Aging in Style with Lori Williams

Finding purpose is vital at any age - especially for seniors. 

So setting a New Year’s resolution is just as much for them as anyone. While there’s no age limit on setting goals, there are certain ones that may come in handy for those in their older age. Plus, as the pandemic continues, resolutions for staying happy and healthy are as important as ever.In the first episode of 2021, Lori shares tips for being successful with creating new goals, as well as 10 New Year’s resolution ideas for seniors who need inspiration.

Topics from this episode:
- Setting goals as a senior
- New Year’s resolutions
- Organization for seniors
- Elder law attorney
- Medication tips for seniors
- Staying healthy as a senior
- Tips for reaching goals
- Finding joy and purpose

Takeaways from this episode:

- Goals are more attainable when you keep yourself accountable with realistic expectations, a vision board, and an accountability partner.
- Plan to become organized, whether you meet with an elder law attorney for will planning, schedule medical and dental appointments, or make a list of all medications for easy reference.
- Stay healthy, both mentally and physically: It’s always a good idea to continue learning and find ways that you can be active (in a way that makes sense for you).
- Make sure your home is decluttered and fall-proof. Falling and breaking something is one of the quickest ways to lose independence.
- Embrace technology to find joy, whether it’s to watch a new movie or connect with friends and family.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Episode about fall prevention with Jackie Archer:
https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/792ce4fd/020-a-conversation-about-fall-prevention-with-expert-jacque-archer
How seniors can start Estate and Will planning to make conversations easier:
https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/798b9aed/017-aging-estate-planning-and-wills-tips-to-make-difficult-conversations-easier
How to find purpose at any age:
https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/78660b2c/019-letting-age-define-you-how-the-40-population-is-shifting-perspectives

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/

Have you visited a parent over the holidays and realized they would benefit from senior living? Maybe they need more socialization and prepared meals, so independent living would be a good option - or maybe they need assisted living for even more help. No matter which senior community you’re leaning toward, Senior Living Expert Lori Williams has 8 tips for you to keep in mind when it comes to touring and “interviewing” your (or your loved ones') prospective home.

It’s not fun to move more than you have to. It’s also important that you feel cared for and enjoy where you’ll be spending most of your time. That’s why it’s good to have a game plan. There are many factors to consider, like whether to use a local senior placement service, the community’s COVID-19 strategy, and more. When you take these questions into account, you can take the stress out of the moving process and confidently make an informed decision about your new home.

Topics from this episode:

-Touring senior living communities

- Tips for choosing the right senior living

- Senior living placement services

- Senior living communities and COVID-19

- Questions to ask when touring senior residences

Takeaways from this episode:
- It’s important to have a local senior placement service so they’re familiar with the options in the area. Plus, they may have contacts for realtors, moving services and more.

- Choosing precisely the right senior housing for your needs can help you use funds more effectively. Be sure to find an option for your budget too.

- It’s okay to bring your seniors to look at their living options if they’re not suffering from dementia and if the process isn’t overwhelming.

- Ask any and all questions you have, and make sure to check what certain words or services are if you don’t understand them.

- Don’t be afraid to interact with staff during your visit, from the activities director to the chef -and even current residents.

- Take plenty of notes and follow up with your senior placement advisor after your visit.

- Go with your gut and be sure to go wherever feels best.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Tips on Touring Senior Communities PDF:
https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/post/tips-on-touring-senior-communities-with-checklist 

005. Senior Housing 101:
https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/78876793/005-senior-housing-101021.
7 Red Flags to look for During Holiday Visits with Senior Family Members:
https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/78dafab1/021-7-red-flags-to-look-for-during-holiday-visits-with-senior-family-members
023. How Senior Living is adapting to COVID-19
https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/77ce3524/023-how-senior-living-is-adapting-to-covid-19025.
Activities in Senior Living - it’s not what you think!
https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/78cc0ade/025-activities-in-senior-living-its-not-what-you-think

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/

“A cruise ship on land” is how some people describe independent living, and this week’s guest is like the cruise ship director.
As a resident experience coordinator, Rhonda Bedrick manages all activities at Pinewood Hills retirement community. She helps seniors live their best lives by coming up with experiences ranging from exercise classes to field trips. Rhonda shares what activities to expect and how they have the power to enhance seniors’ lives with regular socialization and exploration.Life has changed a bit for those in senior living due to COVID-19. 

Despite the challenges, Rhonda and her team have been creative in adapting to the situation and engaging residents. Thanks to their efforts, seniors have been able to stay active, continue to explore new hobbies and activities, and safely connect with other seniors - just a few of the benefits that independent living offers.

Takeaways from this episode:
-Seniors with physical limitations can still participate in activities and are encouraged to adapt according to their needs.

-Wellness checks are seamlessly built into the independent living experience with socialization as a regular part of everyday life.

-Activities often center on physical and mental wellness, with games that help seniors stay active and cognitively sharp.

-Many activities help seniors learn new skills and try new things.

-Before COVID-19, many activities involved meeting seniors at other senior living communities and taking field trips to local attractions.

-Ambassadors from within the retirement community can welcome new residents and help them feel more included as they navigate their new home.

-Finding activities to do outside (on patios), like putting on a parade, helps seniors feel cared for during the pandemic.

-Finding strength, purpose, and belonging are key to having a sense of fulfillment as a senior.

Topics discussed:
-Independent living

-Retirement communities

-Retirement community activities

-Senior living activities

-Staying active

-Finding purpose

-Staying connected

-Senior recreation

-Helping seniors during COVID-19

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Pinewood Hills:
https://www.holidayseniorliving.com/senior-apartments/texas/pinewood-hills-flower-mound
https://www.facebook.com/PinewoodHillsRetirementCommunity
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-bedrick/
Finding Purpose at any age (episode 14):
https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/78a00db4/014-finding-your-purpose-at-any-age

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/

“We are what we think we are.” These words especially ring true for Joyce Brown, the reigning champion of the Ms. Texas Senior America pageant.
When she was 59 years old, she found herself in a negative headspace and knew she had to make some life changes. She was determined to not let her age negatively influence her - and to make her sixties her best decade yet.

Joyce shares her story about shifting her mindset and making lifestyle changes so that her sixties wouldn’t define her. She conquered her fears, pushed herself out of her comfort zone, and found herself starting a new chapter of life as a pageant queen.

Takeaways from this episode:
- Mindset is everything! It’s the only thing standing between you and your success.

- Don’t believe in failure. You can learn from whatever it is you’ve done, apply those lessons, and grow from it.

- Senior pageants are a great way to get seniors back out in the world and demonstrate how much they have to offer. It gives visibility and opportunities to do work in the community.

- You’re still valuable no matter your age.

- Many seniors still practice tap dancing and baton twirling. You simply have to be willing to get outside your comfort zone to enjoy hobbies and grow your skills.

Topics in this episode:
- Ms. Texas Senior America Pageant
- Fitness / getting active
- Lifestyle change
- Mindset change
- Senior pageant
- Getting outside your comfort zone
- Finding purpose in your old age

To learn more about Ms. Texas Senior America:
https://www.mstexassenioramerica.com/?fbclid=IwAR25t1fcy3l79Bcvkg5ls-nZHIsJO6dPzBkTk1QHyueOPxc61hpDQpbTbLI
https://www.facebook.com/mstexassenioramerica/

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/

Is it safe to move into senior living right now? Are people still moving in? What precautions are being taken? These are common questions that arise when it comes to senior living communities and COVID-19. 

While the pandemic has changed the industry a lot, safety is still a top priority, and many residences have creatively adapted to the circumstances.In this episode Lori shares her observations of senior living in a COVID world and what considerations to make when it comes to choosing your new home. Keep in mind that safety practices differ depending on the type of senior residence. For instance, assisted living and memory care facilities will be a little stricter and follow CDC guidelines while independent living allows for prescreened visitors. 

Plus, a local senior living consultant will have exclusive resources to help those who need to make this transition - from packing and realtor services to communities who can give virtual tours.

Takeaways from this episode:
- Independent living often accepts visitors but has adapted with plexiglass at check-in, temperature checks, mask requirements, gloves, and social distancing.
- Residents of independent living can expect community dining and activities but with safety modifications, like group number limits.
- Assisted living and memory care facilities allow essential caregivers, like home health professionals, but now a family member can be qualified as well.
- Outdoor visits and window visits are on the rise for assisted living, and technology has played a huge role in connecting as well.
- Senior living may pose a lower risk than the status quo: For some people who need meals prepared, going to a grocery store may be riskier than the controlled environment of senior living.
- Smaller residential homes may be a safer option too - a lower number of residents and fewer visitors are going in and out.
- Each individual has to weigh the pros and cons. Socialization and a sense of community is still a big feature of living, but now with added safety precautions.
- Senior living professionals have resources like virtual tours, and connections to help seniors begin the moving process, like realtors and packing resources. 

Topics from this episode:
- Local Senior living consultant
- Independent living community
- Assisted living and memory care
- COVID-19 and seniors
- Senior living safety measures
- Assistance finding senior living
- Social distancing with family
- Senior safety

If you wish to suggest a topic, be a guest or want to support the podcast please email [email protected] or reach out online: 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 holidays look a little different this year as Covid-19 continues to limit visits to seniors. You may not be able to spend time with your loved ones in the same physical space, but you can send them meaningful gifts that help lift their spirits. And this week, senior living specialist Anne Marie Barker has ideas for senior gifts to share that are sure to bring smiles.

As you plan your holiday shopping, consider the impact a thoughtful gift can have on seniors. This helps them know they’re on your mind despite social distancing. For seniors in independent living, gifts that help reinforce their independence are a clear win, and seniors with dementia can still show passion for their past hobbies. These tips are sure to help for the holidays, birthdays and “just because.”

Takeaways from this episode:

- Subscription boxes are increasingly popular, providing curated gifts each month. Grand Box is one option for seniors that does the hard work and can surprise and delight with each delivery.

- Consider gifts that can help give the seniors in your life their dignity back - something that looks less like hospital gear, and something luxe like nice pajamas.

- Personalized gifts with monograms are a great idea to help them feel loved while being helpful for life in a senior living facility.

- Seniors like feeling independent, and “grabbers” help seniors reach for items without bending down and risking falling.

- Try buying your senior with dementia a gift that helps start conversation, like framed photos or personalized puzzles. This helps caregivers start conversation and learn who their patients once were.

- Those with dementia typically have memories from long ago, so consider buying a gift that aligns with their old profession or hobby (they’re still the same individual underneath it all!)

Topics discussed:

- Gifts for seniors
- Gifts for people with dementia
- Gifts for grandpa
- Gifts for grandma
- Holiday shopping for seniors
- Subscription boxes for seniors
- Personalized gifts
- Grandbox subscription box

Connect to Ann-Marie Barker:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annmariebarker1/
[email protected]
(469) 251-2795
‬The Sandwich Generation, All Things seniors with Ann-Marie:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwLjnavkIKCiTlH1oJtXnIgGrandbox
Subscription Box:
https://grandbox.com/
Fall Prevention Episode:
https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/post/10-tips-to-fall-proof-your-home

If you wish to suggest a topic, be a guest or want to support the podcast please email [email protected] or reach out online: https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/
https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/
https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

It’s common for people 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 an easy fix (like a walker), while others need a larger conversation (rethinking their living situation). 

Lori shares 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 as you have conversations with them 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?

-Changes in behavior may be a red flag of deeper issues (but also consider the role of the current COVID-19 situation when gauging this, as many seniors are lonely and it’s taking a toll).

- 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

Resources mentioned in this episode:
020. 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

If you wish to suggest a topic, be a guest or want to support the podcast please email [email protected] or reach out online: 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 3 adults aged 65 and older fall each year, and less than half speak to their doctor about it. 

It’s a distressing situation that can cause broken bones and a hospital trip, so it’s worth taking seriously. Unfortunately, many worry about losing their independence if they mention this mishap. There are many reasons falls can happen - and, thankfully, there are countless ways to help prevent this too-common scenario.

In this episode, Lori discusses fall prevention with Jacque Archer, who has 30 years’ experience in the medical field and has spent 11 helping families with their senior parents and any accompanying challenges. She shares important statistics around falls in the senior citizen community and where / how they most often occur. 

In addition to offering the 4 R’s for your home (reorganize, remodel, rearrange, remove), she divulges personal habits to help keep you physically strong and mentally aware.

Takeaways from this episode:

- Evaluate your environment and make it safe. For instance, 75% of senior falls happen in the bathroom, so it’s important to install rails or grab bars and opt for walk-in showers instead of bathtubs.

- Be sure to get your routine eye exams each year to make sure you’re able to see any obstacles in your path.

- Know and utilize any tools you may need, from reachers and shoehorns to walkers and canes (and make sure walkers and canes are fitted properly to prevent any aches and pains).

- Talk with your doctor about physical therapy to maintain flexibility, core strength and balance - and consider incorporating ways to stay active into your everyday life to stay strong.

- When you have 2 or more health problems, you increase your risk of falling by 30%, so be sure to understand your medication’s side effects and interactions.

- Staying mentally sharp is just as important as staying active, so you’re constantly evaluating and aware of your environment.

Topics discussed:

- Senior fall prevention
- Senior physical therapy
- Staying active in old age
- Walkers and canes
- Making your home senior friendly
- Independent living
- Senior mobility

To connect to Jacque:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacque-archer-36593956/
972 800 7542
[email protected]
For Fall Prevention checklist and more educational resources please visit: https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/post/10-tips-to-fall-proof-your-home
Episode on Myths and Truths about Medicare:
https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/794eb1c8/012-medicare-101

If you wish to suggest a topic, be a guest or want to support the podcast please email [email protected] or reach out online: 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 often have you thought, “I’m too old to start something new?” Age shouldn’t define you, especially when it comes to the prospect of starting a new career. More and more seniors are starting new businesses, and some studies even show that as your age increases, so do the odds of your business succeeding.

One example of this success comes from Lori’s friend Tricia Spurrier, who has been serving seniors for over 20 years but decided to start her own business at age 45. She discusses her self-limiting mindset before a mentor helped her take the plunge and begin “Act 2” of her professional life. Together she and Lori discuss the joy and fulfillment that can come from abandoning the self-imposed limitations of age. 

They also discuss how everything can be 'figureoutable'.

Takeaways from this episode:
- Studies show that older entrepreneurs are more likely to succeed than their younger counterparts, with their chance of success increasing with age.

- You’re never too old to learn something new, and age is not a barrier to the ability to learn.

- It’s easy to get stuck in your comfort zone (that’s why it’s comfortable!) but stepping outside of it can give you a huge sense of accomplishment.

- More and more small businesses are owned by people 50 and older.

- Life experience is valuable in helping older entrepreneurs gauge risks.

- “Start before you’re ready:” If you wait until you’re ready, you’ll be waiting the rest of your life.

Topics discussed in this episode:

-Starting a business
-Senior-run business
-Senior entrepreneurs
-Learning new skills
-Starting a new career
-Finding purpose in old age
-Senior career change

Resources mentioned in this episode:

'Everything is figureoutable' by Marie Forleo:
https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Is-Figureoutable-audiobook/dp/B07RQV9QNP/ref=sr_1_1?crid=31HYPGRRTGBDY&dchild=1&keywords=everything+is+figureoutable+marie+forleo&qid=1604421735&sprefix=everything+is+fig%2Caps%2C284&sr=8-1002.
Stop downsizing, start 'rightsizing'! With realtor Tricia Spurrier:
https://www.loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/episode/78b68278/002-stop-downsizing-start-rightsizing-with-realtor-tricia-spurrier
Connect to Tricia Spurrier: www.thespurriergroup.kw.com
[email protected]
https://www.linkedin.com/in/triciaspurrier/
https://www.facebook.com/tricia.spurrier/about

If you wish to suggest a topic, be a guest or want to support the podcast please email [email protected] or reach out online: https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/
https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/
https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/

Hospice is a word that can bring up many emotions - and misconceptions as well. This week Lori invites Donna French to dispel the myths, who serves as a community liaison with Archway Hospice. With 20 years of senior living experience, she has a wealth of knowledge and a passion for hospice education.

Donna explains how hospice isn’t necessarily a last-minute service when death is only days away, and it doesn’t have to be a terrible, sad experience. Patients qualify for six months of care at a time (which can be renewed), and hospice professionals craft unique plans of care for each individual’s situation.Plus, hospice alleviates stress for families by providing a band of home health aids, chaplains, and nurses who are just a phone call away. With the resources to help patients live comfortably and happily, hospice can promote a better quality of life in patients' remaining time on earth.

Takeaways from this episode:

- Hospice is for anyone, at any age, with a terminal diagnosis and an estimated time frame of 6 months or less.

- There’s no out-of-pocket expense for hospice care, whether it’s through Medicare or your insurance.

- Discussing end-of-life plans with hospice workers ahead of time can help them help you once the time comes – allowing you to spend time with loved ones when the time comes and begin the grieving process.

- Hospice offers personalized care for not only the patient, but the family. Many relationships develop and it relieves caregiver stress.

- The service doesn’t only apply to those “actively dying” and offers care that helps patients live more comfortably.

- If you’re in independent living, residential care homes, assisted living, etc., you still have access to hospice care as the team can follow patients wherever they go.

Topics covered:

- Hospice care
- Home health aids
- Terminal illness
- Quality of life
- Support during terminal diagnosis
- Emotional support for families
- Medicare coverage

To reach Donna and to learn more about Archway Hospice please visit:
https://archwayhospice.com
[email protected]
(469) 290-6100
https://www.facebook.com/ArchwayHospice
https://www.linkedin.com/company/archway-hospice

If you wish to suggest a topic, be a guest or want to support the podcast please email [email protected] or reach out online: https://www.facebook.com/LoriWilliamsSeniorServices/
https://www.instagram.com/theloriwilliams/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/theloriwilliams/
https://loriwilliams-seniorservices.com/aging-in-style-podcast/