It’s no secret that our culture often presents aging in a negative light, particularly for women, leaving many of us uncertain or even fearful about life beyond 40, 50 or (god forbid), 60. But one iconic sitcom has challenged these stereotypes with humor, heart, and authenticity: The Golden Girls. For Maria Carpiac, a professor of Gerontology at California State University, Long Beach, and an advocate for healthy aging, The Golden Girls offers a shining example of how we can view aging with optimism and a sense of humor.
In this episode, Erin and Maria explore the complexities of aging, highlighting the importance of community, jou, and adaptability in leading a fulfilling life, with insights from The Golden Girls. From Blue Zones to finding purpose as we age, this conversation reveals how we can all live longer, healthier, and more meaningful lives—no matter what stage we're in. Tune in as we explore:
- How to embrace aging instead of fearing it—it’s a journey we all share!
- Why "anti-aging" is a myth, and why the focus should be on aging well.
- The key elements of healthy aging: community, stress management, nutrition, and movement.
- Creative housing solutions like communal living and co-housing to foster supportive, connected communities as we age.
- How the media shapes our perceptions of aging and why The Golden Girls still resonates, even in today’s TV landscape.
- Exploring the Japanese concept of "ikigai" (reason for being) and its role in aging well.
- Why retirement isn’t just about money—it’s about staying engaged and connected.
- The dangers of conflating normal aging with disease, and how healthcare biases affect aging women.
OUR GUEST: Dr. Maria Carpiac is a Professor of Gerontology and Director of the Gerontology Program at California State University, Long Beach. She holds a BA, MSW, and PhD in Social Work from UCLA, specializing in Older Adults. A Fellow of the Academy of Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE), Dr. Carpiac teaches courses such as Social Policy & Aging and Women and Aging. Her research focuses on holistic health programs for assisted living and Age Friendly Universities (AFU). Under her leadership, CSULB joined the AFU Global Network, and the Gerontology Program received Program of Merit distinction in 2020.
Want more Dr. Carpiac? Learn more about her Gerontology program at www.csulb.edu/gerontology
Watch some of her interviews below:
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