Tag: cultural tradition

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02.13.25 | Spirituality & Religion

Get Ready for Season 2 of Sage Collective® Vibrant Living — The Podcast!

As 2025 unfolds, Sage Collective® is thrilled to announce the launch of Season 2 of Sage Vibrant Living — The Podcast. This season, we’re diving even deeper into the topics that impact older adults, their caregivers, and the communities that support them. Through compelling discussions with thought leaders, experts, and everyday people navigating the journey of aging, we continue our mission of redefining what it means to age with vibrancy, purpose, and connection.

Creating Conversations That Matter
At Sage Collective, we believe in the power of storytelling, dialogue, and shared experiences. Podcasting allows us to reach older African Americans and their families in an accessible, engaging format—wherever they are. Whether listening from home, on a walk, or during a commute, our audience can connect with the wisdom, humor, and insights of voices that reflect their own experiences and aspirations.

For Season 2, we’ve focused on four core areas that consistently surface as top concerns for older adults: finances, relationships, health, and caregiving. These themes shape each episode, addressing real challenges while also uncovering opportunities for growth, resilience, and joyful living.

Season 2 Highlights: What’s Ahead
With an exciting lineup of guests—including authors, wellness experts, financial advisors, and real-life storytellers—Season 2 offers fresh perspectives and actionable insights on aging well. Here’s what’s in store:

Episode ONE – Sex & Relationships as You Age. Air date: 2/14/25
This episode features marriage counselors Larraine and Michael Forrester and Frank and Lizzy who are in their 80s and rediscovering love again.

Episode TWO – The Hidden Heroes: 3 Caregivers share their truth. Air date: 2/21/25
This episode highlights the journeys of three adult children who are caring for their parents. We get a peek into their lives, their concerns, their disappointments, and their joys. We also find out how they cope with such a difficult journey without burning out.

Episode THREE – Live Long, Be Strong: Age Defying Health Hacks for people over 60. Air date: 2/28/25
This episode highlights the secrets of the Blue Zone lifestyle and explores how older adults in certain regions are defying age and living healthy and active lives well into their 80s. Is this lifestyle accessible to African American older adults who live in urban/metropolitan areas? How do we bring the benefits of the blue zone to the hood? We interviewed Karyn Calabrese, a long-time raw foodist and Dr. Ian Smith.

Episode FOUR – Older, Underemployed and Faking Normal. Air date: 3/7/25
This episode features Elizabeth White, author of 55, Underemployed and Faking Normal. We’ll highlight some of the statistics facing older adults when it comes to financial insecurity. How can we continue to build wealth as we age? What are the options/opportunities available to older adults? Social security? Income Streams? How do you survive?

Episode FIVE  – Scams EXPOSED: How to Protect Older Adults from Financial Fraud. Air date: 3/14/25
Scammers are getting more and more sophisticated and their victims are usually older and alone. Our expert works to prevent financial crimes and he shares ways older adults can protect themselves.

Episode SIX – How I Thrive! A Conversation with Actress Tina Lifford. Air date: 3/21/25
This was a rich conversation with award-winning actress Tina Lifford who talked about living fully alive by practicing what she calls “inner fitness.” Tina shared her story of being paralyzed by fear as a child and how she broke through and how that work birthed the inner Fitness Project. She advocates self-kindness and redefining yourself at every stage of life.

A Movement Toward Vibrant Living
Sage Vibrant Living — The Podcast isn’t just about conversations; it’s about transformation. Through storytelling, education, and shared experiences, we aim to empower older adults to take charge of their health, relationships, finances, and overall well-being.

At Sage Collective, we see aging as an opportunity—not a limitation. This season’s episodes will challenge outdated narratives and introduce fresh, inspiring perspectives on what it means to thrive at every stage of life.

Season 2 of Sage Vibrant Living — The Podcast launches February 14, bringing engaging discussions, insightful advice, and uplifting stories to our community. Whether you’re an older adult, a caregiver, or simply interested in exploring aging in a new way, there’s something for everyone in this season.

Stay tuned for our first episode, and visit our podcast site or our website for updates, schedules, and additional resources to support your journey toward vibrant living.

 

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01.30.25 | Community

Laboring for Justice and Progress: Honoring Black History Month 2025

Black History Month invites us to reflect on the profound contributions and enduring resilience of African Americans. This year’s theme, announced by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), is “African Americans and Labor,“ highlighting the central role work has played in shaping the history, culture, and identity of African Americans. At Sage Collective®, we embrace this theme as a powerful reminder of the strength, ingenuity, and community-building that have defined the African American labor experience—values that align closely with our commitment to vibrant living.

Historical Foundations: Labor as a Cornerstone
The African American relationship with labor began in the crucible of enslavement, where the forced labor of Africans laid the foundation for early American agricultural and economic growth. Post-emancipation, African Americans navigated new roles as sharecroppers, industrial workers, and entrepreneurs, contributing to the construction of America’s physical and economic landscape. Their efforts are woven into the fabric of American history, seen in the skilled craftsmanship that built iconic architectural heritage, particularly in the South.

Through these transitions, African Americans have continually demonstrated resilience and innovation. Despite systemic barriers, their labor became a form of resistance and empowerment, paving the way for future generations.

Trailblazers in Labor Movements
The fight for fair labor practices and economic equity is a vital chapter in African American history. Figures like A. Philip Randolph and Addie Wyatt remind us of the transformative power of collective action. Randolph’s founding of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters in 1925, marking its centennial in 2025, was a groundbreaking moment in labor history. It demonstrated the strength of union organizing in advocating for better wages, working conditions, and dignity for Black workers.

Addie Wyatt’s tireless efforts extended these principles, focusing on securing equitable wages and workplace protections, particularly for Black women, while linking labor advocacy to broader civil rights struggles. Their legacies serve as an enduring inspiration, emphasizing that labor is not just about economic survival but also about justice and dignity.

Labor as Culture and Community
Beyond economic contributions, African Americans have historically used labor as a tool for cultural expression and community building. From voluntary work in churches and social clubs to grassroots organizing, labor has often been a means of uplifting entire communities. These efforts have laid the groundwork for social justice movements and institution building, leaving a lasting impact on American society as a whole.

At Sage Collective, we recognize that this spirit of community-driven labor aligns with our philosophy of fostering vibrant living. Whether through caregiving, mentoring, or creative pursuits, older African Americans continue to exemplify how work—paid or voluntary—can strengthen bonds, inspire progress, and enrich lives.

The Power of Reflection and Education
The 2025 theme, “African Americans and Labor,” encourages us to reflect on the multifaceted roles that African Americans have played in the workforce. It’s a call to honor the past, recognize ongoing struggles for equity, and celebrate the resilience and creativity that continue to shape the African American experience.At Sage Collective, we see Black History Month as an opportunity to honor the resilience and contributions of older African Americans. The lessons of history remind us of the power of work to inspire, connect, and transform. Through our programming, we continue to celebrate the role of older adults in shaping their communities, ensuring their voices and stories are uplifted for future generations.

As we prepare to observe Black History Month this year, let’s honor the enduring legacy of African Americans in labor. From the fields to the factories, from union halls to boardrooms, their work has been a testament to strength and ingenuity. This February, join us in celebrating this legacy and renewing our commitment to fostering equity, resilience, and vibrant living in all that we do.

For more information on the 2025 Black History Month theme, visit ASALH’s official website.

Workers in the offices of Samuel Plato, building contractor, Washington, D.C. 1943. Credit: Roger Smith. Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information Black-and-White Negatives (https://www.loc.gov/resource/fsa.8b06410/).
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Sage Advice®

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10.05.23 | Sage Advice®

Understanding the Tradition of Walking Moai

We’ve all felt it: the comforting presence of a friend beside us, turning a regular walk into something special. That burst of laughter, that shared secret, or that debate over the best coffee shop in town. Now, imagine multiplying that by a few more friends, all walking together, with a shared sense of purpose. That’s the magic of a Walking Moai.

Originating from Okinawa, Japan, the term “moai” translates to a heartwarming “meeting for a common purpose”. It’s more than just hanging out – it’s about belonging to a tribe, each step echoing with shared dreams and aspirations. And when it comes to walking, this sense of unity turns every journey into a festival of memories.

And it’s not just about the fun moments. When we walk with our pals, we’re not just burning calories, we’re sparking joy. A study from 2020 whispered a sweet secret: walking with friends makes you healthier, happier, and more motivated. It’s as if our bodies and minds instinctively know: life’s better when we’re together.

In today’s world, where loneliness sometimes sneaks up on us, Walking Moais are like a warm hug. They’re more than just a group – they’re a family. A circle where shared stories replace solitude and laughter keeps away the blues.

What’s even more magical is the transformation that happens when we walk, talk, and dream together. Those in the known “blue zones” have shown us the way. Walking isn’t just about movement; it’s about connecting, feeling, and living. A quick stroll can chase away stress, and brainstorming on the go? That’s where the best ideas are born!

So next time you’re lacing up your shoes, consider inviting a friend or two. Walk, chat, dream, and discover the world through the wonderful rhythm of shared footsteps. Whether you’re chasing health goals, seeking heartfelt conversations, or simply wanting a break from the daily grind – your tribe, your Walking Moai, awaits.

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