What happens when you turn 70 in America? Does society still recognize your value, or does it quietly begin to overlook you?

In this candid and thoughtful conversation, Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly and Sue Duffield examine aging from two perspectives: those living with dementia and the many older adults who are mentally sharp yet often stereotyped because of age. They discuss how dementia affects lives, why compassionate caregiving is more important than ever, and the often-overlooked fact that caregivers are aging, too. As strength declines, responsibilities grow, and cultural expectations evolve, what does healthy aging truly look like?

This episode offers hope, practical advice, and a heartfelt reminder that our worth is never defined by age, productivity, or physical ability. Whether you're caring for a loved one, approaching your own later years, or curious about life after 70, you'll find humor, inspiration, and meaningful discussion here. Growing older shouldn't mean becoming invisible—every season of life has purpose.

The Church has a special window of opportunity to be a place where older adults are not just cared for but truly seen, valued, and encouraged to use their God-given wisdom and gifts to nurture the next generation.

Join us on August 8, 2026, at 1 pm at the Troubadour Theater in Nashville for a special concert benefiting The Veranda Ministries—open to the public.

Join Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly for a heartfelt episode of Aging, Angst & Alleluias as she shares why compassion genuinely transforms dementia care. From Tennessee's Joint Proclamation recognizing dementia awareness to practical ways we can treat our loved ones with dignity and respect, Mary Anne gently reminds us that staying calm always helps reduce fear, and that caregivers need compassion just as much. Learn how the newly formed dementia-friendly church at the Veranda, gentle validation, and leading with soft persuasion can foster moments of peace, connection, and happiness—because every person living with dementia holds incredible value.

For online giving: www.verandaministries.org

In this important episode of Aging, Angst & Alleluias, host Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly tackles a growing concern for caregivers and older adults: patient rights during hospital admissions and transfers. What happens when an elderly loved one is transferred to a geriatric psychiatric facility without the knowledge or consent of a caregiver, family member, or Power of Attorney? What if a dementia diagnosis has never been formally established?

With her signature blend of compassion, advocacy, and determination, Mary Anne exposes the frustration, fear, and anger families often feel in these situations. She offers practical guidance on why documentation matters, what questions to ask before admission, and the importance of having legal and medical directives clearly established in writing. This is a must-listen conversation for caregivers, family members, and anyone navigating the complex world of elder care.

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During a lively event filled with decorated walkers, Derby Day chaos, laughter, respite care, and lunch provided by Chick-fil-a, Veranda Ministries showed that joy and purpose can coexist despite the tough behind-the-scenes work, like running the Kentucky Derby uphill in orthopedic shoes. In this heartfelt and funny episode, we recount the Veranda Ministries Derby Day 2026 fundraiser — the fun, mishaps, horse-themed walker races, and a reminder that caregiving communities need fun, support, dignity, and connection. Sue and Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly reveal the emotional and physical effort behind creating a dementia-friendly respite program that offers caregivers and loved ones hope, laughter, and a sense of belonging.

We also celebrate Mary Anne as the recipient of this year's Welch College's "Strong and Courageous" Award for her leadership in dementia care ministry, which highlights resilience, compassion, and community.

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On this episode of Aging Angst & Alleluias with Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly, we're celebrating a landmark moment for Veranda Ministries—the official signing of new legislation by Bill Lee that expands their reach! This victory means more clients served and an additional day of respite care each week—real help, real hope, and real impact for families navigating dementia care. It's a joyful, hard-earned win you won't want to miss.

And the celebration keeps going! Join us Thursday, April 30, 2026, for a one-of-a-kind Derby Day fundraiser—complete with six spirited horse-walker "racers," laughter, and community fun—all to support the life-changing work of The Veranda. It's more than an event… It's a "Standing Promotion" kind of day!

For more information on how you can contribute to Derby Day and choose your "horse", get on this link: https://verandaministries.square.site/product/2026-veranda-derby-day/XEMCXZ2T3ROAMUFF4QRZROEK?cs=true&cst=custom

In this powerful and joy-filled episode, we celebrate a significant milestone for respite care in Tennessee—new legislation that allows The Veranda to expand its reach, welcoming five additional clients into the day program and increasing care availability to 12 hours per week. This long-awaited breakthrough represents more than policy change—it's answered prayer, faithful perseverance, and a tangible step forward for caregivers and families who so deeply need support.

We also share the moving story of Julia, a devoted benefactor whose belief in Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly and her unwavering commitment to "honoring the project" helped carry the vision through seasons of uncertainty. Her generosity and faith remind us that behind every victory are people who quietly say "yes" to God's prompting—and mean it.

Plus, a heartfelt glimpse into a recent Dementia-Friendly Good Friday service, where sacred moments met real-life ministry. Mary Anne recounts the honor of singing "The Goodness of God" alongside her dear friend Louise, who lives with Frontal Temporal Dementia—a moment filled with tenderness, memory, and the unmistakable presence of God.

www.verandaministries.org

This episode of the Aging Angst and Alleluias Podcast features Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly and highlights the importance of respite care advocacy in Tennessee. She discusses the legislative landscape with compassion, shining a light on families and caregivers in need of support and dignity. The episode covers legislation such as SB1581 and HB1495 and recognizes leaders such as Sen. Ferrell Haile and Rep. William Slater, who champion limited respite care. It emphasizes that this is not a final victory but a hopeful 'meantime'—a moment for prayer and persistence—to keep progressing. It encourages listeners to join this journey, supporting ongoing engagement, prayer, and awareness of how compassionate, Christ-centered respite care can make a difference in Tennessee. Thanks to voices like Mary Anne's and dedicated leaders, our momentum remains strong and hopeful.

In this second part of the conversation from episode 85, we want to pause for a moment and share something very real happening behind the scenes with Veranda Ministries.

Right now, the Veranda is walking through the careful and sometimes complicated process of securing the proper legislation and permissions that would allow us to serve even more families whose loved ones have dementia. It's an important step, but also a season that requires patience, prayer, and a lot of wisdom.

www.verandaministries.org

We sadly said goodbye to our beloved Lovie this month, a gentle soul who loved Jesus and cherished the Veranda. Today, we come together to celebrate and honor the beautiful person Lovie was to each of us.

Veranda Ministries is currently navigating the complex process of obtaining legislation and permissions to serve more families in need. It's important to note that the Veranda is not an adult day care facility, but a respite care ministry—created specifically to give care partners a much-needed break while their loved ones are cared for with dignity, compassion, and Christ-centered love.

This season requires patience, wisdom, and favor as doors are opened and guidelines are navigated. We ask for prayer—that God would grant clarity, provision, and supernatural favor with every decision-maker, and that He would continue to establish the Veranda as a place of rest, renewal, and hope for caregivers and families alike.

www.theverandaministries.org

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There's no single formula for caring for those living with dementia—only small, meaningful pieces of a puzzle that gradually teach us how to love effectively.

This week's episode, with host Mary Anne Oglesby-Sutherly, explores how memory, grief, and dignity are interconnected in unexpected ways. From the lost stories buried deep inside the mind to the unwavering determination of carepartners who refuse to let those stories fade, this episode celebrates the journey of holding on—and letting go.

Mary Anne reflects on her trip to Chehalis, Washington, for a family member's memorial service -a moment of unexpected closure filled with tears, laughter, and family embracing its history. This experience helped her realize that people with dementia also need to grieve; they feel the absence of loved ones, even if fuzzy or tangled. Allowing them to mourn, recount, or sit with loss respects their humanity and story. "Pieces of the Puzzle" invites us to see dementia care as a calling to remember together.

www.verandaministries.org

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