Aging for All - Virginia Center on Aging

In this episode of Aging for All, host Andrea Price speaks with Denise Butler, a geriatric care specialist, about the significance of Memory Cafes in providing socialization opportunities for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. Denise shares her journey in establishing Memory Cafes, the differences between support groups and Memory Cafes, and the importance of community partnerships. The conversation highlights the need for accessible spaces, the impact of social connections, and the role of caregivers in enhancing the quality of life for those affected by cognitive decline. Denise emphasizes the positive approach to care and the importance of redefining quality of life as we age.

In this episode of Aging For All, hosts Jen Yanez Pryor and Andrea Price welcome Mark Goddard, a seasoned expert in clinical electrophysiology and the vice president of clinical services at InfoBionic AI. Mark shares his personal motivation for improving atrial fibrillation (AFib) detection, stemming from his mother's experience with the condition. He explains the complexities of AFib, describing it as a silent condition that can lead to serious health risks, including strokes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of education and awareness regarding AFib, especially for the aging population, and discusses the limitations of current monitoring technologies like smartwatches, which may not be widely adopted by older adults. The discussion then shifts to the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing AFib detection and prevention. Mark outlines how AI can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns that may predict AFib before it occurs, marking a significant shift in the approach to managing this condition. He also highlights the importance of lifestyle factors, such as diet and blood pressure management, in preventing AFib. The episode concludes with a focus on the interconnectedness of cardiovascular health and cognitive function, underscoring the need for ongoing education and advocacy for better health outcomes as we age.

In this episode of Aging For All, hosts Jen and Andrea welcome Clif Porter, the president and CEO of the American Health Care Association. They discuss the complexities of Medicare Advantage, the importance of making informed healthcare decisions, and the future of Medicare as the population ages. Cliff shares insights on navigating Medicare options, the significance of having advocates, and the innovations in healthcare that aim to improve the quality of care for seniors. The conversation emphasizes the need for thoughtful decision-making in healthcare as one ages.

In this episode of Aging For All, hosts Jen Yanez-Pryor and Andrea Price welcome Adrienne Cummins and Gigi Amateau to discuss the multifaceted experience of caregiving. They explore the importance of community support, the emotional challenges caregivers face, and innovative approaches like 'Poetry on the River' that foster connection and healing. The conversation emphasizes the significance of listening, narrative agency, and the shared journey of caregivers, providing valuable insights and resources for both new and experienced caregivers.

In this episode of Aging For All, hosts Jen Yanez-Pryor and Andrea Price welcome Janet McConnell, a healthy longevity advocate and fitness educator. Janet shares her inspiring journey from a corporate career to becoming a fitness coach and bodybuilder at nearly 70. The conversation explores the importance of mindset in aging, the significance of meeting clients where they are in their fitness journey, and the transformative success stories of individuals who have embraced healthy aging. Janet emphasizes that it's never too late to start making positive changes and that building resilience is key to thriving in later years.

In this episode of Aging For All, hosts Jen Yanez Pryor and Andrea Price welcome Lisa Brownlee Johnson, a nurse practitioner and geriatrician, to discuss the importance of community engagement in dementia screening and holistic health. Lisa shares her experiences in the healthcare field, emphasizing the need for accessible dementia screenings, building trust within the African-American community, and the role of arts in raising awareness about dementia. The conversation also touches on the significance of partnerships and the mission of Wisdom Watch Alliance to support individuals and families affected by dementia.

In this episode of Aging For All, hosts Jen Yanez Pryor and Andrea Price welcome Glenis Boyd-Hughes, an intersectional gerontologist. Glenis shares her journey into gerontology, emphasizing the importance of understanding the social drivers of health and the impact of intersectionality on aging. The conversation explores how societal systems shape aging experiences and the need for community engagement and advocacy to create better outcomes for elders. Glenis encourages listeners to view aging as a gift and to take action in their communities to support others.

In this episode of Aging For All, hosts Jen Yanez Pryor and Andrea Price welcome Rebecca Adelman, an attorney and entrepreneur dedicated to enhancing senior living and healthcare. The conversation explores the critical role of family partnerships in senior care, the concept of dignity of risk, and the cultural shifts necessary in senior living communities. Rebecca shares her insights on how to navigate transitions in care, emphasizing the importance of communication and education for families. The episode concludes with practical advice for families to advocate for their loved ones during these transitions.

In this episode of Aging For All, hosts Jen Yanez Pryor and Andrea Price welcome Kaisha McCrea, founder of Growing Perspectives Career Consulting. They discuss the importance of navigating career changes, the anxieties associated with transitions, and the evolving nature of work as we age. Kaisha shares her insights on embracing change, the significance of networking, and her journey as an author, emphasizing the value of lifelong learning and community support. The conversation highlights that it's never too late to pursue new interests and that our experiences are invaluable.

In this episode of Aging For All, host Jen Yanez Pryor speaks with gerontologist Sonia Barsness about the importance of viewing dementia through the lens of personhood. They discuss the need to shift perspectives from seeing individuals as mere patients to recognizing their full humanity and potential for living well. Sonia shares insights on the role of gerontology, available resources for those affected by dementia, and the significance of community support. The conversation emphasizes the importance of advocacy, education, and maintaining meaningful relationships with loved ones living with dementia.

In this episode of Aging For All, hosts Jen Yanez Pryor and Andrea Price welcome Dr. Fayron Epps, an expert in caregiver research and the founder of the ALTER program. Dr. Epps discusses her work in creating dementia-friendly congregations, particularly within the Black community, and emphasizes the importance of caregiver support, community engagement, and the challenges faced in changing the culture of faith communities. The conversation highlights the need for awareness, education, and action to improve the quality of life for families affected by dementia.

In this episode of Aging For All, hosts Jen Yanez Pryor and Andrea Price welcome Dr. Kristin McDonald, an expert in healthcare management and compassion in long-term care. Dr. McDonald shares her journey from clinical nutrition to academia, emphasizing the importance of compassion in caregiving and its impact on workforce well-being. The conversation explores how organizations can foster compassion among caregivers, the significance of compassionate leadership, and the need for networks that support healthcare professionals. The discussion also highlights the challenges of aging and the importance of preparing future healthcare leaders to embrace and understand the aging population.

In this episode of Aging For All, hosts Jen Yanez Pryor and Andrea Price engage in a conversation with M. Denise Simmons, a leader in the caregiving and healthcare industry. Denise shares her personal caregiving journey, which began unexpectedly during her college years as she navigated her parents' declining health. She discusses the challenges of balancing caregiving for her parents while raising her own children, emphasizing the importance of self-care and seeking help. The conversation delves into cultural sensitivities in caregiving, the significance of empathy, and the mission of her home care agency, Wisdom Senior Care, to keep seniors at home where they can thrive. Denise also highlights the importance of preserving the wisdom and stories of seniors, matching caregivers with clients based on shared experiences, and the lessons learned from aging. Tune in and visit https://wisdomseniorcare.com/111/fort-lauderdale-wisdom-team-in-home-senior-care-2/

www.queenagedbeauty.com In this episode of Aging For All, hosts Jen Yanez Pryor and Andrea Price welcome Regina Foster, a passionate gerontologist and founder of Queen Aged and Foster Senior Services. Regina shares her personal journey into gerontology, influenced by her upbringing with her grandparents and her experiences with family members living with dementia. The conversation explores the challenges of ageism in society, the importance of embracing beauty at all ages, and the creation of her beauty brand, Queen Aged, which aims to empower individuals to celebrate aging. Regina emphasizes the need for authenticity and creativity in pursuing one's passions, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique journeys and challenge societal norms surrounding aging.

In this episode of Aging for All, hosts Jen Yannis-Pryor and Andrea Price welcome Dr. Daniel Blustein, a retired geriatrician and family physician. Dr. Blustein shares his extensive background in geriatrics, his journey into the field, and the importance of caregiver education through programs like Caregiver Conversations. The discussion highlights the role of primary care in geriatric care, the interdisciplinary approach to caregiving, and the significance of audience participation in learning. Dr. Blustein also discusses his motivation for continuing education post-retirement and offers advice on career planning and re-engagement for healthcare professionals. The episode concludes with announcements about upcoming caregiver conversations.

In this episode of Aging For All, hosts Jen Yanez Pryor and Andrea Price welcome guests Carrie Sweeney and Luke Barnesmoore to discuss the importance of lifelong learning and innovative housing solutions for older adults. They explore the Home Match program, which connects older adults with individuals seeking affordable housing, emphasizing the significance of partnerships and community engagement. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by older adults in the housing market, the impact of social isolation, and the need for proactive solutions to prevent homelessness. The episode concludes with a call to action for continued collaboration and support in addressing these pressing issues.

In this enlightening conversation, hosts Jen Yanez Pryor and Andrea Price discuss the significance of Ageism Awareness Day with Dr. Tracy Gendron, a leading expert in gerontology. They explore the pervasive issue of ageism, its impact on society, and the importance of fostering an inclusive environment for all ages. The discussion delves into the role of gerontology in combating ageism, the connection between social isolation and age bias, and the concept of elderhood as a positive life stage. The conversation also addresses the anti-aging movement, intersectionality in ageism, and the importance of intergenerational relationships. Throughout, the speakers emphasize the need for advocacy, awareness, and a shift in language to combat ageism effectively.

In this conversation, Natasha Houpe discusses her extensive work with older adults and individuals with disabilities in Richmond, Virginia. She highlights the pressing issues of housing, homelessness, and evictions faced by these populations, emphasizing the need for education, advocacy, and community resources. Natasha shares insights on illegal evictions, the importance of planning for aging, and the collaborative efforts of various agencies to support those in need. The discussion culminates in a reflection on the positive aspects of aging and the significance of living fully as one grows older.

In this episode of Aging for All, Dr. John Countryman, a narrative gerontologist, shares his journey from theater professor to his current role in promoting storytelling among older adults. The conversation explores the therapeutic benefits of narrative work, the importance of community and lifelong learning, and the need to challenge negative stereotypes about aging. Dr. Countryman emphasizes the value of intergenerational connections and the role of improvisation in fostering creativity and adaptability in older adults. The episode concludes with reflections on the power of stories in shaping our lives and experiences.

Sky Bergman, an accomplished photographer and filmmaker, shares her inspiration for creating the documentary film 'Lives Well Lived' and the book that accompanies it. She wanted to find positive role models of aging and highlight the incredible stories and wisdom of older adults. Sky emphasizes the importance of embracing aging and celebrating the journey rather than trying to avoid it. She also discusses the process of building trust with the interviewees and the impact of their stories on her own life. Sky's work aims to combat ageism and connect generations through storytelling and community-building.

Dr. Elvin Price, Director of Geriatric Pharmacotherapy at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, discusses the importance of optimizing medication outcomes for older adults. He explains that geriatric pharmacotherapy involves a multidisciplinary approach to improve outcomes for older adults, focusing on eliminating poor medication outcomes and reducing health disparities. Dr. Price emphasizes the need for collaboration among healthcare professionals and the integration of social determinants of health in care. He also highlights the value of specializing in geriatrics for healthcare providers and the importance of serving older adults in improving their quality of life.

Rachel Ramirez, the executive director of the Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI), shares her insights on the power of lifelong learning and the impact it has on individuals and communities. LLI provides academic, social, and fitness courses for midlife and older adults. Rachel emphasizes the importance of working in your passion and how it recharges and refills you. She highlights the benefits of lifelong learning, including mental stimulation, purpose, and community. Rachel also discusses the future of LLI and the availability of similar programs across the nation.

Dr. Jean Storm, the Medical Director for Quality Insights, discusses the work of the quality improvement organization in improving health and healthcare. The organization brings people and information together to provide up-to-date information to patients, providers, and facilities. Dr. Storm highlights two key projects: one focused on improving health for Medicare beneficiaries in areas such as hypertension, diabetes, and opioid misuse, and another focused on supporting nursing homes with vaccination, and education around infection control and opioid use disorder. She also emphasizes the importance of reducing stigma around opioid use disorder and the need for education and support in nursing homes.

Summary Gigi Amato, an assistant professor for the Virginia Commonwealth University Department of Gerontology, discusses the importance of trauma-informed care for older adults. She explains that trauma-informed care recognizes the chronic and ongoing experiences of adversity that can disrupt an older adult's health and quality of life. Gigi emphasizes the need for agencies serving older adults to adopt trauma-informed approaches that prioritize safety, agency, and independence. She also introduces the concept of healing-centered engagement, which focuses on culture, agency, social connection, and meaning and purpose. Gigi highlights the importance of human connection and building authentic relationships in providing care for older adults. Takeaways Trauma-informed care recognizes the chronic and ongoing experiences of adversity that can disrupt an older adult's health and quality of life. Agencies serving older adults should adopt trauma-informed approaches that prioritize safety, agency, and independence. Healing-centered engagement focuses on culture, agency, social connection, and meaning and purpose. Human connection and building authentic relationships are essential in providing care for older adults.

Aging for All Trailer

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