Anna and Mirella talk to author Irene A Godin. They discuss subject matters about how she got into writing, her life journey around the world, and what her stories are inspired from. Irene shows that despite the hardships of changing technology and hectic schedules even after retirement, being creative is still a possibility and the results are amazing. Irene's book 'The Lonely Little Flute' can be found here: https://www.amazon.ca/Lonely-Little-Flute-Irene-Godin/dp/B08C9D749Y/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=...
Sep 15, 2021•22 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Debbie Rootman is the guest for this edition of the Bloomers podcast discussing colour with Anna and Mirella. Debbie describes what colours people can wear as they get older, explains how colours affect us, how colours can brighten up our day and lift our moods, and the importance of right colours in day-to-day life. As always, we look forward to your input and/or any questions. Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com www.thebloomingboomers.com And if you'd like to share yo...
Jun 21, 2021•31 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Anna and Mirella discuss and explore the advantages of community connections, especially during a pandemic, with their guest, Donna Becker. Donna is part of a Jewish organization at the Peretz Centre which is a centre for secular Jewish culture and humanistic Judaism in Vancouver, BC. Donna describes what they're doing amidst the COVID pandemic, what kind of services they offer, the advantages and disadvantages of being in a community, and how things look for the future. As always, we look forwa...
Jun 07, 2021•28 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Debbie Rootman joins Anna and Mirella again for another Bloomers podcast to discuss what it's like to move when you're older. Topics of discussion include why Debbie chose to move across country (Canada) from Vancouver where she has lived for decades to predominantly French-speaking Quebec City, what the moving experience was like - the challenges and joys, how it has affected her, and what life is like in her new city. As always, we look forward to your input and/or any questions. Feel free to ...
May 24, 2021•31 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Anna and Mirella talk with senior citizen and local New Westminster, BC barber Guy Quesnel on operating his small business. Guy explains how he got into cutting hair, what the job has been like over the years including during the pandemic, the advantages of running a small business, and why he has chosen not to retire yet. We learn Guy has worked as a barber for many years beginning working for his father who originally owned the business. So you might say Guy is a bit of a staple in New Westmin...
May 10, 2021•31 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Anna and Mirella converse with UK podcaster Ash Hurry regarding films through the years. One of Ash's passions is films and he hosts his own podcast called Film Exploration with Ash Hurry. All of you film lovers please check it out at: https://podtail.com/en/podcast/film-exploration-with-ash-hurry/ Ash tells us what motivated him to get into films, what goes into storytelling, and how films have evolved over the years. He also lists his own favourite films and tells us why, explains how European...
Jan 17, 2021•24 min•Season 3Ep. 7
In this episode, Anna and Mirella travel around Granville Island, BC and ask passers-by their thoughts on 2020 - how they're currently coping with the pandemic, how they feel about the future, what's important to focus on going-forward, .... As always, we look forward to your input and/or any questions. Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com www.thebloomingboomers.com And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy ...
Dec 15, 2020•25 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Anna and Mirella talk to former FBI agent Frank Runles. Frank describes the type of scams out there, especially those targeting seniors, how to detect a scam, a typical scam artist profile, and what preventive measures you can take to not end a victim of fraud. A bit of back ground on Frank Runles: Mr. Frank Runles was a Special Agent at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for more than 21 years. During his tenure with the FBI, Frank investigated a wide variety of criminal matters to inclu...
Nov 26, 2020•29 min•Season 3Ep. 5
In this episode, Anna and Mirella talk to guest, Day's Lee, who explains how she has expressed her creativity at writing and films relatively later in life. Day's talks about her beginnings starting with a degree in journalism, tells what kind of stories she has written, her inspiration, what it's been like for her to get her recent documentary done and what had motivated her. She also talks about some of the benefits of writing, making films when more mature in age, and offers realistic encoura...
Nov 10, 2020•31 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Anna and Mirella discuss the topic of death in this episode. Why do so many people fear talking about death? How do some people understand death? Anna and Mirella draw from some of their personal experiences, and share their views plus provide advice how to live a happy life with minimal fear of death. "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift." - Eleanor Roosevelt https://youtu.be/WgDCoH79kyo - "How Did You Die?" , Edmund Vance Cooke https://youtu.be/rkIi68Ijk8I - " Psal...
Oct 28, 2020•20 min•Season 3Ep. 3
In this episode of Blooming Boomers, Anna's and Mirella's guest is Trilby Jeeves. Trilby shares her personal experience of taking care of and advocating for her mother who is suffering from dementia and resides in a care facility in P.E.I. (Prince Edward Island, Canada). And the additional challenges while under the Covid-19 pandemic. Below are links describing some of Trilby's creativity, advocacy and self-isolation ideas in PEI. https://www.journalpioneer.com/news/provincial/trilby-jeeves-uses...
Oct 03, 2020•31 min•Season 3Ep. 2
In this podcast of Blooming Boomers, Anna and Mirella discuss the differences between being alone versus feeling lonely, especially if you're single and during the pandemic. Discussion also includes how the younger generation tends to feel more at ease being single and living on their own. And Mirella and Anna offer some tips how to minimize loneliness. As always, we look forward to your input and/or any questions. Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com www.thebloomingboom...
Sep 15, 2020•25 min•Season 3Ep. 1
In this episode of Blooming Boomers, Anna and Mirella connect via Zoom to discuss friendship, what their definition is, their experiences and challenges especially during this pandemic period, and why some friendships may not be meant to last forever. As always, we look forward to your input. Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com www.thebloomingboomers.com And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider...
Jun 30, 2020•22 min•Season 2Ep. 10
In this episode, Anna and Mirella try to define "happiness" - what it means to them, especially during this pandemic period. They relate their struggles, challenges and opportunities along with activities they do to keep themselves happy and stable during this period. As always, we look forward to your input. Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com www.thebloomingboomers.com And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be ...
May 29, 2020•48 min•Season 2Ep. 9
In this edition of Blooming Boomers, Anna and Mirella read some of the emails received on how people are handling the pandemic and also discuss how this current status of the virus outbreak has impacted their lives. As always, we look forward to your input. Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com www.thebloomingboomers.com And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as our guest on our podcast and...
May 14, 2020•34 min•Season 2Ep. 8
In this episode of Blooming Boomers, Anna and Mirella speak with Keith Goodwin, a career advisor at the local YWCA. Keith talks about employment for those 55 and up and what programs like his can offer. Keith also recounts his journey through life and how he has successfully re-invented himself a few times. It's never too late for any of us. For those considering working longer, and needing support, motivation, do check for programs and resources in your community: YWCA, YMCA, libraries, college...
Apr 09, 2020•26 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In this edition of 'On The Street', Mirella asks passers-by if they exercise, how they exercise, why they do it, and if it will be a lifelong lifestyle for them. We look forward to your input. Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com www.thebloomingboomers.com And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as our guest on our podcast and/or YouTube channel....
Mar 27, 2020•9 min•Season 2Ep. 6
In this episode of the Blooming Boomers, Anna and Mirella continue with the importance of fitness topic. Amongst various activities (yoga, cardio, weight training, zumba, walking, swimming, cycling, running, gardening, dancing, ...), Pilates is another option. Lorraine Stilitis, certified Pilates instructor at Vitalcore Fitness Pilates in Coquitlam, is their guest. Lorraine explains what Pilates is, its history, and its benefits. We look forward to your input. Feel free to drop us a line at: bbt...
Mar 11, 2020•25 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In this episode, Anna and Mirella talk with physiotherapist Janice Low. Janice describes what physiotherapy is about and provides fitness tips especially as we get older. Anna and Mirella also learn that engaging a physiotherapist proactively is a good preventive measure to maintain a healthy body, mind and lifestyle, not just when already in pain. Below is an inspirational YouTube video Janice often uses to motivate her patients and clients: Don't Grow Older But Bolder https://www.youtube.com/w...
Feb 27, 2020•27 min•Season 2Ep. 4
In this episode, Anna and Mirella discuss the importance of physical activity to one's health, especially as we age and sometimes the lack of motivation to get started. We look forward to your input. Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com www.thebloomingboomers.com And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as our guest on our podcast and/or YouTube channel....
Feb 13, 2020•27 min•Season 2Ep. 3
In this episode, we decided to ask some young people to share their thoughts on retirement: how they define retirement, when do they plan to retire, if retirement should be mandatory, if there should be a specific age for people to retire by. We look forward to your input. Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com www.thebloomingboomers.com And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as our guest on...
Feb 02, 2020•6 min•Season 2Ep. 2
In this episode, Anna and Mirella share and respond to some of the comments they received on the podcast so far - how difficult the transition to retirement can be, and the adjustment period, ..... We look forward to your input. Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com www.thebloomingboomers.com And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as our guest on our podcast and/or YouTube channel....
Jan 21, 2020•20 min•Season 2Ep. 1
In the final part of Episode 7 - how does one's culture influence one's view on ageing - Anna and Mirella talk to Brian Nguyen. Brian's day job is accountant, skills he also lends to various events like the recent Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week. As a hobby he also does improv and makes films. Here Brian talks to us about his heritage - his parents arrived in Canada as part of the Vietnamese Boat refugees, and how that has influenced him. He's a relatively younger generation, whose recent inte...
Dec 16, 2019•12 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In the second part of Episode 7, Selima Mumani is Anna's and Mirella's guest. Selima is co-partner with her sister Shairoz in their Arbonne business. She was born in Uganda, spent her childhood in Sweden and then with her family moved to Canada. Selima recounts her decision, as a single woman in her late 40's, to adopt a child, and her family's and community's reaction. She speaks about getting older and such changes as a woman's hair turning grey as viewed through a specific cultural lens and p...
Dec 16, 2019•16 min•Season 1Ep. 8
This episode examines the impact of one's culture and environment on one's view on ageing. Guest, Shiraz Ramji, shares his views based on his experience. Born in Tanzania, Shiraz did his post-graduate studies in medical statistics and epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, gerontology studies at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. Shiraz has taught in many countries, worked with health organizations world-wide, worked in refugee camps, done research on health and a...
Dec 14, 2019•21 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In this episode, Anna and Mirella discuss Ageism, including some of their journey and perspectives. Joining them are Charlene Luedke and Trilby Jeeves who share their own experiences in ageism and how it has affected them in their fields of working as actors and crew members in the film industry. We look forward to your input. Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com www.thebloomingboomers.com And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us ...
Nov 02, 2019•25 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this episode, as she wanders about at her local mall, Anna asks random passers-by their take on ageism. What do they think it means? Does it affect them at their workplace? Any impact on their daily lifestyle? We look forward to your input. Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com www.thebloomingboomers.com And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as our guest on our podcast and/or YouTube ch...
Oct 20, 2019•10 min•Season 1Ep. 5
In this episode, Anna and Mirella continue their discussion on ageism. What's the definition of ageism? They also share some interesting statistics related to ageism. And how do some of these celebrities manage not to let getting older get in their way?! We look forward to your input. Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com www.thebloomingboomers.com And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us know and we'll be happy to consider you as ...
Aug 29, 2019•20 min•Season 1Ep. 4
Anna and Mirella get a little more personal as they talk about one of the unavoidable and inevitable biggies in life, especially when we get more mature in years: dealing with loss - whether that would be loss of a partner, parents,of youth, looks, work, even possessions ... role models. The impact, pain, grief, and the resilience. Observation: "Sometimes acquaintances, even strangers, reach out to you more than people you thought you were close to during your low periods." We look forward to yo...
Jun 30, 2019•28 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Anna and Mirella discuss when do we know we're ready to retire. Discussion includes a look at some yearly increasing stats of seniors still working, reasons for retiring including ageism and finances,transition to retirement, expectations, greater awareness of finite time, and lack of role models. We look forward to your input. Feel free to drop us a line at: bbteam@thebloomingboomers.com www.thebloomingboomers.com And if you'd like to share your story, hobbies, insights, experiences, ... let us...
Jun 29, 2019•22 min•Season 1Ep. 2