Don’t Retire - Reignite and Refire

What if retirement isn’t the end of something… but the ignition switch for your most powerful chapter yet?

In this energizing and deeply honest conversation, I’m joined by Deborah Holliday - international flight attendant of more than 30 years, storyteller, and Founder of The Flying Treasure Hunter - to talk about aging, reinvention, and why it’s time to stop buying into the cultural narrative that says growing older means growing smaller.

Deborah and I first connected after being featured in Vogue Business in an article about the Baby Boomer beauty consumer. From that moment, I knew we were kindred spirits - women committed to challenging ageism and celebrating vitality at every stage of life.

In this episode, we explore:

✨ Internalized ageism and how it quietly shapes the way we see ourselves
✨ The damaging “anti-aging” messaging in the beauty industry
✨ Why language around women and aging matters more than we think
✨ What 30 years as an international flight attendant taught Deborah about vitality, resilience, and intergenerational connection
✨ Returning to flight attendant training at 66 after a traumatic brain injury
✨ What it truly means to not retire… but reignite and refire

Deborah shares candidly about approaching 70 and recognizing the subtle ways she had absorbed society’s beliefs about aging. Together, we chat about how to confront those internalized narratives and choose something more expansive.

If you’ve ever wondered:

“Am I too old to start something new?”

“Is this chapter supposed to be quieter?”

“What’s next for me?”

This episode is your invitation to challenge that thinking.

Because aging isn’t about decline. It’s about discovery.

It’s about treasure hunting your own life experiences and recognizing the wisdom, courage, and spark you already carry.

✨ So here’s my question for you, Pro-Ager:
Where in your life are you ready to reignite?
What part of you is waiting to refire?

If this conversation moved you, share it with another Pro-Ager who needs to hear it. 

And most importantly - keep aging out loud and proud!

Visit Deborah's website here, and follow her on Instagram @deborahjholliday.

If you found inspiration from this conversation, please rate, review and share this episode.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to hop on over to Don’t Be Caged By Your Age on LinkedIn or Instagram. Or leave a message on the website here.

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Waving from Boston – cheers!

Ande ♥

CONNECT with me online - I'd love to learn how you're shattering ageism!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andelyons/
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SPONSORSHIP
If you resonate with the show’s mission of shattering ageism and age-related expectations so folks can thrive after 65, please reach out to me to learn more about making an impact through sponsoring the Don’t Be Caged By Your Age podcast – ande@dontbecagedbyyourage.com.