TRANSCRIPT: Hi, I’m Gary Ebersole, host of the Camp Codger, back for another Codger Musing. You might think the title of this podcast is a bit over the top, but it doesn’t change the fact that the SAVE America Act is pure evil. Under this anti-American act, I would NOT be able to vote if I had to prove my U.S. citizenship without a passport. That this could be possible even after voting in every election since I turned 21 in 1971 is unbelievable. How could this happen to me? It’s really not that complicated. Maybe not common, but I’m certain there are thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of people with similar stories. And much worse, if this act passes, there are tens of millions of married women with valid driver’s licenses under their married name who would have to go on a paper chase to find birth certificates and marriage licenses to prove they were born in the U.S.

The Disappearing Garald Eaton

Here’s my story. I was born 77 years ago in Yakima, Washington. I have a copy of my birth record from the state declaring a new citizen (me) entered the U.S. at St. Elizabeth Hospital on my birth date. Unfortunately, the child named on that birth certificate, Garald Edward Eaton, never grew up, never went to school, never got a driver’s license, never got married, never had children, never left a trace. However, the person Garald became lived a fulfilling, happy life.

A Sad Story and A De Facto Adoption

How did this happen? It was a sad story. Two years after I was born, my birth father died at 25. My 23-year-old mother was left with two kids, no money, and not the greatest prospects. However, fortune smiled on her, and she met and married a young widower, a decent guy, who also had two young children. My new stepfather, Carroll Ebersole, now had six mouths to feed. There simply was no money for a legal adoption. Instead, a de facto adoption took place. I became Gary Ebersole and entered kindergarten a couple of years later using that name.

Life went on, and I left my footprints in the world as Gary Ebersole. Knowledge of the “real” me, Garald Eaton, became a family secret. It never mattered until now. I was able to attend school, get a driver’s license, marry, graduate from college, begin a career, and start a family, all done as Gary Ebersole. And I thank my lucky stars that I was able to get a passport 40+ years ago without a birth certificate. In the trusting world of the 1980’s, a driver’s license and school records were sufficient to prove birthright citizenship.

Saved By A Passport

If I didn’t have that passport today, I would be unable to vote under the SAVE America Act. Quite simply, there are no records in existence to prove the connection between the baby Garald Eaton on my birth certificate and me. I don’t exist in Trump’s world, and the last person who could attest to the connection, my mother, died several years ago.

It’s stunning to think there is pending legislation in the U.S. Senate that has the potential to leave hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, of birthright citizens stateless, unable to vote. Simply stunning. How did something so un-American get this far? Let’s do something. Call your Senator. Spread the word about this terrifying, Trump-backed, voter suppression legislation. Join me at the “No Kings” protest. We can’t let the SAVE America Act destroy America’s democracy.

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Hi, I’m Gary Ebersole, welcoming you back to Camp Codger with an episode that I never wanted to record. This is a belated goodbye to Richard Kipling, co-founder of the Camp Codger podcast, who died recently after a stroke. He was the inspiration for two old guys like us venturing into the world of online broadcasting. One evening over dinner a few years ago, Richard declared, “We’ve got some good insights about getting old, and we should do a podcast.” For 72 weeks, we did just that with our co-host, Randy Schultz.

Richard was one of my very best friends (it’s a small group since I’m not the most social animal), and his passing leaves a huge hole in my heart. I truly feel at a loss for words, which, as Richard would have noted, is not really a good thing for somebody trying to record a podcast. That said, a few things come to mind as I write these words. The first was a wise observation by Camp Codger listener Mike Riordan, a mutual friend of Richard and me. Mike reminds those of us mourning our dear friend that grief is the price we pay for loving so deeply. Mike also left me with the Japanese phrase “tomodachi wa eien desu” which means “friends are forever.” So very true, Mike. Thanks for the thoughts.

I was also reminded of a short, illustrated excerpt from a 2012 radio interview Terry Gross recorded with children’s book author and illustrator Maurice Sendak. I discovered it when I was grieving the loss of my first wife, and its poignancy still brings me to tears. In the interview, Sendak tells Terry that he loves life but was at peace with aging and dying. He says that the hardest part of getting old is losing friends. In his words, “I cry a lot because I miss people. I cry a lot because they die, and I can’t stop them. They leave me, and I love them more.” I know how Sendak feels about losing friends. It was a powerful, moving conversation. The video excerpt is only five minutes and is well worth watching. I posted the link below, and also in the episode show notes.

I used to think that the idea that my world would grow smaller as I aged was a cliché. I was wrong. My world is smaller now. Good-bye, Richard. I’ll miss you.

Link to the Terry Gross interview with Maurice Sendak: https://www.nytimes.com/video/magazine/100000001970456/an-illustrated-talk-with-maurice-sendak.html

I’m Gary Ebersole, back with another episode of Camp Codger. Before we get to the unlikely premise that Dirty Harry qualifies as a life coach, let me set the stage. When folks over 70 get together, you can usually expect the conversation to quickly shift to “ills and pills” (or “organ recital” if you prefer). It happened to us the other night when we met some friends for dinner. The litany of our latest ailments began so quickly that I don’t think everybody was seated before it started. The good news is that we’re all self-aware enough to laugh at senior moments like this.

On a positive note, sometimes out of these inevitable health-related discussions come words of wisdom. That night was one of those occasions. We kicked off the dialogue when one of us mentioned the outcome of a rather serious fall. The fear of falling is always with most seniors, and many of us can recite recent falls. Sometimes, we just assume the occasional fall is inevitable and hope the damage is, at most, a minor scrape. Sadly, that is not always the case with older folks, as any ER doctor will tell you.

Be Present

The conversation took a turn toward the topic of prevention, and I volunteered my recently adopted practice of using trekking poles when hiking on trails. I’ve taken a few tumbles over the last couple of years, and I realized my falls were triggered by a combination of letting my thoughts drift (getting absent-minded, I suppose) and taking less vigorous steps as I get older. As much as I thoroughly dislike using those damned sticks, it’s worked. I’ve been fall-free for over a year. It certainly beats the alternative of giving up hiking. In my view, humans are not natural quadrupeds (two legs, two poles), and we pay more attention to the simple act of walking and planting our trekking poles, which reduces the risk of falling.

Our friend Dave offered the best phrase for the practice of paying attention. He tells himself to "Be Present" when heading down a flight of stairs or taking on an unfamiliar or risky task.  It’s very Zen-like, a relaxing mantra that doesn’t feel like you’re browbeating yourself. I’ve already started using the “be present” mantra to remind myself to stay focused and pay attention to my surroundings. With our diminishing proprioception, being present and in the moment is even more vital to our health.

Limitations

Dave was on a roll that night. When the conversation drifted to those tasks that are getting harder to do as we get older, like climbing up a 26-foot ladder to get to the roof, he offered a great line from a movie. In a dramatic scene from Magnum Force, Clint Eastwood, in his portrayal of Dirty Harry, says, “Man’s got to know his limitations.” Is that line spot on for aging or what?

We don’t need to give up completely, but we should acknowledge reasonable limitations. This is especially true when it comes to tasks where bad outcomes are possible. I know there are times when I’m doing something moderately risky that would have been perfectly fine when I was 55 and reasonable at 60 or even 65, but just foolish now at 76.

These are positive words to live by as we grow older—“be present” and “know your limitations.” We can still be active and fully engaged, but we just need to pay a bit more attention and accept that our capabilities are not what they used to be.

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I never met Sam, but as all good writers do with their readers, he created a connection. I felt I knew him as a friend after reading his essay In The Land of the Very Old. There are no geographical coordinates for this strange place. It’s a state of mind Sam conjured up about aging. In this sweet piece of writing, he describes his journey from living in the “old country” to his new home in the “land of the very old.”

Last March, I posted a podcast episode recommending Sam’s essay to Camp Codger listeners. While preparing the podcast, I reached out to Sam, asking his permission to use a photo he took at his home in the French Alps, where he lived with his wife, daughter, and grandson. Sam never replied, but I assumed he would be okay with it since the episode was about Sam and his essay.

A few weeks ago, I became curious about what Sam was up to and discovered the sad news…Sam was no longer with us. It matters to me because I’m approaching “the land of the very old,” and he was a guide. I’m not at the border yet, but I can see it in the distance. Thanks to Sam’s depiction, the “land of the very old” seems like a good place. Not perfect, of course, but, as he says using a bittersweet chocolate simile for the “land of the very old,“ “the bitter is really not so terribly bitter, the sweet, when it comes, is surely a good deal sweeter than it has ever been.”

With his first essay about his new life in the “land of the very old,” Sam made a connection with thousands of readers. The response by his new friends, hundreds of who responded with emails, caused him to write a follow-up essay. In the Land of the Very Old, Part 2, which was published after his death, Sam continues his story about residing in this strange new place. And he must have been planning on keeping the conversation open since he even suggested he was getting a visa to the “land of the very, very old” as he was approaching his 91st birthday.

I was moved by Sam Toperoff’s passing because he was an inspiration. Not headline-news inspiration about a random old person doing some impossible feat for an 80-year-old. No, Sam inspired me because he continued to keep doing what he loved and did so well. At 90, he was still creating and writing, even as he was aware of the creeping limitations that make everything just a bit harder as we grow older. I continue to do this podcast at 76 because Sam is showing me the way.

Thanks, Sam. We never met, but I’ll miss you. I was looking forward to your take on your life in the Land of the Very, Very Old. I know it would have been a good read and a pretty good place to be.

Thanks for listening. I encourage you to read Sam’s essays. They’re long but worth the time. The links are below.

In the Land of the Very Old In the Land of the Very Old, Part 2

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Today, it’s a rant, but I promise to make it a short tirade. The trigger? My latest EOB statement from my healthcare insurance company. To be honest, I seldom download and open these statements. I’m a big fan of Medicare and have a really good Advantage plan thanks to my late wife’s retirement program. Until this year, I have had the good fortune of being relatively healthy—no major illnesses or chronic medical issues. I typically incur few medical expenses, and it never costs me more than a small copayment for any procedure. My healthcare insurance company? UnitedHealthCare. Yes, the purported Darth Vader of the healthcare insurance evil empire.

Really? A Quarter of a Million Dollars?

On to my rant. So, I opened this new statement and was blown away by the year-to-date numbers it presented. The top line was enormous. My providers—the labs, imaging facilities, clinics, and doctors who delivered services—billed UnitedHealthcare over $256,000 from January to October. I know I was diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer, which isn’t cheap, but a quarter of a million dollars? I might add that I did not spend one night in a hospital or have an operation in a surgical facility. Now, the relevant numbers were the actual payments to the providers and my share of the costs. UnitedHealthCare paid a bit under $33,00, 13% of the billed amount. My out-of-pocket share was an incredibly small $521.

This begs the question about what kind of screwed-up system, knowingly and with a straight face, bills anywhere from five to eighty times the negotiated cost of a medical procedure? Every provider knew precisely what they would get paid by my Medicare insurance company before they submitted the claims. These are pre-authorized payments, yet they still billed these egregious amounts. Why did a urologist bill over $23,000 for a 15-minute, in-office procedure, knowing they would get paid $279?

But Who Pays the Balance?

As I noted, I have the good fortune to have a decent Medicare Advantage plan that pays for almost everything. My concern is for the poor patient who sees an enormous unpaid balance and wonders if they will be required to cover it. Sure, there’s a note in the EOB saying you should not be billed for the balance, followed by another notation that the patient may need to pay a copayment, coinsurance, or deductible. So, am I on the hook or not? No wonder there is so much anxiety today around medical treatment and its costs.

In my humble opinion, the medical-industrial complex of healthcare providers and insurance companies maintains this evil pricing charade to take advantage of the disadvantaged. These obscenely inflated prices are the starting point for unfortunate patients who may be underinsured or even uninsured. How many families have lost homes or gone bankrupt based on their inability to pay these fantastical prices?

Explaining the complexities of the healthcare payment system is way above my pay grade. Still, these thoroughly confusing payment practices can partially explain the anti-healthcare sentiment rampant in our country. And we haven’t even touched on the burden of self-advocacy placed on patients dealing with complex medical issues. Or the simple frustration of just trying to ask their healthcare provider a simple question. Leave a MyChart message? No response. Call the office? Listen to a long phone tree before being sent to voicemail. Leave a voicemail message? Ignored. As you can probably tell, I’ve dealt with a few challenges over the last nine months.

A Costly Bureaucracy

My tirade was triggered by a stunning Explanation of Benefits statement from UnitedHealthCare, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. The problem lies with the stifling medical bureaucracy that has evolved over the decades, driven by the belief that we can solve all our problems by injecting free market principles. In my view, the unfettered profit motive embraced by the medical-industrial complex has distorted healthcare delivery.

I believe healthcare is a fundamental human right, and we have to fix this incredibly complex problem. I don’t have any simple answers. I’m just a patient caught up in a complex system, but I will close with something I do know—cold-blooded, cowardly murder will not solve our problems with healthcare. Period.

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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 healthcare billing insanity, 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.

I know. I wrapped up the Prostate Papers project in the last episode. It was planned as the final episode of the series. I didn’t want to write about my prostate cancer any longer, and I’m sure you didn’t want to listen. After all, in my thinking, it was over. My cancer staging was encouraging (favorable intermediate risk), my state-of-the-art treatment was scheduled, and the long-term prognosis was excellent. I was optimistic. A couple of weeks in San Francisco for my radiation sessions, and it would be in my rearview mirror, disappearing into the past.

Reality Sets In

Well, it didn’t quite turn out that way. After returning home to Santa Fe, I debated for several weeks whether to leave the Prostate Papers project closed and on the shelf or record a new “final” episode. I’m not looking for sympathy, but I decided I wanted to be honest with my listeners, especially my new buddies in The Club, who graciously shared their prostate cancer experiences with me. So, one more chapter in the Prostate Papers, and it’s over. I think…who knows?

Anyway, what I discovered, even with all my research, is that prostate cancer lingers. It’s not “one and done” for most patients. My optimism and belief that I was in control masked the reality of most cancers. Even with successful treatment (surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy), a period of recovery can be long. And there are side effects. Boy, are there side effects!

I should have known this intimately. After all, my first wife underwent every treatment in the books for breast cancer. It was treat, recover, deal with the side effects, and then repeat. It was part of her life (our life) for seven years. I was denying reality, assuming my cancer was different.

A Real Surprise

It wasn’t. In my case, I was hit almost immediately after my last treatment with a serious, radiation-caused urinary tract obstruction. I now need to self-catheterize several times a day. It surprised me. Notwithstanding my over-the-top research, this treatment side effect never appeared on my radar. On a positive note, my radiation oncologist says it should diminish over the next few weeks or months. A couple of friends who experienced the same issue after their radiation treatment also reassured me that they recovered from this uncomfortable side effect. I’m guardedly optimistic, but patience is in order.

By the way, we haven’t even touched upon the well-known, long-term outcomes of radiation treatment for prostate cancer. These side effects can take months, even a year or longer, to show up. It’s become painfully clear to me that prostate cancer will always be part of my life.

So why am I reopening the Prostate Papers and sharing my post-treatment status? My primary motivation is an obligation I felt to guys who are dealing with their prostate cancer issues and who listened to, or might tune in to this podcast series. There are enough challenges and decisions in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer that full disclosure of the potential side effects can be overlooked. It happened to me, and I did a ton of research throughout this journey. I thought I was well-informed but discovered I wasn’t. If this can help a few of my prostate cancer buddies avoid unpleasant surprises, it’s worth the effort.

A Bit of Advice

So, my advice is simple. First, accept the fact that prostate cancer is now part of your life. You might be among the few lucky ones who complete their treatment with no short- or long-term side effects and never have a recurrence. That would be great but don’t assume it’s a given. Prostate cancer takes its toll on many of its victims.

Second, avoid nasty surprises by doing your homework. Take the time to do your research. Understand the post-treatment risks. Be well-informed when you go into your urologist’s office. Same with your surgeon or oncologist when it comes time for treatment. Ask your medical team the tough questions. It’s your prostate, your body, your life, and you have a right to know. Forewarned is forearmed.

Finally, this may seem harsh, but don’t let anybody tell you everything will be fine. I know folks who say this are trying to be supportive by using anecdotal evidence to reassure you that your prostate cancer is no big deal. You’ve heard it—"My friend had prostate cancer, and he’s just fine." That may be true, but what they may not know is their friend didn’t want to share the very personal post-treatment challenges of erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, or rectal issues with them. These are not easy discussions with folks outside the prostate cancer brotherhood.

Personally, I think it’s better to be prepared for the risk of unpleasant outcomes and side effects than to be surprised when they occur. That said, every guy is different. If you’re a glass-is-half-full kind of guy, go with your optimism.

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Would you like to know when the co-hosts of Camp Codger get together to talk about a new topic? Subscribe to our 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 Prostate Paper—The Wrap II, 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.

Gary Ebersole here, back with the closing chapter of The Prostate Papers. You might have noticed the recent “dead air” from the Camp Codger podcast. I haven’t abandoned Camp Codger, but I couldn’t bring myself to deliver another long episode about prostate cancer. Sometimes, you can get too close to a topic, and this was one of those topics for me. Anyway, my personal experience with the scourge of prostate cancer has reached a significant juncture, and I feel a need for closure, hence this final episode of The Prostate Papers.

My Biopsy

I went to Denver in early July for my biopsy, and the results came back a week later. To understand how I ended up 400 miles from Santa Fe, where I live, for this critical procedure, read my blog post on the biopsy dilemma. As you might expect, I hoped the pathology report would let me move into “watchful waiting” or even “active surveillance” mode. Unfortunately, the Denver urologist who performed the biopsy and did the cancer staging said that I needed treatment—surgery, radiation, or even focal therapy. He said it wasn’t urgent, but I did need to do something sooner (measured in a few months) rather than later (a year or two).

My Treatment Decision

For the curious, I have chosen to undergo external beam radiation therapy using the SBRT protocol rather than have a radical prostatectomy via robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery. What a mouthful! Anyway, the treatment will occur during the last two weeks of October in San Francisco. Yes, I’m also traveling out of state for my treatment. I explain my rationale for this decision in a blog post on CampCodger.com.

A Few Comments

Let me leave you with a couple of closing comments. First, an important point to leave listeners with is that your level of involvement in your diagnosis and treatment is your choice. You can follow my over-the-top path and go into a research frenzy. It was perfect for a geek like me since understanding how things work matters. My immersion in the world of prostate cancer has led to the diagnostic choices I made. It also determined my treatment choice. That said, what works for me may not work for other guys. If you have an excellent urologist that you trust and a support system to give you wise counsel, the low-research approach can be the right path for you.

The Definitive Book on Prostate Cancer

Second, for the guy or his family who must know as much as possible about the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, do your online research, as I suggested in an earlier episode. Then check out Dr. Patrick Walsh's Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer. This comprehensive book loads you up with detail, often more than you want. I was well-informed when I finished reading the book.

It's a Wrap

So, it’s a wrap for The Prostate Papers. Developing these episodes has been cathartic for me, but the interaction with my new “prostate buddies” in our special club has been even more amazing. Thanks, guys. It really made a difference.

The Prognosis

Before we go, let me reassure our listeners that I am convinced everything will turn out well. My doctors and all the data I have read tell me that I have over a 99% chance of disease-free survival in the next five years. We caught my cancer at an early stage, and thanks to remarkable advances in treatment technology and practices over the last 20 years, it’s easily treatable. As an added benefit, my radiation oncologist ordered a genomic test of the biopsy tissue. My 15-year risk of dying from prostate cancer is 1.1%. I’m a very lucky 75-year-old guy: early detection, excellent treatment, and good genes. I might make it to 90!

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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 Prostate Papers—The Wrap 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.

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.

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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 Prostate Papers—The Club, 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.

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 healthcare decisions. I rely on the advice of medical professionals, but I’m always well-prepared for a visit to a healthcare provider. Third, I knew I wouldn’t panic if my PSA scores started climbing. Concerned? Of course, but in control of the situation. Finally, I also believed I had the capacity to deal with the complexity of cancer diagnosis and treatment decision-making. However, honestly, I didn’t expect it to be this complex, which triggered my decision to publish The Prostate Papers.

So, no matter where you entered the maze, you’re now on the “active surveillance” conveyor belt, moving along steadily. In some cases, “active surveillance” tends to be more proactive than just “watchful waiting.” More routine PSA tests and even regular MRI scans are often part of the protocol. If all goes well, we stay on this belt until our final curtain call. We’ll probably see slowly increasing PSA scores in what doctors call the “gray zone.” It’s quite common as we age.

Down the Chute to Another Belt

In the meantime, if your annual PSA test does return with a significant jump in your score over the previous year, you might be referred to a urologist. Even if your primary care doctor decides it’s too soon for that referral, a retest is in order. PSA test results can vary. It could be a bad test, but it’s not likely. You might have gone on a long bicycle ride the day before or been sexually active. Either can increase your score, so it’s off to the labs for another test.

If you’re lucky, the increase was a fluke, and you get to spend another year on the “active surveillance” conveyor belt. If it confirms the increase, a gate closes, and you are directed down a chute to the prostate cancer “diagnostic testing” belt. You’ve now entered the part of the maze where you are presented with increasingly complex decisions. High PSA levels can be caused by other prostate-related issues and may not be cancer. We need to find out the probable cause, and that’s what your urologist will help determine.

In the next episode, we’ll examine the choices facing patients with elevated PSA levels. Should a biopsy be the first step, or are there other options?

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 Prostate Papers—Entering the Maze, 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.

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 recommendation from Dr. Scholz to take the time to understand the diagnostic and treatment options you have, in another video, he expanded on something I had already discovered—prostate cancer is complex. He says, “The buck stops with the patient in the prostate cancer world much more than it does in any other realm…”. He’s spot on. Remember, this is your prostate, your life, and the decisions that you make will ultimately be your decisions. That said, decision-making is best shared with your medical team. You need the best medical partner or advisor you can find. In a perfect world, you’d retain an independent advisor with no stake in the diagnostic and treatment choices. This optimal medical professional can offer advice and advocate on your behalf.

Unfortunately, independent medical advocacy is atypical, expensive, and usually not covered by insurance. In the real world, your urologist guides your medical journey, explaining the diagnostic and treatment options as you proceed. In many cases, if you opt for surgical treatment, your urologist is your surgeon. For most of us, working with a urologist is probably the best choice since it’s covered by insurance, and the vast majority of urologists have their patient’s best interests as their top priority. They’ll guide you in making good decisions. Self-advocacy remains important, and it’s perfectly fine to ask questions. In my case, I have a great urologist who is completely open to supporting me during this journey, independent of my diagnostic and treatment choices.

Ambiguity and Uncertainty

In the previous Prostate Papers episode, when I explained how I went down the prostate cancer rabbit hole, I introduced you to your new constant companions on this journey—the risks of incontinence and sexual dysfunction. Joining these miserable guys are their sidekicks, ambiguity, and uncertainty. As Dr. Scholz also points out, patients are “managing risk with no perfect options in this complex process of narrowing down options.” As much as we would like a straightforward test that confirms the existence of cancer and a well-defined treatment strategy, it doesn’t work that way with many cancers, especially prostate cancer.

Treatment choices (even diagnostic testing options) must be made based on evidence that has probabilistic outcomes. Statistics, not absolute clarity, drives decision-making. Patients who receive a diagnosis of an intermediate grade of prostate cancer (that means most of us) face a particular challenge.  You’re in the gray zone, and there is no single, easy answer here. You need to be prepared to hear, “It depends,” “Maybe,” or “It’s a toss-up.” It’s hard, but don’t let the ambiguity and complexity keep you from understanding your choices before you make your decisions.

Prostate Cancer is Big Business

I also noted in the previous Prostate Papers episode that diagnosing and treating prostate cancer is a big business. We can often look to our insurance provider to add financial considerations as we navigate this decision-making. The good news is that most insurance providers, including Medicare, cover prostate cancer diagnostic testing and treatment if they represent the “standard of care.” However, many newer diagnostic tests and treatment options may not be covered. Check with your insurance provider before committing to a procedure or a test. It’s your choice to pay out-of-pocket for the latest state-of-the-art testing and treatment, but be forewarned—it can get very expensive very fast. And be wary of hyperbolic marketing claims by some of these treatment clinics and diagnostic providers. Remember, prostate cancer is a business, and a big one at that.

In the next episode, we’ll enter the prostate cancer maze. It’s time to start considering all the diagnosis and treatment decisions we’ll make over the following weeks, months, and even years.

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 Prostate Papers (Taking Stock), 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.

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 research organizations. The information includes research data interpreted into human-readable form and blended with clinical experience. These sites include the Mayo Clinic, the Cleveland Clinic, and the many clinics associated with major medical schools. MedlinePlus from the National Library of Medicine is also a good source. Stick to these websites to keep your research comprehensible yet with solid, high-quality information.

As you move down the value curve, you reach the marketing websites of clinics specializing in specific cancer treatments and companies promoting their products. The information they provide can be valuable but frequently lacks a broader, unbiased perspective. Using the data is fine, but always with a grain of salt.

Other sources I generally avoid are online prostate cancer forums such as those on Reddit. My observation is they tend to require heavy screening to filter out uninformed opinions and anecdotal data. I’m certain there may be some valuable insights on these forums, but for my prostate cancer research, the benefit just wasn’t worth the effort.

Junk, Misinformation, Scams and ChatGPT

And then there’s just plain old-fashioned junk, misinformation, and scams. If somebody is promoting a magical, no-risk cure for prostate cancer, it’s bogus. Just stay away. There is no miracle supplement or treatment that the medical community has failed to discover.

Finally, a quick sidebar. In my research, I chose not to use artificial intelligence tools in the form of ChatGPT even though I have a paid subscription. I have a decent understanding of how large-language models work and how they are trained. They may offer up reasonable-sounding answers, but because of the nature of these generative AI systems, it’s almost impossible for them to cite any sources they use in the output. As a matter of fact, they never make statements based on hard evidence. That’s not how they work. Ask an AI expert if they would trust the answers from ChatGPT if they were making decisions about their cancer. Probably not.

My Findings

So, what did I discover from all this research for The Prostate Papers? First, in my view, prostate cancer is challenging. It’s a leading cancer killer among men (#2, I believe), yet millions of old guys are walking around with what’s called “indolent” cancer in their prostates. It’s also not typically a ‘one-and-done’ cancer with a simple diagnosis and treatment trajectory. Now, dealing with any cancer is not a cakewalk, and every cancer is different. Many treatments can be intense and debilitating. Most of us can speak from personal experience, knowing friends and relatives who have undergone surgical, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. It’s not fun.

Second, I learned that treating prostate cancer is a big business—big, like $13 billion in the U.S. alone in 2023—and growing fast. It’s not all bad since the market opportunity drives rapid progress in prostate cancer diagnostic tools and treatments. Just remember that the economic size of this market creates obvious biases. Be a smart shopper and a smarter patient. Demand evidence about what works, whether from your doctor or medical supplier.

Third, I was quickly educated on the prostate biopsy procedure. A biopsy is often necessary, but it is “unpleasant” at best. Another sidebar here—I was whining to a friend about my looming biopsy. I called it a barbaric medical procedure in the third decade of the 21st century. We both agreed that if we could be sedated during a colonoscopy, why not during a prostate biopsy? When our discussion about avoiding a little discomfort during the procedure got back to our partners (one a doctor, the other a nurse), the women quickly let us know about a range of much more challenging sedation-free medical procedures they endured, starting with natural childbirth. As their list of painful procedures grew, we realized this was not a winnable discussion. The wimps quickly withdrew their suggestion for sedation. A shot of whiskey and biting down on a hunk of leather was all we needed.

Treatment Side Effects

Finally, I learned that treatment side effects are a constant, unifying thread in almost every discussion or research paper. The risk of incontinence and sexual dysfunction after treatment is very real. Yes, some men dodge these bullets, but many don’t. Between the biopsy and the high probability of side effects, it’s no wonder men are hesitant to start down the prostate cancer path. I’ll return to these issues in the next episodes and drill down on the diagnostic and treatment process.

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 Prostate Papers (Down the Rabbit Hole), 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.

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 Observations

Before we close this episode, let me offer my initial observations on my reaction to entering the “prostate zone.” First, when you are referred for your first non-PSA diagnostic test, you become obsessed with learning more. At least it was that way for me. My second observation feeds the first—there’s a boatload of information out there for you to obsessively google and doom scroll through. The third observation is that you are not alone. Millions of men are living with prostate cancer, support groups abound, and family and friends will be there. It’s a large community.

Join me in the next episode of The Prostate Papers when I explore whether we have a TMI problem with prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment. Is there too much information? In subsequent episodes, I’ll dig into the complex process of diagnosing and treating prostate cancer.

Connect with Us

Would you like to know when the hosts of Camp Codger get together to talk about a new topic? Subscribe to our 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 found this first episode of The Prostate Paper interesting, please click the Share button below and Like Camp Codger on our Facebook Page. Finally, have some feedback? Leave a comment below or send an email to campcodger@gmail.com.

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.

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 Land of the Very Old, 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.

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? Leave a comment below or send an email to campcodger@gmail.com.

Goodbye!

Gary, Richard, and Randy

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.

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 really bad at keeping New Year's resolutions. More about that in a minute. But first...

Most Common New Year's Resolutions

Millions of people vow to improve themselves at the beginning of each year. The number one New Year's resolution is "exercise more." nearly half of the people who make resolutions vow to be more physically active. Next on the list are three things that about 40 percent of resolution makers strive to do. These are "eat healthier," "lose weight," and "save more money."

So, three of the top four most popular resolutions are about taking better care of our physical bodies!

Next on the list of most popular New Year's resolutions are "pursue a career ambition," "spend less time on social media," and "take up a new hobby." All of these are worthy of a New Year's resolution. But the challenge is how to keep them.

How Difficult is it to Keep Resolutions?

It turns out that making New Year's resolutions is way easier than keeping them. If fact, most of us are really bad at keeping the promises we make to ourselves at the beginning of each year.

According to studies, most people quit on their resolutions by the end of January. They don't even carry through with their good intentions for an entire month! Only 9% of people actually achieve their goals. That's not a very impressive number.

New Year's Resolutions and How to Keep Them

We may want to lose weight, eat more vegetables, volunteer more, quit smoking and spend more time with family. But experts say that’s too many goals to set for a New Year’s resolution. So here's the #1 tip from the experts at UC Davis Health about New Year's Resolutions and How to Keep Them.

Tip#1: Be picky about your resolutions

That's right. The experts advise us to pick one, or maybe two things you’d like to focus on and go all in. This sets you up to achieve specific goals. And it helps you to avoid feeling like a failure for not hitting your goals.

The next tip from the experts is:

Tip #2: Plan your resolution

It’s best to plan for your goal. It's not enough to simply write it down. You need to think about how you want to accomplish your resolution. How long do you think it will take to reach your goal? Let's say your resolution is to quit smoking. Do some research into how long it takes an average person to kick the habit. Find out about the possible setbacks so you will know how to deal with them. With some smart planning, you will be more likely to keep your resolution.

We're not going to list all seven tips here. (To get them all, you will have to listen to this episode of the Camp Codger podcast,) But there's one more we want to share here:

Tip #5: Choose a new resolution

It is best to avoid picking a goal that you’ve tried in the past but failed to achieve. Doing so might set you up to fall into the same pitfalls that stopped you before. Instead, pick a new resolution that might give you a better path to success. Or maybe you can modify a previous goal if that’s something you still want to accomplish. (If you pick a resolution that you failed to achieve in the past, see Tip #2 above.)

There's lots more great advice on this New Year's Resolutions and How to Keep Them episode. So listen on the Camp Codger website--or wherever you get your podcasts.

Connect with Us

Leave a comment below or send an email to campcodger@gmail.com.

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 everyone.

If you are not suffering from holiday loneliness, please reach out to someone who might be lonely. It's wonderful to take cookies to a friend or family member. It's the holiday season, so no one will think you are being weird or pushy if you reach out and say hello.

When we reach out and share our humanity with others, we make the world a better place. That's why the Andy Williams song (It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year) is so popular. When we do all of those friendly things, we make our lives richer and fuller. Plus, we feel less alone.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or a Winterfest, we hope your holiday season is a time of family, food, cheer, and reconnecting with friends and family. 

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 Holiday Loneliness, 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.

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 feedback for the codgers? Leave a comment below or send an email to campcodger@gmail.com and we will send you a limited edition "I'm not old. I'm vintage." bumper sticker!

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 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 Codger Retirement Stories, 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.

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 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.

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 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 Has Amazon Ruined Holiday Shopping?, 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.

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 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 Codger Travel Trips, 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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

Let's face it, seniors and falling is a daily concern. Older people, especially the very elderly, take tumbles every day. In June 2023, President Joe Biden fell at the podium while addressing cadets at the Air Force Academy. More recently, Camp Codger co-host Richard Kipling fell at a museum, looking at his phone and not where he was walking. Luckily, both survived these falls with no damage.

The point is, if we’re senior citizens, most of us have fallen, or nearly fallen.

According to the CDC, every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) suffers a fall in the U.S.—making falls the leading cause of injury and injury death in this age group. One out of four older adults will fall each year in the United States, making falls and falling a public health concern, particularly among an aging population.

Elderly and Falls Statistics

Here are a few more facts from the CDC about older adults and falling:

-- More than 35 million falls are reported among older adults each year—resulting in more than 32,000 deaths.

-- Each year, about 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for a fall injury.

-- And each year at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures. More than 95% of those fractures are caused by falling. 

So given these alarming numbers, what do we do? What can we seniors do to stay on our feet and avoid a health catastrophe and even death?

Seniors and Falling Expert Emily Nabors

On this important episode about Seniors and Falling, we invited Emily Nabors, an expert on the elderly and falls. Emily holds a Master of Science degree in Gerontology from the University of Southern California, where she is a Program Manager specializing in Falls Prevention. 

She educates aging and health providers and housing professionals on what they can do to help seniors NOT become part of those alarming statistics. To that end, Emily conducts research on home modification to support aging in place and has developed a home modification toolkit with resources for seniors and professionals.

So, how did a younger person get into the field of studying older people and falls?

"I kind of 'fell' into it," says Emily. "One of my earliest jobs was working at an art gallery. There were older clientele who I really connected with. After a few years, I decided to segue from the art world to a career where I was helping older people. I wanted to do work that could improve our quality of life in our later years."

Preventing Falls and Injuries

Most falls and falling injuries suffered by older people and seniors can be prevented. Strategies to make homes and apartments can be make our homes safer. Falls are common across all age groups. But because of the risk of injury in seniors, making home modifications can help to reduce falls-- and the injuries senior citizens suffer when they do fall.

Remove clutter in the home. Remove throw rugs. And follow the tips that Emily Nabors gives in this Seniors and Falling episode of Camp Codger. In addition to all of the places you can listen to podcasts (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, etc.) you can also listen to our podcasts on the Camp Codger YouTube Channel.

And, of course, you can simply 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 Seniors and Falling, please click the Share button below and Like Camp Codger on our Facebook Page. Finally, have some feedback for the Camp Codger co-hosts? Leave a comment below or send an email to campcodger@gmail.com.

Is it normal to be a sexy senior citizen? Can mature relationships well into our golden years include intimacy? Is it normal for mature relationships to include a loving sexual relationship?

According to the advice from sexologist Dr. Pepper Schwartz, the expert guest on this episode of Camp Codger, the answers to these questions are an enthusiastic "Yes!"

Dr. Schwartz has been a respected expert on sexual topics for decades. She is a sociologist and sexologist at the University of Washington who has done extensive research on sexuality and relationships. She is a popular speaker on topics about intimacy and sexual wellness. Plus, she is the author of 26 books. That's right--26 books, including PRIME: Adventures and Advice on Sex, Love and the Sensual Years. And, she is the sexuality expert on the long-running TV show "Married at First Sight."

Love Advice for Senior Citizens from Sexologist Dr. Pepper Schwartz

According to Dr. Pepper Schwartz, a loving, romantic, and sexy relationship is a wonderful goal for most people in their golden years. There is no reason that older people have to give up on being sexy or sexual, says Dr. Schwartz.

It's not everyday day that you get to hear intimacy advice from Sexologist Dr. Pepper Schwartz. During this information-packed episode of the Camp Codger podcast, Doctor Pepper Schwartz answers these questions:

What are the characteristics of a good, intimate relationship as a senior?

Are medical doctors a good source of information about sex and intimacy?

Why is the media afraid to deal with the topic of love and intimacy after the age of 60?

Plus, she gives specific tips and advice about many topics of interest to older folks who are not yet willing to give up on a relationship that includes physical love and intimacy.

Celebrate Your Sensuality

It's not too late to be a sexy and sensual person. With expert love advice from sexologist Dr. Pepper Schwartz, you can continue to be in a loving, romantic relationship in your 60s, 70s, and even your 80s.

The hosts of the Camp Codger podcast wish to thank Dr. Schwartz (the sexuality advisor on the hit TV show Married at First Sight and world-renowned relationship expert) for her wisdom and for sharing her knowledge with the Camp Codger family of listeners.

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 Relationship and Intimacy Advice from Sexologist Dr. Pepper Schwartz, please click the Share button below and Like Camp Codger on our Facebook Page. Finally, have some feedback for the Camp Codger hosts? Leave a comment below or send an email to campcodger@gmail.com.

How sharp is your memory? Do you sometimes forget things? Is your mind as sharp as it used to be? Do you have trouble remembering people’s names right after you’ve met them? Do you sometimes look all over the house for your phone, and then discover that it's been in your hand the whole time?

If the answer to any of these questions is Yes, you are not alone. Many of us in our golden years don’t remember things as well as we used to. On today’s episode of Camp Codger, which we call Improve Memory and Brain Health, our expert guest is Dr. Linda Sasser, author of Brain Sense: A Guide and Workbook to Keep Your Mind and Memory Sharp. She is also a nationally known expert speaker on topics about brain function and brain health.

Is It Normal to Have Memory Problems?

That's the first question we asked Dr. Sasser. Thankfully, she said yes. (That made the Camp Codger counselors feel better.) As we get older, we will occasionally experience some memory problems. These include misplacing things, sometimes needing to pause to remember directions, and forgetting names.

"What we like to say is if you forget where your keys are, that's normal," said Dr. Sasser. "But if you forget what your keys are for, that is a red flag. So if your memory lapses start interfering with accomplishing daily tasks, paying bills, brushing your teeth, getting dressed, or getting lost coming home from the grocery store, then that's a concern."

Experts say some of our thinking abilities peak at age 30, and they slowly decline as we get older. So we're all going to experience things like a slowing down in our thinking speed as we get older.

Tips to Improve Memory and Brain Health

If each of us is going to experience some memory lapses, is there anything we can do about it? Fortunately, the answer is yes! Here are four tips to help improve your memory and brain health.

1. Physical activity raises blood flow to the entire body--including your brain. So being physically active every day is good for your brain and your memory.
2. Staying mentally active is also good for your brain. Do puzzles. Read. Keep your brain active by doing a variety of things.
3. Get plenty of sleep. It turns out that sleep is really good for your brain.
4. Eat a healthy diet. Eating more fresh vegetables and less processed food is good for your body-- and your brain.

Dr. Sasser shares more information about how to improve memory and brain health on this episode of Camp Codger. Please listen to it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also tell your "Alexa" speaker to play the Camp Codger podcast. You can even go to YouTube and search for Camp Codger to listen to our episodes.

ONE MORE THING: We still have a few of our First Edition Camp Codger bumper stickers. If you leave a comment about a recent Camp Codger episode, we'll send you a bumper sticker. Free! All we ask is you put it on your car or somewhere else where people will see it.

We hope you enjoy this episode of the Camp Codger podcast. And please tell your friends about it.

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 called Improve Memory and Brain Health with Dr. Linda Sasser, 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.

A couple of weeks ago, we did a Camp Codger podcast episode about what we don't like about getting old. It was our chance to rant a little about the aches and pains of getting older. Literally. Sometimes you just gotta complain to get it out of your system.

But being crabby about aging shouldn't be your full time job. Being grumpy all the time doesn't make for a happy life-- or a happy retirement. So on this show, we talked about the things we love about getting old.

What are the Things You Love About Getting Old?

We began the episode with a few things we can all agree that we love about getting old. Senior discounts! (How can you not love paying less for something just because you've got a little gray hair?") Social security checks! (The government deposits money into your bank account every month!)

Randy brought up one of the best things about getting old: Freedom from the Weekend! When you're retired, you no longer have to wait until the weekend to go out to dinner or go to a movie. In fact, your "weekend" can be Tuesday and Wednesday, when stores and other venues are free of crowds. "Every day is a weekend when you are older and retired!" said Gary, in total agreement.

Having no work worries is another great thing about being older. Your "To-Do" list gets a lot shorter, and sometimes your To-Do list includes things like "Take a Ride on the E-bike." Imagine a To-do list of nothing but fun things! If that's not a benefit of growing older, we don't know what is.

Getting Older Can Be Fun!

Once the Camp Codger counselors got started, we found so many things we love about getting old. How about eating breakfast on the front porch-- just like people used to do in the olden days. Why not? Who says you have to eat every meal indoors? Act like an old person and eat breakfast on the front porch and wave to the neighbors as they pass by!

Richard admitted he loves to exercise whenever he wants to. He also loves reading a book whenever he wants to. Do anything you want whenever you want to! You have the time to play and do fun things anytime during the day. You have lots of free time. So, give yourself permission to do something fun whenever the mood strikes you.

Check Out Our YouTube Channel

Have you seen the Camp Codger channel on YouTube? We post all of our podcast episodes, so you can listen to Camp Codger via YouTube when that's more convenient. We also post fun videos about all kinds of topics related to getting older.

Our recent Jimmy Buffett Tribute episode has been extremely popular on YouTube. And the short video that Randy shot at Jimmy Buffett's last stadium concert (in San Diego on May 6, 2023) is the most popular video on the Camp Codger YouTube channel-- by far! It seems that everyone still loves Jimmy Buffett.

So, please visit the Camp Codger channel on YouTube and click on the subscribe button. You will be notified whenever we post a new video. And make sure you see the "Old Randy Gives Advice to Young Randy" short video. It's a hoot!

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 Things We Love About Getting Old, 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.

Jimmy Buffett was a singer, songwriter, and a much-loved entertainer. His stadium concerts, filled with his adoring fans called parrotheads, became massive tailgating parties where fans celebrated Jimmy's beach bum attitude.

For the first time on the Camp Codger podcast, co-hosts Randy Schultz, Gary Ebersole, and Richard Kipling, devote an entire episode of the show to a popular codger whose life has made a lasting impact. This Jimmy Buffett tribute is a look at the life, charm, success, and endearing affect that Jimmy Buffett had on the baby boomer generation.

James William Buffett was born on Christmas Day 1946, making him one of the oldest baby boomers. He died at his home in Sag Habor, New York, on September 1, 2023 at the age of 76. Ask any of his millions of adoring fans, and they would say Jimmy Buffett died way too soon.

Jimmy Buffett Tribute: His Early Career

Mr. Buffett was not an overnight success. He was a little-known singer songwriter for many years. His first album, released on a small record label in 1970, sold only 324 copies. But many of his early compositions were heartfelt songs that revealed Buffett's talent for story telling. He wrote ballads that Bob Dylan praised, calling Buffett one of his favorite songwriters.

In 1974, Jimmy Buffett got his first success on popular radio with Come Monday. It wasn't a massive radio hit; it peaked at #30 on the Billboard charts. But it gave Buffett his first taste of success. Jimmy Buffett later said that Come Monday changed his life, and it gave him the confidence to keep singing and keep writing.

Three years later, a song about a man who has wasted an entire summer in a beach town changed his life forever.

Jimmy Buffett and Margaritaville

In the summer of 1977, Jimmy Buffett's song called Margaritaville became a huge radio hit and made Jimmy Buffett famous. Let's face it, Margaritaville is a delightful earworm that's fun to sing. It quickly became an anthem for the "beach bum lifestyle," and it made Jimmy Buffett the patron saint of Hawaiian shirts, shorts, flip flops, and partying at the beach.

Sadly, Margaritaville was Jimmy Buffett's only Top 10 single. But over the years, Jimmy Buffett added plenty of other fun songs to his playlist-- including Fins, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Volcano, and many more. His concerts became massive parties that filled large stadiums. His avid fans in flamboyant party costumes were dubbed "parrotheads" by Timothy B. Schmidt, the former bass player for the Eagles who had joined Jimmy's Coral Reefer Band in the 1980s.

By that time, Jimmy Buffett the businessman was turning Margaritaville into an endearing the symbol of the Buffett lifestyle brand that grew to include restaurants, hotels, merchandise, and much more. Let's just say that Jimmy Buffett, that man with the killer smile and beach bum persona, died a very, very rich man.

The Jimmy B. Legacy

The outpouring of love and support for Jimmy Buffett immediately after his death shows that his legacy will continue. Listen to the Jimmy Buffett Tribute episode of the Camp Codger podcast to learn more about Mr. Margaritaville and his legacy.

No matter what, Jimmy will continue to live in our hearts, and his music will still be the soundtrack of our summers.

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.

If you enjoy this Jimmy Buffet Tribute episode, 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.

A wise person once said, "getting old isn't for sissies." It's true that there are things we hate about getting old. (And there are also things we love. But that's the topic for a future episode of the Camp Codger podcast.)

This week, we take a look at the downside of getting older. But, as we often do, we find a lot of humor in our aging. Sometimes we have to laugh at ourselves and admit that there is plenty of laughter in our little rants about the things we hate about getting old.

I Hate Rap Music!

Gary gets things started with his "I hate rap music" rant. Yes, all three of the hosts of Camp Codger (Gary, Richard, and Randy) admit that the "finer points" of rap music totally escape them. There's no melody. Everyone seems so angry. It all sounds the same.

Perhaps we were too old when rap music arrived on the scene. We were already big fans of what is now called Classic Rock, and we weren't about to embrace the new music of the younger folks. But still. Is rap music really music? And why is it so popular? Gary just doesn't like it. And neither do Richard and Randy.

More Things We Hate About Getting Old

Randy opened this show with a look back at Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech from 60 years ago. That triggered Richard's comments about how younger people don't know about many of the major events of the late 20th Century. "It's vexing to think that events that were so big to you are not even on the radar of so many younger people."

Amen, Richard.

Randy picked a much smaller thing to be peeved about: reading glasses. "I've been reading for my entire life, and now I can't even read a text on my iPhone without putting on a pair of reading glasses!"

All three of the co-hosts could relate to this lament. Randy admits to having pairs of reading glasses stashed in virtually every room of his house. Gary revealed that he resorted to wearing his reading glasses on a chain around his neck. Yes, he looks like an old librarian from 50 years ago.

Is Getting Old Really So Difficult?

We were going to call this episode 10 Things We Have About Getting Old. But then we came up with more than 10 things.

So, yes. There really is a lot to talk about when the topic is things you don't like about getting older.

Listen to this episode to find out what the codgers have to say about getting old. Just click on the "Play Episode" triangle above. And after you've heard the episode, please leave a comment about the things you really hate about getting old.

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 Things We Hate About Getting Old, please click the Share button below. Plus, Like Camp Codger on our Facebook Page.

Finally, you might have some feedback for the old codgers. If so, leave a comment below or send an email to campcodger@gmail.com.

It seems like we all have too much stuff. After decades of collecting more and more possessions, the typical house has a garage packed with possessions, closets overflowing with clothes, and tabletops covered with an assortment of stuff. If you are like most folks we know, you have more things than you need.

This week, Randy Schultz, Richard Kipling, and Gary Ebersole interview Julie Corraccio and come away loaded with tips and techniques to clean up their chaos and organize their homes. As they learned, clutter can be a problem for many people, but it can often represent a significant challenge for senior citizens who may have spent decades collecting stuff.

For years, Julie has worked as a professional organizer as well as teaching people how to clear clutter. Author of 15 books and host of the podcast Clear Your Clutter Inside and Out, she is passionate about supporting people in creating the life they choose, deserve, and desire. A special interest for her is teaching her clients eco-friendly cleaning and organizing practices.

Learn to Declutter Your Home with Julie Coraccio

One of the biggest challenges to declutter your home is the feeling that the task is so large, it seems overwhelming. Julie Coraccio offers several tips on breaking the project into smaller, more manageable pieces.

According to Julie, one of the keys is to get started on a small part of the job of decluttering. A collection of small tasks that can be completed in a few hours each is often better for most people than undertaking a huge, multi-day project. However, as she reminds us, we all have different styles. Julie suggests picking an approach that is best suited to you. (Listen to this episode for all of her tips!.)

Clutter Kryptonite

An important phase of any decluttering project is understanding how the clutter came to be. A favorite phrase Julie uses is "clutter kryptonite", which describes our personal habits for buying things. The less we buy, the lower the opportunity to create clutter.

But we all have our own bits of clutter kryptonite. Julie confesses that she has a weakness for leopard print clothing and fabric. So, she has developed practices to ward off the urge to buy more leopard print clothing!

How can you learn to declutter your home with Julie Coraccio in your golden years? Listen to the interview with Julie to find out. 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! We will send you 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 declutter your home with Julie Coraccio, 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.

The co-hosts of Camp Codger, the podcast for people in their golden years, recently got together to talk about Y2K the year 2000. The big news stories, the popular movies, the events that impacted us, and even the prices of things we buy.

Even though it has been less than two and a half decades since the year 2000, there were many things about that year that we've conveniently forgotten about.

Y2K and the Year 2000 Begins

One of the biggest memories of 2000 was the way the year began. The leap from the 20th century to the 21st century was a big deal all by itself. Flipping the calendar page from 1999 to 2000 seemed monumentally important. Surely, we were all entering the Jetsons era, with robots and flying cars just around the corner.

Then there was the Y2K bug. On the Y2K the Year 2000 episode of Camp Codger, the fearless co-hosts (Gary, Richard, and Randy) do a great job of explaining what the Y2K bug was, and why computer geeks were all paranoid about it. (Listen to the episode for a full explanation.) But the short version is this: when the year switched from 1999 to 2000, all hell was going to break loose. Computers everywhere in the world were going to shut down. Modern life as we knew it was going to be disrupted in all kinds of horrible ways.

But then the end of the world didn't happen. And we all rejoiced by watching cable TV and eating SpongeBob SquarePants popsicles.

The Bush vs. Gore Presidential Election

The year ended with the biggest news story of Y2K the Year 2000. The presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore was the closest in American history. How close was it? It was so close that Florida had to recount all the votes cast in the state. And the Supreme Court got involved. We didn't know who won the election for over a month. There was lots of talk about "hanging chads."

Fortunately, panic did not ensue. Mr. Bush and Mr. Gore acted like responsible men. Neither of them called the other a liar, a loser, or stupid. They behaved with the decorum that Americans had come to expect from Presidential candidates. When George W. Bush was declared the winner, Mr. Gore accepted the results. No further drama ensued.

More about Y2K the Year 2000

When it came to popular culture, there was a lot going on in the year 2000. A rapper named Eminem and a band called the Beatles battled on the charts for the most popular album (CD?) of the year. On TV, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire was a primetime hit.

Montgomery Ward, the old-school retailer in business since 1872, announced that it would be closing its retail stores. And so much more happened in Y2K the Year 2000. Listen to this episode of the Camp Codger podcast to hear all about it.

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 Y2K the Year 2000, 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.

Richard Kipling, a co-host of the Camp Codger podcast for people in their golden years, admits that he has this debate with himself every year. Should he find a wonderful new place for a vacation? Or should he return to a favorite place where he has already visited?

"We have all had vacation trips that didn't work out, and for sure we're not going back there," said Kipling. "But what about those places where you had a wonderful experience? Great food, unforgettable sights, beautiful walks, amazing hikes. Places where you met friendly people that became your friends. What if you went back to one of those places?"

Best Places to Travel

There are so many places to travel. So many great vacation destinations. So many things to see and places to go. That's why selecting the best places to travel, old or new, is such a personal decision.

"Sometimes it's great to return to a place you've already visited because it is familiar," said Randy Schultz, another Camp Codger co-host. "There's something comforting about visiting a place that's different from where you live, but it's a favorite place away from home. Even if you've been to a vacation destination before, there are usually new things to explore and new places to go on your next visit."

Tropical Beach Resort? Camping? Road Trip?

It's not just an "old or new" choice when selecting the best places to travel. What kind of vacation do you want to experience? Are you and your family in the mood for an adventure? Do you want to spend hours lounging on the beach? Maybe you want to visit places of historical interest or someplace you have always dreamed about seeing.

Listen to this Best Places to Travel episode to hear the pros and cons of visiting an old or new vacation destination. Just click on the "Play Episode" triangle above.

Lahaina, Maui Fire

One of Randy's favorite destinations that he talked about on this episode of Camp Codger is Maui. Shortly after this Best Places to Travel--Old or New episode was recorded, a devastating fire destroyed much of the town of Lahaina on the island of Maui, Hawaii.

"My wife, Patti, was literally in tears as she watched news footage of the fires in Lahaina on the west side of Maui," said Randy. "We had just talked about favorite places to vacation on Camp Codger, and now our favorite destination was being destroyed by a wildfire. Front Street was literally engulfed in flames. It was heartbreaking."

The moral of the story: don't wait to visit or revisit one of your "bucket list" places that you'd like to see. You never know when the opportunity to visit might literally go up in flames. All of us here at Camp Codger send our thoughts and prayers to the people of Lahaina on Maui in the wonderful state of Hawaii. We promise to visit when you rebuild your wonderful town.

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 Best Places to Travel--Old or New, 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.

This week, Randy Schultz, Richard Kipling, and Gary Ebersole—your favorite camp counselors—take a breather and look back at where we have been and consider where we might go from here. A big thanks to our senior citizen audience who enjoy our insights and commentary on life in our golden years. We do this podcast for you and we're still "on the air" after 52 episodes.

Favorite Episodes

When we started exploring the idea of an episode that looked back at the first year of Camp Codger, it was almost natural that we would each have our own favorite episodes. Randy thoroughly enjoyed our "Camp Granny" episode with author Sharon Lovejoy while Richard appreciated the insights on retirement offered by LA Times columnist Steve Lopez. Ever the geek, Gary preferred the more educational, technology-based episodes about the Metaverse and ChatGPT.

We all agreed that it was fun to take a stroll down memory lane occasionally. We look back at the music, toys, and major events in our formative years.

The First Year of Camp Codger Is Over. Where Do We Go From Here?

In this episode, we also look at ideas for ways to make our podcasts more relevant, interesting, and fun for our listeners. The old codgers have some ideas, but we all agreed that increased audience participation would be great. Send an email to campcodger@gmail.com, leave a comment below, or leave us a voicemail at 505-603-3231 with your ideas about future episodes.

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 for 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 first year of Camp Codger, 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.

Meredith Chen, of Senior Fitness with Meredith, thinks it's never too late to start a fitness program. Meredith has devoted her fitness business to helping senior citizens get fitter and stronger. She is based in Arizona, but every day seniors from all over the United States and throughout the English-speaking world use her videos to add strength, flexibility, and balance to their lives.

Gary Ebersole, Richard Kipling, and Randy Schultz (the co-hosts of the Camp Codger podcast), asked Meredith to share her insights about senior exercise. They asked her how to start exercising again--even if it's been a long time since you had a fitness routine.

It's Never Too Late to Start Exercising Again!

Many seniors were once quite strong and fit. But over the years, they have become more sedentary. They sit more. Many don't play tennis or run anymore. They have lost muscle strength. Perhaps they have issues with flexibility and balance.

"It's never too late to start exercising again," said Meredith, founder of Senior Fitness with Meredith. "Even when you have lost mobility or are confined to a wheelchair, you can still do seated exercises to increase your strength and stamina."

According to Meredith, virtually everyone in their "golden years" can benefit from the right kinds of exercise that correspond to their ability levels.

Benefits of Senior Exercise

Physical exercise can benefit adults age 65 and older in many ways. Here are a few ways that exercise can improve your health and well being.

1. Increases balance, flexibility, and mobility. Exercise that moves the joints from head to toe also enhances flexibility. The right exercise program makes muscles and bones stronger. That gives seniors better coordination and balance. And that reduces the chances of debilitating falls.
2. Improves cardiovascular function. As a result of an exercise program, the heart rate decreases and blood vessels become more relaxed. Cardio function increases, which means the heart does not need to work as hard to circulate blood throughout the body.
3. Boosts morale and sense of well being. Studies have shown that during physical activity, the brain releases endorphins and dopamine. This helps reduce physical discomfort and alleviate anxiety. That's why exercising regularly can result in an overall sense of well being.

Want to learn more about how to start exercising again and what benefits exercise brings? Listen to the Camp Codger Podcast interview with Meredith from Senior Fitness with Meredith. 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 to Start Exercising Again , 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.

Remember reading every word of the newspaper sports page--in the printed newspaper? Camp Codger hosts Richard Kipling and Randy Schultz sure do. The sports page (also known as the sports section) was the first part of the daily newspaper they read. (For host Gary Ebersole, not so much. He was never a fan of the sports page because he was never a real fan of sports.)

Well folks, it's RIP Sports Page as the New York Times has announced it will disband its sports department and cease its daily sports pages. The Los Angeles Times made a similar announcement.

This means neither newspaper will publish sports scores, game results, league standings, baseball box scores, football scores, soccer results, basketball playoff results, hockey scores-- or sporting events of any kind. For Richard and Randy, this is the end of life as they know it.

Hey Sports Page, Where Are My Box Scores?

If you are a baseball fan, you understand the subhead above. Box scores are the detailed (and arcane) way of using a chart to summarize what happened in a baseball game.

In a tiny amount of space on a newspaper page, the box score of a baseball game tells you everyone who played in the game and what they did-- at bats, hits, runs scored, runs batted in. Plus how many runs were scored in each inning and what the final score of the game was. It's brilliant--and avid fans love to read the box scores for their favorite teams.

But if you are a baseball fan in New York or Los Angeles, you can't read box scores in the newspapers anymore. This will soon happen in other cities. Just watch.

Newspapers Aren't Dead... Yet

Printed newspapers aren't completely dead yet. There are still hundreds of daily newspapers in the US that have daily sports pages. It's not R.I.P. Sports Pages for those newspapers. At least not yet.

But the death of daily sports coverage in printed newspapers is coming. Unfortunately, it's another step in the steady decline of traditional newspapers as online news sources take over.

Gary admits to being an early convert to digital news reading. He dropped his subscription to the printed newspaper a decade ago.

Richard, who spent decades as a print journalist and editor, says on this episode of Camp Codger, "Online has utterly conquered print in the sports information contest." Randy agrees, admitting that "MLB scores" is a frequent Google search on his phone.

For the Camp Codger hosts, daily newspapers are "throwing in the towel" (did you catch that clever sports reference?) on sports coverage. And it's another giant step in the steady march downward for traditional newspapers.

Beyond the RIP for Sports Pages

Even if you're not a sports fan, listen to this episode of Camp Codger. Randy reads a letter written by ChatGPT about the Camp Codger podcast. This fan letter, written by a computer, is so gushingly funny that Randy can't read it without laughing out loud.

It's so heart-warming when a computer program like ChatGPT finds humor and comfort from a podcast as human and folksy as Camp Codger!

To listen to this episode, just click on the "Play Episode" triangle above.

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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 called R,I.P. Sports Page, 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.

You might remember our first show about ChatGPT that we posted a few months ago. (On March 22, 2023, to be exact.) That was when ChatGPT (an artificial intelligence program, or AI for short) had just be released to the public.

Back then, we took an in-depth look at all the hype surrounding ChatGPT. We examined what this artificial intelligence (AI) tool could do--and not do. We also discussed the possible dangers of AI in general.

What we (the humble hosts of the Camp Codger podcast: Gary Ebersole, Richard Kipling, and Randy Schultz) found out was ChatGPT wasn't really ready for prime time. It made mistakes. Stupid mistakes. (The bio it wrote about Richard said he had died in 2015!) And the ChatGPT database only went up to 2021.

So, What Can ChatGPT Do for Seniors?

In this episode, we focus on what ChatGPT can do for seniors. Can it be a valuable tool, in the same way that Google is a valuable tool? Can ChatGPT actually make life better or easier for seniors?

We started by asking ChatGPT to explain what it can do for seniors. It gave us a short list:

1. Support with daily tasks, such as reminders for medication and appointments
2. Solving cognitive exercises to help maintain agility
3. Social interaction through conversation and storytelling
4. Healthcare information about health conditions and treatments
5. Emergency situations, such as integration with smart home devices
6. Learning new skills including technology and new hobbies
7. Mental health support and emotional support

That's a pretty good list. But it's important to remember that ChatGPT and other AI tools are not a replacement for human care and attention. ChatGPT is a tool that can supplement care and make life easier and more enjoyable for older adults.

Here's What ChatGPT Did for Us

Randy asked ChatGPT to tell him a joke about seniors. In seconds, ChatGPT generated a joke about playing golf in heaven. (It's actually a funny joke--listen to this episode to hear it.)

We got ChatGPT to suggest how to find a home healthcare aide, and it gave us a pretty good list.

Because this technology quickly provides complete answers in seconds, ChatGPT and other similar AI technology is easy to use. And you can rephrase your request and ask for additional information if the first answer is insufficient.

Basically, the Camp Codger co-hosts are optimistic about how this new technology can be helpful in the lives of seniors.

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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 ChatGPT can do for seniors, please click the Share button below and Like Camp Codger on our Facebook Page. Finally, have some feedback for Camo Codger? Leave a comment below or send an email to campcodger@gmail.com.

The year 1968 just might be one of the most turbulent and interesting years in modern history. The Vietnam War was dividing America. Technology was marching forward. The younger generation was making itself heard and asking for change. And the news was delivered to houses everywhere in living color.

Do You Remember What Happened in 1968?

Many Camp Codger listeners remember what happened in 1968. Or at least some of the top stories. But when we (Gary Ebersole, Richard Kipling, and Randy Schultz) started doing the research for this episode, we were amazed by HOW MANY BIG THINGS happened in just one year.

Two of the most devastating events of 1968 happened just two months apart. On April 4, civil rights pioneer Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in Memphis. Then, on June 5, presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy was shot and killed just after he won the California Primary.

In a "normal" news year, either one of those murders could have been the biggest story of the year. But two major public figures being assassinated in two months? It was simply shocking and heartbreaking.

The Vietnam War: Protests and More

When you look at what happened in 1968, it's impossible to overlook the Vietnam War. Has the United States ever been involved in a more unpopular war? Probably not. Young people, especially college-aged men who were being drafted to fight in Vietnam, openly protested the war. Sometimes those protests erupted into violence, as they did during the Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

It was shocking to see how much violence happened in the year that followed the "Summer of Love" in San Francisco in 1967.

But when you delve deeper into what happened in 1968, it wasn't all doom, gloom, and violence. Let's not forget the amazing Apollo 8 lunar mission in December of 1968. Three American astronauts were the first humans to orbit the moon. A photo they took of the view of the Earth outside their space capsule window is still one of the most iconic images ever made.

Popular culture in 1968 gave us plenty to celebrate. The Beatles released their most popular single ever, Hey Jude, which filled the radio airwaves in the late summer. And Dustin Hoffman became a big movie star because of his wonderful performance in the year's top-grossing movie, The Graduate.

The hosts of Camp Codger cover all of this and lots more in this lively discussion of one of the most newsworthy years in American history.

Listen to this Podcast Episode

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Or simply scroll back up to the top of this page and click on the little "play" triangle above.

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 1968, 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.

The population continues to age, and the percentage of "senior citizens" continues to rise. As more older people continue to work, ageism in the workplace will surely continue to grow.

What exactly is ageism? Simply put, it's prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of a person's age. And many older folks have experienced it.

A recent study revealed that 25.8 percent of US adults aged 65 to 74 were still working in 2021. That study predicted the percentage of 65 to 74-year-olds in the workforce will increase to 30.7 percent in 2031.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 10.6 million workers are age 65 or older are now working. Anecdotal evidence shows that many older workers have been denied promotions and even lost their jobs primarily because of their age.

Camp Codger Tackles Ageism in the Workplace

The three co-hosts of Camp Codger-- Gary Ebersole, Richard Kipling, and Randy Schultz-- are all senior citizens with decades of workplace experience. But have they had direct experience of ageism in the workplace?

In this episode, Richard shares his experience as a 64-year-old job seeker. After many years of experience as a journalist and editor at major newspapers, his dream was to leave the newsroom for academia. He applied for a journalism professor position at a top university. The job interview went well-- so well that Richard was told the university would get back to him quickly. And the interviewers said they looked forward to working with him.

But days and then weeks passed. When Richard finally connected with his interviewers at the university, he was told another candidate was hired. A 32-year-old with no newsroom experience was hired, not the "elderly" man with decades of hands-on experience.

Getting Older at Work

As our life spans grow and we experience many years of "old age," millions of us will remain in the workforce. Some of us will work for financial reasons. Some of us will continue to work because we enjoy the workplace camaraderie. Whatever the reason we chose to work, we deserve the right to work. We deserve to work without experiencing ageism in the workplace.

Listen to this lively episode of Camp Codger to hear more about this topic that affects millions of seniors. Just click on the "Play Episode" triangle above. You can also listen to Camp Codger on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, and the other major podcast services.

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Did you enjoy this episode on Ageism in the Workplace? 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 Ageism in the Workplace, 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.

Randy is traveling in Europe for a couple of weeks, leaving Richard and Gary to hold down the podcast fort. His adventures in Italy got the guys reflecting on their travel experiences back in the day (the 1970s) and more recently.

As Gary and Richard looked back on their earliest independent travel experiences, they reminisced about how adventurous travel in the 1970s seemed compared to their recent travels. Being young, footloose, and backpacking through Europe on five dollars a day was very different than how they now travel in their golden years. The spirit of discovery is still there but with a few more creature comforts.

Road Trips

Packing up the VW van and hitting the road was considered a great adventure when they were younger. Today, the old codgers still enjoy a good road trip but in a little more comfort. Air conditioning, cruise control, and a comfortable RV are ideal creature comforts for senior citizen road trippers.

The Big Travel Difference

Richard and Gary reached the obvious conclusion about the main difference between then and now. It's all about staying connected. In today's world of the internet everywhere and the iPhone, it's easier to plan and stay connected with family and friends.

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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 travel, then and now, 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.

Sharon Lovejoy is 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.

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 on Camp Granny

In her book, Camp Granny, Sharon offers grandparents (and parents, too) tips on dozens of projects to both entertain and teach your grandchildren about the world they live in. In addition to dozens of outdoor activities, she also provides guidance on projects in the kitchen. Plus, lots of tips on appealing to the creative sides of children.

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 activity for every grandchild.

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.

Sharon's wealth of ideas include backyard campouts 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. 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!

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Did you enjoy listening to Camp Granny with 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 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, 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.

Growing older is not a bad thing. Especially when you consider the alternative. Or as George Burns famously said, "You can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old."

Yes, our society seems to worship youth. We get the message loud and clear that younger is better and getting older makes us less useful, less desirable, and less capable. But the hosts of Camp Codger aren't buying it. And neither is Carl Honoré, author of Bolder: Making the Most of Our Longer Lives.

This episode is Part 2 of our conversation with Carl Honoré. When Gary, Richard, and Randy talked to Carl, the conversation kept going and the wisdom kept flowing. So, instead of editing Carl's insights down one episode, we decided to turn it into two. We think you'll agree that Carl's refreshing insights need to be heard.

Carl Honoré on Living Bolder

Carl Honoré is a journalist who lives in London. He's a journalist by training, and he's also an internationally respected author and commentator on modern life. His first best-selling book was called In Praise of Slow. It's about the value of slowing down the pace of contemporary society. Carl says, "In a world addicted to speed, slowness is a superpower."

But Carl's most recent book, Bolder: Making the Most of Our Longer Lives, really hits home to those of us in our golden years. Carl Honoré wants us to reimagine what getting older looks and feels like. He wants people 55 years old and older to embrace a new way to look at what’s possible and permissible in later years.

Listen to the Carl Honoré interview on Camp Codger, and you'll learn that getting older can mean getting better.

"Happiness is a U-shaped curve," says Carl. We start out very happy as children, and then as we get older we typically become less happy. Then, later in life, most adults report feeling more happiness. So, it turns out the happiest adults are those over 55 years old."

But that's not all. In some ways, older brains work better than younger brains. We get better at recognizing patterns as we age. We are better able to organize information to see the big picture than we were in our younger years.

Plus, time and experience give older people an advantage over younger people.

Listen to the interview with Carl Honoré to hear his fascinating views about how we can make the most of our golden years. Growing older, living bolder! Just click on the “Play Episode” triangle above. And be sure to Listen to Part 1 of Honoré's Interview, too.

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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 with Carl Honoré about Living Bolder, 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.

Society is constantly telling us that younger is better and aging is a bad thing. On this episode of the Camp Codger podcast, Carl Honoré, author of Bolder: Making the Most of Our Longer Lives, shares a different view of getting older. He envisions a much bolder approach to aging that involves optimism, joy, and vigor.

Carl Honoré is a journalist who lives in London, and he gained international fame almost two decades ago with his best-selling book called In Praise of Slow about slowing down the pace of contemporary society. But now the hosts of Camp Codger talk to Carl about his latest book called Bolder: Making the Most of Our Longer Lives, which advocates for a new way to look at what’s possible and permissible in our “golden years.”

We Are All Growing Older Every Day

All of us are growing older every day. But according to Carl Honoré, we are living longer and better than at any time in human history. So why are there so many negative stereotypes about growing older? Why do we assume that aging is a bad thing? And why isn't "growing older living bolder" the way we look at life?

"I think the central myth about aging is that it's all bad," says Carl Honoré on this episode of the Camp Codger podcast. "We tend to think of aging as a downward spiral. After a certain age, everything in our lives gets worse. We become less productive, less attractive, less curious--just less of ourselves. It tells a 'chamber of horrors' view of later life, which I think weighs all of us down."

But it doesn't have to be that way.

Growing Older, Living Bolder

The way Carl Honoré looks at things, the time has come to cast off prejudices and to blur the lines of what is possible and permissible at every stage of life. Society needs to learn to reimagine our approach to later life. And that begins with the folks who are already in their golden years.

"Growing older living bolder" requires some important structural changes. Plus, we need to think about aging in an entirely new way. For a start, we will have to tear up the old script that locks us into devoting the early part of our lives to education, the middle chunk to working and raising kids, and whatever is left over at the end to leisure. These "age silos" need to dissolve.

Instead, we will embrace the idea that we can carry on learning well into our golden years. We can work less and devote more time to family, leisure, and giving back to our communities in our middle years. And we can remain active and engaged in our later years.

Would you like to start rethinking what aging means to you? Listen to the interview with Carl Honoré to hear his fascinating views about how we can make the most of our golden years. Growing older, living bolder! Just click on the "Play Episode" triangle above.

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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 with Carl Honoré about Growing Older Living Bolder, 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.

According to experts, loneliness can lead to physical and cognitive problems. Research indicates it can be as harmful to good health as smoking or alcohol abuse.

On this episode of the Camp Codger podcast, we are delighted to interview Carla Perissinotto, one of the nation's foremost experts on loneliness and social isolation. Not only does Carla discuss what loneliness and isolation are, but she also shares some insightful advice about how to deal with them.

Providing the Best Treatment for Loneliness and Social Isolation

Carla Perissinotto is passionate about improving the training given to medical residents in elderly patient care. She is the Associate Chief for Geriatrics Clinical Programs at the University of California at San Francisco. She is passionate about improving the training of medical residents in elderly patient care.

The fact that loneliness and social isolation are even included in today's medical training is evidence of just how widespread these conditions are. In the United States, 27 percent of seniors live alone. And you don't have to live alone to feel lonely and isolated.

What Does Loneliness and Social Isolation Look Like?

Loneliness is commonly defined as that state of solitude or being alone. Loneliness impacts approximately 20 million older adults in the USA.

Social isolation is a state in which an individual lacks a sense of social belonging. He or she lacks engagement with others. He or she also has minimal social contacts and lacks quality relationships. This isn't just an American problem. There are people who suffer from loneliness all over the world.

"There's a reason there is a Minister of Loneliness in the United Kingdom," says Carla Perissinotto. "There's a reason Japan has a Minister of Loneliness. This is a worldwide issue."

And what role does social media play in all of this? Listen to the interview with Carla Perissinotto to find out. Just click on the "Play Episode" triangle above.

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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 Loneliness and Isolation, 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.

It’s amazing to think that the best 70s music from the early 1970s is already more than 50 years old. In fact, the best 70s music, particularly rock music, is still popular today. There are more than 500 Classic Rock radio stations in the United States. Classic rock from the decade of the 70s is also available on several stations of SiriusXM satellite radio and via streaming services such as Amazon Music, Spotify, and Apple iTunes.

Best 70s Music

On this episode of the Camp Codger podcast, the three co-hosts take a deep dive into the amazing depth and variety of the best seventies music. Sure, we talk a lot about Classic Rock. In fact, co-host Randy Schultz is a self-proclaimed expert on classic rock music from the 1970s. He says the Eagles are his favorite rock band from this decade, and co-host Richard Kipling agrees. But don’t forget Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Queen, Jimmy Buffett, Elton John, and so many more great bands and musical artists.

Speaking of Jimmy Buffett, you simply MUST listen to this episode to hear Randy's story about attending the recent Jimmy Buffett concert in San Diego. It turns out that he and Jimmy first met in 1975!!

Much More Than Classic Rock

If you listen to this episode, you’ll be reminded of the other music from the 70s that’s not classic rock. Remember the great singer-songwriters like Carole King, Gordon Lightfoot, and Cat Stevens who were popular in the beginning years of the 1970s? And who can forget about the disco craze that hit popular music like a tidal wave toward the end of the decade? Co-host Gary Ebersole is NOT a fan of disco, but even he has been known to hum along to “Stayin’ Alive.”

What’s on Your List of Best 70s Music?

As Randy, Gary, and Richard point out, your favorite music from the 1970s might depend upon how old you were during that decade. Many older baby boomers love the softer singer-songwriter music and what’s now called Yacht Rock. Soul and R&B music from the 70s is smooth and awesome. CD compilations of the best 70s music are a great way to revisit this music.

We know we’ve left out some of the best seventies music bands and artists. We encourage you to leave a comment below and chastise us for not mentioning your favorite musical artist.

Connect with Camp Codger

If you loved this week’s episode about the Best 70s Music, please listen to another episode. Subscribe to our weekly Camp Codger newsletter and you will receive an email notification each time we publish a new episode. It doesn’t get easier than that.

You can also subscribe and listen on your favorite podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode about Best 70s Music, please click the Share button below. We would love it if you Like Camp Codger on our Facebook Page.

Want to send a message directly to Gary, Richard, and Randy? Please leave a comment below or send an email to campcodger@gmail.com. 

We’ll see you next week at Camp Codger!

No matter what approach they choose, folks in their golden years can benefit from heading back to school. Research proves that lifelong learning for seniors improves cognitive health and classroom-based education is a good antidote to the loneliness that plagues older generations. Curious about something you heard about recently? Exercise your interest by signing up for a course at your local community college or check out the many online resources for learning. Regularly scratching that "curiosity itch" has lifelong benefits.

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Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 lifelong learning for seniors, 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.

In our conversation with Toni, we focus on practical advice for adaptive gardening by senior citizens. In her book and on our podcast, Toni offers a host of solutions that make it possible for senior citizens to continue gardening well into their golden years. As she explains, it's all about adapting your gardening to your age. The proper, high-quality tools, recognizing obvious high-risk safety issues, and simply acknowledging your limitations can keep older gardeners doing what they love well into their 80s. Don't let getting older keep you from the gardening you love to do. Listen to this lifelong gardening with Toni Gattone episode and get inspired.

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Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 where we discuss lifelong gardening with Toni Gattone, 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.

Join us in a delightful conversation with Larry Barsh, codger podcaster, who may very well be one of the oldest podcast hosts around. He certainly inspires these "young" old codgers to keep pushing the envelope with Camp Codger. After chatting with Larry, we plan to be podcasting a decade from now when we are in our 80s.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 Larry Barsh, codger podcaster, 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.

In this episode, the old codgers look back at some films that attracted them when they were younger. After this short side trip down memory lane, they return to recommending contemporary movies for seniors. The codgers all agree there is a lot out there to watch and managed to come up with some good suggestions. Surprisingly, there were no duplicates on the old codger's list of recommendations. As we were fond of saying when we were young, different strokes for different folks and the guys are definitely different.

Do you have recommendations for movies for seniors? Leave a comment below with your thoughts and we'll pass them on to our listeners. In addition, every person who comments gets a free Camp Codger bumper sticker declaring "I'm not old. I'm vintage."

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Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 movies for seniors, 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.

Join us next week when we put on our movie critic hats and suggest a few "movies for seniors".

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Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 enjoy this episode where we discuss modern retirement with Steve Lopez, please click the Facebook Share button below. Finally, have some feedback for the old codgers? Leave a comment below or send an email to campcodger@gmail.com.

Join us next week as we continue our discussion of modern retirement with Steve Lopez. And we hope you enjoy our Codger of the Week segment about John McEnroe and pickleball. Check out the ESPN video to see John at his codger finest. Still feisty and intent on winning, even at pickleball. The old codgers love winners!

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Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 enjoy this episode where we discuss modern retirement with Steve Lopez, please click the Facebook Share button below. Finally, have some feedback for the old codgers? Leave a comment below or send an email to campcodger@gmail.com.

We must confess that the libations we consumed during our happy hour with the codger wives did change the tone of the conversation a bit. Indeed, it did seem to degrade into a festival of ridiculousness. Oh, well. It was fun while it lasted before we headed back north to the snow and the cold.

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Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 an enjoyable happy hour with the codger wives, 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.

ChatGPT and seniors drive this week's discussion. It's everywhere in the media and we wonder if it's hype or if it is something people in their golden years should think about. Spoiler alert—the answer is both. It's a compelling topic attracting boatloads of media attention and represents significant progress in the decades-long effort to move the dial in artificial intelligence. While the old codgers are not experts in this arena, they signed up for ChatGPT online accounts and put this chatbot through its paces. 'Sydney'' (the internal code name for this huge bundle of computers, data, and algorithms) always had an answer to our queries. Spoiler alert number two—they were sometimes quite wrong.

Regarding ChatGPT and seniors, we wonder if there may be more hype than reality for most senior citizens. As a chatbot, it's very clever and can almost make you believe it's human. Spoiler alert number three—ChatGPT is definitely not human and not really that much fun either. Don't go to a party if this chatbot has been invited. Boring! So full of facts (most presented correctly) that ChatGPT quickly gets tedious.

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Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? Subscribe to our weekly Camp Codger newsletter for 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 ChatGPT and seniors, 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.

Codger snowbirds? Us? You betcha! We're off for a short visit to Arizona to join our fellow senior citizens in a game of pickleball, a dip in the pool, and hikes in the warm sunshine. Surprisingly enough, even Gary decided that being a snowbird had its good sides. Randy came to that conclusion long ago and Richard has emerged as a confirmed "sunbird". The old codgers appreciated the opportunity to get away from the snow for a few days as they investigate what it means to be a snowbird.

What they discovered being codger snowbirds was a lifestyle that reminded them of the freedom of their golden years. Take a walk, enjoy time with friends, and just be warm. Not a bad way to spend a few days in late winter. The guys are already planning next year's trip to snowbird country. And apologies to our Canadian snowbird friends. We love you but just couldn't help ourselves.

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Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 codger snowbirds, 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.

Classic TV of the 50s and 60s included shows ranging from I Love Lucy to Bonanza to The Ed Sullivan Show. Many of the genres such as sitcoms, dramas, and Westerns are still with us today, but variety shows have largely disappeared. Our venues have changed dramatically, too. No longer does the whole family gather in the living room around the huge TV box to watch. We are no longer transfixed by the limited, black-and-white offerings on ABC, NBC, and CBS. Today, the family disappears to their individual spaces to stream an almost unlimited supply of online content on their mobile devices.

For senior citizens of the boomer generation, the classic TV of the 50s and 60s was a defining cultural element as we grew up. Maybe it wasn't the golden age of television, but it did leave an impact on those of us now in our golden years. In this episode, we stroll down memory lane, recalling our favorite television shows. They weren't all great TV, but they were memorable. Richard, Gary, and Randy each recall different periods in this two-decade era. As the older codgers, Gary and Richard clearly remember the black-and-white TV days of the 1950s. Randy was more of a 60s kid, loving the sitcoms and variety shows that dominated that period.

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Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 classic TV of the 50s and 60s, please click the Share button below. And it would be great if you would 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.

Seniors and volunteering can seem tightly coupled. After all, who else has the free time that is available to most retired senior citizens? We also like the idea of "giving back" to the communities that nurtured us as we were earning a living and raising our families seems good. But is it for everybody? The old codgers admit that they have not been the most active volunteers for a variety of reasons. Gary even confesses to just not being the volunteering type.

In this episode, the guys discuss whether it's time for them to revisit the idea of volunteering. Gary explains what he thinks is a "volunteering type" while Richard reminds us that folks in his profession of journalism were often discouraged from volunteering. As they drill down into the topic of seniors and volunteering, they return to the idea of giving back, a common feeling held by many senior citizens.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 seniors and volunteering, 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.

The old codgers vs ChatGPT? It's certainly not the battle of the century. In fact, it's just the old counselors at Camp Codger asking for your assistance. Listen to this short plea for help as they plan an episode about what ChatGPT means for senior citizens. Then send Gary an email (gary@campcodger.com) with your ideas for questions or requests they can put to the world's newly famous robot. R2D2 and 3-CPO, mover over. There's a new sheriff in town.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 old codgers vs ChatGPT, 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 to not get scammed should be easy for senior citizens. We're experienced, wise old folks who learned, when we were children, the golden rule of scam avoidance—if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Yet the FBI reports that people over 60 lost $1.7 billion to fraud in 2021. Today's challenge is simply the pervasiveness of online scamming. When we were growing up, fraudsters needed to show up on our doorstep to sell us over-priced, poor-quality aluminum siding. Today, a scammer, with little effort, can send out millions of emails for virtually nothing. Robocalls are equally easy to generate cheaply and efficiently.

The good news, as the old codgers discuss in this episode, how to not get scammed isn't difficult. Starting with a healthy dose of skepticism followed by a good measure of common sense, most folks in their senior years can avoid the clutches of the online fraudster. We explore how often we see email scams (daily, of course), and how we identify fraudulent messages in our inboxes. And, because it is all too common, we relate stories of friends and family who have been the victims of fraud.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 not get scammed, 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.

Leave a comment below and receive a free Camp Codger bumper sticker!! Read the blog post for details.

The secrets to a happy life are pretty basic as the old codgers discover. A recent book by the leaders of the long-running (84 years!) Harvard Study on Adult Development reports that one path to achieving happiness in our golden years is quite straightforward—senior citizens who have good relationships are happier. The authors lay out different practices to help develop and nurture relationships of all types. They range from long-running, intimate relationships with our life partners to casual interactions with folks we meet going about our business every day. Notably, practicing the secrets to a happy life is not difficult. Just do it. Strengthening relationships can be as simple as saying "Hi! How are you doing today."

The guys discuss whether digital communications can help build relationships. Gary says sending emails and texting help him maintain contact with friends and family while Randy prefers plain old face-to-face and telephone conversations. However they each approach it, they all agree that relationships are core to uncovering the secrets to a happy life as we grow older. And the codgers are all committed to doing a better job with all their relationships.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 secrets to a happy life, 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.

Leave a comment below and receive a free Camp Codger bumper sticker!! Read the blog post for details.

Forks in the road confront all of us. Most are relatively trivial, but we all have faced major decisions that changed the course of our lives. The old codgers examine some of the life-determining choices they have made. Career choices and where to live are often at the top of the list of critical forks in the road. The codgers all made these choices, frequently early in their lives, but they also made decisions in their golden years that represented major life changes. Fortunately, their collective choices brought them together to bring their Camp Codger listeners rocking chair wisdom from Richard, Randy, and Gary.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 forks in the road they have taken, 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.

Leave a comment below and receive a free Camp Codger bumper sticker!! Read the blog post for details.

Too much stuff!! Isn't that a common complaint when we head out to the garage or go to our offices? After 60, 70, or 80 years on this planet, most of us have collected more stuff than we really use. Unfortunately, the process of getting rid of clothes we will never wear again, tools we don't use, books we have already read, and other ephemera gathering dust around our homes is not as easy as it should be. In this episode, the old codgers examine their own "too much stuff" problem and offer some suggestions about reducing clutter. The guys are definitely not Marie Kondo, the queen of decluttering, but their hints might help our a few folks. They all committed to a stuff-reduction program in their own lives and will report back later this year on the success of their stuff-reduction efforts.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 on dealing with too much stuff, 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.

Leave a comment below and receive a free Camp Codger bumper sticker!! Read the blog post for details.

Get your butt off the couch! It's Randy's strongly worded suggestion that exercise makes a real difference in our physical and mental health. The first step is easy—stand up and just get your butt off the couch. The old codgers describe their individual regimes for exercise as well as acknowledge that, as they have grown older, their physical limitations are beginning to constrain what they can do. The good news is there are still many paths to finding enjoyable and beneficial exercise even as we age. Gary might just try pickleball at some point.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 our suggestions on how to get your butt off the couch, 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.

As the old codgers explore seniors and pets, they recount their experiences sharing their lives with dogs and cats. Mostly, they all agree having pets is a positive thing even with the caveats. Randy tells us all about Baxter, his best non-human friend. We were lucky enough to meet Baxter last year. Fortunately, Randy is the youngest codger who is better equipped to deal with a very big, high-energy dog like Baxter.

In this episode, the guys mention a couple of websites that can help with the challenge of finding pet care while traveling. Randy recommends Rover.com, a market leader in offering petsitting options. Gary offers up Trusted Housesitters, an interesting free alternative that connects people looking for a petsitter with folks willing to sit at no cost in exchange for travel housing.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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, please click the Share button below and Like Camp Codger on our Facebook Page. Finally, have some feedback for the old codgers about seniors and pets? Leave a comment below or send an email to campcodger@gmail.com.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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, 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.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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, 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.

Sleep challenges of seniors are frequent topics of conversation. Most of us have experienced the occasional bout of insomnia, but many senior citizens find it increasingly persistent as they get older. In this episode, Richard vividly documents a recent bout of insomnia that kept him up for several hours in the middle of the night. He reports that he used to sleep like a baby until he hit his mid-70s.

We shouldn't be surprised that the sleep challenges of seniors are so prevalent. Research indicates that as many as 40% of older people suffer from insomnia. Dealing with the after-effects of losing several hours of sleep can take the luster off your golden years. The obvious impacts are easy to spot and include fatigue and a sense of being in a fog, but the health and behavioral consequences are equally concerning.

While completely eliminating regular bouts of insomnia is often not possible, there are tools available to reduce their impact. Sometimes they can even prevent a night of sleeplessness. Many sleep specialists recommend developing and following good pre-sleep habits. Others suggest setting your iPad or Android tablet to "night mode" when reading in the evening. Some folks even find ingesting a cannabis gummy allows them to get a good night's rest. The old codgers, especially Richard, encourage their senior citizen peers to make a commitment to investigate and try some of these practices to see if it helps. We offer more sleep tips for seniors in our blog.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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, 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.

This week, the old codgers deliver money-saving tips for seniors. Their ideas range from simple practicality like always grocery shopping with a list that helps avoid wasteful impulse buying to saving money on books. Many senior citizens may already be using Richard's suggestion to take public transit more often. Gary's take on using food packing expiration dates more wisely might strike many as a bit risky but, it's not. Done carefully, it's a technique that can save money by not tossing out perfectly good food items.

Randy weighs in with several clever ideas and the codgers all agree we all need to monitor our cable TV bills more closely. Cars are a big expense in the budgets of many senior citizens and we offer a couple of automotive-related, money-saving tips for seniors. Join us as we drill down into other ways to save money in our golden years.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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, 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.

Ills and pills. Sometimes it seems like it’s the number one topic of discussion at the table when a gaggle of senior citizens gathers for dinner or coffee. And it’s natural. Our aging bodies are beginning to fail us in our golden years and retirement gives us time to ponder our increasing infirmities. A game that one of the old codgers likes to play is to quietly track how long it takes during a gathering of his aging cohort before the first mention of the aches and pains of growing older. Quite often, it’s the first conversation after the usual greetings.

In this episode, Richard and Randy share their recent experiences in local hospital emergency rooms. These surprise events managed to derail a scheduled Camp Codger recording session a few weeks back. Fortunately, all is well with the guys, and we managed to pull together a replacement episode with a bit of fancy footwork. It also gave us the impetus to record our first episode on the medical issues of older people.

Listen as the old codgers regale us with the trials and tribulations of visiting the ER. They wax eloquent about the exceptional medical care they received during their unexpected journeys into the healthcare system. Richard and Randy close the episode with the thought that they need to do a better job listening to their bodies. Equally important, they need to listen to the counsel of family and friends when something doesn’t seem right.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about ills and pills or something else? 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 preferred podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode, 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.

The "best bands of the 60s" is often a popular topic of discussion when old codgers get together. In this Camp Codger episode, we take a trip down memory lane to reminisce about our favorite bands and musical artists. We touch on the obvious great bands like the Beatles, the Beach Boys, and the Rolling Stones, but we also take side trips during our musical journey and recall other, lesser-known favorite artists. Richard reminded us of the prolific Leon Russell while Gary brought back one of his favorite bands, Blood, Sweat & Tears. Randy was spot-on when he added The Kinks to our list of great bands. It's impossible to decide which of the best bands of the 60s is really the "best". We love them all and relish the thought that we grew up during an incredible era of influential music.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 preferred podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode, 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.

Whether you celebrate the season with utter abandon or just hunker down and try to survive Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day, a holiday survival guide might be in order. As you might expect, the old codgers have a range of opinions on how to handle the holiday season. In this episode, we explore the challenges of Christmas tree lights that don't work and buying the perfect gift. We also look at the pleasures of big dinners with family and friends as well as starting an ugly Christmas sweater tradition. Our holiday survival guide provides a few tips on making it through another holiday season.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 preferred podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode, 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.

Are retirement communities on the horizon for the old codgers? As they look forward to another winter of shoveling snow, the guys wonder when they are ready to consider the big move. They discuss whether the advantages of warm weather and endless leisure activities are right for them if they head to the Sun Belt. Retirement communities affiliated with universities are attractive alternatives for lifelong learners. And then there is the looming elephant in the room—the challenge of downsizing into a smaller space. Spoiler alert! The old codgers are still pondering this major life decision.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 preferred podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode, 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.

Birthday celebrations for seniors are top of mind for the old codgers this week. They discuss how they like to celebrate their birthdays (Gary quietly celebrated his 74th last week), their best birthdays, and whether they like birthday parties. Gift ideas for seniors are on the agenda as well as the sad decline in sending real paper birthday cards, not digital "cards". When it comes to birthday celebrations for seniors, the guys do represent diverse views ranging from "Meh, don't bother me" to "Yea, another birthday party!" They all agree that when it comes to the big numbers—70, 75, 80—a serious celebration is in order. In the final analysis, they all agree that recognizing that they made it another year is worth a modest celebration.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 preferred podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode, 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.

In this episode, the old codgers offer a few travel tips for seniors they learned during their recent adventures on the road, in the air, and while in Europe. While the news reports about the challenges of air travel can seem overwhelming at times, we suggest a few travel tips that can make it a bit easier on the body and soul. Travel in our golden years can be exciting, frequently fun, and almost always memorable. Folks who follow our travel tips for seniors may find their trips less hectic and more relaxing by not trying to cram too much into their sojourns.

As a special treat in this episode, Randy delivers a little ditty he composed to help senior citizens remember what to take with them when they head out to run errands. Randy titled it An Old Codger Leaves the House. Be forewarned, after listening to Randy sing his masterpiece, the lyrics have the potential to become a first-class earworm. On a positive note, you will never leave your glasses, wallet, keys, or phone behind again.

Glasses, wallet, keys, and phone. Keys and phone. Glasses, wallet, keys, and phone. Keys and phone. These are the things we find before we roam. Glasses, wallet, keys, and phone. Keys and phone.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 preferred podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode, 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.

Retro toys 2 continues our discussion of memorable toys from our childhood. In this episode, the toys we discuss range from our first bikes to the always-popular Mr. Potato Head. We didn't forget about yo-yos, coin collections, the basic red wagon, and the real antique toy, a View Master. Who needs YouTube when you have a large collection of reels? Speaking of YouTube, check out this video of a serious View Master aficionado. Join us for retro toys 2 as we wrap up our trip down memory lane.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 preferred podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode, 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.

Cars were a defining element of the old codgers' lives as children, young adults with their first cars, and even as they grew older. Randy and Gary along with guest host John Foster reminisce about the vehicles they grew up with and their favorites. Surprisingly, all the guys shared a passion for Volkswagens of all vintages ranging from Gary's 1960 VW Microbus to John's 2004 VW Phaeton. As discussed in this episode, Randy and John retain their love for cars (Gary, not so much). Randy is looking forward to the car of his dreams, the VW ID Buzz which blends the nostalgia of his 1966 VW Microbus with the practicality of an electric vehicle.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 preferred podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode, 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.

Randy and Gary discuss whether keeping score in retirement makes sense. We both spent long careers measuring ourselves against our peers and cultural norms. Competing was implicit in our work environments. Promotions, winning new business, or just being recognized for our capabilities were important metrics. Even our recreational activities like golfing, running, and bicycling often included keeping score.

In retirement, we can travel, golf, hike, bike, or take up painting. While meant to be relaxing and enjoyable, these activities could present opportunities to measure ourselves and compare our results to others. The reality is that, with the exception of a few professional athletes, age impacts our ability to perform competitively. Should we even bother keeping score in retirement?

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 preferred podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode, 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.

Retro toys capture the imagination of the old guys in this episode. From Schwinn bikes, Radio Flyer wagons, and Frisbees to Play-Doh and chemistry sets, these lucky old codgers seem to have owned all the classic toys from the 1950s and 1960s. Richard recalls his delight at collecting rocks (yes, rocks...), stamps, and coins while Randy waxes nostalgic about the fantastic bounce of Superballs. Gary's Red Ryder BB gun was an exciting (and considered dangerous by mothers) and popular toy for boys. Join us as we take another trip down memory lane to discuss retro toys.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 preferred podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode, 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.

Bookstore memories animate this episode as the old codgers fondly recall their visits to bookstores. Richard and Randy remember bookstores as defining places when they were in college as well as destinations with their young families. As Camp Codger's resident geek, Gary firmly embraced modern reading technology with the first Kindle in 2007. He finds bookstores less relevant today. Gary firmly prefers digital books over print books, but he does have many good bookstore memories. For print book lovers, the good news is that bookstores are actually enjoying a comeback as the New York Times reports.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 preferred podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode, 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.

Old dogs new tricks? Is it realistic? The old codgers discuss old folks that have learned new things. They also make a feeble attempt at understanding the science behind learning in senior citizens (serious neuroscience is a "trick" way beyond their pay grade). Science be damned, they optimistically conclude that it seems quite feasible that there are a few new tricks in their future. After all, these three old guys taught themselves how to record, produce, and publish a podcast. And there are boatloads of their senior citizen cohorts committed to learning new things as they get older. Old dogs new tricks? You bet!

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 preferred podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode, 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.

People often have a completely irrational understanding of what the odds are of an event happening to them. Typically, the worse the outcome, the greater the perceived probability of a horrible ending. In reality, the likelihood of dying in a plane crash is extraordinarily low yet. However, people board planes with sweaty palms fearing for their lives. The old codgers, nary a gambler among them, accurately assess the odds of winning the mega millions lottery—save your money since it's one in 302 million odds. Led by Randy, the senior citizens of Camp Codger take some wild-ass guesses at the odds of getting struck by lightning, living to 100, and leaving a baseball stadium with a foul ball. Life is full of long shots as the old codgers discover.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 preferred podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode, 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.

There is no question that the news media isn't what it was when Camp Codger listeners were growing up. Today's senior citizens are challenged by the technology used to collect, develop and deliver the news, the unrelenting 24x7 news cycle, and the vast array of news sources and delivery platforms. In this episode, we explore the news media, then and now. Our conversation ranges from lamenting how local news is dying as the classified ad business disappears to offering up our techniques on how we handle the daily tsunami called the news.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 preferred podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode, 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.

The old codgers were enjoying an online "chinwag" a few weeks ago when the conversation took an interesting turn. We started recounting the many amazing senior citizens who have accomplished incredible things well into their 70s, 80s, and 90s. Many are well-known, some are people we know, and others are just ordinary folks like us. From musical accomplishments to innovative intellectual efforts to achieving records in physical performance, old folks in their golden years provide proof that age does not have to be a barrier. We begin by recalling John Glenn, one of the many amazing senior citizens who returned to space at the age of 77.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 preferred podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode, 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.

Randy and Richard turn to Gary, the resident geek at Camp Codger, for answers about the metaverse. They really want to know what it is and whether they and our listeners should care. Is it just hype or something that might be important to us in our golden years?

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 preferred podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode, 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.

The old codgers discuss the challenges of making friends as we grow older. It's not always easy, but they offer some tips on how to make new friends in our golden years.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 preferred podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode, 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.

We make a valiant effort to pick up where we left off in the last episode discussing the strange habits of old folks. Not surprisingly, the old codgers quickly meander into the weeds and ramble on about aging and generational differences.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 preferred podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode, 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.

We all believed we would never pick up on those habits that identified us as old. After all, boomers are forever young, right? Bad news, folks. We’re starting to do things that our children and grandchildren probably find utterly foreign. In this two-part episode, the old codgers confess to having some of these “old folks” habits including eating dinner at 5 pm, wearing comfy clothes, eating prunes, and fondly remembering enjoying fruit cocktail Jello.

Would you like to hear when the old codgers are rambling on about something else? 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 preferred podcast app. And, if you enjoyed this episode, 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.