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Joyce Feustel earned three degrees: BS in English Education, MS in Health Education  and MA in Health Services Administration. While pregnant with her first child, she was elected to the County Board of Supervisors. After her daughter was born in December 1980, she remained on the county board but resigned from being executive director of a mental health advocacy organization to focus on being a Mom. "I love people Connecting through conversation is the best way to understand how to help." - Joyce Fuestel   The most consistent thing throughout her life is that Joyce Feustel loves to talk. Joyce spent 17-years in sales. She’s become deeply involved with Facebook and LinkedIn and on those sites feels able to use all of her talents. She interacts comfortably with Millennials, Gen Xers and Baby Boomers. Since 2013, she has spent full-time with her business, Boomers’ Social Media Tutor.  Joyce rarely thought about her own aging until recently her knee started bothering her. Oh yes, she also has momentary memory lapses. Other than that she is part Millennial, part Boomer. She loves to work, contribute and be involved.  CONNECT WITH JOYCE: Personal: joycefeustel@comcast.net Business: joyce@boomerssocialmediatutor.com Website: https://boomerssocialmediatutor.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycefeustel-socialmediatrainer/

Kimbeth Judge has been writing her entire life. At age 4 she was already fascinated by adult behavior. Understanding human nature has preoccupied her ever since. Putting words to paper enables her to make sense of what she thinks she sees. Her mother encouraged her to use her imagination, her father to stay level headed. As a result, her books include a certain playful pragmatism. Her first book, Mothers and Others is a compilation of short, amusing life stories. Her novel, the Flipside, a struggle between romance and reality. When Kimbeth became a widow, she realized she had no idea how to be in this life on her own. Quite naturally, she began writing about her experience. While her 3 grieving children and their families were supportive of her, she recognized the need to learn her new widowed type of survival from other widows. She invited several to participate in what became a book project. Some wrote individual chapters that are now integral to Kimbeth’s latest book: Becoming A Widow, An Anthology of Journeys from 2 to 1. It will be launched on Amazon January 28. Imagining what you're going to do next is stabilizing. CONNECT WITH KIMBETH: Website: Email: kimbethjudge@me.com Books: Mothers and Others The Flip Side Becoming a Widow: An Anthology of Journeys from 2 to 1

Dynamic duo, Opal Lee, 96 and her granddaughter, Dione Sims, 54 are relentless in their fight for freedom. Opal’s activism started as a home school counselor in South Fort Worth, TX. Opal believed that “access to information and resources is what helps us do better” and she fought hard for all children to be educated and fed. Opal joined the movement, started by the late Dr. Ronald Meyers in 1999, to influence the United States government to make Juneteenth a national holiday. She had worked since the 70's to make sure Fort Worth celebrated Juneteenth. In 2007, Opal started a local Juneteenth museum.  In 2014, Dione Sims, joined her grandmother in the pursuit of freedom through her nonprofit, Unity Unlimited. She manages the local and national Juneteenth campaigns and Opal’s urban farming project. Dione believes in the power of Juneteenth to bring people together to talk about the real issues facing our country.   On June 17, 2021, Opal Lee saw the fulfillment of one of her dreams. Flanked on all sides by congressional and community leaders, she witnessed President Joe Biden sign the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, the bill that made celebrating freedom from slavery a law.  Opal has received three honorary doctorates. She was named 2021 Texan of the Year by the Dallas Morning News editorial board, the 2021 Unsung Hero of the Pandemic, Fort Worth 2022 Person of the Year and most recently was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. She currently serves as the honorary chair and major fundraiser for the future National Juneteenth Museum.  “Working together is how we get things done. Our differences aren’t made to separate us.” Opal Lee Connect with Opal and Dione: Unity Unlimited: dione.sims@unityunlimited.org

Catherine Johns found her way to an early career in broadcasting. She thought she went to college to become a nurse. There was this guy in her dormitory……how many stories started out that way in the ‘60s? “You have an amazing voice. You should be on the radio”. So she auditioned for the campus radio station and was hired.  She started in smaller markets and ended up in Chicago, anchoring the news at WLS.  Catherine learned from some of the best in the business: Larry Lujack and Fred Winston. By the time the station changed to a talk format, she was hosting her own show. Catherine became very interested in speaking and soon transitioned to become a trainer in communication. She discovered she loved it, but had to overcome being worried about how she looked . She felt challenged by people looking back at her. Years later, Catherine’s expertise is in working with clients to help them gain more confidence when speaking.  The many skills she’s developed throughout her career make her a successful and knowledgeable speaker.  People believe you have to be an extrovert to shine. Introverts can shine, too, with a softer energy. You can be like the sun or be like the moon. - Catherine Johns Email: catherine@catherinejohns.com Author: Show Up & Shine: Simple Steps to Boost your Confidence https://www.amazon.com/Show-Up-Shine-Confidence-Charisma/dp/0989618706/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2SW1LOCSB71FU&keywords=show+up+and+shine&qid=1672848562&sprefix=show+up+and+shine%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-1 Speaker: https://www.catherinejohns.com/book-me-to-speak/

Dr. Susan Weininger, age 78, is professor emerita of art history at Roosevelt University, Chicago, where she was Chair of the Department of History, Art History and Philosophy. She concentrates on art from the first half of the 20 th century, delving deeply into the lives of artists in order to better understand their work. For example, Susan is an expert on the life and art of Gertrude Abercrombie whose work she curated for a museum and published a catalogue and later published a book. Currently she is working on a book of a private collection and is creating a retrospective for artist Don Baum. Susan notes that “not everyone can keep doing what they love doing; I am blessed to keep my mind alert on this track.” As a lifelong educator, Susan connects with younger people as a docent with the Illinois Holocaust Museum. By studying the lives of specific artists I can better understand their art.-Susan Weininger Connect with Susan Weininger: sweining@roosevelt.edu Gertrude Abercrombie, 2018, Gertrude Abercrombie, Susan Weininger — KARMA (karmakarma.org)

Eileen Joyce Donovan has  been a writer throughout her life. It was not until she had been an adult for many years that she began to pursue writing seriously. Until then, she never felt her stories were “good enough”.  It was her late husband who encouraged her to submit them for publication.    At heart, Eileen adores historical research, especially on an idea that captures her imagination. She notes, “You have to be fascinated by the subject to do a good job on it”. This approach allowed her to almost publish her 1st book. She had the contract but the publisher did not bring it to fruition. The affirmation, however, gave her the impetus to keep moving forward.    Eileen believes in joining, or starting your own writers’ groups. They elevate her writing when others read her drafts and offer feedback. And by reading others’ books and reviewing them she continues to hone her craft. She is now a successful author.   Previous books include Promises, winner of the 2019 Marie M Irvine Award for Literary Excellence. It will be reissued in September 2023. And, A Lady Newspaperman's Dilemma, about a young woman, Alex, who more than anything wants to be a journalist for a major metropolitan newspaper. A field dominated by men. Her newest book, The Campbell Sisters, is scheduled for a March 2023 release.     CONNECT WITH EILEEN: Email: Eileen Joyce Donovan7650@gmail.com     Books A Lady Newspaperman's Dilemma https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Newspapermans-Dilemma-Eileen-Donovan/dp/195490715X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=IAYD2UQR62L9&keywords=eileen+joyce+donovan&qid=1672202593&sprefix=Eileen+Joyce+D%2Caps%2C287&sr=8-1 The Campbell Sisters https://www.amazon.com/Campbell-Sisters-Eileen-Joyce-Donovan-ebook/dp/B0BN2DV45Q/ref=sr_1_2?crid=IAYD2UQR62L9&keywords=eileen+joyce+donovan&qid=1672202593&sprefix=Eileen+Joyce+D%2Caps%2C287&sr=8-2

Claudia Cooley: Doing What She Loves Ignited Her Success Claudia Cooley lives in Southern California with her husband of 61 years, one of the many ‘balcony people’ in her life who believed in her ability to make an impact.  Self-taught, forward thinking and willing to put herself in uncomfortable positions, Claudia has grabbed at opportunity her entire life. She believes we are here to make a difference in the world. As a certified wellness coach she knows it’s important to live life in balance. And age is not stopping her. Claudia says she still has a lot to contribute. Her 4 books, image consulting practice  and ‘stay at home beaver mom attitude’ prove she’s not leaving this train ride anytime soon. When opportunity comes your way, say YES, lean in and grab it. CONNECT WITH CLAUDIA: Email: toignitehealth@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com › claudia-cooley-85719323 Books: Ignite for Success Rev up for Success Ignite for Success Ignite Your Health

Sonia Ancoli-Israel, Ph.D. is a Professor Emeritus and Professor of Research in the Department of Psychiatry and the Center of Circadian Biology at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine. Her expertise is in the field of sleep disorders and circadian rhythms. She has sound advice for aging adults who experience a wide variety of sleep patterns.   Dr. Ancoli-Israel is emphatic that health plays an important role in how well we sleep. You might also enjoy Sonia’s travels. Links below.  CONNECT WITH SONIA: Email: sonia.israel@gmail.com To follow Sonia’s travels and see her photos go to: www.journeyswithsonia.com Instagram: journeyswithsonia

Sara Zeff Geber, PhD, considers the years beyond 65 as the ‘bonus years.’ As a nationally recognized leader in planning for aging and retirement, in 2013 Sara began pursuing solo aging with a passion. The baby boomers--some 15 million--who do not have children and/or are single, Sara says, “are living without a safety net and a script for their future.” Sara offers guidance and hope in her 2018 book, Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers: A retirement and aging roadmap for single and childless adults.” She addresses key topics such as preparing for the future, enjoying life, investigating where to live, and planning for end-of-life choices. Sara advises that we face the realities of aging and explore all the options as we prepare to live our ‘bonus years’ to the fullest. Connect with Sara: Email: sara@lifeencore.com Website:  https://sarazeffgeber.com/ Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers is available on Amazon.

Nora Natof, age 87, now resides in Oak Park, IL, the village that is home to the studio of her grandfather, Frank Lloyd Wright, and many of the homes he designed. The summers Nora spent at Talieslin, her grandfather’s ‘almost’ sustainable community in Wisconsin, influenced her strong advocacy for the environment, the arts, education, and civil rights. Nora highlights her years lobbying against nuclear power plants and co-founding a Montessori school as causes most directly affecting her life. Work enabled Nora to cope with devastating losses through the deaths of family members and divorce after 30 years of marriage.  “My nature,” say Nora, “is to keep moving forward. I always feel I can do it.” At age 77, Nora retired from geriatric nursing, a profession which has fed her passion for end-of-life options and planning. Two themes are threaded throughout Nora’s “good, full life”: living in community and nurturing deep spiritual beliefs.  I have a very strong belief that you must give back to the society you live in. -Nora Natof Connect with Nora: Nnatof64@verizon.net

As a marriage and family therapist in private practice for more than 4 decades, Sally Strosahl (LCPC) has heard countless stories from couples about distresses in their relationship as they move into retirement and get older. She felt called to write Loving Your Marriage in Retirement: Keep the Music Playing (2018). Sally offers an authentic and reassuring voice for couples who face a myriad of changes during this critical phase in their long-term relationship.   Connect with Sally sally@sallystrosahl.com Strosahl, S. (2018). Loving Your Marriage in Retirement: Keep the Music Playing. In the Round Publishing.

Dr. Janice Hooker-Fortman, relationship coach, is a former Chicago Public School educator, motivational speaker, and producer and host of “The Mother/Daughter Relationship Show. and Relationship Matters tv. She is an award-winning author, relationship communication coach, a 50+ model, and was crowned Ms. Senior Illinois America 2022.  Dr. Jan believes that communication is the foundation for all relationships, both personal and professional.  Her mission is to improve the quality of relationships between adult daughters and their mothers through the use of effective communication.  She was selected as the female entrepreneur to watch by Woman Entrepreneur Magazine and is on the cover of the February 2022 issue of Courageous Woman Magazine. Her articles appear in Global Achievers Magazine and Woman Entrepreneur Magazine. She was also recognized by Age Options for her outstanding volunteer service to older adults.  “My relationship with my mother was difficult - I learned to listen in a way that was helpful.” - Dr. Janice Hooker-Fortman Connect with Jan:   Email: Jan4now125@gmail.com and Relationshipmatterstv@gmail.com  Office: 1-887-667-7325 Text: 773-443-2058 Podcast: https://www.facebook.com/RelationshipMattersTVShow Podcast: https://winwinwomen.tv/show/the-mother-daughter-relationship-show Book: "The Secrets To How Not To Throw Mama From The Train" Hardback and Ebook available on Amazon.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RelationshipMattersTVShow https://e360tv.com/ https://www.jd3tv.com/ Producer/Host, The Mother/Daughter Relationship Show https://winwinwomen.tv/show/the-mother-daughter-relationship-show Website: www.drjanicespeaks.com

Alice Matzkin is an internationally known artist whose works fearlessly depict women aging. Alice has 2 paintings in the National Portrait Gallery of the Smithsonian and has appeared on Oprah. Her  portrait of Chelsea hung in the White House during the Clinton administration, and she is recognized in Marquis Who's Who of American Art.  She, and her husband, Richard, a sculptor and award winning author, share a precious  love that provides a powerful foundation for their art. Together they authored THE ART OF AGING:Celebrating the Authentic Aging Self where they explore the experience of aging through their paintings, sculptures and writings.  " Every age has its own beauty inside and out. Our body is our vehicle of transportation, abode to our senses , and home to our mind and spirit. We are ageless beings and a true miracle of the universe.  Young or old, we have the ability to create beauty and contribute to the world" - Alice Matzkin Connect with Alice: Email: thematzkins@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorsartistsandlovers  Book: THE ART OF AGING: Celebrating the Authentic Aging Self  (available at Amazon.com) Website and blog:  thematzkins.com

In her third career, Sally Duplantier, gerontologist and healthspan educator, founded her mission-driven company, Zing, to help older adults live as long as possible without chronic disease and disability. Through Zing, Sally offers Wellness Wednesdays, free educational webinars featuring experts on relevant topics. She is guest faculty with the Be Well program at Stanford University. Sally has added a research component to her mission--to increase diversity in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s patients. Connect with Sally: Email: sally@myzinglife.com Website: https://myzinglife.com/

Annie Korzen’s career dreams finally came true in her 80’s. At age 83, she is a TikTok sensation with young fans who love her wit and wisdom about living life as an older woman. Annie brings her talents as an actress, writer, storyteller, and teacher to TikTok and other performance venues as she speaks about life’s serious moments. She also takes on ageism for underestimating and underappreciating what older women have to offer. For the first time in her life, Annie is being told that she is beautiful, and she wears her age as a badge of honor. Some people are overnight successes, and some people, like me, just have to keep doing it wrong until they get it right. Now I’m in my third act. -Annie Korzen Connect with Annie Korzen Website: www.AnnieKorzen.com Email: annykorzy@gmail.com www.TheMoth.org https://www.tiktok.com/discover/Annie-Korzen?lang=en

As a queer, biracial woman, Jacqueline Boyd, BA, BS, CGCM,  has advocated for her community by offering services that address specific care needs. She is especially interested in how to provide people with continuing care in their homes. Her company, The-Care-Plan, guides anyone over age 18 to plan and coordinate care needs. Jacqueline’s cool and service-oriented demeanor shows in everything she says. When she talks about quality of life it is evident that it comes from a place deep within her heart. She asks, “What is the role of comfort in care? In only 30 minutes, you will walk away with a wealth of information. Connect with Jacqueline: Email: jacqueline@the-care-plan.com Website: https://the-care-plan.com Office: 877-6WE-PLAN

Mary Isabel Azrael, age 78, from Baltimore MD, is a poet, editor, and teacher. She is the author of four books of poems, and in her 60s, wrote the libretto for an opera, Lost Childhood, which has been performed in Los Angeles, New York, and Tel Aviv Israel. Mary Isabel is publisher and co-editor of Passager Books and Passager, a national literary journal featuring the work of writers aged 50 and older.  When Mary Isabel’s husband left after 40 years of marriage, a collection of poems written during the following years resulted in a book, The House No House (2017). Mary Isabel collaborates on artistic projects with her life partner of 10+ years, John P. Wise, an abstract artist and designer.  Ageism still exists in the arts. More than ever, we need the voices of older writers whose life experience offers much that's essential to our survival. - Mary Isabel Azrael Connect with Mary Isabel: Email mpazrael@aol.com https://www.passagerbooks.com https://www.dogbonearts.com

Bett Martinez has experienced more death-defying accidents than most in her lifetime. An auto accident at 33, and again, later in life caused 2 serious head injuries, badly smashed broken legs and ongoing auto-immune issues. But Bett, who began to advocate for others early on, only dug in harder to find the answers that would help her walk again and manage the pain.  Bett’s advocacy has taken many paths. She believes our society would do best if children of different ethnicities could learn to co-exist. Thus began years of working to bring Jewish and Arab children together. As a veteran health care insurance agent, specializing in Medicare and long-term care protection, her interest in preparing for death has grown as she ages. She would like it if it were a  requirement for all people to create a thumb drive video that expresses their end of life wishes. She asks: “If you knew the date of your death, what actions would you take?” Staying up to date and helping others keeps my brain straight – straight as can be given my age and complex health history. - Bett martinez Research has led her to adopt Qig ong, Tai Chi, acupuncture and herbs as a way to maintain her own hard won fitness. And now, she is turning her attention to advocating for relief for Alzheimer patients. Bett finds answers through her unique combination of perseverance, research and purpose.  Connect with Bett: Email: well-being@pacbell.net Website: http://possiblesociety.org/programs.html  Bett’s website: bettmartinez.com Soaking Retreat: Therma Qi-2024 at Palma Hot Springs, Ikaria Islands, south of Greece. Contact Bett directly for information https://www.visitikaria.gr/en/useful/news/ikaria-has-the-secret-of-longevity#.Yzsdu3bMKUk  Author: We’ll Face That When We Have To…P.S. It’s Later Than You Think! The Case for Long Term Care Protection http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UCGCXMK    

As a young adult, Joby Kennedy became fascinated with how different people cope with trauma. This led her into a clinical psychology career during which she worked with adults, some families and school children. She refers to herself as a generalist, serving in many settings with a wide variety of clients. 8 years ago, Joby retired. She thought music might be her way forward until she inadvertently set her childhood accordion on fire. Joby believes (as did Jung) that “synchronicity is a meaningful experience”. Still she craved music and soon was invited to sing in a local chorus. “I get busy, then there’s a lull. I wonder what will happen next? Something always presents itself to me. If not, I will go and find it.” - Josephine "Joby" Kennedy It is painting, however, that has her heart singing. She is currently working on a presentation entitled “One Heart, Many Paths”. Combining music and her own art, she inspires engagement by asking people to share the paths of their hearts. And, she loves to dance. CONNECT:  Email: docjoby@aol.com Fine Art America: Josephine Joby Kennedy@FineArtAmerica

Originally from the West Indies, Cynthia Barnett, Ph.D., from Norwalk CT, retired at age 59 to pursue the question--Why Are There So Few Women in the Sciences? Cynthia became CEO and founder of a non-profit program--Amazing Girls Science-- whose goal is to ignite the spark in girls for STEAM (science, technology, art, engineering and math). As a STEAM champion, Cynthia won the Inaugural AARP Purpose Award and the Community Innovation and Leadership Award for the Connecticut Technology Council. At age 79, Dr. Barnett says she “leads a vibrant, purpose-driven life” with many new initiatives underway, including intergenerational programs and robotics. She lives her life as a “thank you.” We need to catch girls at a young age to bring them into the sciences. - Cynthia Barnett PhD Connect with Cynthia website: www.amazinggirlsscience.com Email: drcynthiabarnett@gmail.com