The Podcast

We don’t outgrow ADHD, we simply change with it. Join hosts Jami and Justin as we explore the intersection of ADHD and seniors.

Episode 42 – Grandma Rides a Motorcycle and Being Young at Heart

In this lively and relatable episode about ADHD in grandmothers over 50, host Jami Shapiro chats with ADHD coach and adventurous grandma, Mide Emans. They explore Mide’s journey of discovering ADHD later in life—after raising four children who also have ADHD.

Mide shares what it was like managing a chaotic, love-filled household while feeling like she could never quite “get it together.” It’s a feeling many women over 50 know all too well. Together, Jami and Mide unpack how ADHD can hide in plain sight for decades. Many people often dismiss it as just a personality quirk or a parenting struggle.

From growing up as the “troublemaker” to becoming a teenage mom, and eventually an ADHD coach, Mide’s story offers wisdom, humor, and hope. She talks openly about managing ADHD in motherhood. Mide also shares the judgment that comes with breaking societal norms and the freedom that comes with aging and finally embracing who you are.

If you’ve ever struggled to keep your house organized, felt like you were always “too much,” or are navigating ADHD as you get older—this episode will make you feel seen, understood, and a little less alone.

ADHD in Grandmothers Over 50: Why It’s Often Missed

ADHD isn’t just a childhood diagnosis. Mide Emans shares how ADHD shaped her life as a child, a young mother, and now as a grandmother. She opens up about how the chaos at home, impulsivity, and family patterns finally made sense after her diagnosis in her 50s.

ADHD and Hormones: It’s Not Just Aging

If your ADHD symptoms feel like they’ve gotten worse in your 40s and 50s, you’re not imagining it. Jami and Mide talk about how perimenopause and menopause can make ADHD symptoms more intense. Estrogen plays a key role in cognitive function, and changes in hormone levels can make symptoms worse.

Coaching ADHD: It’s About the Environment

Coaching isn’t just about strategies. It’s about creating an environment where people with ADHD can thrive. Mide explains why ADHDers don’t just need to “try harder.” They need understanding, scaffolding, and support that actually works for their brains.

Why This Episode Matters:

Many women are discovering ADHD later in life. They often realize it after raising children, going through perimenopause, or masking for decades. This episode beautifully reminds us that it’s never too late to make sense of your story, embrace your ADHD, and find your people.

Listen and Learn:

Whether you’re a newly diagnosed grandma or someone who’s always wondered if there’s more to your struggles with clutter, time management, and focus—this episode will feel like home.

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