Aging Unscripted from CLC

What if aging well is less about what happens to us and more about how we respond?

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan welcome Scott Fisher, co-author of The Aging Wisely Project. Drawing on insights from interviews with 52 adults ages 70 to 95, Scott challenges conventional thinking about growing older and explores how we can continue to grow, adapt and thrive throughout life.

Discover the importance of maintaining autonomy, nurturing connections, and finding purpose as our lives evolve. Scott also shares practical habits that can help us navigate change with resilience, gratitude, and intention.

It's an inspiring conversation about embracing aging as a time of continued growth, possibility and becoming our best selves.

Resources: The Aging Wisely Project website

Held in the Vanishing: Loving Someone Through Dementia

What happens when someone you love is still here, but your relationship with them is changing?

Author Ti Mougne joins Aging Unscripted to share her deeply personal experience caring for both parents as they live with two different forms of dementia.

Drawing from her memoir, Held in the Vanishing, Ti talks with hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan about anticipatory grief, caregiver guilt, difficult decisions, and the challenge of caring for others without losing yourself along the way.

It’s an honest and moving conversation about love, loss and, learning to see the person beyond the diagnosis—and to find connection even as relationships change.

Listen to Held in the Vanishing: Loving Someone Through Dementia on Aging Unscripted.

Resources:

Ti Mougne Website - https://www.timougne.com/

Resource for Individuals and Caregivers – Dementia Together - https://dementiatogether.org/

National Alzheimer’s Association - https://www.alz.org/

Self-care at 25 isn’t necessarily self-care at 85. So, what does it really mean to take care of ourselves as we age?

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan are joined by Licensed Professional Counselor Danica Denton of Grace Counseling to explore how self-care evolves throughout our lives. From setting boundaries and asking for help to nurturing relationships, finding purpose and navigating major life transitions, they look beyond the bubble baths to the practices that truly support emotional well-being.

Whether you’re 25, 55 or 85, discover practical ways to rethink self-care and make it meaningful for the season of life you’re in.

Resources:

Grace Counseling: https://gracecounseling.net/

What if storytelling and play could change the way we experience aging?

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan welcome father-son innovators Jack York and JP York to explore how stories, creativity, and connection help people live with greater purpose and belonging.

Jack shares lessons from collecting stories from older adults across the country, while JP explains how LEGOs are creating meaningful moments with people living with dementia. Together, they discuss how being truly known can improve well-being, strengthen relationships, and challenge the stereotypes surrounding aging. Join us for a conversation that will leave you thinking differently about what's possible as we grow older.

Resource Links:

Tale Gate website: https://talegate4joy.com/

2054 Institute website: https://www.2054institute.org/

2054 Lego Program at Immanuel: https://immanuel.com/blog/lego-therapy-memory-care-immanuel

2054 Lego Program at AG Rhodes: https://youtu.be/xROlNOt0EGU?feature=shared

Loretta Aveney’s Website – JP credits her as the “real” pioneer: https://lorettaveney.com/

On this episode of Aging Unscripted, we explore a powerful question: What if retirement isn’t the end of your purpose, but the beginning of your most meaningful chapter yet?

Host Jill Vitale-Aussem and co-host Pam Sullivan sit down with Kristi Doan, a Community Builder with The Eden Alternative to challenge outdated ideas about aging, retirement, and community life.

Together, they unpack the difference between simply staying busy and living with true purpose. From resident-directed living and meaningful engagement to creating cultures of contribution, citizenship, and connection, this conversation explores how older adults can continue to grow, lead, and thrive in every season of life.

Sounds great! But how does this approach impact senior living – the results may surprise you. If you’ve ever wondered how we can move beyond “aging safely” toward aging fully, this episode is for you.

Resource Links:

The Eden Alternative Website

The Eden Alternatives 2024 Whitepaper 

Time Magazine Article, People Age Better If They Have a Purpose in Life

CLC Blog by Jill Vitale-Aussem, Reimagining Senior Living: Citizenship Model Life Plan Communities

Technology is changing the aging experience faster than ever before; but is it truly empowering older adults or creating new barriers along the way?

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan sit down with Matt Reiners, Chief Growth Officer at Parasol Alliance and host of the “Connecting the Dots” Senior Living Success podcast, for an honest conversation about aging, technology, and what it means to stay connected in a rapidly evolving digital world.

From smartphones and social media to artificial intelligence, smart home technology, and wearable health tools, older adults are embracing technology at record rates. But adoption is only part of the story. How do we move from simply “using” technology to leveraging it for greater independence, confidence, well-being, and quality of life?

Whether you’re an older adult, family member, senior living professional, or simply curious about the future of aging, this episode offers thoughtful insights and practical perspectives on navigating technology with confidence and purpose.

Resource Links:

AARP Technology Study Article

What happens when best intentions cross the line into being too controlling?

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, we explore the powerful, and sometimes uncomfortable, truth behind the phrase: “You’re Not the Boss of Me.”

As we age, autonomy isn’t just a preference; it’s deeply tied to identity, dignity, and overall well-being. Yet families, caregivers, and even professionals often step in with the best intentions when supporting an older adult and unintentionally take over. Our guests for this enlightening discussion are Clinical Dietician, Clint Rasti and long-time nurse and clinical leader Angela Allen, two people dedicated to well-being, but their perspectives may surprise you when it comes to retaining autonomy for older adults. Tune in for the lively and insightful chat.

Resource Links:

CLC’s Citizenship Model of Community Living

Healthy aging isn’t about perfect nutrition—it’s about nourishment, joy, and balance.

Eating For Life: Health & Happiness As We Age

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan sit down with clinical dietitian Clint Rasti to explore a more sustainable approach to nutrition. From changing nutritional needs to navigating diet culture and misinformation, Clint shares how food can support not just health—but happiness and autonomy—as we age. It’s National Nutrition Month, tune in to separate fact from fiction and “real life” tips for better nutrition on your aging journey.

Resource Links:

Nourishing Body and Mind: How Nutrition Improves Resident Wellbeing in Senior Living

Staying One Step Ahead of Scams is an episode of Aging Unscripted focused on protecting older adults from the growing threat of fraud.

From online, phone, and mail fraud to retail crime, crypto, gold scams, and even financial exploitation by trusted family members, this conversation shares practical warning signs, prevention tips, and clear steps to take if you or a loved one may be a victim—helping listeners stay informed and one step ahead.

Listen in as host Jill Vitale-Aussem and co-host Pam Sullivan as they talk with Jamie Sorrells from Colorado’s 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office to discuss why older adults are targeted and the most common scams affecting them today.

Resources:

Colorado is in the middle of a demographic shift unlike anything we’ve seen before. Birth rates are falling, migration has slowed, and the fastest-growing age group is adults 75–84—with more people living into their 90s and beyond.

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan are joined by former Colorado State Demographer Elizabeth Garner to explore what this population pivot means for our state’s future.

We’ll explore:

Why Colorado’s growth is slowing

What an aging population means for communities, housing, and healthcare

The workforce challenges ahead—and how the state can prepare

Watch now and be prepared for Colorado’s population pivot.

Guest:  Elizabeth Garner, Demographer

Resources:

Colorado State Demography Office website

United States Census Bureau website