What you’ll learn in this episode about Walking and Talking with My 100+ Year Old Friend: Intergenerational Friendships in Midlife.
- How your milestone 70th birthday may feel different than any other birthday.
- How two women 76 and 105 years old became even closer later in life.
- Why reaching out to a friend 30 years older was the perfect way to prepare for the next decade.
- Why becoming more prepared about aging help gives you strength to cope.
- Why a walking playdate is a great way to connect, grow and learn.
- How storytelling can play a large role in lubricating your memory and helps with connections.
- How telling a story becomes part of the story of you.
- What having a passion really means and how accessible it can be.
- Why it’s important to pause to access what you really want.
- The importance of believing that you have the wisdom and answers inside of you.
- What one of the real pleasures of growing older is.
- The importance of seeing yourself as vibrant and seeing more inspiring older role models in the world.
Welcome to another episode of the Women in the Middle® Podcast!
Today you’ll discover an intergenerational friendship between two women 76 and 105 years old, that got better with age. Walking and talking with your 100+ year old friend is not something you might think was even possible. But it’s their reality and my guest wrote a book about it.
My guest is Merilyn Simonds. She’s the younger half of this intergenerational friendship. Merilyn is also an internationally published and award-winning author of three e-born works of fiction and 20 books overall.
Today we’re talking about her book, Walking with Beth: Conversations with my 100-Year-Old Friend, published in September, 2025; it became an instant bestseller. This book feels like you’re almost there with these two friends as they’re walking and talking.
In the nutshell, they talk about aging including the scary parts of growing older. They share their wisdom, passions and their unique perspective about all of it. I mean really, how often do you get this kind of insight from a centenarian who’s 105?
Please enjoy this interview.
You May Also Like:
- Ep: 408: How to Live a Healthy Active Passion-Filled Life at 99 with Elaine Lalanne
- Ep 200: Celebrating Friendships in Midlife
Connect with Merilyn Simonds:
- Book and More Photos, Resources: https://merilynsimonds.com/walking-with-beth.html
- US: Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Walking-Beth-Conversations-Hundred-Year-Old-Friend-ebook/dp/B0F36X2Q5X/
- CAD: Amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/Walking-Beth-Conversations-Hundred-Year-Old-Friend/dp/1039013341/
Connect with Suzy
Next Chapter Clarity Session Free: Next Chapter Clarity Session: A Private 50-Minute Conversation to Help You Get Clear on What You Want Now. If something in your life feels a little off, unclear, or out of sync…this is where you figure out what’s really going on and what you want to do about it. session, This insightful session is designed to help you see where you may be getting in your own way and how I might be able to help you turn the page on your next chapter! Book Now www.talktosuzy.com
Next Chapter Reset Session: If you know that sleepwalking through the privilege of aging isn’t your style, I think you’re ready to identify where you may be running on default instead of decision! Go ahead and book your Session, which includes the complete Autopilot Audit in my Shop. Just go to www.suzyrosenstein.com and click on the Shop Tab and you’ll find it there.
Midlife Doodle-Think™ Club: Slow down with Zentangle-inspired doodling. As a Certified Zentangle® Teacher (CZT), I invite you to create a space to think. See yourself and your next chapter more clearly. Doodle-Think™ is about a simple, mindful doodling practice for midlife women who want more presence, clarity and confidence; no art skills or creative talent required! Join here!www.doodlethink.com
Midlife QUIZ: You’re also invited to take the free “Next Chapter Midlife Quiz” to discover if your next chapter is trying to get your attention! It only takes about 90 seconds! You can start the quiz here:www.midlifequiz.com.
Work with Me: Group Coaching Women in the Middle Academy: Learn to start living like time matters…because it does! The Academy helps you do this in a 12 month group format that includes coaching, community, creativity and connection. Get unstuck and create your happiness blueprint for your future! Apply now: www.womeninthemiddleacademy.comand book your free call to learn how I can help you find what’s missing so that you love your life after 50.
Private Coaching – Limited Availability. Midlife transformation coaching is the fastest way to rediscover joy and purpose after 50! Regret-Proof Private Coaching to get unstuck, clear and excited about your life again. Available in3 month, 6 month and 1 year options. Powerful results! Flexible payment plans. Book your free, no obligationMomentum Call here
Masterclass: Get Unstuck: Midlife Clarity Fast &Easy: Take this fun DIY midlife masterclass and get clear about your next chapter priorities without spin, confusion and overwhelm in less than an hour!www.midliferoadmap.com
Download Suzy’s eBook: 50 Ways to Celebrate Life after 50: Get unstuck, avoid regrets, and live your best life:www.50waystocelebrate.com and Amazon
OTHER RESOURCES:
- Free Resources
- Free Monthly Webinars and Workshops offered by Suzy Rosenstein:https://suzyrosenstein.com/webinar/
- Email your feedback: info@suzyrosenstein.com
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