The Aging Unscripted Podcast From CLC

What happens when best intentions cross the line into being too controlling? In this episode of Aging Unscripted, we explore the powerful, and sometimes uncomfortable, truth behind the phrase: “You’re Not the Boss of Me.” As we age, autonomy isn’t just a preference; it’s deeply tied to identity, dignity, and overall well-being. Yet families, caregivers, and even professionals often step in with the best intentions when supporting an older adult and unintentionally take over. Our guests for this enlightening discussion are Clinical Dietician, Clint Rasti and long-time nurse and clinical leader Angela Allen, two people dedicated to well-being, but their perspectives may surprise you when it comes to retaining autonomy for older adults. Tune in for the lively and insightful chat. Resource Links: CLC’s Citizenship Model of Community Living

Healthy aging isn’t about perfect nutrition—it’s about nourishment, joy, and balance. Eating For Life: Health & Happiness As We Age In this episode of Aging Unscripted, Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan sit down with clinical dietitian Clint Rasti to explore a more sustainable approach to nutrition. From changing nutritional needs to navigating diet culture and misinformation, Clint shares how food can support not just health—but happiness and autonomy—as we age. It’s National Nutrition Month, tune in to separate fact from fiction and “real life” tips for better nutrition on your aging journey. Resource Links: Nourishing Body and Mind: How Nutrition Improves Resident Wellbeing in Senior Living

Staying One Step Ahead of Scams is an episode of Aging Unscripted focused on protecting older adults from the growing threat of fraud. From online, phone, and mail fraud to retail crime, crypto, gold scams, and even financial exploitation by trusted family members, this conversation shares practical warning signs, prevention tips, and clear steps to take if you or a loved one may be a victim—helping listeners stay informed and one step ahead. Listen in as host Jill Vitale-Aussem and co-host Pam Sullivan as they talk with Jamie Sorrells from Colorado’s 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office to discuss why older adults are targeted and the most common scams affecting them today. Resources: District Attorney, 18th Judicial District’s  Senior Safety Saturday Fraud Presentation District Attorney 18th Judicial District Consumer Fraud Page Colorado Attorney General Consumer Protection

Colorado is in the middle of a demographic shift unlike anything we’ve seen before. Birth rates are falling, migration has slowed, and the fastest-growing age group is adults 75–84—with more people living into their 90s and beyond. In this episode of Aging Unscripted, hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan are joined by former Colorado State Demographer Elizabeth Garner to explore what this population pivot means for our state’s future. We’ll explore: Why Colorado’s growth is slowing What an aging population means for communities, housing, and healthcare The workforce challenges ahead—and how the state can prepare Watch now and be prepared for Colorado’s population pivot.   Guest:  Elizabeth Garner, Demographer Resources: Colorado State Demography Office website United States Census Bureau website

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, “The Fight for Funding: Seniors, Medicaid, and the Road Ahead,” we break down the complex world of Medicaid funding — what it means for older adults, senior living organizations, and all of us who care about the future of aging services. Hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan sit down with Doug Farmer, President & CEO of the Colorado Healthcare Association to make sense of a challenging funding landscape in clear, everyday terms and share what each of us can do to advocate for change before the next legislative session. Join us for an empowering discussion about understanding the issues, taking action, and protecting the dignity and care of older adults.   The Empathy Project: Seniors in Crisis – Video explaining the real impact of Medicaid Cuts, please copy and share with friends, family, lawmakers – https://youtu.be/qK6uugKAk_g?si=taRG3fC7q7UrwrfN Find & Contact Your Lawmaker - https://leg.colorado.gov/find-my-legislator Medicaid Counseling from the Colorado Gerontological Society - https://www.senioranswers.org/counseling/medicaid-counseling/ Colorado Healthcare Association – https://www.cohca.org/ When Care Is on the Line: The Human Impact of Medicaid Cuts in Colorado - https://christianlivingcommunities.org/blog/the-human-impact-of-medicaid-cuts-in-colorado/ 

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, “Seasons of Grief: Finding Meaning in Life’s Transitions,” we explore how grief weaves through every stage of life — not only after loss, but during moments of change and growth. With the holidays approaching, hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan sit down with Chaplain Robert Smith and Jenn Flaum from the HeartLight Foundation to discuss how to honor old traditions, create new ones, and find meaning amid both grief and gratitude. Join us for an honest, compassionate conversation about how aging invites us to hold joy and sorrow side by side.   Heartlight Center: www.heartlightcenter.org Grief Support During the Holidays: https://heartlightcenter.org/grief-support-during-the-holidays/ Creating a Better Experience when Dementia is Involved: https://christianlivingcommunities.org/blog/creating-a-better-holiday-experience-when-dementia-is-involved/ The Immense Value of Holidays and Traditions to Your Well-being: https://christianlivingcommunities.org/blog/the-immense-value-of-holidays-and-traditions-to-your-well-being/

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, we talk with Cierra Olmstead of A Move Handled with Care about the emotional and practical realities of downsizing later in life. From knowing when it’s time to move to navigating the hardest conversations, this episode offers heartfelt insight and practical tips for turning a major life transition into a meaningful new beginning. Guest: Cierra Olmstead, Co-Owner of A Move Handled with Care Links and Resources:   https://amovehandledwithcare.com/   https://christianlivingcommunities.org/blog/having-the-conversation/

Could the later chapters of life be the most joyful of all? In this uplifting episode of Aging Unscripted, we chat with “Joy Seeker” and author Lisa Dimino White about how a positive mindset, everyday kindness, and small moments of delight can shape a more vibrant aging experience and according to studies, increase your lifespan by as much as seven and half years! Discover how to create your own “bursts of joy” and embrace happiness at any age. Guest: Lisa Dimino White – The Joy Seeker Links & Resources:   https://thejoyseeker.com/   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bursting-with-happiness-the-podcast/id1539351607   https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B08F8Q6BSD/about?ingress=0&visitId=d35c85fe-1e7e-4ca5-91d9-ce386be0608c&ref_=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share&ccs_id=20dae3d9-7a64-4075-b0d3-fad86b5d7154

Assisted living, memory care, rehab, oh my! Join us on Aging Unscripted as we untangle the complex world of senior living with expert insights from Certified Senior Advisor Kelly Grace O’Connor. Understand the options and what getting help with the journey means—so you can move from overwhelmed to informed, one conversation at a time. Guest: Kelly Grace O’Connor – Certified Senior Advisor/Advocate/Speaker Links and Resources:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellygraceoconnor/   https://www.csa.us/about-society-of-certified-senior-advisors/meet-our-team/   https://www.pmccpsych.com/kelly-o-connor   https://christianlivingcommunities.org/blog/having-the-conversation/

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, guest host Chaplain Services Director Robert Smith and retired Spiritual Director and author Jane Vennard explore aging as a spiritual practice. They discuss how Western culture pushes us to deny aging, but through a spiritual lens, we find freedom, purpose, and celebration in the journey. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on embracing aging with mindfulness, grace, and deeper meaning.    Books that Jane Vennard finds useful:  Chittister, Joan, The Gift of Years: Growing Old Gracefully, Blue Bridge, 2010.  Iyer, Pico, The Art of Stillness: Adventures in Going Nowhere, Simon & Schuster, 2014.  Leland, John, Happiness Is a Choice You Make: Lessons From a Year Among the Oldest Old, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2018.  Singh, Kathleen Dowling, The Grace in Aging: Awaken as you Grow Older, Wisdom Publications, 2014.  Vennard, Jane, Fully Awake and Truly Alive: Spiritual Practices to Nurture Your Soul, Skylight Paths, 2013.  Spiritual Care in Senior Living Blog by Robert Smith

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, we challenge traditional views of dementia, shifting from a focus on decline to empowerment and support. Hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan welcome dementia educator Jessica Luh Kim and advocate Mary Beth Wighton, who is living well with dementia. Together, they explore how to foster true belonging and create a more inclusive, supportive world for those on the dementia journey. Tune in for an inspiring conversation!  Dignity & Dementia: Carpe Diem by Mary Beth Wighton  Dementia Action Alliance  Living with Well Dementia Blog CLC

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan tackle the question: “To Dye or Not to Dye?” Sharing personal, heartfelt, and humorous stories, they explore the emotional journey of embracing gray hair. From societal pressure to the freedom of authenticity, they discuss ageism, stereotypes, and the liberation of letting go of hair color. Join us as we break free from expectations and celebrate the beauty of aging—gray and gorgeous! Openly Gray Blog Giving Gray Hair the Green Light Column

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, we explore how a culture of citizenship transforms senior living communities for residents, team members, and families alike. Host Jill Vitale-Aussem welcomes an International Aging Advocate and resident of Clermont Park Senior Living in Denver for an inspiring conversation about purpose, contribution, and shared responsibility. Discover how embracing true citizenship creates a more fulfilling, engaged, and empowered senior living experience for all. Tune in!  CLC Citizenship Model Blog

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, we explore how where you live shapes health, happiness, and longevity. It’s more than just your house—it’s about connection and quality of life. Hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan welcome Ryan Fredrick, author of Right Place, Right Time, for an eye-opening discussion on the power of place in aging. Whether you're considering a move or staying put, discover how your surroundings impact your well-being. Resources  Ryan Fredrick -  Ryan Frederick - Longevity & Place Expert Here - Here: Home of Place Planning