AI50

Do you want to live a long and healthy life?

Preventable Services, Annual Wellness Visits, and Advanced Care Planning can make a world of difference in the quality and length of our lives.

Prevention is often cheaper than cure.

Preventive health care is an important part of living well. By getting regular check-ups and screenings, you can help prevent illness or detect it early when treatment works best.

Annual wellness visits are the foundation of preventive health care. They’re also a great opportunity for your doctor to get to know you and your family, discuss any concerns, and develop personalized prevention strategies that meet your needs.

You can also use these services to help your family plan for your future care needs. The more we know about what we want at the end of our lives, the better prepared we’ll be when it comes time to talk with loved ones about how they should handle things if something happens to us.

It’s never too early (or late) to start planning for your future care needs!
--------------------

Bio:

Brandy Smuzeski is a licensed master social worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, who is a Clinical Manager at Medical Advantage Group. Brandy has extensive experience working with the geriatric population in both hospital and outpatient settings. She works very closely with Primary Care Physicians in identifying opportunities to meet the needs of their patients in this vulnerable demographic.

Find Brandy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandy-smuzeski-lmsw-65121997/

Do you feel like your brain is constantly in overdrive?

You’re not alone. We live in a world of constant stimulation, and it takes its toll on our brains. This can have some adverse effects on seniors if they don't have proper mental wellness.

With the constant pressure to keep up, it's no wonder that many seniors are in danger of experiencing poor brain health.

But there are ways to bring emotional and spiritual balance back into your life. And the first step is understanding how neuroscience has uncovered the spiritual capacity and underpinnings of the human brain.

Once we understand that our brains have an innate ability to be balanced, we can begin to take steps towards bringing more peace into our lives by taking care of ourselves with mindfulness practices that help us tap into this part of ourselves again.

These practices include meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, journaling, exercise – anything that helps us connect with what matters most to us as individuals so we can find inner peace.

Joining me in conversation today is Dr. Paul Nussbaum.
--------------------

Bio:

Dr. Nussbaum is a Board Certified Clinical and Geropsychology Neuropsychologist with a specialization in aging, brain health, and lifestyle management.

Find Dr. Nussbaum on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drpaulnussbaum/

Most of us have our own ideas about what senior living communities are like. Some believe that senior living community is interchangeable with the term nursing home but they are in fact two very different options for seniors. While many leading senior living communities do provide higher-level healthcare services and assistance found in traditional nursing homes, they offer seniors so much more than simply age-related support.

The truth is that many people choose to live in an independent lifestyle setting because they want more out of life. Independent senior living offers more freedom and independence while still providing access to on-site health care providers as needed.

Senior Living communities today focus greatly on helping seniors maintain their quality of life by offering amenities such as fitness centers, pools, spas, dining options and so much more!

These benefits allow seniors to enjoy active lifestyles without having to worry about household chores or maintenance issues at home – giving them the ability to spend time doing things they love

Join me in conversation today is Stephanie Zeverino.
--------------------

Bio:

Stephanie Zeverino - As Director of Business Development for their newest location, Stephanie has had to become well-versed in every aspect of senior living marketing. From independent living to assisted care to Memory Care and Circle of Friends program for MCI residents, she's done it all!

Find Stephanie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniezeverinojenkins/

The generation gap is real. And it poses challenges for leaders in the workplace, especially when working with different age groups of employees who have very different perspectives on how to approach their careers and responsibilities at work.

This is particularly true for senior living communities.

Bridging the generational gap in senior living is necessary for society to thrive. Often, generations feel segregated by age and miss out on precious opportunities that come with being connected across different eras of life experiences.

We need connections between our elders as well as young adults because they are both integral parts who contribute greatly towards shaping America into what it will be tomorrow.

We believe in the power of relationships, and we know that when people from different generations come together, they can create something truly special.

Join me in conversation today is Allison Boulware.
--------------------

Bio:

SVP and Chief Wellness Officer at Bridge Senior Living; Allison Boulware is a Clinical Strategist with a fierce passion to change the dialogue in senior living.

An innovative thinker is eager to solve complex challenges, execute plans and implement technology to transform healthcare. Engagement-focused leader working to set a culture of kindness, innovation, and collaboration.

Find Allison on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisonboulware/

Do you have a loved one that is currently on Medicare? Or do you work in the senior care industry helping seniors set up their MA plans?

If so, then you know how confusing it can be to navigate the maze of Medicare Advantage. There are just too many options and not enough information out there to help seniors make an informed decision;  Seniors are more likely to feel like they are victims instead of empowered. There are so many different plans, carriers, and deductibles. Picking the wrong one will cause you financial ruin! With so much to consider it can be hard to know where to start.

Senior often find themselves in this situation. They are given a long booklet about insurance, but they are not told which one to buy. The booklet is 150+ pages long, so it is hard for them to understand it. Then they have to compare all the different plans which include prescription drug coverage, vision or dental care, gym memberships, or even travel discounts. The key is finding one that provides what you need at an affordable price without sacrificing the quality of service.

Join me in a conversation with Danielle Roberts. We will talk about navigating the maze of Medicare Advantage.
--------------------

Bio:

Danielle Roberts is a Medicare expert and has been providing education to the public in 48 states for over 10 years. She's helped tens of thousands of people learn more about their coverage, what it covers, and how to save money on healthcare costs. Danielle is also the co-founder of Boomer Benefits, an award-winning agency that helps baby boomers navigate Medicare nationwide.

Follow Danielle on:
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellekunkle/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BoomerBenefits
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BoomerBenefits

Do you know that poor sleep habits are the main cause of the increase in mental health problems?

As our lives continue to get busier, sleep becomes less and less of a priority. The consequences are more than just tiredness - poor quality or quantity can lead not only to issues with cognitive function but also an increase in confusion as well as personality changes.

These changes make it difficult for seniors who suffer from these disorders to make good decisions regarding their daily routine.

Also, Poor sleep and mental health go hand-in-hand. Research shows that people who don’t get enough good quality sleep tend to experience more anxiety and depression than those who do. Sleep deprivation is also linked with an increased risk for suicide attempts! So it goes without saying that getting a good night's rest is crucial for your overall well-being.

Joining me today is Dr. Mohammad Nami, he will share tips on how you can improve your sleeping patterns.
--------------------

Bio:

Dr. Mohammad Nami is a highly accomplished neuroscientist. He has published over 150 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters, He also serves as the National Brain-Mapping Lab Advisory Board member for Neuroscience spends his time teaching neuroscience to medical students.

He has been hailed as one of the world's foremost experts in sleep medicine, with his work being published in numerous journals including The Lancet, Brain Research Reviews, and Neurosurgical Review.

He also serves as the National Brain-Mapping Lab Advisory Board member for Neuroscience. Dr. Nami is a Visiting Professor at the Society for Brain Mapping and Therapeutics and Brain Mapping Foundation, Los Angeles CA. He is also currently enrolled in EWHC at Harvard Medical School, Boston MA where he studies sleep disorders such as narcolepsy or hypersomnia which are characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness due to disrupted nighttime sleep patterns.

Learn more about Dr. Mohammad Nami:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammad-nami-md-phd-23436556/

Do you know what your rights are as a senior? Do your parents or grandparents know?

If you’re an older adult, it’s important to be aware of the legal issues that can affect your life. You may face scams and financial exploitation from people who want to take advantage of your age or vulnerability.

It is also possible for seniors to become victims of elder abuse, which is any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver that causes harm or risk of harm to a vulnerable adult.

In some cases, this could lead to undue influence which occurs when someone takes advantage of another person's trust to control them and gain access to their assets.

These are just two examples but there are many more situations where seniors need help navigating the complicated world of law.

Join me today for a conversation with Jaime Levine. He will share information to help protect you, your parents, and your grandparents.
--------------------

Bio:

Jaime Levine is a man on a mission and is a true advocate for those who need it most. He is co-founding Elder Law & Advocacy and has spent 20 years of his life working to help the elderly and disabled who have been abused. In all, he has worked with 10,000 clients, supervised dozens of attorneys, and helped over 100 law clerks get their start in the industry.

Learn more about Jaime Levine:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaime-levine-572841/

When you love someone with Alzheimer’s, the disease can rob you of your relationship. It also affects everyone else in the family—the children, siblings, and grandchildren who are left behind to care for their loved ones.

What do you do when your spouse is diagnosed with this disease that progressively affects the brain and limits one’s ability to remember, think, communicate or take care of themselves?

Is it possible to maintain a loving marriage when your spouse has Alzheimer's?

Join me in this conversion with Mary S. Daniel.
--------------------

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction to Mary S. Daniel.
[02:04] You have a very interesting story about working as a dishwasher to care for your husband who had dementia?
[04:16] What was the reunion like? Did your husband recognize you?
[08:07] What was the hardest thing you had to do while your husband was in the nursing home?
[13:09] How is your husband now?
[17:40] What advice would you give to other caregivers if they are caring for a spouse or a loved one with dementia?
[32:05] The Essential Caregivers Act and what it will take to increase caregivers' rights?
[42:14] Why are so many people pushing against the bill when it could give many caregivers more time off, so they can take care of their own children or family members during difficult times?
[50:12] Is there anything else that you would like to add?
--------------------

Bio:

Mary S. Daniel is a Board-Certified Patient Advocate and the founder/CEO of ClaimMedic and the Daniel Advocacy Group. Mary’s husband, Steve was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2013 at the age of 59. He has been a resident at Rosecastle at Deerwood Memory Care Center since July 2019. In July 2020, Mary gained national attention after taking a job as a dishwasher at Rosecastle so that she could spend time with Steve after being separated for 114 days during the lockdown due to COVID-19. Mary founded the Facebook group Caregivers for Compromise.

Learn more about Mary S. Daniel:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marysdaniel/

I featured guests to speak on the topic of Alzheimer's because we all need to advocate for those living with dementia, through awareness and empower those family members & people who live with the disease.

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative neurological disorder that slowly destroys memory and cognitive abilities. An estimated 6.2 million Americans of all ages are living with Alzheimer's disease in 2021. More than 1 in 9 people (11.3%) age 65 and older have Alzheimer's disease. The number of cases is expected to triple by 2050 as the Baby Boomer generation ages.

Although there are medications available to treat symptoms such as memory loss or confusion, these do not cure the underlying condition in most patients. Furthermore, due to high costs and insurance restrictions many people cannot afford treatment for this devastating illness.

While we don't have a cure for Alzheimer's yet, there are some promising therapies that may provide relief from symptoms or even slow down its progression in certain individuals. Researchers are working on ways to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to lower your risk of developing it later in life.

Joining me in conversation is Dr. George Perry, Professor of Biology, University of Texas, and Dean of the College of Sciences. He will share his work in "Living with Aging: Alzheimer's, the Disease of Our Time".
--------------------

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction to George Perry.
[02:21] George shares a little bit about himself on a personal level.
[03:06] What is the difference between Alzheimer's disease and dementia?
[04:17] What are the main stages that a person moves through as they develop Alzheimer's?
[12:08] What are some of the top risk factors for developing Alzheimer's disease?
[14:20] What are the current treatments or therapies for Alzheimer's?
[24:34] What types of therapies do you think are currently most promising?
[27:54] Why do you think clinicians are chasing after the same amyloid theory for the past 30 years and yet not showing something that's effective?
[36:26] What is your goal with regards to Alzheimer's therapies? What are you working on right now?
[41:43] Has artificial intelligence assisted in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or other diseases linked to dementia?
[47:44] Do you think in 10 years we will have a cure for Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia?
[55:41] Do you have anything else that you would like to share?
[59:35] How can people contact you?
--------------------

Bio:

George Perry is a distinguished professor of biology and chemistry at the University of Texas at San Antonio. He has been recognized in the field of Alzheimer's disease research for his work on oxidative stress. Perry received his Bachelor of Arts degree in zoology with high honors from the University of California, Santa Barbara after which he continued to Scripps Institution of Oceanography where he obtained his Ph.D. in marine biology under David Epel in 1979.

Learn more about George Perry:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgeperry/

Many Retirees are looking for a new lifestyle in retirement. They want to be active, intellectually stimulated, and intergenerational.

Retirees are flocking to college towns because of the opportunities that abound there. Colleges offer more than just classes; they also provide great social events and intellectual stimulation.

The best retirement communities have strong ties with nearby colleges or universities. They've created opportunities for residents featuring intergenerational programs designed specifically for those over 50 years. Seniors can enjoy learning alongside students who are still pursuing education as well as young professionals who may be starting their careers early after graduating college.

Today, Join me in conversation is Andrew Carle. He is Adjunct Lecturer at Georgetown University Aging & Health Program  - He will share his work on University-Based Retirement Communities.
--------------------

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction to the podcast
[00:41] Introduction to Andrew Carl
[01:49] Share with us a little bit about yourself?
[02:59] What do you think of this trend among super seniors returning to college campuses? And what is life like in a retirement community located on a college campus?
[04:43] What are some of the key benefits retirees reap from living on campus?
[05:45] Do you see any cons of retiring in a community retirement community on campus?
[07:22] Where are the best college retirement communities for active seniors who want to stay social and engage?
[08:53] Does the proximity of these retirement communities to campus help higher rates for enrollment numbers and retention rates?
[10:05] Do students ever experience a culture shock when they get into their final year of education and start living around many retired people that aren't as young as them?
[12:57] How do you think, I guess, how has this world of higher education changed since you and I were a student? And how would you say it changed the lives of the baby boomers?
[14:27] What are the financial appeals for retirees to move to a college town?
[15:16] Do you think baby boomers find it easier to fit in a collegiate culture?
[16:46] Would you consider living in a university retirement community yourself?
[17:24] Do you think being in a college-based retirement community can help reverse aging?
[22:41] What criteria should potential retirees look at when choosing a community to retire in, let's say college-based?
[27:48] What would make you believe that university retirement communities may be able to reverse aging?
[29:34] How does university life compare with community life when it comes to lifestyle for elders? Let's say back at home?
[35:17] Is there anything else that you would like to add?
--------------------

Bio:

Andrew Carle is a recognized leader in the Senior Living Industry. He currently serves as an Adjunct Faculty member and Lead Instructor for courses within the Senior Living Administration Concentration at Georgetown University, in Washington, DC. The Concentration offers the only graduate curricula in the nation dedicated exclusively to the rapidly growing senior living field. Prior to Georgetown, Mr. Carle served as an award-winning professor and Founding Director of the Program in Senior Housing Administration at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.

Learn more about Andrew Carle:
LinkedIn
Program in Senior Housing
Carle Consulting, LLC
Wikipedia - "Nana" Technology
Twitter