Episode 110 - Aging, ADHD & Planning for What's Next

Have you ever thought about what you want your later years to look like? Not what your children want for you, or what everyone else thinks you should do, but what YOU actually want? In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro welcomes her friend Kim Shea, senior living guide, author, and founder of Game Changing Counseling Services, for a conversation about aging, ADHD, caregiving, and planning for the future. Kim has worked with older adults since 2003, helping individuals and families navigate senior living decisions and life transitions. She's also the author of Dare to Plan Your Aging Experience, a guidebook and workbook designed to help people think through their choices before someone else has to make those decisions for them. Jami and Kim also share how they first connected, the moment Kim began recognizing possible ADHD in herself, and why understanding how our brains work can make a difference at any age. In This Episode How meeting Jami led Kim to recognize possible ADHD in herself Why ADHD can go unnoticed in girls and women for decades Finding organizational systems that work for your brain Why planning for aging should start with what YOU want What families should consider when exploring senior living options Kim's book, Dare to Plan Your Aging Experience How body doubling and accountability helped Kim write her book ADHD, retirement, and adjusting to changes in daily structure Clutter, emotional attachments, and the challenges of rightsizing Helping aging parents make decisions without taking away their independence Discovering ADHD Later in Life Kim remembers meeting Jami at an aging expo and noticing a photo of a cluttered desk that looked suspiciously familiar. When Jami asked whether she had ADHD, Kim's immediate answer was no! But the conversation stayed with her. Thinking back to her son's ADHD evaluation, Kim realized how many of the same questions could have applied to her. Although Kim hasn't received a formal ADHD diagnosis, learning more about it has helped her better understand her experiences and explore strategies that work for her. She and Jami discuss why so many women grew up without recognizing these patterns, especially those who were quiet, well-behaved, or successful in school. Aging on Your Own Terms After more than two decades working with older adults, Kim has seen how difficult aging decisions can become when families haven't talked about them ahead of time. Her book, Dare to Plan Your Aging Experience: An Insider's Guide and Workbook to Discover What Matters to You, encourages readers to explore their preferences, consider different possibilities, and document what matters most. From choosing where to live to navigating relationships and changing care needs, Kim emphasizes the importance of having a plan, and a backup plan. Because aging shouldn't mean losing your voice in decisions about your own life. ADHD, Retirement, and Finding What Works What happens when the routines that have kept you going for years suddenly disappear? Jami and Kim explore how retirement, an empty nest, and other life transitions can change the structure of everyday life, particularly for people with ADHD. Kim shares how color-coded lists, realistic priorities, and working alongside someone else helped her manage projects and even finish writing her book. Sometimes the most helpful strategy is simply finding a different way to get things done. Caregiving, Clutter, and Compassion Helping an aging parent downsize can be frustrating, especially when you're looking at a house full of belongings and wondering where to begin. But as Kim reminds us, those belongings often carry memories and emotional significance. Jami and Kim discuss why it's important to approach these conversations with patience, respect, and compassion rather than taking over. They also explore how bringing in a professional can help families navigate difficult decisions while preserving an older adult's independence and dignity. About Kim Shea Kim Shea has worked with older adults since 2003 in caregiving, senior living guidance, retirement coaching, and community engagement. Through Game Changing Counseling Services, she helps older adults and their families navigate senior living options and important life transitions. She also facilitates discussion circles that encourage connection and community among older adults. Kim is the author of Dare to Plan Your Aging Experience: An Insider's Guide and Workbook to Discover What Matters to You. About Jami Shapiro Jami Shapiro is a certified ADHD coach, speaker, author of This Explains So Much, and host of Grandma Has ADHD. She's also the founder of Silver Linings Transitions, helping individuals and families navigate rightsizing, organizing, moving, and major life transitions. Through her coaching, speaking, and podcast, Jami helps adults better understand their ADHD and find practical ways to make life easier. Resources Kim Shea: https://seniorlg.com Kim's Book: Dare to Plan Your Aging Experience, available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and BookBaby Jami Shapiro: https://jamishapiro.me Grandma Has ADHD: https://grandmahasadhd.com Silver Linings Transitions: https://silverliningstransitions.com Remember: It's never too late to make the rest of your life the best of your life. Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. 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