45 Forward

Archive episode date: September 5, 2022. Encore presentation of the recording originally released September 27, 2021.
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.
Original episode: https://45forward.org/45-forward-episode-87/

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Archive episode date: February 8, 2023. The archive page is dated February 8, 2023; the source audio was released February 13, 2023.
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.
Original episode: https://45forward.org/45-forward-episode-110/

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Archive episode date: September 18, 2023. Source audio release date: September 25, 2023.
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.
Original episode: https://45forward.org/45-forward-episode-142/

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Archive episode date: September 30, 2024.
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.
Original episode: https://45forward.org/45-forward-episode-195/

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Archive episode date: October 7, 2024.
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.
Original episode: https://45forward.org/45-forward-episode-196/

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Archive episode date: November 4, 2024.
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."
Original episode: https://45forward.org/45-forward-episode-200/

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Archive page date: April 26, 2021. Source audio release date: April 26, 2021.
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.
Original episode: https://45forward.org/45-forward-episode-16/

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Archive page date: June 14, 2021. Source audio release date: June 14, 2021.
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.
Original episode: https://45forward.org/clone-of-45-forward-episode-23/

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Archive page date: June 21, 2021. Source audio release date: June 21, 2021.
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.
Original episode: https://45forward.org/45-forward-episode-24/

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Archive page date: July 19, 2021. Source audio release date: July 19, 2021.
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."
Original episode: https://45forward.org/45-forward-episode-28/

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