Thriving While Aching

In this episode, we explore a unique facet of caregiving as Alyssa, a young woman passionate about hiking, unexpectedly forges a deep bond with an older woman (lovingly known as “new grandma”) who she met while walking her service dog Kernel. This chance encounter grows into a meaningful companionship enriched by shared walks, a mutual love for dogs and nature, and emotional support.

Together, they navigate through the obstacles of...

In this episode, we dive into the unique story of Aisha, a young Black woman who stepped into the role of caregiver when her mother was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia. Facing the dual challenges of her youth and a lack of caregiving resources tailored for her cultural background, Aisha's journey is one of remarkable resilience and innovation.

Aisha shares her personal struggles and triumphs, detailing how she navigated unch...

In this touching episode, join Olivia as she navigates the intricacies of caring for her father, who is battling lung cancer. Despite her own struggles with chronic migraine, Olivia finds unique ways to bring joy and empowerment to her father's life. From daily texts to engaging conversations in her father's native language, Tagalog, each interaction helps build a beautiful relationship of care and connection.

This episode highligh...

In this episode of Thriving While Aching, we meet Marilyn, who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with her husband, Joel, who has arthritis and was first introduced in Season 1. This season focuses on how caregivers and care partners can help their loved ones thrive as they age. Marilyn shares how she keeps Joel and herself mentally and physically active.

She teaches us that, with some adjustments, you and your loved one can continue t...

When you’re in pain, it can be harder to find joy in life. In this episode, we meet Paula Golladay, a double amputee who is a competitive runner and part of a supportive community. Her superpower: She uses humor as a way to appreciate life: “I can walk on hot coals, you can't,” says Paula, laughing. “I can walk on glass, you can't. My socks never ever, ever smell. I can wear one pair of socks for an entire year.”

Some highlights in...

When your identity is tied to how much you live life, being forced to limit exciting activities as you age can cause you to readjust. In this episode, we meet Joel Bown, who put worthy miles on his joints through rock climbing and skiing, but who today has found other ways to re-engage, be active, and thrive.

“The key is to do what you like, as long as you can,” says Joel. “Do activities that other people are doing and befriend the...

For people living in pain, it could be difficult to find purpose and positivity in life. In this episode, we meet Beverly Rogers, a woman who grew up during the civil rights movement, was diagnosed with breast cancer, and who has used her experience to advocate for health care.

“When my mother got sick, when my child was diagnosed with diabetes, when my husband got Alzheimer's, there were pieces that I could grab from my history, f...

As we get older, our bodies become havens for pain. But there are steps we can all take to keep thriving. In this episode, we meet Orvie Prewitt who was met initially with painful challenges as she aged, but has been able to find ways to manage her pain, lead an active life, and along the way came up with tips for all of us to thrive.

"I don't want to sit and watch life go by. I want to become part of life," says Orvie.

As ...