Episode 107

107 || Solo Podcast: Earned Rest

Published on: 12th November, 2025

Welcome!

In this episode I am talking about the "earned rest" period of life and all that can bring up.

AI show notes:

Understanding the Concept of Earned Rest for Aging Parents

In this episode of Real Conversations About Aging Parents, host Rebecca Tapia delves into the concept of 'earned rest'—the idea that after a lifetime of hard work and caregiving, individuals hope to receive care and support in their later years. Rebecca shares insights from conversations with a retired nurse grappling with her new reality of needing long-term care. The discussion touches on the emotional and practical challenges faced by aging individuals who find their expectations of care unmet due to various life circumstances. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of having early and clear conversations about post-retirement plans, managing expectations, and being prepared for the psychological and physical transitions that accompany aging and retirement.


00:00 Introduction and Podcast Updates

00:39 Exploring the Concept of Earned Rest

01:36 Case Study: A Retired Nurse's Struggle

03:21 The Emotional Impact of Needing Care

04:43 The Reality of Long-Term Care

08:54 Managing Expectations and Grief

16:17 The Importance of a Health Retirement Plan

20:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts




Caveats:

  • This is a judgement free zone
  • There are no "shoulds" allowed, we live in curiosity
  • Take what works well for you, leave the rest!
  • This podcast is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as formal legal, financial or medical advice


If you are finding value in this podcast, please share and leave a review so others can find it too!

Rebecca



Disclaimer: The information presented on this podcast is solely for information purposes. We do not provide medical, legal, financial, or other professional advice through this podcast and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions. It is your responsibility to seek advice from a licensed professional. Any actions you take are done at your own risk.

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About the Podcast

Real Conversations about Aging Parents
Captivating stories, insights and expert opinions about life with aging parents
Join me every week for REAL conversations about the ups, downs and sideways of navigating life with aging parents. We focus on mindset, education and collaboration through a willingness to discuss raw stories and all the sticky topics. Cultural pressure? Financial problems? Family dynamics? Fascinating!!
No judgement here. No shoulds. Just a bunch of people figuring this out together.

About the host:
I am a recovering perfect daughter, former roommate of my 91 year old grandmother, and a rehabilitation physician who has seen *thousands* of families navigate the chaos that can occur when the unexpected happens (falls, strokes, etc). I've been taking notes and I'm ready to share and listen.

About your host

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Rebecca Tapia