Rona Barrett's Gray Matters: The Podcast: Recent Episodes
Rona Barrett
Just as personal and probing as her celebrity interviews, entertainment industry icon, now advocate for seniors, Rona Barrett is here to tell you all about growing gray in a new golden age. To help seniors in their time of need, please support the nonprofit Rona Barrett Foundation at www.ronabarrettfoundation.org.
Can we battle the stereotypes of aging – and keep a sense of humor? Rona was determined to gain some insights when, one day over lunch, even her dear dad chimed in with a doozy. What's really behind these stereotypes? Let's find out in today's Rona Barrett's Gray Matters, "The Old-Age Farce Awakens."
It’s amazing what happens when children and seniors get the chance to interact! This week on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast, Rona shares her discovery of “intergenerational care activities", when her aging father, Harry, met a young boy named Max. And how similar are the activities children need for physical, social and intellectual growth to those that aging seniors need to maintain their cognitive functions!
This month, as we enter the home stretch to open Harry’s House for seniors in need, Rona is dedicating her Gray Matters podcasts to the memory of her dear dad, Harry, and some stories of what she learned from him along the way.
The past serves as a guiding light, marking the trail of our transformation. As we look forward to opening the doors of Harry’s House in August, on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast Rona looks back on key moments that made her who I am today. And then stay tuned throughout July for special stories of life with her father, Harry, that helped shape the vision for a place where even seniors in great need can have the golden years they deserve.
Today, Rock Hudson is remembered not only for his on-screen legacy, but for his courage and dignity. On Rona Barrett's Gray Matters, Rona remembers her major interviews with Hudson, and how the entertainment industry reacted. And more about what dignity meant in her entertainment career, and now as an innovator and advocate for seniors in need.
This week Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast is all about the common good: what it means, its history in our country, and what we can do to regain our ability to contribute to it. And Rona's advice for the one this we can do to make our voices heard! Hint: it starts with a "V."
June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, launched in 2006, by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. Because we all need to be aware of this issue, on Rona Barrett's Gray Matters, Rona brings the issue to light with a moment that has stuck with her since 2014. And a surprising fact, that not all Elder Abuse involves another person!
Congratulations, Grads! This week, Rona has some thoughts to share with our high schools' Class of '23. On this episode of Rona Barrett's Gray Matters, Rona is closing the generation gap with encouragement and some noteworthy observations about Gen Z!
"I find myself thinking of these two remarkably talented women often when I’m pondering how to face a challenging situation with humor and grace." This week on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast, Rona remembers the lives and careers of two shining stars, Cicely Tyson and Cloris Leachman.
We know that those who suffer from advanced dementia are lost in a different realm—one we who care for them can't comprehend. Could creativity be a key to articulating this turmoil and unlocking happy memories? Find out more about how pioneering organizations are building programs around creativitiy and memory, on thisi week's episode of Rona Barrett's Gray Matters.
On this week's episode of Rona Barrett's Gray Matters, Rona shares a personal story about the impact of an Advance Health Care Directive, and where to learn more about creating you own.
Although researchers are working feverishly, at present Alzheimer's is the only disease among the top 10 causes of death in America that cannot be prevented, cured, or even slowed. An astounding 35% of unpaid family caregivers for these loved ones meet diagnostic criteria for major depression. What is being done and what more can be done? Find out more - and tune in for some words of hope from Rona - on this week's episode of Rona Barrett's Gray Matters.
We all know how important it is to get a good night's sleep. And the tolll that lack of sleep can take on our health and brain can be dramatic. But what to do when sleep just isn't happening? On this episode of Rona Barrett's Gray Matters, Rona shares what keeps her up at night and a selection of great advice to get a better night's sleep.
A report by the U.S. Fire Administration that showed the elderly are at a 2.5 higher risk of being victims of a deadly fire than younger generations, and they suffer from a higher number of fire-related injuries. What can we do to help make the home of a senior loved one safer? Find out more on this episode of Rona Barrett's Gray Matters as Rona brings forth important tips to keep your senior loved ones safe in their homes, and what habits may lead to higher risks.
On this episode of Rona Barrett's Gray Matters, Rona looks back at an inkling she had about the future of media, as a young reporter first encountering columnists Hedda Hopper, Louella Parsons and Joyce Haber. Fascinating!
Have you puzzled and struggled with a senior loved one over hairwashing? You're not alone. On Rona Barrett's Gray Matters, Rona explores ways to navigate this caregiving challenge with dignity. This episode of Gray Matters is inspired by the official re-opening of our hair salon at the Golden Inn & Village, on hiatus through these past years of pandemic.
On this week’s episode of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast, Rona contemplates some far out phrases and products that were once household names, but now most likely lost to the younger generations. Tune in for a fun dose of nostalgia! This episode really is the cat’s pajamas!
Grief is a normal response to loss, something that is unavoidable as we get older. This week on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast, Rona remembers friends from the entertainment world who many of us felt were part of our lives, and wisdom from others on how to process grief and honor those we have lost.
Were you one of the 500,000 who experienced Woodstock in 1969? Or wish you had? On this episode of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters, Rona reminisces about the pop culture and top 10s of 1969, and a groovy 2019 Woodstock-inspired event benefitting the Rona Barrett Foundation!
This episode of Rona Barrett's Gray Matters brings out into the light, a dark untold story of Alzheimer's. In 5 to 10 % of cases, Alzheimer's sufferers may suddenly transform from passively distant to unimaginably aggressive. Rona shares a story, why this may be a taboo subject, and a compilation of important tips to de-fuse a potentially dangerous situation. Tips you can use or share to help support others who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.
One in five seniors in California fall victim to scams. Nationwide, seniors are conned out of more than $3 billion a year. On this episode of Rona Barrett's Gray Matters, Rona shares her stories of a close call and worse, and the tips she has rounded up to help us protect our loved against the many scams out there targeting seniors.
Sixty-five million Americans are rising to the challenges of caregiving in some way, with 42 million caring for someone 50 or older. In honor of National Caregiver Appreciation Day, on this episode of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters, Rona has some special words for our country’s caregivers plus ways for you to appreciate and celebrate the compassionate caregivers in your life.
This week on Rona Barrett's Gray Matters, Rona counts down the reasons why about 25% of Americans in a relationship sleep apart most every night — and 95% of those are 60 and older. With her outspoken take on this taboo topic, tune in and share a laugh while learning ways to keep relationships healthy - at every age!
Today's special bonus episode of Rona Barrett's Gray Matters celebrates the one year anniversary of the groundbreaking for Harry’s House, the newest project of the Rona Barrett Foundation that will help us to care for even more vulnerable seniors. Harry’s House is on track to open this summer and will complete our first Golden Inn and Village community. To mark the occasion, we hope you will enjoy this story from Feb. 17, 2022 from KCLU, award-winning regional National Public Radio station.
Scams are everywhere these days, and unfortunately seniors are often targeted. On this week’s Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters, Rona shares the story of how her friend nearly got scammed of thousands of dollars. Tune in and get tips to share - on how to avoid this happening to your loved ones.
With more than 5 million in the U.S. afflicted with Alzheimer's, support for seniors and their dedicated caregivers are frequent topics of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters podcast. The stakes are high when, across the nation, 6 out of 10 Alzheimer's family caregivers say a loved one has wandered. Join Rona to find out about an innovation in search and rescue that’s making a difference.
In honor of awards season, this episode of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters finds Rona dreaming up some awards of her own. Just what is “The Emulsion Immersion Award?” Listen now to find out.
This week on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast, Rona revisits a prediction about longevity. While we are living longer, new challenges are emerging. Tune in to hear what we can do to support our aging population.
There can never be too much awareness or dialog around Alzheimer’s. Particularly for its most affected group: women. On this week’s Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters, Rona shares pointers to information and emerging treatments, inspiring words from women about their own brains, and invites you to join the conversation.
We’ve all heard, “Celebrities: they’re just like us!” Turns out, that’s true for senior moments, too. This week on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters podcast, Rona shares the stories of some golden oldies and how they turned some senior moments into memorable moments!
This week, on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters podcast, Rona follows a lifelong theme - of listening - from childhood, through her entertainment industry career, to one of her most gratifying moments, now as an advocate for seniors in need: the first Christmas Eve at the Rona Barrett Foundation Golden Inn & Village.
On this week’s Gray Matters, a healthy Rona Barrett looks back at a past New Year’s Eve spent battling pneumonia. She hopes others can learn from her story, some surprising symptoms to watch out for, and how to protect yourself from this season’s health risks.
Listen to this week’s episode of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast to hear Rona's letter to Santa "SC" Claus this year, on behalf of those who work tirelessly all year round: our heroic Senior Caregivers!
On this week's episode of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast, Rona shares her vision of a world that actually looks forward to growing older. Listen in to learn about a fascinating culture with some of the healthiest seniors in the world.
The holiday season is upon us, and that may mean you’re preparing to host a senior loved one or two this year. Delivered with a dash of good humor, Rona shares practical tips on how to make this season merry and bright – and safe – for holiday visits to your home. On this episode of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters.
Have you ever wondered if your occasional forgetfulness is something to be concerned about? On this week’s Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast, Rona talks about how doctors determine if it’s a result the normal aging process, or something more. And some of the surprising, but treatable, factors that can mimic the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease.
This Thanksgiving holiday, I’d like to share a little story about my dad. It taught me a small but lasting lesson about respecting, honoring and caring for our elders every day. I hope you will welcome a story and a few more words about thankfulness in this week’s Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters podcast. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Like soldiers on the battlefield, senior caregivers are fighting their own silent war and experiencing PTSD symptoms like fear and anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of isolation. Listen to this week’s episode of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast to learn more about what caregivers are going through, and what we can all do to support them.
What is our country’s greatest public health crises - affecting 40% of our country’s seniors? And is more serious than cancer of heart disease? The sad truth is that it is senior loneliness. But what if the cure were easy, what if you were the cure? Join Rona for this week’s Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters and find out how you can be the cure to this deadly, preventable crisis by simply connecting with the seniors in our lives.
We seniors know all too well that the decisions we make in our lives have consequences. It might seem easier to just give up and not vote, or that one voice doesn’t matter so why bother. How we vote will determine not only our own future, but the future of our loved ones, and even our world. If you need some motivation to get out and vote on November 8th, this week’s episode of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast is just for you!
If you’re a senior or have a senior loved one, you’ve probably noticed a particular fascination that seniors have with obituaries. Why is it that for us seniors, the first section we turn to in the newspaper is the obits? It turns out, this later-life habit runs deeper than mere curiosity. Find out why, with a touch of levity, on this week's Rona Barrett's Gray Matters.
A pop-quiz like this can be a fun ice-breaker when getting together with family and friends across generations. This week on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast, I reveal which song best describes me - according to an online quiz. What country music song are you?
This month we focus on raising awareness about breast cancer, a topic that is especially on the minds of those of us in our golden years – 80% percent of all breast cancer occurs in women over 50. Knowledge is power. This week on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast, Rona sheds some light on resources, so we can all care for our health in the best way possible.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 2020 presidential election had the highest voter turnout of the 21st century, and voter turnout was highest among those ages 65 to 74. In fact, voters over 45 tend to significantly outpace younger voters. In this episode of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters, Rona probes for the reasons behind the numbers, and shares some powerful words to inspire seniors to keep showing up at the polls.
Bette Davis said it best when she cracked: “Getting old ain’t for sissies.” During her Hollywood career, Rona Barrett interviewed the elusive Ms. Davis. Now, as a senior advocate and innovator, Rona is well acquainted with the challenges of aging. In this week’s Gray Matters podcast, those timeless words ring true as Rona tries out a new take on life’s inevitable aches and pains.
Bette Davis said it best when she cracked: “Getting old ain’t for sissies.” During her Hollywood career, Rona Barrett interviewed the elusive Ms. Davis. Now, as a senior advocate and innovator, Rona is well acquainted with the challenges of aging. In this week’s Gray Matters podcast, those timeless words ring true as Rona tries out a new take on life’s inevitable aches and pains.
The passing of Queen Elizabeth reverberates around the globe, as we hear about every facet of her final arrangements. Most of us would rather not think about death — let alone plan for it. But whether we’re 35 or 95, it’s never too early to plan for our inevitable end. On this week’s Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters, Rona shares the experience that changed her own thinking and a round up of online resources to guide us toward making it easier on those we will someday leave behind.
The passing of Queen Elizabeth reverberates around the globe, as we hear about every facet of her final arrangements. Most of us would rather not think about death — let alone plan for it. But whether we’re 35 or 95, it’s never too early to plan for our inevitable end. On this week’s Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters, Rona shares the experience that changed her own thinking and a round up of online resources to guide us toward making it easier on those we will someday leave behind.
Nightmares are described as messages from our subconscious that we’re feeling anxiety and stress in our everyday life. In this episode of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters, Rona rounds up some expert advice about how to tame these beasts she calls her “Lions, and tigers, and bears!”
Nightmares are described as messages from our subconscious that we’re feeling anxiety and stress in our everyday life. In this episode of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters, Rona rounds up some expert advice about how to tame these beasts she calls her “Lions, and tigers, and bears!”
Of the 5.8 million who are living in America with Alzheimer’s, two-thirds are women. This week on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast, Rona delves into this shocking statistic, and what women can do about it.
Of the 5.8 million who are living in America with Alzheimer’s, two-thirds are women. This week on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast, Rona delves into this shocking statistic, and what women can do about it.
Life is full of changes. Minor ones are easy to adjust to, while major changes have to the potential to to paralyze our thinking, feeling, or acting. Rona runs through her secrets to finding balance, and shares helpful tips and inspirations from experts, in Episode 55 of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters.
Sometimes you have to bring some levity to the adventure of aging. Other times, it’s not so funny. This week on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast, Rona talks about her experience with C. diff, a very serious bacterial infection that disproportionately affects seniors.
While it’s not possible to actually download your senior loved one’s memories (yet), they absolutely can transfer them to you, all you have to do is ask! This week on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast, Rona shares some ways for the up and coming generations to stay connected to the seniors in your life.
This week, Rona talks about “senior moments,” those momentary instances of forgetfulness that are an inevitable part of the adventure of aging. Some of us joke about them, some of us deny them, and some of us worry they can only mean one thing.
Caregiving can feel like an uphill battle, and one that no one ever prepared us for! With over 44 million caregivers in the U.S., Rona Barrett proposes a new type of bootcamp, just for caregivers. Where we could learn the things we wish we had known before starting our caregiver journeys.
To celebrate the 50th episode of Rona Barrett's Gray Matters podcast, Rona shares some beautiful quotes from some wonderful seniors. “There are too many unspoken mysteries around growing up and growing older. I hope my podcast will bring people of all ages together to share freely about the experience of phasing into new stages of life.” -Groundbreaking media icon Rona Barrett, now advocate for vulnerable seniors as founder of The Rona Barrett Foundation.
If our lives were like a screenplay, we would have three Acts. But if you have ever cared for an aging loved one, or if you are of an advanced age yourself, you also know about Act IV. This is the stage of life that many don’t like to talk about, when caring for ourselves or our loved one can feel almost impossible. Today’s Gray Matters is a tough story, but it leads to a helpful resource we should all know and share.
How do we handle disappointment? In this Gray Matters episode, Rona Barrett shares her ups and downs from high school days to her Hollywood career – and wise words from some of her heroes. Together let’s find a way toward hope as we face our own ups and downs.
Hydration is crucial for seniors as we age, but many of us are not getting enough fluids each day. Dehydration and heat stroke are completely preventable, yet they send seniors to the ER far too often. If you saw all the BIG bottles of water I have placed around my home and office, you'd think I have an unquenchable thirst. There's one on my desk, one by my bed, by the TV, in my car... well, you get the picture. That's how I remember to drink. Join me for more ways to take care of ourselves so we can take good care of our loved ones. Right here on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast.
While many of us may not want to admit it, we all need a little company once in a while. This week on Gray Matters, Rona talks about how to maintain connections with loved ones as we age.
There’s no getting around it, we depend on technology for just about everything. It feels like changes are coming so fast and so furious – like a speeded-up film – even people like me who used to know how to use technology are having a hard time keeping up. In this week's Gray Matters, I’ve put together some ideas about where to turn when you or a loved one could use a hand catching up.
I began Gray Matters as a column in 2013 with one goal: if I can help just one senior or senior caregiver think about an issue in a different way with each column — I will reach my goal. And that goes for today’s podcast: A Prescription for Disaster. If you’re like me, sometimes you feel like you’re a walking medicine cabinet. As senior-prescribed drug use increases in the U.S. so do related risks. Join me for a few moments to find out how to help prevent the worst case scenarios.
This week Rona Barrett shares a cue or two about taking risks, straight from the career of stage and screen legend Al Pacino. Tune in and get inspired to star in the role of your lifetime – right in your own community.
In this week’s podcast, Rona learns from a friend’s ordeal that pride goes before a fall, literally. Each year, one in three people over 65, and one in two by the age of 80, will have a catastrophic fall. Tune in to hear the story, and find out more about how we can prevent falls – for ourselves or our loved ones.
Letting go is a part of aging, whether our material possessions or expectations of our youth. Letting go is about realizing we have no choice but to be certain there is no certainty. Join Rona to explore the experience of “anticipatory grief” and other rites of passage, but also the wonderful opportunity that unfolds - to learn how to be in the moment.
Music comforts us - it brings us joy, it transports us back to special times. And music can do remarkable things for seniors and for Alzheimer’s patients. In this week's Gray Matters, Rona Barrett shares her favorite tunes, and some ways to bring music into your life and to your senior loved ones.
Just because we get older, doesn’t mean we stop dreaming. This week on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters podcast, Rona shares four organizations (plus the Rona Barrett Foundation) who are making dreams come true for people in their golden years. And some of the beautiful things that seniors have wished for.
While Mother’s Day is a time for celebrations and for memories, if your relationship with mom is more complex, you're not alone. Rona shares her journey.
What happens when love blooms anew for your loved one with Alzheimer’s… but not with you? Whatever your personal reaction is, would be, or will be to this caregiver’s conundrum, the purpose of Gray Matters is to raise and discuss issues that many of us are uncomfortable thinking about – issues from which none of us will be exempt.
If your parent is part of the Silent Generation, we – because I’m one of them – pretty much regard “help” as a four-letter word! Whatever generation we’re in, understanding where we’re all coming from is a start to face aging as graciously as possible.
Hearing loss affects one-third of us 65 and more than half of us over 75. In this week’s podcast, Rona ponders out loud why only one in seven men who could benefit from a hearing aid will ever wear one.
Join Rona Barrett to explore the growing entrepreneurial trend for boomers as she shares her own experience of the satisfaction of a succeeding in a new career and reinventing herself as a senior advocate.
In this week’s podcast, Rona Barrett reveals her secret to keeping stress at bay: giving herself something to smile about. She shares some of her favorite moments from "Live and Learn and Pass It On – People ages 5 to 95 share what they’ve discovered about life, love, and other good stuff" by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. – and a childhood memory of her own that makes her laugh every time.
Senior driving is one of the most emotionally tense scenarios seniors and their loved ones go through. I can’t tell you the amount of times I’ve been asked, “So when do you take a senior’s car keys away from them?” If you’ve been there with your senior parent, you’ll recognize this moment. If you haven’t – yet – I hope this may help you when it’s time.
A plethora of analyses tell us that more seniors are having sex later in life - and more frequently - than any previous generation. Spring is in the air, and this week on Gray Matters, so are The Birds and the bees… and STDs. You can rely on Rona Barrett for some unflinching advice on how to have safe sex at any age.
One out of three people aged 65 and up - falls annually. That’s about 14.5 million people. On this week’s episode Rona shares the “wake up fall” she had back in 2015. “That experience made me realize that I, like so many others, needed a little help. And there’s nothing wrong with that.”
Growing older becomes a whole lot easier if you can learn to laugh at yourself. Join Rona for some of her favorite jokes about aging - and a few zingers of her own – on this week’s Gray Matters.
We sincerely hope that all seniors have people in their lives to support them when they need a bit of help, but that’s not always the case. In this week’s podcast, Rona tells a story about one such senior in her life, and provides resources for “Orphaned Seniors” to help in their time of need.
Grief and loss have been close to home for so many of us during the pandemic On this week’s Gray Matters podcast, Rona discusses how grief affects seniors in particular, and how family, friends, and caregivers can help.
Valentine’s Day is coming up. Cupid is on the way and our minds are on romance. Or… something else? Rona Barrett re-imagines how celebrities, writers and comedians might respond to the AARP survey "You're Old, I'm Not: How Americans Really Feel About Aging."
In 2016, in good health, but feeling rundown, Rona Barrett discovered she needed a stent. Hear all about her coronary adventure - with a healthy dose of humor - to help raise awareness of heart health during February’s Heart Month.
As we wrap up this month of resolutions, Rona chooses from two very different suggestions on how to find our purpose, ease our anxiety and make a rest-of-your-life personal business plan to achieve ‘soul-satisfying success.’
This month while many of us are sharing our New Year’s resolutions and dreams of the future, many others are facing the uncertain tomorrows that come with caring for a loved one with dementia. Even Hollywood has deemed dementia a worthy subject area with films like Iris and Still Alice.
At our age, anything that promises to add more years to our lives catches our attention. A recent study shows that book-readers live an average of almost two years longer than those who do not read books. Do you keep books on your shelves that you revisit like long-time friends? Come meet some of my special friends – join me for an insider’s tour of my very own bookshelf!
If you haven’t yet made your New Year’s resolutions, feel free to borrow from Rona's caregiving manifesto a (tongue-in-cheek) New Year's resolution list for the 35 million Americans who care for a beloved elder: Let’s Resolve to Take This Job and Love It!
The new year is starting. Are you thinking about your path ahead? We don’t always know where it’s going to wind up, but I know where it always seems to begin. After thirty years in the “business,” and becoming “Miss Somebody,” I had that old feeling that change must come. Once again, I put one foot in front of the other and followed a new path.
In It’s a Wonderful Life, George Bailey was given the gift of seeing what his family’s life and his community would be like had he not existed. I, too, have been given a gift — a challenge from the past and a glimpse into the future. What we can do for to give our seniors in need the golden years they deserve. With a nod to the spirits of the Past, Present and Yet to Come, take my arm and let’s head out on today’s Gray Matters adventure… It's a Wonderful Strife.
This week, join Rona Barrett in the play-along-at-home version of Gray Matters, where we get to ask – and answer – some burning questions about ourselves…! Let’s get started. Favorite word?
Join Rona for a personal story of living with grief, and thoughts about how to take comfort when you or a loved one are finding the holidays a bittersweet time. Stop by for a few moments for Tidings of Joy and Comfort, this week on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters: The Podcast.
“A very interesting thing happened today,” my girlfriend told me in a conversation years ago. Her son Max had come home from school excitedly exclaiming, “Ma, I had a fun time today. We went to see the old people…” Well, the ‘old person’ turned out to be none other than… you guessed it, my own dad. A sweet memory for me. I look forward with hope to our world getting back to normal, and seeing more smiling faces of all ages involved in programs at the Golden Inn & Village.
These days, I’m counting my blessings more than ever – and making a list of all that I’m thankful for. But first, I’d like to share this little-known story I have filed under “Thankful”, and … under one of my other favorite headings: “It takes a woman...” This Thanksgiving Holiday, I’m thankful for YOU!
Remember when Dorothy faces The Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz? Well, that’s exactly how I felt when I finally got up the courage to ask my boss if I could take a day off. By the way, I am my own boss! Please take some time to be good to yourself so you can be good to others.
Rona Barrett’s entertainment industry career was built on curiosity about what makes people tick. With holiday visits coming up, or anytime you are connecting with family and friends, here are some tips to help you learn more about the loved ones in your life.
When your brain acts like a washing machine, whizzing away, ruminating about the past and worrying about the future, what can you do to stop it from spinning out of control? I’d love to share some of the ways that work for me - in today’s Gray Matters. Let’s take good care of ourselves, so we can take the best care of our loved ones!
Halloween special edition! What better time to talk about fears of aging than during the countdown to All Hallows Eve? I'll tell you about my fears if you tell me about yours.
If not for Alice, and Thelma, and Sallee, and… Did you ever feel like someone was watching over you? I certainly have. And I’ve come to realize that the path of a guardian angel can be a magical two-way street. Who are the guardian angels in your life? The ones without whom your milestones would still be only dreams?
'With all the bad news we are bombarded with, people keep asking me, “How do you manage to keep a smile on your face?” I’ll tell you, Frank-ly, here are the ways I get back on an even keel! ' Join Rona Barrett, groundbreaking entertainment media icon, now advocate for seniors in their time of need for Gray Matters: The Podcast.
Was it the Golden Globes or the Oscars? Was it the Ambassador Hotel or the Hilton? Whichever! The mirror in the ladies’ room was not the place I was expecting to come face to face with my future! That’s where I learned it's never too late to ask ourselves what we want to become.
So tell Dr. Rona how you’re feeling. Exhausted? No time to rest? Working fulltime? How about life changes? Caregiving your elderly parent in your spare time? Bingo! Today's Gray Matters is "Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, It’s Over The Brink I Go..."
How could two such different travelers have so much in common? One was "Mighty 90." The other? Let’s just say it might have been Yours Truly. Today's Gray Matters is " A Tale of Two Very Different Travelers."
Can we battle the stereotypes of aging – and keep a sense of humor? Let's find out in today's Gray Matters, "The Old-Age Farce Awakens."
It could happen to anyone at any time. At any age. We’re never ready to lose someone we love. There are as many ways to grieve – and to heal – as there are people on this earth. Today's Gray Matters is "Be Prepared To Be Unprepared."
Mothers and daughters. We just want what’s best for each other. Why is it that so often we don’t see that for years to come? Today’s Gray Matters adventure is “Having the Guts to Fight for Hope.”
I chose this as the first story for my Gray Matters book. I think you’ll see why. We all have a senior story to tell. Real life stories that help us understand what becoming a senior can be all about. -Rona Barrett
Rona Barrett's Gray Matters book was published one year after the grand opening of the Golden Inn & Village, the award-winning innovation in housing and wellness services for seniors in their time of need, from the nonprofit Rona Barrett Foundation. 2021 marks the 5th anniversary of the opening of the Golden Inn & Village.
The importance of sleep just keeps getting more clear; how it affects our physical and cognitive health, our relationships, our work - just about everything we do. There's a lot of good advice out there, but If we're going to make changes for the better, this conversation's going to get a lot more personal! Today's Gray Matters adventure is "laugh and world laughs with you. Snore and you sleep alone."