For people living in pain, it could be difficult to find purpose and positivity in life. In this episode, we meet Beverly Rogers, a woman who grew up during the civil rights movement, was diagnosed with breast cancer, and who has used her experience to advocate for health care.

“When my mother got sick, when my child was diagnosed with diabetes, when my husband got Alzheimer's, there were pieces that I could grab from my history, from my experience,” says Beverly. “I think those experiences have brought me to where I am so that now I truly believe that I am thriving.”

We also learn from Beverly how she’s taking a step back and learning to thrive through an unlikely source – Dancing.

Some highlights in this episode:

:38: Beverly’s background as an advocate for healthcare in the Black community and a breast cancer survivor

1:21: “Aging means that I feel good, I can think well, I have a good appetite, and whatever chronic pain I have is minimal,” says Beverly

1:42: You’ll never guess Beverly’s age

2:31: Beverly has been a family caregiver for decades

3:22: The civil rights movement laid the foundation for Beverly’s activism in healthcare

4:32: How Beverly used her experience and history to help care for family members

5:25: Beverly learns her purpose to empower women to be their best

6:31: Beverly’s mom led by example to implement self-care techniques

7:55; Beverly’s love and joy is dancing, yoga, and exercise

9:08: Physical activities have a positive impact on our independence and quality of life, says Kathleen Cameron at the National Council on Aging

10:25: Beverly’s rituals to manage her pain

12:36: Napping is one way Beverly takes care of herself each day

13:43: The importance of mindfulness in managing pain

14:29: Faith plays a role in Beverly’s life

Contact Our Host

Dr. Laurie Ferguson, Director of Education at the Global Healthy Living Foundation: lferguson@ghlf.org

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to ThrivingWhileAching@ghlf.org

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