Music & Dementia: Finding Connection Beyond Words

Music has a remarkable ability to connect us to memories, emotions, identity. 

In this episode of Aging with the Experts, Lina Supnet-Zapata, MBA, TxCG, CMC, explores the relationship between music and dementia with Dr. Aaron Rochlen, clinical professor and psychologist at The University of Texas at Austin and the 2026 recipient of the Aging Life Care Association’s Distinguished Ambassador in Aging Award.

Together, they discuss why familiar music can remain meaningful even as other forms of memory and communication become more difficult, how songs can support identity and emotional connection, and ways families and caregivers can intentionally incorporate music into everyday life.

Dr. Rochlen also shares insights from his work connecting psychology, mental health, storytelling, and music, including his Under The Rock program, which explores the stories and emotions behind music.

Whether you are caring for someone living with dementia, supporting an older adult, or simply curious about the connection between music and the human experience, this conversation offers meaningful insights for using music to create moments of connection, and joy.

For more resources, visit AgingLifeCare.org your go-to source for trusted guidance and expert support in Aging Life Care.

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How can you tell the difference between normal aging and signs that an older parent may need additional support? 

In this episode of Aging with the Experts, Aging Life Care Managers Barbara Levison, MA, MSW, CMC, and Jennifer Szakaly, MA, CMC, discuss common warning signs, from changes in memory and daily routines to social withdrawal, safety concerns, and personality changes. They also share practical tips for starting difficult conversations, respecting independence, and knowing when it’s time to bring in professional support.

For more resources, visit AgingLifeCare.org your go-to source for trusted guidance and expert support in Aging Life Care.

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Practical tips & information for long-distance caregivers or individuals whose older parents live far away and want to start making a plan.

In this episode of Aging with the Experts, Aging Life Care Managers® Liz Barlowe, MA, CMC, and Lonette Bolden-Smith, MA, BSN, RN, CMC, CDP, CADDCT, discuss the realities of long distance caregiving and share practical strategies to help families stay informed, prepared, and connected, no matter the distance.

Drawing on decades of experience, Liz and Lonette explore the unique challenges families face when they can't be there in person, from recognizing subtle changes in a loved one's health to coordinating care and responding to unexpected crises. They also offer actionable advice on building a local support network, using technology, organizing important documents, communicating with healthcare providers, and managing caregiver stress.

You'll learn:

• What long distance caregiving really means
• Common warning signs that an older adult may need additional support
• Practical tips for staying involved from afar
• How technology and local resources can improve safety and peace of mind
• Ways to reduce caregiver stress and avoid burnout
• How an Aging Life Care Manager® serves as your local advocate, care coordinator, and trusted "eyes and ears"

Whether you're supporting a parent, relative, or friend from a distance, this episode provides expert guidance to help you navigate caregiving with greater confidence and ensure your loved one receives the support they need.

For more resources, visit AgingLifeCare.org your go-to source for trusted guidance and expert support in Aging Life Care.

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What does the future of aging really look like and how can families prepare for it?

In this episode of Aging with the Experts from the Aging Life Care Association, Anne Sansevero and Lisa Mayfield explore the biggest trends shaping aging today. From increased longevity and the rise of solo agers to healthcare system challenges and the soaring cost of long-term care, this conversation breaks down what these shifts mean for older adults, caregivers, and families.

Together, Anne and Lisa share practical insights, proactive planning strategies, and expert guidance to help listeners navigate aging with greater confidence and peace of mind. They also discuss the critical role Aging Life Care Professionals play in coordinating care, advocating for families, and helping people age on their own terms.

Whether you’re planning ahead for yourself, supporting aging parents, or working in elder care, this episode offers valuable perspective on how to live longer and live better in a rapidly changing world of aging.

For more resources, visit AgingLifeCare.org your go-to source for trusted guidance and expert support in Aging Life Care.

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Advocating for an older loved one can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Aging with the Experts, Annette Murphy, MSW, LSW, C-ASWCM, and Abbe Udochi, CSA, break down what it truly means to be an effective advocate and how families can confidently navigate the complexities of aging care.

From understanding the healthcare system and preparing for medical appointments to having critical legal and financial conversations before a crisis arises, this episode offers practical, real-world guidance you can use right away. 

Annette and Abbe also dive into the emotional side of caregiving, addressing family dynamics, caregiver burnout, and the challenge of balancing independence with safety.

You’ll learn how to:

•  Communicate effectively with healthcare providers 
•  Stay organized with essential medical and legal documents 
•  Navigate difficult family conversations with clarity and compassion 
•  Recognize when it’s time to bring in professional support 
•  Advocate with confidence while protecting your own well-being 

Whether you’re just starting your caregiving journey or are deep in the day-to-day responsibilities, this episode will empower you with the tools, mindset, and strategies to ensure your loved one’s voice is heard and their dignity is preserved.

For more resources, visit AgingLifeCare.org your go-to source for trusted guidance and expert support in Aging Life Care.

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“It allows me to sleep at night.”

That’s how one family described the impact of working with an Aging Life Care Manager.

In this episode of Aging with the Experts, Dr. Jullie Gray and Dr. Carlisle Shealy discuss powerful findings from a national study conducted in collaboration with Virginia Tech and the Aging Life Care Association. 

Families from across the country shared deeply personal stories about navigating medical crises, caregiving from hundreds of miles away, managing family conflict, and making difficult end-of-life decisions. What emerged was a consistent theme: trust changes everything.

From crisis response to long-term planning, Aging Life Care Managers helped families feel supported, informed, and less alone.

If you’ve ever wondered whether professional guidance could make a difference in your own caregiving journey, this episode offers evidence that you don’t have to navigate aging care alone.

This conversation breaks down:

• How Aging Life Care Managers help during emergencies
• Why trust is central to the relationship
• The impact of coordinated, continuous care
• Support during emotionally complex decisions
• Whether families believe the services are worth the cost

With 99% of survey respondents saying they would recommend an Aging Life Care Manager, the findings speak for themselves.

For more resources, visit AgingLifeCare.org your go-to source for trusted guidance and expert support in Aging Life Care.

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Aging with the Experts: Solo Aging: Planning for the Future with Confidence

More older adults than ever are aging on their own, and doing it successfully starts with planning. In this episode of Aging with the Experts, Aging Life Care Managers Jennifer Crowley, RN, CMC, and Susy Elder Murphy, CMC, explore the realities of solo aging and what it means to grow older without a spouse, partner, or nearby family support.

With decades of professional experience, Jennifer and Susy break down the essential areas solo agers need to consider, including financial and legal planning, housing options, health and well-being, social connection, and building a reliable support system. They also discuss the unique challenges solo agers face, and how proactive planning can provide peace of mind and more choices as needs change.

Listeners will learn:

• What it truly means to be a solo ager
• Why early planning is critical
• How to prepare financially and legally
• Housing and aging-in-place considerations
• The importance of social connection and preventive health
• How an Aging Life Care Manager® can serve as a trusted professional advocate

Whether you’re aging solo yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply planning ahead, this episode offers practical guidance and reassurance that you don’t have to navigate aging alone.

For more resources and to find an Aging Life Care Manager near you, visit AgingLifeCare.org.

For more resources, visit AgingLifeCare.org your go-to source for trusted guidance and expert support in Aging Life Care.

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A heartfelt conversation about the unique journey of being a caregiver daughter.

Aging Life Care Professionals Lina Supnet-Zapata and Elyse Weber-Sacks share their personal experiences of stepping into the role of caregiver for a parent. They discuss how they found themselves in this position and the challenges they faced. 

They offer guidance, encouragement, and practical strategies to help other caregiver daughters navigate this demanding role with resilience and compassion, and highlight how Aging Life Care Managers® can provide support, resources, and guidance to families in similar situations.

For more resources, visit AgingLifeCare.org your go-to source for trusted guidance and expert support in Aging Life Care.

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Wondering what steps to take after a dementia diagnosis?

A dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming, confusing, and even frightening. 

In this episode, Rebecca Montano, PhD, CRC, CMC, CCM, CDP, talks with fellow Aging Life Care Professional® Crystal R. Littlejohn, MHSA, CMC, CSA, to walk listeners through the first essential steps to take after receiving a dementia diagnosis.

Together, Rebecca and Crystal break down what dementia really is, why getting a specific diagnosis matters, and how families can move forward with clarity and confidence. They share practical guidance on:

• Understanding different types of dementia and what early symptoms mean
• How to seek specialized evaluations and build a knowledgeable care team
• The role of Aging Life Care Managers in navigating everyday and long-term challenges
• Legal and financial planning every family should address early
• Creating a supportive, safe environment and an evolving care plan
• Why caregiver well-being is a critical part of the journey

Crystal also offers real-life stories and simple tools, like using a symptom journal, maintaining routines, and finding moments of humor to help families stay grounded during an emotionally complex time.

Whether you’re facing a new diagnosis or supporting someone who is, this episode offers reassurance, direction, and a reminder that no one has to go through dementia alone.

For more resources, visit AgingLifeCare.org your go-to source for trusted guidance and expert support in Aging Life Care.

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In this episode of Aging with the Experts, Aging Life Care Association President-Elect Nina Herndon and  Aging Life Care Professional® Susan Keating explore what it really looks like to build a meaningful career in Aging Life Care®. 

If you have ever wondered how professionals turn their passion for supporting older adults into a thriving practice, this conversation offers a candid and encouraging look behind the scenes. 

Nina and Susan share the motivations that shaped their paths, the surprises and challenges of entrepreneurship, and the essential skills that help Aging Life Care Managers® grow with confidence.

For more resources, visit AgingLifeCare.org your go-to source for trusted guidance and expert support in Aging Life Care.

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