Camp Codger

In The Club episode of The Prostate Paper, Gary discovers new friends with a shared experience dealing with prostate cancer. Gary Ebersole here, back with another chapter of The Prostate Papers. When I closed the last episode, I said I’d discuss the challenges of choosing the optimal diagnostic path. I had recorded and edited the episode and was about to publish it. It was at that point I decided I was feeling drained after my intense research on prostate cancer. At the same time, I was dealing with my challenges in trying to gain access to the medical system. I have a good Medicare Advantage PPO plan, yet two of the top cancer centers in the country (I’ll name names—MD Anderson and the Mayo Clinic) refused to take my insurance, which would require me to go out of network and pay out-of-pocket for charges not covered by my plan. To add to my frustration, I discovered my geographic location had a significant impact on my choices for diagnosing and treating prostate cancer. So, I went looking for something positive from this prostate cancer experience and didn’t have to go far. I have been overwhelmed by how open men who are dealing with prostate cancer have been. Under normal circumstances, you wouldn’t expect guys to talk openly and candidly about sexual dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and even bowel problems. When all is well, we may joke about these topics but don’t talk seriously about them. That all changes when a man receives a prostate cancer diagnosis and mentions it to someone else who is dealing with the same thing. The sharing begins. My Club It's a club with a singular and obvious membership requirement—being treated for prostate cancer. Some men may be among the lucky who are diagnosed with indolent, slow-growing cancer and avoid treatment for now. However, even with active surveillance as the treatment, you’re still in the club. It’s a lifetime membership. As a result of this podcast series, my Camp Codger chapter of the club already had a couple of members. The first guys in, Ron and Jimmy, were incredibly open about sharing what they had learned during their diagnosis and treatment. Several other guys among friends, acquaintances, and family had listened to the first Podcast Papers episode and surprised me by welcoming me to their club. Thanks to Kevin, Jack, Mike, Dan, and Owen for reaching out. It’s not a club I was interested in joining, but it has a great roster of members. We had some terrific conversations and email exchanges. I also had the good fortune to meet Robert and Charlie through introductions from my friends Stewart and Peter. And Doug, a visitor to our Airbnb guest house, was a surprise club member. Over a glass of wine one afternoon, Doug mentioned that he had prostate cancer, which triggered an extended discussion about what I could expect. Community Matters I’ve really discovered the importance of community. The dialogues have been heartwarming and, at times, intense as we discussed the challenges of dealing with prostate cancer and its diagnosis and treatment. Talking about it makes a difference. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the members of my club. I am forever grateful for your support and friendship. If you’re joining the prostate cancer club, my advice is to be open to talking with other guys. The first conversations may be a little awkward, but you’ll learn a lot, and you may make some new friends. I’m not typically a joiner, but in this case, I stepped out of my usual pattern. I’m really glad I did. Btw, ask your urologist to point you to local prostate cancer support groups. For some men, it’s an excellent way to connect with this community. We get back on track with the next chapter of The Prostate Papers when I return to the topic of the biopsy dilemma.

In this episode, Gary enters the prostate cancer maze when his PSA test results increase rapidly. This is Gary Ebersole. I’m back with another chapter of The Prostate Papers. In this episode, we get serious about all the decision points and choices that men must make in their journey through the “prostate zone.” As always, I remind the listener or reader that I’m not a doctor. I’m merely trying to provide a guide that might help you better understand what’s on the path ahead. These are my experiences and may not reflect your situation. A Maze of Chutes and Belts To illustrate The Prostate Papers journey, I’ll introduce a metaphor I use to describe my travels through the prostate zone to visualize what it feels like to be on this trip. I sometimes think of myself as a package going through a maze of conveyor belts and chutes in a UPS sorting facility. As you ride along, you’re confronted with a sequence of decisions, often with several options and various outcomes. Depending on your decision at any given point, a gate closes, and you are sent down a chute onto a different belt. As much as you would like to return to the beginning of your trip and find a more pleasant adventure than dealing with prostate cancer, the belt only moves forward, and the ride continues. Let’s start with the first decision most men think they must make—should I have my PSA levels tested yearly? In truth, your first decision is often whether to submit to a digital rectal exam (or DRE) by your primary care physician during your annual physical exam. Unfortunately, the evidence supporting using a DRE to identify early-stage cancers isn’t great. If the DRE is part of your yearly exam, welcome to the prostate cancer maze and hop onto the “watchful waiting” conveyor belt. Another, possibly even earlier, access point to this conveyor belt is when patients report lower urinary tract symptoms to their doctor. Google “prostate cancer lower urinary tract symptoms” to get the long list of symptoms. You can expect a DRE and a baseline PSA test if you report any of these symptoms. You’re also on the “watchful waiting” conveyor belt. PSA: To Test or Not Back to PSA testing, which is a stronger indicator of possible prostate cancer than either the DRE alone or patients reporting lower urinary tract symptoms. Confusing for both patients and doctors, there is no consensus on prostate cancer screening guidelines. The American Cancer Society, the American Urological Association, the United States Preventive Services Task Force, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network all have different (sometimes contrary) recommended guidelines. For instance, the USPSTF, a government-funded nonprofit organization, recommends against PSA testing for men over 70 (I’m 75). The ACS is more nuanced and recommends continued annual screening if baseline test results reach a certain threshold. The other groups are similar. There are very good reasons for this ambiguity. The risk of overdiagnosis (and overtreatment) for prostate cancer is high. Nobody wants the prostate cancer treatment side effects if they don’t have cancer. By the same token, nobody wants an aggressive cancer to go undetected. It’s a conundrum. My Trip Into the Maze As I mentioned in the first chapter of The Prostate Paper, I entered the maze voluntarily (no symptoms) and jumped onto the “active surveillance” conveyor belt four years ago at age 71. My decision was based on several factors. First, I always believe it’s better to have information on which to base rational decision-making. Ignorance is not bliss for me when it comes to my health. Second, I have always been an active participant in my healthca

In this episode of The Prostate Paper, Gary comes out of the prostate cancer information rabbit hole and takes stock of what he has learned. Gary Ebersole again. I’m back with another report on my journey into the “prostate zone.” As I mentioned in the previous episode, I’m not a medical professional, and I’m not giving medical advice. My objective with these podcast episodes is to share the experience and knowledge I have gained with our listeners. Make your decisions based on your research and the advice of your medical team. Out of the Rabbit Hole In this episode, I’ll take a break from my nonstop research and take stock of what I’ve learned. First, a personal sidebar. My journey began eight weeks ago when my second PSA test results in two months were posted to my medical portal. Damn, that was my first thought. Another big jump in two months (20%) after the 33% increase over the previous year. Not good. I had just entered the prostate zone. For me, that didn’t mean rushing to my urologist and demanding immediate treatment. I wanted more information. He ordered an MRI scan, and the intervening three weeks gave me plenty of time to understand my situation better. My research became the catalyst for The Prostate Papers. Prostate cancer was more complex than I had thought, and perhaps what I learned over dozens of hours of online research could offer some guidance to other men entering the zone. So, here we are, eight weeks later, and I still haven’t had a prostate biopsy. What, you may say? No biopsy yet? Perhaps the best virtual advice I received during my research was listening to a YouTube video featuring Dr. Mark Scholz, a well-known medical oncologist in Los Angeles. He’s specialized in managing prostate cancer (not treating) for the past 30 years. You Have Time In this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aotF2SPzCmU), Dr. Scholz tells patients to “Go slow…do your research…talk to a lot of people …give yourself time to process the complexity of the situation”. The essence of his advice is simple—you have time. Yes, you have cancer—the big ‘C’—and that creates an incredible sense of urgency. Your first response is, “I want it out, and I want out now.” But stop, take a deep breath, do your research as Dr. Scholz says, and talk to your doctor. You’ll discover two important things. First, some forms of prostate cancer are what is called “indolent” and grow very slowly. Second, even if your cancer is considered high-grade or aggressive, it still grows slowly compared to many other cancers. You certainly have a few weeks, even longer, before committing to a diagnostic and treatment pathway. Google the phrase “How quickly does prostate cancer spread?”. You’ll find many credible sources that support the premise you have time to understand your disease and your choices. Whatever you do, don’t choose to do nothing. That would be stupid. You wouldn’t be at this point if there weren’t some solid prostate cancer signals. Listen to what these signals tell you, and if your doctor recommends active surveillance, follow their advice for regular PSA testing and, in some cases, routine MRI testing. You are in the prostate zone. Deal with it. Back to my biopsy status. I’m glad I took the time to research prostate biopsies. No, a prostate biopsy is just any old biopsy. There are several approaches that I plan to explore more deeply in the next episode when I take listeners into the prostate cancer maze. I’ll explain what I discovered and how it impacted my biopsy path. The Buck Stops with You In addition to the

In this episode of The Prostate Papers, Gary goes way down the prostate cancer information rabbit hole. Welcome back to one man’s trip into the dreaded “prostate zone.” Before I start, let me remind listeners that I am NOT—repeat—NOT a doctor. I’m just a reasonably well-informed patient, and I’m sharing what I have learned in the hope that other folks entering the “prostate zone” might find it useful. Do NOT treat anything I say as medical advice. Too Much Information? I closed the first episode with a simple question—is there just too much online information on prostate cancer for a reasonable person to discover and process? The classic answer—and my response—is “It depends.” For almost all of us, at the outset of our research, the amount of information can seem overwhelming. Just getting started can be a challenge. Googling “prostate cancer” gives over 412 million results. But is it too much? For many men, a fair answer is “yes”. TMI. Too much information. That’s what highly skilled, experienced doctors are for. A good doctor can guide you down this path to a successful outcome. You don’t need to enroll in the Google School of Medicine to be a good patient. Other folks eagerly head down the prostate cancer “rabbit hole.” There can never be too much information. One more query to post, one more paper to read. I’m one of them. When we “data hounds” go into our doctor’s office, we’re ready for a serious discussion, not a lecture. In my case, after a follow-up PSA test came back showing yet another significant bump in my score, my urologist recommended we proceed with diagnostic testing, beginning with an MRI scan. In the three weeks before the test, I went down the prostate cancer information rabbit hole. Way down the rabbit hole. I spent dozens of hours clicking through long lists of Google search results. No surprise, there’s almost an endless supply of information scrolling across your screen. Equally unsurprising, the quality is all over the board. You can understand why doctors seldom look forward to seeing patients who have consulted with Dr. Google. Some may come in with a preconceived notion of their diagnosis and even have a treatment plan. If you choose to arm yourself with information available online, let me offer some advice. First, hone your search skills. The value of the returned results depends on composing good queries and comprehending and filtering the flood of information. As you drill down, your queries should be using more specific keywords. Second, select your data sources carefully. As we all know, information on the web can range from gold to garbage. I’ll drill down on the sources in a moment. Third, check the dates of the published information. Prostate cancer diagnostic tools and treatments have made significant progress in the last ten years. There is decent quality information that is a decade old, but try to focus on research and reports from the last five years. The Prostate Papers Goes Nerdy So, what online data sources do I think are good? Even though it’s far more challenging to process scientific research reports, they can offer some of the highest-quality data. In this project, PubMed Central from the National Institute of Health became my new best friend, but I wish I had paid more attention during my stats class in college. Processing medical research reports demands a basic understanding of statistics. And having enough information to understand the research context, its language, and its relevance is essential. It’s not always easy. That said, I read them anyway. For most people, the best resources are medical information websites curated by large clinical and re

In the first episode of The Prostate Papers, Gary explains how accelerating PSA scores sent him into the "prostate zone" and off for an MRI. Welcome to The Prostate Papers, one man’s trip into the dreaded “prostate zone.” You might reasonably ask, “Whoa! Where did this ‘prostate papers’ conversation come from?” And you might also ask why I’m turning my very personal story into a public dialogue. I’ll address the second question in the next episode when I discuss the prostate cancer information overload challenge. For the first question, a little backstory to get started. To PSA Test or Not I’m like most guys in my mid-70s age group and am keenly aware of prostate cancer. I have several friends and family who have been treated for prostate cancer. It would be surprising at this point in my life not to have friends and family who have been treated for it. Like many of my peers, I have been on and off the PSA testing regimen. Over a dozen years ago, at the recommendation of my then-primary care doctor, I stopped taking PSA tests. From what I had read at that time, it made sense. Over-diagnosis with what were less accurate tools 15 years ago often led to over-treatment. My doc used the old medical cliché that, at my age, I probably already had very slow-growing prostate cancer and would be more likely to die from some other affliction. Watchful waiting (or active surveillance) was the order of the day. That worked for me until 2020 when my new primary care doctor suggested we start PSA testing again. That seemed reasonable if we agreed to be wary of the over-diagnosis/over-treatment trap. All went well until earlier this year when my PSA scores started climbing. No panic. Watchful waiting, right? After all, PSA test results can be volatile and often reflect non-cancerous issues with the prostate, right? Well, after another test and another bump up in the PSA score, it appeared it was time for me to enter the PSA cancer maze. And it is a maze. Into the Prostate Zone A couple hundred thousand men in the U.S. enter the prostate zone every year through the same door I used—rising PSA scores. It’s not the best indicator, as doctors repeatedly remind you, but it is a signal that can’t be ignored. I’m still early in the diagnostic process as I prepare this episode. I haven’t even had a prostate biopsy yet. Rising PSA scores could be BPH-related, it might signify asymptomatic prostatitis, or it could be cancer. It’s just too soon to tell. I should note that I’m playing a dual role in this podcast series on The Prostate Papers. On the one hand, I want to be a dispassionate, helpful observer who finds researching and comprehending this subject compelling. I tend to define myself by my projects, and this is my latest project. Of course, on the other hand, I’m also the patient. What I’ll discover through my research and clinical experience will directly impact my life. As you listen to these episodes, you’ll hear these distinct voices. The observer will share what I am learning with listeners who might be traveling the same path. The patient might be a bit more pensive and introspective. This series is not intended to be another “my-cancer” story. Well, I suppose it is, but I’m not looking for sympathy. If I do have prostate cancer, I fully expect to survive. At this stage of my diagnostic testing, the odds are very much in my favor. It’s a story about navigating this unique cancer and the medical-industrial complex in which it operates. I hope to explain the diagnostic and treatment process that makes prostate cancer so challenging for patients. The Prostate Papers: First

The Land of the Very Old is growing closer for Gary but he's not at the border yet! He filed the following report about an article he recommends about traveling to that not-too-distant land. A couple of months ago, a friend sent me a link to an article titled In the Land of the Very Old (https://sundaylongread.com/2024/01/23/in-the-land-of-the-very-old/). My first thought was—huh? What does this have to do with me? I’m not “very old”, just "old". At the time, Bee and I were on our infamous road trip to Florida, so I put it aside for reading later. I finally picked it up again a few weeks ago and discovered a great story. In this article, the author, 90-year-old Sam Toperoff, looks back on his journey from the “Old Country” (where I still reside) to the “Land of the Very Old”. It's a sprawling piece that touches on many aspects of aging. Toperoff opens the narrative by describing a scene he is watching while waiting for his 84-year-old wife. He observes a steady flow of older people slowly and carefully descending a flight of stairs outside a doctor’s office. He has an epiphany—he realizes he’s in the Land of the Very Old. In this article, the author takes us through aspects of his aging journey. At one point, he touches on the idea of a newspaper-like “corrections column” for your life. I was quite taken by the idea of looking back on your life and identifying “corrections”. It's much better than wallowing in regrets which can seldom be resolved. In the last year or so, I have found myself looking back occasionally trying to understand why I made certain decisions or the way I behaved in some situations. I’m almost always able to let any regrets go, but I do find the mere act of exploring gives me some insights into my current behavior. And guess what? I’ve discovered old dogs can learn new tricks and I’m embracing my “corrections”. The Land of the Very Old is Approaching More than anything else, this article was a reminder that, like it or not, I’m approaching the border of the Land of the Very Old. I haven’t reached it yet, but the “diminishing” that Toperoff describes as a sign of passage into this new land is more noticeable than just a few years ago. I’m resisting the diminishing, but I can’t stop it. “In the Land of the Very Old” is a long read but, in my opinion, worth the time and effort. If you’re still in the land of the middle-aged or younger, it may not resonate at all. For those of us living in the “old country”, on the border of the Land of the Very Old, the article strikes a chord. I encourage you to read Toperoff’s closing paragraphs because it does give the “old” reader hope that residing in the land of the “very old” can be a good thing. It surely beats the alternative. By the way, the striking image tied to this article was taken from Sam's house in the French Alps. The story about how three generations of his family decided to move from the U.S. to France when he was 80 years old adds a nice dimension to his story. Sam Toperoff in the Land of the Very Old (Photo by Sam Toperoff) Three Generations of the Toperoff Family (Photo by Sam Toperoff) Connect with Us Would you like to know when the co-hosts of Camp Codger get together to talk about a new topic? Subscribe to our weekly Camp Codger newsletter to receive an email not

Camp Codger 2.0 has arrived in your podcast feed! Surprised to be hearing from us again? After all, didn’t we say goodbye a few weeks ago? Are the codgers back in the game? The short answer is “maybe”. This is an experiment and may end up being a very short comeback tour. When we decided to wrap up the Camp Codger podcast, Gary Ebersole had convinced himself that he was ready to move on. However, to be honest, a lot of his retirement identity was wrapped up in Camp Codger. In our circle of friends, we were the old guys who did the podcast for seniors. Most folks thought that was pretty cool. So did we. But, after much pondering as well as consulting with his fellow codgers, Gary decided to relaunch what he is calling Camp Codger 2.0. This version of Camp Codger will be different in several ways. First, the codger participation will be different. Randy has moved into the role of Codger Emeritus, perhaps appearing in a short episode on occasion. Richard wants to take on a less active role not driven by the demanding weekly publishing schedule we followed for seventeen months with Camp Codger 1.0. Gary completely agrees with that sentiment. In the new Camp Codger, episodes will be published pretty much when we jolly well feel like it. Frequently enough to stay engaged with our listeners, but not so often that doing Camp Codger feels like a job. After all, we are retired, right? With Randy retired and Richard’s participation reduced, that leaves Gary, the Chief Codger, responsible for most of the content we will be producing for Camp Codger 2.0. Richard may contribute the occasional, short solo episode on a topic that strikes his fancy, or he and Gary might engage in a conversation on a topic that grabs their attention. Camp Codger 2.0 Topics We’re leaving the topics wide open at this point. What you can expect is that we will continue to focus on topics that are relevant to our fellow Baby Boomers. And we may frequently touch on more controversial subjects. If you don’t agree with our opinions in an episode that we publish, we’re counting on you to tell us where we went wrong or, just maybe, let us know when we hit the mark and tell your friends about the new Camp Codger 2.0. As a rule, you can expect these episodes to be shorter, ideally under ten minutes. Don’t be surprised if some are just a few minutes long. After all, nobody really wants to listen to an old codger drone on endlessly, even if he speaks in the most dulcet of tones. You can think of what we will be publishing for Camp Codger 2.0 as opinion pieces delivered as Goldilocks-style audio essays—not too long, not too short, just the right length for the topic at hand. Finally, our audience expectations for Camp Codger 2.0 are now far more realistic. Our main motivations for bringing back Camp Codger are personal. We enjoy the creative process of producing episodes and think we have something to share with our listeners. Even if we only have a small audience that appreciates what we have to say, life is still good! Connect with Us Would you like to know when the codgers have something new to say? Subscribe to our weekly Camp Codger newsletter to receive an email notification each time we publish a new episode. You can also subscribe and listen on your favorite podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode about the return of the codgers, please click the Share button below and Like Camp Codger on our Facebook Page. Finally, have some feedback for the old codgers?

It's been a good run, but, with a heavy heart, it's time for the old codgers to say goodbye. We hope you enjoyed listening to Camp Codger as much as we did creating and publishing these last 72 episodes. In an epilogue episode, Gary explains how we came to this difficult decision. Leave a comment below or send an email to campcodger@gmail.com if you have any last thoughts. Goodbye! Gary, Richard, and Randy

Bah Humbug, return of the Grinch, and here comes Gary Ebersole to ruin whatever Christmas joy is left. We all know that Ebenezer Scrooge says, Bah Humbug. The Grinch means Christmas is in danger. Then there's Gary Ebersole, co-host of Camp Codger and hater of the holiday season, Christmas shopping, and pretty much everything that happens between Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Is Gary the incarnation of Ebenezer Scrooge (Bah Humbug!) and the Grinch (the green character that Dr. Seuss says stole Christmas)? Well, that's what we are led to believe in his anti-Christmas rant that begins this week's episode of the Camp Codger podcast. "I know I'm supposed to get into the Christmas spirit by buying thoughtful, meaningful gifts," says Gary. "Spending hours scrolling through Amazon page after Amazon page is thoughtful shopping? I'll give you meaningful. Here's a gift card." Bah humbug, return of the Grinch indeed! By the end of Gary's anti-holiday-season rant, Randy Schultz (Camp Codger co-host), couldn't take it any longer. Saturday Night Live Strikes Again Remember back in the mid-1970s when Saturday Night Live was a new show? Cast members Dan Aykroid and Jane Curtain did a great satire of the "Point, Counterpoint" segment on 60 Minutes. You know the one. It's when, after Jane rants, Dan's first words are, "Jane, you ignorant slut." Yep, that one. That's what happens after Gary gets finished with his Christmas rant. Randy looks at him and says, "Gary, you pompous, ungrateful old codger!" Then the real fireworks begin. We won't include all of Randy's counter-rant here. (You'll have to listen to the podcast episode to hear the whole thing.) But we will tell you this. Not only does he call Gary an Ebenezer Scrooge, but he tells Gary to get his butt off the couch and go out to experience the joy of the Christmas season himself. "We live in the most amazing country at the most amazing time in history!" says Randy. "It wouldn't hurt for you to be grateful once in a while. Anyone in Ukraine or in the Gaza Strip would trade places with you in a heartbeat." And then he renames his co-host Gary the Red-Nosed Codger. Bah Humbug, Return of the Grinch, and More! Bah humbug, it's the return of the Grinch for sure. Co-host Richard Kipling tries to be a peacemaker, but it's not an easy task. It doesn't look like Gary is going to get his "participation trophy" for once again enduring the dreaded Holiday Season. Don't worry, Gary! You've got almost 11 months to brace yourself for Christmas Season 2024! After this episode, the codgers at Camp Codger are taking a few weeks off. So, after you've listened to this episode, dive into the archives and listen to some episodes you missed the first time around. Connect with Us Leave a comment below or send an email to campcodger@gmail.com.

New Year’s Resolutions—and How to Keep Them—is a fitting show to close out the year. It’s a longstanding tradition to make New Year’s resolutions at the beginning of a new year. That’s why we chose to share some of our own resolutions. But more importantly, we also reveal the 7 tips that will help ensure that you actually keep your New Year’s resolutions. If you make resolutions at the start of a new year you’re in good company. A survey of US adults revealed that almost 40% of us make New Year’s resolutions EVERY YEAR! Unfortunately, most of us are...

Yes, Holiday Loneliness is a real thing--especially for seniors during the most festive season of the year. Here's what you can do about it. You know that Andy Williams song that we hear from Thanksgiving Day all the way through Christmas? The name of the song is, "It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year." It's a popular song because for most of us, the holiday season really is the best time of the year. The lyrics of the song begin: It's the most wonderful time of the year With the kids jingle belling And everyone telling you be of good cheer It's the most wonderful time of the year It's the hap-happiest season of all With those holiday greetings and gay happy meetings When friends come to call It's the hap-happiest season of all There'll be parties for hosting Marshmallows for toasting And caroling out in the snow There'll be scary ghost stories And tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago But what if you aren't feeling merry? What if you are experiencing holiday loneliness? What if you are a senior who is not going to parties? And what if you are not surrounded by friends and family? It’s the Holiday Season! Hooray! (Or Not.) The truth is, for many senior citizens the holidays are a time of loneliness and isolation. It’s a season when many of us have too few friends to talk to. Family is too far away-- and too much time is spent alone. In May 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an urgent warning about an “epidemic of loneliness” in America. “Addressing the crisis of loneliness and isolation is one of our generation’s greatest challenges,” Murthy said. According to the CDC, nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are socially isolated. Older adults are at increased risk for loneliness and social isolation because they are more likely to face factors such as living alone, chronic illness and hearing or sight loss. An Expert on Holiday Loneliness for Seniors To talk about the problem of holiday loneliness, we invited Beverly Ventriss to Camp Codger to chat with us about how to recognize loneliness in seniors. And what we all can do to make their world less lonely. For the past 9 years, Beverly has been president and CEO of Valley InterCommunity Council (VIC). It's a group of three Los Angeles-based senior centers that deliver services both at the centers and at home-bound seniors’ homes. These hubs for seniors, which will celebrate their 60th year in 2024, are abuzz with activities that play an essential role in many seniors’ lives. We had lots of questions for Beverly: ** Can you describe for us what, exactly, constitutes “loneliness” for seniors? ** How can you tell if someone is lonely? Are there “loneliness” signs we should look for? ** If you are a senior and feel a sense of loneliness, what are some coping strategies to help you climb out of it? ** So we live in an age dominated by technology. How can technology help — or hinder — the individual’s fight against loneliness? ** Can loneliness lead the way to depression? To dementia? ** If you spot loneliness in a friend or family member, what can you do? What to do about Holiday Loneliness It turns out, there are many ways to help overcome holiday loneliness. Reach out to friends that you haven't heard from. Pick up the phone to say "hi." Post messages on social media platforms such as Facebook, and also comment on the posts of others. Go say hello to your next door neighbor. Sometimes it's hard to reach out when you are suffering from holiday loneliness-- or loneliness any time of the year. But reaching out is what friends do. It helps everyo

How to have Christmas fun with grandkids-- and a year-round guide to making memories with your grandchildren from Camp Granny author, Sharon Lovejoy. Happy holiday season! We interviewed Sharon Lovejoy in the summer about her wonderful book, Camp Granny. If there's an expert on how to have fun with kids and grandkids, it's Sharon. She's a successful author, illustrator, speaker, and shop owner. But her most notable role is that of being a "granny". She takes grandparenting to a new level, reminding us that spending quality time with your grandchildren is the best gift you can give them. That's why we are rerunning our interview with Sharon during the Christmas season. Spending quality time with our kids and our grandchildren is one of the joys of the holiday season. Listen to this interview with Sharon Lovejoy and you will get lots ideas for fun activities to do this holiday season, and throughout the year. Sharon Lovejoy is the ultimate Camp Granny to her grandkids. She knows how to be the "fun" grandmother. And in her interview with the hosts of Camp Codger, she shares lots of activities and projects that grandmothers and grandfathers can do with their grandkids. Sharon Lovejoy and Christmas Fun with Grandkids In her book, Camp Granny, Sharon offers grandparents (and parents, too) tips on dozens of projects to both entertain and teach grandchildren about the world they live in. In addition to dozens of indoor and outdoor activities, she also guides projects in the kitchen. Plus, there are lots of tips that appeal to the creative sides of children. When it comes to having Christmas fun with grandkids, Sharon Lovejoy is a pro! Sharon's inventive ideas focus on satisfying the natural curiosity of children and their sense of adventure. From leaf rubbings to gardening to making Moon Pizzas, she has activities for every grandchild. Many of her indoor activities with kids are perfect for the holiday season. On Being a Fun Grandparent In the introduction to her book, Camp Granny, Sharon Lovejoy writes: "Running a successful Camp Granny isn't about having a giant flat-screen television with 300 channels, a big swimming pool, or the latest computer games. It is about the time you share with your grandchild." Making memories is a gift that will endure for a lifetime. That's why Sharon's ideas make Christmas fun with grandkids so wonderful. Sharon's many ideas include backyard campouts (that work equally as well in a basement or garage) and a "dress-up drawer" filled with costumes for the grandkids. She keeps a stash of old games like pick-up sticks and Old Maid in a nearby drawer. She uses large mayonnaise jars (that she gets free from local restaurants) and makes time capsules with the grandkids. The Camp Granny with Sharon Lovejoy episode of Camp Codger is filled with so many great ideas. You may need to listen to it twice! Connect with Us Did you enjoy listening to this Christmas Fun with Grandkids episode featuring author Sharon Lovejoy? Would you like to know when the co-hosts of Camp Codger get together to talk about a new topic? Subscribe to our weekly Camp Codger newsletter and you will receive an email notification each time we publish a new episode. You can also subscribe and listen on your favorite podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode, please click the Share button below and Like Camp Codger on our Facebook Page. Have some feedba

This week, the codgers tell their retirement stories. Did they retire at 65? Retirement planning, new hobbies, how to enjoy retirement, and more. If you're a subscriber to Camp Codger, you already know about the survey we emailed last week. We asked subscribers to tell us which topics they wanted to hear about on the Camp Codger podcast. Retirement was one of the top choices. As a result, we're going to do more shows on the theme of retirement. We're launching our retirement-themed shows with Codger Retirement Stories. It's a candid discussion where co-hosts Randy Schultz, Gary Ebersole, and Richard Kipling talk about their retirement journeys so far. Listen to this episode to hear how three smart old guys are navigating the change from full time employment to blissful retirement. Retire at 65? One of the biggest questions each of us must ask is, "When should I retire?" The classic model of working for three or four decades and then retiring at age 65 is no longer the only option. Now, more and more seniors are choosing to ease into retirement. Going from full-time employment to full retirement is simply too big a change for many people to make in one day. That's why you should listen to Randy's story about how his father's retirement went. His father got the proverbial gold watch and the warm handshake one Friday. Then, the following Monday, he was totally unprepared for his new life as a retiree. Yes, many people are forced to deal with the "retirement decision" abruptly--in the case of a job loss or other event at work. But thankfully, there are many options that enable a more gradual path toward retirement. Surprising Facts About Retirement The average age of retirement in the United States is 66. That's up from 60 in the 1990s. This increase in retirement age is probably due to our increasing lifespans. According to Social Security actuarial tables, a 70-year-old man in America can expect to live an average of 15.4 more years. We're living longer than ever, which means we're likely to be retired for more years than ever before. Maybe that's why none of the Camp Codger co-hosts rushed into retirement. Gary, age 75, is the only one who admits to being retired. Richard, age 79, does not use the word "retired" to describe himself. And Randy, the youngster of the group at 69, is easing into retirement by deliberately working less each year. The details of their personal retirement stories and journeys are fascinating, so listen to this episode to hear all the details. Codger Retirement Stories: Don't Worry, Be Happy Retirement is supposed to make us happy, right? We're all supposed to LOVE sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch, going fishing and not catching any fish, and taking a painting class at the local community college so we can create museum-quality artwork in our golden years. Isn't that the stereotype of what retirement should be? What if retirement in the 21st century doesn't look like that? What if today's seniors are making other choices--such as volunteering at a local nonprofit organization or learning a new technical skill. Or, even taking up a gender-breaking hobby like knitting or car maintenance? The truth is, your retirement can be anything you want it to be! And you're going to love this discussion on how to transition into retirement--and what to do once you're there. Connect with Camp Codger Would you like to know when the co-hosts of Camp Codger get together to talk about a new topic? Subscribe to our weekly Camp Codger new

Thanksgiving, mortality, and gratitude come together during a thoughtful hike by Gary. I’m 75 and occasionally I feel every day of my age. And, frankly, I have been feeling mortal more often lately. The day after Thanksgiving was one of those days. I was hiking up Sun Mountain, one of my favorite short but intense hikes. Three miles round-trip and a bit over 600 feet of elevation gain. Now, I don’t practice walking meditation—maybe I should since it might ease my monkey mind—so my head is usually spinning through a wide range of thoughts. It can be really refreshing for me since it’s a good break from being tied to my digital devices. During these mental ramblings, I often have these moments of clarity about something that’s been bugging me. Seldom real epiphanies, just a better understanding and clarity. Mortality That morning’s hike followed the usual pattern, but I found I couldn’t hold my normal hiking pace. “God, I’m getting old” was my first thought, and then I started down the slippery slope of “doomscrolling” through my mortality as I hiked. I began wondering how much longer I could do this short, steep hike. A couple of years? Until I’m 80? Maybe in a decade when I’m 85? Well, I thought, if I can do this at any pace when I’m 85, there’s hope. My mood was improving. A modest breakthrough—I’ll bet I can keep doing this hike for many more years! Perhaps my demise was not so imminent after all. Gratitude I then drifted off to another thought that had been floating around in my head that morning—gratitude. Yeah, I know—thoughts of mortality and gratitude are usually not closely aligned, but I was just following the meandering of my over-active mind. The previous night I had read an interesting article on being grateful and being happier. There’s solid research evidence that expressing gratitude increases happiness. Even the philosophers of ancient Rome understood the value of being grateful. However, gratitude is not a natural emotion for most humans. We’ve evolved to focus on being alert to things that might harm us. Being grateful takes work. It’s just like exercise. Once you decide to start, you need to be disciplined and stick with it. Thanksgiving Anyway, after wallowing around in thoughts of my mortality, I decided to practice expressing gratitude during the remainder of that hike. And I had a lot to be grateful for. I was healthy and strong enough for a short, strenuous, hike, the sun was shining, I was on a pretty trail, and when I got to the top, the view was stunning as usual. And I couldn’t forget that I had a wonderful wife waiting for me at home and great family and friends. I could even see my house from the top of Sun Mountain. Pretty cool! I’m a really lucky guy! But what’s truly odd is that it took conscious effort for me to be grateful for my good fortune. My default thinking that day, after struggling a bit early during the hike, was to go to the dark side and obsess about my mortality. That’s clearly not how I want to spend my time, so I vowed to work on my sense of gratitude. Thanksgiving was a perfect time to start that practice. I’ll keep you posted on my progress. Connect with Us Would you like to know when the co-hosts of Camp Codger get together to talk about a new topic? Subscribe to our weekly Camp Codger newsletter to receive an email notification each time we publish a new episode. You can also subscribe and listen on your favorite podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode about Thanksgiving, mortality, and gratitude, please click

You might be right if you think Amazon has ruined holiday season shopping. Or not. Holiday season shopping used to mean going downtown or to the shopping mall to buy Christmas and Hanukkah gifts for friends and family. But now, Amazon and online shopping have made buying gifts from your smart phone or laptop computer so easy. On this episode of the Camp Codger podcast, the three Camp Counselors talk about memories of holiday season shopping way back in the 20th century. And they discuss the benefits of shopping now in the comfort of home while dressed in your bathrobe and fuzzy slippers. Which way is better? Option One: Amazon Ruined the Holiday Shopping Experience If you ask co-hosts Randy Schultz or Richard Kipling, it's clear that Amazon shopping doesn't offer the same warm, fuzzy feeling as shopping in a mall with Christmas carols and holiday music playing in the background. "I love to go shopping in stores to get a full dose of the holiday season experience," says Schultz. "For me, the holiday season hasn't really begun until I have immersed myself in some old-fashioned holiday shopping." Richard Kipling agrees. He has fond memories of walking the streets in Pasadena, California, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas holiday shopping. There is definitely something wonderful about the sensory experience of holiday shopping at stores. Option Two: Amazon Makes Gift Buying So Much Easier Fans of the Camp Codger podcast can probably predict how co-host Gary Ebersole feels about shopping for holiday gifts online. "I love Amazon!" says Ebersole. "I love Amazon shopping as much as I hate shopping at 'brick and mortar' stores!" Yep. Gary has been called a Christmas Grinch. But he is actually just really efficient when it comes to shopping. He doesn't need to touch or examine the merchandise. Gary doesn't need a dose of Christmas carols on the store's sound system. He just wants to buy the items on his list and be done. Let's face it, Amazon and other online stores offer what may be the most efficient way to shop that's ever been invented. Has Amazon ruined holiday shopping? No! Amazon made holiday shopping (and basically any shopping) SO MUCH BETTER! Option Three: Go to Stores and Do Holiday Shopping on Amazon! Truth be told, many of us still like holiday shopping in stores for some items. And we also love the convenience of online shopping. Especially when it comes to shipping! You don't have the wrap the gifts. Or stand in line at the post office to ship them! What a time saver! Today, you can shop however you want to. And that can make holiday shopping a whole lot less stressful. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas! There is a lot of joy and laughter in this episode of Camp Codger. We guarantee it will get you into the holiday spirit. Listen to this episode with family members or friends to get a jump-start on the holiday season! It's OK whether you think that Amazon ruined holiday shopping or you think online shopping is a fantastic convenience. We at Camp Codger wish you and yours a fabulous holiday season. Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Joyous Kwanza! Fantastic Festivus! And if you enjoy this episode, please leave a comment below. Connect with Us Would you like to know when the co-hosts of Camp Codger get together to talk about a new topic? Subscribe&

Codger travel trips and vacation adventures abound as the hosts of the Camp Codger podcast return from their travels. Vacation travel and adventures pulled all three of the Camp Codger hosts from homes simultaneously. Jet-setter Randy Schultz spent several days in Rome and then embarked on a long cruise across the Atlantic with his wife Patti. Richard Kipling managed to survive a 43-day-long road trip in a small travel trailer as he and Alison toured the Midwest and the Washington, DC area. And Gary Ebersole's travels to New England with Bee went without a hitch. (Well, almost). On this episode of the Camp Codger Podcast, the three hosts tell their favorite stories about their vacation adventures. A short summary is below, but listen to the entire episode to hear all of the wonderful stories. Vacation Adventure #1: Cruising the High Seas Randy logged the most miles on his latest trip. He and his wife flew to Rome, Italy, and toured the city for four days. Rome might be the most important city in the Western world in terms of history and centuries-long influence. Four days was only enough time to scratch the historical surface. Randy and Patti took a subterranean tour of the historical Colosseum and saw where the lions and tigers were kept before their battles with Rome's gladiators. (Note: Did you know that there was a human-powered underground elevator that brought up the wild animals to the Colosseum floor? This wooden elevator has been recreated for tourists to see.) After their quick tour of Rome, Randy and Patti boarded the Royal Caribbean Odyssey of the Seas cruise ship. Listen to the podcast episode (click on the "play" triangle above) to hear all about that adventure. Codger Travel Trip #2: Grizzly Bears Everywhere Richard and Alison had a completely different type of trip. They went on a 43-day road trip through the United States. Yes, you read that right. 43 days! As you might imagine, Richard brought back lots of funny and amazing stories from this adventure. Devil's Tower National Monument in northwestern Wyoming was particularly memorable. Yes, the Tower itself was stunning. (Devil's Tower played an important role in the Close Encounters of the Third Kind movie.) But Richard's funniest story about Devil's Tower is about grizzly bears. Relax, he didn't actually see a grizzly. But the many warning signs about the presence of grizzlies really freaked him out! Senior Travel Trip #3: Abandoned in Boston Unlike the vacation adventures describe above, Gary and Bee's codger travel trip was focused on visiting people, not places. Gary experienced the joys of visiting Bee's East Coast relatives. And there are A LOT of Bee's family members to visit. (Hear Gary's funny stories on the podcast episode.) On his trip, Gary enjoyed his visit to Acadia National Park in Maine. This park is "the crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast" according to the National Park Service website, and Gary says it's well worth a visit. Please click on the "Play Episode" triangle above to hear all about the Codger Travel Trips! Then leave a comment if you enjoy this episode! If you're a fan of Camp Codger, please tell a friend! Connect with Us Would you like to know when the co-hosts of Camp Codger get together to talk about a new topic? Subscribe to our weekly Camp Codger newsletter to receive an email noti

Learn the Nine Secrets to How to Be Happy and Have the Best Life Possible. The "happiness study," which is actually called the Harvard Study of Adult Development, has followed more than 700 men and now their families from the 1930s until today. The goal of the study is to learn the keys to a happy and healthy life. This Harvard University study is the longest of its kind, and over the years it has revealed the 9 secrets to how to be happy. In this episode of the Camp Codger podcast, we talk about the findings of the ongoing Harvard Study of Adult Development. The three co-hosts of Camp Codger (Randy Schultz, Gary Ebersole, and Richard Kipling) also talk about their own quests for how to create a happy life in their senior years. Relationships are the Key to Happiness The current leaders of the Harvard Study on how to be happy are Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz. They wrote a book called The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness. Here's what they said in the beginning of their book: "If we had to take all 84 years of the Harvard Study and boil it into a single principle for living, one thing that is supported by similar findings across a wide variety of other studies, it would be this: Good relationships keep us healthier and happier." Don't Worry, Be Happy Of course, there are other secrets that help us create happiness in our lives. Reach out to a friend and have a conversation at least once a day. Cultivate kindness. And more. (Listen to this episode of Camp Codger to learn them all!) Back in the 1980s, a singer named Bobbie McFerrin had a hit song called Don't Worry, Be Happy. It turns out, this song contains some good advice. So be nice. Don't worry so much. Reach out to other people. One more thing: If you enjoy the Camp Codger podcast, please tell your friends about it. Podcasts grow by word of mouth-- people telling other people about them. So, please support our show by spreading the word. According to the Harvard Study on how to be happy, telling your friends about Camp Codger can make you happier! Connect with Us Would you like to know when the co-hosts of Camp Codger get together to talk about a new topic? Subscribe to our weekly Camp Codger newsletter to receive an email notification each time we publish a new episode. You can also subscribe and listen on your favorite podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode about How to Be Happy, please click the Share button below. Also tell your friends about Camp Codger and Like Camp Codger on our Facebook Page. Finally, do have some feedback for the old codgers? Leave a comment below or send an email to campcodger@gmail.com. We love hearing from you!

What happened in 1980? According to Gary, not much. But that's not a fair measure of what happened in that year. At our age, we know all too well that every year can be eventful. For some, the 1980 presidential election was the most meaningful event of the year. Incumbent Jimmy Carter was defeated by the Hollywood actor Ronald Reagan. John Lennon is Gone For many of us early boomers, the most memorable event was John Lennon's assassination on the streets of New York in December of that year. Lennon and the Beatles were the voice of our generation, and his loss represented the end of an era. Miracle on Ice Sports fans will remember 1980 for the stunning upset of the Russian hockey team by the young U.S.A. team of amateurs. These kids went on to win a gold medal in the 1980 Olympics. What Else Happened in 1980? For auto enthusiasts, the U.S. auto industry reached rock bottom with the introduction of the K-car from Chrysler. Was there ever a blander, less inspiring car than this design disaster? We can't forget about natural disasters such as the eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington or the Iranian hostage crisis which effectively ended Carter's presidency. Connect with Us Would you like to know when the co-hosts of Camp Codger get together to talk about a new topic? Subscribe to our weekly Camp Codger newsletter to receive an email notification each time we publish a new episode. You can also subscribe and listen on your favorite podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode about what happened in 1980, please click the Share button below and Like Camp Codger on our Facebook Page. Finally, have some feedback for the old codgers? Leave a comment below or send an email to campcodger@gmail.com.

How a Prime Time TV show called The Golden Bachelor has brought Senior Dating into the Spotlight. If you haven't heard about The Golden Bachelor show on ABC-TV, you don't watch television. Or surf the Internet, or read newspapers. It seems everybody over the age of 60 is talking about The Golden Bachelor. Seemingly overnight, America is aware that there are older people (senior citizens!) who are in their 60s and 70s who are single and looking for love. There are old folks who are actively looking for companionship and relationships. In this episode of the Camp Codger podcast, co-hosts Randy Schultz and Richard Kipling keep the senior dating discussion going with a great conversation with Hoyt Prisock, host of the podcast Behind the Swipe. The Golden Bachelor A Camp Codger podcast episode about senior dating has been in the planning queue for several months. But the launch of The Golden Bachelor TV show on ABC, and then connecting with senior dating podcast host Hoyt Prisock moved this topic to the top of our list. Gerry (pronounced Gary) Turner, is the perfect choice for TV's first "golden bachelor." He's TV handsome, and his back story is perfect. He married his high school sweetheart, and stayed married to her for more than 40 years until her death 6 years ago. He's ready to find the next love of his life. And he's totally charming. Of course, the "bachelorettes" are glamorous TV material. But this time, they are age appropriate for a 72-year-old bachelor. This show provides plenty of encouragement for other seniors who are ready to start dating again. Senior Dating The Golden Bachelor TV show is great fun. But for most of us who aren't on a TV show about senior dating, getting back into the dating game as a single senior can be a real challenge. As a matter of fact, all three of the Camp Codger hosts have been in that situation. That's why we wanted to share our experiences and insights. Our special guest on this show, Hoyt Prisock of the Behind the Swipe podcast, has also traveled the "dating later in life" path. On this episode, we talk about senior dating, including how to use online dating apps safely. Indeed, online dating has become a baseline for seniors who want to restart their dating lives. We're sure you will enjoy this episode, no matter what your relationship status is. Connect with Us Would you like to know when the co-hosts of Camp Codger get together to talk about a new topic? Subscribe to our weekly Camp Codger newsletter to receive an email notification each time we publish a new episode. You can also subscribe and listen on your favorite podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode about The Golden Bachelor and senior dating, please click the Share button below and Like Camp Codger on our Facebook Page. Finally, have some feedback for the codgers? Leave a comment below or send an email to campcodger@gmail.com.

Do seniors love e-bikes? If you ask Randy Schultz, Richard Kipling, and Gary Ebersole the answer is clear. Absolutely! In the last decade, the use of e-bikes for outdoor fun and as a non-polluting alternative to cars has exploded. And in big cities, e-bikes have become the de facto vehicle for home delivery services. Order a pizza and Chinese take-out in New York City and it's a good bet the delivery person will be riding an e-bike. Over a million e-bikes are sold each year in the U.S. and the numbers are growing. The global trend is even stronger, and experts suggest that using e-bikes rather than cars for many trips could have a measurable impact on climate change. Why Do Seniors Love E-Bikes? It's a simple answer—riding e-bikes is just plain fun! There is nothing quite like zipping along almost effortlessly at 15 or 20 miles per hour while still getting exercise. It's also a wonderful social activity since group rides give seniors a chance to spend time with family and friends. Buying an E-Bike In this episode, we look at how seniors should approach purchasing an e-bike. There are a multitude of frame types to suit every riding need whether running errands around town on a utility bike or hitting the trails and dirt roads with an electric mountain bike. Where to buy an e-bike is a common question for riders of all ages. For seniors who have less experience with biking, purchasing from a local bike shop might be the best approach. Most towns have good shops that can assess your needs and get you on the right kind of e-bike. The shops are also around after your purchase to provide support and maintenance. For seniors who love e-bikes, have decent mechanical skills, and feel comfortable assembling and maintaining an e-bike, there are many reliable manufacturers who sell their e-bikes online. Riding an E-Bike If you have ridden a non-electric bike, then you can ride an e-bike. Riding safely requires the same equipment used for regular bike riding—a good helmet, gloves, and riding glasses (sunglasses are fine). New and experienced riders need to think in terms of riding an electric scooter than just a bicycle. E-bikes typically go much faster than non-electric bikes and are significantly heavier. Want to learn more about buying and riding an e-bike in your golden years? Just click on the "Play Episode" triangle above. Connect with Us Would you like to know when the co-hosts of Camp Codger get together to talk about a new topic? Subscribe to our weekly Camp Codger newsletter to receive an email notification each time we publish a new episode. You can also subscribe and listen on your favorite podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode about how seniors love e-bikes, please click the Share button below and Like Camp Codger on our Facebook Page. Finally, have some feedback for the old codgers? Leave a comment below or send an email to campcodger@gmail.com.