Bill Saltzer lives in Maine and the rest of his family is scattered around the country. Seeing each other in person was already difficult. but because of COVID-19, it’s now an impossibility. His son tells about the challenges of trying to stay connected.
When World War II ended, Alma Thomas was living and working in New York City. While she didn’t witness the iconic picture of the sailor kissing the girl in Times Square, she says everyone was celebrating and hugging each other. She moved from New York to Maine and later traveled around the world with her late husband. Now Alma is 96 and back in Maine with lots of stories to share with us.
Maine has one of the highest percentages of veterans in the nation. Many who are over 65 are living alone or with aging spouses and feel isolated from the community. Vet to Vet Maine matches volunteers who are themselves veterans with veterans who are experiencing loneliness and isolation. It makes a huge difference.
A poem called “The Crabby Old Man” has made the rounds for years. It turns out the story behind the poem is not accurate, but it still contains a useful message. He may seem crabby, but the man is simply feeling lonely, isolated, invisible, and depressed.
Have you ever heard of the Code Girls? They were part of a top-secret mission that helped end World War II. You’re about to meet one: Leona Chasse, now 95 and living in Cornish, Maine. Listen to our conversation. You’ll be glad you did.
Conversations About Aging is a podcast about …. aging. I am traveling the state of Maine talking to people 60+ about their perspectives on growing older. Leona, who is 92, lives in the largest city — Portland. There’s plenty to do there but one major challenge makes it difficult for her to get around. It’s not her age.
Conversations About Aging is an exciting new Catching Health podcast series. This first episode explains the why behind the series and includes an interview with the man who inspired me to embark on this adventure. Let’s get the conversation started!
