Taking life day by day and doing the best we can are suggestions from Lori Bishop, who has 40-plus years in nonprofit management, primarily as Executive Director of the Flint Hills Volunteer Center and Director of the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP of Riley County. Lori not only shares her own personal story, including the death of one of her sons by suicide, but also talks about the incredible services and volunteer opportunities with the groups she continues to direct.

Continuing to stay community-minded is important, according to retired Riley County Fire Chief and Emergency Director Pat Collins. Pat shares how he is spending his days later in life, as he still does volunteer fire/rescue work and serves with his local township. Pat stresses the importance of financial considerations, though, as many of us find unexpected expenses with taxes, insurance, and medical issues as we reach this stage of our lives.

Meadowlark Hills' Michelle Haub and Katie Sigman rejoin "Aging Gratefully" to talk about the Memory Program, that offers free services for those throughout the community who are dealing with memory issues. Through their day to day work with clients and care-givers, these two women offer encouragement through the many ways they help those with dementia, Alzheimers, and other memory issues as they learn to deal with the disease and to make the most of each moment.

Dave and Sonya Baker are living full lives, with Dave in the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame after years of playing and coaching, and Sonya still serving as Curriculum Integrity Manager at Kansas State University after nearly 50 years in higher education. "You're only as old as you feel" and "God puts you where he wants you to be" are just some thoughts from this amazing and inspiring couple who are best friends after all their years together.

For 40-plus years, Julie Govert Walter has worked with older Kansans in her role as Executive Director of the North Central Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging. She reminds us all to be grateful and to remember that even if we're older and gray, we still have something to say. Julie also shares important information about services offered and regarding the upcoming Sunflower Fair geared for older Kansans on September 16th in Salina.

"Look around you" and "try ways to get engaged" are thoughts from retired K-State Dean of Libraries Lori Goetsch as she transitions to her new stage of life. Lori shares highlights of her career, but also tells us how work with the local animal shelter, singing, and serving as president of the local Fairy Godmothers that serves women in need has helped fill her days.

"Do what you enjoy" and "Find Something to keep you busy" are suggestions from Donna Keyser, a retired registered dietician who worked with several school systems and now teaches yoga four days a week. Donna shares stories about her earlier life as the oldest of four girls on a ranch with her race horse trainer dad and a bit later as a single mom. She has some diet and exercise thoughts, but mostly encourages moderation. --

After 52 years of marriage and active career lives, Carol and Michael Warden have a lot to share about Aging Gratefully. "Give and Take," and remembering to say "I love you: are just some suggestions from this couple, despite Michael's Parkinson's diagnosis attributed to Agent Orange in Vietnam.

Keep going, listen, and learn to tolerate the unknown are thoughts coming from Dee McKee, who really has not retired, with her continuing commitment as a county commissioner. Dee also mentions saying a prayer and "letting go" at times for God to handle things.Dee shares her early days in a big family on a Spearville, Ks. farm. to her work with special education and current role in county government.

As he begins his fifth year of retirement from many years of service at Kansas State University, former Associate Provost Brian Niehoff talks about being open and giving back to the community you're in. From his early years of being a middle child in a big family that enjoyed music, Brian continues to enjoy life with his wife Usha, his role as a new grandfather, travel, and working on community projects.