Ready to add years to your life while having fun? This episode delivers the surprising science behind volunteering as a health intervention. Forget expensive supplements—research shows that dedicating just two hours weekly to volunteering lowers blood pressure, fights depression, and literally extends your lifespan. This isn't wishful thinking; it's science.

Discovering fulfilling volunteer opportunities doesn't mean wearing a hairnet at a soup kitchen (unless that's your thing). We explore dozens of ways to match your unique skills and interests with meaningful service. Love animals? Local shelters need you. Enjoy reading? Kids need literacy volunteers. Tech-savvy? Nonprofits desperately need your digital wisdom. From AARP's Create the Good platform to community gardens, food banks, and faith-based organizations, we break down where to start and how to find the perfect fit.

Volunteering provides what many seniors secretly crave: purpose without pressure, socialization without awkward small talk, and a chance to share wisdom accumulated over decades. Unlike the workplace where age discrimination lurks, volunteer settings value senior participants for exactly who they are. The benefits flow both ways—organizations receive invaluable help while volunteers enjoy improved cognitive function, expanded social networks, and that irreplaceable feeling of making a difference. Whether you're recently retired or well into your golden years, I challenge you to start with just one small commitment. Your future healthier, happier self will thank you. Ready to transform your life while transforming others? Let's begin.

Facing down Medicare enrollment can feel like trying to solve a puzzle in another language. I've been getting bombarded with Medicare Advantage plan offers as my 65th birthday approaches, and I know I'm not alone in feeling overwhelmed by the options. That's why I invited Medicare expert Nita Wenrick (the Medicare Diva) to cut through the confusion and give us the straight talk about these mysterious Advantage plans.

Anita reveals something crucial right from the start: working with a Medicare specialist costs you absolutely nothing. These professionals are paid by the insurance companies, not by you, yet they can potentially save you thousands by finding the right plan for your specific situation. This alone might be the most valuable takeaway for anyone approaching Medicare eligibility.

We unpack exactly what Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) are—essentially a way to receive your Medicare benefits through private insurance companies that contract with the federal government. Contrary to common misconception, you're not "giving up" Medicare with these plans; you're simply receiving your benefits differently. Most plans bundle your hospital coverage (Part A), medical coverage (Part B), and prescription coverage (Part D) into one comprehensive package.

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Advantage plans is the additional benefits they typically include beyond what Original Medicare covers. Dental, vision, hearing aids, gym memberships, transportation to medical appointments, and even allowances for utilities or groceries are common perks. As someone who's witnessed my husband benefit from his plan paying toward our electric bill and covering most of his hearing aids, I can attest to the real financial impact these extras provide.

The limitations do matter: most Advantage plans operate within specific provider networks and require referrals for specialists. But Anita clarifies that emergency care is always covered at 100% anywhere—even internationally—which should reassure frequent travelers. She also dispels the myth that pre-existing conditions can prevent enrollment when you first become Medicare-eligible.

Take charge of your Medicare decision before you turn 65. Start exploring options three months before your birthday, be honest about your health needs, and work with an expert who can navigate the system for you. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you for it.

Decluttering isn't just about creating space—it's about leaving the right legacy. Welcome to a candid exploration of Swedish Death Cleaning, the surprisingly uplifting practice of methodically clearing out your possessions before others have to do it while grieving your loss.

Fresh from completing cancer treatment and finding my new normal, I dive into this concept that transformed my perspective on possessions. Swedish Death Cleaning (döstädning) isn't morbid—it's an act of profound consideration. Having downsized from a large house to a one-bedroom condo, I've experienced firsthand the liberation that comes with lightening the load.

Most of us have stood bewildered in a parent's home after their passing, wondering what to keep, what to discard, and why they saved 14 boxes of expired vitamins or 57 tubs of cat figurines. Death Cleaning prevents your loved ones from facing that overwhelming task. Starting with non-emotional items (those extra kitchen gadgets, clothes you never wear, mystery cords connecting to nothing), you gradually work through your home at your own pace—one room per week or month, whatever suits your lifestyle.

The unexpected benefit? Freedom. Looking around my condo now, I see only things Craig and I truly love. There's no guilt-keeping of unwanted gifts or untouched items. When everything has meaning, your daily life becomes more intentional. Your legacy shouldn't be your junk drawer but rather the love, wisdom, and memories you leave behind.

Ready to start your own Death Cleaning journey? Begin small, label important items, communicate your intentions to loved ones, and remember—you are not your stuff. Share this episode with someone drowning in decades of accumulated belongings, and together, let's age boldly and mindfully.