Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Guest: Barbara Strauch

Broadcast and podcast on webtalkradio.net. The podcast is also on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

It is hard to see the big picture trying to digest a pile of journal articles, press releases, or newsletter and newspaper articles. Barbara Strauch (pronounce Starch) is very talented at putting research in perspective with an appreciation of the importance of the quality of research design and a knack for writing about it in a way that speaks to both scientists and the public. She is the author of The Secret Life of the Grown Up Brain.I find her findings important in three ways:

• reassurance that a lot of experience in middle age, like daydreaming and forgetting things, is normal for middle age and not a reason for alarm

• that there are neurological improvements as including grown of new neurons, even in the hippocampus, mylenization of nerves that helps neurons function as much as 100% more efficiently, and the amygdala shifting from an emphasis on negative events to and emphasis on positive events.

• longitudinal research discrediting the midlife crisis and empty nest sage theories.

Myths we covered included:

• There is no new neuron growth after puberty

• There are no structural changes after puberty

• The midlife crisis and empty nest syndrome theories were based on small poorly designed studies that have been discredited by longitudinal studies

• The brain isn’t just like a computer in that it is constantly adapting and rewiring itself

• many nutrients can pass the blood brain barrier

• far from aging being downhill, people tend to be happier with age, with happiness peaking around age 65

• How middle aged brains are different

o myelin-peaks at age 50 (greater bandwidth)

o slower processing speed

o reorganize—both sides of the brain

o biased toward the positive amygdala

o more knowledge

o better emotional control

o seeing patterns and big pictures, anticipate situations, templates

o estrogen and menopause

o value on experiences, relationships vs. novelty

o poorer at multi-tasking

o better vocabularies

o nutrients do cross the blood brain barrier

o inflammation

o calmer, happier

• how to maintain, even improve skills

o education—brain reserve

o exercise-aerobic

o nutrition

o socialize

o stretch cognitively

Barbara Strauch’s website is www.grownupbrain.com Dr. Brickey’s other websites are www.DrBrickey.com and www.Anti-Aging-Speaker.com.

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Guest: Dr. Ofer Zur

Broadcast and podcast starting: May 10, 2010 on webtalkradio.net. After 5-17-10 the podcast is also on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

Comedian Mike Birbiglia says he dreamt that he could fly but in the dream decided not to fly for safety reasons. Dr. Ofer Zur reminds us that you are more likely to die on the freeway than from life enhancing pursuits that make us feel alive. Ofer and I discussed how most therapy clients, while presenting with problems like depression and anxiety, are primarily seeking a sense of purpose and connection. We discussed how a bucket list is a great is a great idea as long as isn’t static, but gets periodically updated to reflect our changing needs as our lives change.

Ofer talked about how our culture sees death as a failure instead of part of the natural rhythm of life. He sees an emphasis on more toys, fancier cars, cosmetic surgery, more and better sex, and miraculous technology as often an attempt to deny death. Those emphases have a lot of financial vested interests in selling toys and surgeries, in filling hospital and nursing home beds, and in selling pills even when a patient’s quality of life is abysmal.

There are, however, several aspects of our culture that are improving how we view death:

• If you think of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, most Americans are able to meet their basic needs and have the luxury of being able to give considerable thought and pursuit to being fully alive.
• Most Baby Boomers are not willing to settle for reaching 65, getting a gold watch, and retiring to obscurity. Most want to continue to make a difference at every age. As Ofer put it, they want to die erect.
• Boomers’ experiences caring for aging parents are shaping a more realistic outlook on how they want to age and die.
• While we didn’t talk about it, the greenhouse movement and Eden alternative are starting to change nursing homes from institutions to homes. More information on that is in my Ageless Lifestyles® interview with Beth Baker. To find it just search the contents section of AgelessLifestyles.com or the link in the commentary for this show.
• Americans are increasing seeking alternative medicine as well as conventional medicine.
• The hospice movement has had a huge impact on how we view dying from chronic illnesses.

The hospice movement has prompted increased calls for physicians to go along with a good death. In England in 2007 and 2008, more than 16% of deaths were from continuous deep sedation until death. The procedure usually takes a few days. Most of the patients have terminal illnesses and are in the late stages of dying. Netherlands physicians started with lethal injections, which only takes a few minutes. Continuous deep sedation has become more common there, however, because lethal injections “required so much paperwork.” Oregon’s 1997 Death with Dignity legislation set up a number of procedures to serve as safeguards against requests that don’t involve intractable unbearable pain or terminal illness. This is also called a timely death as opposed to a “premature” death.

Philosopher and right to die advocate James Park makes an excellent argument that rather than setting up a bureaucracy for asking permission to die, we should have laws about what constitutes a premature death. Crossing the line would be a criminal offense and the burden of proof would be on the prosecution. I think that makes a lot of sense. We don’t need a HIPPA law version of a right to die. Personally what I favor most is allowing patients to choose to stop taking medications, dialysis, and even food and water and die a natural death. That way physicians are not dragged into a Dr. Death role and the qualms that may bring.

While I strongly support a right to die as we choose and without bureaucracy, caution is also indicated. Family or governments may pressure people who don’t to die to conserve resources and make a human sacrifice. It’s a slippery slope. I agree with Ofer that we are out of balance in expecting unlimited healthcare as a right and entitlement and not appreciating limited resources. Great caution is needed to make sure the pendulum doesn’t swing too far the other way. It’s one thing for soldiers to make a sacrifice for the greater good. That is very different form asking civilians to give up their lives if they feel it would be premature. The cultural shift needs to come from alternative views like hospice as opposed to bureaucrats. Further, alternatives influence choices. Many who live in nursing homes might choose to die. If they were living in their own home or a Greenhouse or Eden alternative home, might find life quite fulfilling. Those alternatives, by the way, are a little more expensive to build but no more expensive to run.

Well, I’m getting sidetracked on right to life issues. The main theme of the interview was how being ready to die at anytime enhances our living fully now.

Dr. Brickey’s other websites are www.DrBrickey.com and www.Anti-Aging-Speaker.com.

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Guest: Dr. Frank Wildman

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Broadcast and podcast starting: April 26, 2010 on webtalkradio.net. After 5-3-10 the podcast is also on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

Moshe Feldenkrais, who died in 1984, created a very unique movement therapy system based on a systems understanding of the mind and body, a developmental approach to movement, and increasing awareness of movement. I have tried to read Feldenkrais books and had about ten individual Feldenkrais sessions. The books were daunting. The particular instructor I had while brilliant was so nondirective it was very frustrating.

I was delighted when I found Frank Wildman’s Change Your Age. First, I was thrilled with the concept of “movement age” being another way to measure aging. The developmental psychology and optimistic approach fit well with my developmental psychology background and unsinkable optimism. To my delight his book and approach is very practical, readable, and as directive as Feldenkrais can get. Not only does Frank break exercises into five-minute explorations instead of one-hour lessons, he even gives his private practice patients homework “prescriptions.” 

To review key concepts in the interview, the change your age concept is that we develop habits and our habits become rigid, causing us to move like “old people.” To add to the problem, popular approaches to exercise tend to only move certain muscles in certain ways and leave us unprepared for lateral moves and dealing with varied situations. Taking some time to become more aware of our bodies and do movements we don’t normally do can undo movement aging and rigidity.

The payoff is moving with grace, integration, and coordination, moving more adaptively, reducing pain and tension, reducing the risk of accidents and fractures, and reducing wear and tear on our bodies. A bonus is these short exercises can be done at home, with no special equipment or special clothing and you don’t even break a sweat. For me one of the take aways doesn’t even require a five minute exercise. I am now encouraging myself to squirm and move around a lot when I sit in a chair or car seat.  

Dr. Frank Wildman was a dancer and choreographer before studying with Moshe Feldenkrais for ten years. He was Feldenkrais’ first North American student and became his chief promoter in North America. During that time, he also acquired degrees in physical education, biology, and somatic psychology.  His most recent (2010) book is Change Your Age: Using Your Body and Brain to Feel Younger, Stronger, and More Fit. He also is author of Feldenkrais: The Busy Person’s Guide to Easier Movement, Fibromyalgia: Relief From Chronic Muscle Pain and many CDs and DVDs.

His websites are  www.changeyourage.net and www.FeldenkraisInstitute.org. He is Educational Director of the Feldenkrais Movement Institute and has a private practice in Berkley California. Dr. Brickey’s other websites are www.DrBrickey.com and www.Anti-Aging-Speaker.com.

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Guests: Painter Alice Matzkin and Sculptor Richard Matzkin

Broadcast and podcast starting: April 12, 2010 on webtalkradio.net. After 4-19-10 the podcast is also on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

So much of Americans’ views of aging are negative. For example, in the movie Harold and Maude, the priest tells Harold:

“I would be remiss in my duty if I did not tell you that the idea of intercourse – the act of your firm, young body… comingling with… withered flesh… sagging breasts… and flabby b-b-buttocks… makes me want… to vomit.”

Alice and Richard Matzkin found themselves intimidated by aging but instead of trying to duck it, they sought out seniors to paint and sculpt and it dramatically changed their perspectives on aging and enriched their lives. They documented their painting and sculptures and insights in their book The Art of Aging, and share their experience with us in this interview.

Art is about seeing and experiencing life from a different perspective. I found talking with Alice and Richard brought up a paradox. They were very into accepting aging and our aging bodies–the idea of aging gracefully. They see aging bodies as beautiful. I always disliked the term aging gracefully. I am more of the Dylan Thomas philosophy and his poetic advice:

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Some people find aging very disturbing and some take it in stride. Alice and Richard found it disturbing and wrestled with it with brush and chisel. They found painting and sculpting seniors both therapeutic and a self-growth experience. Richard sees many people fearing aging. Now quite comfortable with their aging, they refer to themselves as old. They see wrinkles and sagging skin as a map of well earned character.

My role model is the Energizer Bunny on alkaline batteries. While normal batteries wear out gradually, alkaline batteries last longer and maintain a constant energy level until they die rather quickly. Thus, a youthful mental outlook, a healthy diet, appropriate exercise, supplements, balancing hormones, and possibly even surgery are all part of the arsenal for raging against the dying of the light.

We do want to feel comfortable with our age and aging. We do want to feel comfortable with death. We do want to have our awareness that we all die increase our feelings of the preciousness of life and fully appreciating each moment and experience. Graceful aging, however, suggests going along with the program for aging that our parents and grandparents followed. Just as Alice chose to focus on passionate older women rather than women defeated by aging, I would rather focus on a vision of the best possible aging and focus on vital, healthy centenarian role models for how to do it. Further, I want to factor in both how we are aging much better than our parents’ generation and factor in the technological advances that will help us live decades longer.

So back to the paradox. Should we accept aging and death or should we rage against it? My answer is both. (That’s what paradoxes are about.) Accepting aging and death makes us comfortable in our own skins and our own lives. Pursing a youthful mindset and health practices greatly enhances our lives and lifespans.

I certainly agree that when you sparkle on the inside, it shows on the outside. Passion and integrity outshine wrinkles. It is also true, however, that people do judge a book by its cover and do tend to listen more to and want to be with people who are attractive and have a youthful vigor. Thus accepting aging and raging against aging aren’t mutually exclusive but potentially cumulative.

As you gathered, I think The Art of Aging is a wonderful book and a very unique book. Do check out photos from the book at http://matzkinstudio.com/newsFrame.html. If you like this program, you will also like a previous show I did with artist Amy Gorman who interviewed and wrote a book and did a documentary film on centenarian artists. That show, “How Art Can Help You Age Better,” is archived on www.AgelessLifestyles.com.

Dr. Brickey’s other websites are www.DrBrickey.com and www.Anti-Aging-Speaker.com.

The Matzkins photo is courtesy of Donna Granata, Focus on the Masters, Series 2009

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Guest: Annette Simmons

Broadcast and podcast starting: March 1, 2010 on webtalkradio.net. After 3-8-10 the podcast is also on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

  Dr. Mehmet Oz says “by the time we are 50, two-thirds of how we age will be determined by lifestyle.” The goal Ageless Lifestyles® is to help you live a longer, healthier, happier life. One of the biggest challenges with aging is reinventing a sense of purpose and contribution as we age. I know it may sound strange, but I believe becoming a better storyteller is very helpful with longevity, health, and happiness. Let me count the ways:

· By helping you be more successful at communicating your ideas and influencing people, you are better able to follow your purpose and succeed at your goals.

· Becoming a good storyteller promotes you to a family matriarch or patriarch, championing the family traditions and values you love in a way that captures the minds and hearts of family members of all ages.

· Storytelling develops a sense of confidence and efficacy.

· It’s fun.

So what did Annette Simons teach us about storytelling? It is easy to think, I would like to be a good storyteller, but I don’t have any stories. She points out we have all had life crises, challenges and transitions, and thus we all have stories. How to find them? She breaks it six kinds of stories:

1. Who am I?
2. Why am I here?
3. Teaching
4. Vision
5. Values in action
6. I know what you are thinking

While some storytellers have different classifications, Annette Simmons’ system in especially well suited for everyday living, thinking about aging, as well as business. Let’s focus on aging. The who am I? stories are especially important as we update our identity when we experience life transitions and health challenges. It can vary from the somewhat negative why me? to the more positive what now? Life transitions and challenges also prompt why am I here? stories to update our purpose. Teaching stories are especially important for how we view aging. An example is the story I told about the 94-year-old man who believed he was 64. Vision stories look at the big picture and purpose. Values in action stories are particular important in aging in making sure people don’t write off seniors as obsolete or irrelevant but view seniors as having a lot to contribute. Finally, I know what you are thinking stories are marvelous for acknowledging skepticism and differences, starting where the listener is, and leading them to considering possibilities that they usually would rule out.

Ms Simmons’ website is www.groupprocessconsulting.com. Dr. Brickey’s other websites are www.DrBrickey.com and www.Anti-Aging-Speaker.com.

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Guest: Dr. Neil Fiore

Broadcast and podcast starting: January 4, 2009 on webtalkradio.net. After 1-11-10 the podcast is also on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

My 9-year-old twins are on book six of Harry Potter. My college students son and daughter watched the Star Wars and the Ring movies, my wife watches lot of science fiction TV, and yes I love Desperate Housewives. We crave stories and have lots of stories about success in business and sports, but few about how to age well. We met today’s guest, Dr. Neil Fiore, author of Coping with the Emotional Impact of Cancer, when he shared with us the psychological strategies that helped him overcome a “terminal” cancer diagnosis thirty years ago. He is a master of storytelling and hypnosis and today shares with us how stories can help us be liver healthier, happier, and longer lives.

It is such a delight talking with Dr. Neil Fiore. I thought it might help to give some context for Ericksonian therapy compared to other psychotherapies. In the, Dr. Albert Ellis challenged Freudian psychology with how your thinking was wrong, and in-your-face advice about what you should do. Dr. Phil is the reincarnation of Albert Ellis.

Also in the 1950s, Dr. Carl Rogers’ challenged Freudian psychology with his client center therapy, which became very popular. Rogers believed the answer was within the client, and would loving feed back and paraphrase what the client said to help the client sort things out for himself. With little credit, Rogerian therapy is the approach many personal coaching programs are teaching coaches these days.

In the 1960s, Dr. B. F. Skinner developed radical behaviorism, which said behavior change was all a matter of what you reinforce and what you punish. Eventually, cognitive behavioral therapy became the most popular therapy, using Skinner’s reinforcement principles and Ellis’ emphasis on what you think—the cognitive in cognitive behavioral psychology.

Like Rogers, Erickson believed people have the wisdom already within them but need guidance in finding it. But rather than just facilitating the client finding the answer within, Erickson assessed what the client needed and crafted a story to help the client discover and realize the solution. Which school of therapy is right? If you only have a hammer, everything looks like a nail. Therapists who have a full toolkit, tend to use their favorite tools but also use a different tool if that if what the client needs.

Comedians follow the rule of three in setting up jokes—two to set up the pattern and one to violate it. Dr. Fiore described how Erickson’s rule of three was to give three validations, for example acknowledging his son’s pain, blood, and fear, before leading him a new direction with thoughts about bragging rights. NLP practitioners and hypnotists call this pacing where the client is and then leading where the client needs to go.

Neil is also very into thinking of the brain as a computer and taking control of the computer by overwriting problematic default programs. With depression, for example, just by noting each day three things that went well, and what you did to help it happen, you may not need the Prozac. Finally, he places a lot of emphasis on quickly taking control of emotions and relaxing by inhaling, holding your breath, tensing muscles, exhaling, connecting with your environment, realizing you are taking control, and tuning into wonder rather than worry.

Dr. Fiore’s website is www.neilfiore.com. Dr. Brickey’s other websites are www.DrBrickey.com an www.Anti-Aging-Speaker.com.ous love at every age.

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Guest: Carol Denker

Broadcast and podcast starting: December 21, 2009 on webtalkradio.net. After 12 28-09 the podcast is also on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

Television shows like to snicker and make fun of grey-haired romance, but journalist Carol Denker found that love and even sex after 50 can be better than ever—and illustrates it with stories and pictures from sixty couples who found love after 50 and found it to be better than ever.If you have ever thought, if I knew then what I know now…., this is about how, whether married or single, you can have that second chance with love and romance grey hair and all.

This is about feeling like a sixteen-year-old in love even if you have a sixty, seventy, or older body. Ms Denker’s book is Autumn Romance: Stories and Portraits of Love After 50.I love the song Young at Heart, you know:
Fairy tales can come true; it can happen to you
If you’re young at heart…. My favorite version has Jimmy Durante singing it as his voice is old and his soul is young. Carol Denker’s stories and photos are like a Frank Capra movie—uplifting and renewing our belief in everyday miracles.

The common thread was a change in attitude and outlook, shedding any slavery to peer pressures, and taking risks. It was interesting that she identified several clusters—including those who chose to pursue a lot of self-growth, those who reconnected with old sweethearts, and those who found someone with whom they had “so much in common.”  Just as real life is often stranger than fiction, the stories read like fairy tales. But, as Jimmy Durante sang, fairy tales came come true—if you’re young at heart. Carol’s couples give us a lot of clues as to how  to do it and inspiration to believe and seek amorous love at every age.

Carol Denker’s website is www.autumnlove.org. The site about her protraits is www.aportraitbycarol.com. Dr. Brickey’s other websites are www.DrBrickey.com an www.Anti-Aging-Speaker.com.

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Guest: Dr. Angeles Arrien

Broadcast and podcast starting: December 7, 2009 on webtalkradio.net. After 12 14-09 the podcast is also on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

Children immerse themselves in the fun and identity metaphors of Harry Potter, young adults in the metaphors, mentors, and finding meaning in Star Wars. But what about the quest for identity and meaning after 50? Dr. Arrien has studied literature, poetry, and many cultures to help us seek our own quest for a richer, more meaningful second half of life.To review, like the Freudian psychologist Carl Jung, Dr. Arrien is fascinated with symbols, metaphors, and cultural heritage.

In The Second Half of Life, she focuses on the neglected subject of psychological and spiritual development after 50. It is refreshing to hear our sixties described as the youth of our wisdom years and eighties and nineties and beyond as the peak of our wisdom years. She describes 50 as a milestone when people tend to start shifting from an emphasis on ambition to an emphasis on meaning, from doing to being, from acquisition to divestiture, from me to we. She describes it as a time of increased clarity and objectivity.

She distinguishes journaling from keeping a diary with journaling being more insight and action oriented. She uses four questions: What has inspired me, what has challenged me, what has surprised me, and what has touched or moved me. She noted that in death and dying research, people want the closure of having addressed five issues: thank you, I love you, forgive me, I forgive you, and goodbye. She talked about the eight lies, for example, I’ll be happy when I have more money, when I marry the right person, when I and more successful, etc. and the four bones—the backbone, wishbone, funny bone and hollow bone.

Addressing this subject was a stretch for me in while I certainly use a lot of metaphors in therapy, coaching, and hypnosis, I usually use them strategically to achieve a fairly specific objectives, as opposed to be immersed in them as a general growth exercise. It’ not a question of who is right but different people resonating with different styles. For example, some people thrive on meditation; while others would find it torture. Thus, I am delighted to have the diversity, and I am delighted to stretch my own thinking and my own style by reading The Second Half of Life and talking with Dr. Arrien.

I read her book the hard way—in a day. It is really much better suited and more valuable to read a few pages a day to let the ideas incubate before reading more. I find her concept of concept of monthly journaling with a focus on growth questions and action especially generative. Finally, it is important to get associate with positive people. Dr. Arrien is positive and her view of aging is very refreshing and positive.

Dr. Arrien’s website is www.AngelesArrien.com. Dr. Brickey’s other websites are www.DrBrickey.com an www.Anti-Aging-Speaker.com.

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Guest: Jeffrey Zaslow

Broadcast and podcast starting: October 19, 2009 on webtalkradio.net. After 10-26-09 the podcast is also on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

Which of your friends have you known the longest? How long have you known that friend? Does the length of that friendship make it valued? Keeping childhood friends when you all still live in the same city is quite an accomplishment. It’s even more impressive when your schoolmates are scattered all over the country. Jeffrey Zaslow, author of The Girls from Ames, documents the lifelong friendship of eleven girls form Ames Iowa who maintained close friendships for more than forty years, despite being scattered all over the country.

I had hoped reading The Girls from Ames might give profound insights into the glue of long friendships. Instead, it was like watching an episode of The Waltons. Simple truths. There are no magic bullets, friendships require a commitment and the follow through of being there for your friends. Graduating from high school poses a big challenge to childhood and high school friendships as so many people go away to college or move away to take a job or follow a lover who has moved. I found it interesting that as people get older, friendships are easier

-easier because we are more likely to have money for travel,
-easier because after childrearing is no longer consuming our time we have more time
-easier because we have less wanderlust and less need to try everything and more need for roots
-easier because we have more maturity and better understand the value of friendship.

Those who no longer work full-time have even more time for friendships. I find that a very positive message. Indeed if you start a friendship at 50 and live to 100, that is still a fifty year friendship.
That extra maturity also gives us more insight and empathy, for example providing more support to a parent her son or daughter/your friend dies. In the meantime, the ideal situation would be to have a grandparent, parent, or mentor who alerts us to relationships we should be paying more attention to.

What held the Girls from Ames together was a friends forever commitment they made to each other before they were even high school age. That is probably quite rare and most friends for life friendships are in twos or threes. I suspect that people from very small towns feel more bonding and commitment. People who have intense experiences with a church, sport team, or other organization probably are more likely to bond. People from unique schools that instill school loyalty are more likely to bond as well.

While Jeffrey Zaslow is probably correct that women’s friendships tend to be face to face, focused on sharing their lives, and emotional, while men’s friendships tend to be side by side doing things, there are many exceptions. A sizeable number of men have no interest in sports, poker, and macho pursuits and many men would cite women as their best friends. Indeed, as sex roles are becoming less distinct, the nature of male friendships may tend to become more like women’s friendships.

It will be interesting to see if Facebook provides the face time friendship requires. There is considerable research that finds people with friends live longer, healthier, happier lives. But that research doesn’t say anything about how long those friendships have to be. I note that there have been several movies about friendships that start when people are quite old. Examples include Morgan Freeman and Jack Nickelson in The Bucket Brigade. In the Bucket Brigade Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman are very ill in a hospital and write their list of things to do before they die. While ostensibly men doing activities, they wrestled with meaning, purpose, relationships, and the angst of dying—face to face emotional heart to heart talks just like women have.

Research on friendship finds that as people age they tend to be more selective about friends and focus on a smaller number of quality friends and on family. This is as it should be. Youth is the time to try many different things including getting to know people from different backgrounds and cultures. By fifty, we have a pretty good idea of what relationships are likely to lead to quality friendships and what relationships are likely to be shallow. Thus the middle years and beyond are a time to focus on quality. But I would add a caveat. Salespeople know the importance of always seeking new customers. Otherwise, attrition will leave them with fewer and fewer clients. Likewise we need to cultivate some new friendships at every age so we don’t find ourselves with a paucity of friends.

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Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Broadcast and podcast starting: October 12, 2009 on webtalkradio.net. After 10-17-09 the podcast is also on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

You wouldn’t run a business without a plan, but  do you have a written plan for your life? Dr. Brickey walks you through a multi-level system for developing a plan for your life. The system is loosely based on Robert Dilts’ Logical Levels.

The Logical Levels of Life Planning

Level	Question	Function	Components
Spiritual	Who else?	transmission	vision and mission statements
Identity	Who am I?	mission	primary question, scripts, roles
Beliefs	Why?	permission/motivation	beliefs and rules (values are rules with a passionate commitment)
Capabilities	How?	possibilities	talents and skills
Behaviors	What?	action	habits
Environment	Where?	constraints	home, neighborhood, friends, family, light, sound, climate, etc.

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Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Broadcast and podcast starting: September 28, 2009 on webtalkradio.net. After 10-5-09 the podcast is also on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

Remember the first time a birthday made you feel old? the jokes? the doubts? the fears your best days were behind you? Maybe you imagined someday wasting away in a nursing home. That’s when you got sucked into the script for thinking and feeling old. Our youth-obsessed culture promotes the idea that aging is all downhill. But I’m here to tell you that for most of us, life gets better as we age. Today I will depart from my usual format of interviewing an anti-aging expert and share with you my Top Ten Social Perks for Being Over 50.So let me get right to my top ten list.

The Top Ten Social Perks of Being Over Sixty©

by Michael Brickey, Ph.D., ABPP

1. Research finds that older people are happier

Research finds that older people report being happier than younger people. The percentages of Americans who said they were very happy were: 28% at ages 18-27, 31% at 28-37, 32% at 38-47, 33% at 48-57, 36% at 58-67, and 38% at 68-77. It drops to 34% for ages 78-89. Still, the 78-89 year old Americans are happier than people under 60. Why? Older people are more comfortable and secure with who they are, what their values are, and what they want to do with their lives. Research finds they focus more on positive events and less on negative events.

[Reserach based on Mroczek, Daniel, & Kolarz, Christian.  The effect of age on positive and negative affect: A developmental perspective on happiness, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1998, 75, 1333-1348.]

2. Less peer pressure

For most teens, especially girls, fitting in, being liked, and being popular are paramount issues. While seeing themselves as rebellious, teen culture is actually very conformist. Teens spend many hours worrying about the right clothes, the right music, and being hip. Age brings a clearer sense of identity and less importance on peer pressure. Employment requires being concerned about pleasing the boss, coworkers, and customers. When employment is no longer required for income, there is a new freedom from peer pressure.

3. More wisdom

Age brings experience and knowledge and learning from mistakes-our own mistakes and others’ mistakes. Living longer doesn’t guarantee wisdom, but it is a prerequisite.

4. More time

Rearing children takes a lot of time and energy. When they eventually leave home, it is eerie how quiet it becomes and how much more time there is. Retirement (or no longer having to work for the money) brings more discretionary time. It can be a time to pursue passions. It can be more time for friends and family. It can be more time to slow down, enjoy life more, think more, and smell the roses.

5. Better control of emotions

Research shows that age brings better skills at managing emotions and dealing with problems. Experience dealing with a lot of conflicts brings skills. In marital or long-term relationships, couples learn what to fight and what to accept. In short, age brings a larger, more tested repertoire for dealing with problems.

6. Better story tellers

Researchers had people listen to stories told by older people and younger people. They rated older peoples’ stories as more interesting, more informative, and of higher quality. This comes at a time in life when seniors are stepping up to being the family matriarchs and patriarchs and passing on family

traditions, values, and stories. People tune out lectures. Stories, however, hypnotize listeners and slide in the message.

7. Sexuality doesn’t complicate relationships as much

Many seniors have a rich sex life and sexuality is important in their lives. Sexuality, however, becomes less about proving manhood or validating being desirable and loved, and more about warmth, caring, and sharing. Age brings fewer worries about political correctness and whether a hug or compliment will be considered a pass or sexual harassment. For couples, there is less fear of children overhearing or interrupting intimate moments and less fear of an unwanted pregnancy. Older men often become more emotionally involved in sex as they need more physical stimulation.

8. Better quality friendships

Youth is a time to experiment and try new things. It is a time to make friends with a wide variety of people. Experience teaches which friendships are likely to be rewarding and which friendships are likely to be superficial. With age, some friendships last for decades. Such friendships are indeed treasures. Research finds that older people have fewer causal acquaintances. They place more emphasis on family and close friends, are more satisfied with their relationships than younger people, and feel strong bonds to close friends. Many “prune” their friendships and make remarks like, “I don’t have time for those people.” There is a shift from novelty to quality, from popularity to meaning.

9. Pride in age again

Children proudly hold up fingers to tell their age and can’t wait until their next birthday. Each birthday is a landmark event. Adults in their thirties, forties, fifties, and sixties see age as eroding vitality and attractiveness and try to hide and deny their age. After sixty, age starts becoming something to be proud of and gives a sense of accomplishment and achievement. By ninety or 100 there are serious bragging rights.

10. Understanding the circle of life

The story of Peter Pan begins, “All of this has happened before, and all of it will happen again.” Age bears witness to cycles of birth, marriage, children and death; of hard times and easy times; of war and peace. Age brings an understanding of life’s rhythms and cycles. A great sense of satisfaction comes with this glimpse into the secrets of the universe.

Certainly a person can have sixty years of experience or one year of experience sixty times. Of course, not everyone over sixty experiences these perks. The perks cite generalities. Nevertheless, if you are a person who continues to grow with age, you are likely to experience these perks.

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Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Broadcast and podcast starting: August 31, 2009 on webtalkradio.net. After 9-7-09 the podcast is also on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

Research is vital to separating opinions and myths from beliefs that have support. Rather than just talk about longevity research, we are going to take two tours. The first tour looks at centenarian research including Dr. Belle Boone Beard, Dr. Thomas Perls, the Delaney sisters, Waldo McBurney, George Dawson, Lynn Peters Adler, and Amy Gorman.

The second tour is of aging research. It starts in Copenhagen with the twins studies finding only 25% of longevity it genetic, the Copenhagen Heart Study finding graying hair, balding, and or wrinkles don’t affect longevity. In Boston we look at Dr. George Vaillant and the Harvard Study of Adult Development-longitudinal research that has been following a cadre of Harvard students since 1939. Also at Harvard is Dr. Becca Levy whose longitudinal research found that whether people had positive or negative views of aging affected their longevity decades later. On the other side of Boston is Zone Diet creator Dr. Barry Sears, who in addition to a balanced Mediterranean diet is emphasizing inflammation as the common denominator of chronic diseases and fish oil as vital to restoring healthy Omega 3: Omega 6 balances.

The tour then goes to the University of Pennsylvania (in Philadelphia) where Dr. Martin Seligman showed how people can learn to be more optimistic. He also developed the field of positive psychology and promoted in when he was president of the American Psychological Association. It’s just an hour drive to the plastic surgery practice of Vincent Giampapa in Montclair NJ. I included this stop as he is a good example of the clinical services cutting edge of anti-aging medicine. Dr. Giampapa’ practice will study your genes and health issues and prescribe supplements to (hopefully) turn on helpful genes and turn off unhelpful ones. He also will harvest stem cells and freeze them for later needs. Finally he has a new procedure of injecting fat cells (which are more likely to have stem cells) into facial skin to rejuvenate the skin without surgery.

Next we fly to the Life Extension Foundation at Ft. Lauderdale Florida to meet with Joe Faloon the editor of the Life Extension magazine. The Life Extension Foundation has been ten years ahead of physicians with heart disease (e.g., CoQ-10 with statins, fish oil, bioidentical hormones and inflammation and endothelial aspects of heart disease. The Foundation has fearless fought the pharmaceutical industry and the FDA. It is funded by vitamin and supplement sales and donations. It conducts and funds a lot of cutting edge research.

Next we go to Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland Ohio) to meet with Professor Stephen Post. He is the dean of altruism research and cites numerous research studies that find altruistic people live longer. Then we drive along the lake fronts to Chicago to meet with Dr. Ronald Klatz, founder of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (AAAAM). It board certifies physicians in anti-aging medicine and is a clearing house for anti-aging research. It also sponsors a lot of conferences. Then we to Minneapolis, MN to the School Sister of Notre Dame. This is where Professor David Snowden did longitudinal research with nuns, including autopsies of the brains when the died.

If you really want to see what is new in anti-aging medicine, the place to go is the AAAAM annual conference in Las Vegas. This is the trade show for showing off all the new technologies and products.

Then we fly to San Francisco where Stanford University professor Laura Carstensen developed socioemotional selectivity theory. The theory says that as we age we place more value on emotional experience (and on close friendships). A similar effect happens when people are facing major illness, disasters, and war. While in San Francisco, we can visit cardiologist Dr. Dean Ornish. Way ahead of his time, he developed a low fat diet that dramatically improved the health of heart patients. But it wasn’t just the diet, it also was his emphasis on stress management and exercise.

The we drive down costal highway 101 to Los Angeles and take in the breathtaking views of the ocean. We visit psychiatrist Daniel Amen. His approach is to study brain scans and prescribe diet and lifestyle changes to help patients develop healthier brains. The proof is in the follow up brain scans. While in Los Angeles, we can visit Suzanne Summers in Malibu. Yes this is the same Suzanne Summers that was on Three’s Company and hawked the thing master. She is a major advocate for bioidentical hormone replacement. Her most recent books primarily consist of in-depth interviews with leading hormone experts.

Finally we want to visit professor Sonja Lyubomirsky, the dean of happiness research. She says that 50% of our happiness is a genetically determined set point. Ten percent is circumstances. The remaining 40% is in our control and she outlines how to work with that part to increase happiness.

Well, enough travel, I’m headed back to the Ageless Lifestyles® Institute where we focus on the mind game of living longer, healthier, and happier or what I call the Anti-Aging ABCs® (Attitudes, Beliefs, and Coping Skills). Her we also provide personal coaching and keynote and seminar services.

Dr. Brickey’s other websites are www.DrBrickey.com and www.Anti-Aging-Speaker.com.

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Guest: Dr. Matt Narrett, Chief Medical Officer for Erickson Living®

Broadcast and podcast starting: August 20, 2009 on webtalkradio.net. After 8-31-09 the podcast is also on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

To me, Erickson Living® is the Google of services for seniors. Its twenty communities are amazing, it’s medical services are the medical services we all wish we had, Erickson’s Retirement Living Television is only national TV network for seniors, the Erickson Tribune has a circulation of three million, and the Erickson School of Aging, Management and Policy at the University of Maryland and the Erickson Foundation conduct and support a lot of research on aging.

Last year I had the pleasure of interviewing John Erickson, a true visionary. He recently retired. When I learned that Erickson’s new COO and Erickson’s Medical Director, wrote a new book Old is the New Young: Erickson’s Secrets to Healthy Living, I knew it would be good and arranged to get Dr. Narrett on Ageless Lifestyles®.

I talk about John Erickson being a visionary because he doesn’t just see what people want and provide it. He envisions what we should want and makes it happen. Thus, Erickson Living®  has well-paid primary care doctors spending half an hour per patient visit, using electronic records networked with hospitals, and practicing holistic medicine and preventive medicine-all on a Medicare budget. If he had just created Erickson Living® it would be impressive. But to also create the Retirement Living TV, the Erickson Tribune, and the philanthropic and educational programs he has created, is stunning.

Happily, Erickson Living® isn’t the only visionary in senior healthcare. Bill Thomas, creator of the Eden Alternative and the Greenhouse Movement and Paul and Terry Klaasen of Sunrise Assisted Living also have visionary leadership. There are many more people making an impact on a smaller scale. I mention these people because of the size of their impact. It is an innovative time for seniors.

On the surface Old is the New Young isn’t a profound or visionary book. Much of the advice is advice commonly found in news reports and magazine articles. What is unique is that instead of piecemeal advice, the book weaves together a holistic picture of what seniors need, with an emphasis on having a life with purpose. The holistic picture is quite unique. Thus instead of advice like use your mind, do crossword puzzles; we are told crosswords are OK if you like them but what really matters is curiosity and interactive learning–and a reasonably good diet and reasonable amount of exercise to stay healthy mentally and physically.

Of course you never know where that curiosity and a little chutzpah will lead. After Erickson Living® community at Greenspring women in their 70s, 80s, and 90s  made the pin-up calendar, The Ladies of Greenspring Calendar, the men at Greenspring countered with The Hunks of Greenspring Calendar.

Erickson Living®’s website is www.Erickson.com. Dr. Brickey’s other websites are www.DrBrickey.com and www.Anti-Aging-Speaker.com.

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Guest: Image/Dr. Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot

Broadcast and podcast starting: August 3, 2009 on webtalkradio.net. After 8-10-09 the podcast is also on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

Chapters in books are so unnecessary. Think how many trees would be saved if the print just continued on. But we love chapters. They help us group concepts, alert us to transitions, and reward us for completing an episode. Harvard professor Dr. Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot is a developmental sociologist who focuses on stages of human development. She describes ages 50-75 as the third chapter in our lives and titled her new book, The Third Chapter: Passion, Risk, and Adventure in the 25 Years After 50.

I’m amused at theorists that come up with principles that are so simplistic as to be useless tautologies like Freud’s conflict between our life and death drives, theologians who see life as a conflict between good and evil, and anti-aging products have the one single key to health and youthfulness. Stage theories can be simplistic and rigid. What I like about Erik Erickson’s eight stages and Dr. Lawrence-Lightfoot’s third chapter is that they are flexible and accommodate individual differences. Thus some third chapter Boomers and seniors focus on career walls, some go back to previous passions, some deal with unresolved traumas, and some go yet another direction. For some it is a shift from career achievement to making the world better or leaving a legacy. Earlier stages of development may be revisited briefly, in great depth, or not at all.

Self-help books and gurus tend to focus on building motivation, visualizing outcomes, and following principles. Dr. Lawrence-Lightfoot focuses on studying role models and their pain and struggles. As her book title indicates it’s adventure and it’s also risk. However, whether it is people starting a business or creating a new chapter in your life, naively following your bliss can be disastrous. The more you learn about and prepare for what you are getting into, the more likely you are to be successful. For example, when considering a new career, learn as much as you can about it. Role models and mentors can be enormously helpful in reducing trial and error learning. The Third Chapter is a wonderful source for role models on dealing with the personal and emotional anxieties and roller coaster ride that often goes with making big life changes. So why do it? As Erickson put it in his seven stage, it’s about generativity vs. stagnation.

Humans love stories and this is about making sense of your life story and choosing your next chapter-as opposed to just going with the flow and letting things happen. Thinking of your future as a story can help. Telling it to others is very helpful. The Third Chapter makes an excellent group discussion book and the web site has a free discussion guide. Perhaps writing your story can help as well. If you have ever taught a course, you know that you learn the material much better when you teach it to others. Likewise, you become much clearer about your story when you tell it to others or put your story in writing. Dr. Lawrence-Lightfoot’s website for her book is www.TheThirdChapter.com.  Dr. Brickey’s other websites are www.DrBrickey.com and www.Anti-Aging-Speaker.com. 

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Guest: Image/Color Consultant Dawn Waldrop

Broadcast and podcast starting: July 27, 2009 on webtalkradio.net. After 8-3-09 the podcast is also on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

It may not be fair but people do judge a book by its cover. And people do judge you by your appearance-even before you say a word. One of the challenges of aging is that our body shapes and complexions gradually change with age. Your wardrobe and appearance can make you look older or younger, competent or clueless, fabulous or flat. What looked good at 20 can be quite unflattering at 50 or 60. Image and color expert Dawn Waldrop consults with and teaches business leaders and professionals on how to look their best. The result has often been promotions, raises, and increased sales. Today she is going to help us learn about how to choose colors and styles that help Boomer and help Seniors look and feel their best.

With my Anti-Aging ABCs®, I posit that how you think affects how you feel and how you feel affects how you look-your posture, demeanor, energy, and facial expressions-and when you look better, people respond to you more positively-prompting you to feel even better. The same is true for your wardrobe and appearance. When you wear clothes that fit well and are harmonious colors and fabrics, you feel better. You feel more energetic. And people respond to you more positively-both because of the vibes you are putting out and because of their response to your visual harmony. You could protest that all this is just superficial. But just as men are genetically programmed to respond to women’s figures, we are all genetically programmed to be attracted to beauty and harmony and be turned off by disharmony.

Certainly one can go overboard with clothes or cosmetics.  John Edwards didn’t need to pay $400 for a haircut. You can go overboard with anything. With good planning the right wardrobe for you can cost less as everything in your closet is functional and everything goes together. Choosing the right color costs the same as choosing the wrong color. The wasted money comes from a closet full of clothes you rarely wear. The wasted money also comes from the fashion industry’s planned obsolescence with incessant changes materials, lapels, lengths, and styles. That is certainly wasteful. For some being fashionable is a job requirement. Those on very tight budgets can favor choosing clothes that are slower to go out of style-as opposed to those Member’s Only jackets.

The bottom line is that time spent planning pays off in having a closet that works, not wasting money, and looking and feeling your best. In a nutshell the process is to

1.     Know what coloring and materials work for you.

2.     Study your activities and what kind of clothes you need for those activities.

3.     Find the stores that meet your needs. Dawn suggested that Internet stores often offer a better selection than what an individual store can stock.

Dawn Waldrop’s website is www.Best-Impressions.com. Dr. Brickey’s other websites are www.DrBrickey.com and www.Anti-Aging-Speaker.com.

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Guest: Natural Health Nutritionist Dr. Gary Null

Broadcast and podcast starting: June 8, 2009 on webtalkradio.net. After 6-15-09 the podcast is also on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

There is a rich literature on natural cures for headaches, digestive problems, allergies, and other health problems. But how do you tell help from hype? Is it safe and does it work? Natural Health Nutritionist Dr. Gary Null is the author of 70 books on health including his most recent book, Be a Healthy Woman, has been studying and advising millions on alternative health and natural healing for three decades. Today he shares his knowledge with us.

Dr. Null has never shared his real secret to health and longevity. With more than 70 books, more than 20 films, competing in marathons, counseling thousands, and bridging  nutrition, self-development, politics, and even pet care. I’m convinced that he has figured out how to clone himself. Dr. Null’s is a renaissance man who has an extraordinarily holistic view of health and wellness including physical, mental, and spiritual. He is into mindfulness and is a wonderful story teller.

His books excoriate  caffeine, alcohol, and meat. At a more controversial level, he advocates removing mercury fillings from teeth, chelation, magnet therapy, and questions the safety of vaccines. The sources he typically cites are experts he has interviewed. If you are looking for traditional research that footnotes lots of references, you will be frustrated. If you are looking for new ideas to consider or try, you are at a feast.

A note on his references to some people living well into Mediterranean, Eastern European, and Eastern countries living extremely long lives are controversial: The oldest well documented centenarian was Jeanne Calment, a Frenchwoman who lived to 122. There are many claims of people living much longer but researchers as skeptical as documentation is poor and their cultures revere living long which gives an incentive to exaggerate.

The concept that that the biggest factor in health and longevity is being happy is profound. Also profound is his epiphany that getting healthier starts with beliefs and values. I was also impressed with how Gary generally supported a Mediterranean diet but emphasized how you eat is as important as what you eat. Thus, slow leisurely meals with family do wonders for your health.

Dr. Null’s website is www.GaryNull.com. Dr. Brickey’s other websites are www.DrBrickey.com and www.Anti-Aging-Speaker.com.

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Guests: Elsa Hoffmann and Sharon Textor-Black

Broadcast and podcast starting: April 13, 2009 on webtalkradio.net. After 4-19-09 the podcast is also on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

***Click here for information on the 2009 Therapist Leadership Conference***

Only a third of Americans want to live to 100. Why? They imagine that living to 100 means being in a nursing home, crippled with arthritis, your mind destroyed by Alzheimer’s, and the highlight of your day-nursing home food. That is a possibility, but certainly not a necessity. Today we are going to talk with 101 year old Elsa Hoffman and her granddaughter/biographer Sharon Textor-Black on how living to 100 can be fabulous.

What makes Elsa such a vital person at 101? The genetic lottery probably accounts for about 25% of her success. Let me cite four other factors that contribute to her longevity:

1.     There are hundreds of studies that indicate optimists live longer, healthier, happier lives. Elsa is an absolute master at optimism. Sharon sees Elsa’s childhood as Prussian. Elsa sees her childhood as great lessons in discipline and attention to detail. While Elsa wanted to be a teacher, she sees her father’s insistence on business school having served her very well.

2.     One of the most difficult challenges in living a long life is dealing with the death of friends and family. Even the death of her son and her beloved husband didn’t throw her for very long. She has a view of death that it is a natural event and leads to an even better place. Further, for those who are suffering in pain, as her son did, it is a reprieve from suffering.

3.     She has a sense of purpose. Her purpose is to draw others out, help people connect, and help people feel better. For a couple of decades she and her husband ran a resort in Florida. It was a place where no one was a stranger and guests gathered around the piano for singing. Nothing makes her happier than to connect people. If that weren’t purpose enough, she has always done a lot of charitable and funding raising. I also note she has a wide variety of interests and activities-including travel, cards, baking, and reading. The variety helps keep the interests fresh and by having a variety, if one activity becomes unavailable, she has several others to keep life enjoyable.

4. She takes care of herself, with eating well, walking, getting good health care, and being prudent with money. There are two aspects of taking care of herself that are a matter of style rather than necessity. She finds dressing well and always looking good helps her feel good about herself and shows respect to others. She also doesn’t mind acknowledging that she has had a-one-facelift-because she wants to look her best. Their website is www.ElsasOwnBlueZone.com. Dr. Brickey’s other websites are www.DrBrickey.com and www.Anti-Aging-Speaker.com. ***********************

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Guest: Dr. Ryan Niemiec

Broadcast and podcast starting: March 30, 2009 on webtalkradio.net. After 4-6-09 the podcast is also on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

Historically psychology has focused on what’s wrong. In clinical psychology, the emphasis on pathology was reinforced by insurance companies only paying for treatment of diagnosable conditions. Ten years ago Martin Seligman launched the field of positive psychology and made it the theme of his presidency of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Ryan Niemiec helps us look at movies from the perspective of positive psychology and see how that lens can help us live longer, healthier, happier lives.


Movies can have a tremendous influence on the quality of our lives. Often we dismiss them as mere entertainment. Just as a food critic notices and appreciates nuances in food because he or she looks for the nuances and studies them, we too can get more out of movies if we ask ourselves more questions about them. Movie critics tend to focus on acting, photography, and entertainment value. Positive psychology focuses on role models and character strengths and virtues, with a goal of helping us learn to live better lives. You might think of positive psychology as self-help made scientific. Dr. Niemiec obviously loves psychology and loves movies and like a food critic is teaching us to be more sophisticated, and to get more out of movies. Unlike the food critic, the process is nonfattening.

Dr. Niemiec is the Education Director at the Via Institute on Character. He is the principle author of Positive Psychology at the Movies and Movies and Mental Illness. His website is www.viacharacter.net. Dr. Brickey’s other websites are www.DrBrickey.com and www.Anti-Aging-Speaker.com. ***********************

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Guest: Barbara Bellman

Broadcast and podcast starting: Feb. 2, 2009 on webtalkradio.net. After 2-9-09 the podcast is also on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

Flirting is like salt and pepper. Just a dash makes dinner so much more enjoyable. But if you try to flirt at 50, 60, or 70 the way you did at 20 or 30, you’ll look foolish and ridiculous. Today Barbara Bellman, author of Flirting After Fifty, applies her marketing and branding skills to help us learn how women and men can flirt at 50, 60, and even 90 or 100.

Barbara Bellman’s website is www.FlirtingAfterFifty.com. Dr. Brickey’s other websites are www.DrBrickey.com and www.Anti-Aging-Speaker.com.

I am delighted to welcome our sponsor Dr. Barry Sears’ Zone Labs. Dr. Sears developed the Zone Diet and is author of several best sellers including the The Zone and Toxic Fat. Listeners and readers can get a limited time 10% discount on your first purchase of Dr. Sears’ supplements to help you stafy healthy and lose weight. This includes vitamins, antioxidants, Zone snack bars, and much more. I especially recommend his fish oil which is double refined and has every batch tested to avoid toxins, metals and oxidation. To get the discount, go to www.ZoneDiet.com and use the promotional code “Ageless” or call 1-800-404-8171 and use the promotional code “Ageless.”

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Guest: Beth Baker

Broadcast and podcast starting: 1-19-09 on webtalkradio.net. After 1-26-09 the podcast is also on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

One of our worst nightmares is having to live the rest of our lives in a nursing home. There are almost 50% more nursing homes than McDonald’s restaurants in the US. While most are fairly well run, the structure and values of nursing home typically make them warehouses that strip residents of their dignity, independence, and any semblance of a normal lifestyle. No wonder so many older Americans ask their children to “Promise me you will never put me in a nursing home.” It doesn’t have to be that way. Beth Baker, author of Old Age in a New Age, describes dozens of facilities that really are homes.

Beth Baker’s website is www.BethBaker.net. She talked about www.pioneernetwork.net the coalition that is supporting alternatives like the Eden alternative, the Greenhouse movement, and person-centered homes. Dr. Brickey’s other websites are www.DrBrickey.com and www.Anti-Aging-Speaker.com.

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Guest: Dr. Joe Sperry

Broadcast and podcast starting: 1-12-09 on webtalkradio.net. After 1-19-09 the podcast is also on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

Can novels teach you how to live well as you age? Most literature focuses on characters under fifty. Older characters are usually portrayed negatively. I challenged bibliophile and former English literature professor Dr. Joe Sperry to find novels that have positive elderly role models or help us learn how to age well. The challenge proved to be difficult but Dr. Sperry identified six novels that are rich in life lessons for aging well. Dr. Sperry’s Top Recommendations were:

All Passion Spent by Vita Sackville-West 1931 (also on DVD)

The Memory of Old Jack by Wendell Berry 1974

Memoirs of Hadrian by Marguerite Yourcenar 1954

Age by Hortense Calisher 1987

Autobiography of an Elderly Woman by Mary Heaton Vorse 1911

Spence + Lila by Bobbie Ann Mason 1998 (paperback)

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Guest: Dr. Helen Harkness

Broadcast and podcast starting: 1-5-09 on webtalkradio.net. After 1-12-09 the podcast is also on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

With an unshakable belief that we are meant to get better with age, Dr. Helen Harkeness teaches people how to capitalize on chaos, and reinvent themselves and reinvent their careers. Her starting point is getting rid of the myths and doing a soul searching self-assessment. The final result is being crystal clear about who you are, what you want, how the market can deliver it, and seeing yourself as a free agent.

Dr. Harkeness is author of four books, the most recent ones being Don’t Stop the Career Clock and Capitalizing on Career Chaos. Based in Dallas Texas, she does workshops and individual counseling to help people navigate and recreate their careers. Her website is http://www.career-design.com. Besides www.AgelessLifestyles.com, Dr. Brickey’s other websites are www.DrBrickey.com and www.anti-aging-speaker.com.

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Guest: John Rother, AARP’s Director of Legislation and Public Policy

Broadcast and podcast starting: 12-8-08 on webtalkradio.net. After 12-15-08 the podcast is also on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

In our quest to live longer, healthier happier lives, we need to know see the big picture of healthcare and social services and how we can help make them better. The biggest advocate for Boomers and seniors is AARP. With 39 million members, AARP is second only to the Catholic church in membership size in the US. The US army, navy and marines have 1.5 million soldiers and 1.5 million reservists. The AARP army of active volunteers is 4 million strong-an army whose assignments include volunteering to help more than 2 million seniors a year fill out income tax forms. AARP’s army has 4.5 million members often sending emails. AARP the Magazine is the largest circulation magazine in the world. There used to be a commercial “When E.F. Hutton speaks people listen.” EF Hutton is no more. Today we might say when AARP speaks, Washington listens. Our guest is AARP’s Director of Legislation and Public Policy, John Rother.

Mr. Rother says the top priorities for 2009 are getting the economy back on track and healthcare. The discussion also covers nursing homes, assisted living, Medicare, prescription drugs, electronic records, and Social Security. AARP’s webise is www.aarp.org. Dr. Brickey’s other websites are www.DrBrickey.com and www.anti-aging-speaker.com.

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Special Edition: Stephen Ladd interviews  Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Broadcast and podcast starting: 11-10-08 on webtalkradio.net. After 11-17-08 the podcast is also on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

A big part of aging as little as possible is a mind game. Indeed only 30% of aging is genetic. The rest is how you think and the choices you make. How do you win the mind game? In this special edition of Ageless Lifestyles, Stephen Ladd interviews me on the how to use anti-aging psychology to think, feel, look, and be more youthful. The focus is on my Anti-Aging ABCs® (Attitudes, Beliefs, and Coping Skills) and practical beliefs shifts you can use instantly.

The special offer link for Ageless Lifestyles listeners is at the bottom of www.NotAging.com. Dr. Brickey’s other websites are www.DrBrickey.com and www.Anti-Aging-Speaker.com.

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Guest: Lynn Peters Adler

Broadcast and podcast starting: 8-18-08 on webtalkradio.net after 8-25-08 podcast availabe on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Guest: Lynette Padwa

Broadcast and podcast starting: 8-11-08 on webtalkradio.net after 8-18-08 podcast availabe on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Guest: Movie Critic Brent Marchant

Broadcast and podcast starting: 8-4-08 on webtalkradio.net after 8-11-08 podcast availabe on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Expert Guest: Dr. Vincent Giampapa

Broadcast and podcast starting: 7-28-08 on webtalkradio.net after 8-4-08 podcast availabe on the links below (to download, right click download and select “save target as.”)

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Expert Guest: Dr. Ruthann Russo

Broadcast and podcast:
6-30-08 on webtalkradio.net
after 7-7-08 podcast availabe on the links below  (to download and right click and select save target as)

What you don’t know about healthcare can hurt you, even kill you. What if you knew how to get your doctor to focus on your goals, get the information you need from your doctor, and enjoy the process as well? What if you knew a little karate for getting specialists, hospitals, and nursing homes to do what they are supposed to do and share information with you? Would you like to know how to comprehend all those EOBs, bills, and statements? How about not paying $2 for an aspirin at a hospital? Would you like to know how to organize your medical records so you have the information when you need it and can even give it to your doctor?

Dr. Ruthann Russo teaches physicians and hospitals how to keep better records and provide better services. She teaches consumers how to navigate our disease care system to get the services they need. Her credentials include a Master’s degree in Public Health, a doctorate in Business Administration, and a law degree. Her brand new book is 7 Steps of Your Best Possible Healthcare. Her blog website is www.RuthannRusso.com

Resource websites mentioned on the show:

www.qualitycheck.org   Joint Commission
www.abms.org   American Bard of Medical Specialties
www.healthgrades.com   
www.vimo.com    compare hospitals
www.Medicare.gov

Blood tests Dr. Brickey recommended everyone get at least once:
>homocystine –a common easily correctible cause of cardiovascular disease
>A1C –the best test to catch diabetes early
>iron –especially for men, make sure you don’t have too much (or too little)
>C-reactive protein –catches problems with inflamation early (inflamation is a leading contributor to cardiovascular diesease and many other diseases)
>VLDL –don’t settle for just total cholesterol, HDL and LDL level, the Very Low Density Lipids do the most damage.

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Expert Guest: John Erickson

Broadcast and podcast:
6-23-08 on webtalkradio.net
after 6-30-08 podcast availabe at links below: (to download right click and select save as…)

A transcript of the interview is at John Erickson

John Erickson is a visionary who decided to reinvent aging and retirement. He turned an abandoned college campus in Maryland into a vibrant retirement community. Now Erickson has 20 communities serving 22,000 residents. The monthly Erickson Tribune newspaper prints 3 million copies each issue and of course is online as well. Unhappy with what television offers seniors Mr. Erickson invested $100 million dollars in developing a television network for seniors, Retirement Living TV. Today he shares his unique vision of a better life for seniors.

The website is www.Erickson.com. Dr. Brickey’s website is www.DrBrickey.com

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Expert Guest: Mary Rose Maguire

Broadcast and podcast:
6-1-08 on webtalkradio.net
after 6-10-08 podcast availabe at the links below. (to download, rightclick and slect save as…)

Perhaps you are one of about 40 million Americans singles over forty. Perhaps you would like to find true love but do not know where to start, or have given up all together. Or maybe you have a friend or relative who asks you for advice on how to meet someone. Maybe your situation is comical — like author Robert Morris, whose book Assisted Loving describes how his 80 year old father asked him to help him find a mate, and even double date with him—which is even more bizarre as Mr. Morris says he is gay. Our guest today, Mary Rose Maguire coaches women and men over 40 in finding true love. Today she shares her strategies and secrets. Her website is www.datingrevolutionary.com Dr. Brickey’s website is www.DrBrickey.com

http://www.agelesslifestyles.com/interviews/boomer-love.mp3

For skin care Dr. Brickey recommends www.40degreesyounger.com

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Expert Guest: Dr. Stephen Post

Broadcast and podcast:
5-19-08 on webtalkradio.net
after 5-27-08 podcast availabe at the links below. (to download, rightclick and slect save as…)

I remember one of the songs my twins listened to just a few years ago said, when you help someone smaller, you make you feel taller. Clergy urge us to be generous and do good deeds. But what does science say about altruism and helping others? Dr. Stephen Post has done extensive research on love and doing good. Dr. Post is a bioethics professor at Case Western Reserve University, President of the Institute for Research on Unlimited Love, and author of Why Good Things Happen to Good People. He has shown that the Fountain of Youth has been inside us all the time. And while becoming a more loving, giving person won’t make you live forever, his research shows that it will help you live a longer, healthier, happier life. In the first part of the show we will look at love, happiness, and what makes a good life. In the second part of the show we will get specific about how to live a more loving live.

In the first part of the show, we will focus on how to know what colors enhance your appearance. In the second part of the show we will look at how our ideal colors shift with age and how to stay in style. We’ll also look at issues like fit, texture, patterns, and accessories.

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Expert Guest: Color and Image Consultant Dawn Waldrop

Broadcast: 5-10-08 on webtalkradio.net

after 5-18-08 availabe at the links below. (to download, rightclick and slect save as…)

It may not be fair but people do judge a book by its cover. And people do judge you by your appearance—even before you say a word. Your wardrobe and appearance can make you look older or younger; competent or clueless. Image and color expert Dawn Waldrop consults with and teaches business leaders and professionals on how to look their best. The result has often been promotions, raises, and increased sales. Today she is going to help you learn about how your optimal colors change with age; and how you can choose colors and styles that go with our age and lifestyle.

In the first part of the show, we will focus on how to know what colors enhance your appearance. In the second part of the show we will look at how our ideal colors shift with age and how to stay in style. We’ll also look at issues like fit, texture, patterns, and accessories. Her website is www.best-impressions.com

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Expert Guest: Dr. Steven Joyal

Broadcast: 5-3-08 on webtalkradio.net

after 5-11-08 availabe at the links below (to download, rightclick and select save target as…)

Lower you cholesterol is the mantra we hear from our doctors and the media. Not so fast says the Life Extension Foundation. They cite 14 factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease. Problems in several of these 14 areas are easily corrected with vitamins or other supplements. The Life Extension Foundation also suggests that statin medications are overemphasized and overused. I’m a big fan of the Life Extension Foundation. They think independently, their magazine, Life Extension, does an excellent job of describing their research and analyzing research, and their recommendations are often ten years ahead of mainstream medicine.

Our guest is Dr. Steven Joyal, Vice President of Scientific Affairs and Medical Development of the Life Extension Foundation. In the first part of the show, we will focus on what causes heart disease and arteriosclerosis and how cholesterol is just one piece of the puzzle. In the second part of the show, we will focus on practical things you can do to improve your cardiovascular health and blood tests you need to insist on getting.

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Expert Guest: Chef Alexander Bernard

Broadcast: 4-28-08 on webtalkradio.net

after 5-8-08 availabe at the links below (to download, rightclick and select save target as…)

At home you know how fresh your food is and how it’s cooked. While one of life’s great pleasures is eating at a restaurant, how do you know whether you are getting fresh, healthy, nutritious food? What happens behind the scenes? How do you know if the Chef’s Special is the chef’s best, or yesterday’s leftovers. Is the chef loading the food with lard to make it tastier? Today’s guest, Chef Alexander Bernard knows the ins and outs of the restaurant business and will be our guide. Chef Alexander is head chef and owner of the renowned Alexander’s Restaurant in Naples Florida and is the author of the about to be released cookbook, Alexander’s Restaurant. In the first part of the show we’ll take a look at what goes on behind the scenes of a restaurant. In the second half of the show we’ll focus on practical advice on how to get nutritious, delicious foods that won’t clog your arteries or add the pounds.

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Expert Guest: Dr. Sharon Moalem

Broadcast: 4-21-08 on webtalkradio.net

after 5-1-08 availabe at the links below (to download, rightclick and select save target as…)

Most of us view disease as bad. We get sick and protest how unfair it is or see the disease as an enemy we need to nuke with pills, lasers, or a surgical strike. Dr. Sharon Moalem views disease as history lesson in how our ancestors adapted to survive plagues and climate changes. He believes these history lessons can help us be healthier. Dr. Moalem has a doctorate in physiology and the emerging fields of neurogenetics and evolutionary medicine. He is also completing his medical school training at Mt. Siani hospital in New Work City. He is author of the New York Times Best Selling book: Survival of the Sickest: A Medical Maverick Discovers Why We Need Disease. In the first part of the show we will focus on how diseases help us adapt. In the second part of the show we’ll focus on how these insights can help us stay healthier and live longer.

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Expert Guest: Career Management Consultant Brad Taft

Broadcast: 4-14-08 on webtalkradio.net After 4-21-08 available on the links below (to download, rightclick and select save target as…)

When Social Security started, retirement age was 65 and life expectancy was 62. If you were lucky enough to beat the odds, you could eek out a few years of leisure before dying. Things have certainly changed. If you retire at 65, what would you do with the decades you are likely to live? Would you have enough income? What are employers going to do when millions of Boomers retire and create a brain drain and worker shortage? What can you do to better plan your career or retirement? Career Management Consultant Brad Taft will help us develop new career strategies for today’s world. He is the author of BOOM OR BUST: New Career Strategies in a New America. In the first part of the show, we will focus on how the job market has changed. In the second part of the show, we will focus on practical things you can do to navigate the job market rapids.

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Expert Guest: Cardiologist Dr. Richard Schneider

Broadcast: 4-8-08 on webtalkradio.net After 4-15-08 available on the links below (to download, rightclick and select save target as…)

click here to see transcript of the interview 

We expect our doctors to always put our interests first. In his interview with Ageless Lifestyles Radio host Dr. Michael Brickey, distinguished cardiologist Dr. Richard Schneider, says because the healthcare system rewards quantity rather than quality of care many doctors follow the money by ordering unnecessary tests and surgeries and cutting corners. Further, a good old boys atmosphere often discourages doctors from examining their mistakes. Dr. Schneider’s book, The Cost of Courage, describes how he successfully practiced compassionate, ethical medicine and was often punished for doing it.

In the first part of the program he will offer advice on how you can make sure you are getting appropriate, effective services from your cardiologist and other physicians. In the second part of the show he will share his surprising doable solutions for fixing our healthcare system and saving 30% of our nation’s healthcare costs. His website is www.RichardRSchneider.com.

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Expert Guest: Amy Gorman

Broadcast: 4-1-08 on webtalkradio.net After 4-8-08 available on the links below (to download, rightclick and select save target as…)

A transcript of the interview is at Amy Gorman

Art keeps us young by lifting our spirits, challenging our minds, and giving us perspective. Today’s guest, Amy Gorman became fascinated with artists in their nineties and hundreds. That inspired her to profile twelve artists in her book, Aging Artfully and the documentary film about the artists titled Still Kicking. She is a sculptress, an historian, and a storyteller. Her career has spanned all age groups from developing and being Executive Director of Kidshows for eighteen years to being a medical social worker with dementia patients. In the first part of the show, we’ll learn about artists she has studied. In the second part of the show, we’ll focus on how you can pursue art to help keep you youthful and fulfilled. Her website is http://www.agingartfully.com/

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Expert Guest: Jacqueline Marcell

Broadcast: 3-25-08 on webtalkradio.net After 4-2-08 available on the links below (to download, rightclick and select save target as…)

A transcript of the interview is at Jacqueline Marcell

Jacqueline Marcell has learned a lot about caring for parents. She has a fascinating story with lots of lessons and tips. Her marvelous book, Elder Rage reads like Stuart Smalley on steroids. It explains how just when her life was falling apart, her parents’ problems exploded. Elder Rag–with its drama, wit, and humor is a great read. What especially interests me, however, is that in between the compelling stories, she shows how to solve a lot of problems. What’s more, the experience led her to become a passionate advocate for eldercare services, and reform of the often dysfunctional systems that are supposed to help our parents. In the first part of the show we’ll learn about Jacqueline’s experiences with the system and how her sheer determination got her through it. In the second part of the show we’ll focus on practical advice and how to get the best services. Her website is www.ElderRage.com

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Expert Guest:  Sharon Cutler

Broadcast: 3-17-08 on webtalkradio.net After 3-24-08 available on the links below (to download, rightclick and select save target as…)

A transcript of the interview is at Sharon Cutler

There is no shortage of information for Boomers and seniors. The problem is wading through the sea of information to find answers and solutions. Often the starting point is figuring out what questions to ask or how to get a good assessment of problems and needs. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a go to person? My go to person is Sharon Cutler, who is Editor of MatureResources.com and Founder of The Positive Aging Network. On today’s show Sharon shares how she goes about finding information.Her website is http://www.matureresources.com/  

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Expert Guest: Dr. Christiane Northrup

Broadcast: 3-1-08 on webtalkradio.net After 3-8-08 available on the links below (to download, rightclick and select save target as…)

A transcript of the interview is at Christiane Northrup

Dr. Christiane Northrup is one of America’s most trusted medical advisors. She sees menopause as a life affirming –if a woman listens to her body and the wisdom it offers. She is an OBGYN physician who takes a holistic, mind-body-spirit approach to menopause, PMS, and women’s health. Dr. Northrup founded the trailblazing Women to Women health care center. She is author of The Wisdom of Menopause and Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom. She has appeared on Oprah, The View, Good Morning America, Rachel Ray, and hosted six PBS specials. Her website is http://www.drnorthrup.com/

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Expert Guest: Dr. Nicole Flora, Anti-Aging Physician

Broadcast: 2-24-08 on webtalkradio.net After 3-1-08 available on the links below (to download, rightclick and select save target as…)

A transcript of the interview is at Nicole Flora

Medicine has focused on treating diseases. What we call healthcare has mostly been disease care. Anti-aging medicine emerged in the last ten years or so to ask what can doctors do to be proactive in preventing aging and diseases. As a new discipline, it has attracted both very dedicated physicians and frankly a few hucksters. Today’s expert is clearly one of the best anti-aging physicians, Dr. Nicole Flora. Dr. Flora was Board Certified in family medicine, obtained a Master’s degree in Public Health, and later specialized in age management and anti-aging medicine. She has been active in research and is on several policy boards. In the first part of the program, we will focus on what anti-aging medicine is and what it has to offer. In the second part of the program, we look at the pros and cons of different anti-aging treatments. Her websites are www.CincinnatiAgeManagement.com and www.Cenegenics-DrFlora.com

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Expert Guest: Steve Freed, Pharmacist and Diabetes Educator

Broadcast: 2-17-08 on webtalkradio.net After 2-24-08 available on the links below (to download, rightclick and select save target as…)

A transcript is available at Steve Freed

One in three Americans has or will develop diabetes—and in the vast majority of cases, it could have been prevented. Today’s guest expert, Steve Freed is a Registered Pharmacist and Diabetes Educator. His Diabetes in Control newsletter reaches 88,000 medical professionals. His Steps to Health program has been used by a quarter of a million diabetics. He has given thousands of seminars on diabetes, produced numerous training materials, and currently is co-producing a full-length documentary, Conquering Sugar Mountain.  The first part of today’s seminar will focus on how you and your loved ones can prevent getting diabetes. Part 2 will focus on new treatment options.

His website is www.diabetesincontrol.com

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Expert Guest: Integrative Health Physician Dr. Richard G. Petty

Broadcast: 2-3-08 on webtalkradio.net After 2-10-08 available on the links below (to download, rightclick and select save target as…)
Transcript available at Richard Petty

Are you sometimes baffled by so many schools of thought and contradictory advice about health? Today’s guest expert, Dr. Richard G Petty, has traveled the world meeting with top researchers and gurus to sort out what works and develop an integrated approach to health. Dr. Petty received his medical training in England and since then has obtained three Ph.D.s  He put his knowledge and wisdom together in his book, Healing, Meaning and Purpose. He also is a popular speaker who has lectured in 44 countries. In the first part of today’s show, we’ll look at how Dr. Petty views health and dealing with health challenges. In the second part we’ll look at what he has found to be the most exciting cutting edge developments in health.

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Host: Anti-Aging Psychologist Dr. Michael Brickey

Expert Guest: Movement Guru Gini Maddocks

Broadcast: 2-3-08 on webtalkradio.net After 2-10-08 available on the links below (to download, rightclick and select save target as…)

A transcript of the interview is at Gini Maddocks

What if you could get rid of those aches and pains and have more energy–just by tweaking the way you stand, sit, walk, and move? Today’s guest expert is Gini Maddocks. She is a genius at teaching easy exercises and simple changes in what we do with our bodies—tweaks that make a huge difference. She is an award-winning author, educator, columnist, speaker, and licensed medical massage therapist. Her three time award winning book R&R: Rescue and Relief for Computer Users and those at Risk of Repetitive Motion Injury (RMI), is a gem that has step by step illustrations of the exercises she teaches. She also does hands-on therapy and workshops to get people to move and feel better. In the first part of today’s show, we’ll look how to avoid aches and pains from using a computers and from how we stand and walk. Later in the show we’ll look at moving holistically to get more energy, aid digestion and address a number of health problems. Her website is http://www.holisticmatters.net/

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