy in her children, grandchildren, school district, flower garden, and even in being able to walk three miles a day, Denise truly is an inspiration as she wants to be remembered for making a difference in the life of a child or in the communities she's lived.

Find what gives you joy and pursue it. Find new things, and care about other people and their situations. These are thoughts from lifetime musician, teacher, dancer, and actress Linda Uthoff. While music and being on stage are a huge part of her life, Linda also shares how much family and other groups mean to her in these later years.

Being open to the opportunities God has put in front of us is just one belief State Senator Brad Starnes mentions during his discussion on this episode of Aging Gratefully. Brad adds that finding your niche and focusing on what's important has also gotten him through life. Brad shares his memories of years of being a coach, teacher, principal, and school superintendent, and even opens up about his son, who died by suicide, in this moving visit.

After a fulfilling career, including time as Assistant Dean of K-State's College of Agriculture, Dean of Global Campus, and many years with community colleges, Duane Dunn exudes a sense of peace as he continues his transition of aging gratefully. Duane tells us it "isn't worth it to be angry" and adds he's not as frustrated or stressed as he was at times during his active working life.

Married for 51 years, Deanna and Brady Burton have a lot to share, with both their careers in education taking them across the state of Kansas. The 2 of them might be retired from education, but continue to be active with part-time jobs. The importance of staying physically and mentally active, as well as spending as much time as possible with family, are just a few suggestions from the Burtons.

Having fun, apparently, is a big part of what goes on at the Manhattan Senior Center of Riley County. Director Liz Nelson and Program Coordinator Dane Schmidt have a lively discussion on this Aging Gratefully Podcast episode, talking about the many activities and services offered, including games, music, talks, exercise sessions, Halloween parties, and wonderful meals. They also share some insights with the many clients they work with who are aging gratefully.

Taking life day by day and doing the best we can are suggestions from Lori Bishop, who has 40-plus years in nonprofit management, primarily as Executive Director of the Flint Hills Volunteer Center and Director of the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP of Riley County. Lori not only shares her own personal story, including the death of one of her sons by suicide, but also talks about the incredible services and volunteer opportunities with the groups she continues to direct.

Continuing to stay community-minded is important, according to retired Riley County Fire Chief and Emergency Director Pat Collins. Pat shares how he is spending his days later in life, as he still does volunteer fire/rescue work and serves with his local township. Pat stresses the importance of financial considerations, though, as many of us find unexpected expenses with taxes, insurance, and medical issues as we reach this stage of our lives.

Meadowlark Hills' Michelle Haub and Katie Sigman rejoin "Aging Gratefully" to talk about the Memory Program, that offers free services for those throughout the community who are dealing with memory issues. Through their day to day work with clients and care-givers, these two women offer encouragement through the many ways they help those with dementia, Alzheimers, and other memory issues as they learn to deal with the disease and to make the most of each moment.

Dave and Sonya Baker are living full lives, with Dave in the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame after years of playing and coaching, and Sonya still serving as Curriculum Integrity Manager at Kansas State University after nearly 50 years in higher education. "You're only as old as you feel" and "God puts you where he wants you to be" are just some thoughts from this amazing and inspiring couple who are best friends after all their years together.

For 40-plus years, Julie Govert Walter has worked with older Kansans in her role as Executive Director of the North Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging. She reminds us all to be grateful and to remember that even if we're older and gray, we still have something to say. Julie also shares important information about services offered and regarding the upcoming Sunflower Fair geared for older Kansans on September 16th in Salina.

"Look around you" and "try ways to get engaged" are thoughts from retired K-State Dean of Libraries Lori Goetsch as she transitions to her new stage of life. Lori shares highlights of her career, but also tells us how work with the local animal shelter, singing, and serving as president of the local Fairy Godmothers that serves women in need has helped fill her days.

"Do what you enjoy" and "Find Something to keep you busy" are suggestions from Donna Keyser, a retired registered dietician who worked with several school systems and now teaches yoga four days a week. Donna shares stories about her earlier life as the oldest of four girls on a ranch with her race horse trainer dad and a bit later as a single mom. She has some diet and exercise thoughts, but mostly encourages moderation. --

After 52 years of marriage and active career lives, Carol and Michael Warden have a lot to share about Aging Gratefully. "Give and Take," and remembering to say "I love you: are just some suggestions from this couple, despite Michael's Parkinson's diagnosis attributed to Agent Orange in Vietnam.

Keep going, listen, and learn to tolerate the unknown are thoughts coming from Dee McKee, who really has not retired, with her continuing commitment as a county commissioner. Dee also mentions saying a prayer and "letting go" at times for God to handle things.Dee shares her early days in a big family on a Spearville, Ks. farm. to her work with special education and current role in county government.

As he begins his fifth year of retirement from many years of service at Kansas State University, former Associate Provost Brian Niehoff talks about being open and giving back to the community you're in. From his early years of being a middle child in a big family that enjoyed music, Brian continues to enjoy life with his wife Usha, his role as a new grandfather, travel, and working on community projects.

"Get healthy" and be willing to listen and engage with others are just some suggestions from Sydney Carlin, a State Representative for 20 plus years, a widow, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and active community member. Sydney shares her experiences during the many chapters of her life with some tears and laughter--from the early 4-h days in Chanute, Ks. to her current busy lifestyle as a legislator.

From a youngster in the Catholic schools to the jungles of Vietnam, followed by a 50-plus year in broadcasting at the highest level of owning and managing, Rich Wartell has a lot to share. Keeping as healthy as possible and keeping in touch with family is a priority for Rich, as he continues to age gratefully.

Taking care of yourself, watching your attitude, and having faith things will turn out well are just some suggestions from Connie Mason Michaelis and Pat Michaelis. This powerful couple from Topeka lend their special insight after many years of advocating for healthy aging, Connie is a writer and speaker on the subject, and Pat has worked on affordable housing for seniors and families for many years.

This episode features three sisters, including yours truly, who reflect on the different ways we've each dealt with retirement. Karen Cray Seaberg continues to serve on the family-founded MGP's board and is active with the Amelia Earhart Festival and Hangar Museum in our hometown, Atchison, Kansas. Middle sister Susie retired in her 50s after owning a dance studio in North Dakota for many years. And yes, the baby sister Cathy, you already know a lot about if you listen to this podcast, but yo...