Abundant Aging

This week on the Art of Aging, Rev. Beth Long-Higgins and Ashley Bills highlight lessons learned from a year of podcasts with guests who share unique perspectives on dementia, inclusivity, faith, community involvement, and overcoming fears. Listeners will discover inspiring stories of personal growth, the importance of compassionate support for all older adults, and key takeaways on embracing change, staying curious, and fostering purposeful connections as we age. Don’t miss this look back at some of the top moments from the year of the podcast.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Introduction and setting the theme of aging conversations (0:00)
• Metaphor of older adults as resilient weeds (3:02)
• The idea of being master climbers and challenging "over the hill" (6:06)
• Turning fear into curiosity: approaching dementia and death (9:00)
• Personalized approaches to aging, “walking span,” and generational myths (12:46)
• Challenging generational assumptions and early life choices about aging (15:14)
• Creativity and Constraints: Green Eggs and Ham Hypothesis (18:06)
• Guests’ surprises about their own aging and creative new beginnings (21:14)
• LGBTQ+ elders and meaningful inclusivity in later life (24:46)
• Embracing physical changes and self-acceptance with age (27:14)
• Generational connections and finding purpose while aging (30:03)
• Shifting from consumer to citizen and increasing life engagement (33:08)
• The power of faith, community, and unexpected achievements as we age (36:00)

Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Art of Aging, Rev. Beth Long-Higgins welcomes Susan Wallace, President and CEO of LeadingAge Ohio, for an insightful discussion on aging in the 21st century. Topics include the evolution and importance of hospice and palliative care, differences between for-profit and nonprofit care providers, the risks of fraud in hospice services, and the innovative PACE program for comprehensive elder care. Susan also shares personal stories and reflections on caregiving, the value of social connection, and her own journey with aging. Key takeaways for listeners include understanding care options, the importance of informed choices, the power of relationships in aging abundantly, and so much more. 

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Susan’s Background and Role at Leading Age Ohio (0:40)
• What is LeadingAge Ohio and Its Connection to National Organization (1:28)
• How Hospice Has Changed and What to Expect Today (6:05)
• For-Profit vs. Nonprofit Hospice Care (9:44)
• What to Look for When Choosing a Hospice Provider (12:18)
• Quality Measures and Medicare’s Care Compare (14:44)
• The Role of Community and Spiritual Care in Hospice (15:46)
• Fraud and Trends in Hospice Care (17:12)
• Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care (0:20:26)
• The PACE Program: All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (24:20)
• Expansion and Education about PACE in Ohio (26:43)
• The Importance of Caregiving and Social Connection in Aging (29:29)
• Challenges and Opportunities in Aging Services (30:23)
• Reflections on Aging: Personal Growth and Surprises (32:18)
• How to Connect with Susan and Parting Thoughts (36:20)

Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Art of Aging, Dr. Like Lokon, artist, educator, and founder of Opening Minds Through Art (OMA), discusses her journey from confronting a fear of dementia to developing an innovative, evidence-based art program that empowers older adults and bridges generations. The conversation explores international insights, the therapeutic power of creativity, breaking down power dynamics in care settings, and the value of intergenerational relationships. Key takeaways include the transformative impact of art and social connection for people living with dementia, the importance of experiential learning, how programs like OMA foster dignity, agency, and lasting human connections, and so much more.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Confronting Fear Of Dementia and Its Impact on Dr. Lokon's Path (1:53)
• International Experiences and Learning About Dementia Care (3:42)
• Lessons From Time Slips and The Development of OMA’s Philosophy (4:30)
• Power Dynamics In Memory Care and OMA’s Approach (7:12)
• The Impact of OMA On Students and Fostering Human Connection (12:44)
• Intergenerational Dynamics and Social Connection Through OMA (16:45)
• Processes Within OMA To Equalize Power Across Generations (20:13)
• Personal Evolution and Dr. Lokon's Decision To Study Gerontology (21:55)
• Public Art Shows and Recognizing Older Adults (23:53)
• Expanding OMA Into Affordable Housing and Social Engagement (26:23)
• Art Versus Social Engagement and Breaking Intimidating Expectations (27:51)
• Benefits of Group Art Classes For Aging and Fighting Ageism (29:54)
• The Value of Social Connection and Health Outcomes (32:04)
• Death Doula Training and Connecting With End-Of-Life Care (33:01)
• Reflections On Aging and Personal Growth (36:07)
• Closing Remarks, Upcoming Symposium, And How To Learn About OMA (41:12)

Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Art of Aging, Dr. Leanne Clark Shirley, CEO of the American Society on Aging, joins Rev. Beth Long-Higgins to discuss the evolving landscape of aging in America. They explore the universality of aging, the importance of bridging generational and political divides, and the need to celebrate longevity gains while addressing challenges like ageism and public health. The conversation highlights the role of policy, the impact of early-life experiences on aging, and the value of intergenerational connections. Listeners are encouraged to engage with ASA’s upcoming conference, participate in Ageism Awareness Day, and utilize resources to challenge age-based barriers, with the key takeaway that aging is a shared human experience best approached with curiosity, inclusivity, and action. Don’t miss this great conversation.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Dr. Leanne Clark Shirley’s Background and Career Journey (0:36)
• The Mission and Membership of the American Society on Aging (ASA) (5:31)
• The Value of Cross-Sector Collaboration in Aging (6:52)
• Bridging Generational and Political Divides through Aging (8:05)
• Shifting Perspectives: Aging as Opportunity, Not Decline (10:10)
• The Impact of Public Health and Vaccines on Longevity (12:11)
• Life Expectancy Disparities and Social Determinants of Health (14:21)
• Challenges and Policy Considerations for the Future of Aging (15:57)
• Facilitating Intergenerational Dialogues and Dismantling Ageism (21:20)
• The Demographic Shift: More Older Adults than Children (23:22)
• Waving the Magic Wand: Bold Changes for Aging Inclusivity (24:48)
• Personal Reflections on Aging and Inspirations (26:05)
• ASA Conference, Ageism Awareness Day, and Resources (28:23)
• Closing Remarks and Call to Action (30:15)

Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Art of Aging, Dr. Catrinel Tromp, a cognitive psychologist and creativity researcher, joins Rev. Beth Long-Higgins to explore how constraints can actually fuel creativity, especially as we age. They discuss the myths surrounding creativity, the impact of ageism and ableism, and the difference between “big C” and everyday creativity. Listeners will learn how to reframe limitations as opportunities, build creative resilience through playful experimentation, and challenge assumptions about aging. The episode offers practical insights and inspiration for anyone looking to age abundantly and creatively. Don’t miss this conversation.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Catrinel’s Background and Interest in Creativity (1:18)
• The Role of Constraints in Creativity (3:02)
• How Constraints Spark Innovation: The Dr. Seuss Example (4:02)
• Types of Constraints and Their Impact on Aging (7:24)
• Ageism, Ableism, and Creativity in Older Adults (10:37)
• The Importance of Mindset and Attitudes Toward Aging (11:05)
• Everyday Creativity and Building Creative Resilience (13:25)
• Big C vs. Little c Creativity Explained (14:22)
• Creativity Beyond the Arts: Teaching and Other Professions (15:24)
• Overcoming Myths About Creativity (16:21)
• Building Creative Muscle and Embracing Constraints (17:36)
• Playfulness, Curiosity, and Navigating Constraints (22:26)
• Fixed vs. Flexible Constraints and Questioning Assumptions (23:14)
• Personal Stories: Constraints and Self-Perception (25:38)
• Connecting with Catrinel and Closing Remarks (31:14)

Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Art of Aging, host Rev. Beth Long-Higgins welcomes Dr. Susan McFadden, a leading advocate for dementia-friendly communities and Professor Emerita of Psychology at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Susan discusses the power of creativity, imagination, and community in supporting people living with dementia. The conversation also explores the origins and impact of Memory Cafes, the importance of language and relational mindfulness, and practical ways to foster inclusion and connection. Listeners will learn about innovative programs, such as memory camps and the Spark Alliance, and take away the message that creativity and presence can transform the experience of aging and dementia for individuals, families, and communities. Don’t miss this great conversation. 

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Dr. McFadden’s Journey into Aging Work (1:43)
• Research Gaps in Creative Aging (4:14)
• Creativity and Everyday Life (8:14)
• Memory Cafes: Purpose and Practice (10:35)
• Expanding Memory Cafes Nationwide (13:22)
• Dementia Friendly Communities Explained (16:49)
• Memory Camp: Retreats for Dementia (20:13)
• SPARK Alliance and Museum Programs (25:12)
• Imagination vs. Memory in Dementia (31:20)
• Radical Reconstruction of Aging and Dementia (33:01)
• Relational Mindfulness in Dementia Care (37:25)
• Addressing Grief and Social Isolation (40:00)
• Closing, Symposium Info, and Connecting with Susan (42:22)
• Abundant Aging Questions for Susan (43:50)
• Final Thoughts and Takeaways (48:10)

Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Art of Aging, host Rev. Beth Long-Higgins welcomes Elizabeth Stamm, a board-certified music therapist, about the transformative power of music therapy in the lives of older adults. The discussion explores what music therapy is, how it addresses non-musical goals, and the importance of creativity, improvisation, and human connection in the healing process. Elizabeth shares personal stories illustrating the impact of music therapy on agency, achievement, and belonging, while emphasizing the value of authenticity and abundance in aging. Listeners will gain insight into the therapeutic process, the role of empowerment, the unique ways music can foster healing and self-expression at any stage of life, and so much more.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Symposium Announcement and Theme (1:15)
• Liz’s Path to Music Therapy (1:31)
• Defining Music Therapy (2:50)
• Training and Client Participation (5:30)
• Empowerment and Overcoming Musical Trauma (6:56)
• Creativity and Humanism in Therapy (9:04)
• Music and the Brain (11:30)
• Inspiring Outcomes: Parkinson’s Example (13:48)
• Inspiring Outcomes: Dementia Example (16:40)
• Agency, Achievement, and Belonging (19:57)
• Clinical Improvisation Defined (22:07)
• Spirituality and “Free Sense” in Music (24:00)
• Catharsis and Emotional Expression (26:01)
• Abundant Aging Questions: Personal Aging Reflections (27:38)
• Connecting with Liz and Parting Thoughts (32:38)

Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Art of Aging, host Rev. Beth Long-Higgins welcomes Kelly de la Rocha, Founder of poemRENOVATION, a creative platform that allows people to reimagine poetry by rearranging words from literary passages. Born from her personal experience of using poetry to process emotions, the digital and print-based tool has found remarkable success across generations, particularly in elder care settings. Kelly demonstrates how poemRENOVATION promotes creativity, mental wellness, and meaningful connections, especially for seniors in memory care and independent living communities. Through intergenerational workshops, collaborations with organizations like Opening Minds Through Art, and her passionate approach to creativity, Kelly illustrates that artistic expression knows no age limit. The episode highlights the transformative power of words, the importance of play in aging, and how simple creative exercises can unlock joy, memories, and self-expression for people of all ages. Don’t miss it!

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Origins of poemRENOVATION (1:21)
• Transition to Digital and Tactile Formats (3:13)
• Selecting Daily Passages (4:47)
• Facilitator Training and Memory Care Impact (6:50)
• Entrepreneur in Residence Experience (7:56)
• Observations Across Living Settings (9:07)
• Group Workshops and Creative Sharing (12:27)
• Comparison with Opening Minds Through Art (OMA) (15:38)
• Expanding Intergenerational Connections (19:07)
• Saving, Sharing, and Community-Building (21:23)
• Creativity Through Constraints (22:19)
• Upcoming Symposium and Collaboration (23:28)
• Abundant Aging Questions to Close (25:32)
• Connecting with Kelly and Parting Thoughts (27:37)

Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Art of Aging, host Rev. Beth Long-Higgins welcomes Margaret McDonald, an award-winning writer and pro-aging advocate. During the conversation, Margaret shares her passionate journey combating ageism through language, art, and personal experience. She discusses how her own workplace challenges in her late 40s sparked her advocacy, highlighting the pervasive and often subtle ways ageism manifests in everyday conversations, media, and cultural attitudes. Margaret’s work includes a daily blog writing 100-word essays on everyday ageism and creating the "Aging is Living" yard signs and artwork to challenge negative stereotypes about growing older. Key takeaways include the importance of recognizing and challenging ageist language, understanding that aging is a natural, dynamic process of continued growth and self-discovery, the need to shift cultural narratives that diminish or mock older adults, and so much more. 

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Margaret’s Journey into Aging Advocacy (1:41)
• Discovering Ageism Resources and Community (2:29)
• The Power of Language and Everyday Ageism (5:11)
• Writing 100 Words on Everyday Ageism (7:28)
• Why Words Matter: Research and Cultural Shifts (9:24)
• Changing Language and Cultural Perceptions (12:31)
• Generational Differences and Awkward Moments (16:09)
• Advocating for Better Representation in Media (20:10)
• Encouraging Others to Track Ageist References (23:08)
• Spreading Positive Aging Messages (26:41)
• Imagining a Future Without Ageism (29:13)
• Where to Find Margaret and Her Work (32:21)
• Final Thoughts and Takeaways (36:59)

Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Art of Aging, host Rev. Beth Long-Higgins welcomes social gerontologist Jeanette Leardi, social gerontologist, community educator, public speaker, and author of the recently published book, “Aging Sideways: Changing Our Perspectives on Getting Older.” During the conversation, Jeanette discusses strategies for positive aging, including being flexible, skeptical, broad-minded, and daring. Jeanette also addresses ageism, sharing personal experiences of combating stereotypes, such as writing to a greeting card company to protest age-discriminatory cards. She emphasizes the "power of one" - how individuals can make meaningful changes by speaking out against age-related discrimination. Key takeaways include the importance of intergenerational relationships, challenging negative aging stereotypes, recognizing older adults as valuable, resilient contributors to society, and so much more. 

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Jeanette’s Path to Gerontology (2:22)
• Defining Social Gerontology (4:27)
• Challenging Aging Stereotypes and Dementia Myths (5:17)
• The Concept of “Aging Sideways” (6:18)
• Strategy #1: Flexibility and Humor (8:40)
• Strategy #2: Skepticism and Reframing Narratives (10:33)
• Strategy #3: Broad-Mindedness and “Yes, And” (12:21)
• Strategy #4: Daring and Intergenerational Relationships (14:09)
• Metaphors: Weeds and “Over the Hill” (17:16)
• Resilience and Mastery in Aging (20:05)
• The Power of One: Advocacy and Change (22:16)
• Influence in Everyday Life and Media (26:09)
• Resources for Combating Ageism (29:12)
• Competency vs. Age Limits (34:23)
• Connecting with Jeanette at jeanetteleardi.com (37:14)
• Abundant Aging Questions to Close (37:47)
• Final Thoughts and Takeaways (41:49)

Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com. 

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.