Recommend Books
These books have been thoughtfully selected to support older adults, caregivers, and those navigating life transitions. They offer insight, comfort, and encouragement for many of the emotional challenges we face across the lifespan.
Aging & Life Transitions
The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully by Joan Chittister
A reflective and encouraging look at the spiritual and emotional gifts of aging.
Aging as a Spiritual Practice by Lewis Richmond
Blends mindfulness with real-life aging experiences to support growth and peace.
Elderhood by Louise Aronson
A powerful redefinition of aging through a personal and medical lens.
On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity, and Getting Old by Parker J. Palmer
A collection of essays on growing older with purpose and meaning.
Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes by William Bridges
A classic guide to navigating the emotional phases of life transitions.
Caregiving & Dementia
The 36-Hour Day by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins
The go-to practical guide for dementia caregivers.
Creating Moments of Joy by Jolene Brackey
Offers meaningful ways to connect with those experiencing memory loss.
Loving Someone Who Has Dementia by Pauline Boss
Introduces the concept of ambiguous loss and how caregivers can cope.
Grief & Loss
Bearing the Unbearable by Joanne Cacciatore
A compassionate guide for those grieving deep personal loss.
It’s OK That You’re Not OK by Megan Devine
Challenges common grief myths and honors the reality of loss.
Healing After Loss by Martha Whitmore Hickman
Daily reflections offering support through the grieving process.
Anxiety & Depression
The Mindful Way Through Depression by Mark Williams, John Teasdale, Zindel Segal, and Jon Kabat-Zinn
A mindfulness-based approach to preventing relapse and shifting your relationship with thoughts.
Undoing Depression by Richard O’Connor
Explores the learned behaviors of depression and how to unlearn them.
The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund Bourne
Practical tools and techniques to manage anxiety and related conditions.
Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff
Evidence-based practices to respond to anxiety and depression with kindness rather than judgment.
Life Purpose & Personal Growth
The Second Mountain by David Brooks
Explores how to move from self-centered achievement to a life of meaning and service.
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
A timeless reflection on purpose, suffering, and the power of meaning in hard times.
The Art of Happiness by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler
Blends spiritual wisdom and modern psychology in the pursuit of fulfillment.
Poetry & Reflection
Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver
Nature-based, deeply spiritual poems that celebrate beauty, loss, and presence.
How to Love the World: Poems of Gratitude and Hope edited by James Crews
A beautiful, accessible collection that uplifts and calms the spirit.
The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo
Daily readings blending poetry, philosophy, and personal reflection.
To Bless the Space Between Us by John O’Donohue
Poetic blessings for life’s transitions—beginnings, endings, grief, and healing.
LGBTQ+ & Identity in Later Life
Queerly Beloved: A Love Story Across Genders by Diane and Jacob Anderson-Minshall
A memoir of identity and transformation in the context of long-term partnership and aging.
This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism by Ashton Applewhite
A bold challenge to ageist narratives, especially empowering for LGBTQ+ elders.
Recommended Podcasts
These podcasts offer comfort, insight, and companionship through life’s transitions. Whether you’re navigating grief, caregiving, personal growth, or aging, these trusted voices provide thoughtful support.
Aging, Meaning & Transitions
The Growing Older Podcast
Real conversations with older adults about meaning, loss, resilience, and the process of aging with purpose.
https://www.thegrowingolderpodcast.com
Aging Matters (WERA 96.7 FM)
Explores issues affecting older adults, caregivers, and the aging community—includes topics on healthcare, relationships, and end-of-life.
https://agingmattersonline.com
Encore: Thrive in Midlife and Beyond
Hosted by Marc Freedman of Encore.org, this podcast explores how to reinvent yourself and live with purpose as you age.
https://encore.org
Caregiving & Dementia
Daughterhood The Podcast
Honest, helpful conversations for adult children caring for aging parents. Real stories and expert advice.
https://www.daughterhood.org/podcast
Caregiver SOS On Air
Information and emotional support for family caregivers, covering burnout, boundaries, dementia care, and resources.
https://www.caregiversos.org
The Mind Over Matter Podcast
Focused on brain health, dementia research, and practical strategies for those caring for loved ones with cognitive decline.
[Available on Apple & Spotify]
Grief & Healing
Griefcast
A thoughtful, often humorous podcast where host Cariad Lloyd speaks with guests about grief and loss.
https://www.cariadlloyd.com/griefcast
Terrible, Thanks for Asking
Honest conversations about the messy parts of being human, grief included.
https://www.ttfa.org
The Widowed Parent Podcast
Geared toward parents raising children after the death of a spouse, but widely helpful in understanding grief and rebuilding.
https://www.jennylisk.com/podcast
Mental Health & Emotional Wellness
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
Backed by research in psychology, this show explores what really makes us happy—and how to cultivate well-being.
https://www.happinesslab.fm
Therapy Chat
Hosted by psychotherapist Laura Reagan, this podcast covers trauma, mindfulness, boundaries, and emotional healing.
https://www.therapychatpodcast.com
Unlocking Us with Brené Brown
Conversations about courage, vulnerability, grief, and growth—with occasional big-name guests and deep emotional insights.
https://brenebrown.com/podcast
Spirituality, Reflection & Inner Growth
On Being with Krista Tippett
Thoughtful interviews with poets, philosophers, scientists, and spiritual leaders on what it means to be human.
https://onbeing.org
Everything Happens with Kate Bowler
Conversations with people facing life’s hardest moments—with grace, humor, and honesty.
https://katebowler.com/podcast
Patricia Bolen LMHC 