Ep 112: On today’s episode of The Retirement Success in Maine Podcast, Ben and Curtis sit down with Coach Andy Wary, founder of Silverback Strength Training, to break down the transformative power of strength training for older adults. Whether it's walking the dog, chasing grandkids, or just getting up and down stairs confidently, retirees want to stay active and independent, and Andy shows us exactly how to make that happen.

Drawing on his personal journey from childhood to playing Division I football and eventually launching his own fitness business, Andy shares how strength training not only preserves mobility and prevents falls but also supports mental toughness and emotional resilience as we age. He explains how tailored, approachable fitness routines can help people of all ages overcome fear, chronic pain, and self-doubt.

Chapters:

Why does strength training matter so much in retirement? [02:52]

How did Andy’s personal story lead him to coaching? [04:10]

What common challenges do older adults face with mobility and strength? [13:00]

How does strength training improve everyday activities? [18:05]

What’s the right way to start if you have pain or past injuries? [22:15]

Is walking enough, or do we need more? [27:13]

Why is strength training important during weight loss? [29:55]

What does “becoming unbreakable” mean for retirees? [35:17]

What does retirement success look like for Andy? [41:20]

Ep 111: Today’s episode is focused on one of the most complex and emotional decisions retirees and their families face: senior care. When the time comes to consider assisted living, home care, or long-term care, families often feel overwhelmed by industry jargon, pricing structures, and the uncertainty of choosing the right path.

Many seniors accept the pricing presented to them by facilities without knowing there’s room for negotiation or better-suited options available. Others struggle to navigate the differences between private pay and Medicaid-funded communities, unaware of how these choices impact their care and financial future.

Our guest today specializes in helping families cut through the confusion and find the best senior care solutions. If you’ve ever wondered when to start planning, how to navigate the system, or what the real differences are between private pay and Medicaid options, stay tuned - this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

Chapters:

Welcome, Kaitlyn Cunningham Morse! [2:45]

What are the key benefits of having a Buyer’s Agent for senior living? [6:30]

What are the differences between private-pay and Medicaid-funded senior care options? [13:44]

How can families plan for care in a way that may allow them to stay in their homes? [20:16]

What steps can be taken today that would help be proactive and avoid last-minute (costly) decisions when it comes to senior care? [30:28]

How will Kaitlyn find her personal Retirement Success? [35:58]

Episode Conclusion. [38:48]

Ep 110: Many retirees are looking for ways to stay mentally engaged, prevent cognitive decline, and find meaningful ways to connect with others, especially during long, isolating winters here in New England. That’s where ​Bridge comes in. Studies have shown that playing Bridge regularly can improve memory, strengthen problem-solving skills, and even reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. But it’s not just about brain health; Bridge is also a social game that fosters friendships and community, whether played in person or online.

Our guest today is a professional Bridge teacher and co-founder of The Bridge Teachers, a company that helps people of all ages, especially beginners, discover the joy of ​Bridge. Whether you’ve never picked up a deck of cards or you’re looking for a new way to challenge your mind, today’s episode will show you why ​Bridge might just be the perfect activity for your retirement.

Chapters:

Welcome, Brian Reynolds! [2:22]

What are the basics of the game? [12:11]

Bridge and aging. How can the game contribute positively to the aging population? [24:04]

What are some digital opportunities for retirees looking to learn and play Bridge? [33:23]

How can Bridge help us grow as people, outside of the game? [37:24]

What’s one piece of advice for someone considering trying Bridge for the first time? [49:05]

What does Retirement Success look like to Brian? [50:28]

Episode Conclusion. [54:10]

Ep 109: Today’s episode dives into a topic that is crucial as we age: how to balance medications, nutrition, and fitness to live healthier and age better. As we grow older, medications often become a regular part of our lives, helping us manage chronic conditions and improve our quality of life. But how do we know we’re using medications effectively—and not relying on them at the expense of healthier habits like nutrition and exercise?

We’re also witnessing a trend of medications being used as shortcuts for weight loss, raising important questions about their long-term sustainability and effectiveness compared to traditional approaches like proper diet and fitness.

Our guest today is uniquely qualified to guide us through this conversation. She’s an expert in pharmacy, nutrition, and fitness, and she’s here to share insights on how we can take control of our health by making smarter choices about the tools we use—whether that’s medications, food, or fitness routines.

So, if you’re looking to strike the right balance and live a longer, healthier life, you’re in for a treat!

Chapters:

Welcome, Amy Wilson! [2:20]

What are some of the most common mistakes made when managing medications in older adults? [10:41]

What are some pros and cons of using common weight loss medications? [17:31]

How can we work with healthcare providers to ensure we’re only taking necessary medications? [24:31]

How will Amy Wilson find her personal Retirement Success? [41:12]

Episode conclusion. [43:20]

Ep 108: Today’s episode explores one of the most significant challenges we face as we age: loneliness. Loneliness doesn’t always stem from being alone; it often comes from feeling unseen or disconnected, even when surrounded by others. This is a topic that many of us struggle with in silence, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Our guest today, Brandon Lee, is no stranger to this conversation. He’s an entrepreneur, coach, and writer whose work focuses on helping people connect more deeply with themselves and others. Through his own experiences and insights, Brandon has developed tools to help us combat loneliness by fostering meaningful, fulfilling relationships.

From finding the courage to share our true selves to learning how to build communities that support us, today’s episode will offer practical tools and strategies to help you feel seen, supported, and connected—no matter where you are in life.

So, if you’re ready to take a step toward overcoming loneliness and creating deeper connections, stay tuned. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

Chapters:

Welcome, Brandon Lee! [2:06]

Why is feeling ‘seen’ so critical for connection? [10:04]

What can retirees do to form deeper connections at this stage of life? [18:24]

What are some ways to take “small risks” as a way to deepen conversations? [24:18]

How can people stay motivated and patient while trying to build their community? [37:30]

What’s one takeaway for overcoming loneliness? [40:33]

How will Brandon find his personal Retirement Success? [43:39]

Episode Conclusion. [46:59]

Ep 107: Today’s episode of The Retirement Success in Maine Podcast touches on a topic that impacts every single one of us but often doesn’t get the attention it deserves: sleep. As retirees seek to live healthier, more fulfilling lives, getting good-quality sleep is often overlooked as a critical key to success in aging well.

In this episode, we’ll explore why improving sleep quality is one of the most powerful ways to boost physical, emotional, and cognitive health in retirement. We’ll uncover how better sleep helps prevent memory decline, manage stress, and even reduce risks for chronic illnesses like heart disease. From identifying common but overlooked sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, to practical strategies for achieving restorative, high-quality sleep, this episode will provide actionable insights for our listeners.

So, if you’re ready to learn how prioritizing sleep can unlock more energy, clearer thinking, and greater vitality in retirement, stay tuned! We’ve got a fantastic expert to guide us through why sleep truly is the key to aging better.

Chapters:

Welcome, Dr. Barry Krakow! [2:55]

What happens to our bodies when we experience bad and broken sleep over time? [11:20]

How can we emphasize quality sleep over quantity of sleep? [19:34]

What are common disruptions that prevent people from achieving critical sleep stages? [35:49]

Where can people start tonight to improve their sleep quality? [42:53]

How will Dr. Barry Krakow find his personal Retirement Success? [45:14]

Episode conclusion. [47:45]

Ep 106: Today’s episode of The Retirement Success in Maine Podcast explores a topic that’s both deeply personal and incredibly powerful: how to design your life with intention. As retirees, you’ve spent decades achieving goals and caring for others. But now, you have the opportunity to reflect on what brings you joy, pride, and meaning—and to ensure that your next chapter aligns with the legacy you want to leave.

We’ll be joined by a Life and Career Coach who specializes in helping individuals clarify their purpose, set meaningful goals, and make the most of every area of life—whether that’s relationships, personal growth, or even rethinking how we approach the end of life. From uncovering the moments you’re most proud of to exploring what you still wish to experience, we’ll discuss how to live a life with no regrets and plenty of intention.

So, if you’re ready to rediscover what fulfillment means to you and craft a life that truly reflects your values and aspirations, stay tuned. This conversation is one you won’t want to miss!

Chapters:

Welcome, Sherri Parks! [2:17]

How can people begin to design their lives with intention? [15:10]

How do people intentionally nurture relationships in their lives while also staying true to their personal goals? [22:52]

What strategies can people use to maintain balance when focusing on the five key areas in life? [32:56]

How will Sherri find her personal Retirement Success? [42:54]

Episode Conclusion. [45:41]

Ep 105: Today’s episode visits the theme of travel and the evolution of travel since our last travel-themed episode. As retirees look to make the most of their newfound freedom, travel becomes an essential way to explore the world and discover new experiences. But as travel trends evolve, how can retirees align their adventures with meaningful goals—whether that's staying active, bonding with family, or prioritizing longevity?

In this episode, we’ll explore the biggest travel trends set to define 2025 and 2026, and how they can help retirees build more enriching, intentional travel experiences. From new ways to combine wellness and longevity with exploration, to small-group, interest-based trips that open doors to deeper connections, these trends offer retirees exciting opportunities to travel in ways that align with their lifestyles and values.

We’ll also dive into how retirees can maximize comfort and efficiency while traveling, from premium services that offer peace of mind to luxury experiences that make the journey itself just as exciting as the destination. Whether you’re dreaming of a personalized luxury cruise, a journey by private train, or traveling with family to create lifelong memories, we’ll cover how to approach these trends thoughtfully and avoid the overwhelm of modern travel logistics.

Chapters:

Welcome, Jess Rhinehart! [2:40]

How have traveler behaviors, preferences, and expectations shifted in recent years? [7:53]

What happened in the Cruise industry since COVID? [16:05]

How is interest-based travel expanding? [18:36]

What are some of the latest technological advancements or tools in the world of travel? [28:44]

How is Jess going to find her Retirement Success? [34:24]

Episode conclusion. [36:26]