Barbara Adolphe crackles with energy. She pulses with passion. She is a very live wire at 76, and she electrifies people wherever she goes. As president of Philadelphia’s Northwest Village Network, Barbara helps folks age in place and do it with grace and gusto.

Helping older people find new sources of joy is also high on her list of priorities. Starting with herself. She recently got a puppy. Barbara says the puppy is helping restore some of the joy she felt as an avid contra-dancer and hiker, two things she’s had to significantly cut back on due to back problems.

In this episode of CK Unmuted, we talk about the benefits of belonging to a supportive community as we age. The inevitable losses are softened. The isolation is minimized. The whittling away of autonomy and independence is more easily managed. Barbara stresses the importance of asking for help when needed. It takes courage, she says, but the people who step forward to help, feel the blessing of serving others. Feeling useful and appreciated are gifts, whatever your age.

I love listening to good podcasts in the car or when I’m knitting. Chose your favorite place to listen to this interview with Barbara. You’ll get inspired and you’ll get some great resources for yourself or those older folks you love.

Thank you, Barbara, for sharing your energy and your wisdom!

~ CK

Resources On Aging:

1. Northwest Village Network, Philadelphia, PA: northwestvillagenetwork.org
2. Next Avenue: News and Information for People Over 50: nextavenue.org
3. Book: Being Mortal by Atul Gawande: https://atulgawande.com/book/being-mortal/
4. Positive Aging Community: https://www.youtube.com/@ProAgingNetwork

To pitch an interview idea, contact Cynthia Kreilick at cynthiakreilick@gmail.com.