Aging Life Network

LGBT adults face many unique challenges as they age. They are generally an underserved and understudied aging population. Fear of discrimination contributes to poor health – with more than 20% reporting not having told health care providers of their sexual orientation. Social support consists of friends and partners of the same age, as most do not have children and are long estranged from families of origin. Fear of violence keeps many isolated in their homes and historical job losses have left many impoverished. The national Alzheimer’s Association has expressed concern about the growing numbers of LGBT seniors living alone with developing dementia.

In recent years, local and national organizations have developed to address many of these challenges. Our show will highlight one such program and one such leader working to make a difference. Karen McPhail will discuss why this work is so necessary and how you, as an individual can either find the support you need or ways to help.

Our guest believes Solo Agers have unique needs in later life that warrant greater foresight and a more robust approach to planning. Older adults without children, particularly those single with no kids, need to take the time to plan for a successful retirement and aging experience. Consideration of housing options, legal matters and financial planning will be discussed and can be found in her 2018 book for what she terms Solo Agers. Named the “best book on aging well” by the Wall Street Journal my guest, Dr. Sara Zeff Geber has been speaking about solo aging for the last decade. She will join us and share her thoughts on what solo agers need to do now!

The death of a loved one requires the distribution of that person’s property, cash, retirement/investment accounts and real estate. In many instances having a personal representative, or executor, of the estate is necessary and working within the probate court is required. In some States, this can be an expensive and complex process, while in others relatively simple. My guest, Probate Judge Cristy Carbon-Gaul, will talk with us about those instances in which a probate is necessary and discuss ways to avoid it. She will also address such questions as; What if there is no will? What if the proposed executor is not appropriate? Why does it sometimes take so long? What does it mean when there is a pour-over will? How do you handle the personal property?....to name a few. A great show for those considering how they want their own estate handled and/or those named in an older loved ones estate planning documents.

Award winning author Heidi Herman’s latest book “On with the Butter: Spread More Living onto Everyday Life” provides a practical how-to guide for readers to follow to add vitality to their own lives. Many of the items offered are things that can be done in safe socially-distant ways and still provide mental and physical benefits. What makes Heidi’s book unique is her inspiration – in 2018, her 93-year old mother, Ieda, undertook a challenge to have 93 new experiences before her 94th birthday to prove you’re never too old for something new. After Heidi helped her Icelandic mom with that year’s adventure, they were working on turning the experience into a book when Ieda passed away. Heidi finished her mother’s photo journal of experiences but was inspired to go one step further and inspire others to live life with that same vitality. Heidi will join us to talk about her new book which is full of wonderful ideas and information on adventures that can add vitality to all of our lives.

Sharing your medical treatment and end of life wishes and with those you love, about what you want, or what your loved one wants, can be a difficult conversation to have. Most often we believe that because we have seen a lawyer and completed our Advance Directives that there is nothing more to do or say. Such is not the case, says our special guest this week, Joan Gibson. Joan and I will discuss the many “what if’s” that such legal documents don’t cover and why it’s important that all of us have these conversations with those we love. Joan is a pioneer in the world of health care decision-making. This conversation is a must for all of us, regardless of age.

For a free download of the “Values History Form”, go to AgingLifeNetwork.com

The New Year is a time of goal setting, reflection and planning. We take great care to meet with our financial planner. We make sure our estate planning documents are in order. Life care planning for ourselves or our loved ones is not typically a type of planning we consider necessary…until a crisis occurs or the needs of our loved ones become painfully obvious. My guest and I will discuss those aspects of life care planning that will provide you as an aging adult, or those you care about the best chance of aging well. We will also talk about gathering the family – those interested in the future of an aging loved one – and holding a family meeting to develop or review the life care plan and determine how to implement the plan moving forward.

Seniors considering a move to a retirement community or families managing the care and finances for a loved one so often do not look beyond the option of selling the home that has been occupied for many years. The sale of a home brings with it tax consequences and the need to re-invest proceeds. This week we will be exploring keeping the home and using the home as an income producing asset that can supplement you or your loved ones cost of living or care needs. Concerned about the headache of managing a rental? Do not live nearby? I will be talking with a property management expert as well as a certified public accountant about the many benefits of considering this option. We will look at the tax consequences of selling now vs. setting up as a rental. We will also discuss the property management role, the team required and if hiring a property management group, how to find the best one to work with.

At a time when many, including the media, are speaking of the Covid-19 vaccine as offering Americans hope in ending the pandemic, I will interview a physician who is very concerned about the safety of the Pfizer vaccine. She is not alone in her concerns. In fact, recent surveys of health care workers indicate that nearly 50% would prefer to wait to take the vaccine and see how the vaccine affects others first. Whatever your opinion, Dr. Near will provide information about the vaccine that you will want to hear and understand. It is not simply anti-vaccers or anti-mask people in the 31% of the general population hesitant to take the vaccine. Learn more about the science as we discuss Dr. Near’s concerns.

First as a long-distance caregiver and later caring for her mother in her home, Sue learned quickly that being an advocate was an important part of her role as caregiver. After spending more than 10 years caring for both parents, she later learned of the many resources, she was unaware of, that were available to her. Sue shares her story as caregiver and advocate. She will also share information on the many resources she now shares with families as a Community Educator. Join us for a conversation about caregiving, advocacy and resources.