45 Forward

Originally broadcast 2022-02-07.
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."
An archival conversation from 45 Forward.

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Originally broadcast 2022-01-31.
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."
An archival conversation from 45 Forward.

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Originally broadcast 2022-01-24.
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.
An archival conversation from 45 Forward.

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Originally broadcast 2022-01-17.
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.
An archival conversation from 45 Forward.


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Originally broadcast 2022-01-10.
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.
An archival conversation from 45 Forward.


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Originally broadcast 2022-01-03.
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.
An archival conversation from 45 Forward.


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Encore broadcast 2021-12-27. Originally broadcast 2021-05-10.
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.
An archival conversation from 45 Forward.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/45-forward--6550893/support.

Originally broadcast 2021-05-10.
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.
An archival conversation from 45 Forward.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/45-forward--6550893/support.

Originally broadcast December 20, 2021.
Ron Roel welcomes Dr. Miyoko Chu of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology for a conversation about birding across generations. They discuss connecting with nature, the role of citizen science and tools such as eBird and Merlin Bird ID, and ways to protect birds and their habitats.
An archival conversation from 45 Forward.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/45-forward--6550893/support.

Originally broadcast December 13, 2021.
Ron Roel talks with Eddie Garcia, Marcia Slater Johnston, and Dr. Carla Perissinotto about loneliness and social isolation, particularly among older adults. They explore how loneliness differs from being alone, its effects on health, and practical approaches to building connection through community action, purpose, and volunteerism.
An archival conversation from 45 Forward.


Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/45-forward--6550893/support.