Aging in Style with Lori Williams

What items are needed for a senior supply closet?

I'm giving you an update on Emelita's Closet, which we launched back in January. Emelita's Closet is a donation closet where people donate gently used equipment for seniors, like walkers, wheelchairs, and shower chairs.

We've been overwhelmed by the generosity of the community, and we're grateful for all the donations. However, in the past 9 months, we learned there are certain items with a high demand and others with lower demand. For example, we always need walkers, wheelchairs, and shower chairs. We also need canes with a four-prong base. We don't need anything used in an intimate way, such as hospital beds, used nebulizers, or any medical equipment.

We're also working on finding a new location for the closet because its current location at an assisted living community is running out of space. We'll be sure to announce the new location on social media as soon as we find our new home.

In the meantime, you can follow the Emelita's Closet Facebook page to get the latest updates on donations and needs. You can also volunteer to help pick up donations.

If you're thinking of starting your own donation closet in your community, I encourage you to do it. There's a huge need for these resources, and it's a great way to give back to your community.

Topics discussed:

- Donation closets

- Giving back

- Popular senior equipment

- Community resources for seniors

- Recycling used equipment

Takeaways from this episode:

- Emelita's Closet is a valuable resource for seniors in the community providing medical equipment that can help seniors maintain their independence and quality of life.

- The closet and the senior community in general often need walkers, wheelchairs, and shower chairs.

- Depends aren’t in high demand, and people tend to prefer the ones pulled on and off like a pair of underwear.

- Emelita’s Closet needs a new location, so please let us know if you have a large, usable space available.

- The closet appreciates any donations and volunteers willing to pick up and transport donations.

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

To suggest a topic, be a guest or support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up for the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

Emelita's Closet episode: https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/27f021c8/128-emelitas-closet-more-than-a-community-closet-for-senior-items

Emelita's facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090763355708

How can my community become dementia friendly?

We're back with another round of Ask Lori, where I answer questions from my listeners. If you’re curious about some community dementia resources, I have two great options to discuss. One is for businesses, while the other is for caregivers and their loved ones with dementia.

First is Dementia Friendly, a nationwide initiative offering community education on dementia. This nonprofit trains businesses free of charge so they can be more inclusive and look out for the signs of dementia among the public. Dementia Friendly businesses receive a sticker on their window demonstrating their capability and awareness.

Dementia Friendly also emphasizes it’s important to look out for any signs of seniors struggling, confused or agitated, like having trouble paying at the grocery store.

The second resource I discuss is Stepping Stones, a free support group for caregivers that also offers entertainment for those with dementia. Founded by an occupational therapist in Denton, Texas, Stepping Stones offers caregivers a nice break while their loved one is in a nearby room socializing, dancing, singing, crafting and more.

On November 1, I helped launch a new Stepping Stones in Flower Mound. Turnout exceeded our expectations, and we will meet monthly, potentially twice a month. To join, contact the Flower Mound Senior Center to RSVP.

Topics discussed:

- Dementia nonprofits

- Community dementia resources

- Caregiver support

- Dementia Friendly  

- Stepping Stones

- Signs of dementia

Takeaways from this episode:

- Contact Dementia Friendly at one of their chapters across the U.S. for free training, available to small or large business.

- It’s important for caregivers to meet with other caregivers, and Stepping Stones makes it easy by watching loved ones with dementia. Ask about a similar program at your local senior center or church.

- If you see a senior struggling publicly, be kind and calm.

- Know the signs a senior is being scammed, like withdrawing a larger sum of cash than usual.

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

To suggest a topic, be a guest or support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up for the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

Dementia Friendly of America:

https://www.dfamerica.org/

Dementia Friendly Denton - where you can donate and be a part of the program:

https://dementiafriendlydentoncounty.org/

087. How every community can be Dementia Friendly

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/4e5ff26c/087-how-every-community-can-be-dementia-friendly

162. National Caregiver Month: Data and caregiver tips from The Alzheimer's Association

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/375dae60/162-national-caregiver-month-data-and-caregiver-tips-from-the-alzheimers-association

How can you adapt your home and life to caregiving?

Ever since my husband Mark had a stroke over Christmas, life has been one big learning experience. I knew about common caregiving struggles secondhand from my clients, but living it has been more impactful than I could ever imagine.

My podcast producer, Ana Xavier, joins me to discuss life since Mark returned home this summer after 7 months in rehab - and we answer my most common questions about our journey.

Mark has continued rehab and is working to become stronger over time, but our home needed many adjustments. An occupational therapist visited our home in March to make suggestions on ways to make our home accessible - long before he came home in July. Our bathroom layout was an issue, as the toilet was in its own separate room with a narrow door. As a result, we had to update our other downstairs bathroom.

The second issue was getting Mark up and down: from the bed to his wheelchair, and from the wheelchair to the toilet. Thankfully grab bars have been our best friend, and Mark and I have our system for getting him out of our sleep number bed. A contractor also helped us reconfigure the sink to become wheelchair friendly, and we added a heating lamp to keep Mark warm while showering without a curtain or door. A great shower chair is a must, as is a detachable showerhead.

Wheelchair-proofing the rest of the house has also been a journey. I never realized how beat up our baseboards and walls would become. We’ve also had to move everything against the wall and remove rugs and any clutter so Mark can easily get around. Outside, we’ve also had to add a ramp to the front door. We don’t have any stairs, so a $99 ramp from Amazon has worked great.

Other adjustments were to find a dinner situation where the table would be just the right height, and making sure he has snacks and water within reach during the day. I also got a new van to accommodate Mark’s wheelchair, and we named her “Large Marge.”

The important thing to remember is that everyone’s situation is different. What works for one caregiver may not work for another. Maybe there are other solutions or even workarounds. Find what works best for you. Also, it’s okay to feel sad about your home changing when you make it accessible - I know I hated removing my favorite rug. However, it’s important that Mark is safe as he regains his strength. That’s the priority.

Topics discussed:

-Making your home accessible

-Bathroom renovations for wheelchairs

-Caregiving

-Occupational therapy

-Home wheelchair ramps

Takeaways from this episode:

-Beware of grab bars that attach to your wall via suction cups. If they become loose and detach, you can become seriously injured.

-An easy way to make your bathroom sink wheelchair friendly is by removing the cabinet doors.

-As you come up with new habits and routines, you’ll learn what works and what doesn’t – and it’s okay to adjust.

-The Texas Ramp Project helps build ramps for homebound individuals. Check if your area has a similar nonprofit, or check for volunteer opportunities at your local church for help with your home.

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

To suggest a topic, be a guest or support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up for the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

Episode 46: How to senior-proof your home on a budget

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/218ae64a/046-how-to-senior-proof-a-home-on-a-budget

Episode 77: Want to senior-proof a home on a budget, on a weekend?

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/2541015a/077-want-to-senior-proof-a-home-on-a-budget-on-a-weekend-follow-these-steps

Episode 99: Hard time wiping? Let's Talk A-Booty It with Maria Lindbergh

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/3ae31cda/099-hard-time-wiping-talk-a-booty-it-with-maria-lindbergh

Mentioned in this episode:

Surrounded by Love

You can find my book, "Surrounded by Love: One Family’s Journey Through Stroke Recovery," on Amazon. It is available as a Kindle, hardcover, paperback, and also on Audible. More details can be found on my website:

It’s common to go home for the holidays, reconnect with parents or older relatives, and notice some worrying changes in their lifestyle or behavior. Maybe your mother is falling more often - or maybe she’s forgetting important information. 

Some of your concerns may have easy fixes -like a walker- while others need a more thoughtful conversation, such as rethinking their living situation. 

In this week's episode, I'm sharing 7 clues to look for when you’re home visiting your family so you’re aware of growing issues in their old age that require investigation. Once you’ve identified these red flags, there are helpful approaches to learn more and form a plan. Through it all, it’s important to be compassionate and let your loved ones know your involvement is for their safety and independence.

Takeaways from this episode:

- Your loved ones may not be open about their circumstances because they don’t want to worry you, don’t want to be a burden, fear the loss of independence, or are embarrassed.

- Pay attention to them physically: If they appear to have had rapid weight loss, their personal hygiene has worsened, they’re bruised, or their walk/gait has changed.

-Examine their surroundings: Were they 'clean freaks' in the past and now they’re suddenly messy? Is their fridge filled with spoiled food? Is their car battered and beat up?

- Establish that you’re on your loved one’s side and that you’ll work through any problems together. Approach Is everything - don’t judge, scold, or preach!

-It may help to have difficult discussions with another family member or trusted advisor present, like a doctor or pastor.

- Open communication so that you’re able to create a to-do list, knowing important factors like your loved one’s health conditions, debts, accounts, health insurance policies, and so on.

Topics from this episode:

- Senior living / assisted living

- Starting a conversation about memory care

- Clues your parents need care

- Senior nutrition

- Helping seniors

- Memory loss

- Conversations about loss of independence

- Keeping seniors safe and independent

- Difficult discussions with seniors

- When seniors should stop driving

- Medical discussions with older parents

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

To suggest a topic, be a guest or support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up for the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

20. A Conversation About Fall Prevention with Expert Jacque Archer https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/792ce4fd/020-a-conversation-about-fall-prevention-with-expert-jacque-archer

Christmas will be here before we know it, which will make it one year since my husband Mark’s stroke.

My husband of 33 years had a stroke on Christmas Day 2022 that led to a series of strokes, 4 total. These occurred on the left side of his brain, which affects the right side and communication center. As a result, he has issues with speaking and no movement of his right arm. He’s in rehab learning to regain movement, but most of the time he’s in a wheelchair.

For my family, it was a worst-case catastrophe. But we pulled together and learned a lot, and 10 months later I have gained a new perspective on caregiving and a true understanding of what my clients go through.

What has helped us:

- Have the right attitude and stay motivated. Mark is a great, hardworking patient and has what it takes to get better.

- Stick to a routine. Life can be overwhelming, so it helps having a schedule where everyone knows who does what.

- Change something if it isn’t working for you. We left our previous rehab facility to find one that would provide better communication.

- Get help. We hired a caregiver to come 3 days a week, which has been a game changer that gives us peace of mind.

- Find a purpose. Stroke survivors need a purpose separate from just getting better. For us, Mark made caring for our golden retriever his purpose. She keeps his spirits up!

- Engage in a therapeutic activity. For me, it’s writing.

Also, it’s important to recognize your triggers. Now that it’s gotten colder outside and the Christmas decorations are going up, it mentally takes us back to the horrors of last Christmas Day. But my family is determined to shift our thinking, make Christmas something we love again, and create new memories.

Topics discussed:

- Strokes / stroke recovery

- Rehab

- Finding purpose

- Routines

- Tips for caregivers

- Tips for stroke victims

- Regaining your joy

Takeaways from this episode:

1. If a stroke occurs on the left side of your brain, it affects the right side of the body and your communication center.
2. If something isn’t working for you, don’t be afraid to make a change. Find a new specialist, rehab center, hire help…whatever it is you need. There are many resources.
3. Make your lives simpler by finding a routine to stick to and finding help where you can.
4. Strokes are a traumatic event for families too. Be aware of your triggers and find ways to alleviate them.

Get your copy of my book Surrounded by Love: One Family's Journey Through Stroke Recovery:

https://amzn.to/3Y41CxA

Get my new book, 'Surrounded by Love: One's Family Journey Through Stroke Recovery': https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/book

To suggest a topic, be a guest or support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up for the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

Mentioned in this episode:

Surrounded by Love

You can find my book, "Surrounded by Love: One Family’s Journey Through Stroke Recovery," on Amazon. It is available as a Kindle, hardcover, paperback, and also on Audible. More details can be found on my website:

What information do I need as a caregiver?

November is National Family Caregivers Month. Senior Living Expert Lori Williams and Megan Rowe of the Alzheimer’s Association discuss the impact on caregivers who are caring for loved ones with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or other conditions. Plus, they share resources to help them along in what can often be a stressful journey.

Caregivers face an incredible amount of work, and nearly half are caring for an older adult. Despite that, 30 percent are over age 65 themselves and have their own health conditions to consider. On the other side, many caregivers (one-third) are daughters. They may be caring for children in addition to an older adult. Being part of the “sandwich generation” makes it all the more pivotal they take care of themselves too.

Income can also be an issue. Forty-one percent of caregivers have a household income of $50,000 or less and cannot afford long-term care. That’s why it’s important to find local services for caregivers, as some may provide respite vouchers or other benefits regardless of age.

Another important consideration is caring for your mental health. Create routines and ways to implement joy into your life, whether it’s journaling or scheduling a pedicure. Self-care isn’t selfish – it’s often needed for overall well-being. Don’t get overwhelmed at what-ifs; take everything one day at a time and redirect any spiraling into productive thinking or focusing on the present.

Work together as family to introduce new resources and find a support group. Caregivers often connect deeper with other caregivers than someone who hasn’t gone through this journey, and they find validation in their struggles. Whether it’s in person (like a church) or on Facebook, find something that works for you.

Most importantly, recognize you can’t do it alone. Ask for help when it’s needed. One person alone can’t tackle a disease. Tap in to your local resources, family, and other forms of support.

Topics discussed:

- Dementia / Alzheimer’s

- Chronic illness

- Caregivers

- Resources for caregivers

- Caregiver support groups

- Self-care tips

Takeaways from this episode:

- A family caregiver can be anyone who is the primary person to care for someone, whether they're in the home or in a care facility.

-The Alzheimer Association 2023 facts and figures report estimated $340 billion worth of care was provided by family members and other unpaid caregivers.

-  Two-thirds of caregivers are women, impacting them in the workforce and their ability to contribute financially to the home. One-third of caregivers are daughters.

- Area Agencies on Aging provide services for caregivers nationwide, and you don’t have to be 65 or older to qualify. (Qualifications vary by state.)

- Unfortunately, primary caregivers may pass before the person with chronic illness because of stress and not caring for themselves. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so be sure to stay on top of your own medical visits.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Alzheimer's Association:

alz.com

Area Agencies on Aging:

https://portal.ct.gov/AgingandDisability/Content-Pages/Topics-A-Z/Area-Agencies-on-Aging

155. Caregiver Burnout? These 6 Realistic Tips will help you support caregivers better

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/155-caregiver-burnout-these-6-realistic-tips-will-help/id1521037344?i=1000627192324

156. Need to hire a caregiver? Follow these tips!

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/1fcd1a05/156-need-to-hire-a-caregiver-follow-these-tips

It’s common for those with Alzheimer’s to have challenging behaviors – maybe they’re terrified, aggressive, or not sleeping. However, when Tonja Moon’s family gave her grandma a baby doll, everything changed. Her grandma’s mood completely changed, and the baby became her purpose. She began eating more and stopped wandering. She finally settled down and had a routine. Best of all, it helped provide the calmness she needed.

Tonja founded The Grand Baby Project in memory of her grandmother. It’s a research-backed nonprofit that offers dolls to Assisted Living and Memory Care communities and those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s. They even offer training to help implement daily therapy in a way that will benefit those with dementia, including tips on introducing the baby, engagement techniques, and examples of activities.

Doll therapy is huge in the United Kingdom and Australia, but hasn’t yet gained traction in the U.S. It may seem odd to give dolls to a senior with dementia, but doll therapy helps give this population purpose – and those with dementia still deserve a sense of purpose!

Plus, caring for a doll can help provide peace, comfort, and joy, and the results have been remarkable. Many will sing to their dolls or revert to behaviors from when they were parents themselves, like bouncing or rocking them. Having a doll also provides a daily routine like walking them in a stroller, music time, and bedtime.

The Grand Baby Project is a nonprofit that works to find sponsors and donate to the folks who need them, and it is backed by the Dementia Society of America. They’re always fundraising so they don’t have to tell someone no.

Topics discussed:

• Alzheimer’s and dementia
• Doll therapy
• Therapeutic activities for dementia
• Alternatives to dementia medication
• Activities for dementia patients
• Assisted Living and Memory Care Training

Takeaways from this episode:

- Those with advanced dementia live in the moment. Doll therapy is a great way to help them find purpose, peace, and joy during a troubled time.

- Some studies have shown that if a dementia patient has doll therapy, they don’t have to take as much medication.

- The Grand Baby Project uses lifelike and life-sized dolls that are soft and cuddly, and come in different ethnicities. They also wear clothing in pleasing textures to those with dementia, who often have sensory issues as the disease progresses.

- When a senior is focused on the doll, it helps relieve often overworked and understaffed memory care facilities. When someone with the disease is calm and sitting, this calm state allows workers to check on more patients.

- There are many regulations around prescribing medications, and they're not always guaranteed to work. Doll therapy for Alzheimer's and dementia patients offers a great alternative.

Resources:

Learn more about The Grand Baby Project:

https://thegrandbabyproject.org

https://www.facebook.com/grandbabyproject

Contact The Grand Baby Project to donate, sponsor an event, and more:

[email protected]

No matter your age, love is always possible. This sentiment is more front and center now than ever thanks to the new series The Golden Bachelor. This spinoff of The Bachelor is now one of the most watched premieres ever on Hulu, with tons of great feedback.

This show stars Gerry (pronounced Gary) Turner, a 72-year-old widower looking for his next great love as he dates a pool of beautiful, accomplished women in their 60s and 70s. It’s refreshing as it shines light on the senior population, which has been absent from reality TV up until now.

So what happens when an almost 60-year-old senior living expert sits down with an almost 30-year-old reality TV fan? Worlds collide and they discuss seniors dating on their screens. Senior Living Expert Lori Williams and Social Media Specialist Sarah Polan review the first episodes of this new show and connect it to larger truths about seniors.

Many factors can cause seniors to become lonelier as they age, like retirement or becoming widowed or divorced. Plus, kids may live further from home or are simply wrapped up in their own lives. But life doesn’t end as you age, and people need companionship. There are many instances where seniors have experienced a second (or third, or fourth) great love.

The Golden Bachelor is important because it shows seniors who still want to try something new, like learning Italian and going to Italy with that special someone. Plus, it depicts ladies who are confident and have experienced life. They’re self-assured and support each other instead of resorting to petty drama (as the younger series tends to do). It even normalizes hearing aids, as Gerry sports them himself, and depicts a sensitive man who is in touch with his emotions.

Finally, the message is also an important one: Tomorrow is not guaranteed, so live life today. And these inspiring seniors are doing just that!

Topics discussed:

- The Golden Bachelor

- Dating as a senior

- Second chance at love

- Seniors on Reality TV

- Widowers

- Hearing aids

- The Bachelor

Takeaways from this episode:

- Life doesn’t end as you age. Love is possible any time - even after losing your spouse.

- You’re never too old to try something new. Live life to the fullest.

- Some things never change: Women love to be told they’re beautiful at any age, and people love companionship.

- Many seniors live together rather than marry due to financial reasons, social security and the accumulation of their assets.

-Some senior communities are even hosting watch parties.

More on the Golden Bachelor: https://abc.com/shows/the-golden-bachelor

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

One in 4 adults aged 65 and older fall each year. Not only that, but falls are the leading cause of injury death in this age group, with 800,000 patients being hospitalized each year. The most common culprits are head injuries and hip fractures, making for a scary situation.

Why do seniors fall?

1. Comorbidities: This means another disease or medical condition is present. If you have diabetes, for example, you may get numbness (neuropathy) in your feet. Weakness due to a stroke is another common cause.

2. Medications: Taking medications can come with side effects like dizziness, low blood pressure, drowsiness and more. Blood thinners also worsen injuries.

3. Sensory / physical changes: Worsening hearing, vision, balance, and strength can cause falls.

Four ways to prevent falls include:

1. Exercise regularly to improve your quality of life, strength and more.

2. Have your healthcare provider review your medications and be aware of any potential side effects.

3. Check your vision. Macular degeneration and other vision changes can increase fall risk.

4. Make your home safer.

Number 4 is especially important, and even small changes can make a huge difference. Most falls happen at night, so make sure pathways are clear to the bathroom. Remove any area rugs, and be sure to make your bathroom safe. Install grab bars or skid-resistant strips, or even put down a rubber mat. Avoid storage in a high cabinet, and keep kitchen items within easy reach. Also be aware of any pets getting underfoot - it's easy to trip over animals.

Fall risk is a huge reason why people move to senior living. Safety is key! Stay aware of the risk factors and how to make your home safe for years to come.

Topics discussed:

1. Fall prevention
2. Statistics on senior falls
3. 4 ways to prevent falls
4. Medication side effects
5. Reasons for increased fall risk
6. Bathroom safety for seniors

Takeaways from this episode:

1. If an older adult has 2 or more health problems, it may cause a 30% increase in fall risk.
2. Fear of falling can actually increase your risk! Seniors may limit their activities because of a fear of falling, which then reduces their mobility and physical fitness.
3. Most falls happen at night on the way to the bathroom, so be sure to plug in a nightlight, install grab bars and keep your path clear.
4. Keep everything within easy reach. If you need to get something out of a cabinet, use a wide-base, sturdy step stool.
5. Sit down while getting dressed. Many seniors fall due to worsening balance.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

How to Senior proof a home: https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/218ae64a/046-how-to-senior-proof-a-home-on-a-budget

Fall prevention tips: https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/35adf41e/105-replay-a-conversation-about-fall-prevention

How do I create my passion project?

Imagine waking up to an email from your dream organization saying they’d like to collaborate.

Or receiving messages on a weekly basis from your community saying how an episode of your podcast changed their life.

Finally, imagine getting recognized on the street for what you love to do!

Senior Living Expert Lori Williams has accomplished all of the above with her podcast, Aging in Style. Her producer, Ana Xavier of The Podcast Space, joins her to discuss the journey of starting this podcast back in April 2020!

Much has changed since then, from navigating the pandemic to personal setbacks, with Lori’s husband suffering a stroke on Christmas Day in 2022. Along the way, they had to adapt to new circumstances and find ways to release content in a sustainable way. Sometimes it’s a raw, emotional recording on the phone. Other times there’s a fun plan to chat about the Golden Girls.

It would have been easy to throw in the towel, but some fateful collaborations (like with the Alzheimer’s Association) and a desire to document her journey with her husband’s stroke has kept her going. The goal always remains the same: provide education and guidance to those who are aging or caring for those who are. And especially nowadays, she can relate what many of her clients and help them avoid the obstacles she has faced with her husband's stroke care.

Learn more about the people behind this relatable, educational resource.   

Topics discussed:

- Perseverance

- Committing to goals

- Podcast strategy

- Topics for seniors

- Pursuing your passion project

- Inspirational seniors

Takeaways from this episode:

· It takes time to build good things and reap the benefits of your work.

· Lori has years of experience helping others. Not only has she seen everything, she has also walked in many of her clients’ shoes – and shares tips prevent them from going through the same obstacles.

· When life presents setbacks, find ways to work around them – never give up!

Join our fun during our Golden Girls special episode. Get inspired by listening to Doug's story, and learn more about how seniors are still skydiving, and cycling from Alaska to Panama.

Subscribe to Ana's Podcast, The Podcast Space, and check out her resources for podcasters.

To suggest a topic, be a guest or to support the podcast, please email [email protected]

For more senior resources and to sign up to the newsletter, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/

https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/

https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/