NPR’s Allison Aubrey on Reinventing Life After 50
Summary
NPR’s Alison Aubrey discusses her new book, *Your Turn*, exploring how to find meaning and joy in midlife beyond career and parenting. She shares personal insights on navigating burnout, the "empty nest," and redefining purpose through concepts like the "third turn" and flow states. Aubrey also offers practical advice on leveraging strengths, engaging in creative pursuits, and distinguishing evidence-based health strategies from wellness trends.
Topics discussed
Intro: Community Connection stories from California Report
Alison Aubrey introduces her book on midlife meaning
From journalist to subject: Aubrey's personal health tests
Health irregularities and lifestyle changes
Feeling stuck and the shift in identity after kids leave
Teenage rebellion vs. midlife questioning
The Kentucky Derby metaphor for midlife energy
Reframing retirement and finding purpose
Caller Posey: The reality of working in old age
Values in Action Survey and finding strengths
Understanding flow states and what lights you up
Caller Maria: Retirement, budgeting, and new interests
Caller Tara: Starting over at 64 with a new career
Stories of transformation: Improv and finding voice
Community, volunteering, and overcoming guilt
Science of purpose: Measuring connection in white blood cells
Brain Care Score and debunking anti-aging myths
Caller Lina: Leaving tech to care for her mother
Caller Hugh: Finding flow in a new hobby after 50
Caller Kathleen: Layoff as an opportunity for wellness
Outro: Close All Tabs and California Report
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