Tag: healthy aging

Getting older is, as J.J. Hubal puts it, “a very big deal,” and pretending otherwise doesn’t do anyone any favors. What does help? A little honesty, a healthy dose of curiosity and, perhaps most powerfully, a well-timed cartoon. 

Bestselling author, cartoonist and former special education teacher J.J. Hubal joined Varsity’s weekly Roundtable recently to share the ideas behind her book, Goodbye Old, Hello Bold, a work that challenges long-held stereotypes and invites people to embrace aging with confidence and humor. Below are a few Fresh Perspectives from her discussion.

HUMOR OPENS THE DOOR TO HARD CONVERSATIONS

J.J. demonstrated how humor and cartoons can make sensitive topics like aging, loss, health and change feel more approachable. Participants were reminded that laughter can create space for honest reflection and meaningful conversations.

AGING REQUIRES LETTING GO BEFORE MOVING FORWARD

One of J.J.’s central themes was that aging well isn’t about denying reality. It’s about acknowledging what’s changed, letting go of what no longer fits and creating room for new possibilities, experiences and relationships.

COMMUNITY OFTEN OUTWEIGHS CONVENIENCE

Discussions about downsizing, aging in place and senior living reinforced that people aren’t just choosing a place to live. They’re choosing connection, purpose and belonging. For many older adults, the real value of a move is gaining community rather than simply reducing maintenance.

THE BIGGEST AGING DECISIONS START WITH CONVERSATION

Whether discussing downsizing, future living arrangements or changing family dynamics, participants were reminded that proactive conversations are far better than waiting for a crisis. Open communication creates more choices and better outcomes.

AGING ISN’T ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL

Health, finances and relationships affect everyone differently. J.J. encouraged attendees to focus less on aging stereotypes and more on helping people navigate their own unique circumstances with honesty, flexibility and self-awareness.

PEOPLE CONNECT WITH AUTHENTICITY

The strongest themes in J.J.’s work came from real-life experiences, frustrations and observations. Participants were reminded that the most relatable stories, messages and marketing often come from genuine human experiences rather than polished talking points.

Music can do more than entertain, it can create connection, reflection and even healing. In a recent episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, we talked with Stuart Malina, longtime Music Director and Conductor of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra and Tony Award-winning orchestrator.

In the conversation, Stuart discussed why music often resonates more deeply as we age, how live concerts create powerful shared experiences and the surprising ways music can unlock memory and emotion. Stuart also reflects on working with Billy Joel and Twyla Tharp on Broadway’s Moving Out and shares advice about creativity, confidence and defining success for yourself.

Check out the full episode here.

WHAT HAVE YOU OBSERVED ABOUT HOW PEOPLE’S RELATIONSHIP WITH MUSIC CHANGES AS THEY AGE?

The core audience of classical music is older. I would say probably averaging somewhere in the upper 60s to lower 70s. I don’t think this is a coincidence. I think that there is something about classical music that resonates perhaps a little bit more intensely with older audiences. Music speaks to everybody, but as you get older, different kinds of music will bring responses. 

I speak to a lot of people who say the same thing: I grew up and I loved the pop music of my time, and of course I still do. But now I’m beginning to understand this music a little bit better and it speaks to my heart.

WHY DO YOU THINK MUSIC BECOMES MORE MEANINGFUL LATER IN LIFE?

If there is wisdom, it’s just kind of being able to look at life with a little bit more grand perspective, and I do think that might be part of why there’s a response to not just music, but any kind of great art as you get older. 

I also think that part of it is patience. As you get older, I do think there is a greater ability to just sit back and enjoy a journey. So much of classical music is just allowing yourself to enjoy the progression of an emotional arc or the progression of a beautiful long phrase. And I do think that comes a little bit more easily when you’re older. But the last thing might even be just a practical issue, that older people just have a little bit more time.

RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT MUSIC CAN SUPPORT MEMORY, MOOD, AND BRAIN HEALTH. DOES THAT ALIGN WITH WHAT YOU’VE SEEN PERSONALLY?

I actually think that music is unbelievably powerful. I do think that music speaks to parts of the brain that you can’t reach in other ways. We have a great friend of the orchestra who brought her husband to concerts. He was suffering from very severe Alzheimer’s, to the degree where he really couldn’t remember anything and he didn’t remember who people were. 

She brought him to the concerts because when he walked in the concert hall, suddenly he was who he was before. He was recognizing members of the orchestra. And she said that for that one hour and 45 minutes or two hours, he was himself again. And then they would leave and it would be back to his old world. So something’s going on there. 

QUOTES

“I do think that there is a greater ability perhaps to just sit back and enjoy a journey.” (Stuart)

“We’re living in a world of peaks. You go to see a Marvel movie and every five minutes there’s going to be some kind of crazy thing that stirs you and pumps you with adrenaline. Listening to great music is not that.” (Stuart)

“What we’re doing is creating a landscape of sound and intensity. Yes, you’re going to have your peaks, but then you’re going to have long periods of lulls that allow for the next peak to be something special.” (Stuart)

“I do think that as you get older, there’s a greater willingness to reflect on what it means to be alive, what it means to exist in this world.” (Stuart)

“There’s so much anger, so much infighting among groups and fighting with other groups that people are looking for ways to make sense of all of that. And at its core, that’s what art is attempting to do.” (Stuart)

“When you come to a concert, you’re being thrust together to experience something as a community — a kind of ad hoc community that will not exist again after this day.” (Stuart)

“Your presence, your energy, your focus is palpable. I can’t describe what it feels like, but I feel it.” (Stuart)

“When you’re at a concert, you’re actively engaged in the artistic endeavor. It’s not like we’re performing and you’re listening.” (Stuart)

“Don’t judge yourself based on other people’s perspectives. Know what you want, know what’s important to you, and pursue that.” (Stuart)

NOTES

Stuart Malina has served as Music Director and Conductor of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra for more than 25 years. A Tony Award-winning orchestrator and accomplished pianist, he is known for blending classical tradition with contemporary perspectives while championing the emotional and communal power of live music.

The Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra is one of the oldest continuously operating orchestras in the United States, performing at the historic Forum Auditorium in downtown Harrisburg. The organization presents classical masterworks, pops concerts and educational programming while working to expand accessibility and deepen community engagement through live music experiences.

Malina won a Tony Award for his orchestration work on Twyla Tharp and Billy Joel’s Broadway production Moving Out. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with artists across multiple disciplines including dancers, actors and rock musicians. He also discussed the challenges of contemporary classical composition, the importance of exposing audiences to new music and the role arts organizations play in combating loneliness and fostering human connection.

Malina reflected on how audiences often develop a deeper appreciation for music and art as they age, citing patience, perspective and emotional openness as contributing factors.

He discussed how classical music differs from modern entertainment because it embraces emotional peaks and valleys rather than constant stimulation and adrenaline.

Malina described live performance as a shared community experience that cannot be replicated through recordings, emphasizing the energy exchange between performers and audiences.

He shared stories illustrating music’s profound effect on cognition and emotion, including experiences involving individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and developmental disabilities.

Malina explained how working on Broadway’s Moving Out expanded his understanding of artistry and deepened his respect for musicians, dancers and choreographers from outside the classical world.

He spoke about the importance of contemporary composers and challenged the notion that great music only exists in the past, arguing that today’s composers are creating work that will endure for generations.

Malina discussed how concerts and other live arts experiences can help combat loneliness by creating safe, communal environments where people feel connected through shared experiences.

Aging rarely happens the way people expect. It arrives gradually, bringing changes in identity, relationships and perspective that can feel difficult to navigate. In a recent episode of Varsity’s Roundtable Talk, Derek sat down with bestselling author, cartoonist and former special education teacher J.J. Hubal, whose book Goodbye Old, Hello Bold uses humor and visual storytelling to explore the realities of growing older with more curiosity and courage.

In their conversation, Derek and J.J. discussed why aging often creates anxiety, how humor can make difficult topics more approachable and why reinvention becomes increasingly important later in life. J.J. also shared personal reflections on loneliness, friendship, creativity and the importance of continuing to step outside your comfort zone as you age.

Check out the full episode here.

WHAT DOES “HELLO BOLD” MEAN TO YOU?

I started the whole project at about 72 years old and I had the old part down, but I definitely didn’t have the bold part. So I’m the perfect author. I had zero bold. To me, bold is different things for different people. Sometimes it’s something very small. Sometimes it’s something very large. Most of my time was spent wallowing in self-pity that life hadn’t worked out for this reason, that reason. The whole project was really a search for bold. I didn’t start it even as a book. I certainly didn’t start it with a whole pile of bold ideas. I had absolutely nothing.

WHY DO SO MANY PEOPLE APPROACH AGING WITH ANXIETY INSTEAD OF CURIOSITY?

I think people get stuck in the negative, what didn’t go right. We also fill our minds with things that aren’t realistic anymore. There’s nobody blazing the trail for us. We’re pioneers. There are 10,000 boomers turning 65 every day and millions turning 80. You’re overwhelmed with loss and change. All loss causes change and even change you choose ends up with losses. You just have fewer people. If you’ve lost health, money, people or security, all of those things keep us stuck for a while.

WHY IS HUMOR SUCH A POWERFUL TOOL WHEN TALKING ABOUT AGING?

Humor is a powerful tool for talking about anything sensitive or difficult. Adding a cartoon takes you out of a live person saying something. It’s just a drawing. Humor makes the medicine go down easier. Reality can be a tough thing to deal with. The old humor acts like a spoonful of sugar. It lets people face difficult truths without feeling attacked or overwhelmed.

HOW IS THE CULTURAL NARRATIVE AROUND AGING CHANGING?

It’s definitely changing and it’s most evident in media and advertising. Years ago, if somebody was even 50, it was treated like they were almost ready for the grave. Now it’s becoming more natural. We’re investing less in clinging tooth and nail to old images and more in what’s next. People are experimenting more. We’ve opened up both ends of the spectrum. I see younger generations being less rigid too. There’s more freedom now to age honestly.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST FEARS PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT AGING?

One of the most popular cartoons I’ve done is just a sign in a yard that says, ‘Estate Sale: Everything My Children Told Me They Don’t Want to Inherit.’ People react to it because the stuff we hang onto has emotional power. It represents pieces of our lives, our history, our memories. It’s not just about cleaning out a room. It’s about realizing the past isn’t coming back. I had to stop looking backward and understand that I was stopping any positive input into my life.

QUOTES

“One day I was young and I went to bed. I woke up. I was old. That’s how it happens. Suddenly, without warning, you’re there.” (J.J.)

“It was really a search for bold. I didn’t start it even as a book. I certainly didn’t start it with a whole pile of bold ideas. I had absolutely nothing.” (J.J.)

“Everybody’s got a story. Everybody’s got stuff. You can’t base a relationship on sharing your victim story, or at least not very long or successfully.” (J.J.)

“I think a thumbnail definition of bold is facing reality and stepping up and doing what you need to do.” (J.J.)

“Getting older is a very big deal. Anyone who says it happened in a different way or that getting old is no big deal is a liar, liar, pants on fire.” (J.J.)

“Humor is a powerful tool for talking about anything sensitive or difficult.” (J.J.)

“As long as you’re fighting the word old, you’re never going to move forward.” (J.J.)

“Every time someone dies, it’s like a small library burning down.” (J.J.)

“Fear of the future and longing for the past can keep you stuck in place.” (J.J.)

“The good news is your world can get bigger much faster than it took for it to shrink.” (J.J.)

“Nobody was going to rescue me. I had to make this happen.” (J.J.)

“Be careful who you invest time in. How many viable years do I really have left? I don’t have a lot of time to make big mistakes with.” (J.J.)

NOTES

J.J. Hubal is a bestselling author, cartoonist and former special education teacher whose work explores aging through humor, honesty and visual storytelling. Her book Goodbye Old, Hello Bold encourages readers to rethink aging, embrace change and approach later life with more curiosity, courage and self-awareness.

J.J. Hubal is the author of Goodbye Old, Hello Bold, a visually driven book that blends cartoons, essays and reflections on aging. Through humor and deeply personal observations, the book addresses topics like loneliness, grief, reinvention, friendship and resilience while encouraging readers to embrace the realities of growing older.

Hubal spent decades working as a special education teacher before fully embracing writing and cartooning later in life. She has published cartoons and essays for years, with many of her cartoons focused on aging, memory, relationships and the realities of later life. She currently lives in Savannah, Georgia, where she continues writing, drawing and speaking about aging, creativity and personal growth.

J.J. said aging often creates anxiety because people become overwhelmed by loss, change and unrealistic expectations about what later life is supposed to look like.

She described “bold” as facing reality honestly and stepping up to do what needs to be done, even when the actions are small or unnoticed by others.

J.J. explained that humor helps people approach difficult conversations about aging because cartoons and comedy create emotional distance while still communicating truth.

She shared that many of the cultural narratives around aging are shifting, including the growing acceptance of using the word “old” openly and honestly.

J.J. talked about how loneliness became a turning point in her own life and inspired her to actively seek new friendships, experiences and communities.

She discussed the importance of staying open to reinvention later in life and said even small steps, like attending an art class or joining a group, can dramatically expand someone’s world.

J.J. emphasized that many fears around aging stem from clinging too tightly to the past instead of creating space for new experiences, relationships and possibilities.

She encouraged people to think proactively about aging by preparing emotionally, socially and practically for future changes rather than waiting until challenges become crises.

Aging has long been framed as a slow narrowing of possibilities, but that perspective is beginning to shift. In a recent episode of Varsity’s podcast, Roundtable Talk, Derek sat down with Colin Milner, founder and CEO of the International Council on Active Aging, whose work has helped redefine aging as a dynamic, engaged and opportunity-filled stage of life.

In their conversation, Derek and Colin explored why changing perceptions around aging takes time, the growing importance of closing the gap between lifespan and health span and how simple behaviors like staying active and curious can have outsized impact. Check out the full episode here.

WHY HAS IT BEEN SO HARD TO CHANGE THE NARRATIVE THAT AGING EQUALS DECLINE?

It really comes down to time. It was a massive wave going in one direction, and changing that takes decades. I was told it would take 30 years to make an impact, and now, 25 years in, wellness is everywhere. Things take time to change, and many people don’t stay in it long enough to see the results.

WHAT DOES “ACTIVE AGING” MEAN TODAY?

The definition hasn’t changed. It’s about being engaged in life, in all areas of life. What has changed is the implementation. If you’re engaged, the ripple effect begins to happen. You become more socially connected, more physically active and more involved overall. Engagement drives everything.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PEOPLE START SEEING AGING AS GROWTH INSTEAD OF DECLINE?

Everything changes. You start looking at possibilities instead of limitations. The world opens up to you instead of closing off. When systems are in place to support that mindset, people have the opportunity to grow rather than feel like things are being taken away from them.

WHY SHOULD WE FOCUS MORE ON HEALTH SPAN, NOT JUST LIFESPAN?

If we don’t shrink the health span gap, all we’re doing is extending life and extending years of ill health. Right now, that gap is about 12.4 years. People want to live longer, but not in poor health. We have to close that gap or longevity doesn’t really mean what we think it does.

WHAT ARE MARKETERS GETTING WRONG ABOUT OLDER ADULTS?

Ageism. Most marketers are younger and not excited about creating for an older audience. But two older adults control 70 to 75% of disposable income. It’s a massive opportunity that’s still being overlooked because of outdated assumptions about what aging looks like.

Season 1 of Roundtable Talk set out to challenge everything we think we know about aging and ended up reframing what’s possible across an entire lifetime. Check out the recap episode here. 

Across more than 20 conversations, Varsity’s aging and longevity podcast brought together gerontologists, policymakers, innovators, artists, journalists, and senior living leaders who are reshaping how we live, work, and contribute as we age. From public health and technology to purpose, creativity, and community, each guest added a vital layer to a more hopeful, human-centered narrative of longevity.

The season opened with cultural icons and truth-tellers like Garrison Keillor and Mo Rocca, who reminded us that humor, curiosity, and engagement don’t fade with age—they sharpen. Terry Farrell brought a deeply personal perspective on reinvention and authenticity, while Diane Harris and Dr. Sara Zeff Geber tackled the realities of solo aging, financial longevity, and planning for independence without fear.

Leading voices in aging science and public health—including Dr. Linda Fried, Dr. Louise Aronson, Dr. Kerry Burnight, and Dr. David Katz—challenged ageism head-on, reframed frailty and wellness, and made a compelling case for focusing on health span, not just life span. Their insights made it clear that aging well isn’t accidental—it’s systemic, behavioral, and deeply connected to how we design communities and care.

Innovation emerged as a recurring theme through conversations with Rick Robinson, Laurie Orlov, Dr. Tom Kamber, and Rob Liebreich, who explored how technology—from AI to digital literacy to cognitive health tools—can support independence, connection, and dignity when designed with older adults, not just for them.

The season also spotlighted bold models for aging with purpose and belonging. Andrew Carle and Lindsey Beagley explored university-based retirement communities and lifelong learning as antidotes to isolation. Barbara Sullivan highlighted the power of grassroots villages. Bridget Weston showed how older adults are fueling entrepreneurship through mentorship, while Brian Fried proved creativity and invention have no expiration date.

Rounding out the season, industry leaders like Larry Carlson, Scott Townsley, Marvell Adams Jr., Peter Murphy Lewis, and Dr. Robyn Stone confronted the hard truths facing senior living, caregiving, workforce sustainability, and inclusion, offering both critique and optimism for what comes next.

Season 1 of Roundtable Talk set out to challenge everything we think we know about aging and ended up reframing what’s possible across an entire lifetime.

Across more than 20 conversations, Varsity’s aging and longevity podcast brought together gerontologists, policymakers, innovators, artists, journalists, and senior living leaders who are reshaping how we live, work, and contribute as we age. From public health and technology to purpose, creativity, and community, each guest added a vital layer to a more hopeful, human-centered narrative of longevity.

The season opened with cultural icons and truth-tellers like Garrison Keillor and Mo Rocca, who reminded us that humor, curiosity, and engagement don’t fade with age—they sharpen. Terry Farrell brought a deeply personal perspective on reinvention and authenticity, while Diane Harris and Dr. Sara Zeff Geber tackled the realities of solo aging, financial longevity, and planning for independence without fear.

Leading voices in aging science and public health—including Dr. Linda Fried, Dr. Louise Aronson, Dr. Kerry Burnight, and Dr. David Katz—challenged ageism head-on, reframed frailty and wellness, and made a compelling case for focusing on health span, not just life span. Their insights made it clear that aging well isn’t accidental—it’s systemic, behavioral, and deeply connected to how we design communities and care.

Innovation emerged as a recurring theme through conversations with Rick Robinson, Laurie Orlov, Dr. Tom Kamber, and Rob Liebreich, who explored how technology—from AI to digital literacy to cognitive health tools—can support independence, connection, and dignity when designed with older adults, not just for them.

The season also spotlighted bold models for aging with purpose and belonging. Andrew Carle and Lindsey Beagley explored university-based retirement communities and lifelong learning as antidotes to isolation. Barbara Sullivan highlighted the power of grassroots villages. Bridget Weston showed how older adults are fueling entrepreneurship through mentorship, while Brian Fried proved creativity and invention have no expiration date.

Rounding out the season, industry leaders like Larry Carlson, Scott Townsley, Marvell Adams Jr., Peter Murphy Lewis, and Dr. Robyn Stone confronted the hard truths facing senior living, caregiving, workforce sustainability, and inclusion, offering both critique and optimism for what comes next.