Grandma Has ADHD

Episode 14 - This 76-year-old outlasted me

Jami Shapiro Episode 14

In this inspiring episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami welcomes special guest Heidi Eagleton, a 76-year-old trailblazer who has lived an extraordinary life with ADHD. Heidi shares her journey from undiagnosed challenges in her youth to becoming a lawyer, architect, and now a memoir writer. She dives into the importance of recognizing and embracing ADHD's unique strengths, including creativity, resilience, and hyperfocus, while addressing the struggles that come with aging and ADHD.

Together, Jami and Heidi discuss the stigma around ADHD in older adults, why diagnosis matters even later in life, and how seniors can harness their ADHD traits to live fulfilling lives. Heidi also shares her favorite hacks for navigating life without medication and emphasizes the power of self-acceptance and celebrating differences.

In this episode we:

  • [00:04:13] Share Heidi’s personal journey with ADHD and her diagnosis in her 60s.
  • [00:08:46] Explore Heidi's wake-up call involving health issues and her decision to manage ADHD without medication.
  • [00:10:30] Discuss Heidi's approach to harnessing ADHD strengths, like creativity and tenacity, in her career and personal life.
  • [00:18:45] Talk about Heidi's career transitions from law to architecture and her passion for teaching.
  • [00:20:57] Touch on the dynamics of ADHD and OCD in relationships, including Heidi’s long-lasting marriage.
  • [00:22:44] Highlight the stigma around ADHD in older adults and the importance of focusing on its positive aspects.
  • [00:25:00] Emphasize the value of ADHD traits, like hyperfocus, and the need for older adults to embrace their unique strengths.

Resources Mentioned:

  • Heidi Eagleton’s Website: www.heidieagleton.com
  • Heidi’s email address: heagleton@gmail.com


Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.

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