Aging in Style with Lori Williams

How to find happiness as we age?

Katharine Esty likes to joke that she has “peaked at 87.” A psychologist and activist for aging, she’s also the author of Eightysomethings: A Practical Guide to Letting Go, Aging Well, and Finding Unexpected Happiness. The book contains insights from her interviews with 128 people aged 80+ from all around the country about what it means to age.

Katharine explains how the world becomes smaller in your 80s: friend circles shrink, living spaces downsize, and you even physically shrink. For her, it was uncharted territory, as she was accustomed to keeping up with her family despite her age. However, her own life and her interviews with other people over 80 reveals that they’re a happy group - even happier than people who are decades younger.

She and Senior Living Expert Lori Williams discuss:

-Making accommodations and adaptations as we age

-Finding happiness (and purpose!) as we age

-The 5 types of people coping with health issues

And more.

It’s easy to hold on to the past and memories of who you were before aging. However, when you finally let that go, there’s another side to it – a worthwhile, wonderful life full of new possibilities. And it’s never too late to find pleasure in new things or find a new purpose.

Topics discussed:

-Turning 80

-Attitudes around aging

-Embracing change

-Downsizing / senior housing

-Retirement

-Finding purpose as we age

-Senior happiness

-Staying social as seniors

-Happiness is letting go of everything you think your life is supposed to be and celebrating everything it really is.

-It’s important for seniors’ health and emotional well-being to stay connected to other people as they age.

-Research shows that people in their 70s and 80s generally mellow out, are less angry, and worry less.

-The 5 types of people who are coping with health issues are deniers, stoics, realists, complainers, and worriers.

-People are happiest when they have a purpose and are contributing in some way.

-Instead of trying to preserve the life you had, try new things you haven’t done before - you might find another person and a new life on the other side.

Learn more about Katherine Esty, PhD.'s work:

https://www.katharineesty.com/

Purchase her books:

https://www.katharineesty.com/books

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/

How can I prepare for a loved one having a medical emergency?

Create an easily retrievable binder of important documents, including financial and medical information.

When your loved one has a medical emergency, it’s a godsend to have all the information you need in one place. It may not be your first instinct to find the log-in for your loved one’s health insurance portal, for example, but you may find yourself needing it! Also, make sure you have access to their cell phone and their passcode - you will need it to gain access to important information.

This was the case for Senior Services Expert Lori Williams when her husband, Mark, had a stroke. While they had conversations about their wishes regarding healthcare and treatment, it would have made everything easier to have insurance / Medicare login information, phone passwords, and other details handy. That way you’re not busy searching for everything and stressing about logistics if the unthinkable happens.

Lori was inspired by Lynne Von Villas, whose father passed away while her mother was suffering from dementia. Lynne had plenty of paperwork to deal with while carrying out her father’s will and moving her mother to a memory care facility. Eventually, she realized she’d benefit from making all the information she needed portable and easy to reference.

Having a 3-ring binder containing important information is a great idea for families to have ready. Lynne discusses tips and tricks, plus important documents to have on hand. This can include their social security number, health insurance or Medicare plan information, and even links to their household accounts like electric.

Not only that, having the right paperwork reduces your loved ones’ stress, especially if they’re in charge of a family member’s medical care and estate. It eases their burden during a difficult time, and that’s an invaluable gift.

Topics discussed:

- What to do if your spouse has a stroke

- Wills and estates

- Paperwork for elderly family

- Crisis preparedness

- Insurance and long-term care policies

- End-of-life / funeral plans

- Social Security and identity theft preparedness for seniors

Takeaways from this episode:

- Don’t wait to create a plan of action in case of an emergency. Life can change in an instant, and it’s a huge relief to realize you were prepared.

- It’s a gift to your loved ones to have your important documents somewhere easily retrievable (but safe and secure)!

- Include medical and financial information in your binders, as well as household accounts, electric, gas, and cell phone account information and passwords.

- Medical considerations include: veteran’s benefits, a Medicare plan (and which), a DNR, insurance policies, medication prescriptions, and whether they have a long-term care policy.

- Financial considerations: Become a signer on their bank accounts and have your name on stocks and bonds (and have them in electronic form).

- Multifactor authentication is where websites send access codes to your cell phone. Be sure you have a way to access those codes for your loved one if you need to log in to their accounts.

- Protect yourself from identity theft by sending death certificates to the 3 credit bureaus.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Buy your Family Care Plan:

loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/your-family-care-plan

Creating Your Binder List:

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/2c62c2_65a3d9193ff5449bb47d6c1b4ab5e883~mv2.jpg

Claim your social security account:

https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/create.html

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

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

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

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

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:

How can I best support my loved one in the hospital?

Become a patient advocate.

As your loved one's age, health incidents happen - and if they become hospitalized, you may find yourself in the position of “patient advocate.”

Senior Living Expert Lori Williams lived this experience as her husband was hospitalized for strokes over the holiday season. While undeniably stressful, it was also eye-opening as she learned how to best advocate for her husband while he was literally unable to speak for himself.

Now she brings both empathy and insight to those in this scenario.

Whether you’re advocating for a child or a senior, here are some important things to think about:

- Be assertive. It’s not only acceptable to ask your doctor questions, it’s preferable so you can understand what your loved one needs and navigate their care plan.

- Keep a record of what you learn. Whether it’s taking notes in a notebook or recording the doctors’ explanations on your phone, it’s helpful for keeping the many facts straight (and helps you recall details later).

- Know your loved one’s medical history, medications, and allergies. Healthcare workers will always ask about this during treatment.

- Stay alert - healthcare workers are human too and can make mistakes. Plus, there are many nurses and doctors coming and going, and as the caregiver, you’re in a unique position of seeing it all. If your loved one can’t communicate or be their own advocate, it’s on you to be their eyes and ears and speak on their behalf.

- Use your voice. If something seems amiss, say something. If your loved one isn’t receiving quality care, stand up for what’s right so they receive that care.

- Find quality senior living experts. They can help you and your loved one during the next steps of your journey, which may be a rehab facility, home health and caregiver services at home or an assisted living facility.

Through it all, it’s important you know you deserve kind, dignified, and informative care, especially during a stressful time. Even patient advocates need their own advocates! Having the right people in your corner can lift a heavy burden off your shoulders.

Topics discussed:

Patient advocacy

Caring for hospitalized family

Senior living experts

Caregiving

Mistakes in healthcare

Doctor errors

Understanding medical treatment

Takeaways from this episode;

- Don’t be afraid to ask questions when advocating for a loved one is in the hospital. It’s not a sign of disrespect to ask for clarification or detailed explanations.

- Keep a notebook with you to write down what you learn and what you’re going through.

- If your loved ones can’t advocate for themselves, don’t leave them alone. Rotate hospital shifts with other family / friends if you have that luxury.

- Treatment doesn’t end at the hospital - plan out your next steps. This is where a local senior advisor service, like mine can help you make a plan!

- Nobody’s perfect, and that includes healthcare workers. Pay attention as best as you can.

- Go with your gut. If something seems wrong, say something.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

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

https://amzn.to/3Y41CxA

124. 5 Tips to remember when your loved one is in ICU (Intensive Care Unit)

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/3eb6bd43/124-5-tips-to-remember-when-your-loved-one-is-in-icu-intensive-care-unit

121. Strokes: warning signs, prevention, risk factors and action plan

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/3986580c/121-strokes-warning-signs-prevention-risk-factors-and-action-plan

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/

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 should I do if my loved one is in ICU?

Learn Lori Williams’ 5 tips for family members to know when their loved one is in ICU

When your loved one is in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital, time stops. It feels surreal, and the environment can be stressful - no windows, a constant coming and going of doctors and nurses, buzzing, beeping and doors slamming. It’s easy to feel like everything is out of control.

Unfortunately, it’s a roller coaster of emotions Senior Services Expert Lori Williams knows firsthand. When her husband was in ICU for strokes, she developed 5 tips for when your loved one is in ICU to help others in similar situations.

1. Be an advocate for your loved one. Ask questions when you don’t understand, and try to limit “doomscrolling” on Google. It’s also important to write everything down, from diagnostic tests to medications. This helps when your mind is spinning from the stress.

2. Know your loved one’s wishes. They may not be in a situation where they can advocate for themselves. Have discussions with family members so you can support them the way they’d like.

3. Lean on support from family and friends. Tap into the power of social media to update everyone at once. It helps to have their well-wishing so you stay strong and encouraged. Plus, it helps having their support so you can take care of your own needs (like meal trains).

4. Take care of yourself, too. It’s easy to forget your own needs when you’re concerned about your loved one. You’ll be a better resource to them if you’re eating and rested – the last thing you need is to get sick or exhaust yourself unnecessarily.

5. Get a good night’s sleep. Maybe it’s easier said than done, but try to switch off with family members during the “night shift.” You’ll feel better and be more alert when you’re with your loved one.

Without a doubt, this type of situation is difficult, but remember you don’t have to go through it alone. Prepare where you can, and be sure to give yourself grace while you’re going through it all. This too shall pass. 

Topics discussed:

- Tips for stroke caregivers

- Tips for families in the ICU

- How to support loved ones in crisis

- Stress relief

- Self-care

- Meal trains

Takeaways from this episode:

- It’s easy to get stressed when you’re living moment to moment in the ICU. Write everything down because you will have trouble retaining information while under pressure.

- If you ask a friend in crisis, “What do you need?” it’s likely your friend won’t know how to answer. Offer specific solutions or means of support.

- Even small gestures like cards or prayers can mean the world to someone in crisis.

- You can’t change the past. It’s easy to heap on the guilt wondering if there’s something you could’ve done to prevent this, but it won’t help the situation.

- Try not to stress about insurance. In the hospital, you want your loved one to have the best care.

- Rely on your family members so everyone can take care of each other and be the best advocates they can be for your loved one in the ICU.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

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

https://amzn.to/3Y41CxA

121. Strokes: warning signs, prevention, risk factors and action plan

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/3986580c/121-strokes-warning-signs-prevention-risk-factors-and-action-plan

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/

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:

We hear about childproofing a home, but there’s another level of difficulty when you add years of experience of using common household items. That’s why it’s important to make your home safe if you’re caring for a senior with dementia. They’re often able to operate appliances, but their judgment is impaired - leading to home and personal safety issues.

Megan Rowe joins Senior Services Expert Lori Williams to discuss home safety for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s. As the senior program manager with the Alzheimer’s Association, Dallas and Northeast Texas Chapter, she draws from her expertise and personal stories to bring attention to this topic.

She discusses how the brain is affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia, particularly when it comes to judgment, behavioral changes, and spatial awareness. Paired with hazardous home items like kitchen knives, toxic cleaning products, and vitamins / medications, safety can get complicated. However, with the right practices (like keeping items out of sight, out of mind), cleanliness, reworking locks in your home, and keeping emergency numbers on hand, and more, you’re better positioned to keep your loved ones safe.

Topics discussed:

Dementia / Alzheimer’s

Dementia home safety

Safety proofing your home

Caregiver safety tips

Medication safety

Wandering

Medical Alert

Alzheimer's Association

Takeaways from this episode:

- People with dementia experience behavioral changes and can become easily confused, suspicious or fearful. It’s important to store hazardous items like small kitchen appliances, chemicals (laundry pods), knives, guns, and more.

- Keep expired foods out of the fridge so your loved one doesn’t eat something and become ill. Write purchase dates on refrigerated products to make it easier.

- Write emergency numbers on your phone or on the fridge, along with a list of medications your loved one takes so it’s on hand in case of any crises that arise.

- Work with your doctor or home health company to figure out which walker is best, and whether you need adaptive furniture to make it easier to get in and out of beds and chairs.

- A few helpful tips: Remove locks from interior doors, declutter your home, put stickers on a glass door, deadbolt doors, and add nonslip stickers to showers (and wear nonslip shoes) to prevent falls.

- Enroll in Medical Alert so your loved one has an ID bracelet to help them return safely if they wander out of the house.

Resources discussed:

Call the 24 / 7 Alzheimer's Association help line – and ask about Medical Alert:

800-272-3900

Free online community for everyone affected by Alzheimer's or another dementia

https://www.alzconnected.org/

068. How the Alzheimer's Association Safe Return Program is a lifeline for seniors with Dementia

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/27332c4d/068-how-the-alzheimers-association-safe-return-program-is-a-lifeline-for-seniors-with-dementia

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/

How can I prevent cognitive decline?

Try the Alzheimer Association’s 10 ways to love your brain

The new year is underway, and many have begun new goals in physical fitness. Physical health is important, but an often-overlooked part of the body is our brain. Just like a workout regimen, there are everyday activities you can do to help your brain health – which also play a big role in dementia and Alzheimer’s prevention.

Megan Rowe, the senior program manager of the Alzheimer’s Association: Dallas and Northeast Texas Chapter, shares ‘10 simple ways to love your brain.’ This list provides guidelines for improving our brain health and preserving our cognitive health for hopefully years to come.

1. Break a sweat: Megan says, “What’s good for the heart is good for the brain.” Our blood and vascular system helps provide the oxygen and fuel the brain needs. Break a sweat and engage in regular cardiovascular activity to see overall health benefits.
2. Hit the books: Learn something new and challenge your brain, whether it’s a class at your local community college or senior center. The important thing is helping your brain find new neural pathways and staying mentally stimulated.
3. Butt out: Don’t smoke. If you quit, you can still return to the same risk as a nonsmoker would have, so it's worth the effort.
4. Follow your heart: Again, anything that helps your heart will help your brain. Cardiovascular exercise, even a little each day, can add up to make a difference!
5. Heads up!: Brain trauma and injury can increase your risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Wear your seat belt, wear a helmet, and create a treatment plan with a medical professional if you’ve already suffered injuries.
6. Fuel up right: Eat a healthy, balanced diet. The Mediterranean diet focuses on leafy greens, fresh fruits, nuts, and reduced processed foods and sugars. This can help prevent diabetes, high cholesterol risks, etc.
7. Catch some Zzz's: Get good quality sleep. Conditions like insomnia prevent the brain getting what it needs to function, and Sleep Apnea can cause lack of oxygen to the brain
8. Take care of your mental health: Some studies link a history of depression and anxiety with increased risk of cognitive decline. Be sure to socialize and maintain connections with others through volunteering or other activities.

Topics discussed:

- Alzheimer’s Association

- Alzheimer’s / dementia prevention

- Boosting cognitive health

- Heart and brain health

- Depression / anxiety

- The importance of learning

- Senior center activities

- Staying social as we age

Takeaways from this episode:

- Try wearing a Fitbit or Apple Watch to get an idea of your daily activity – and make goals to increase it.

- Evidence shows that risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke, obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes all negatively impact cognitive health.

- Social time is important. There were higher incidences of deaths due to Alzheimer’s during the COVID-19 pandemic.

- Your local senior center may have a yearly membership as low as $10 a month, and they can be found in both rural and urban areas. This can expose you to new things and friendly people.

- You may have Sleep Apnea if you find yourself abruptly waking up and gasping for air. Ask your partner for their observations if you're unsure.

- An additional item to add to the list? Go out in nature! The fresh air and Vitamin D is helpful, and nature is important for mood, health and overall well-being.

Resources:

10 ways to love your brain

Download the Alzheimer's Association Hub App:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/alzheimers-assoc-science-hub/id1472268471

Listen to previous Alzheimer's Association episodes:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/alzheimer-s-disease-and-dementia

Senior Center: A place for Purpose

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/799a288c/004-senior-centers-a-place-for-purpose

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/

What do I need to know about strokes?

Strokes are largely preventable, and knowing the signs is critical.

Strokes are the number five cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the United States. They occur for 2 reasons: a clot or obstruction of blood flow to the brain (called “Ischemic") and when a blood vessel ruptures ("hemorrhagic"). Both cause death in regions of the brain from lack of oxygen and blood flow.

Regardless of type, the likelihood is you either know someone or will know someone who suffers a stroke. Fortunately, the American Stroke Association says 80% of strokes are preventable.

Senior Services Expert Lori Williams dives into the factors we can control, such as lifestyle, to prevent a stroke. She also shares the signs someone is having a stroke so you can quickly recognize them in your loved one. Noticing these signs are vital – as Lori can attest. This week, she gets personal and shares her own experience over Christmas when her husband Mark, suffered a stroke.

You can remember the signs of a stroke with the acronym F.A.S.T.:

- F: Face drooping

- A: Arm weakness

- S: Speech slurring / difficulty

- T: Time to call 9-1-1

Stroke risk factors include smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, diets high in saturated fat and/or cholesterol, physical inactivity, atrial fibrillation, carotid artery disease, diabetes, race, and more. Risk of stroke also increases with age for both males and females, and if you have family members who had strokes before age 65.

Once you have a stroke, you’re also more at risk for having more – all the more reason to focus on prevention.

As Lori knows firsthand, it can be scary if you're with someone who could be having a stroke. However, knowing the signs can help with quick treatment - especially important if your loved one is having an ischemic stroke, because the hospital can administer a clot-buster medication. If you or your loved one does have a stroke, recovery is possible: the brain can create new pathways to help you regain your abilities.

Topics discussed:

- Signs of strokes

- Ischemic stroke

- Hemorrhagic stroke

- Stroke risk factors

- High blood pressure

- Stroke prevention

- Clot busters

Takeaways from this episode:

- Remember the acronym F.A.S.T.: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech slurring / difficulty – if those are present, Take action by calling 9-11.

- Other signs of a stroke include trouble walking or understanding speech, dizziness, loss of balance, and severe headaches without a clear cause.

- Make sure your blood pressure is in the health range, which is under 120/80.

- Smoking while on birth control pills greatly increases your risk of stroke.

- Race is a risk factor of stroke: African Americans have a much higher risk of dying from a stroke than Caucasians.

- Women have more strokes and die from strokes more often than men, though they’re usually older when they have their first stroke.

 Resources mentioned in this episode:

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

https://amzn.to/3Y41CxA

American Stroke Association:

https://www.stroke.org/

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/

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:

Prevention is key when it comes to health - and the same goes for dementia. Just as you’d exercise to help your physical fitness, you can train your brain to help ward off mental decline.

Mental fitness is a passion for Ron Nevelow, licensed clinical social worker and certified dementia practitioner. With his practice, called Enlighten Senior Care, he and a team of mental health practitioners work in senior living communities to provide onsite mental and brain health services.

He joins Senior Services Expert Lori Williams to discuss:

- The difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s

- The 5 proven ways to work toward (and keep) a healthier brain

- Activities that challenge cognitive decline

- And more

Topics discussed:

Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s

Mental health

Aerobic exercise

Foods preventing dementia

Senior living communities

The importance of staying social

Dementia is a progressive, incurable disease, but Enlighten’s program can slow down its progression and help prevent it in the first place.

Takeaways from this episode:

- Enlighten supports adjustment issues and life transitions, mental health, and brain fitness programs to help with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment or those with dementia.

- The most important proven method to keep your brain healthy is aerobic exercise, ideally 30 minutes, 5 days a week.

- Challenging cognitive activities should push your brain to work short-term memory. The best way to do this? Learn something new. This also helps foster a sense of purpose.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Reach out about Enlighten Senior Care:

Ron Nevelow, LCSW, CDP

Executive Vice President of Business Development

214.563.2126

[email protected]

Duolingo app (learn a new language through your smartphone):

https://www.duolingo.com/

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/

The Golden Girls is a sitcom that first aired in 1985 and follows 4 older women in their “golden years.” Blanche, Rose, Dorothy and Sophia share a home together after various life events brought them together, such as the death of a spouse. Together they navigate life while having laughs along the way.

While some remember the fashion choices characteristic of the era - puffy sleeves, permed hair, and the stereotypical nightgowns - the show also offers nuggets of wisdom. Eight lessons from the Golden Girls include…

1. Life is too short to relive trauma.

Rose’s husband gambled all their savings away before he died, which is what required her to live with roommates. She gained great friendships and joy despite those setbacks.

2. Stay active and don’t be afraid to try something new.

The girls regularly go on dates, get dolled up, practice dance routines, and more. They’re rarely in front of the television.

3. Wear what empowers you.

Don’t limit yourself just because of your age. Wear whatever helps you present your best, most confident self (your inner Blanche)!

4. Stand up for what you believe in.

Dorothy often went with her gut, despite any hardships that came because of it. Make yourself heard and be true to yourself – your best life will come from it.

5. Friends are our truest confidence.

Go out and make friends, or at the very least, find ways to socialize or volunteer. Isolation is detrimental both mentally and emotionally.

6. Embrace change.

Change happens whether you like it or not - like Rose when she lost her crisis center job. Lean into it and you could find a happier future like she did.

7. Growing old is a gift.

The more life you live, the more opportunity for growth and adventures. You can still make a difference and connect with others.

8. Choose wisely when it comes to eating cheesecake.

Eating it late at night like the Golden Girls may not be the best decision - not to say there isn’t a time and place for cheesecake! Think about what foods enable you to live the best life and the “treat” that comes from that.

Topics discussed:

The Golden Girls

Lessons from the Golden Girls

Staying active as we age

Making friends as a senior

Embracing change through life

Senior fashion

Diet and lifestyle

Takeaways from this episode:

- Stay connected to people. Isolation leads to dementia, depression, and anxiety - and can worsen your condition (remember the impact of the pandemic on seniors?)

- Senior living can be helpful in keeping you social. You can see your friends each day without needing to drive or go far.

- It’s easier to endure tough times when you can relate with other people.

- You’re never too old to change careers or to make an impact in your own small way.

- Try something new! You could gain a new hobby and more fulfilling life from it (even better if you try it with friends).

- Diet has implications on your condition long-term. Consider health, mobility, and the ability to partake in experiences as a “treat” in itself.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Age appropriate fashion and other myths:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/241df536/101-age-appropriate-fashion-its-time-to-bust-some-myths

Living life to the fullest: He's 80 and cycling from Alaska to Panama

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/312d4be2/110-living-life-to-the-fullest-hes-80-and-cycling-from-alaska-to-panama

96 Years Young, World War II Vet, the MOST Inspirational Senior

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/57a002ea/060-96-years-young-world-war-ii-vet-the-most-inspirational-senior-i-know-meet-doug-brown

Chefs for Seniors: a service providing nutritious food and companionship

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/78a59ff4/013-chefs-for-seniors-a-service-providing-nutritious-food-and-companionship

Get on Lori's book presale list

https://view.flodesk.com/pages/62758d4f1e8046b2202546fa

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/

"All senior living communities are nursing homes" is a common myth. Perhaps you’ve spoken to your loved one about senior living, and they shut it down, saying, “I can’t go to a nursing home!” You may have the mental image of depressing facilities from the 1970s with low ceilings and few windows. Thankfully, we’ve come a long way since then!

There's senior apartments, which offer community activities and recreation. There’s independent living, which offers 3 meals a day and is nothing like the stereotypical nursing home. In fact, it’s more like a cruise ship on land. There’s assisted living, which provides your own apartment plus additional help if you need it. Then of course there’s memory care for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Residential care homes are another type of senior living offered in a normal home in a neighborhood and can accommodate a variety of needs.

Long-term care might seem more like the nursing home you have in mind. However, the other wing is for people who need rehabilitation from something like a surgery or illness. So nursing homes aren’t always a life sentence!

Ultimately, knowledge is power. Hopefully, with the right senior living knowledge, you’ll understand the best placement for you or your loved one and can feel at ease about the decision you make.

Topics discussed:

- Nursing homes

- Senior living myths

- Types of senior living

- Assisted living

- Memory care

- Independent living

- Senior apartments

- Short-term vs. long-term care

Takeaways from this episode:

- People may envision nursing homes when they hear about senior living. However, senior living is an umbrella term for many types of communities for those with different needs.

-Different options cater to different needs and include senior apartments, independent living, assisted living, memory care, and residential care homes.

-A nursing home may not be required if for example you simply need assistance with bathing.. You can always go to assisted living or even an independent care home and have a caregiver come in just for that purpose.

-The short-term care side of the nursing home is covered by Medicare or health insurance. For long-term care, many nursing homes take Medicaid.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Senior Living explained:

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/2dd082bc/053-replay-senior-housing-101

True or false: Pets are not allowed in senior living communities

https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/2d503110/109-true-or-false-pets-are-not-allowed-in-senior-living-communities

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/