45 Forward: Recent Episodes
Ron Roel
Thanks to advances in medicine and health, most of us are just at half-life when we reach our mid-40s, with many potentially productive years ahead. But there’s no road map to prepare us for this period. That’s where 45 Forward comes in. My show provides you with strategies to shift the traditional waiting-for-retirement model to a journey of compelling life chapters. Each show tackles an aspect of health, finance, family and friends, housing, work and personal pursuits as part of an integrated plan. Experts discuss topics like revitalizing relationships, creating mini-retirements, managing the maze of technology, finding your next homestead and caring for aging parents. The show instills confidence, and hopefully some comfort, amid the stresses permeating today’s society. Fear of the future is not knowing how to prepare for it. 45 Forward does not proffer prefabricated answers, but helps you shape your life amid the daily anxieties of our time.
As we celebrate National Family Caregivers Month, it’s important not only to honor the contributions of 48 million family caregivers nationwide, but understand how they fit into our government-supported care system for older adults. In today’s episode, I talk with John Cochran, the Chief of Staff for New York State’s Office for the Aging, who has worked on a wide range of aging issues for decades. With a career spanning high-level staff positions in government, the state legislature and the field of government relations, John brings a rare perspective and keen insights to the challenges of serving the needs of older Americans, including how to support community empowerment and civic engagement, advocate for long-term care reform, emergency response planning, and home care support for individuals aging in place. John will describe the state’s comprehensive Master Plan for Aging, set to be unveiled next year, and outline how ideas, goals and recommendations were gathered from stakeholders across the state, highlighting what experts have found not only in New York, but across the country: That our fragmented systems of aging services and healthcare delivery lack the coordinated approach that we sorely need to serve our growing aging population.
Wherever we go these days, we feel the impact of technology. It’s part of every workplace, in our digital devices, our “smart homes,” cars, virtual reality tools and games, and, of course, the inevitable AI. Sometimes this march of technology feels relentless and overwhelming. And yet, technology is so essential to navigating—and succeeding—in our society that it has become a significant issue for policymakers and advocates, who point to a “technology gap”— a lack of access and resources, especially for older people, who are not digital natives. In today’s episode, I’ll talk with Mario Rubano, a manager for the nonprofit organization, OATS, which stands for Older Adults Technology Services, who will describe their flagship program called Senior Planet. Senior Planet, a charitable affiliate of AARP, is an incredible resource that offers free courses and programs to help seniors learn new skills and improve their lives through a host of online events and in-person classes in New York City and at locations around the country. Mario will explain how people can access these programs in areas ranging from financial security, to health and wellness, and civic participation. You can find classes in morning stretch and meditation sessions; programs on online banking and telemedicine; discussion groups that foster conversation and lasting friendships; engaging podcasts, videos and articles; demos of new and emerging technology. Indeed, after listening to Mario today, you’ll learn why Senior Planet celebrates “aging with attitude”—living life to the fullest and enjoying every minute of it, struggles and successes alike.”
If you’ve ever had a loved one living in a nursing home, you may have worried at times about the quality of their care—especially when high-profile cases of neglect and abuse make their way to the top of the news headlines. How do you make sure your family member is safe, and how can you prevent abuse or identify it when it happens? In today’s episode, Deborah Truhowsky, a renowned personal injury attorney and staunch advocate for the elderly, talks about her passion for protecting and securing maximum compensation for victims of nursing home neglect and abuse. She’ll explain how to evaluate the quality of nursing homes, identify frequently asked questions and myths about long-term care practices; outline what you need to know about regulations and resident rights; and explain how families can fight for the rights of their loved ones. And as President of the Board of Directors of the nonprofit Long Term Care Community Coalition, Deborah will describe how advocates nationwide have joined together to protect the welfare of people in long-term care, striving to help them thrive with dignity, respect, and a quality of life they deserve.
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to host Asher Rabinowitz, a clinical social worker and credentialed counselor as a guest on 45 Forward. Asher, who has worked in the field of alcohol and substance abuse treatment for the past 28 years, has helped thousands of individuals with what he calls a “simple, but not easy” approach, which he calls, aptly, the “ABCs of Recovery”—the letters representing Awareness, Boundaries and Consequences. What makes Asher’s treatment system so distinctive is his approach to engaging people, motivating them to action, through stories that offers life lessons. In today’s episode, we’ll follow up with a closer look at storytelling as an unusually effective therapeutic tool. These stories are told in Asher’s newly released book, which includes a far-flung assortment over time and cultures, ranging from a 2nd Century B.C. collection called the Panchatantra, to 17th Zen Master Bankei Yotaku, to contemporary American storyteller Heather Forest. They are powerful tools, not only for those facing recovery, but for the rest of us seeking ways to manage life’s many challenges as we age.
As you approach traditional retirement age, you probably know the importance of enrolling on time in Social Security and Medicare—the bookends of retirement planning. But what you may not be aware of is that only a small percentage of recipients maximize their benefits, which could have a significant impact on their standard of living in their later years. Both programs are designed to support retirees, but optimizing one’s benefits requires careful planning and strategic decisions. In today’s episode, I talk with Todd Whiton, the president of Colby Jackson Advisors, a veteran Social Security and Medicare expert who offers an integrated approach in providing effective planning strategies for the two programs together. Todd reviews a litany of key provisions people need to consider when evaluating their coverage; mistakes people make or misconceptions they have about these programs; and what significant changes may be coming down the pike in 2025.
As we kick off October with the United Nation’s International Day of Older Persons, it’s fitting that we begin the month with Maria Alvarez, an iconic leader who has been at the forefront of advocating for older Americans for more than 30 years. In today’s episode, Maria who is Executive Director of the New York Statewide Senior Action Council, explains the mission of her grassroots organization, which brings seniors together from across the state for self-empowerment and improvement of the quality of life for older New Yorkers and their families. She’ll explain why it’s critical to have consumer representation and involvement in public policy and why seniors are so vital to strengthening the fabric of our society. And Maria will offer her broad perspective as to what aging looks like in the years ahead, and how the Senior Action Council will continue to conduct its wide-ranging advocacy campaign for future generations.
In an age of when technology has become an integral part of virtually every workplace, you might think that STEM skills—science, technology, engineering and math—are the top skills sought by corporate managers when looking for new hires. Not so. Several studies have shown that the top two skills that 75% of managers look for in recent college graduates are the “soft skills” of critical thinking and communication. And a large percentage of these managers rate recent graduates as lacking in these important skills. This “Skills Gap” has had serious consequences, with poor communication skills costing companies an estimated $3 billion a year and poor writing skills costing $400 billion a year. In today’s episode, Jim Rowe, a seasoned marketing expert, talks about what he decided to do about this skills gap when he retired after more than 45 years in his field. He would write a book, but not just another boring business book. Inspired by the best-selling “Who Moved My Cheese?” Jim wrote a simple fable to provide managers and HR personnel with a practical training tool to teach a structured process of critical thinking. His book, “Get Your Ducks in a Rowe,” has actually grown into two books: Book 1, which teaches Jim’s simple 10-step business communication formula to critical thinking; and Book 2, the A-D-A-P-T-E-R Method, a holistic approach to strategic business communication. Jim’s books have already been introduced in a number of educational institutions—to highly acclaimed reviews—and his approach may eventually change how students learn these fundamental skills—BEFORE they graduate to their first jobs.
As we prepare for the second half of life, many of us think about estate planning, our long-term care needs and our legacy. Lots of questions arise about the things we know—and the things we THINK we know—but realize we don’t. In today’s episode, I talk with Aaron Futterman, an experienced elder law attorney and tax expert who helped many individuals and families plan for their future while alleviating the fears, anxieties, and concerns that we often experience when facing the unknown or inevitable. Aaron will give us an overview of advance directives, the latest in long-term care planning and how to navigate health care coverage between Medicare and Medicaid. He’ll also explain the many complexities and options in estate planning, including probate issues, estate litigation, what families can accomplish with trusts, and new provisions for transfer of death deeds. And in an age of rampant fraud—especially victimizing seniors—he’ll offer insights into how estate planning can reduce the risk of scams.
We’re in an age driven by fast-moving technology, but how do we find ways to intersect these technological changes with everyday human behavior? In today’s episode, I talk with Howard Fields, a former IBM executive whose career has evolved as the Founder and Principal Consultant of Rethink AlignmentHoward is a future-focused leader, who takes a holistic view of problem-solving, spurring innovation and helping companies overcome and realign multiple issues that are limiting their bottom-line. There are very few new problems, he says, only better ways to solve them. A long-time, out-of-the-box thinker, Howard helps individuals and organizations and individuals envision how problems may be solved in the future—before the future slaps them in the face!
If you’ve ever seen the documentary, “Alive Inside,” a documentary that shows people with Alzheimer’s responding to personalized music—music that has been deeply meaningful to their lives—you’ve surely been amazed to witness what happens to individuals who are virtually unable to communicate verbally suddenly become animated, able to sing and dance with joy. In today’s episode, you’ll meet Dan Cohen, who was the driving force behind the documentary as the visionary Founder of Music & Memory, a nonprofit that began by providing personalized music to dementia patients in nursing homes via iPods and MP3 players. Since that time, Dan has drawn on a decade of field experience to found Right to Music, broadening his advocacy for “beloved music” as our best non-pharmacological tool to benefit individuals with dementia, Parkinson’s and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as help alleviate loneliness and despair. He’ll describe how his mission has grown to promote the widespread adoption of music-based interventions globally, educating healthcare professionals about the benefits of music; changing government policies to incentivize the use of beneficial music; and shifting the focus of music research to more practical initiatives. When he sees nursing home residents “light up” with their favorite music, Dan questions why can’t everyone, especially our most vulnerable fellow citizens, benefit from music that the rest of us are able to play whenever we want? By spreading access to personal music—a human right—we can make a meaningful change in the status quo, Dan says. There’s nothing to lose, and so much potential for good.
When we think about our later years, we know that because we’re living longer these days, we need to create a realistic financial plan for retirement—to make sure we don’t run out of money. But we still have a hard time talking about how to deal with long-term needs, even though the data show that two-thirds of us will need some sort of care after age 65. And we also have trouble facing the fact that adult children often become the caretakers and decision-makers for aging parents—and that a lack of planning can ruin our families. In today’s episode, Carroll Golden, a renowned expert in the field of extended and long-term care planning, offers a pragmatic, but personal and refreshingly accessible approach to this complicated and emotional subject. Carrol, the author of “How Not to Pull Your Family Apart: A Practical Guide to Caregiving and Financial Stability,” will spell out her three-step guide that provides a multi-generational approach to proactive planning, enabling families to gather information, put together a planning process, and structure a care planning team. She’ll unpack the emotional obstacles to effective family communication and present specific financial options to help families sort through the maze of alternatives. Ultimately, Carroll’s goal is to help us avoid the handwringing of uncertainty and live our best possible lives as we age.
We know that exercise is an essential factor in maintaining our health and overall well-being—and it’s no less important as we get older. But often with age comes pain, the result of accidents, injuries, physical labor or the toll of daily wear and tear on our bodies. So how do we make sure to keep movement in our lives? In today’s episode, I talk with Ahmed Ahmed, a personal trainer and founder of Lotus Fitness, who specializes in helping older adults overcome pain through gentle strength-building and exercise. Ahmed works with people of all ages who have varying goals: grandmothers who want to be able to walk on the beach with their family without any issues; working professionals who want more energy to tackle their day; and people with sensitive conditions, like recovering from car accidents, arthritis or knee replacements. Ahmed will describe his data-driven approach to help people understand what's going on with their bodies and what exercises they need to get them where they want to be, so they can spend time with their grandkids, make the most of their retirement, and do all of the activities they enjoy in life. Exercise is more than movement, says Ahmed. It has the ability to change your life.
As a nation of immigrants, we’ve long been interested in genealogy, curious about our home countries, the families we left behind, and what motivated them to come to America. In recent years, genealogical research seems to have taken off as a hobby, with the availability of internet resources and DNA technology. It’s particularly popular among older people, who enjoy the challenge and activity—it’s also a good way to keep your brain sharp. But researching family history can be frustrating; there are so many blanks you often must fill in. In today’s episode, I talk with Kerri Tannenbaum, a genealogist who has turned her passion into a dynamic—and often surprising—profession as the owner of Family Dot Connector. Kerri will explain how modern genealogy has developed into much more than DNA tracing through Ancestry.com or 23andme, providing a range of specialties in areas like geographical or ethnic searches. She’ll tell us where to find resources to get started on your genealogy journey; when and how to hire a professional; and what kind of training and education it takes to become a pro. Most of all, she’ll share an array of compelling stories about her detective-like work with families, helping them find the clues they need to reveal long sought-after pieces of their history. “As people get older,” Kerri says, “they want answers. I like to give them answers.”
As older adults move into their traditional retirement years, a growing number of them do not want to retire their minds. In fact, many experts note that those who continue learning and engage in meaningful social interaction on average live longer and healthier lives. In today’s episode I talk with Murray Shapiro and Ron Susser, two active members of PEIR, which stands for Personal Enrichment in Retirement, a unique and highly successful lifelong learning organization affiliated with Hofstra University on Long Island. What makes PEIR so distinctive? The classes, discussion groups, and events are self-directed, planned, created and presented by PEIR members themselves. Murray and Ron will describe how the organization has evolved over more than four decades, how it survived through the pandemic, and how it’s run and thriving today. Every month, PEIR members offer a far-flung array of topics, whether you’re interested in literature, history, religion, philosophy, natural or social sciences, the performing or visual arts, economics or technology. PEIR is also a social organization, and Ron and Murray will tell us how its members build camaraderie, sharing their curiosity, opinions, knowledge and passions with others each semester.
When people approach middle age, you might expect them to begin thinking about retirement, but these days, many people are far from winding down. In fact, they’re just getting started—as part of a growing cohort of first-time entrepreneurs. These 50-plus entrepreneurs are joining younger generations of start-up business owners, often using their decades of experience, sizable professional networks and financial assets to start and sustain their business. But there’s another invaluable resource that may be one of our nation’s best-kept secrets: It’s called SCORE, a nonprofit organization created 60 years ago as a partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, originally an acronym for the Service Corps of Retired Executives. In today’s episode, Ann Middleman, the chair of the Long Island Chapter of SCORE, talks about the wealth of free services, programs, courses, workshops, counseling and tools that SCORE offers through dozens of chapters to thousands of budding entrepreneurs nationwide—no matter what their age. Like many SCORE volunteers, Ann is a business mentor, using the considerable experiences and skills from her own marketing career to “pay it forward” for the next wave of entrepreneurs. She’ll talk about why volunteers join SCORE; how you can participate in the organization’s programs and services; and offer vivid examples of entrepreneurs who have worked with SCORE, not only leading to individual success stories, but contributing to the vibrancy of our continually renewing economy.
As we move along into our midlife career journey, we may feel that success and well-being are still within us, and yet…the stress of daily living and our own internal blocks may be clouding that potential. Something is holding us back, and despite our best efforts, we haven’t been able to work through it. In today’s episode, we talk with Tildet Varon, a sought-after inspirational speaker, business coach and “Inner Master Specialist” who is passionately committed to guiding individuals, as well leaders and organizations, to maximize their potential. Tildet will explain how she applies her practice of inner mastery, helping people align their minds and emotions with actions and results—a way of approaching life that connects you with who you really are, bridging the gap between your goals and your reality, from the inside out. She has spoken to all types of audiences, ranging from start-ups to nonprofits to Fortune 500s, helping with issues such as loss of engagement, ineffective communication, and stress. She will recount how her personal experiences overcoming daunting setbacks and obstacles helped pave her own path toward highly effective transformation. And integrating the broad knowledge she gained by starting and running three successful companies and by achieving expertise in human behavioral work,Tildet will tell us how she helps people uncover and clarify their vision for their lives and find a path to make that vision a reality.
As we get older, we all strive to increase the years of “healthspan,” along with our lifespan. But how can we plan to sustain overall wellness during elderhood—potentially into our 90s—not only our physical health, but our mental and emotional health and sense of well-being? In today’s episode, Tim Daniels, an independent wellness planning expert, talks about his pioneering journey carving a path through the health and wellness landscape, shifting the focus of care toward proactive wellness improvement. He’ll explain how he creates comprehensive wellness plans for individuals that include nutritional balance, supplementation, age-appropriate exercise, quality sleep, a healthy home and effective engagement with healthcare providers. Tim likens his role to that of a financial manager who provides strategies to support the fiscal health of individuals, but then transfers his knowledge and skills, empowering people to take charge of their own wellness. He’ll also talk about his approach to managing pain, employing a non-pharmacological tool called PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) that studies have shown can significantly reduce acute and chronic pain. And with a diverse background that includes executive roles in the technology and home-care fields, as well as personal experiences as a collegiate wrestler and practitioner of Chinese internal martial arts, Tim will talk about how he focuses today on serving the elderly, retired professional athletes, corporate executives and entrepreneurs--meeting people where they are, while helping them lead their best lives.
This has been a particularly hot summer, between 100-plus degree weather and the fiery political rhetoric filling our nation’s airwaves and social media. So let’s take a break—a much-needed humor break—and lower the scorching temperature with a dollop of laughter and perhaps a scoop of our favorite ice cream. In today’s episode, humor columnist and author Jerry Zezima returns to 45 Forward to talk about his latest book, “The Good Humor Man: Tales of Life, Laughter and, for Dessert, Ice Cream.” Jerry is a natural storyteller—he’s been called the “Will Rogers of retirement”—spinning out stories that offer a warm, often unexpected, takes on life as we age. Jerry will offer a smattering of excerpts from his seven books, as well as his thoughts on famous humorists and humor writing over time and generations. His self-deprecating observations and word play will bring a smile to your face (don’t resist it!). Lots of research has shown that humor is good for our longevity. It relieves stress, helps ease anxiety and depression, supports our immune system, helps lower blood pressure, and relaxes our muscles. Good humor is very good for our health—like vegetables or therapy, only much more fun. Especially with Jerry.
Anyone who has gone through the process of signing up for Medicare quickly comes to the same conclusion: It’s complicated! Even if you’re already enrolled, plans and regulations may change, as well as your personal health needs, so it’s a good idea to review your policy every year—long before the annual open enrollment period in the late fall. In today’s episode, James Donnelly, a Certified Medicare Advisor, explains not only Medicare basics, but offers valuable insights and information that cut though the deluge of mailings, phone calls, marketing pitches and commercials we’re exposed to every year. He will talk about how to make sure a plan fits your needs; how you can switch coverage during special enrollment periods (even if you don’t think you can); and how you can qualify for extra financial assistance or programs to help pay for coverage. The host of a regular “Medicare Monday” podcast, James will offer examples of specific scenarios from his wide-ranging experiences, including advice about avoiding Medicare scams. “Where you get the facts matters,” he says. “Education is everything.”
As we enter the second half of the year, it’s a good time to pause and take stock of how we’re feeling about ourselves as we move into the second half of 2024. Are we happy with our life? Well, that’s not really the right question. There’s an unspoken myth that somehow, we “should be happy,” at least most of the time, and when we aren't, we feel like something is wrong—perhaps even something wrong with us. But in today’s episode, Dr. Beth Kurland, a clinical psychologist with three decades of experience, talks about how to stop forcing ourselves to feel “happy” when we’re faced with difficult, uncomfortable emotions that reinforce messages of “not good enough.” Instead, Dr. Kurland, the author of the recently published book, “You Don't Have to Change to Change Everything,” will offer ways we can change our perspective instead of changing ourselves, shifting six “vantage points” to cultivate inner stability, greater awareness of our internal resources, and perhaps most importantly, self-compassion. Rather than strive for happiness, which is dependent on mood, she says, we should seek a deeper well of inner resources that we can draw upon, no matter what life’s circumstances might throw at us, even in our darkest hours. Dr. Kurland will share her own healing journey, and how the six vantage points helped her find ease in the midst of life’s challenges—and how they can become an essential part of our daily well-being toolkit.
For the past several years, nursing homes have come under intense public scrutiny, as more than 200,000 long-term care residents and staff have died due to the COVID pandemic. Healthcare officials, advocates, policy makers and watchdog groups have called for a list of fixes to the industry, such as increased staffing levels, higher pay for nursing home workers, and changes in protocols and safety procedures. But some advocates have been fighting for much bigger changes—a dramatic transformation of the way we deliver long-term residential care. In today’s episode, we talk with Anne Montgomery, a noted policy consultant who has worked for improved access to affordable long-term care services. For more than two decades, Anne has worked on many initiatives as an analyst and policy advisor for government entities and nonprofit organizations, including the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, the Alliance for Health Reform, the U.S. Government Accountability Office and the Altarum Institute. She has wide-ranging experience in developing and evaluating research initiatives, and in designing intersectional projects focused on aging, community issues and long-term care, Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security and family caregiver supports. Anne is currently working on a ground-breaking national demonstration project to reinvent nursing homes, a proposal known as The EINSTEIN Option (Evaluating Innovation in Nursing Home Systems to End Institutionalization). It’s a disciplined, three-year approach to transforming the long-term care residential sector, from redesigning institutional-style nursing homes as smaller homes or cottages, to rethinking how services are delivered in a continuum of care model. And Anne continues to speak out about aging and ageism issues issues—what they mean for economies and social cohesion around the world.
There are many advocates for older adults these days, but few like Orlene Grant, an iconic leader acclaimed for building innovative partnerships across government entities, higher education, local and national nonprofits. In today’s episode, Ms. Grant, the Founder and CEO of the Juanita C, Grant Foundation, will talk about her organization’s mission to improve the lives of older adults through economic development, education, and training—working collaboratively in the community to address high levels of elder poverty, lack of social connectedness, and financial hardships as a result of elder abuse and fraud. She will spotlight the Foundation’s recent interactive summit, that brought together professionals, thought leaders and industry experts to focus on common issues and solutions to disrupt elder abuse and its damaging long-term effects—tangible steps to interrupt, prevent, and dismantle the exploitation of targeted communities. Ms. Grant, who also founded The Grant Group, a healthcare management consulting firm, will describe her wide-ranging efforts to efforts to improve the quality of life of the 50+ community through economic security and interventions that address ageism through workforce initiatives, advocacy efforts and research. She is indeed a tireless champion for equity in aging and elder justice.
It’s a frequent scenario for older couples or surviving spouses: They find themselves unable to manage the home they’ve lived in for years and realize that, regrettably—but inevitably—it’s time to move on. Sometimes the decision comes suddenly; other times it develops gradually. But when the time comes, homeowners often find themselves overwhelmed with the myriad tasks required to make the move. In today’s episode, we meet Diana Zagariello and Rachel Rohn of Caring Transitions, Senior Certified Relocation and Transition Specialists who provide an broad array of services to seniors experiencing these stressful and emotional circumstances. Diana and Rachel will explain how they help families develop a transition plan to declutter their homes, downsize, organize the move, and perhaps conduct estate sales and design functional floor plans for their new residences. Each plan is different, but they all require empathy and patience, often coordinating services with real estate agents, movers, attorneys, estate planners and other professionals. Ultimately, Diana and Rachel’s goal is to create a streamlined support system, taking care of the details so that people in transition can take care of their loved ones—and themselves.
Just over a year ago, Mae Caime was crowned Ms. New York Senior America for 2023. But the contest was not a beauty pageant. Rather, it was a competition based on talent and presentation skills, and this recognition was a crowning achievement of Mae’s long and illustrious career—one that is still unfolding with originality, excitement and adventure. In today's episode, Mae will unfold her remarkable journey as a visionary in the fields of health and business that has led to her position as CEO of aMAEzing Midlife & Beyond, which she launched to empower women, dispel ageism and support transformational change in both their personal and business paths. Beginning her career as a Registered Nurse in pediatrics and the ER, she leveraged her ability to perform under the most intense situations into a foundation as successful administrator in healthcare, building multimillion-dollar health enterprises, turning struggling organizations into premier practices, creating cohesive team environments, and pioneering new concepts. Indeed, Mae’s portfolio of positions has grown to include action coach, healthy lifestyle expert, corporate trainer, event director and keynote speaker—not to mention her involvement in numerous community charities and worldwide medical missions. There has been much success, but many challenges, too. Mae will share how she has dealt with risk and pushed herself out of her comfort zone—and now supports and encourages women to do the same, stepping out to learn new skills for personal and professional growth. Live with energy, action and purpose, she says, and remember that it is never too late to rise up “from role to soul.”
Six years ago, Virginia Cervasio decided to dedicate her life to helping veterans. The mother of a young Iraq War vet who died by suicide, she learned that veterans have an unspoken bond that “no one could break—a mutual understanding and a trust that they are going to support one another and help each other out.” So, Virginia founded Heroes Among Us, a nonprofit whose mission is to help veterans and their families readjust to life after war. In today’s episode, Virginia recounts her journey that led to the creation of this inspiring organization, which supports many vets who are coping with emotional struggles and trying to find their footing when they return home. She’ll describe the wide-ranging work of the nonprofit, from helping veterans pay their bills to finding therapists and organizing school supplies drives for their families. Virginia will also discuss her continuing advocacy focusing on suicide prevention support and education. She’ll talk about her organization’s participation in various national events, such as the hosting of the traveling Vietnam Memorial, known as “The Wall That Heals,” which, along with an education center, moves from state to state each month. And Virginia will explain how people can get involved and contribute to Heroes Among Us, finding meaningful ways every day to thank our veterans for their service.
When older Americans are asked about where they want to live during their later years, an overwhelming majority say they want to “age in place”—in the comfort, safety and security of their current home, for as long as possible. But aging at home also brings challenges. How do you make sure the design of your house meets your evolving needs? And how can you stay connected to your neighborhood and community—fulfilling your social, recreational, health and mobility needs? There’s one solution that has helped millions of older homeowners across the country: NORCs, or Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities. These housing developments were not originally designed for older adults, but over time evolved into a place where a large percentage of older adults live. In today’s episode, we explain how different NORCs develop; how they can be supported through government programs; and the range of health and social services that may be available to older residents. And we’ll offer an unusually vibrant picture of NORCs through the personal experiences and reflections of Bess Friedman, a NORC resident in the Queens borough of New York City; Kristin Smith, who oversees the NORC Program for the state’s Office for the Aging; and Betsy Smith, an administrator who has overseen several New York City NORCs and innovative programs. You’ll be inspired by this unique approach to aging that can serve a broad range of senior populations, and yet offer “concierge social services.”
As we kick off Older Americans Month, what better way to celebrate their contributions than to highlight the perspective and achievements of an extraordinarily active octogenarian. In today’s episode, we talk with Dr. Ronald Kaiser, an innovator in the field of positive health psychology, who has developed the concept of “Rejuvenaging: the Art and Science of Growing Older with Enthusiasm.” During his half century of helping others, Dr. Kaiser has evolved an approach to working with people at all ages that emphasizes their abilities to take charge of their lives and build emotional strength to overcome obstacles and improve general mental health. He’ll talk about how we can own the aging process; master the 7 keys to Rejuvenaging; build strengths to overcome adversities; and experience the joy of “feeling your age.” He will describe his broad range of individual psychotherapy and coaching programs, as well as collaborative training programs with business and community organizations, including active adult communities. Growing older, Dr. Kaiser notes, is not a spectator sport. At the same time, he sums up his philosophy with this statement: “If I knew how much fun old age would be, I’d have grown older faster.”
Across the country, many aging homeowners want to age comfortably in place—but they often face a number of obstacles. Sometimes, their homes, intended for their once-larger families, are too much to maintain for empty-nesters. In other instances, older parents want to stay close to their adult children and grandchildren—but the cost of housing in nearby communities is prohibitively expensive for young families. Enter ADUs, or Accessory Dwelling Units. They go by several names, like granny-flats, mother-daughter houses, in-law suites, or casitas. ADUs are secondary homes on the property of a main house that have their own entrances, and at least a bathroom, a kitchen or kitchenette, and a sleeping area. They can be separate units or attached to the primary home. And they’re one of the fastest growing types of residential construction today. In today’s episode, Sheri Koones, an award-winning author and recognized national authority on home construction, will explain all the in’s and out’s of the nationwide ADU trend. She’ll recount the history of ADUS; describe the array of configurations and formats; the costs and financing options; the opportunities for multigenerational living, as well as the restrictions people may face from local zoning and design regulations. The author of the recently published book, “ADUs: The Perfect Housing Solution,” Sheri, will highlight a number of compelling stories of attractive, well-designed ADUs that will stir your imagination and offer resources to explore the possibilities of this new housing during our older years.
On December 31, 1999, Ellen Smiley left the airline industry, after a career spanning more than 30 years with British Airways. She took a few interim jobs, eventually landing at a large credit union on Long Island, where she soon found herself in the business development department. It was there that first learned about financial literacy—a subject she knew nothing about. But It didn't take Ellen long for her to see the incredible value of financial literacy, and what a difference such knowledge could have in people’s lives. By the time she left the credit union in 2013, she was teaching between 125 and 150 classes a year. In today’s episode, as 45 Forward continues our recognition of National Financial Literacy Month, we talk with Ellen about her many insights and experiences as the owner of her own financial literacy consulting practice. Working with individuals and groups, she teaches commonsense basic skills—which many people lack—like setting up sensible budgets and how to improve their credit scores. She has worked with people across multiple ages and generations, from high school students to college students, to mature families and older adults. Financial literary provides knowledge that is increasingly necessary as the world gets more complex, and Ellen will explain how her programs and practices lead to significant stress reduction and free up money that can be used to improve their lives of families, no matter what stage of life they’re in.
There are special moments in life when we experience a profound sense of awe at the planet we inhabit—such as the recent solar eclipse, when communities across America gathered in public spaces to gaze at the sky in wonder. Indeed, as we mark this year’s Earth Month, we need to blend our concerns over climate change and environmental sustainability with a rekindled sense of awe at our lives and our place in nature. In today’s episode, we talk with Martha Blackwelder, a creative entrepreneur who founded Unexpected Adventures NYC, an educational company offering creative team-building events, including “Awe Walks” in Manhattan’s Central Park to encourage people to get outside in nature and find more moments of joy, aliveness, and awe. Martha, a widely recognized Asian art historian, is endlessly curious about the connections between art, culture and nature, and is passionate about inspiring others to slow down, reengage their senses and reclaim their own vitality for life.
When we graduate from college, we often have little idea of where we’ll find ourselves in the second half of life. We wonder how our career will evolve; how we will grow a family and move into our middle ages; what surprises will be revealed; and what legacy we will leave our family and friends—and the planet. In today’s episode, we talk with Leslie Danoff, a long-time friend who graduated in the ground-breaking first freshmen class of women at Yale; embarked on a career in professional broadcast journalism and documentary filmmaking; raised a family of three sons; and took an unusual turn into the world of conservation, co-founding Global Forest Generation, a nonprofit whose mission is to accelerate meaningful forest restoration—and help stave off the scourge of climate change. Leslie will offer her wide-ranging observations about lifelong learning and how she made unconventional moves into uncharted territory later in life, and how we can all continue to grow—45 Forward.
It’s been 21 years since the U.S. Senate declared April to be National Financial Literacy Month, and since that time, financial education has become a perennial national issue, especially among young people who need key skills to take control of their money and plan for the future. But the importance of such skills has grown dramatically for older people, too, as they live much longer than previous generations and need to plan for retirement security during rapidly changing economy times. In today’s episode, we lead off Financial Literacy Month with Peter Janowsky, a long-time retirement planning specialist and “holistic financial planner,” who takes a broad conceptual approach, blending the emotional with the fiscal realities of planning. Peter, whose oldest client is 103, will talk about how to plan for “slow aging,” without significant hardships, only to be faced suddenly “very fast aging” requiring substantial financial adjustments. He’ll explain about how to prepare for working effectively with an array of financial, legal and health care professionals. And as the co-founder Project S.A.F.E. (Seniors Against Financial Exploitation), he’ll share strategies for how adult children caring for their parents can guard them against fraud and financial scams.
As we close out Women’s History Month, we talk with the Hon. Gail Prudenti, who reflects on her continually ground-breaking career as a distinguished jurist, law school dean and now partner of a boutique New York law firm. Judge Prudenti was the first woman to hold a number of judicial posts in New York State, including the Presiding Justice of the Appellate for the Second Judicial Department. Subsequently, she serves as New York’s Chief Administrative Judge of the Courts, supervising the operation of the statewide court system, with 3,600 state and local judges and 15,000 non-judicial employees. Judge Parenti will assess the challenges older women have faced in the workforce, especially the courts. She’ll describe her dynamic tenure as dean of Hofstra University’s Maurice A Deane School of Law, spearheading its 50th anniversary celebration and her multi-faceted efforts to strengthen the school. And she’ll discuss how her wide range of experiences in the legal system has shaped her perspective over the years, and the importance of the public confidence in the courts and other public institutions.
About six years ago, as Scott Fisher and Ben Green approached their 70th birthdays, the challenges of aging loomed ever larger for these two lifelong friends. Both of us had known people who had reached their eighties and nineties with enduring vitality—but also family members and friends who seemed to have given up on life. Scott, an organizational psychologist, and Ben, a psychoanalyst, were curious about these divergent paths, so they decided to explore together what kept some elders going strong while others lost interest or drive, or both. And they were determined to learn as much as possible about how to make their own elder years as satisfying and fulfilling as possible. In today’s episode, we take a closer look at the outcome of Scott and Ben’s still developing journey—their forthcoming book called “The Aging Wisely Project.” This is their second appearance on 45 Forward, as part of a series probing the concepts in their book, which presents a powerful and immensely useful approach to help propel our understanding of aging forward, especially at a time when public perceptions about “old people” and their mental competence are often badly misinformed. The co-authors propose the emergence of a new, distinct developmental stage of elderhood, which they call “Elder Identity Revision.” Scott and Ben will talk about several critical psychological tasks we face during this period, such as dealing with the loss of control and competence in our lives. They’ll also delve deeply into some of the skills and attitudes (they call them “Healthy Habits”) to address these challenges. By strengthening these healthy habits, they explain, we can make a substantial difference in how we experience this stage of life. “The Aging Wisely Project” offers a compelling journey into old age, and by understanding the psychological tasks that await us—despite the inevitable setbacks—we can bolster our hopes and expectations for improved health and happiness—a meaningful, well-lived life.
Dr. Ken Redcross is an internist with over 20 years of medical practice. He also is a concierge doctor to a number of families; volunteers as a physician tending to dementia patients in assisted living facilities; appears as an on-camera medical expert for TV news programs; and serves as an advisor and consultant to several companies, including supplement manufacturers and a leading manufacturer of adaptive wear for seniors and disabled people. Welcome to the fast-evolving world of medicine and entrepreneurship. In today’s episode, Dr. Redcross recounts his storied cross-country career, starting as a provider to farm workers in California, to his current multi-platform practice in the New York metropolitan area. He acknowledges that he “wears many hats as a solo practitioner,” but what connects his various enterprises is his commitment to “emotional intelligence” or E-IQ—what it takes for doctors and patients to be “true partners in wellness.” In his best-selling book, “Bond: The 4 Cornerstones of a Lasting and Caring Relationship with Your Doctor,” Dr. Redcross outlines the essential elements of a successful doctor-patient relationship: “trust, communication, respect, and empathy on both sides of the stethoscope.” When these four are paired with proper nutrition, daily movement, and a strong spiritual foundation, true health and healing can take place, Dr. Redcross says, and remarkable health outcomes can be achieved—something he has witnessed countless times over the course of his career.
As we begin the annual celebration Women’s History Month, it’s a good time to take a closer look at how women are progressing in their careers and in the workplace—specifically women of color. While women of color represent 20 percent of the U.S. population, they represent only 6 percent of C-level positions—that is, CEOs, chief operating officers and chief financial officers—compared to white women (22% )and white men 56%. In today’s episode, we talk with Analiza Wolf, the founder of Women of Color Rise, a firm dedicated to helping women of color get a seat at the table. As an executive coach, facilitator, author and keynote speaker, she has worked with hundreds of senior executives in organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-ups and nonprofits. Drawing on her own wide-ranging experiences over the years and the stories of hundreds of women she’s interviewed for her podcast and new book, “The Myths of Success: A Woman of Color’s Guide to Leadership,” Analiza will describe some of the obstacles that have turned the glass ceiling into a “concrete ceiling” for many women of color. She’ll reveal the 9 myths that hold women back from the advancement they seek. And, she’ll offer an array of practices that can help women break through to the next level in their careers, as well as specific ways that organizations can create clear pathways to leadership in the workplace, not only advancing women of color, but making their organizations more innovative, more productive, have happier customers—and employees who feel valued and motivated.
Since 2020, the COVID pandemic has had a brutal impact on nursing homes, accounting for more than 200,000 deaths of residents and staff in long-term care facilities. Subsequently, the nursing-home industry has been the subject of intense public scrutiny, with critics pointing to insufficient staffing levels and low wages, cases of financial abuse or neglect, and the need for greater government oversight. But a growing number of advocates are moving beyond criticizing nursing homes and stepping up efforts to reform what they call is a “broken long-term care system.” In today’s episode, Rick Gamache, the CEO of Aldersbridge Communities in Rhode Island, talks about his decades-long involvement as a distinguished administrator, a thought leader, teacher and mentor to many individuals in the elder care industry. Mr. Gamache, who oversees four Aldersbridge communities—from independent and assisted living to skilled nursing facilities—does not shy away from the myriad challenges of long-term care. He describes the trauma of the pandemic, but also the heroic efforts of staff members at every level to pitch in under extremely high-risk situations. He explains the need to change how we pay for long-term care, as well as redesign buildings and shift to smaller communities to better serve residents and reduce the risk of spreading infectious diseases. Mr. Gamache believes we need a new paradigm for nursing home care, and ultimately, his goal is to help train the next generation of leadership.
Hudson Cooper is proof-positive that career reinvention can be a lifelong enterprise—past our 50s and continuing well into our so-called “retirement” years. Hudson initially thought he would have a career in medicine and then law, but fortuitous events led him to a stint writing sports books for young adults and doing stand-up comedy. And that, in turn, led to an acting career which landed him roles in numerous movies and TV shows like “Law and Order,” “Madame Secretary” and “Bull.” In today’s episode, Hudson recounts the latest twists and turns of his career, first, as the writer of a wry and incisive newspaper column, “Random Thoughts,” for an upstate New York newspaper, and most recently, the host of a unique radio show, “ShowBuzz,” which recounts his behind-the-scenes experiences and stories with Hollywood celebrities and insiders. Hudson will share his own story of how his show was created and how he puts together refreshing and candid interviews each week with a wide-ranging roster of writers, directors and actors from across his career. Through it all, Hudson offers us lessons in persistence, resilience, humility and risk-taking—and the readiness to leap when life’s unexpected opportunities arise.
In an era of increasing longevity, we have the opportunity to lead vital and meaningful lives far into our later years. But there are lots of decisions facing “longevity adults” that require thoughtful, sometimes difficult, conversations with family, friends, colleagues, as well as experts in senior living. In today’s episode, Scott Fulton and Catherine Owens, the co-hosts of a lively podcast called “Tattered Capes,” present their rare blend of expertise in senior living and longevity lifestyles, offering sometimes widely divergent perspectives to achieve a common goal: Engaging people in life’s “missing conversations” that can spur us to a higher quality of life as we age. Catherine, a nationally recognized senior living expert, is the author of “Be Your Own Hero: Senior Living Decisions Simplified.” Scott, the co-author of influential works such as “Eldercare 101,” guides consumers and companies in designing better housing solutions for our longevity needs. Together, Catherine and Scott believe that while our experiences may leave our capes “somewhat tattered,” everyone has the power and capability to be the everyday hero of their own lives.
Over the last several decades, the job market has gone through a roller-coaster of change: the Black Monday stock market crash, the 1990s recession, 9/11 terrorist attacks, the 2008 financial crisis, the Covid-19 pandemic, followed by the Great Resignation, and the ascent of artificial intelligence. Along the way, our careers have gone through dynamic changes, too. As we live longer (and hopefully healthier) lives, we often decide to work longer, have multiple careers, delay retirement, and seek new work experiences well into our later years. And Scott Passeser has seen it all. In today’s episode, Scott, who is Senior Vice President of the national recruiting firm, Executive Alliance, will offer his observations and insights about jobs for older, as well as younger folks, in a perplexing economic environment that seems both strong and vulnerable. The host of the widely popular weekly radio show, Jobline, Scott will talk about what employers are looking for in job applicants; what are some hot areas for job growth (think “climate change”); and how AI will affect us all on the job. He’ll also highlight some of his pet job-hunting peeves, like “easy apply” websites that enable people to avoid doing important homework; and he'll provide some valuable tips and tools for acing job interviews. And yes, for older workers who want to keep working, he’ll offer some thoughts about ways to consider a “progressive retirement.”
Every week, we see a stream of news stories about opioid addiction, drug overdoses, and mental health issues—people from teens to seniors coping with stress, burnout, depression, anxiety, loneliness and suicidal ideation. We live in an Age of Anxiety. And while there are numerous recovery programs and treatments, it seems as if the problems are growing, and the solutions are insufficient. In today’s episode, we talk to Asher Rabinowitz, a New York State licensed clinical social worker and credentialed counselor, who has worked in the field of alcohol and substance abuse treatment for the past 28 years. Over the course of his career working with thousands of individuals, he has developed an incisive approach to recovery, which he aptly calls, “simple—but not easy.” Plainspoken and passionate, Asher explains his new system of the “ABCs of Recovery” (a mnemonic sequence of Awareness, Boundaries and Consequences) and how it differs from other current approaches. He’ll talk about how he has used storytelling as an unusually powerful therapeutic tool that can offer people insights into the possibilities of change. And he’ll tackle the challenge that faces many individuals who successfully complete their recovery programs—but can’t take their progress to the outside world.
When we think about our later years, we know that because we’re living longer these days, we need to create a realistic financial plan for retirement—to make sure we don’t run out of money. But we still have a hard time talking about how to deal with long-term needs, even though the data show that two-thirds of us will need some sort of care after age 65. And we also have trouble facing the fact that adult children often become the caretakers and decision-makers for aging parents—and that a lack of planning can ruin our families. In today’s episode, Carroll Golden, a renowned expert in the field of extended and long-term care planning, offers a pragmatic, but personal and refreshingly accessible approach to this complicated and emotional subject. Carrol, the author of “How Not to Pull Your Family Apart: A Practical Guide to Caregiving and Financial Stability,” will spell out her three-step guide that provides a multi-generational approach to proactive planning, enabling families to gather information, put together a planning process, and structure a care planning team. She’ll unpack the emotional obstacles to effective family communication and present specific financial options to help families sort through the maze of alternatives. Ultimately, Carroll’s goal is to help us avoid the handwringing of uncertainty and live our best possible lives as we age.
In an age when health care is driven by specialization and technology, Dr. Stephen Post is a rare and remarkable blend of scientist and humanist, a best-selling author and transformative speaker who has inspired thousands of people with his acclaimed work on “the human side of medicine.” In today’s episode, Dr. Post, who is Director of the Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care, and Bioethics at Stony Brook University School of Medicine in New York, will talk about how we can educate our medical students and professionals to foster an approach of “compassionate flourishing”—supporting the healing and well-being of patients by uplifting “the full measure of their being, including their life meaning and social roles.” From the start, there has been a spiritual side to Stephen’s work in caregiving, a continuous exploration of positive psychology, altruism, love, happiness, and the mystery of the human mind. He’ll talk about his ground-breaking research into the dynamics of compassionate care of persons with dementia and their caregivers, as well as the striking phenomenon of unexpected lucidity of “deeply forgetful” people. And broadening the issue of bioethics, Stephen will tackle the troubling issue of the widespread lack of public trust in medicine as well as other sectors and institutions in society.
As we head into another new year, we wonder what lies ahead in the coming months. We’re “curious,” we say, about what will happen in the November elections; what’s in store for us in new TV shows and movie premiers; the outcomes of our favorite sports teams; and what events will unfold in our lives, both traditional and unexpected. But curiosity is much more than simply striving to acquire information about things we’d like to know. In today’s episode, Perry Zurn, a professor of philosophy, and Dani S. Basset, a professor of bioengineering, will talk about a compelling thesis they present in their book, “Curious Minds”: that curiosity is fundamentally a practice of making connections. “Relational curiosity” connects ideas into networks of knowledge, and it connects the knowers themselves, both to the knowledge they seek, and to each other. The co-authors—who are also identical twins—will spell out three main styles of curiosity, which they’ve called the “butterfly,” the “hunter,” and the “dancer.” They’ll talk about what neuroscientists think is happening in the brain when people are curious, and they’ll describe the debate among educators as to how curiosity is related to learning. And Professors Zurn and Bassett will set out some thought-provoking arguments about how we should foster curiosity in the workplace, in schools, and more broadly in our culture—as a potentially important tool to help us navigate these challenging times. Curious to hear more? Listen in.
Most of us are well acquainted with salsa—the spicy mixture of tomato and chili sauce we enjoy with tortilla chips at Mexican restaurants and at parties with friends. But now we can learn about another kind of SALSA—no, not the Latin dance, but a zesty Texas-based initiative known as Successful Aging and Living in San Antonio—SALSA, for short. In today’s episode, we talk with Jane Paccione, the Managing Director of Collective Impact for the San Antonio Area Foundation, which created SALSA with the mission of transforming the community by advancing practices that improve the quality of life of older adults. A passionate and insightful advocate, Jane will explain how SALSA “brings everyone to the table”—connecting businesses, nonprofits, and government entities—thus creating a movement that turns collaboration into “collective impact,” an approach that is more likely to solve complex problems. She’ll describe the work of SALSA partners on issues such as housing, transportation, social engagement, health, and caregiver support. She’ll also talk about “Reframing Aging,” a key national initiative designed to change the narrative about what aging means, combat ageist stereotypes and language, and improve the public’s understanding of the many ways that older people contribute to our society.
As we close out another year and welcome in a new one, it’s an opportune time to pause and contemplate where we are in our lives, personally and as a nation. Are we happy and productive as we move into our later years? Spiritually fulfilled? How are we dealing with our challenges and crises? Are we finding ways to come together in community, to discuss and resolve differences, and move forward? In today’s episode, we talk with Rabbi Robert S.Widom of Temple Emanuel of Great Neck, New York, who has been senior rabbi at the synagogue since 1969. Rabbi Widom has long promoted the development of strong community, promoting moral values while supporting a diversity of beliefs and opinions that make up America. He’ll reflect on his long tenure at Temple Emanuel, his experiences as a spiritual leader navigating turbulent times. As we celebrate a holiday season for many faiths, Rabbi Widom will describe his continual efforts to promote interfaith collaboration and dialogue through the Long Island Ethnic Coalition of Faith Partners—bringing together Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, Sikh, Hindu and Muslim groups. And he’ll describe his congregation’s highly-regarded lecture program, created to present a wide range of events and intellectual thought that reaches out to people, regardless of their background.
Since the launch of the New York Times Crossword in 1942, crossword puzzles have captivated problem solvers with engaging word games. For an estimated 50 million people, crossword puzzles are part of daily life, and for many, it is a lifelong passion. In today’s episode, Michelle Arnot, talks about her life as an “acrossionado,” a compulsive crossword puzzle constructor and solver who began this career in 1977 when she sold her first puzzle to the Times for $20. A renowned expert in crossword history and strategies, Michelle is the author of several popular books about crossword puzzles, including “Four-Letter Words & Other Secrets of a Crossword Insider,” “Crossword Puzzles for Dummies,” and “What’s Gnu, a History of the Crossword.” She’ll explain how the colorful world of crosswords has continually evolved, as well as reveal some inside tips, tricks and strategies for puzzle constructors, young and old. And Michelle will describe how she has blended her unique journey as a crossword connoisseur with her wide-flung career in publishing and nonprofit organizations around the world.
For centuries, science has been driven by human intellect. But for those of us who’ve grown up mostly in the last century, the course of science has been taking a dramatic shift with the ascent of artificial intelligence. What will science look like in the future and how will it impact us as we age? This is one of the key questions that Dr. Benjamin Lewin, the author of “Inside Science,” tackles in today’s episode of 45 Forward. Drawing on 25 years of experience as the founding editor of “Cell,” the world’s leading journal in biology, Dr. Lewin will also address some provocative issues, including how traditional scientific research has been done—and sometimes distorted—by factors such as pressure to publish, changes in the way science is communicated, and the shift away from hypothesis-driven science toward data-driven science. AI offers some stunning potential, Dr. Lewin notes, making it possible for scientists to get instant results from experiments that used to take years of work, potentially leading to new treatments of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s disease. On the other hand, the move toward using masses of big data to find correlations is a concern, because correlations can be misleading, and such a transition to “big science” may leave us with no individual researchers being able to see the whole picture.
As National Family Caregiver Month comes to a close, we offer the last in a series of 45 Forward conversations on a critical topic for every family caregiver: How do you care for YOURSELF? Because if you don’t, you will be of no use to the loved ones whose care is in your hands. In today’s episode, we talk with Dawn Shedrick, a passionate caregiver advocate who offers support, lived experience, and practical tools to help family caregivers reduce stress and enhance their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. The Founder of JenTex Training and Consulting—and her mother’s primary caregiver for 27 years—Dawn knows that many caregivers feel isolated, overwhelmed and burned out. She’ll describe an array of effective mindfulness approaches and practices, including “Body-scanning” and the use of her “Courageous Contemplation” Journal, to help caregivers transform stress to serenity. Having delivered mental and emotional wellness talks and workshops for many organizations, such as GE, Canon, the New York Mets and JP Morgan Chase, Dawn is on a mission to reshape the narrative of what it means to be a caregiver.
Connie Zweig has many roles in her current life: retired therapist, writer, Citizens Climate Lobbyist, wife, stepmother, and grandmother. But she’s most widely known as the “Shadow Expert,” a pioneer in the field of “Shadow Work,” an exploration of our unconscious mind, outside of the light of awareness, a cavern deep within your mind that holds our dark, forbidden feelings, secret wishes, and creative urges. She is co-author of several books, including “Meeting the Shadow” and “Romancing the Shadow,” as well as the author of “Meeting the Shadow on the Spiritual Path.” In today’s episode, Dr. Zweig will talk about her evolving shadow work over several decades, a continuing effort to make a conscious, creative relationship with the tricky, elusive unconscious—the blind spot that eludes us no matter where we look. And she’ll expand on her shadow work in her bestselling book, “The Inner Work of Age: Shifting from Role to Soul,” which extends her work on the Shadow into midlife and beyond for those who want to move past denial, fear, and resistance to discover their dreams and opportunities for this stage of life. Her mission is to redefine “age” and to help others reimagine it for themselves, just as we reinvented politics, work, relationships, and spirituality — from the inside out.
November commemorates both National Family Caregivers Month and Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, a special time to support and honor the unique challenges faced by family caregivers of older adults with dementia. In today’s episode, we talk with two dynamic and dedicated project directors from the Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation on Long Island who will discuss their roles in innovative and highly successful community programs serves family caregivers by connecting them with a circle of help that includes trained volunteers who provide an array of respite services. Dawn Hagen is Program Director of the Parker’s Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Initiative and Carmen Quinones is Program Director of the Hope and Healing Program. Dawn will describe how the Caregiver Support Initiative—as part of Parker’s “Willing Hearts, Helpful Hands” program—reaches out to family caregivers of a relative who may be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, providing an array of services, including free family consultations, caregiver education and training, support groups, caregiver companions, respite care and memory cafes. And Carmen will describe a new Parker program that supports that supports the caregivers of older adults with dementia and a history of trauma, providing person-centered approaches and services that can help promote the health and wellbeing of this vulnerable population. Together, Dawn and Carmen exemplify the tireless dedication of those who provide much-needed support to family caregivers, especially those caring for loved ones with dementia.
As we celebrate National Family Caregivers Month, today’s episode of 45 Forward celebrates a special leader in the elder care field, Laura LaFauci, who reflects on her years of varied experiences helping seniors and caregivers find the resources they need to lead more rewarding lives. Laura, currently the Regional Director of Community Outreach for Amber Court Assisted Living on Long Island, works tirelessly with families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and senior specialists in diverse fields every day. She’ll talk about her experiences dealing with the rewards and challenges of caregiving, the sometimes difficult and sensitive conversations families face when considering transitions for their loved ones from home to adult care communities. She’ll explain not only the basics, but some of the lesser known options of assisted living residents with particular needs or eligibility. And as chair of the Long Island chapter of the National Aging in Place Council, Laura will describe how this nationwide organization has become a valuable resource for older people who deserve to age in place—the place of their choice—with dignity, safety and security.
If you’ve ever seen the documentary, “Alive Inside,” a documentary that shows people with Alzheimer’s responding to personalized music—music that has been deeply meaningful to their lives—you’ve surely been amazed to witness what happens to individuals who are virtually unable to communicate verbally suddenly become animated, able to sing and dance with joy. In today’s episode, you’ll meet Dan Cohen, who was the driving force behind the documentary as the visionary Founder of Music & Memory, a nonprofit that began by providing personalized music to dementia patients in nursing homes via iPods and MP3 players. Since that time, Dan has drawn on a decade of field experience to found Right to Music, broadening his advocacy for “beloved music” as our best non-pharmacological tool to benefit individuals with dementia, Parkinson’s and those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as help alleviate loneliness and despair. He’ll describe how his mission has grown to promote the widespread adoption of music-based interventions globally, educating healthcare professionals about the benefits of music; changing government policies to incentivize the use of beneficial music; and shifting the focus of music research to more practical initiatives. When he sees nursing home residents “light up” with their favorite music, Dan questions why can’t everyone, especially our most vulnerable fellow citizens, benefit from music that the rest of us are able to play whenever we want? By spreading access to personal music—a human right—we can make a meaningful change in the status quo, Dan says. There’s nothing to lose, and so much potential for good.
Navigating one’s career all the way through to retirement can be challenging and unpredictable—but also rewarding and inspiring, given the many societal shifts we’re facing these days. Industries are undergoing rapid change across continents; companies and their employees are choosing new models of hybrid work schedules; artificial intelligence and other is revolutionizing jobs and tasks across the economy. And as human longevity continues to increase, so, too, does the likelihood that we will have multiple careers across our lifetime. In today’s episode, Lisa Strahs-Lorenc, a career counseling expert and the owner of Go Career Compass, talks about how people can traverse a journey of careers that often shift dramatically as we move from our 40s to our 60s—and beyond. The author of the recently published “Career Journeys from the Ground Up,” Lisa will offer a compendium of vivid stories from her book and will be joined by one of the book’s participants, Les Wolff, owner of Les Wolff Sports, who will relate his own personal journey. Lisa, who is making her third appearance on 45 Forward, also will provide advice on how to learn from others’ experiences, as well as your own mistakes and misdirection, and how to transfer your skills and interests to make the career transition you’re looking for. Career experts stress that we should “do what we love, and we will love what we do.” Finding that path, however, is not always so easy, but Lisa’s goal is to guide you along the way—no matter what your age.
As we look back and review our lives, many of us realize that we’ve become stuck in a cycle of repetitive behavior patterns that keep us from moving forward, trapped within unresolved, often painful mindsets. How do find ways to release ourselves from these limiting beliefs and negative self-talk? As we commemorate National Mental Health Screening Month, we talk today with Dr. Charryse Johnson, a veteran psychotherapist and author of “ Expired Mindsets,” who will tell us about her unique approach to help people get “unstuck” from patterns that no longer serve them well. Dr. Johnson is the founder of Jade Integrative Counseling and Wellness, an integrative therapy practice that focuses on personal values, the search for meaning, and the power of choice. She’ll discuss the importance of self-awareness in identifying and releasing expired mindsets; specific techniques and strategies people can use; and offer some real-life examples from her work. With her extensive training in crisis and trauma, neuroscience and identity development, Dr. Johnson is boldly creating what she defines as “a new lane between the intersection of mental health, inclusivity, and growth mindset.”
As Scott Fisher and Ben Green approached their 70th birthdays, the two lifelong friends decided to dig deeply into the challenges of healthy aging. Faced with the prospect of retirement, declining bodies, and the insistent reminders of mortality, they harnessed their combined eight decades of work experience to arrive at some fresh conclusions about “aging wisely.” Scott, an organizational psychologist, and Ben, a psychoanalyst, decided to take a novel, more personalized approach grounded in their clinical training and deep experience in the field: They interviewed a diverse sample of 52 elders, aged 70 to 95, and the life stories they heard were dazzling in their variety and depth. In today’s episode, Scott and Ben tell us their own story about how they blended personal and statistical research to create what has become “The Aging Wisely Project”—soon to be released as a book. As they sifted through the results, the two researchers realized that they had new information and conclusions about the later stages of life. They propose a practical, yet radical extension, to Erik Erikson’s iconic 8-stage model of human development, adding a 9th stage of potential growth they call “Elder Identity Revision.” Ben and Scott will talk about some of the challenges awaiting us in elderhood, as well as the skills and attitudes required to get the most out of one’s elder years. It is their steadfast conviction that it is never too late to change for the better and grow in every stage of life, and make the time left to us fulfilling, meaningful and satisfying.
If you’ve ever been faced with the sudden task of overseeing a loved one’s care when they’re admitted to a hospital, or when they’re being discharged to rehab, or transitioned back home, well, you know how confusing and overwhelming it can be to navigate our complicated healthcare system. In today’s episode, we talk with Nicole Christensen, the founder and CEO of Care Answered, about her long career advocating for older adults, beginning with her formative experiences working in a nursing home. Nicole will describe the many dimensions of patient advocacy, from helping people know their options for care, to making sure they get the services they need, to guiding them through the maze of health care decisions so their caregivers have peace of mind. She’ll cover a range of key topics, including how to be engaged with your loved ones’ healthcare providers to prevent medical errors in hospitals. Nicole will also offer pragmatic advice about how to prepare for doctor’s visits; what questions to ask medical staff at a hospital (and make sure you understand the answers); what documents you need to be prepared for a healthcare emergency; and what you need to know about the Patient Bill of Rights at healthcare facilities. Nicole passionately believes that everyone deserves the best possible care, and to ensure such care, she helps patients be prepared—not scared.
Everywhere you go these days, people are playing pickleball. It’s especially big among those age 55 and older, who account for more than half of the passionate players of this fast-growing game. With pickleball providing consistent health and social benefits, it’s not surprising that it continues to grow in popularity among this age group. But with such popularity comes, perhaps inevitably, injuries. According to one recent study, 86% of ER visits related to pickleball injuries were by seniors, most commonly sprains, strains, and fractures. In today’s conversation, we talk with Dr. David Neuman, an orthopedic surgeon and founder of Pop-doc.com, an innovative online approach to help individuals take charge of their joint health, a key to staying healthy, alleviating pain and avoiding the risk of injury—and not just from pickleball. With more than 17 years of experience treating sports medicine injuries, Dr. Neuman, will explain how Pop-Doc.com is not just a digital tool for rehabilitation, but also can be used in preventive orthopedic programs, as well as joint maintenance and preservation. He’ll describe the biggest problems we face with our joints as we age, and some ways we can improve our musculoskeletal functions, and alleviate pain. And, Dr. Neuman will talk about his multigenerational educational approach as Executive Director of the non-profit Joint Education Outreach, empowering children to have a better understanding of their bodies so future generations can suffer less and assume greater responsibility for their own health and fitness.
September is a pivotal time to pause, get organized, declutter our lives and plan for the future, whether for the next few months, the next several years or our retirement. But getting organized is not so easy for most of us, when we’re trying to balance the hectic demands of family and friends, school, work, household tasks and social obligations. Not to mention the temporary states of disorganization and clutter we experience when we’re faced with major disruptions, like the loss of a loved one, a change in job or work schedule, or a move to a new home and town. In today’s episode, we talk with Annmarie Brogan and Marie Limpert, professional organizers and experts in the field of decluttering, space maximization, and life-management strategies. They are co-owners of Organize Me! of NY, and co-authors of a pragmatic, plain-spoken book, Beyond Tidy: Declutter Your Mind and Discover the Magic of Organized Living. Annmarie and Marie will not only explain their eight principles to help you declutter and organize effectively, but also how to create a positive mindset that keeps you motivated and focused on solutions. They’ll demonstrate how organization (and disorganization) can impact your home, relationships, quality of life and overall wellbeing. And they’ll tell us how to plan for obstacles and stay resilient throughout the organizing process, on the way to discovering a new vision of what’s possible in creating a home and life you love.
Each year, September 11th marks a solemn anniversary, when our nation remembers and honors the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. More than two decades later, it’s still a difficult and emotional day, as families and communities continue to grieve losses that have changed our lives forever. In today’s episode, we talk with two grief recovery experts, Vicki Ellner, a long-time patient advocate and nurse, and Bill Solz, a veteran social worker the director of Stress Solutions of New York. Vicki and Bill will provide a broad understanding of the various dimensions of grief, its relationship to trauma and stress, and how it shapes our response to tragic events. They will talk about how we can come to terms with deep losses in our lives, process our emotions and experiences, and move forward with renewed purpose and meaning.
Two years shy of her 50th birthday, Hilary Topper, a highly successful entrepreneur and mother of two, knew she needed a change. She was fully absorbed in her work, but it wasn’t making her happy anymore. She was sick and tired of the ups and downs of the business world. So she decided to run. In today’s episode, Hilary talks about how her foray into running grew into a remarkable journey as a triathlete, which she chronicles in her newly published book, “From Couch Potato to Endurance Athlete: A Portrait of a Non-Athletic Triathlete.” Hilary is now an established presence in the sport of triathlon—she is even a certified triathlon coach who oversees a team of endurance athletes, from beginners to experienced Ironmen. But it has not been as easy transformation for a former coach potato—she did not even know how to swim when she started. In today’s conversation, Hilary share her deeply personal story, detailing her memorable races and achievements but also how she overcame unexpected challenges, setbacks and failures along the way. Hilary, an insightful blogger who has journaled since she was a young girl, will offer an array of lessons learned at each juncture of her journey. And if you think you’re too out of shape, too old, too heavy or too…anything…to become a triathlete, Hilary will change your mind.
A few decades ago, when Mary Pipher was a working mother in the midst of a busy career as a clinical psychologist, she realized she might find some precious time during her days to do what she always wanted to do: To write. She read dozens of books on writing, attended workshops and joined a writers’ group. In 1994 she published “Reviving Ophelia,” her first of 11 books, four of which became New York Times bestsellers. In today’s episode, Mary talks about her latest book, “A Life of Light: Meditations on Impermanence,” an illuminating memoir that not only offers heartfelt stories, but profound insights and wisdom into loss, change and hope as we age. Drawing on her own life, which began with a hard, dark childhood, she explores what she’s learned about how to balance despair with joy, trauma with recovery, attachments with separation from the people and things we deeply love. Mary, who has earned the title of “cultural therapist” for her generation, will share the coping skills and resilience she has honed during her lifetime. And she will talk about how each of us can look inside ourselves to write our own story as a life in light.
Graduating from college as an outstanding student in French, Jim Ryan began his career as a high school foreign language teacher on Long Island. But over the years, his passion for teaching would take him on an unexpected journey that would lead him to an iconic role as—in his words—a “spreader of happiness.” In today’s episode, Jim will talk about how his career evolved through a series of shifts across the educational and business worlds to a moment when he decided to take a volunteer job teaching prisoners locked up for multiple DWI convictions. It was then that he had an “Aha!” moment, realizing that his true passion was teaching personal development. Jim will talk about how this epiphany led to his widely popular book, “Simple Happiness: 52 Easy Ways to Lighten Up,” and to his current career as a motivational speaker and author, sharing his “Simple Happiness” message through empowering seminars across the country and sending out a weekly email of “Aha Moments” to thousands of people every Wednesday. Jim has discovered that he has the ability to turn profound concepts into easily understood solutions, and with humor, anecdotes and song, his presentations have folks leaving excited about the possibilities of living a better life.
When we graduate from college, we often have little idea of where we’ll find ourselves in the second half of life. We wonder how our career will evolve; how we will grow a family and move into our middle ages; what surprises will be revealed; and what legacy we will leave our family and friends—and the planet. In today’s episode, we talk with Leslie Danoff, a long-time friend who graduated in the ground-breaking first freshmen class of women at Yale; embarked on a career in professional broadcast journalism and documentary filmmaking; raised a family of three sons; and took an unusual turn into the world of conservation, co-founding Global Forest Generation, a nonprofit whose mission is to accelerate meaningful forest restoration—and help stave off the scourge of climate change. Leslie will offer her wide-ranging observations about lifelong learning and how she made unconventional moves into uncharted territory later in life, and how we can all continue to grow—45 Forward.
Over the last few decades, addressing the needs of caregivers has emerged as national priority, with millions of people trying every day to balance work with family life—especially “sandwich generation” parents who are managing both child care and elder care. But there’s another type of caregiving that may have not received as much attention, but it, too, involves millions of families nationwide: It’s called kinship care, a term used to describe the raising of children by grandparents, as well as other relatives, and family friends. Recently, the term “grandfamily” was coined to describe families engaged in kinship care, although roughly 40 percent of these caregivers are not parents. In today’s episode, Gerard Wallace, the founder of the New York State Kinship Navigator, will talk about his deep and abiding advocacy on behalf of kinship caregivers and their families. Since graduating from law school more than 25 years ago, Jerry has become a leading expert on kinship care, drafting federal and state legislation, providing legal continuing education training on kinship law, and presenting at many conferences, commissions, and local forums. His work, along with other advocates, has resulted in more than 30 recommendations becoming laws, regulations or policy changes. Gerry has received numerous awards for his leadership, but more than these accolades, you will be inspired by his far-reaching knowledge of kinship issues; his devotion to supporting kinship families; and his commitment to raising national awareness of the needs, challenges and rewards of kinship care.
For more than 30 years, Adam Flattau successfully rose up the ranks of Corporate America to become the Eastern Regional Director of digital advertising and marketing for a leading commercial real estate information company. Then something happened. He found himself as the primary caregiver for his uncle Walter, who was released from the hospital into a rehab facility and Adam needed to find the best living option for his uncle. Later he had to go through similar processes with his mom and father-in-law, and each time Adam wished he had help in navigating these confusing, daunting tasks. This led to an unexpected—but extraordinarily rewarding—shift to a new career: ensuring that other families did not have to go through this process alone. In today’s episode, Adam, now a Certified Senior Advisor and owner of the Senior Care Authority franchise on Long Island, will talk about his mission guiding families through the challenging task of finding the best living and care solutions for their elderly loved ones, whether that means independent living, assisted living communities, memory care, or skilled nursing facilities. Adam, also a Certified Dementia Practitioner, will describe how he has worked with over 500 families to get the answers and information they need so they can make educated decisions and establish well-thought-out plans that help their loved ones thrive—safely, and with dignity. Now, when Adam is asked what he loves most about his work, he doesn’t hesitate. “Easy,” he says. “I love helping families, giving back to my community, and sleeping well at night.”
One of the tragic outcomes of the coronavirus pandemic was not only the number of deaths from COVID, but the number of deaths in the nation’s nursing homes—which, at one point accounted for more than a fifth of all deaths according to the federal government’s estimate. And what made these deaths even more grievous was that many of these elderly people died in isolation, cut off from loved ones, their essential caregivers, who were prevented from visiting them in their darkest hour. In the wake of this tragedy, there have been many critics of the nursing home system—pointing out the lack of oversight, the need for regulatory reform, and the need for high staffing levels with higher pay for the facilities staff. In today’s episode, we talk with Michell Arnot, the vice president of Gray Panthers NYC and Michelle and Carrie Leljedal, a Family Advocate with the Essential Caregiver’s Coalition in Illinois, who are co-chairing a dynamic, thought-provoking webinar series called Unity for Long-Term Care. Their aim? To form an alliance of advocates dedicated to improving the quality of life in the nursing home space across the nation. It’s not an easy task, and there are many entities and constituencies, with different opinions, ideas and strategies about how to fix the system. Michelle and Carrie will describe several of these efforts, not only to address specific issues, but how we could fundamentally rethink the way we view and provide long-term care. What are some of the alternatives to our current models? What does good “patient-centered care” look like? What can individuals do to make a difference in changing our complicated patchwork system of long-term care? It’s easy to dwell on the negative history—and hard to agree on a cohesive path forward. But Carrie and Michelle are steadfast in their view: To transform long-term care over the long term, those who advocate for change may disagree on specific issues, but must agree to move forward together.
We’ve all heard of Dr. Ruth. Now it’s time you met Dr. Marcus. In today’s episode, we talk with Dr. Bat Sheva Marcus, an internationally recognized, certified sex therapist, about her life helping women reclaim pleasure in their bodies and spirit. (And yes, men, too.) Author of the recently published book, “Satisfaction Guaranteed: How to Have the Sex You’ve Always Wanted,” Dr. Marcus will debunk the persistent myth that affects most of us from youth to older age: that great sex come naturally, and when it doesn’t, something’s wrong. Not so. Our sex life is constantly changing—that‘s the norm. The goal, Dr. Marcus says, is to keep things alive and interesting in our long-term monogamous relationships. Funny and forthright, she bridges the gap between the medical and psychological in women’s sexual health. When sex talk stays too theoretical and abstract, she says, it’s hard to implement changes in your life. So she offers an easy-to-use point system to help women analyze and improve the variables at work in their sex lives, from recapturing orgasms and rekindling lust, to parsing complicated relationships and discovering the real meaning of sex. Her guide covers it all—and you’ll want to hear
Over the last several years, a growing number of experts have been touting the health benefits of walking—especially as we get older, and need to find sustainable habits that keep us moving, fit and active. But while walking is certainly beneficial for individuals, the concept of walkability—that is, walkable communities—has become a cornerstone of forward-thinking urban planning. And it’s proving to have immense health, social and economic benefits for everyone. In today’s episode, we talk with Dan Burden, the nation’s most recognized expert on walkability, bicycle and pedestrian programs, who is the Director of Innovation and Inspiration for Blue Zones. Indeed, Dan has been innovating and inspiring people for more than 45 years, leading Time magazine to call him “one of the six most important civic innovators in the world.” In today’s conversation, Dan will explain what walkability means, and how we can reshape our built environment—our roadways, sidewalks, bicycle lanes and other pathways—to create healthier, more prosperous, environmentally sustainable and vital communities. He’ll describe specific ways we can create “complete streets” that serve the needs of automobile traffic, pedestrians and bicyclists—and ways we can all, as members of our communities, participate in the process. And you’ll learn how Dan employs his resolute “people-first approach” in helping the nation “get back on its feet.”
Many people may think they know about AARP when they get that letter in the mail, mysteriously inviting them to become a member as soon as they turn 50. Or when they see AARP ads on TV. But there’s a lot they probably DON’T know about AARP, and it’s worth knowing about the many dimensions of this national nonprofit organization of some 38 million members—founded in 1958 by Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, a retired high school principal, with three founding principles: to promote independence, dignity and purpose for older persons; to enhance the quality of life for older persons; and to encourage older people “To serve, not to be served.” In today’s episode, we talk with two prominent AARP leaders: Beth Finkel, the long-time State Director of AARP New York, and James O’Neal, an independent consultant on older adult issues, and President of AARP New York. Beth and James will outline AARP’s many roles in advocacy, research, education programs, service, events, and resources that support older Americans. They’ll focus on a few major advocacy issues, such as protecting Social Security and Medicare; lowering prescription drug costs; and providing more support for family caregivers and home care workers. Beth and James will highlight AARP’s efforts—and their own personal involvement—in disrupting disparities in the treatment of older people. They’ll give a sample of the panoply of practical resources and services offered by AARP and its volunteers to the public—many of them free. And they’ll talk about the increasing importance of AARP’s Age-Friendly community approach—its commitment to intergenerational engagement, creating a more inclusive, vital society.
Many of us know someone who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It seems to be everywhere. People are living longer today, and our longevity is often given as one reason for its prevalence, since age is cited as the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s. But some people who have puzzling brain changes are surprisingly young—in their fifties—in the prime of mid-life. What they have is not “traditional” Alzheimer’s disease, but rather a different kind of dementia known as Posterior Cortical Atrophy, or PCA. In today’s episode—as we come to the end of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month—we talk with Jamie Talan, a widely recognized science writer who specializes in neuroscience and neurology and is the author of a new book, “Atypical Dementias: Understanding Mid-Life Language, Visual, Behavioral and Cognitive Changes.” Jamie will explain what researchers know about the causes of this type of dementia, which produces symptoms of visual impairment instead of the memory loss more commonly associated with Alzheimer’s. While there is no treatment yet for PCA, Jamie will also talk about her commitment to creating a lecture series and support groups, which are now serving thousands of people nationwide, leading to a better understanding of what these diseases look like and how we can improve the lives of patients and their caregivers.
If you’re downsizing your lifestyle, or retiring and moving to a new community—or simply trying clear out clutter to give yourself some breathing space—you’ve probably wondered if there are unseen treasures amid all the stuff you’ve collected over the years. Well, then, you should meet Keith Allibone. The owner of Good’s Vintage & Antiques, Keith got his first lessons in the trade from his father, a lifelong antiques expert who dragged him to flea markets in the early mornings of his youth. After initial forays into a few other businesses, Keith gradually forged his own path by scouring flea markets himself—as well as moving sales, auctions, sidewalk and yard sales, scrapyards, and cluttered houses—perhaps like yours. In today’s episode, Keith will talk about how he searches for the “diamonds in the rough,” whether vintage watches or fine, hand-crafted furniture from another era. He’ll share encounters with some memorable customers, and stories of unique pieces with equally unique histories. He’ll also offer advice and organizing strategies for homeowners, to help separate pieces of value from the merely pedestrian, what’s worth keeping or selling, and what you should donate or just throw away. And last, he’ll offer his perspective on how the online world is reshaping the antiques business, and what it means for both buyers and sellers, all those captivated by the financial and emotional rewards of treasure-hunting.
Whenever Americans are asked where they’d like to live as they get older, a vast majority say they’d like to remain in their homes for as long as possible. They prize the independence, comfort, and dignity that come with the ability to “age in place.” But many older homeowners also face major challenges, such as the risk of falling, health problems, overwhelming household tasks, and isolation—a constant worry for their adult children, who often find themselves in the role of family caregivers. In today’s episode, Ryan Herd, the founder of Caregiver Smart Solutions, talks about his own struggles to care for his dad, who had been diagnosed with cancer, which led to the creation of an innovative technology company designed for caregivers just like him. Ryan will describe how the company’s products—small, sensors, about the size of a quarter—help caregivers keep track of the health and well-being of their loved ones while respecting their privacy, without the use of cameras or other intrusive methods. In addition to his work with Caregiver Smart Solutions, Ryan will talk about his broader vision as a technology entrepreneur, focusing his efforts on developing tools that make homes and communities safer and more enjoyable. A sought-after speaker, author and consultant, he has worked with clients such as Google, Coldwell Banker, and Home Advisor, and presents a unique ability to humanize technology and explain it in terms that everyone can understand.
Everywhere we look these days we’re bombarded by talk: social media, TV news and opinion shows, podcasts, blogs, emails, texts. And yet, we’re living in an age where social isolation and loneliness are on the rise, leading many to call this an epidemic. More than one-third of Americans over the age of 45 report feeling lonely, with prevalence especially high among those under 25 and over 65 years old. While this alarming trend has grown, so has the understanding and evidence of its impact: Social connection significantly affects the health of all of us. In today’s episode, Kasley Killam, a leading expert in social isolation and loneliness, talks about the need to go beyond our traditional thinking that physical and mental health are all that matter. There’s a third dimension to well-being, Kasley points out, that is related to social health—the dimension to well-being that comes from our relationships, our connection and community. Kasley, the Founder of Social Health Labs, will explain how over a decade of studying, sharing and applying the science of human connection has led her to elevate the idea of social health to help individuals, organizations and communities become more socially healthy. She’ll describe the evolution of many key components of social health, such as the role of healthy community design in significantly addressing major societal problems, including health disparities and climate change. Kasley will describe an array of compelling programs and initiatives, such Connect+Conversations, an event series created by Social Health Labs and the Foundation for Social Connection that convened 26 experts and over 2,500 community members from 55 countries to discuss how to reduce and prevent loneliness. And not only will Kasley explain why all this matters, she’ll offer steps each of us can take to strengthen our social health in our day-to-day life.
Six years ago, Virginia Cervasio decided to dedicate her life to helping veterans. The mother of a young Iraq War vet who died by suicide, she learned that veterans have an unspoken bond that “no one could break—a mutual understanding and a trust that they are going to support one another and help each other out.” So, Virginia founded Heroes Among Us, a nonprofit whose mission is to help veterans and their families readjust to life after war. In today’s episode, Virginia recounts her journey that led to the creation of this inspiring organization, which supports many vets who are coping with emotional struggles and trying to find their footing when they return home. She’ll describe the wide-ranging work of the nonprofit, from helping veterans pay their bills to finding therapists and organizing school supplies drives for their families. Virginia will also discuss her continuing advocacy focusing on suicide prevention support and education. She’ll talk about her organization’s participation in various national events, such as the hosting of the traveling Vietnam Memorial, known as “The Wall That Heals,” which, along with an education center, moves from state to state each month. And Virginia will explain how people can get involved and contribute to Heroes Among Us, finding meaningful ways every day to thank our veterans for their service.
Many older homeowners say they want to age in place for as long as possible, but as the years go by, they aren’t sure if they’ll have enough money to cover their daily expenses. They may have substantial equity in their homes: but find themselves “house-rich and cash-poor.” One financial tool to generate more cash flow, retirement experts say, is a reverse mortgage. These instruments have been around for decades but are still misunderstood by many consumers. In today’s episode, Tim Kennedy, a Certified Reverse Mortgage Specialist, explains how homeowners can use reverse mortgages as a tax-efficient retirement income tool, while he dispels the myths about these products. The host of a weekly radio show, “It's Just A Mortgage,” Tim will describe the various types of reverse mortgages, how these loans work, and how consumers can use them for different needs, including monthly expenses, renovations, or purchase of another property. And he’ll offer an update on the latest events affecting the housing and financial markets, what they mean for consumers right now— and what their impact might be on our retirement years.
Last month, Diane Jacobowitz, the founder of the Dancewave Company in New York, spoke to 45 Forward about her life teaching “Creative Movement,” focusing on healing, self-care, and a functional fitness approach called Essentrics. In today’s episode, Diane returns to the show to explain another kind of healing therapy—an alternative treatment known as Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Tapping. EFT is a mind-body method of tapping acupuncture points on the hands, face, and body with your fingertips while focusing on an issue or feeling you're hoping to resolve. This method has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve performance, lessen cravings, and help resolve fears. Diane will go through several tapping sequences with the listening audience, explain how it works, and how people can use it to take charge of their emotional state any time they want to move out of a painful feeling. This is Part 2 of a unique two-part series.
Most of us are well acquainted with salsa—the spicy mixture of tomato and chili sauce we enjoy with tortilla chips at Mexican restaurants and at parties with friends. But now we can learn about another kind of SALSA—no, not the Latin dance, but a zesty Texas-based initiative known as Successful Aging and Living in San Antonio—SALSA, for short. In today’s episode, we talk with Jane Paccione, the Managing Director of Collective Impact for the San Antonio Area Foundation, which created SALSA with the mission of transforming the community by advancing practices that improve the quality of life of older adults. A passionate and insightful advocate, Jane will explain how SALSA “brings everyone to the table”—connecting businesses, nonprofits, and government entities—thus creating a movement that turns collaboration into “collective impact,” an approach that is more likely to solve complex problems. She’ll describe the work of SALSA partners on issues such as housing, transportation, social engagement, health, and caregiver support. She’ll also talk about “Reframing Aging,” a key national initiative designed to change the narrative about what aging means, combat ageist stereotypes and language, and improve the public’s understanding of the many ways that older people contribute to our society.
April is National Poetry Month, launched more than 25 years ago by the Academy of American Poets to recognize poets’ integral role in our culture. Over the years, it has become the largest literary celebration in the world, and in today’s episode, we talk to an unusual poet who came to this craft later in life—and through the most unimaginable of experiences. Hank Bjorklund, a former professional football player for the New York Jets, became a business lawyer in New York City after retiring from football, then an educator and coach. Then, on one otherwise ordinary day, Hank found himself suddenly hospitalized due to dysautonomia, a severe disruption of his autonomic nervous system possibly caused by the repetitive head hits he received during years of tackle football. An idyllic, healthy life in retirement with his wife was unalterably changed. In his newly published book, “Head Hits I Remember,” Hank recounts his daily struggles to cope with this baffling, life-altering illness, and how he eventually turned to poetry as a way to connect with his thoughts and feelings and deal more gracefully with the profound realities of life previously unseen. He’ll recite a selection of poems from his book, some of which he’s turned into songs and performed with musicians who heard his poems and decided to put his words to music. Hank will talk about how poetry and music have helped him heal and brought meaning back into his life—and hopefully will inspire others seeking the strength to persevere through difficult and debilitating challenges.
We are in the midst of a Parkison’s pandemic—and yet, this pandemic is a relatively silent one. Parkinson’s is the world’s fastest growing neurological disorder, increasing in virtually every region in the world. In the U.S. alone, the economic cost of the diseases exceeds $50 billion a year—a staggering $50,000 per person with the disease. In today’s episode, we talk with Dr. Ray Dorsey, Professor of Neurology at the University of Rochester Medical Center and co-author of a thought-provoking new book, “Ending Parkinson’s Disease: A Prescription for Action.” As one of four leading physicians who co-author this book, Dr. Dorsey calls for a bold, comprehensive approach to help end Parkinson’s called PACT, which stands for Prevent. Advocate for, Care, and Treat the disease. He will talk about the most promising treatments on the horizon, from immune therapies to vaccines, surgical treatments, and new developments in nutrition and microbiome research. He’ll discuss the troubling use of pesticides and toxic chemicals linked to the disease, which particularly affect farmers, veterans, and high-tech manufacturing workers, as well as the rest of us. Dr. Dorsey will also outline some of the latest advances in care, including the dramatic increase in the use of telemedicine to treat Parkinson's patients. And he will examine the lessons learned from other health crises, from polio to AIDS and COVID-19—and how we might apply them to this pandemic. And finally, he will give us an action plan for what the average citizen can do right now to help end Parkinson’s. “Parkinson’s disease is not an inevitable disease that happens with age,” he notes. “It is a preventable disease, and we need to get around to preventing people from developing it in the first place.”
Every year on April 22, we look forward to Earth Day, the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970, when some 20 million people attended inaugural events across the country. This year’s theme is “Invest in Our Planet”—and there’s certainly much investment needed as we face an increasing number of extreme weather patterns, natural disasters and rising global temperatures. At the same time, beyond environmental activism, it’s important to explore more deeply, more personally and spiritually our relationship with nature.In today’s episode, we talk with Rebecca Wildbear, the creator of a yoga practice called Wild Yoga, which empowers individuals to tune in to the mysteries that live within the earth community, dreams, and their own wild nature so they may live a life of creative service. Rebecca, the author of Author of Wild Yoga: A Practice of Initiation, Veneration, & Advocacy for the Earth, empowers individuals to create a personal practice that stretches their awareness and awakens their connection to the place we all most deeply belong to: the Earth.
“Movement is Life.” Such is the mantra of Diane Jacobowitz, who founded the Dancewave Company more than 25 years ago with the mission of developing programs to capture the talents and imagination of young dancers. In today’s episode, Diane talks about her singular journey, from her own dance and choreography company; to connecting with young artists early to teach them the rigors of high-level performance; to now focusing her teaching on healing, fitness and self-care, including “Creative Movement” workshops for elders. Diane will describe the concept of Essentrics fitness, how we can be fit at every age and stage of life—a physical state not calculated in miles, muscle mass or speed, but rather measured by one’s ability to move freely, live actively and without pain. She’ll break out the elements of rebalancing our body; how movement patterns affect body type; the healing of scar tissue; and strategies to increase our energy. And Diane will talk about the special role dance plays in how our culture moves and the opportunity it offers to change our one-dimensional world of computer screens. This is Part 1 of a unique two-part series on creative aging through dance, healing, wellness and how to stay young through movement.
Americans approaching retirement—however they plan to spend their next chapters—have experienced some frightening economic waves in recently years. During the Great Recession in 2009 and the COVID-19 pandemic of the early 2020s, older workers experienced higher rates of job loss than younger ones, and many have not fully recovered. Spiking inflation and the possibility of another recession have led to stressful economic circumstances for millions who have been thrown off course and are still struggling to envision a secure future. In today’s episode, Mark Miller, a veteran journalist, author and podcaster who is a nationally recognized expert on trends in retirement and aging, walks us through a short course of decisions we can make to improve your financial security in retirement —even if it’s just a few years away. Mark, the author of the recently published book, “Retirement Reboot: Commonsense Financial Strategies for Getting Back on Track,” outlines the steps we need to remake a retirement plan – and the critical importance of managing the risk of longevity by optimizing Social Security and Medicare benefits. He’ll also talk about how to build savings—even late in the game. And he’ll provide some refreshing insights from conversations with his own children, answering their questions about retirement and discovering some unexpected conclusions about the next generation’s preparedness for their later years.
When Ilyce Glink set out on a career path years ago, she wanted to be a screenwriter—she even wrote more than a half dozen scripts and was represented in Hollywood for a time. Then she realized had to support herself. So she started writing articles about real estate, and discovered she loved being a freelance writer, selling hundreds of stories a year to newspapers, magazines and trade publications. Soon she became a syndicated newspaper columnist—for $15 a week. And now, Ilyce Glink is CEO of Think Glink, the creator of four Chicago-based companies, a best-selling financial journalist, author, radio and TV personality. In today’s conversation, Ilyce will take us through her extraordinary, evolving journey “Rethinking Glink” across a series of innovative projects and ventures, extending her brand into personal finance, consumer advice and even as a creator of digital content and media strategies. Of course, she’ll give us her latest insights about the real estate market as we head into the spring housing season, as well as the confluence of “Great Reconfigurations” in housing, finance and careers for much of America. And Ilyce will explain her latest ground-breaking project, “Best Money Moves,” a mobile-first employee benefit designed to help organizations measure and dial down financial stress among their workers—and promote the principles of financial wellness.
As we get older, it becomes increasingly clear that one of the most important resources we need to thrive in our later years is information: clear, accurate, comprehensive information that helps us live safely, with dignity and security—especially as many of us age in place. In today’s episode, Judy Serino, a Community Service Representative and Home Care Consultant for Home Instead, talks about her wide-ranging role providing critical information and education for seniors and their families—particularly about fraud prevention, but also about topics like immunity and disease prevention and dementia care. Fraud and scams have been a stubbornly persistent problem affecting seniors, and the damage they inflict seems to have gotten worse during the pandemic and its aftermath. Judy will identify some of the most prevalent scams and schemes—everything from romance fraud and gift card scams, “spoofing” phone calls, phishing and imposter scams. She’ll talk about ways seniors and their families can protect themselves from becoming victims of scams and resources that can help. A passionate senior advocate, Judy will also talk about other educational programs she provides to help people maintain a healthy lifestyle, as well as managing difficult tasks, such as dementia care for older parents.
Two years shy of her 50th birthday, Hilary Topper, a highly successful entrepreneur and mother of two, knew she needed a change. She was fully absorbed in her work, but it wasn’t making her happy anymore. She was sick and tired of the ups and downs of the business world. So she decided to run. In today’s episode, Hilary talks about how her foray into running grew into a remarkable journey as a triathlete, which she chronicles in her newly published book, “From Couch Potato to Endurance Athlete: A Portrait of a Non-Athletic Triathlete.” Hilary is now an established presence in the sport of triathlon—she is even a certified triathlon coach who oversees a team of endurance athletes, from beginners to experienced Ironmen. But it has not been as easy transformation for a former coach potato—she did not even know how to swim when she started. In today’s conversation, Hilary share her deeply personal story, detailing her memorable races and achievements but also how she overcame unexpected challenges, setbacks and failures along the way. Hilary, an insightful blogger who has journaled since she was a young girl, will offer an array of lessons learned at each juncture of her journey. And if you think you’re too out of shape, too old, too heavy or too…anything…to become a triathlete, Hilary will change your mind.
For many decades, we’ve held an conventional assumption that our “peak ages” of creativity are between 39 and 42. It ain’t necessarily so, says poet, writer and teacher Priscilla Long in her recently published book, “Dancing with the Muse in Old Age.” In fact, she says, our older years are a prime time to flourish in creative productivity—even a prime time to BEGIN creative work. In today’s episode, Priscilla reflects on new ways of to look at old age as a potentially dynamic time, full of connections to others and deeply satisfying work. Her book provides examples of hundreds prominent people who grew very old while living remarkably creative lives—many of them in the arts, but others in a wide range of fields and endeavors. Yes, Priscilla acknowledges, ageism can poison creativity. But she challenges these deep and often unconscious prejudices, affirming that in old age, creative work can truly thrive. And these opportunities are not merely for the brilliant, exceptional elders. They’re for all of us, Priscilla affirms. She offers a series of questions we should ask ourselves as we strive to shape an old age of flourishing well-being, learning and engagement in creative work—while we also help reshape the future of the middle-aged, the young, and the generations to come.
As we plan for the later chapters of life, many of us have two major concerns: Will we have enough savings to last through our later years? And will we be healthy enough to enjoy the increased longevity afforded to older adults these days? In today’s episode, renowned longevity authority and proactive aging educator Scott Fulton offers an innovative strategy to linking wealth and health, an approach he calls “Whealthspan.” Scott points out that as we age, our health is really the ultimate wealth—that which enables us to extend our longevity. Quality time is what we seek as we age, and time is also what we must invest in our earlier years to plan for healthy longevity. Today’s episode is the third of a series of 45 Forward conversations with Scott, which he calls “Extending Your Best Before Date,” aimed at exploring lifestyle choices, strategies and changes we can make to extend a healthier lifespan. Scott will talk about how we can leverage proven financial principles into our mindset of personal health and longevity. He’ll examine an array of established financial strategies, such as investing for the long term, understanding your risk tolerance, diversifying your assets, and reviewing rebalancing your portfolio—and demonstrate how we can apply these principles to invest in healthy longevity. Scott is passionate around the tremendous opportunity to increase life expectancy through the power of public education, and his unique investment approach to health is something we wish we had learned in school.
Many experts who study aging in America today come away with one inescapable conclusion: We live in a mostly ageist society. We make pronouncements about the perspective and wisdom we gain as we age, and it’s true. The larger truth, however, is that our culture simply values its young people over older folks. We’re profoundly afraid of getting old. But in today’s episode, Ann Monroe offers a powerful antidote to society’s negative stereotypes about getting older. For more than 40 years, Ann has been a passionate advocate for all of us who strive to age with safety, dignity and grace. She has led public and private sector programs in mental health, community health, managed care, and philanthropy, sparking lasting improvements for vulnerable older people and young children. She has vigorously fought against the misperception that younger people are “givers,” while older people are “takers.” Ann will talk about her how her many experiences have informed her personal mission to change our public policies to invest in the future of all generations, and support productive lives in our later years, despite the hardships and losses we often face. She’ll share some of the personal lessons she’s learned along the way—issues of long-term care, the challenges of aging in rural versus urban communities—and, oh yes, the unforgettable story of how she decided to create her own “Grateful Live Tour” as a testament to those who made a difference in her life.
Patricia King has had a long, extraordinary career —and she continues to evolve with new projects and pursuits, even into her 80s. Pat spent 25 years as an international management consultant, working with Fortune 50 companies like PepsiCo, Chase Bank, and Pfizer, and writing five nonfiction business books, including the bestseller, “Never Work for a Jerk,” which landed her on the Oprah Winfrey show. In her sixties, Pat launched another successful career as a historical mystery writer—with the pen name, Annamaria Alfieri. Her early mysteries, set in South America, were followed by another series set in British East Africa, now Kenya. While working on her last novel, “The Blasphemers,” Pat came across accounts of British missionaries who sought, over 100 years ago, to end the practice of female genital mutilation, or FGM, imposed on young girls, between the ages of 11 and 14. Just as her book was launched, she made another startling discovery: FGM is still practiced in Kenya, as well as several other African countries. In today’s episode, Pat talks about the latest chapter in her life—how she met a proud Massai woman met named Sarah Lesiamito, who founded the Sidai Resource Center, a nonprofit whose mission is to save Kenyan girls from forced marriages, female genital mutilation and other regressive practices. Pat will describe her own efforts to support Sarah’s mission, raising awareness abroad and funds needed of continue the work of the Sidai Resource Center. Such efforts not only help young girls become full-fledged members of society, but they transform the lives of everyone in their communities.
As we get older, many of us are going to need long-term care. In fact, someone turning age 65 today has almost a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care service and support in their remaining years. And yet, many families have little idea how they’re going to pay for long-term care—which won’t be covered by Medicare and may cost as much as $1.2 million per person by the time they need these services. In today’s episode, long-term care experts Natalie Karp and Rona Loshak talk about the many facets of long-term care insurance, a critical option for a growing number of vulnerable seniors who are aging alone or not physically able to take care of their spouse—or simply unable to pay for the care they need, especially as they face potential cutbacks in Medicaid. Rona and Natalie, who are independent brokers and co-founding partners of Karp Loshak LTC Insurance Solutions, are dedicated to helping clients navigate the sometimes-dizzying array of long-term care insurance options. They’ve become a leading resource for consumers, professional advisers and the news media, and in today’s conversation they offer an incisive overview of traditional long term care insurance, as well as alternatives like hybrid life/long-term care plans and life insurance with long-term care benefits. Their goal is to guide families from “conversation to contract,” with expertise and independence. As adult children of widowed mothers, they represent the sandwich generation, those who found themselves caring for children and aging parents. And they saw first-hand the importance of planning—well before families are faced with a health crisis and few viable options.
As we get older, it’s important to find ways to embrace aging with grace, dignity and positivity. And yes, a little humor, too. In today’s episode, Barbara Paskoff and Carol Pack, two long-time friends and former award-winning journalists, offer a host of observations from the latest of their “Over-Sixty: Shades of Gray” series, the “Book of Lists.” The duo explains their latest venture—a collection of lists offering practical tips about appearance, relationships, entertainment, health (and a lot more)—but noting that as they entered the second half of life, they realized that time seems to fly really fast, “so getting to the point is more important than ever.” We don’t want to have to read everything that goes around to support aging, they joke—just give us a list of what to do.” Thus, the book of lists was born. In their litany of lists, Barbara and Carol do not shy away from serious subjects, like loneliness, changing relationships and dementia. But they also integrate the lighter side of graying, reassuring us all that we’re not alone in the trials that come. And sometimes, they may offer up answers to questions you never knew you had.
If you or a member of your family have ever been affected by medical errors—a serious public health problem and a leading cause of death in the U.S.—you should know about Pulse: The Pulse Center for Patient Safety Education & Advocacy. In today’s episode, Ilene Corina, the Founder and President of Pulse, will talk about her decades-long journey advocating for patients, sitting at their bedside, working with families and a host of experts and providers, dedicated to building a health care system that is better and safer for everyone. Pulse’s work is important for patients of all ages, but especially for older people, who often may not always be able to advocate for themselves. Ilene will describe the wide range of Pulse training and education programs, classes and workshops designed to empower patients and their families—like the Healthcare Equity Project that explores challenges faced by vulnerable populations; and the unique TakeCHARGE Campaign that works directly with the general public BEFORE people become patients, teaching them how to take charge of their own health care decisions. Research shows that when patients are engaged in their health care, there can be measurable improvements in safety and results. Ultimately, Pulse’s mission is not about health, but health CARE, the journey to better health—a collaboration of patients, families, volunteers, advocates and safety organizations. When it comes to Pulse’ work in the community, Ilene says, our motto is: We Listen, We Learn, We Lead.
The next time you go to the supermarket, you may notice that some products have what’s known as a BBE (“Best Before” date) stamped on the packaging. It’s the date after which the food may be OK, but perhaps not at its best, in terms of flavor and texture. While we normally don’t think of other aspects of our lives as having best-before dates, longevity expert Scott Fulton has developed a creative approach to apply this concept to our living environment, our health and well-being—indeed, our overall lifespan. In today’s episode, Scott, the Founder and President of Home Ideations, returns to 45 Forward to offer the second of a trilogy of conversations on “Extending Your Best Before Date”—with this chapter focusing on how the science of connectivity relates to the extension of a healthier lifespan. Of all the things we take for granted when we consider factors that impact longevity, connections are often at the top of the list. Take them away, and life ceases. Scott will explore all the places where connectivity plays an important role in our longevity, from the level of microbiology—our cells, hormonal system, and neural pathways—to macro-level relationships between people and our shared biology with nature. Connections are easy to overlook, and Scott will talk about the many ways we can use them to foster a supportive environment for all of us.
Several years ago, John Leland, a reporter for the New York Times, wrote a series of articles following six men and women for a year, chronicling how people in one of America’s fastest growing demographic groups—those 85 and older—led their lives. The series became the basis for his book, “Happiness Is a Choice You Make: Lessons from a Year among the Oldest Old,” which became a Times bestseller, and, as he wrote in the Times, “No work I have ever done has brought me as much joy and hope, or changed my outlook on life as profoundly.” In today’s episode, Leland talks about his experiences writing this remarkable, hopeful and often surprising book, and the lessons he learned about our pursuit of happiness. Certainly, the examination of “happiness” in today’s frenetic society has become a frequent topic in recent years, the source of best-selling books and wildly popular courses among Harvard and Yale students. But Leland’s unique perspective explores what sociologists often point to as the paradox aging: How can people whose bodies and minds are in decline be happier than those in the “prime of life?” He’ll explain what happiness means, relating it to a sense of fulfillment and purpose, and how a positive attitude can help contribute to overall health and longevity. As he takes us along his heartfelt journey with these elders, Leland talks about the role of gratitude in fostering happiness; how older people find happiness alongside great pain, hardship and loss; and how to live in the moment—still thinking about living long—but not forever. Leland, who previously dubbed himself a chronic “grumpasaurus,” offers a valuable collection of lessons he learned from the oldest old, noting that the good things in life—happiness, purpose, contentment and love—are there all along, whether we’re young or old. We just need to choose them.
America has become a “foodie” nation, with a constant stream of information and debate about diets and nutrition, the latest studies, opinions and prescriptions about what we should be eating—or not. In today’s episode, nutritionist and dietician Alexandra Cerone takes a holistic, common-sense and refreshingly non-judgmental approach to not only what we eat, but how we eat every day–what she calls “Mindful, or Intuitive Eating.” Of course, healthy eating does involve food choices, and Alexandra will talk about some of the basics of an anti-inflammatory diet, the research behind the benefits of foods like complex carbs, fats, various protein sources and daily products. But she’ll also talk about the psychological underpinnings of nutrition, how the foods we eat impact the way we feel, and the importance of thoroughly appreciating our meals, eliminating distractions and engaging all our senses. Ali will offer practical tips on creating good food habits, from portion control to managing snack cravings and safe food shopping, whether you’re buying organic or searching for good-quality vitamins and supplements.
With the year-end season of major movie releases upon us, it’s the perfect time to listen to the wide-ranging perspective of an acclaimed film critic who’s been in the cinematic trenches for five decades—Ty Burr. Ty, who has programmed movies on Cinemax and HBO; reviewed movies and other pop culture For Entertainment Weekly; and was a long-time film critic and cultural columnist for the Boston Globe, now writes a Substack newsletter called “Ty Burr’s Watch List,” devoted to reviews and commentary on theatrical and streaming films, TV and other popular culture. In today’s episode, Ty, who by his own account has seen a “ridiculous number of movies” in his lifetime, will discuss an assortment of questions he hears from viewers. Are the days of the old-school movie star largely a thing of the past? Where did all the compact-to-midsize-model movies? Why does Netflix have no good movies these days? Does the stand-alone movie even exist anymore, or is it all sequels and reboots, and should we just shut up and watch “The Mandalorian”? Ty will also assess some of the major shifts in the film and TV landscape and what trends he foresees in streaming services—even the prospect of DVDs coming back. Of course, he’ll provide a sampling of reviews and commentary from his Watch List, which every week offers new movie recommendations as well as curated choices from years past, a little history and an anecdote or two—something to make you laugh or ponder.
For 40 years, Jay Newman was a legendary hedge fund portfolio manager, traveling across the globe to recover billions of dollars in debt defaults by countries like the Congo, Panama, and Argentina. When he retired in 2016, he considered writing a biographical, non-fiction account of his storied career. Instead, he decided that fiction would be a better vehicle to capture the essence of the people and events he encountered over the years. In today’s episode, Jay talks about his new novel, “Undermoney,” a blockbuster financial thriller about a group of Americans who secretly take over the world’s largest dark money fund. He’ll talk about what he learned about how the unseen confluence of money, power and corruption has shaped the destiny of nations. “Undermoney,” in fact, is a term invented by Jay—it’s the money you don’t see on the surface, but you know it’s there, influencing people and events. Jay will also describe how he made the transition to a first-time novelist in retirement, learning how to use research, along with his experiences, to create a richly fictional world that eerily appears to foreshadow today’s evolving geopolitical landscape. And he’ll offer some insights and observations about what we can learn from the world’s mega-crooks, and how we might limit the corruption that inevitably pervades each generation.
Many of us have been to an emergency room during our lifetime, but rarely have we had the opportunity to see it through the eyes of someone like Jay Baruch—a veteran emergency physician who is also an extraordinary storyteller. In today’s episode, Dr. Baruch will share his wide-ranging—often surprising—experiences in emergency medicine, many of which are described in his new book, “A Tornado of Life: A Doctor’s Journey Through Constraints and Creativity in the ER.” He'll offer a sample of his short, profoundly affecting stories, where it becomes clear that the biggest part of an ER doctor’s work is often caring for people who come in, not only with medical problems, but with social and emotional issues—sometimes all of them at once. Patients like Cheryl, who told Dr. Baruch that he felt “stuck in a tornado of life”; and Fawn, a homeless woman with a history of drug addiction, but whose only request for treatment was “a hug.” Dr. Baruch will explain how he views medicine as a fundamentally creative act, much like his writing, and how the arts and humanities are essential clinical skills for embracing the complexity and uncertainty at the heart of clinical decision-making and patient care. (Indeed, he discovered over the years that he’s a better doctor when he’s writing.) Dr. Baruch will also talk about what he learned as a patient, himself, in the ER; what we should be teaching students in medical school that we’re not; and how we need to change the way we view doctors, illness, and the “emotional and moral contact sport” that is emergency medicine.
In an age driven by science and technology, Dr. Stephen G. Post is a rare blend of scientist and humanist, a best-selling author and transformative speaker who has inspired thousands of people with his profound work on giving behavior. As we look forward to Thanksgiving, Stephen Post will begin today’s episode by talking about the life-enhancing benefits of giving. “Give and live better,” says Dr. Post, who is the lead author of “Why Good Things Happen to Good People: How to Live a Longer, Healthier, Happier Life by the Single Act of Giving.” A growing body of research shows that when we give of ourselves, everything from self-satisfaction to self-realization and physical health is significantly affected. Depression is reduced. Well-being is increased. Mortality is delayed. Beyond his broad research on giving, Stephen will talk about a particular kind of giving—caregiving. The author of the recently published book, “Dignity for Deeply Forgetful People: How Caregivers Can Meet the Challenges of Alzheimer’s Disease,” he has earned international recognition for his acclaimed work on bioethics and compassionate care for people with dementia. Currently, Stephen is Director of the Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care, and Bioethics at Stony Brook University School of Medicine in New York—“a place where the human side of medicine is elevated, examined, and revered.” He also serves as President of the Institute for Research on Unlimited Love, which he co-founded with philanthropist Sir John Templeton. Indeed, there has been a spiritual side to Stephen from the start, and his life work blends an extraordinary exploration of positive psychology, altruism, love, happiness, and the mystery of the human mind.
November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to honor caregivers across the country, raise awareness about caregiving issues and increase support for the roughly 53 million family caregivers across America. There’s so much for caregivers to manage: concerns like legal and financial planning, coordination of health care needs, lots of household tasks—not to mention the emotional concerns of parents and their adult children dealing with the reversal of their traditional roles. That’s why many experts say that caring for an older loved one is one of the most generous gifts we can give—and perhaps one of the most challenging jobs we’ll ever undertake. In today’s episode, we talk with Iris Waichler, the award-winning author of “How to Care of Yourself and Your Aging Parents,” about her personal and professional journey as a long-time patient advocate and counselor to individuals and families. Iris will explain how she facilitates family conversations to plan appropriate care plans; how she helps family members through emotional struggles with anxiety, isolation and depression; and how she confronts issues of ageism and “youngism”—misperceptions on the part of both younger and older generations. And she’ll talk about difficult transitions toward the end of life: dealing with change loss, and grief; and helping people create “ethical wills,” finding avenues to leave behind an emotional legacy, not just physical assets, to family and friends.
On the cusp of what many observers are calling one of the most important mid-term elections in decades, we’re bombarded every day with political advertising for both Democrats and Republicans, each side lambasting the other as a danger to our safety, our economic future and freedoms—our very way of life. Americans are more polarized than ever, and we don’t seem to change much as we get older. But in today’s episode, Ciaran O’Connor, a leading member of Braver Angels, tells the story of how this organization came together after the 2016 election with a bold mission: to bridge the partisan divide, bring Americans together and strengthen our democratic republic. The determined group of founders wanted to see if we, the people, could still disagree respectfully—and just maybe, find common ground. They reject the normalization of extreme polarization, saying no to the breakdown of political and social life that it causes. Today, Ciaran will talk about how Braver Angels has worked to rebuild civic trust and heal the wounds between left and right. He’ll describe the organization’s local alliances, its workshops, one-on-one conversations, town halls podcasts and other events across the country. And he’ll talk about how each of us can join the efforts of a network of volunteers to help bring Americans together, bridge our differences and continue to build a more perfect union.
A few decades ago, when Mary Pipher was a working mother in the midst of a busy career as a clinical psychologist, she realized she might find some precious time during her days to do what she always wanted to do: To write. She read dozens of books on writing, attended workshops and joined a writers’ group. In 1994 she published “Reviving Ophelia,” her first of 11 books, four of which became New York Times bestsellers. In today’s episode, Mary talks about her latest book, “A Life of Light: Meditations on Impermanence,” an illuminating memoir that not only offers heartfelt stories, but profound insights and wisdom into loss, change and hope as we age. Drawing on her own life, which began with a hard, dark childhood, she explores what she’s learned about how to balance despair with joy, trauma with recovery, attachments with separation from the people and things we deeply love. Mary, who has earned the title of “cultural therapist” for her generation, will share the coping skills and resilience she has honed during her lifetime. And she will talk about how each of us can look inside ourselves to write our own story as a life in light.
Everywhere we look these days we’re bombarded by talk: social media, TV news and opinion shows, podcasts, blogs, emails, texts. And yet, we’re living in an age where social isolation and loneliness are on the rise, leading many to call this an epidemic. More than one-third of Americans over the age of 45 report feeling lonely, with prevalence especially high among those under 25 and over 65 years old. While this alarming trend has grown, so has the understanding and evidence of its impact: Social connection significantly affects the health of all of us. In today’s episode, Kasley Killam, a leading expert in social isolation and loneliness, talks about the need to go beyond our traditional thinking that physical and mental health are all that matter. There’s a third dimension to well-being, Kasley points out, that is related to social health—the dimension to well-being that comes from our relationships, our connection and community. Kasley, the Founder of Social Health Labs, will explain how over a decade of studying, sharing and applying the science of human connection has led her to elevate the idea of social health to help individuals, organizations and communities become more socially healthy. She’ll describe the evolution of many key components of social health, such as the role of healthy community design in significantly addressing major societal problems, including health disparities and climate change. Kasley will describe an array of compelling programs and initiatives, such Connect+Conversations, an event series created by Social Health Labs and the Foundation for Social Connection that convened 26 experts and over 2,500 community members from 55 countries to discuss how to reduce and prevent loneliness. And not only will Kasley explain why all this matters, she’ll offer steps each of us can take to strengthen our social health in our day-to-day life.
Every October 15 marks the beginning of Medicare’s annual open enrollment period, when Medicare recipients can change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year. It’s an important time for everyone to review their plan to determine whether it’s the best one to fit their needs. But with hundreds of choices, this process can be a complex maze for any individual to handle—and the enrollment period ends December 7. In today’s episode, Independent Senior Health Representative Jane O’Malley explains the A, B, C’s (and D) of Medicare—from traditional Medicare (Parts A & B) to Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap) and Part D prescription drug plans. Jane will talk about the process of signing up; what the options are in choosing plans; and how she guides families through the changes that Medicare health and drug plans can implement each year—things like costs, coverage, and which providers and pharmacies are in their networks. She’ll also discuss the latest changes in Medicare policies and provisions, like coverage for telehealth and vaccines, and new requirements for recording calls between agents and clients. Every person has distinctive needs, and Jane’s goal is to make sure that they are enrolled in the most comprehensive, suitable, yet affordable, plan. Simply put, she says, “I am happy to be the voice of their choice.”
As we kick off National Aging in Place Week, surveys tell us that an overwhelming majority of older adults want to remain in the comfort and security of their own homes for as long as possible. But many families are not equipped with the resources and expertise to accomplish this goal. In today’s episode, the Executive Director of the National Aging in Place Council, Tara Ballman, talks about her organization’s mission to provide families and caregivers with the education and tools they need to age with grace and dignity. Tara will describe how NAIPC has grown over the years into a proactive nationwide network of experts in health care, financial services, elder law, Medicare and Medicaid specialist, home design, home care, assisted living, and dozens of other fields—virtually every area of expertise that families might need to age in place, wherever that place might be at later stages of life. Tara, who has worked in the aging services field for almost two decades, is co-author with 19 other NAIPC members of the Council’s just-published first book, “Aging In Place Conversations: What Industry Experts Have to Say.” She’ll detail the book’s impressive array of resources and commentary, listed by NAIPC’s “Five Pillars of Aging,” as well as talk about the organization’s online tool-kits, YouTube TV channel, events, blogs and practical advice. Just as many of us made a plan to go to college (and then put our kids through college), we should have a plan for our aging years—a plan that need to be just as detailed, and just as commonplace, in our society.
More than a decade ago, officials from the Town of North Hempstead on Long Island noticed a significant trend in the Town’s Census data: the region’s older population—residents aged 75 to 84—increased 40%, while those over 85 had increased 60%, since the last national census. They also had discovered another important trend: many of these older residents were long-time members of their community who wanted to remain in their homes, aging in place independently for as long as possible. So the Town created an innovative program called Project Independence, which over the years has grown into a multi-faceted program with one primary goal: to help seniors live healthy, active and engaged lives by connecting them to valuable services and programs in their communities. In today’s episode, Rebecca Miller, Deputy Director of the Town of Hempstead’s Department of Services for the Aging, will talk about how Project Independence serves thousands of local seniors every year, linking them to health care professionals, social workers, taxi rides to doctors, shopping, socialization and fitness programs and home-repair services. Rebecca will describe how the program has created unique partnership with community organizations, health care professionals, social service agencies and businesses. And she will explain how Project Independence has evolved into a nationally recognized NORC—a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community. While NORCs have been springing up across the country, they’re more common in urban settings—which has made Project Independence a distinctive and valuable model for suburban communities across America.
The next time you go to the supermarket, you may notice that some products have what’s known as a BBE (“best before end” date) stamped on the packaging. What does this mean? It’s not that the food will be unsafe after that date, but it may not be at its best—its flavor and texture might not be as good after a certain period of time. While we may not think of other products or aspects of our lives having best before dates, longevity expert Scott Fulton has developed a creative approach to apply this concept to our living environment, as well as our health and well-being. In today’s episode, Scott, who is Founder and President of Home Ideations, will talk about the best before date of our house. In many instances, we buy our homes and remain in them for decades, but most houses are not designed for older adults. The renovations we make are often not the kinds of design changes that will support our future needs, so we end up living in houses that are essentially beyond their best before date. But as Scott points out, that doesn’t mean we can’t devise plenty of strategies to extend the functional lifespan of our home environment to fit our needs as we age. Scott will explain how he collaborates with homeowners to combine functional design features with striking styles that add aesthetic value to their homes. He’ll talk about “forward flow” solutions to accommodate a spectrum of all ages; no-step solutions to minimize falls as we age (September is Fall Prevention Awareness Month) and describe how cost-effective technologies are being introduced in our entrances, kitchens, and living areas. Call it “Aging with Grace” or “Thriving in Home-Based Retirement,” what matters, Scott says, is that you have a realistic plan that shields you from potential crises, while providing an inviting and secure lifestyle for years to come.
Every year, millions of consumers are affected by fraud and scams—especially elderly Americans. These incidents have been growing at an alarming rate and have assumed troublingly creative tactics: a variety of identity theft schemes; phone scams like callers claiming they’re with the IRS, Social Security or company customer service departments; lottery or sweepstakes scams; or callers pretending to be family members in financial distress. The Federal Trade Commission estimates the cost of financial fraud reached nearly $6 billion last year, and the real cost is likely much higher because many victims are too ashamed to come forward and report the incidents. But you don’t have to be a victim. In today’s episode, Kathy Stokes, Director of Fraud Prevention Programs with AARP, talks about her mission to educate older adults on the risks that fraud represents to their financial security—and what they can do about it. A nationally recognized expert in consumer fraud issues, Kathy will describe how she and her team have expanded AARP’s leadership in this arena, including the creation of a new victim support program and a multi-year campaign to end the use of gift cards in fraud. Besides offering some strategies for people to protect themselves, she’ll talk about the formation of a national effort to fundamentally transform how our society addresses consumer fraud. In fact, a major study by the AARP Fraud Watch Network, which teamed up with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Investor Education Foundation, found that our “victim-blaming” culture exacerbates the deep sense of shame and low self-esteem felt by financial fraud victims, shifting the focus away from perpetrators and allowing these horrific crimes to flourish. But these practices can shift, Kathy argues, and she’ll explain how AARP and the FINRA Foundation are seeking to engage institutions—financial, law enforcement, legislative and judicial— the media, and the general public to drive long-term change in how victims of financial fraud are treated.
As a child in the 1940s in Philadelphia, Ray Scott idolized the Harlem Globetrotters, whom he credits with introducing him to professional basketball in an era when it was a predominantly white spectator sport. So when he was drafted by the National Basketball Association’s Detroit Pistons in 1961 he was already familiar with the Black ground-breakers in the League, figures like Earl Lloyd, the first Black man to play in an NBA game. Little did he expect that just over a decade later he would become a coach, and soon a basketball icon himself, as the first Black coach to be named the NBA’s Coach of the Year. In today’s episode, Ray Scott talks about his experiences as a player and coach—and much more—that he recounts in his new memoir, “The NBA in Black and White: The Memoir of a Trailblazing NBA Player and Coach.” He will offer a storied history of several other prominent Black players of his time, including Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Roberson and Bill Russell, and the impact they had transforming the game. Along with his favorite memories as player and coach, Ray will detail his formative role in the creation of the modern-day NBA through his contribution in establishing the NBA players’ union in the 1960s. He’ll provide his perspective on issues of racial discrimination and integration over his lifespan, including his involvement in the civil rights movement, from meeting Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X to working alongside Coretta Scott King. And finally, Ray will talk about how he transitioned from his NBA years into a successful post-basketball life of business and social service.
Planning for retirement triggers all sorts of thoughts: excitement, hope, expectation—and yes, a dose of anxiety. We worry about financial security (did we save enough?) but we’re often not prepared for the emotional and social aspects of this major life transition. In today’s episode, Leah Frankel— who has created the entrepreneurial role of “Retirement Journey Advocate”—offers a sharp and refreshing perspective on how to prepare for this next chapter of life. Whether you want to launch a second career; have a side-job or hobby, volunteer, travel, or just sit back and relax, Leah will guide and support you through a stress-free workplace exit, prepared for a new identity and fulfilling experiences. Leah, herself, retired three years ago from a highly successful 30-year career with L’Oreal, and in the process discovered how to transfer her skills and talents into a meaningful second act—and guide others how to do the same. In today’s conversation with host Ron Roel, Leah will explain her simple, 3-step process for leaving a long-time career—a common-sense approach that combines attention to administrative and procedural details with strategic goals and priorities. She’ll also provide a list of 7 key tips and insights to start your retirement journey, from creating a list of “hard and soft skills”; to adapting from a corporate structure to flexible time schedules; creating new relationships and social networks; and learning how (and when) to take breaks to recharge. Finally, drawing from her own personal experiences, Leah will talk about the importance of finding fulfillment, not just happiness, in retirement—finding ways to continue making a difference, imparting your experiences to the next generations, and feeling that life is important and meaningful.
Today’s episode is the final chapter of a 3-part conversation that I began earlier this summer, focusing on of a terrific book, What Went Right: Lessons from Both Sides of the Teacher’s Desk, by co-authors Roberta Israeloff and George McDermott. Roberta was one of my classmates at Syosset High School on Long Island in the late 1960s and has remained a long-time friend. George was our 11th Grade American Lit teacher at Syosset. Roberta, a career writer and author, is currently the Director of the nonprofit Squire Family Foundation, dedicated to encouraging the teaching of philosophy at pre-college levels. And George, a writer and poet, has had several teaching jobs, as well as extensive editorial experience in several business and media fields over several decades. In my last conversation with Roberta and George in July, we elaborated on some of their recollections and perspectives during their earlier teaching experiences, which were detailed in their book. We went on to focus on what’s changed (or not) in public education, society and in their own lives, inside and outside the classroom. In today’s show, we’ll continue our discussion of significant shifts and trends in public education that George and Roberta have observed—some of which have spurred considerable debate, such as the application of more corporate approaches to education…and questions about how much education should be linked to the training of students more specifically for future jobs. We’ll take a longer look at the true meaning of lifelong learning. And finally, I’ll ask Roberta and George to offer some parting takeaways from their collaborative exploration of education over their lifetimes, what they discovered about themselves in the process, and how we can all continue this conversation that ultimately teaches us to be human.
Life is challenging for everyone these days. If it’s not one bill, it’s another. If it’s not culture wars, it’s inflation. We’re faced with constant feelings of insecurity, not knowing if we will be OK tomorrow. So how do we lighten up amid all this chaos? In today’s episode, columnist Jerry Zezima, an unshakeable humorist, syndicated newspaper columnist and author of six books, including most recently “One for the Ageless,” talks about his craft and why laughter is so important in keeping us sane and healthy—especially through our elder years. Academic experts who study humor (yes, they do exist) regrettably point out that most people start to lose their sense of humor starting around age 23—and it doesn’t rebound until our retirement years. At the same time, we’ve also learned that laughter, while perhaps not literally the best medicine, is very good for our health—like vegetables or therapy, only more fun. Psychologists and physicians cite lots of research showing the many benefits of humor, especially as we age. It relieves stress, helps ease anxiety and depression. It supports our immune system, helps lower blood pressure, and relaxes our muscles. But Jerry did not become a humorist for his health. He writes with a lens focused on laughter because that’s who he’s always been (it didn’t t stop at age 23) and because he is relentlessly curious, exploring life for small, unexpected moments of connection—or incongruity. He is an incurable pundit. He has made many radio and television appearances; done several YouTube videos, is a popular public speaker, and he is writing a sitcom. Whatever the venue, he will nudge you with gentle humor until you surrender to a smile. He has the time. His still has an active family life in so-called retirement, with his wife, two daughters, and five grandchildren. But, he insists, he has no interesting hobbies.
A few months ago, Dr. Sherry Kelly, a widely recognized neuropsychologist, was a guest on 45 Forward, talking about how we can maintain mental wellness in an age of social media overload—on top of the social isolation, trauma and anxiety brought on by a deadly pandemic.In today’s episode, Dr. Kelly rejoins our conversation, along with an eminent physio-psychologist Dr. Gerard Meyer, the CEO of the Mental Wellness Society International, to talk about another dire mental health crisis: the daily struggles of families in Ukraine, trying to cope and indeed, survive, amid the uncertainties of war. Drs. Kelly and Meyer are members of a tireless corps of professionals who are working with their colleagues in Ukraine to support families in need of daily support and services. Each week, they offer a range of programs, services and training to help caregivers, teachers, health care providers and volunteers. In today’s conversation, they’ll describe their efforts to bring people together, coordinating with other relief initiatives and humanitarian organizations to help families prepare and focus on crisis responses and strategies to mobilize them to action—what they can do to make things right. In a broader context, Drs. Kelly and Meyer will also talk about the vision of the Mental Wellness Society: to unite experts in making mental wellness a global movement, promoting mental wellness as something more sustainable in our daily lives, than a reactive, treatment-based mental health practice.
At a time of sharp political and cultural divisions, many of us yearn for earlier days when we had a vision for peace and understanding across the world. Despite daunting obstacles, there are thousands of people who continue to pursue this vision—one small step at a time—even into their retirement years. In today’s episode, we talk with Jackie Agdern and Jim Glasser, members of Friendship Force International, a nonprofit organization focused on promoting understanding, cultural education and citizen diplomacy through home stay Journeys and personal friendships. Jackie and Jim, who are active members of the New York metro area chapter of Friendship Force, will explain how Friendship Force brings people together at the personal level through its signature program of home hospitality. In a typical program, a local club prepares an itinerary of cultural activities, inviting members from clubs in other states or countries to stay with them in their homes for up to a week. Jackie and Jim will describe some of their memorable journeys over the years, and what they learned about other cultures and lifestyles when given the opportunity to “ put your feet up on the kitchen table and get to know people.” Founded in 1977, Friendship Force now has 15,000 active members in 350 clubs worldwide. In today’s conversation, you’ll learn how to get involved with a Friendship Force club in your area, host international visitors in your home or join a cultural travel program formed around common interests such as gardening, hiking or wine. Through these personal encounters,strangers become friends, and we by experiencing different views, we can discover common ground.
Today’s 45 Forward episode is Chapter 2 of a unique, 3-part conversation, focusing on of a fascinating book, What Went Right: Lessons from Both Sides of the Teacher’s Desk, by the co-authors Roberta Israeloff and George McDermott. Roberta, a long-time friend, was one of my classmates at Syosset High School on Long Island in the late 1960s; George was our 11th Grade American Lit teacher. Roberta, a lifelong writer and author, is currently the Director of the nonprofit Squire Family Foundation, dedicated to encouraging the teaching of philosophy at pre-college levels. And George, now a writer and poet, has had several teaching jobs , as well as extensive editorial experience in several business and media fields over the course of his career. In my first conversation with George on June 13th, we talked about how he and Roberta reconnected after more than 50 years on social media and began a steady correspondence that evolved into a provocative exchange about their perspectives over several decades, from inside and outside the classroom, which ultimately turned into their book, What Went Right—essentially a story of their own “lifelong learning” experiences. Everything from what they’ve learned about the roles of teachers as instructors and mentors; to the continuous debates over curriculum and standardized testing; to the fundamental questions about how education should prepare young people to be “human”—that is, discerning and productive citizens in a complex, often unpredictable world. George and I talked about his early experiences at Syosset with Roberta, and I shared some of my own recollections of that time, looking back at how things were—not so much with nostalgia, but rather, reflecting on what they meant, given changing perspectives and experiences over the course of a lifetime. Today, we’re going to continue the conversation with Roberta, focusing more on what’s changed in public education, society and their own lives since Syosset High School. It’s a decidedly different spin on the concept of “lifelong learning” as we get older, one of the most important ingredients to healthy aging. It's a story about teaching and learning, but also what we’ve learned about ourselves.
July has always been a pivotal month of the year, the halfway point when we look back at the events of the last six months and look ahead to the potential for the second half. In a way, it’s a snapshot of our theme for 45 Forward—looking forward to the second half of life that (hopefully) will be even better than the first. But as we close the books on the first half of 2022, there are lots of worries about our uncertain future, especially the economy. Inflation is the highest level since 1981; we’re in shock over gas and food prices and supply chain disruptions; the S & P 500 experienced its worst first-half decline in five decades. Not to mention the troubling impact of the war in Ukraine and continuing questions about the state of COVID, both at home and abroad. Where on earth are we headed? In today’s episode, we talk with Michael Hartzman, a Wall Street veteran who specializes in retirement planning, education, elder and estate planning, life insurance and long-term care. Michael is the co-host of a national weekly business podcast, The Lebenthal Report, a business show that keeps investors informed about the current market conditions, opportunities and risks, breaking down today’s complex stories into easily understood concepts. Michael will offer insights into how we can continue to face the ongoing anxieties during the next phases of our life—providing the income to meet the expenses of a fulfilling retirement while also putting money aside for the things that keep us up at night: the inevitable “Uh ohs” and the “I didn’t see that coming.” Ultimately, his goal is to help us create and sustain a low-stress plan for our financial success and security.
Many aging experts become focused on the field of gerontology when they become, well, older. Not so with Carly Roman. Carly’s interest was first piqued as a high school student on Long Island, when she founded a local chapter of GlamourGals, a national group that provides free makeup and manicures, in addition to social connection, for older adults. Through her undergraduate and graduate education, culminating with a PhD degree at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, Carly founded two more local chapters of GlamourGals—and along the way has broadened her compassion for seniors into a passion for developing pragmatic programs that benefit older adults and those who support them. In today’s episode, Carly, currently the Innovation Manager at the Motion Picture & Television Fund in southern California, will talk about her core philosophy of “positive psychology”—shedding light on the positive aspects of aging—and “generativity,” the feeling of meaningfully contributing to another person’s well-being—as well as yourself. In her current position, she focuses on strategies to provide health and wellness, social services, and programs for working and retired members of the entertainment industry. More broadly, she is committed to bridging the gap between research and practice to ensure that older adults have opportunities to feel valued and stay socially connected through intergenerational programs. Drawing from her varied experiences, including those through the National Science Foundation, the Archstone Foundation and Dorot, Carly will talk about her vision for an age-integrative, rather than age-segregated society. How do we change our age “silos” to create enriching experiences for all ages? How do we shift resources to deal with the reality of people living longer, reconciling the desire for independence above all, while still being safe? And how do we paint a more realistic picture of the aging process? Not that age doesn’t matter, but that people should be valued, first, for their achievement, so that we no longer find ourselves saying, “Well, that’s really amazing—for someone their age!”
For many decades, the words “work” and “office” were virtually synonymous. But after two years of COVID-induced remote and hybrid work, one thing seems abundantly clear: The future of work is likely to be very different from the past. Many organizations are struggling to get employees back to the office, after millions of workers left their jobs—some laid off, but many others looking for higher paying, more fulfilling jobs, as well a more flexible, balanced lifestyle. In today’s episode, Professor Lynda Gratton, a renowned thought-leader and consultant on the future of work, talks about “what is undoubtedly the greatest global shift in work for a century.” Even as many of us enter the second half of our working lives, is there a chance to radically redesign the way we work? In her recently published book, “Redesigning Work,” Lynda Gratton uses her 30 years of research into the technological, demographic, cultural and social trends shaping work to present an innovative framework to help make hybrid work policies work for everyone. In today’s conversation Lynda will examine several key questions facing hybrid work redesign. How do organizations design ways to boost both creativity and productivity, while also providing the flexibility people crave? How do we determine when it’s better for employees to work face-to-face, and when is productivity actually enhanced through virtual design? And how do we create hybrid environments that work well for a range of employees—and that people feel is fair and equitable over the longer term? Lynda, who founded London-based HSM Advisory over a decade ago, will also offer several prominent examples of forward-looking organizations that are successfully navigating the journey to redesign work that is more engaging, flexible and ultimately more productive.
As we look around us today, there’s no question that this is a time of great transition. For baby boomers like me, it’s the inevitable transition to the end of our generation’s presence and influence, a passing of our lives, as well as the symbolic passing of the torch, and of our legacy to the next generations. It is also a time of immense disruption, tectonic shifts in our economy and society, with a war abroad, political division at home, a worldwide pandemic and climate change. Of course, such disruption can open up opportunities for new, and sometimes surprising, opportunities in life. But it also precipitates a profound sense of loss and grieving at many levels, starting with our families. In today’s conversation, I’ll be talking with Susan Capurso, the owner of East End Doula Care here on Long Island, New York, who is widely recognized for her remarkable work guiding and supporting individuals and their families—emotionally, practically, and spiritually—through an end-of-life journey. A three-time author, Susan is the creator of the “The Healing Garden Bowl,” a bowl filled with Long Island stones with inspiring messages for you to gift a friend when their going through a personal challenge. Susan facilitates “Family Grief Ceremonies” in the comfort of your home and virtually as well. She is also a “Legacy Creator,” and will talk about “The Story of Me,” a project she brings to families that is not only a passion of hers, but one that can change the course of history for every one of our listeners today. These are challenging transitions, but also part of life’s natural journey, and if we address them with care and openness, they can provide an invaluable opportunity to support and honor both ourselves…and our loved ones.
As we get older, one of the most important ingredients to healthy aging, experts say, is lifelong learning—a self-motivated pursuit of new ideas, skills and knowledge, particularly in the second half of life. But today, we’re going to take a very different spin on lifelong learning, as we talk with Roberta Israeloff and George McDermott, the co-authors of a fascinating book, “What Went Right: Lessons from Both Sides of the Teacher’s Desk.” Roberta, a lifelong writer, is Director of the nonprofit Squire Family Foundation, dedicated to encouraging the teaching of philosophy at pre-college levels. And George, a writer and poet, is a former teacher who also had extensive editorial experience in several business and media fields over the course of his career. The two met in the late 1960s, when George was a young English teacher at Syosset High School on Long Island; Roberta was one of his students. “One of us was the teacher, one of us was the student. Mostly what we did was argue,” they recalled. But when they found each other on social media several years ago, they began a steady correspondence that became a book about their own “lifelong learning”—resulting in a provocative and vibrant exchange about their perspectives on public education over time, from inside and outside the classroom. Everything from their experiences as teachers, to the continuous debate over standardized testing, to the perennial questions about how education should prepare students to be “human,” to be discerning and productive citizens in a complex, increasingly divisive and unpredictable world. But it is also a story about what Roberta and George learned about themselves; what they remembered; how they reconnected; what went right (and wrong); what changed over their lives; and what has remained the same—what endures. Today’s conversation is Part I of a unique 3-part series that will continue in July and August.
Taking care of an elderly loved one—or yourself, for that matter, as you age—can be a complicated challenge. Analyzing the medical options of the healthcare maze, on top of elder law and estate planning, can be confusing and frustrating—even frightening. What’s clear is that to successfully navigate this stretch in life’s journey, families need a team—a team of advocates to guide them. In today’s episode, two top experts, Dr. Georganne Vartorella, the president and founder of Patient Advocacy MD in suburban Cleveland, Ohio, and Ronald Fatoullah, the president and founder of Ronald Fatoullah & Associates in New York, talk about how they advocate for families, each with a unique set of skills, knowledge and experience in their respective fields. Georganne will describe how she and her team work to bring together families, social workers and doctors to communicate effectively about diagnosis, treatments and alternatives for care. What guidance or support they might need? What are the pitfalls of the system? How can we think in advance about available options depending on status and healthcare needs? And how can we remove risks and roadblocks to keep everyone working together for aligned goals? For his part, Ron will talk about how he works with array of experts to help guide families through sometimes difficult conversations to meet the needs of their elderly loved ones, whether they need immediate assistance to face a sudden long-term care crisis; understand the nuances of new laws affecting seniors; or are looking to create an estate plan for future generations. Both Georganne and Ron are steadfastly committed to educating, advocating and empowering people to chart their own path to health, well-being and financial stability. Their goal is not only to improve the lives of their patients and clients, but the lives of all seniors—to be their voice when people may not be able to advocate for themselves.
Most will unknowingly give away about 10 years of healthy living—our “healthspan” years—and the opportunity to continue enjoying daily living to the fullest. We know this, says longevity expert and educator Scott Fulton, based on data gathered from hundreds of millions of people. We don’t hear a lot about it, Scott adds, because the things that promote longevity aren’t deeply rooted in anti-aging products or retirement resorts, but rather in simple, accessible lifestyle choices. In today’s episode, Scott—a researcher, innovator, and engineer by training—talks about how millions of us could easily live healthy to 95, with just some basic education on how interconnected our bodies are with our lifestyle choices and our environment. No pills or potions; just informed natural choices, resulting in both immediate and sustainable lifestyle benefits. Scott will explain how people can “reverse engineer” the life they dream of, improve the quality of life today and achieve additional healthier years in the future by balancing what he calls the “Five Pillars of Longevity Success”: Mind, Environment Diet, Exercise and Community. Scott, who established Home Ideations, a livability consulting company, is also a dedicated educator at heart, and he will describe his dynamic adult education courses, the Longevity Advantage™, and Whealthspan™, a balanced investment approach to both health and wealth. Life happens, and if decisions are left unaddressed, they make themselves. Ultimately, longevity isn’t about doing one thing right, or about perfection, or just for the chosen few, Scott notes. It’s available to almost all of us and it’s just about making informed choices along the journey of life.
As we get older and become empty nesters, one question naturally arises: “Should we downsize to a smaller house?” It’s clear we don’t need all that space—or the continued expense and time it takes to maintain a large family home. But…we still love the idea of living in our own home. Where can we go? Better call Sheri. In today’s episode, we call on Sheri Koones, an award-winning author and recognized national authority on home construction, who explains the mass shift from expensive suburban and urban living to smaller, more affordable homes. Sheri, the author of 10 books over 20 years, has written on a wide array of housing topics, from the growing movement in “tiny houses,” to the latest trends in prefabricated, energy-efficient and sustainable homes. In her latest, recently published book, “Bigger than Tiny, Smaller than Average,” Sheri offers examples of small-house options around the country. In today’s conversation, she’ll talk about what kinds of consumers are driving the small-housing movement, in some cases driven by a desire for a different lifestyle, in other cases compelled by a need to create a smaller environmental footprint. As we move forward through the pandemic-turned-endemic, Sheri will also describe the shift toward homeowners interested in more practical spaces, including accessory dwelling units known as ADUs, and innovative designs that can make smaller houses feel larger than they are. Whether you’re thinking buying, building or renovating a smaller home, Sheri will inspire you with a dazzling range of ideas and options for your next living space.
Each May, we commemorate Older Americans Month—ever since President John F. Kennedy issued a formal proclamation in 1963 asking the nation to encourage and recognize the countless contributions that older adults make to our communities. This year, the Administration for Community Living, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will lead the observance of Older Americans Month with the theme, “Age My Way,” focusing on how older adults can plan to stay in their homes and be involved in their communities for as long as possible. In today’s episode, Rhonda Schwartz, a regional administrator for the Administration for Community Living will explain the agency’s broad mission: to maximize the independence, health and well-being of older adults and people with disabilities, as well as their families and caregivers. Indeed, all people, regardless of age and disability, deserve to live with dignity, make their own choices, and participate fully in society.This year is also 10th anniversary of the creation of the ACL, and Rhonda will discuss how the agency has evolved over the years to more fully integrate its work for both the aging and disabilities communities. She’ll talk about the agency’s approach to promoting planning, participation, accessibility, and making connections—all of which play a role in aging in place—emphasizing that what each person needs and prefers is unique. She’ll explain how the pandemic affected the delivery of vital ACL programs and services, how the agency has adapted and continues to deal with the challenges of social isolation, stress and mental health issues among elderly populations. And Rhonda will weigh in on the agency’s (and her own) efforts to reframe how we view aging, to recognize how older people not only contribute to the economy, but offer wisdom, their time, experience and talents to enrich the lives of those around them.
Over the last half century, we’ve witnessed a blizzard of technological advances that have had a profound impact on our daily lives. But if we take the time to reflect for a moment, and look around at the commonplace devices we take for granted, we would discover that many of them had their origin during an era we don’t normally associate with innovation—the Middle Ages. In today’s episode, author and producer John W. Farrell takes us through a fascinating series of stories in his book, “The Clock and the Camshaft,” that describe how dozens of inventions that are part of virtually every aspect of contemporary technology had their roots in medieval times, between the eleventh and fourteenth centuries. John takes us behind the invention of a key mechanism leading to the mechanical clock—perhaps as a means of automating the ringing of church bells. He’ll explain how cylindrical axles know as camshafts originated in windmills—centuries before they evolved into a key component of internal combustion engines. He’ll take us through architectural innovations like the flying buttresses, which allowed the design of grand cathedrals that dwarfed buildings of the Roman empire. Then there were social inventions such as universities, ignited by the popes as a way to protect the church against the power of European monarchs. And the mariner’s astrolabe and the compass—tools that helped spur the expansion of European trade and enabled navigators like Columbus to take real chances outside the comfortable commerce between Mediterranean port cities. Perhaps most remarkable theme throughout John Farrell’s stories is the refreshing discovery that many of the world’s most important inventions were not only due to the ingenuity and hard work of prominent individuals, but thanks to the work of everyday people whose names may be unknown, but whose legacy laid the foundations of the modern world.
With the relentless march of digital technology over the last few decades, we’ve seen a contemporary society increasingly focused on making life faster, easier, convenient, more comfortable. But there’s an underside to this pervasive technology. Modernity is working against many of our physical, intellectual and emotional needs, according to a growing body of research. It’s actually making us age faster. In today’s episode, Dr. Sherry Kelly, a widely recognized clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist, talks about her 30 years’ experience researching and exploring ways to keep our brain vibrant in the digital age. It’s a not an easy challenge. Even as the pandemic recedes, there’s still not enough face-to-face time or time spent outdoors; we remain entrenched in a 24-hour news cycle, an enclosed world of social media and streaming; and a largely sedentary lifestyle. Yet each of us has more power than we may think to control aging, says Dr. Kelly. We do have choices and options, but they often require us to be proactive, to change our lifestyle, gain emotional flexibility and revise our personal expectations. A frequent lecturer on neuroscience, health and wellness, and positive psychology, Dr. Kelly will provide her insights on how managing digital technology can help prevent cognitive decline, as well as describe her work with children, researching the impact of digital technology and social media on the development of social skills in youth. Along with her daughter, Kaitlyn Kelly, she founded PositiviTeens Workshops, which provide coaching, and webinars to educate diverse audiences about how digital technology is not only affecting the social skills in youth, but changing developing brains. As a young teen, Kaitlyn was personally impacted by the high school shooting in her childhood hometown of Parkland, Fla., when she witnessed the unfolding violence upon friends and neighbors via unfiltered social media.
For the first time in U.S. history, people over 60 outnumber people under 18, raising fears of a widening generational divide. But Encore.org sees things differently. It believes that the aging of America isn’t so much of a problem as it is an opportunity to be seized. In this episode, Eunice Lin Nichols, Encore’s dynamic VP for Innovation, talks about how her organization is working to change our culture of age segregation, building a movement to make intergenerational collaboration the norm. Eunice will spell out what it means to live “Gen2Gen,” and how to take part in the “encore career” movement, joining people age 50 and up who are committed to using their experiences to create second acts for the greater good. She’ll explain the inspiring histories of the Purpose Prize, Experience Corps and Encore Fellowships; and offer stories and examples of intergenerational solutions to pressing social problems: the housing crisis facing both young and old; the epidemic of loneliness across generations; the co-location of childcare and eldercare centers; and the need for co-generational leadership in the workforce--to name a few. How can you participate in the encore movement? Find out about the Encore Network, and what you can do to join a coalition of leaders and organizations across the country to create a better future for all.
We may be recovering—slowly, tentatively—from this long pandemic, as the number of COVID cases decrease, masking requirements are relaxed, and in-person meetings cautiously resume. But there’s little sense of comfort in this “New Normal.” There seems to be pervasive feelings of stress, anxiety, trauma and depression that continue to linger. In part, we’re still grieving the losses inflicted by the last two-plus years—and we’re worried that new COVID variants may be on the horizon. On top of all that, we’re nervous about inflation, a possible recession, the growing war in Ukraine, and troubling political and social division in our own country. How do we cope with our Anxiety Society? How do we find ways to manage and alleviate what increasingly feels like overwhelming stress? In today’s episode, Bill Solz, the director of Stress Solutions of New York, talks about his long career exploring ways to help people who are in emotional pain through quicker-healing approaches. Bill’s journey has given him many perspectives: as a teacher, childcare worker, university professor, social worker in both public and private schools, and now a licensed clinical social worker with multiple credentials, including certification in anger management and domestic violence. Bill will talk about how he works with individuals and families in promoting stress reduction and addressing trauma and addictions. He’ll explain various treatment approaches he uses to provide quick symptom relief and comprehensive healing—among them alternative therapy techniques such as Havening and the Developmental Needs Meeting Strategy. And, at a time when many of us feel pressured to move on in our fast-paced culture, despite traumatic setbacks, Bill will discuss his work as an advanced grief recovery specialist, leading a support group that incorporates treatment as well.
Pediatrician Mark Vonnegut has spent nearly 40 years treating children for coughs, fevers, ear infections, and sometimes more serious medical conditions. Over that time, he has seen the U.S. health care system change in ways he couldn’t have imagined as a medical student. Some good, others not so much. But what hasn’t change over the span of his career is the commitment to his young patients, whose stories fill the pages of his new book, “The Heart of Caring.” In today’s episode, Dr. Vonnegut recounts some of the cases that have struck him over the years—and what he has learned from them—as well as the challenges he has encountered in the practice of medicine. He doesn’t pull any punches. He talks about the consequences of the privatization of health care and the skyrocketing costs of insurance and pharmaceuticals, and—as a self-described “refugee from mental illness,” he points out the barriers to mental health services. But along with his diagnosis of the health care establishment, he offers prescriptions for making the system better and more centered on what’s good for patients. Over the course of today’s conversation, Dr. Vonnegut, a second-time author, will take us along the journey of a career that is ultimately a love letter to his patients and his profession, with many heartbreaks, but also great hopes.
As with many challenges in life, having the right mindset is the key to success. And so it is with the process of aging. Understanding the mindset of seniors—not just at a clinical level—is vital to providing the services they need and ensuring that they live the best lives possible. But how do you know what seniors really want? What are they thinking at a deeper level and how do we ask questions that get to these answers? In today’s episode, Deanne O’Rear-Cameron, a personal development consultant, aging-in-place specialist and senior advocate, relates how her many experiences in the senior and health care fields have helped gain valuable insights into both the mindset of seniors, as well as the mindset of the culture that cares for them. Deanne, who serves as chair of the Las Vegas Senior Citizens Advisory Board, as well posts on multiple other councils and organizations, talks about how to teach seniors (and the rest of us) through a distinctive process of repetitive education—but repetition that’s fun, not just the same old dry information and advice. Share, care, and ask a lot of questions of seniors—and if you’re not sure what the answers are, ask again. Deanne’s approach teaches seniors how to be proactive about their life, rather than reactive. Not being prepared for getting older in life creates anxiety, but we can use motivating solutions to address the inevitable challenges of aging. If you want to be a dancer at 90, Deanne says, you need to be active in your 50s and 60s. And even as you get older and less active, you can enjoy things in a different way. You can go there in your mind; where the mind goes, the body follows, she says. Aging in place should always include mindset among its guiding principles. Indeed, the best anti-aging tool we have is our mind.
After two trying years, we appear to be making a fitful transition from a tumultuous pandemic to an almost normal endemic—at least for now. But what lessons have we really learned from this crisis? Do we have effective strategies to recover from the continuing impact on public health, or the economic and social disruption caused by COVID—especially as we get older and more vulnerable? Are we better prepared to handle future crises, whether natural disasters or man-made political conflicts now roiling across the world? In today’s episode, Linda Fostek, a best-selling author and crisis planning consultant, and Donald Patane, a veteran financial advisor, offer their collective wisdom on how to prepare for potential crises, as well as recover from them when they unavoidably land on us. Linda is the creator of a comprehensive crisis planning guide designed to help people protect their homes and loved ones from a range of disasters, from violent storms to cyber fraud. She helps families assemble customized “In Case of Emergency” toolkits to deal with the challenging “What ifs?” in life—and stop worrying about them. Don specializes in long-term financial planning for everyone from young newlyweds to older retirees, who now face the sudden impact of inflation. Often referring to himself as “a financial doctor who does house calls,” Don will talk about how he works with a network of professionals to help families create strategies to address needs (and potential crises) through every stage of life, from general investment and college planning to life insurance, long-term care and funeral pre-planning. And beyond individual preparedness, Linda and Don will talk also about how communities can come together in times of crisis, providing needed support recovery processes that often take longer than we ever thought.
Americans are a famously impatient people—young or old. Because achievement is so recognized and rewarded, many of us have become addicted to fast accomplishment and quick wins. We want to gain wealth or lose weight in 30 days. We press for change—faster, better, sooner—especially now, as we yearn to get past Covid and get back to normal life that feels like it’s taken too long. But impatience can often compound emotional stress and anxiety, impeding clear thinking and the resolution of tough problems. In today’s episode, psychologist, author and thought leader Dr. Andrea Gould-Marks talks not only about the virtues of patience, but how to cultivate the practical skills of patience-building. Andrea is the co-author of a series of short, use-friendly booklets she calls “Relief-lets”—guides designed to provide soothing guidance during these times of turmoil. In her newly published “Patience and Possibility,” she provides insights into the mindset of patience; the methodology of developing better relationships and listening skills though patience; and what she calls “the paradox of patience”—slowing down your system, which may seem to take you off track, but actually affords you the time and flexibility to make the choices needed to weather unpredictable circumstances. And, in moments of our frustration, Andrea offers some practical ways to manage our experiences of time, making choices as to how to spend it wisely, rather than chafing with impatience.
Many aging experts become focused on the field of gerontology when they become, well, older. Not so with Carly Roman. Carly’s interest was first piqued as a high school student on Long Island, when she founded a local chapter of GlamourGals, a national group that provides free makeup and manicures, in addition to social connection, for older adults. Through her undergraduate and graduate education, culminating with a PhD degree at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, Carly founded two more local chapters of GlamourGals—and along the way has broadened her compassion for seniors into a passion for developing pragmatic programs that benefit older adults and those who support them. In today’s episode, Carly, currently the Innovation Manager at the Motion Picture & Television Fund in southern California, will talk about her core philosophy of “positive psychology”—shedding light on the positive aspects of aging—and “generativity,” the feeling of meaningfully contributing to another person’s well-being—as well as yourself. In her current position, she focuses on strategies to provide health and wellness, social services, and programs for working and retired members of the entertainment industry. More broadly, she is committed to bridging the gap between research and practice to ensure that older adults have opportunities to feel valued and stay socially connected through intergenerational programs. Drawing from her varied experiences, including those through the National Science Foundation, the Archstone Foundation and Dorot, Carly will talk about her vision for an age-integrative, rather than age-segregated society. How do we change our age “silos” to create enriching experiences for all ages? How do we shift resources to deal with the reality of people living longer, reconciling the desire for independence above all, while still being safe? And how do we paint a more realistic picture of the aging process? Not that age doesn’t matter, but that people should be valued, first, for their achievement, so that we no longer find ourselves saying, “Well, that’s really amazing—for someone their age!”
America has become a “foodie” nation, with a constant stream of information and debate about diets and nutrition, the latest studies, opinions and prescriptions about what we should be eating—or not. In today’s episode, nutritionist and dietician Alexandra Cerone takes a holistic, common-sense and refreshingly non-judgmental approach to not only what we eat, but how we eat every day–what she calls “Mindful, or Intuitive Eating.” Of course, healthy eating does involve food choices, and Alexandra will talk about some of the basics of an anti-inflammatory diet, the research behind the benefits of foods like complex carbs, fats, various protein sources and daily products. But she’ll also talk about the psychological underpinnings of nutrition, how the foods we eat impact the way we feel, and the importance of thoroughly appreciating our meals, eliminating distractions and engaging all our senses. Ali will offer practical tips on creating good food habits, from portion control to managing snack cravings and safe food shopping, whether you’re buying organic or searching for good-quality vitamins and supplements.
If you’re downsizing your lifestyle, or retiring and moving to a new community—or simply trying clear out clutter to give yourself some breathing space—you’ve probably wondered if there are unseen treasures amid all the stuff you’ve collected over the years. Well, then, you should meet Keith Allibone. The owner of Good’s Vintage & Antiques, Keith got his first lessons in the trade from his father, a lifelong antiques expert who dragged him to flea markets in the early mornings of his youth. After initial forays into a few other businesses, Keith gradually forged his own path by scouring flea markets himself—as well as moving sales, auctions, sidewalk and yard sales, scrapyards, and cluttered houses—perhaps like yours. In today’s episode, Keith will talk about how he searches for the “diamonds in the rough,” whether vintage watches or fine, hand-crafted furniture from another era. He’ll share encounters with some memorable customers, and stories of unique pieces with equally unique histories. He’ll also offer advice and organizing strategies for homeowners, to help separate pieces of value from the merely pedestrian, what’s worth keeping or selling, and what you should donate or just throw away. And last, he’ll offer his perspective on how the online world is reshaping the antiques business, and what it means for both buyers and sellers, all those captivated by the financial and emotional rewards of treasure-hunting.
Three years into the COVID-19 pandemic, some experts believe that we are transitioning into an endemic, headed—hopefully—toward more normal times. And yet, we’re still at a loss; we’re confused. Where are we with CDC recommendations? When should we be wearing masks? What’s the latest advice about vaccines and boosters? Second boosters? The development of other treatments? In today’s episode, Dr. Frances Santiago-Schwarz, a distinguished biomedical scientist and educator, will offer an incisive, yet accessible, guide to understanding the incredibly complex story of COVID-19. What do we know, what don’t we know, and why is it important? Throughout her career, Dr. Santiago-Schwarz has focused on creating programs, courses and professional partnerships and alliances designed to empower people from diverse backgrounds with the knowledge they need to make health-care decisions. Today, she will unravel the immunopathology of COVID19, giving us the big picture about variants emerging worldwide; providing answers to frequently asked questions about how viruses spread and mutate, and when these mutations make a difference. Dr. Santiago-Schwarz will also provide a basic primer on how vaccines, antibodies and other components in our immune system combat the viruses. And looking ahead, she will offer her perspective on potential new treatments for COVID, and what strategies we need to stop the virus worldwide, noting that “No one is safe until everyone is safe.”
Almost two years into this shapeshifting pandemic,the disruption of our daily lives seems to be finally easing—and yet, we still feel anxious and stressed out, dealing with cumulative impact of the virus on so many aspects of our lives. How do we move forward, when we worry that the eventual New Normal may result in a more subdued and uncertain life? In today’s episode, Lesa Kingsbury, the director of the Amba Yoga Center, and Ken Taub, a writer grounded in Eastern philosophy who also leads meditation workshops, will talk about how aspects of these practices can help us deal with life’s anxieties, feelings of isolation and fear—made all the more prevalent in these uncertain times. Lesa and Ken will speak about breathing techniques, how to stay present with one's emotions, quietly aware of how they change moment to moment, rather than being perpetually reactive. Each will offer their approaches to taking unique moments of time to focus on life’s important details that we often miss when we’re consumed by multi-tasking and whipsawed by the daily overload of news and information. They’ll reflect, too, on the power of “stillness” (anathema to American culture!), and how it can be restorative, healing—a great form of re-balancing in very out-of-balance times. Ken and Lesa will offer their perspective on practical routines that we can integrate into a less-rushed life, from stretching, to walks outdoors, spending time in nature, or simply closing one's eyes for several minutes. They’ll also offer their perspective on the approaches of other experts in field of mindfulness, stress reduction and relaxation—an arena that has exploded in recent years, entering the mainstream of health, medicine and business sectors. And yes, as part of this Valentine’s Day episode, Ken and Lesa (who are husband and wife) will offer their thoughts about how they have remained mindful of love and relationships—not only in a Time of Covid, but over a lifetime.
They met through social media—as seniors, not millennials. Holly Gordon, a fine arts and documentary photographer, and Ward Hooper, a watercolor painter, were introduced by a writer and mutual friend, who noticed distinctive similarities in the work of the two artists, who shared a mutual affinity for color and light. When Holly met Ward, the two immediately connected as artists, and soon became close friends, meeting regularly and visiting local places that inspired their individual creativity. And the rest is history—still in the making. In today’s episode, you’ll hear the remarkable stories of Holly and Ward, how their lives serendipitously intertwined, resulting in an unusual collaboration of exhibitions, presentations, projects and a book that combined their two works, “Parallel Perspectives: The Brush/Lens Collaboration.” Holly, a multi-faceted artist and long-time teacher, will describe her innovative use of technology to create photographs that look,at first glance, like paintings made by a brush, a process she calls “photo-liminalism.” She’ll talk about how she has joined a growing contemporary artistic and social movement known as “techspressionism,” an approach in which technology is utilized as a means to express emotional experience. Ward, for his part, will talk about the dramatic resurgence of work through his collaboration with Holly—and his use of technology as a means of teaching and sharing art to new generations. Theirs is a story of resilience; the daily pursuit of creativity as a life-affirming force; and the steadfast advocacy for the arts as a means of engaging and inspiring humanity, no matter what our age. As Holly puts it simply: “Art is a wonder drug.”
These are challenging times of stress, high anxiety and trauma across our society. On top of a confusing pandemic and ever divisive politics, we’re coping with a constant litany of natural and man-made disasters, climate change, economic disruptions and personal traumas and mental health issues. How do we create the resiliency we need to take on such traumatic times? In today’s episode, Elaine Miller-Karas, Co-Founder of the Trauma Resource Institute, talks about her much-heralded work to bring healing to the world’s community. Elaine, who has become known as the “Ambassador of Hope,” will talk about her widely recognized models to cultivate individual and community resilience, which have been brought to 75 countries across six continents. The author of “Building Resiliency to Trauma: The Trauma and Community Resiliency Models,” Elaine has trained community members, mental health, and health professionals in the aftermath of many disasters, from earthquakes in China and Haiti, typhoons in the Philippines, hurricanes in Louisiana, and mass shootings in California and Ohio. She is a leading advocate regarding the impact of climate change on the human condition, and a Senior Consultant to Emory University’s SEE Learning program, inspired and launched by the Dalai Lama. Elaine will also tell us about her long-standing commitment our military, working to de-stigmatize the impact of combat trauma, as well as her dedication to the world's children, working with collaborators to develop interventions for children, parents and teachers to help reduce the impact of trauma that affects our health and well-being throughout life. “Our body and mind are elegantly connected,” Elaine notes. “As we become aware of the wisdom of our body and draw mindful attention to the sensations connected to our well-being, a new world of healing becomes available to human beings across the lifespan.”
As we reach our middle ages, most people say they want to continue “aging in place,” living in their current house as long as possible. And as we enter the third year of this unpredictable pandemic, many families who have spent a whole lot more time at home have decided that, well, they really like their space, and now is the time to invest in making it even better. So, as interior designer Dafna Adler, points out, homeowners are transforming aging-in-place to “living-in-place,” creating a plan for the future that begins in the present. In today’s episode, Dafna, the principal of her own interior design firm, talks about a number of components of Universal Design, which incorporates design features for multiple generations, and may require some home renovations or modifications to accommodate changing needs as people age. But Dafna goes much further, taking into account both aesthetic and functional issues that improve safety, comfort and the daily quality of life. She’ll talk about how people tend to perceive colors differently as they age; how lighting becomes even more critical, especially on steps; how to declutter rooms and choose comfortable chairs; and ways to bring nature indoors, to take advantage of the calming and comforting benefits of the natural world. And Dafna will spell out how to plan ahead to get the changes that matter to your life now, while adding value that lasts as you age.
This month marks the one year anniversary since host Ron Roel launched 45 Forward, with a mission each week to help listeners, from Los Angeles to Long Island, make their second half of life even better than the first. In today’s episode, Ron will be celebrating his anniversary by sharing with listeners a number of vivid highlights during the year, inspiring stories of unusual guests, several surprising lessons he learned, and some of his plans for offering engaging and provocative shows in the coming year. In the midst of the first COVID winter, Ron’s aim was to provide a show that instilled confidence in his listeners in the midst of an anxious time—not simple answers to the challenges of mid-life and beyond, but strategies to prepare for a future for which there’s no road map. Ron will look back at the wide array of compelling show topics: how to find enduring friendships; preparing for life’s inevitable crises and emergencies; enjoying multi-generational experiences; preparing to age in place with safety and comfort; understanding the emotional mindset of people with dementia; combating social isolation and loneliness; and planning for successful chapters in later life, whether finding second careers, “solo-aging,” or finding new passions and pursuits. Ron will recall the uplifting stories of a host of guests, including mid-life entrepreneurs; an international corporate consultant-turned historical mystery writer; a Wall Street financial expert who became tech trainer for seniors; and veteran journalist who created a ground-breaking program to teach “news literacy” in an age of social media. And listeners will have the opportunity to call in to the show, and hear Ron’s latest thoughts on what we all need to age well, with dignity, vitality and security.
Several years ago, John Leland, a reporter for the New York Times, wrote a series of articles following six men and women for a year, chronicling how people in one of America’s fastest growing demographic groups—those 85 and older—led their lives. The series became the basis for his book, “Happiness Is a Choice You Make: Lessons from a Year among the Oldest Old,” which became a Times bestseller, and, as he wrote in the Times, “No work I have ever done has brought me as much joy and hope, or changed my outlook on life as profoundly.” In today’s episode, Leland talks about his experiences writing this remarkable, hopeful and often surprising book, and the lessons he learned about our pursuit of happiness. Certainly, the examination of “happiness” in today’s frenetic society has become a frequent topic in recent years, the source of best-selling books and wildly popular courses among Harvard and Yale students. But Leland’s unique perspective explores what sociologists often point to as the paradox aging: How can people whose bodies and minds are in decline be happier than those in the “prime of life?” He’ll explain what happiness means, relating it to a sense of fulfillment and purpose, and how a positive attitude can help contribute to overall health and longevity. As he takes us along his heartfelt journey with these elders, Leland talks about the role of gratitude in fostering happiness; how older people find happiness alongside great pain, hardship and loss; and how to live in the moment—still thinking about living long—but not forever. Leland, who previously dubbed himself a chronic “grumpasaurus,” offers a valuable collection of lessons he learned from the oldest old, noting that the good things in life—happiness, purpose, contentment and love—are there all along, whether we’re young or old. We just need to choose them.
It’s called “The Great Resignation.” Amid the anxiety and unpredictability of the ongoing pandemic, more than 4 million Americans have been quitting their jobs every month—some searching of better opportunities, others just leaving the workforce entirely. The exodus of workers has left millions of jobs unfilled, creating operational challenges for many companies. And while workers across age groups are leaving their companies, resignation rates, somewhat surprisingly, are highest among mid-career employees. What’s going on? And what does it mean to those leaving jobs and looking for new jobs, careers or lifestyles? In today’s episode, we sort out all these issues with Scott Passeser, a widely recognized staffing expert, executive recruiter, and radio show host, who’s seen his share of tumultuous changes in the job market over more than 25 years. Scott will talk about the various factors motivating workers, from the desire for a better work/life balance, to the search for more fulfilling jobs—at least better wages, benefits and workplace environment. He’ll explain the opportunities that the pandemic has unexpectedly opened up for workers, but also the potential hazards of leapfrogging to new jobs—as well as the ways to get a better job—without having to leave your company. The host of the weekly radio show, Radio Jobline (LInewsradio.com), Scott will offer his observations—and solutions—to the latest strategies for job-hunting, which remains a challenging endeavor, as companies struggle with understaffed HR departments and jobseekers deal with the frustrations of being “ghosted” by companies, made to feel invisible by hiring personnel and processes that never acknowledge them.
There’s no place like home—especially as folks get older. A recent AARP survey found that more than three-quarters of adults aged 50 and older want to stay in their homes and communities for as long as possible, yet many don’t see that happening. Enter NAIPC—the National Aging In Place Council. This organization was founded on the belief that although an overwhelming majority of Americans say they want to age in place, they lack awareness of the resources, services and expertise that make independent living possible. In today’s conversation with Host Ron Roel, Tara Ballman, Program Director for NAIPC, will explain how this organization has grown to provide a dynamic network of 400 members who are experts in health care, financial services, elder law design, home remodeling and dozens of other fields dedicated to supporting seniors. Tara, who is has worked in the aging services market for almost two decades, is passionate about connecting and supporting professionals serving older Americans. She’ll talk about the array of valuable NAIPC resources, including virtual educational programs, seminars and events, practical tools and downloadable guides on the organization’s website, and a nationwide directory of service providers that people can search by geographic area. Just as we make plans to go to college and pursue a career, we need to start thinking about a plan to age in place before we retire. And Tara will show us how NAIPC can open the window to that plan.
As a young boy growing up on Long Island, host Ron Roel was an avid birdwatcher—or, as they’re known colloquially, a “birder.” Over the years, Ron’s passion and support of birds has continued to grow, like that of many older folks. But it’s not just a hobby for retirees anymore. Surveys over the last few decades have shown that birdwatching has been one of the fasting growing outdoor activities in America, along with hiking, skiing and camping—and one of the largest increases in interest has occurred among people in their 40s. More recently, birding has surged during the pandemic. Not surprising, perhaps. It’s a healthy, inexpensive activity. It gets us outdoors, connecting us to nature. It’s relaxing and calming, but it can also be challenging and socially engaging. In today’s episode, Dr. Miyoko Chu, Senior Director of Communications at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, offers a wide-ranging conversation about the state of birds—and what it means to the future of our planet. Trained as an ornithologist and science journalist, Miyoko works with the lab’s staff, supporters and partners to engage people of all walks of life in learning about birds and protecting the natural world. She’ll talk about how the lab is exploring cutting-edge technology and citizen-science participation to transform people’s experiences with birds and to advance science and conservation. While field guides remain traditional sources for identifying birds, innovative apps and websites are speeding up the results. Miyoko has helped create and deliver content that provides interactive online experiences through platforms such as the Lab’s All About Birds website, the Merlin Bird ID app, Bird Cams, and Living Bird magazine. During the current pandemic, eBird observations have led to some provocative conclusions: 80 percent of the bird species examined were reported in greater numbers in human-altered habitats during pandemic lock-downs. And as we mark the Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count, we should also note that in this holiday season of gift-giving, birds are one of the nature’s supreme (and vulnerable) gifts to humanity.
As we’re gathering once again with family and friends during the holidays, most of us are eager and excited to resume our annual social festivities. Of course. But for many people, especially isolated older adults, this is a very lonely season. And it’s not just these times. Research from the University of California, San Francisco found that 43 percent of adults over 65 say they feel lonely, which puts them at a higher risk for poor health. The COVID-19 pandemic has made social isolation worse, but it didn’t create it; this problem has been growing for years, spreading across nations, as well as across younger adults. In today’s episode, we’ll talk with three distinguished experts about loneliness and social isolation, and what approaches we can we explore to deal with these issues. Eddie Garcia is Executive Director of the Foundation for Social Connection, a non-profit organization that aims to foster evidence-based solutions addressing social isolation and loneliness. Marcia Slater Johnston is a journalist and Founder of Make Room @ The Table, an affinity group whose mission is to develop strategies to alleviate social isolation and loneliness among older people. And Dr. Carla Perissinotto, an Associate Professor in the Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, at the University of California, San Francisco Carla, has gained national and international recognition for her research on the effects of loneliness on the health of older adults. These experts will cover a broad, provocative range of issues: Who’s most at risk for loneliness? How do you define it, as opposed to social isolation, or simply being alone? What’s driving loneliness in the U.S.? (Compared to say, the United Kingdom, which has appointed a Minister of Loneliness.) And how are experts across multiple fields and organizations partnering to analyze these questions and propose solutions? You’ll discover how you can make a difference for yourself and for others to curb loneliness and thrive, whether it’s during the holidays or other times of loneliness and longing.
The news media has come a long way—a very long way—since the late 1960s, when Howard Schneider began his career as a newspaper reporter at Newsday on Long Island. It was a time when TV news was dominated by three major news networks. Cities across the country had multiple daily newspapers, slugging it out for readers and advertisers, while cable TV stations were just emerging—and few experts thought they would ever successfully compete with “free TV.” Young reporters were inspired by the “New Journalism” of Tom Wolfe and the Watergate investigative team of Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. Since that time, of course, the media landscape has undergone dramatic changes, and Howard Schneider witnessed—and successfully navigated—these currents of tumultuous change. In today’s episode, Schneider will reflect on his 35 years as a journalist at Newsday, where for 18 years he served as managing editor and then editor. Under his editorial leadership, the newspaper won eight Pulitzer Prizes and, as the newspaper industry faced the “creative destruction” of the internet, Newsday became one of the first newspapers in the nation to create news websites. In the early 2000s, Schneider undertook another major transition, leaving his career as a working journalist to become an academic journalist, as Founding Dean of the Stony Brook University School of Journalism. At Stony Brook, Schneider continued to “break news,” developing the nation’s first undergraduate course where students across all disciplines could learn how to become discerning consumers of news. And recognizing the critical and growing role that science and technology plays in our lives, he co-founded of the school’s Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science, along with actor and writer Alan Alda, which trains future and current scientists on how to communicate more effectively with the public. In an age of public skepticism and a pandemic of misinformation and “fake news,” Schneider will talk about the lessons he’s learned over his wide-ranging career, the growing impact of news literacy programs at universities and high schools across the U.S., and his vision for journalism that not only teaches the journalists of the future, but also trains the audience of the future.
We are in the midst of a Parkison’s pandemic—and yet, this pandemic is a relatively silent one. Parkinson’s is the world’s fastest growing neurological disorder, increasing in virtually every region in the world. In the U.S. alone, the economic cost of the diseases exceeds $50 billion a year—a staggering $50,000 per person with the disease. In today’s episode, we talk with Dr. Ray Dorsey, Professor of Neurology at the University of Rochester Medical Center and co-author of a thought-provoking new book, “Ending Parkinson’s Disease: A Prescription for Action.” As one of four leading physicians who co-author this book, Dr. Dorsey calls for a bold, comprehensive approach to help end Parkinson’s called PACT, which stands for Prevent. Advocate for, Care, and Treat the disease. He will talk about the most promising treatments on the horizon, from immune therapies to vaccines, surgical treatments, and new developments in nutrition and microbiome research. He’ll discuss the troubling use of pesticides and toxic chemicals linked to the disease, which particularly affect farmers, veterans, and high-tech manufacturing workers, as well as the rest of us. Dr. Dorsey will also outline some of the latest advances in care, including the dramatic increase in the use of telemedicine to treat Parkinson's patients. And he will examine the lessons learned from other health crises, from polio to AIDS and COVID-19—and how we might apply them to this pandemic. And finally, he will give us an action plan for what the average citizen can do right now to help end Parkinson’s. “Parkinson’s disease is not an inevitable disease that happens with age,” he notes. “It is a preventable disease, and we need to get around to preventing people from developing it in the first place.”
Retirement is dead. Long live retirement! For many Americans these days, traditional retirement, as we’ve known it, is gone—or disappearing. We no longer work for one employer for decades, then leave the workforce with a pension, kick back and relax. At least not all the time. For one thing, we’ve living much longer, so many retirees need to think beyond filling their days with a lot of golf. But how to reimagine about this chapter of life, a time of both vulnerability and opportunity—and Covid? In today’s episode, Carol Waldman, who retired (sort of) from a long career managing a large senior center, and Vicki Ellner, who started to retire from a wide-ranging career in health care and patient advocacy and decided to “rewire” instead, thought better of it, talk about the roller-coaster of emotions as they navigate their so-called retirement years. Carol and Vicki talk about the vulnerability of losing one’s work identity, the stress and anxiety of feeling a lack of control. At the same time, this can be the most open part of life, a sense of never feeling so free, with no set plans and restraints on our time—except that there’s ultimately less of it. Long-time friends and colleagues, Vicki and Carol talk about their individual searches for meaning and purpose, finding new experiences and ways to give the most and get the most out of this sometimes-strange place in life. Retirement can be a time of dealing with grief and grievances; acknowledging loss and letting go of things. Yet, it also allows us to become more of who we are, to find new space for joy and enjoyment in our lives. And as we transform retirement from a time of sheer leisure to one of renewed activity, we need to find ways to rebalance ourselves and make sure we’re not so busy in retirement that we long to go back to work!
About a decade ago, Michael Potteiger and his sister, Nacole, decided to teach their 85-year-old grandmother how to use an iPad. Not only did their Gram learn how, but she is still an active iPad user and loves seeing her grand (and great) grandchildren on FaceTime. Inspired by “Gram the Great,” Michael and Nacole founded Generation Connect, a cutting-edge firm that integrates health care with technology to help people with dementia, their families and their caregiving team through “digital therapeutics”—the use of technology as a tool to implement effective non-drug therapy treatments. In today’s episode, as part of National Family Caregivers Month, we talk with Michael and Robin Lombardo, Generation Connect’s director of business development, about their commitment to senior care and to developing new tools for the caregiving community. Michael has spent his entire career working in technology consulting, and today he continues to work closely with seniors, their families, and care organizations to better understand how technology can help support care teams. Robin, a geriatric and dementia specialist, is a veteran of the senior care field, serving in leadership positions in various healthcare settings and at nationally recognized nonprofits for people with Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias. Having exclusively worked with older adults, it is her passion to foster joy in their lives. Together, Michael and Robin will explain how Generation Connect provides a system of mobile apps, tablets, digital engagement and reporting features to help home care providers improve well-being and enhance caregiver relationships through personalized therapeutic routines and rituals. And while they believe that technology can greatly enhance the caregiving experience, technologists, too, have much to learn from the caregiving community. Thus, research remains a central component to Generation Connect’s mission, and Michael and Robin will describe their ongoing research and key findings from studies around the country—and their views on how technology will profoundly affect the future of health care.
As we prepare to celebrate Veterans Day this month, today’s episode features veteran Jim Smith, who served as an Army correspondent for Stars and Stripes, the Defense Department’s daily newspaper, during the Vietnam War, reporting from every major city in Vietnam, from the Delta to the Demilitarized Zone. Whether it was observing training of South Vietnamese troops by U.S. advisers, watching massive U.S. firepower take out enemy targets or reporting on efforts to repel the North Vietnamese Easter Offensive, Jim was there to witness the events.He laughed at Bob Hope’s jokes, took cover during rocket attack, pulled guard duty at night in the jungle, got in trouble with the brass, and got caught up in the adrenaline rush of war. In today’s conversation, Jim will draw on a number of these vignettes, which appear in his gritty 2015 memoir, “Heroes to the End.” He witnessed many acts of bravery and commitment, as well as the frustrations and incongruities of the Vietnam War—dozens that were published in Stars and Stripes, and dozens that previously never made it into print. A dedicated journalist to the end, Jim will also discuss his long civilian career as a sportswriter and editor for Long Island’s daily newspaper Newsday, covering the New York Giants, the New York Rangers and New York Islanders. And coming full circle, Jim will reflect on his changing views on the Vietnam War—and subsequent wars—over the years, as well as his advocacy on behalf of social and racial justice causes, and his tireless support of the United Veterans Beacon House, which provides housing for hundreds of homeless veterans and their families at 47 locations on Long Island.
Over the years, have you found yourself increasingly frustrated, saying “yes” to people just to keep them happy? Are you tired of hearing yourself described as a pushover or “too nice”? Or emotionally exhausted by the unreasonable demands of friends, family or co-workers? Well, then, it’s time you listened to life coach and best-selling author Michelle Elman, known as “The Queen of Boundaries” by her half-million social media followers. In today’s episode, Michelle, the author of the recently published “The Joy of Being Selfish,” explains how upholding strong boundaries will teach others how to treat you, rid your life of drama and toxic relationships, and allow you to care for yourself in the best way possible. She provides guidance for people who have trouble saying “no” or who frequently find themselves on the receiving end of “emotional dumps”—when someone is transferring their unfiltered emotions on you. The creator of the “In All Honesty” podcast, Michelle offers advice on what to do if you feel guilty after setting a boundary, as well as what we should do when our boundaries are crossed. She will also describe some of her acclaimed work as an influencer, including her notable “Scarred Not Scared campaign” to bring awareness to surgery scars and help women to embrace their bodies. And as we start to come out of the pandemic, Michelle will address the need to re-examine boundaries and perhaps set new ones, as people deal with different levels of comfort, concerns and socialization. Whatever your situation, she’ll provide a practical guide to help you take back your time, while maintaining your sense of safety and self-worth.
About three years ago, Debbie Ginsberg was working as a professional organizer when she was asked to teach organizing and life management skills to help a college student improve his grades and function better all around. Six months later, the student graduated on the Dean's List—and OrganizeU4Life was born. In today’s episode, Debbie, talks about her remarkable journey as a serial entrepreneur, from her early days as president of a utility bill auditing company; to founder of Uncluttered Domain, a senior move management and aging-in-place consulting firm; to organizing mentor and CEO of OrganizeU4Life. In her current venture, Debbie offers breakthrough education with 1-to-1 techniques and tools to mentor high school and college students, as well as adults. Her main objective is to help chronically disorganized people, many from the ADHD and neurodiverse communities, take control of their lives. Debbie will describe her unique blend of individualized educational lessons and brain exercise training to increase focus, improve cognitive skills, and control the ups and downs of emotional dysregulation. Her techniques are designed to help people be more productive; reduce procrastination; master time-management; and improve study and work habits. When you teach a person how to organize and function, Debbie says, you give them the fundamental tools to organize their mind, their space, and their life.
For many older Americans, moving to an assisted living community offers a bridge between aging in place with occasional—but not really enough—socialization, and starting another phase in life, exploring new relationships and being engaged in activities suited to their needs. But how can families choose recreational programs that they believe will truly enhance the lives of our loved ones? In today’s episode, Maria Leonardo, who has spent several decades as a professional working specialist in the field of life enrichment programs and activities for seniors, will talk about her wide-ranging career and insights. Maria has planned, designed and implemented original programming, monthly calendars, special events and newsletters for numerous adult care, including independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. She’ll explain how activity and recreational professionals work together with families and staff to discover and maximize the positive abilities of residents—to meet people where they are,” as she says. Maria, who also has an eclectic background in adult ed teaching and communications (she is a voice-over talent, having created and voiced numerous radio commercials), will describe how this influence shaped some innovative programs she created in adult communities across Florida and New York: Programs that cross into the generational divide, like a senior girl scout group that joined with a local girl scout troop in activities like making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches together. Reading programs with school kids of different ages and art projects with preschoolers. Programs commemorating 9/11 program, with thought-provoking, personal questions for both young and old about how to achieve peace in the world. Programs that let kids find out about senior residents, and residents find out about kids—the hope for our future. Maria will also talk about what families need to watch for when checking out the life enrichment programs of prospective communities—a chance a chance to experience new things, whatever their abilities.
Across the country, most older people say they want to “age in place,” living in their current home as long as possible. But the ability to remain in one’s own home and community — safely and independently — often requires modifications in their home as people move from their 60s into their 70s and 80s and beyond. Successful aging in place is best achieved with deliberate planning that includes both older family members and their caregivers, as well as professional experts like Kim Kuester. In today’s episode, Kim, the owner and president of 101 Mobility of Long Island and Queens, talks about one critical piece of aging in place: making sure that your loved ones’ home continues to have the appropriate design features that provide a safe and comfortable environment — particularly to prevent accidents and potentially life-threatening falls. Kim is dedicated to help people find the best accessibility solutions, big or small, to fit their needs. She and her team assess a family’s whole house, starting with getting in and out of the home, and moving from room to room. In today’s conversation, Kim, a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist, will describe how she works with families to install various home modifications and adaptations, from bathtub cutouts and walk-in showers to wheelchair ramps, stair lifts, elevators, and widening of doorways—any and all means of accessibility. Ultimately, Kim’s goal is to ensure that families have peace of mind that they can age in place safely for as long as they wish to stay in their homes.
Most will unknowingly give away about 10 years of healthy living—our “healthspan” years—and the opportunity to continue enjoying daily living to the fullest. We know this, says longevity expert and educator Scott Fulton, based on data gathered from hundreds of millions of people. We don’t hear a lot about it, Scott adds, because the things that promote longevity aren’t deeply rooted in anti-aging products or retirement resorts, but rather in simple, accessible lifestyle choices. In today’s episode, Scott—a researcher, innovator, and engineer by training—talks about how millions of us could easily live healthy to 95, with just some basic education on how interconnected our bodies are with our lifestyle choices and our environment. No pills or potions; just informed natural choices, resulting in both immediate and sustainable lifestyle benefits. Scott will explain how people can “reverse engineer” the life they dream of, improve the quality of life today and achieve additional healthier years in the future by balancing what he calls the “Five Pillars of Longevity Success”: Mind, Environment Diet, Exercise and Community. Scott, who established Home Ideations, a livability consulting company, is also a dedicated educator at heart, and he will describe his dynamic adult education courses, the Longevity Advantage™, and Whealthspan™, a balanced investment approach to both health and wealth. Life happens, and if decisions are left unaddressed, they make themselves. Ultimately, longevity isn’t about doing one thing right, or about perfection, or just for the chosen few, Scott notes. It’s available to almost all of us and it’s just about making informed choices along the journey of life.
Planning for retirement triggers all sorts of thoughts: excitement, hope, expectation—and yes, a dose of anxiety. We worry about financial security (did we save enough?) but we’re often not prepared for the emotional and social aspects of this major life transition. In today’s episode, Leah Frankel— who has created the entrepreneurial role of “Retirement Journey Advocate”—offers a sharp and refreshing perspective on how to prepare for this next chapter of life. Whether you want to launch a second career; have a side-job or hobby, volunteer, travel, or just sit back and relax, Leah will guide and support you through a stress-free workplace exit, prepared for a new identity and fulfilling experiences. Leah, herself, retired three years ago from a highly successful 30-year career with L’Oreal, and in the process discovered how to transfer her skills and talents into a meaningful second act—and guide others how to do the same. In today’s conversation with host Ron Roel, Leah will explain her simple, 3-step process for leaving a long-time career—a common-sense approach that combines attention to administrative and procedural details with strategic goals and priorities. She’ll also provide a list of 7 key tips and insights to start your retirement journey, from creating a list of “hard and soft skills”; to adapting from a corporate structure to flexible time schedules; creating new relationships and social networks; and learning how (and when) to take breaks to recharge. Finally, drawing from her own personal experiences, Leah will talk about the importance of finding fulfillment, not just happiness, in retirement—finding ways to continue making a difference, imparting your experiences to the next generations, and feeling that life is important and meaningful.
After earning her undergraduate and master’s degrees specializing in marketing, public relations and advertising, Hilary Topper embarked on a corporate career working for major PR agencies in New York City, in addition to two large non-profit organizations as director of public relations and development. Then, some 30 years ago, Hilary went out on her own, founding HJMT Public Relations and building a roster of prominent clients across the country. Along the way she became an expert and widely recognized influencer in social media marketing, writing one of the earliest books on the subject, called “Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Social Media, but were afraid to ask.” In her late 40s, she decided to give herself a real run for the money—literally. She was never an athlete, but decided to start running, and by age 53, she found that running was not enough. She became a triathlete. In today’s episode, Hilary talks about the daily challenge of organizing and managing the multi-hyphenate life as entrepreneur-author-podcaster-blogger-adjunct professor-marathoner-triathlete-coach. It has been a successful journey, but often a roller-coaster, as she has been forced to make major adjustments in response to life-altering events, like 9/11, the 2008 economic meltdown, and most recently, of course, the pandemic. Three years ago, Hilary reorganized her business; she no longer managing a staff of 25 people but continues to run a concierge PR firm. She also produces two blogs and a weekly podcast and has written a second book (a third is on the way), while preparing for the next triathlon and coaching beginner triathletes. No longer as engaged in her former high-adrenaline business world, Hilary points out one unmistakable benefit: She’s much happier now.
When the pandemic shut down most of America last year, the arts and entertainment community was faced with a monumental challenge. How could they survive without attracting in-person audiences to their events? Surely, they could try to create online facsimiles of their events—virtual tours, exhibitions, concerts and performances—but would these activities be dynamic enough to attract broad interest from the public? That’s when Holly Gordon and Waldo Cabrera came up with a provocative new approach to the virtual art show. In today’s episode, Holly and Waldo describe their unique collaborative journey, creating exhibitions featuring artists aged 50 and older at a prominent Long Island museum. Holly, a nationally recognized fine art and documentary photographer, served as curator of these exhibits, which were sponsored by AARP New York. Waldo, an award-winning journalist with years of experience in advertising, marketing and video production, handled the many technical tasks. The resulting presentations are no mere pictures at an exhibition. Together, Holly and Wally tell the story of how they pieced together an assemblage of images, music, graphics, narration and commentary from dozens of artists into a cohesive, entertaining experience. “I’m the composer, Wally is the conductor who interprets the work,” says Holly. Both artists also stress the importance of the arts across the generations. Holly has long been an ardent advocate for older populations. And Waldo regularly bridges the generations through his years of work with film and video productions for children, including 4Kids Entertainment, the company that brought Pokémon to the United States. Indeed, their next exhibit focuses on intergenerational collaboration among artists. “We’re all 6-year-olds,” says Waldo. “We’re using art the same way. It’s entertaining, it has elements of surprise. It’s a roller coaster ride.”
When we plan for our later years, most of us consider factors like health, housing, financial security, lifestyle and caregiving, but we tend of overlook one distinct possibility: What if end up aging alone? Recent studies have found that between 30 and 35% of older adults in the U.S. are expected to age alone within the next decade. About 45% of older women will find themselves aging solo. Many of these “elder orphans” have no assistance in making financial decisions, no designated caregiver, little access to transportation, and no help in times of crisis. In today’s episode, host Ron Roel talks with Carol Marak, one of the nation’s premier experts in solo aging, about how to plan a safe and independent older life — even without family. Drawing initially from the experiences taking care of her parents, Carol created her own plan for self-care, self-reliance, and creating a family-like community; now she teaches other solo adults how to do the same. Carol will explain how to avoid some of the potential adverse effects of aging alone; describe specific ways to map out a solo aging plan; and how to access unique resources, such as her Group Coaching Support services and Elder Orphan Facebook Group. The ultimate goal: Helping people build the kind of strong support system they’ll need to solo age with confidence.
For many seniors, their retirement years mean a time when they eagerly look forward to doing whatever they want, whenever they want—and that often means seeing the world, unencumbered by work or family obligations. That plan, of course, was abruptly put on hold by Covid-19, which socially isolated most of us for months, and shuttered much of our economy, hitting the travel and hospitality industry especially hard. In recent months, life has returned— sort of—to normal, but this new normal is still filled with uncertainty and anxiety, as the pandemic has taken unexpected turns with the Delta variant and large portions of our population who remain unvaccinated. Clearly, we’re seeing a pent-up desire to travel, but how do we do so, when health requirements, government policies and industry protocols seem to change from week to week?
In today’s episode, Bruce Frankel, the President of The Mindful Traveler, tackles the many challenges facing the today’s traveler, offering a wealth of sound, pragmatic advice, the latest technology, resources and information, and ways to plan rewarding vacations—while managing the inevitable things you DIDN’T plan for.
Bruce first entered the travel industry in 1989, but he brings a broad perspective to the field, with a career that has included running retail storefront businesses and home-based companies, as well as a 10-year stint in corporate banking industry, specializing in marketing and management. He sees himself as a travel “consumer advocate,” working closely with clients to help them choose vacation options that are best for them—never mind what the reviewers and pundits say on social media. In today’s conversation, Bruce will outline key steps to being well-prepared for today’s shifting travel protocols, health and safety requirements, masks, testing and other documentation, whether going abroad or across the country. And he will talk about the latest consumer travel trends, from small, personalized “bubble groups,” to self-drive country tours and “city stays” that focus on one urban location, with day trips to other places Whether his travelers are over-45 or under, Bruce’s ultimate goal is not simply to arrange trips, but help them fulfill dreams, creating unique, enduring experiences, wherever they may go.
Louis Theodore may be a retired professor, but he is anything but the retiring type. After a distinguished career teaching chemical engineering at Manhattan College and serving as director of the Graduate Program (primarily responsible for his program achieving a No. 2 national ranking) Lou has continued to lead an extraordinarily productive life as educator, scholar, author, basketball fan, coach, consultant mentor, grandfather—and most recently, inventor. At 87, he is hardly slowing down. In today’s episode, Lou describes a life story that started out in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen and took him to the top of a complex scientific field as an internationally recognized expert in environmental management. Lou has written 131 text and reference books, covering an expansive range of topics, including environment ethics, air pollution control equipment, nanotechnology, and most recently, a second edition of “Introduction to Environmental Management,” which he co-wrote with his wife, Mary. He currently serves as a part-time consultant to Theodore Tutorials, a firm specializing in providing training needs to industry, government and academia. Along the way, Lou has also maintained his lifelong passion for basketball, supporting youth leagues and publishing a decidedly non-technical book, “Basketball Coaching 101,” an eclectic compendium of personal stories, a short history of the game and a spray of tips and commentary from other coaches, player, writers and fans. (Not surprisingly, he’s working on a second edition of this book, too.) Lou’s life highlights the importance of keeping close social connection over the year, with colleagues, former students and basketball players—long-standing friendships as well as new ones. And as a testament to his enduing curiosity and creativity, Lou has just been awarded two U.S. patents relating to processes for obtaining drinking water from geothermal energy and the combustion of fossil fuels. There’s a growing shortage in potable water across the planet, and Lou is intent on joining the search for solutions.
Like it or not, the pandemic has pushed many of us into the virtual world every day—a constant barrage of technology, from Zoom meetings, to webinars, online programs and projects, internet searches, emails, texts and social media. Of course, in a time of social distancing and often isolation, technology has been an essential tool in keeping us connected and productive. At the same time, it’s often challenging, complicated, confusing, and well, exasperating, when we can’t figure out how to use our devices at critical moments. And it can be especially hard for older folks—those who are decidedly not “digital natives” and may struggle to learn and keep up with high tech skills. In today’s episode, two experienced experts, Wendy Weiss and Robyn Berger-Gaston, will talk about how to help seniors (and perhaps the rest of us) embrace technology and avoid being overwhelmed by “techfusion.” Wendy, a former Wall Street professional, is an entrepreneur who provides personalized technology training to individuals and businesses on the use of everyday technological devices. Robyn, for her part, oversees several programs for a large Long Island nonprofit agency, including SeniorNet, which provides computer and technology training for people ages 50 and over. Together, they will address a range of issues, programs and approaches to help seniors learn new tech skills. What are the biggest challenges and needs? What kinds of courses, one-on-one classes and intergenerational programs are most effective? Where can people get “tech tips” and other useful resources? And when people are overwhelmed, how can you encourage and instill the confidence in them, that they can manage technology—and enhance their lives in the process?
As with many challenges in life, having the right mindset is the key to success. And so it is with the process of aging. Understanding the mindset of seniors—not just at a clinical level—is vital to providing the services they need and ensuring that they live the best lives possible. But how do you know what seniors really want? What are they thinking at a deeper level and how do we ask questions that get to these answers? In today’s episode, Deanne O’Rear-Cameron, a personal development consultant, aging-in-place specialist and senior advocate, relates how her many experiences in the senior and health care fields have helped gain valuable insights into both the mindset of seniors, as well as the mindset of the culture that cares for them. Deanne, who serves as chair of the Las Vegas Senior Citizens Advisory Board, as well posts on multiple other councils and organizations, talks about how to teach seniors (and the rest of us) through a distinctive process of repetitive education—but repetition that’s fun, not just the same old dry information and advice. Share, care, and ask a lot of questions of seniors—and if you’re not sure what the answers are, ask again. Deanne’s approach teaches seniors how to be proactive about their life, rather than reactive. Not being prepared for getting older in life creates anxiety, but we can use motivating solutions to address the inevitable challenges of aging. If you want to be a dancer at 90, Deanne says, you need to be active in your 50s and 60s. And even as you get older and less active, you can enjoy things in a different way. You can go there in your mind; where the mind goes, the body follows, she says. Aging in place should always include mindset among its guiding principles. Indeed, the best anti-aging tool we have is our mind.
As with many challenges in life, having the right mindset is the key to success. And so it is with the process of aging. Understanding the mindset of seniors—not just at a clinical level—is vital to providing the services they need and ensuring that they live the best lives possible. But how do you know what seniors really want? What are they thinking at a deeper level and how do we ask questions that get to these answers? In today’s episode, Deanne O’Rear-Cameron, a personal development consultant, aging-in-place specialist and senior advocate, relates how her many experiences in the senior and health care fields have helped gain valuable insights into both the mindset of seniors, as well as the mindset of the culture that cares for them. Deanne, who serves as chair of the Las Vegas Senior Citizens Advisory Board, as well posts on multiple other councils and organizations, talks about how to teach seniors (and the rest of us) through a distinctive process of repetitive education—but repetition that’s fun, not just the same old dry information and advice. Share, care, and ask a lot of questions of seniors—and if you’re not sure what the answers are, ask again. Deanne’s approach teaches seniors how to be proactive about their life, rather than reactive. Not being prepared for getting older in life creates anxiety, but we can use motivating solutions to address the inevitable challenges of aging. If you want to be a dancer at 90, Deanne says, you need to be active in your 50s and 60s. And even as you get older and less active, you can enjoy things in a different way. You can go there in your mind; where the mind goes, the body follows, she says. Aging in place should always include mindset among its guiding principles. Indeed, the best anti-aging tool we have is our mind.
As your parents get older, there may come a time when it’s clear they would lead a safer, healthier, and more productive life by transitioning from their current home to an assisted living community. But how do you handle the many issues surrounding such a move? It’s complicated. And emotional. There are lots of choices, and a host of questions. In this episode, Julie Wexler, who has spent more than 25 years in a variety of eldercare settings, walks us through the process — step by step — of finding the right community for your parents. Julie, the Director of Business Development for The Bristal Assisted Living, spells out the spectrum of housing options, describing different kinds of services, care, amenities, and lifestyle features that individual communities may offer. How do you assemble a list of potential places, and are there professionals and other resources to help you assess the best fit for your parents? Then there’s the continuing Covid question: What factors should we consider and what questions should we ask about health and safety protocols when we visit prospective communities? Making the transition to assisted living can often be hard on the entire family, but by being proactive and not waiting for a crisis, the move can offer an exceptionally positive experience, creating a new sense of independence, better health and social engagement for our loved ones. Indeed, Julie believes that all seniors, even as the face the physical challenges of aging, deserve to live a full, active, supportive, and meaningful life.
When Hudson Cooper entered college, he majored in biology, intending to prepare for a career in medicine. But medicine wasn’t for him, so he went to law school. The practice of law wasn’t for him either, except for a diverting stint as an administrative law judge for the New York Taxi & Limousine Commission. Instead, Hudson decided to embark on a career taking on a series of job challenges with the equivalent risk somewhere between hang-gliding and bungee-jumping. In today’s episode, Hudson recounts how he launched his writing career with exactly one published article to his name, landing a job writing a book about baseball for young adults that went into 10 printings and led to another book about football, and eventually 11 other books. Then another leap of courage and confidence—as a stand-up comic. Serendipitously, an agent in the audience one night approached him an offered him a role in the Matthew Broderick version of Godzilla. From there he went on to a series of roles on TV shows like “Law and Order,” “Madame Secretary” and “Bull.” And once again in his latest chapter, he's returned to writing, landing a job as a weekly newspaper columnist, through his usual combination of persistence, resilience, risk-taking and readiness to act when unexpected opportunities arise.
There has long been a gap in the U.S. economy between the needs of employers and the skills and aspirations of available workers. While the pandemic has eased, the gap has grown even larger as employers face the challenge of getting people back to work, only to discover that the jobs they need are no longer the same, and workers, for their part, have discovered that they often don’t want to return to the same jobs—or even the same careers. In today’s episode, Lisa Strahs-Lorenc, the owner of Let Go Career Compass, will talk about how people can navigate this unsettling landscape to their next career journey. From early on in her own career, Lisa, herself, experienced the frustration of getting little professional guidance, as she pursued a path in early childhood education, only to find that it was a shrinking field with few job prospects. Having spent more than 25 years in workforce development in the business, nonprofit and education sectors, Lisa offers a broad and insightful perspective on how people can use their unique skills and interests to help create the best version of themselves for today’s job market—and for jobs in the future, which may look very different. She offers several signature interactive workshops, such as “The Road Less Traveled,” and “How Do You Stand Out?” that lead people to a better understanding of their career goals and personality traits related to the career paths they might select. Whether she’s working with students, or unemployed workers, seasoned professionals or those looking to use their transferable skills to explore new passions or careers, Lisa’s motto is “Do what you love, and you will love what you do.”
As we live longer and healthier lives, this question has become our biggest worry: How do we make sure we don’t outlive our retirement savings? Of course, it’s important to live our current life to the fullest—as we’ve learned from the sudden losses inflicted by the pandemic. But it’s also important to put together our best plan to meet the challenges, known and unknown, we’ll probably face in the later chapters of life. In today’s episode, Ronald Rogé, a widely recognized wealth manager and Certified Financial Planner, talks about how to create such a plan, starting with the key questions we all need to ask ourselves: How does our plan relate to our personal pursuit of happiness? What’s things are really important in our life, and what aren’t? And what do we want our legacy to be? Ron, the author of the incisive, yet down-to-earth book, The Banker and the Fisherman: Lessons in Life, Happiness & Wealth for the 21st Century, will take us through changing strategies for saving and investing during these volatile times, as well as the new rules of retirement planning we may need to explore as we move 45 Forward. Ron will also offer some lessons in “financial geriatrics,” what we should consider in “right-sizing” our senior lifestyle, planning for later-life health care needs, and passing on of our estate. Ultimately, Ron notes, we should be calculating what it will take for us to live to 100. Will we make it? Who knows, but the odds are getting better all the time.
Over the last 40 years, China has increasingly wreaked havoc on U.S. manufacturers, undercutting their business with high-volume, low-cost products. So when Lance Cheney, the fourth-generation owner of Braun Brush Company on Long Island, took the reins from his father, he sensed that he had to make a risky strategic shift—or the company might never make it to the fifth generation. Lance decided that Braun would no longer compete in the inexpensive “commodity brush” market. Instead, they would produce highly specialized brushes that accomplished unique tasks for companies that needed them done exactly right. Since that decision, Lance, who as a young man had gone to school to be a sculptor, has blended his artistic talents with his business acumen to take Braun Brush on an extraordinary creative journey. In this thought-provoking conversation with Host Ron Roel, Lance talks about the company’s many forays into innovative brush-making—from producing brushes dedicated to putting a sheen on chocolate; to others that keep the pigeons off the top of New York City’s Freedom Tower; to tiny brushes that have helped the Mars rovers dust debris away from drilling sites. And along the way, Lance has continued to find new avenues for his artistic sensibility, creating fiber-based projects for major companies and fabricating dozens of sculptures for a renowned American artist, the late Richard Artschwager.
As we close out the month of June—Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month—today’s episode features Judy Cornish, an author and founder of the Dementia & Alzheimer’s Wellbeing Network (DAWN). Several years ago, Judy, a retired elder law attorney, had planned to lead a quiet life a small Idaho town. Instead, through a chance encounter with a neighbor, she became deeply involved in the world of dementia care, creating an unusual approach she calls the DAWN Method. This “patient-centered approach” focuses not on a medical model of dementia, but on an understanding of how people experience the disease, particularly how they respond to the loss of skills such as memory, language, judgment and perception--and how this response affects their emotions and subsequent behaviors. In confronting this devastating disease, the DAWN method acknowledges the impact of these losses, but also emphasizes the skills that remain. Skills like intuitive thinking and “mindlessness”—automatic mental tools like muscle memory that can extend a person’s ability to function. Judy, who has written two books, The Dementia Handbook and Dementia With Dignity, will explain how finding the strengths in these remaining skills can help shape how people react and enhance companionship with caregivers. In the process, we can discover the unexpected gifts of dementia, appreciating the ability to be fully present in the “now,” enjoying life’s beauty together, while ensuring a sense of safety, security and dignity for our loved ones.
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and today’s episode features Elizabeth (Beth) Smith-Boivin, the Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Northeastern New York Chapter. Each year at this time, the Alzheimer’s Association helps promote a global dialogue about Alzheimer’s, which affects more than 6 million people across the U.S., two-thirds of them women. Today’s episode coincides with The Longest Day—the summer solstice —a special day when thousands of participants from across the world create unique programs to raise funds and awareness for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. In her conversation with Host Ron Roel, Beth Smith-Boivin focuses on the latest research aimed at combating this devastating disease. Covering the research landscape as a whole, she will highlight the latest major development—the recent approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of a new drug, Aducanumab, produced by Biogen, as a treatment for Alzheimer’s. This is the first FDA-approved therapy that, while not a cure, may potentially delay cognitive decline from the disease, compared to current medications that only address symptoms. Beth will also describe significant research studies, including a major European research project known as the FINGER study and similar ongoing research in the U.S. known as the Pointer Study. These studies examine how improved diet, increased exercise, and enhanced cognitive training and social activity may have a significant impact on reducing the risk of dementia. In addition, Beth will explain how members of the public can advance Alzheimer’s research by participating in clinical trials through a service called Trial Match, which connects individuals with Alzheimer’s, caregivers and healthy volunteers to current research studies.
When you talk to health experts about the factors that promote human longevity, they invariably cite good nutrition, in addition to regular exercise and an active, socially engaged, lifestyle. In today’s episode, host Ron Roel will be talking about key health and nutrition issues with Keri Ann Lipperini, Director of the Office of Nutrition and Health Promotion Programs at the U.S. Administration on Aging. Keri, a proud Navy Veteran, was initially trained as a Hospital Corpsmen, taking the oath to care for sick sailors, a commitment she remains passionate about today. Since then, she has spent 20 years developing programs that promote health and nutrition in both government and nonprofit sectors. In today’s conversation, Keri will go beyond talk about the latest diets to help us set the stage for healthy aging. She will outline nutrition and health concerns affecting all of us, but particularly the challenges we encounter in our 45+ years, whether we’re taking care of ourselves, or our 75+ parents. And Kerri will describe her agency’s various health, prevention and wellness programs; where to find these resources; and how they also can help address growing issues like social isolation and loneliness.
When we plan for our later years, most of us consider factors like health, housing, financial security, lifestyle and caregiving, but we tend of overlook one distinct possibility: What if end up aging alone? Recent studies have found that between 30 and 35% of older adults in the U.S. are expected to age alone within the next decade. About 45% of older women will find themselves aging solo. Many of these “elder orphans” have no assistance in making financial decisions, no designated caregiver, little access to transportation, and no help in times of crisis. In today’s episode, host Ron Roel talks with Carol Marak, one of the nation’s premier experts in solo aging, about how to plan a safe and independent older life — even without family. Drawing initially from the experiences taking care of her parents, Carol created her own plan for self-care, self-reliance, and creating a family-like community; now she teaches other solo adults how to do the same. Carol will explain how to avoid some of the potential adverse effects of aging alone; describe specific ways to map out a solo aging plan; and how to access unique resources, such as her Group Coaching Support services and Elder Orphan Facebook Group. The ultimate goal: Helping people build the kind of strong support system they’ll need to solo age with confidence.
We celebrate friendship as one of the true joys—and necessities—of life, from our childhood through our elder years. But what does true friendship really mean, and how to we sustain it in our fast-paced and changing world — especially in these difficult times of social distancing and social unrest? Host Ron Roel and Dr. Andrea Gould-Marks, a clinical psychologist with decades of experience guiding people through relationships and life transitions, share wide-ranging thoughts about the many “nutritional values” and facets of friendship. How do we preserve and renew relationships with cherished old friends, and how do we find and develop dynamic new friendships as our lives and locations change? What are realistic expectations from different kinds of friendships — at work, at school, in our places of worship, and community? And how do we deal with loneliness —which experts say has become a has become an epidemic worldwide, despite the profusion of social media and technology?
It’s not often that someone can recite the verses of Walt Whitman, then belt out the motto of the U.S. Marine Corps—Semper Fedelis! (Always Faithful). But that’s Evelyn Kandel, the Poet Laureate of Nassau County, who enlisted in the Marines 70 years ago right out of high school on the whimsical advice of an aunt who told her, “Why not join the armed services and see the world?” In today’s conversation with host Ron Roel, Evelyn talks about how she became one of the few, the proud-- actually very few — women Marines during the Korean War. She’ll tell what it was like to be one of these pioneering women as she worked in public relations and recruiting, travelling across the West Coast to speak to young college women about officer training. Afterward, Evelyn went to college on the G. I. bill, and continued to pursue her passion in painting, sculpture and teaching. Evelyn will talk about how she evolved through her art as a poet, expanding on how she views her craft, how she finds inspiration (and joy) in her work, and her philosophy of teaching aspiring adult poets. And of course, Evelyn will recite some of her favorite poems from four published books and anthologies, reflecting on various periods of her life, from childhood to the pandemic—and her continuing proud association with today’s Marine Corps. She was recently honored as a Marine veteran by “Heroes Among Us,” an organization helping veterans in need started by “Gold Star Mothers.”
Patricia King has had a long, extraordinary career —and she continued to evolve over the last decade, taking on a new literary identity as Annamaria Alfieri. In Part 1 of Ron Roel’s conversation with Pat earlier this year, she talked about her time as an international management consultant, working with Fortune-50 companies like PepsiCo, Chase Bank, and Pfizer and publishing five business books, including Never Work for a Jerk, which landed her on the Oprah Winfrey show. In today’s conversation with Pat — Part 2 of her extraordinary journey — she talks about how she made the transition to yet another career as a historical mystery writer Annamaria Alfieri. It wasn’t easy. Pat will reveal how she used her writing and research skills to produce finely detailed historical mysteries—and get a publisher to take a chance on a first-time novelist. Pat will take us through her early mysteries, set in South America, which have garnered critical acclaim. Some years later, she moved across the Atlantic to set her second series of historical novels in British East Africa. Described as Out of Africa meets Agatha Christie, Strange Gods, The Idol of Mombasa, and The Blasphemers are stories that capture the beauty and complexities of imposing a colonial culture on a foreign land. These adventures, in turn, have led to a surprising chapter in Pat King/Annamaria Alfieri's real-life story: a transcontinental effort to radically change the future of young Maasai girls in Kenya.
There’s no place like home—especially as folks get older. A recent AARP survey found that more than three-quarters of adults aged 50 and older want to stay in their homes and communities for as long as possible, yet many don’t see that happening. Enter NAIPC—the National Aging In Place Council. This organization was founded on the belief that although an overwhelming majority of Americans say they want to age in place, they lack awareness of the resources, services and expertise that make independent living possible. In today’s conversation with Host Ron Roel, Tara Ballman, Program Director for NAIPC, will explain how this organization has grown to provide a dynamic network of 400 members who are experts in health care, financial services, elder law design, home remodeling and dozens of other fields dedicated to supporting seniors. Tara, who is has worked in the aging services market for almost two decades, is passionate about connecting and supporting professionals serving older Americans. She’ll talk about the array of valuable NAIPC resources, including virtual educational programs, seminars and events, practical tools and downloadable guides on the organization’s website, and a nationwide directory of service providers that people can search by geographic area. Just as we make plans to go to college and pursue a career, we need to start thinking about a plan to age in place before we retire. And Tara will show us how NAIPC can open the window to that plan.
Caring for your older loved ones has never been more challenging than it is today. Not only do many adults have to take care of their own young families, but they’re called in to address the complex, evolving needs of their parents as they enter the later chapters of life. There’s so much to handle: pragmatic concerns like elder law and estate planning, health care documents, asset protection, care coordination, not to mention the emotionally-charged concerns of parents and adult children dealing with the reversal of their traditional roles. In today’s conversation, Brian Tully, a widely recognized elder law attorney, and Iris Waichler, an experienced patient advocate and award-winning author, offer a unique opportunity to hear their combined perspectives on these pressing topics. Together, Brian and Iris will provide valuable insights, solutions and resources for creating a holistic care planning approach, tackling thorny tasks like caregiver conversations with family members and coordination of long-term term care. Caring for loved ones is unquestionably rewarding, but it also can be overwhelming and isolating— sometimes leading to burnout. Brian and Iris present a vision of caregiving that stresses the value of a supportive team of family members, health care and social service providers, financial and elder law experts. The challenges may be daunting, but you’re not alone.
As a young boy, Jack Kupferman was always surrounded by older adults—his parents ran a rest home in upstate New York and his family lived in the back. So it’s no surprise that today Jack is at the center of a major online event next month to honor the nursing home lives lost as a result of COVID-19, while raising awareness of the need for nursing home transformation. As the volunteer President of the Gray Panthers NYC and a former attorney for New York City’s Department for the Aging, Jack has been an indefatigable fighter for the rights of older people. In today’s wide-ranging conversation with host Ron Roel, Jack will offer a healthy slice of his storied career—everything from local programs and projects to improve the lives of older New Yorkers, to global initiatives to tackle illiteracy in Nepal and help older women start microbusinesses in Pakistan. Throughout his life of advocacy, Jack’s passion has been to change the perception of aging—and to promote a deeper understanding of how pervasive ageism really is. You’ll learn of one of his dreams for the future: mobilizing older persons of the world to demand more of their governments, to secure their rights and claim their power. And, oh yes, Jack will reveal what it took to become a mid-life National Aerobics Champion.
For the first time in U.S. history, people over 60 outnumber people under 18, raising fears of a widening generational divide. But Encore.org sees things differently. It believes that the aging of America isn’t so much of a problem as it is an opportunity to be seized. In this episode, Eunice Lin Nichols, Encore’s dynamic VP for Innovation, talks about how her organization is working to change our culture of age segregation, building a movement to make intergenerational collaboration the norm. Eunice will spell out what it means to live “Gen2Gen,” and how to take part in the “encore career” movement, joining people age 50 and up who are committed to using their experiences to create second acts for the greater good. She’ll explain the inspiring histories of the Purpose Prize, Experience Corps and Encore Fellowships; and offer stories and examples of intergenerational solutions to pressing social problems: the housing crisis facing both young and old; the epidemic of loneliness across generations; the co-location of childcare and eldercare centers; and the need for co-generational leadership in the workforce--to name a few. How can you participate in the encore movement? Find out about the Encore Network, and what you can do to join a coalition of leaders and organizations across the country to create a better future for all.
For the first time in U.S. history, people over 60 outnumber people under 18, raising fears of a widening generational divide. But Encore.org sees things differently. It believes that the aging of America isn’t so much of a problem as it is an opportunity to be seized. In this episode, Eunice Lin Nichols, Encore’s dynamic VP for Innovation, talks about how her organization is working to change our culture of age segregation, building a movement to make intergenerational collaboration the norm. Eunice will spell out what it means to live “Gen2Gen,” and how to take part in the “encore career” movement, joining people age 50 and up who are committed to using their experiences to create second acts for the greater good. She’ll explain the inspiring histories of the Purpose Prize, Experience Corps and Encore Fellowships; and offer stories and examples of intergenerational solutions to pressing social problems: the housing crisis facing both young and old; the epidemic of loneliness across generations; the co-location of childcare and eldercare centers; and the need for co-generational leadership in the workforce--to name a few. How can you participate in the encore movement? Find out about the Encore Network, and what you can do to join a coalition of leaders and organizations across the country to create a better future for all.
As people head toward their traditional retirement years, they often feel conflicting emotions: Part relief and excitement to be done with day-to-day work; and part apprehension, wondering, “What will I do with myself? Sure, I have a few hobbies and grandchildren, and I’d like to travel, but will this be enough to keep me engaged for long?” About 10 years ago, Ed Schwartz, a retired human resources executive, faced these questions and discovered PEIR, Personal Enrichment in Retirement, an organization whose members are passionate about lifelong learning. This approach to learning has become a hot topic in recent years, as research studies have found that continued cognitive engagement is one of the keys to leading a longer and healthier life. And, of course, online learning and virtual workshops have exploded in response to the pandemic. But in today’s conversation, Ed, who is currently chairperson of PEIR, will talk about how PEIR has evolved over 40-plus years as a highly successful and resilient group whose members are not just the audience, but the creators and presenters of all their subject matter. Ed will explain how PEIR has adapted its administration and structure to an online environment. He will be joined by several other call-in members, who will offer examples of the group’s wide offerings. It may be an unusual model for lifelong learning—but perhaps a new model for other enterprising retirees around the country.
We’re not a country that likes to plan much—more often, Americans rely on their wits to get out of a crisis. Yet as the pace of social and economic change — not to mention climate change — has accelerated over the last several decades, so, too, have the number of crises we face in our lifetime. Many of these situations may not be foreseeable or preventable, but they may be more manageable, if we take the time to put a crisis management plan in place. In this episode, host Ron Roel talks with Linda Fostek, an internationally recognized speaker, author and expert in crisis planning, who will help us successfully manage the personal and natural crises that we will inevitably face, and as she puts it, “Get off the Worry-go-Round.” Linda lays out the four stages of preparation; she will describe how to create your own ICE (In Case of Emergency) files; and identify who needs to know about your plan, and what they need to know about it. She offers examples of plans that have helped avert crises, and cases where lack of planning has led to dire consequences. As a member of her regional Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Linda also talks about how crisis-management plans can be applied across communities, bringing together people and resources to help recovery efforts —and often save lives. Her approach to planning —inspired by her late father—has been to face crises with one mindset: Be part of the solution, instead of part of the problem.
Moving is never easy—at any age. Most people want to remain in the comfort of their home and neighborhood for as long as possible. At some point, however, this may not be safe or practical for our parents, and eventually the same may be true for us, too. Moving to some form of supportive housing does not have to be a default choice; in fact, it may be a better path, helping us lead a healthier and more enjoyable life—as long as we know how to do it right. In this episode, host Ron Roel talks with Robin Marks, an expert in the field of aging—from assisted living to Alzheimer’s—about the many issues to consider when choosing an adult housing community. What level of health care does your loved one need? What types of amenities are important? Will they be close to family and friends—and what kind of social engagement and activities will a senior community provide? How can you identify suitable communities—and be sure you can pay for them? Robin Marks will tackle all of questions, and more, explaining various senior housing options across the aging spectrum, from independent living to programs and resources that serve those with dementia. Her Golden Rule: Always focus on what people can do, not what they can’t.
Over the last 40 years, China has increasingly wreaked havoc on U.S. manufacturers, undercutting their business with high-volume, low-cost products. So when Lance Cheney, the fourth-generation owner of Braun Brush Company on Long Island, took the reins from his father, he sensed that he had to make a risky strategic shift—or the company might never make it to the fifth generation. Lance decided that Braun would no longer compete in the inexpensive “commodity brush” market. Instead, they would produce highly specialized brushes that accomplished unique tasks for companies that needed them done exactly right. Since that decision, Lance, who as a young man had gone to school to be a sculptor, has blended his artistic talents with his business acumen to take Braun Brush on an extraordinary creative journey. In this thought-provoking conversation with Host Ron Roel, Lance talks about the company’s many forays into innovative brush-making—from producing brushes dedicated to putting a sheen on chocolate; to others that keep the pigeons off the top of New York City’s Freedom Tower; to tiny brushes that have helped the Mars rovers dust debris away from drilling sites. And along the way, Lance has continued to find new avenues for his artistic sensibility, creating fiber-based projects for major companies and fabricating dozens of sculptures for a renowned American artist, the late Richard Artschwager.
Helping a loved one prepare for the end of life is uncharted territory for many of us. But this challenge is also a part of life’s natural journey, which provides a unique opportunity for families to support and honor their loved ones. In this unusually open and inspiring conversation, Susan Capurso, an End-of-Life Doula, and Lisa Strahs-Lorenc, a bereavement specialist, discuss how they guide families emotionally, practically, and spiritually through this difficult phase to a place of calm, peace and acceptance—and yes, celebration. Susan and Lisa also offer comprehensive courses and workshops to help people—no matter what their age—create a legacy of their life through written remembrances, recorded audio and video stories, scrapbooks and other vehicles, so current and future generations will be able to remember and cherish them for who they are. And they provide an array of resources and strategies that enable individuals to live life fully after the loss of a loved one, to move on, accept and discover their own journey.
We often hear the mantra, “Stronger Together,” but no one understands the power of these words better than Donna Butts. Currently the Executive Director of Generations United, Donna has worked tirelessly to promote the collective well-being of all generations—children, youth and older adults—around the world. How can we achieve this lofty goal at a time when different generations seem to find themselves increasingly competing for limited public funds and resources? In a wide-ranging conversation with Host Ron Roel, Donna offers examples of unique initiatives like the National Center on Grandfamilies, as well as practical approaches to “shared sites,” where children, youth and older adults participate in programs at the same location or campus. And you’ll hear about unique “Programs of Distinction,” and what it takes to be recognized by the Generations United/MetLife Foundation as one of the Best Intergenerational Communities in the nation.
Many people talk about “reinventing” themselves over the course of their career, but few do it like Patricia King. At age 9, Pat decided she wanted to be a novelist, and while she would eventually achieve her goal—some 60 years later—she was first hired as a technical writer for a large insurance company. One job led to another, and Pat evolved into a corporate trainer, not only teaching plain-English skills, but opening up a major Wall Street bank to affirmative action programs for women. And then, as a single mother, she decided to leave the corporate nest to start her own consulting company, from scratch. Over time, Pat built up an international management consulting company, and along the way wrote five nonfiction books on business subjects include Never Work for a Jerk, which landed her on the Oprah Winfrey show. And then she left again, for another entrepreneurial venture. This is Part 1 of Host Ron Roel’s conversation with Pat King, as she recounts her extraordinary journey.
Getting old may not be for sissies, as Bette Davis once said, but that doesn’t mean we should be resigned to going through a long period of decline as we age. Quite the opposite, says Carol Waldman, a gerontologist and former executive director of a large and innovative suburban senior center. Getting older can mean thriving, not just surviving during the later stages of life. How so? Carol provides a step-by-step “Thrival Guide,” with several pragmatic tips, including how to adapt to change, stay open to unseen possibilities, discover new purposes, and adopt a new view of time. Carol offers a wealth of stories and examples of programs that have brought joy and meaning to thousands of seniors over three decades, including a nationally recognized Lifelong Learning Lecture Series. A passionate fighter against ageism, she also has spearheaded an AARP Age-Friendly initiative in her local community, advocating for policies that benefit people of all generations.
Advances in health care and medicine have added years to our lifespan, but they’ve also made retirement more complicated than ever. How do we plan for this “longevity bonus,” considering the uncertainties of health care, caregiving, housing transitions and savings that may not last as long as we do? In today’s conversation, Host Ron Roel talks with Mark Miller, a widely recognized journalist, podcaster and author who writes extensively about retirement trends and aging — but with a uniquely different perspective. While the field of retirement experts tends to be very investment and saving-oriented, Mark focuses heavily on social insurance, a critical component in ensuring a secure and sustainable life in our later years. The publisher of RetirementRevised.com, Mark offers the latest information about Medicare options and Social Security benefits, as well as incisive thoughts on how to consider housing and work as part of retirement planning.
While the practices of yoga and meditation have been around for thousands of years, their popularity has surged in recent decades, as part of the ever-growing trend in holistic health, spiritual wellness and mindfulness. But there’s much more to these practices than increasing the flexibility of our aging bodies and finding occasional moments to de-stress our stressed-out lives. Lesa Kingsbury, head instructor at the Amba Yoga Center who has taught yoga for over 20 years, and Ken Taub, a former advertising executive who leads meditation workshops at the Amba center, take a deep dive into how yoga and meditation work together in profound ways. Lesa and Ken will explain the basics of these practices, as well as describe their personal philosophies and approaches. And they will venture far beyond the basics, offering insights and examples of how people of any age, experience or physical condition can benefit from both these practices—and stay with them for life.
If living through the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that we need to make sure our legal affairs and estate plans are in order, even when we’re not ready for retirement. How do we take care of such critical needs, especially in a time of virtual meetings and social distancing? Host Ron Roel talks with one of America’s top elder law attorneys, Ronald Fatoullah, discussing the latest information you need to know about wills and trusts, advanced directives, Medicaid planning, estate planning and guardianships. He has been advising New Yorkers for over 30 years, helping them plan for sometimes difficult “family conversations” to meet the needs of their elderly loved ones. Whether a client need immediate assistance for long-term care or is looking to create an estate plan for future generations, Mr. Fatoullah’s mission has always been to help families meet the challenges of aging with confidence, grace and dignity.
We celebrate friendship as one of the true joys—and necessities—of life, from our childhood through our elder years. But what does true friendship really mean, and how to we sustain it in our fast-paced and changing world — especially in these difficult times of social distancing and social unrest? Host Ron Roel and Dr. Andrea Gould-Marks, a clinical psychologist with decades of experience guiding people through relationships and life transitions, share wide-ranging thoughts about the many “nutritional values” and facets of friendship. How do we preserve and renew relationships with cherished old friends, and how do we find and develop dynamic new friendships as our lives and locations change? What are realistic expectations from different kinds of friendships — at work, at school, in our places of worship, and community? And how do we deal with loneliness —which experts say has become a has become an epidemic worldwide, despite the profusion of social media and technology?
As the economy continues to struggle under the weight of the raging coronavirus, host Ron Roel talks with Scott Passeser, a widely recognized innovator in the staffing field, about how to navigate a job market upended by fear and social distancing. Job-hunting these days is tough for people of any age, but especially for those from their mid-40s and older who face unspoken age discrimination and skepticism about their ability to manage new technologies. Scott, a senior vice president at Executive Alliance, a national recruiting firm, will reveal how to use his unique system to get through the “black holes” of online job applications that often lead nowhere for frustrated job-hunters. Also, he will offer the latest advice on effective interviewing online; how to turn resume obstacles into non-issues, as well as how to strategize career shifts. And he will provide listeners with a list of things that job-hunters should always do (and never do).
In his inaugural show, Host Ron Roel talks with Kathleen Otte, an award-winning senior official at the U.S. Administration for Community Living, which helps millions of people live independently and stay active as they age in their communities. Kathleen, who has been working to improve the lives of older adults for more than 30 years, will explain how federal and state programs are collaborating to promote the philosophy of “consumer control,” engaging people in the decision-making process about their options, preferences, values and financial resources. Advancing the theme for Older Americans Month in 2021 — “Communities of Strength”— Kathleen and Ron will share stories of how older adults have built resilience and strength over the second half of their lives. Kathleen will also offer examples of how families can connect with local, practical resources they need—services, programs, education or just information — wherever they live.