352 Karen Gershowitz: Inspiring Older Women to Travel the World—Solo Too

At 17, Karen Gershowitz caught the travel bug—and never looked back. She’s now explored 100 countries, often returning to dig deeper than the “Disney Lands” most tourists see. Her love of discovery led her from ceramics to international marketing and, eventually, to writing about her adventures. In her books, Travel Mania: Stories of Wanderlust and Wanderlust: Extraordinary People, Quirky Places, and Curious Cuisine, Karen shares stories of meeting locals, trying new foods, and finding connections in unexpected places. Travel, she says, “has opened my heart and changed how I see the world—and myself.” Whether you’re roaming the globe or exploring closer to home, her story invites you to keep that spirit of discovery alive. “If you really want to know the people and the places, go away from where the tourists are.” - Karen Gershowitz Connect with Karen: Email: [email protected] Website: https://karengershowitz.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karengershowitzauthor/ Books: Wanderlust (2023), Travel Mania (2021) ---- Acknowledgements Sponsor: Women’s Connection. Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, Women’s Connection is a member-driven nonprofit organization for vibrant, accomplished women who are at least 50 years old. In chapters around the country, women connect to enjoy shared interests and empower each other to thrive. https://womenconnecting.org AGE-WISE COLLECTIVE: Women Over 70 is a proud member of the Age-Wise Collective, comprised of women-led podcasts that feature stories from women 50+ and topics that promote the pro-aging movement. MEET: Fit Strong Women Over 50, a podcast for the Becoming Elli Community, hosted by Jill McCauslin and Chris Brown, who interview experts and share their insights about losing weight, keeping it off, and working out. http://www.becomingelli.com

Judy Smith discovered that 70 would be the best year of her life after a devastating public humiliation at 67 by her now ex. Allowing herself to open up to new relationships, social engagement and creative expression, she discovered that life became richer and she felt blessed as gratitude filled her soul. No stranger to discomfort, Judy previously suffered from grand mal seizures and lived with the fear of having one while out in the world trying to live her life. Judy’s first novel, “The Golden Years Glitch…..just when she thought she had it all”, became therapeutic, if a “little revengeful” for her. More than that it is a fictional story born out of her own experiences and embellished with imagination. Filled with humor, Judy discovered she is a writer and now visualizes expanding this book into a future series. “Writing The Golden Years Glitch was therapeutic and a little bit revengeful.” - Judy Smith Connect with Judy: E. [email protected] Book: The Golden Years Glitch

Jan Golden is a one-woman force when it comes to changing how the media and greeting card agencies represent aging. For 4 years, Age-Friendly Vibes has featured cards, buttons, stickers and prints that reflect pro-aging sentiments. Active in the American Society on Aging, Changing the Narrative and the American Greeting Card Association, Jan’s passion to revolutionize how older people are represented on greeting cards is making waves. Influencers in her pursuit include Ashton Applewhite, Dr. Becca Levy, Jeannine Vanderberg (and Women Over 70-Aging Reimagined). She has 120 designs in many different categories and her cards are on the shelves at Barnes and Noble and Paper Source. "Negative self-talk and deprecating humor are harmful, but reversible." - Jan Golden Connect with Jan: E. [email protected] W. Age-FriendlyVibes.com

At 81, Phyllis Rubin embodies tikkun olam—repairing the world. After her husband’s death, and during the pandemic and political upheaval, she stepped fully into activism. A “feet-on-the-ground” leader, with a collaborative style, Phyllis champions progressive politics, environmental sustainability, and vital community living for older adults. She earned her Psy.D. at 50, retired as an attachment-based therapist at 80, and continues to live vibrantly—singing, writing, gardening, engaging with her Temple, and devoting nearly full-time energy to social change."The Jewish sages tell us that we are not obligated to finish the task, neither are we free to desist from it." - Phyllis RubinConnect with PhyllisEmail: [email protected] Over 70 is proud to be part of the Age-Wise Collective, a group of women podcasters championing pro-aging voices.We shine the light on Fit Strong Women Over 50, a podcast for the Becoming Elli community where Jill and Chris interview experts and share motivational stories that inspire and encourage each other about all aspects of fitness.www.BecomingElli.com

Nicole J. Smith, Advocate, Dementia Daughter, Certified Senior Advisor and author of Diagnosis Dementia, was living 3,000 miles from her mother and didn't register the “weird things” she had witnessed her mother say and do over the past couple of years. That is, until these strange things escalated into a financial and legal situation that was not sustainable. The journey that followed upended Nicole’s life, took place across five states, and changed the families involved forever. This book is a result of that journey and particularly useful for navigating dementia and understanding the important documents families need. Hearing Nicole’s experience is a wake-up call for all of us. CONNECT WITH NICOLE: Email: [email protected] Book: Diagnosis Dementia: Your Guide for Eldercare Planning and Crisis Management

At 75, Kathleen (Kathy) Haney embodies resilience, purpose, and care. Family duties once slowed her college path, but persistence carried her to an undergraduate degree in occupational education and a graduate degree in vocational education administration. She went on to become the coordinator/director of dental hygiene and dental assisting at the community college and university levels. Her career spanned teaching, mentoring and serving as an accreditation site surveyor for American Dental Assistant/Dental Hygiene Programs. Ultimately, Kathy moved on to become the Asst. Director of Education for the IL. State Medical Society and then the Academic Coordinator of Pediatrics at RUSH University Medical Center, again her duties included preparing accreditation documents. Kathy’s self-care story includes surviving uterine cancer and enduring a grueling replacement of a hip implant that fractured within her after 20 years of use. She has devoted years to the Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society’s Children’s Clinic as a volunteer, and she mentor’s women dealing with gynecologic cancer through the Northwestern Univ. Medical Center’s Woman to Woman Program, and the OCRA (Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance) Support Groups, which addresses all types of gynecologic cancer. "I strive to grow older with dignity and self-respect as I live my life with purpose and help others do the same." - Kathleen Haney Connect with Kathy Email [email protected] ---- This episode is supported by Our Sponsor: Women’s Connection is a nonprofit women's group with chapters around the country, connecting vibrant, accomplished women, age 50 and forward, around common interests--empowering each other to thrive, and sticking together as we travel through the stuff of life, no matter what comes our way. womenconnecting.org Age-Wise Collective: Boomer Banter with podcaster Wendy Green. This isn't just another podcast about retirement or getting older. Wendy Green invites you into real conversations about what it means to age with purpose, vitality, and ...[more] https://heyboomer.biz

Only 12% of U.S. adults are metabolically healthy—a sobering statistic Christa Rymal wants to change. With her background in nursing and holistic health, Christa brings both clinical expertise and a whole-person perspective to women’s wellbeing. In this episode, she breaks down what “metabolic health” really means and why it matters as we age. From the science of sleep to the power of protein and muscle strength, Christa translates research into practical steps for everyday life. She also shares how her nonprofit We Care—through the Minnesota Holistic Health Group, wellness retreats, and conferences—supports women and even health professionals in prioritizing their own health. This conversation offers clear, empowering strategies for building resilience, preventing disease, and thriving at every stage of life.Connect with Christa:Email: [email protected] About Us | WeCare ----------Thanks To Our Sponsor, Center for Gerontology, Concordia University Chicago. Tracey Gendron will speak on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, on Ageism Unmasked: Exploring Age Bias and How to End It. Free online event, 12:00 p.m. CT. https://AgeismUnmasked.eventbrite.comFeaturing Age Wise Collective collaborator, podcaster Wendy Green with Boomer Banter This isn't just another podcast about retirement or getting older. Wendy Green invites you into real conversations about what it means to age with purpose, vitality, and ...[more] https://heyboomer.biz

At 85, Anna Rappaport continues to defy expectations of aging. Once uncertain about her relevance, she went on to earn five lifetime achievement awards, including Trailblazers in Actuarial Science. Beyond her groundbreaking work in retirement research and policy, Anna embraces new chapters with creativity and purpose. After decades of balancing career, caregiving, and family, Anna rebuilt her life following her husband’s death, moving to The Admiral at the Lake in Chicago. There she discovered the joys of “families of choice,” balcony gardens, and vibrant community life. Anna is also a passionate urban sketcher—an art form she has practiced since the 1960s—with the goal of one day seeing her work in a museum. She sells her art to benefit charities, advocates for solo agers and people with disabilities, and is writing a book on “how I’m aging well.” Her story is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of pursuing passions no matter the limits. I have to use every minute of every day; I’m not sure how many minutes I have left. - Anna Rappaport Connect with Anna: Email: [email protected] Website: Anna Rappaport Consulting | Strategies for a Secure Retirement ---- Thanks to this episode’s sponsor: PRODUCTION PLUS From custom-printed graphics and scenic designs to event rentals, Production Plus makes any event a visual masterpiece. To truly engage your attendees and make a lasting impact, add a touch of custom flair. Your business meeting, product launch or gala event deserves to be extraordinary. Visit productionplus.com to learn more. Meet This Month’s Podcast CollaboratorWendy Green, host of Boomer Banter, Real Talk About Aging Well. https://heyboomer.biz/podcast/. Women Over 70 is a member of The Age-Wise Collective, comprised of ten women-led podcasts that are redefining the narrative around aging. We empower adults 50+ with authentic stories, expert insights, and inspiring voices.

Jeannine Bryant is expert at helping seniors move. After you have lived in your home for so many years, you accumulate possessions that seem to identify who you are. Losing a partner or spouse certainly changes our lives. Leaving the place that we called home, together, can be very difficult. Jeannine understands every aspect. Through her website, EasyRightsizing.com she provides all the resources, classes and videos you, and other family members, can use to guide you and make you feel she is right there helping you to manage the move. If you are lucky and live in Lincoln, NE, you can hire her team to be there with you every step of the way. On this podcast, Jeannine shares meaningful ideas that change our very approach to getting this monumental event done. Suggestions such as how best to sort, the power of counting, how to deal with sentimental attachments, and setting priorities will right size this daunting task so it no longer feels like you are eating an elephant."Letting go of our possessions does not change our value." - Jeannine Bryant CONNECT WITH JEANNINE:Website: EasyRightsizing.comEmail: [email protected]

"Movement is the thread that weaves Jacqui Neurauter’s life together, even at 80. She believes movement has the power to transform life. Ever curious, her many pursuits often began with a comment, a book, or a conversation among friends. The suggestion of a new approach to movement would spark her curiosity, making her an avid researcher and lifelong student. Yoga led to belly dancing, which in turn led to her exploration of Feng Shui and the harmonious movement of energy, ultimately culminating in her love of the Argentine tango. Her studies and travels—encompassing spirituality, psychology, philosophy, and anthropology—have only deepened her appreciation for the importance of movement. Having experienced muscular pain much of her life, Jacqui was always searching for natural relief. She read a book on Hanna Somatics and developed a personal practice. With such great results, she became trained and certified. She now teaches private clients and group classes. Jacqui’s belief in staying vibrant, alive, and curious leads her to be part of a community with others. And that leads to a satisfying life."I continue to learn as I teach others." - Jacqui NeurauterConnect with Jacqui:Jacqui NeurauterBodyMind Somatics CoachHanna Somatics EducatoriRest® Meditation Facilitator847-359-6391, Cell: 630-656-7737www.HarmoniousPathways.com