Answers For Elders Radio Network

In the final episode of this four-part Answers for Elders Radio Network series, host Suzanne Newman is joined once again by Paul Coker of Pathway Design and Construction to bring everything together with a master plan for aging in place. This episode focuses on the strategic planning mindset homeowners need to remain safe, financially secure, and comfortable in their homes as they age. From budgeting realities to long-term value, Paul explains why planning ahead is the most important step in successful aging-in-place remodeling.

This conversation dives deep into financial planning, phased remodeling, and prioritization, helping families avoid costly reactive decisions. Paul and Suzanne discuss how to determine a realistic budget, identify top priorities, and avoid common remodeling mistakes—like investing in furnishings before addressing structural or safety needs. Listeners will learn the difference between reactive remodeling and strategic master planning, and how thoughtful design choices can support both current needs and future health changes.

Whether you’re planning for yourself, helping aging parents, or preparing a multigenerational home, this episode provides actionable guidance on creating a phased, future-ready remodeling plan. From grab bars and lighting upgrades to working with financial advisors and professionals, this final installment empowers homeowners to make smart decisions that protect independence, safety, and home value for years to come.

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome Back & Aging-in-Place Master Planning Overview

01:05 – Why Financial Planning Is Essential for Aging in Place

02:12 – Phased Remodeling: Planning the Full Picture, One Step at a Time

03:18 – Why Every Remodel Should Improve Quality of Life

04:05 – The Right Questions to Ask Before Starting a Remodel

05:18 – Budget Reality Checks & Avoiding Costly Redesigns

06:16 – Common Remodeling Mistakes Homeowners Make

07:11 – Reactive vs. Strategic Remodeling Explained

08:23 – Creating a Priorities Checklist for Aging in Place

09:11 – How Phased Projects Reduce Financial Stress

10:23 – Planning Multi-Year Remodels with Confidence

11:06 – What Homeowners Can DIY vs. When to Hire a Professional

12:08 – Why Master Planning Protects Safety, Comfort, and Home Value

13:08 – Timing Remodel Phases with Financial & Tax Planning

14:00 – Final Thoughts on Aging in Place & Series Wrap-Up

Pathway Design + Construction is a residential remodeling company that serves the Greater Seattle Puget Sound region in the state of Washington. With a specialty towards aging in place, Pathway tries to help you continue to evolve and live in your home long into the future.

💠Visit PathwayDC.com at https://pathwaydc.com/ or call 206-937-4809 for more information. If you're in the Seattle area, mention Answers for Elders to get a free consultation. Paul will come out, check out your home, make sure that it is safe, and talk about different potential projects, whether for now or in the future.

💠Pathway on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PathwayDesignConstruction

💠National Homebuilders Association website: 👉https://www.nahb.org

✨ Connect with Answers for Elders

💠Website: 👉 https://answersforelders.com/

💠Answers for Elders Podcasts: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cGK67V8FFc&list=PLG0uokyjqq7DcX4US45BDh3kdK1H71FRY

Winter can be one of the most dangerous seasons for older adults and their families, especially when it comes to staying safe at home. In this episode of the Answers for Elders podcast, host Suzanne Newman is joined by Paul Kocharhook, President of Pathway Design + Construction and an aging-in-place specialist, to share practical, real-world strategies for keeping homes safe, accessible, and livable through the winter months and beyond.

Together, Suzanne and Paul walk listeners through the most common winter home safety hazards—from icy walkways and poor outdoor lighting to unstable handrails, frozen pipes, power outages, and indoor fall risks. Paul offers expert guidance on simple home modifications, maintenance tips, and preventive solutions that can dramatically reduce the risk of falls, injuries, and costly emergencies. Whether you’re over 60, caring for aging parents, or planning ahead for your own future, this conversation delivers actionable advice you can use right away.

With more than 90% of older adults wanting to age in place, this episode is a must-listen for anyone focused on home safety, fall prevention, winter preparedness, and aging safely at home. Learn how small changes—like better lighting, clutter reduction, non-slip surfaces, and emergency planning—can protect independence, preserve quality of life, and give families peace of mind all winter long.

Pathway Design + Construction is a residential remodeling company that serves the Greater Seattle Puget Sound region in the state of Washington. With a specialty towards aging in place, Pathway tries to help you continue to evolve and live in your home long into the future.

💠Visit PathwayDC.com at https://pathwaydc.com/ or call 206-937-4809 for more information. If you're in the Seattle area, mention Answers for Elders to get a free consultation. Paul will come out, check out your home, make sure that it is safe, and talk about different potential projects, whether for now or in the future.

💠Pathway on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PathwayDesignConstruction

💠National Homebuilders Association website: 👉https://www.nahb.org

✨ Connect with Answers for Elders

💠Website: 👉 https://answersforelders.com/

💠Answers for Elders Podcasts: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cGK67V8FFc&list=PLG0uokyjqq7DcX4US45BDh3kdK1H71FRY

💠Aging in Place Checklist: 👉https://answersforelders.com/aging-in-place-checklists/

💠Aging in Place podcasts: 👉https://answersforelders.com/tag/aging-in-place/

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & Why Winter Home Safety Matters

Why winter is one of the most dangerous seasons for seniors aging in place

01:00 – The Reality of Aging in Place & Fall Risk

Why one fall can change everything—and why prevention matters

03:00 – Outdoor Winter Hazards: Walkways, Ice & Slippery Surfaces

Leaves, algae, ice, and unseen dangers outside the home

05:45 – Simple Maintenance That Prevents Falls

Pressure washing, debris removal, and safer walking paths

08:30 – Non-Slip Solutions for Decks, Stairs & Entryways

Treads, coatings, mats, and outdoor carpet options

11:00 – Handrails: Placement, Stability & Affordable Options

Why unstable handrails are a hidden hazard—and what to do

14:00 – Lighting for Safety: Shorter Days & Darker Walkways

Motion sensors, solar lights, garages, and visibility tips

18:50 – Winter Plumbing Risks: Hoses, Freezing & Burst Pipes

Simple steps to prevent costly water damage

22:00 – Gutters, Drainage & Basement Flood Prevention

How clogged gutters create winter emergencies

24:00 – Indoor Winter Safety: Heating Systems & Energy Efficiency

Furnace inspections, filters, drafts, and insulation

27:30 – Draft Control & Window Solutions for Comfort

Weather stripping, interior storm windows, and heat retention

30:15 – Space Heaters, Radiant Heat & Fire Safety

What’s safe, what’s risky, and best practices

32:10 – Emergency Preparedness: Power Outages & Supplies

Lighting, batteries, generators, and backup plans

36:20 – Fire Safety Essentials: Smoke & CO Detectors

What every home needs—and what’s often overlooked

38:30 – Mental Health, Light & Winter Wellbeing

Combatting winter blues with lighting and routines

40:05 – Indoor Fall Prevention: Rugs, Clutter & Daily Habits

Hidden trip hazards inside the home

44:30 – Medication Safety, Organization & Nighttime Routines

Reducing risk before you go to bed

47:00 – Air Quality, Humidity & Mold Prevention

Why winter air impacts health more than you think

49:20 – Final Thoughts: Staying Safe, Independent & at Home

The holidays are a time for family, celebration, and togetherness—but they can also introduce unexpected safety risks when aging parents come to visit or stay in your home. From dimmed lights and festive decorations to pets, extension cords, throw rugs, and holiday cocktails, even familiar spaces can become hazardous. In this episode of Answers for Elders, host Suzanne Newman explores how to create a safer, more welcoming home environment so your family can focus on connection—not accidents—during the holiday season.

Suzanne is joined by aging-in-place specialist Paul Kocharhook, President of Pathway Design + Construction, to discuss practical environmental safety protocols every homeowner should consider before welcoming senior loved ones. Together, they walk through the most common fall risks, including cluttered pathways, uneven flooring, poor lighting, and low furniture. Paul shares real-world examples from his own family gatherings and professional experience, highlighting how small oversights—like loose rugs, pet toys, or hard-to-use doorknobs—can lead to serious injuries.

Whether your parent is visiting for a weekend or staying longer, this conversation offers a valuable safety checklist and gentle observation tips to help you identify mobility, vision, or dexterity challenges. You’ll learn how simple adjustments—such as improving lighting, clearing walkways, adding raised toilet seats, or borrowing supportive chairs—can dramatically reduce fall risk and improve comfort. If you’re an adult child homeowner preparing for holiday guests, this episode provides essential guidance to help your loved ones age safely, confidently, and with dignity in your home.

Pathway Design + Construction is a residential remodeling company that serves the Greater Seattle Puget Sound region in the state of Washington. With a specialty towards aging in place, Pathway tries to help you continue to evolve and live in your home long into the future.

💠Visit PathwayDC.com or call 206-937-4809 for more information. If you're in the Seattle area, mention Answers for Elders to get a free consultation. Paul will come out, check out your home, make sure that it is safe, and talk about different potential projects, whether for now or in the future.

💠Pathway on YouTube

💠National Homebuilders Association website

✨ Connect with Answers for Elders

💠Website

💠Answers for Elders Podcasts on YouTube

Falls are one of the leading causes of serious injury for older adults—and during the holidays, the risk can increase dramatically. In this special holiday episode of Answers for Elders, host Suzanne Newman welcomes back aging-in-place expert Paul Kocharhook to focus specifically on identifying fall hazards throughout the home. When an aging parent visits and experiences a fall, it can result in injuries that permanently affect their ability to live independently. That’s why preparing your home for holiday visits isn’t just thoughtful—it’s essential.

Paul Kocharhook, President of Pathway Design + Construction, walks listeners through the most common fall risks room by room, starting at the front entry and moving through living spaces, kitchens, and walkways. From uneven sidewalks, stairs without handrails, slippery porches, and poor lighting to throw rugs, cluttered pathways, and furniture placement, this episode helps adult children see their homes through fresh eyes. Suzanne and Paul share practical, real-world strategies to reduce hazards while maintaining a warm, welcoming holiday environment.

Designed for adult children who own their homes and are hosting senior parents, this episode offers simple, actionable guidance to help prevent falls during the busy holiday season. You’ll learn how small changes—like improving lighting, securing rugs, clearing walkways, adjusting furniture, and organizing high-traffic areas—can make a significant difference in safety and peace of mind. If you’re welcoming an aging loved one this holiday season, this conversation provides critical insight to help protect their health, independence, and dignity while keeping the focus on family and connection.

Pathway Design + Construction is a residential remodeling company that serves the Greater Seattle Puget Sound region in the state of Washington. With a specialty towards aging in place, Pathway tries to help you continue to evolve and live in your home long into the future.

💠Visit PathwayDC.com at https://pathwaydc.com/ or call 206-937-4809 for more information. If you're in the Seattle area, mention Answers for Elders to get a free consultation. Paul will come out, check out your home, make sure that it is safe, and talk about different potential projects, whether for now or in the future.

💠Pathway on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PathwayDesignConstruction

💠National Homebuilders Association website: 👉https://www.nahb.org

✨ Connect with Answers for Elders

💠Website: 👉 https://answersforelders.com/

💠Answers for Elders Podcasts: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cGK67V8FFc&list=PLG0uokyjqq7DcX4US45BDh3kdK1H71FRY

💠Aging in Place Checklist: 👉https://answersforelders.com/aging-in-place-checklists/

💠Aging in Place podcasts: 👉https://answersforelders.com/tag/aging-in-place/

The bathroom is the most dangerous room in the home—especially for visiting senior loved ones during the busy holiday season. In this special holiday episode of Answers for Elders, host Suzanne Newman welcomes back aging-in-place specialist Paul Kocharhook to focus on bathroom safety and fall prevention. When an older parent slips or falls in the bathroom, the consequences can be serious and life-altering, potentially threatening their ability to live independently. That’s why preparing this high-risk space before family arrives is one of the most important steps adult children can take.

Paul Kocharhook, President of Pathway Design + Construction, shares practical, easy-to-implement solutions to reduce bathroom hazards without requiring major renovations. Suzanne and Paul discuss common risk areas such as low toilets, slippery tubs and showers, narrow doorways, throw rugs, cluttered countertops, and poor lighting. From temporary toilet seat risers and toilet rails to non-slip surfaces, grab bar alternatives, and portable mobility solutions, this episode highlights simple fixes that can dramatically improve safety and confidence for aging guests.

This conversation helps identify bathroom hazards through fresh eyes. You’ll learn how thoughtful adjustments—like motion-sensor lighting, lever-style door handles, removing throw rugs, improving nighttime visibility, and keeping essentials within easy reach—can help prevent falls and create a safer, more welcoming environment. If you’re preparing your home for holiday visits, this episode offers essential guidance to protect your loved ones while preserving comfort, dignity, and peace of mind.

Pathway Design + Construction is a residential remodeling company that serves the Greater Seattle Puget Sound region in the state of Washington. With a specialty towards aging in place, Pathway tries to help you continue to evolve and live in your home long into the future.

💠Visit PathwayDC.com at https://pathwaydc.com/ or call 206-937-4809 for more information. If you're in the Seattle area, mention Answers for Elders to get a free consultation. Paul will come out, check out your home, make sure that it is safe, and talk about different potential projects, whether for now or in the future.

💠Pathway on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PathwayDesignConstruction

💠National Homebuilders Association website: 👉https://www.nahb.org

✨ Connect with Answers for Elders

💠Website: 👉 https://answersforelders.com/

💠Answers for Elders Podcasts: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cGK67V8FFc&list=PLG0uokyjqq7DcX4US45BDh3kdK1H71FRY

💠Aging in Place Checklist: 👉https://answersforelders.com/aging-in-place-checklists/

💠Aging in Place podcasts: 👉https://answersforelders.com/tag/aging-in-place/

During the holidays, many adult children find themselves visiting mom and dad’s home—and noticing things they may not have seen before. In this follow-up episode of Answers for Elders, host Suzanne Newman welcomes aging-in-place specialist Paul Kocharhook, President of Pathway Design + Construction, for an important conversation about observing how senior parents are truly living in their own space. From steep staircases and outdated layouts to bathroom hazards and poor lighting, the holidays can serve as a valuable “trial run” for understanding whether aging in place is happening safely or if risks are quietly increasing.

Suzanne and Paul discuss how adult children can use a fresh set of eyes to spot potential safety concerns without judgment, simply by observing daily routines. They explore common issues found in long-time family homes, including non-code stairways, laundry access in basements, lack of handrails, poor lighting placement, cluttered bathrooms, and unsafe shower setups. Paul shares practical examples of small, affordable fixes—such as adding grab bars, handheld showerheads, motion-sensor lighting, remote light switches, and organizing systems—that can significantly reduce fall risks while preserving independence and dignity.

Designed for adult children who own their homes and are navigating the growing responsibility of supporting aging parents, this episode emphasizes the importance of awareness, prevention, and thoughtful planning. Suzanne and Paul explain how holiday visits provide a natural opportunity to create a safety checklist, ask meaningful questions, and begin conversations about future needs. With falls being one of the leading causes of life-altering injuries for seniors, this discussion offers actionable guidance to help families protect their loved ones, support aging in place, and make informed decisions before a crisis occurs.

Pathway Design + Construction is a residential remodeling company that serves the Greater Seattle Puget Sound region in the state of Washington. With a specialty towards aging in place, Pathway tries to help you continue to evolve and live in your home long into the future.

💠Visit PathwayDC.com at https://pathwaydc.com/ or call 206-937-4809 for more information. If you're in the Seattle area, mention Answers for Elders to get a free consultation. Paul will come out, check out your home, make sure that it is safe, and talk about different potential projects, whether for now or in the future.

💠Pathway on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PathwayDesignConstruction

💠National Homebuilders Association website: 👉https://www.nahb.org

✨ Connect with Answers for Elders

💠Website: 👉 https://answersforelders.com/

💠Answers for Elders Podcasts: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cGK67V8FFc&list=PLG0uokyjqq7DcX4US45BDh3kdK1H71FRY

💠Aging in Place Checklist: 👉https://answersforelders.com/aging-in-place-checklists/

💠Aging in Place podcasts: 👉https://answersforelders.com/tag/aging-in-place/

In this powerful episode of Answers for Elders, host Suzanne Newman welcomes nationally respected grief scholar Thomas Attig for an eye-opening conversation about what grief really is—and what it is not. Attig explains that grief is far more than “feeling bad” after a death; it is the human work of relearning how to live in a world that has permanently changed. Together, they explore how loss affects people at every age, from adult children caring for aging parents to spouses facing the “long goodbye” of dementia. Suzanne and Tom emphasize that grief requires compassionate attention, not avoidance, and that many of us begin grieving well before a loved one actually passes.

Throughout the interview, Attig reframes grief as a transition from loving someone in their presence to loving them in their absence, a process filled with both pain and profound meaning. He clarifies common misconceptions, including the widespread misunderstanding of Kübler-Ross’s “five stages,” which describe the experiences of people who are dying—not the grief of survivors. Instead of predictable stages, real grief is lived through everyday moments: sorting through a closet, facing an empty chair, navigating changed routines, or encountering unexpected surges of emotion. Attig encourages listeners to embrace the “gifts” their loved ones have left behind—memories, lessons, values, and connections that continue shaping us long after physical presence is gone.

In the final part of the discussion, Suzanne and Tom talk about forgiveness, unfinished relationships, and the spiritual side of grief. Attig reminds listeners that we are all part of a vast web of relationships, and while a person’s body may be gone, the threads that connect us remain. Successful grieving doesn’t mean “getting over it”—it means reshaping life patterns, reclaiming strength, and moving forward without losing love. Tom also shares insights from his upcoming book, ''Seeking Wisdom in Death’s Shadows,'' which gathers decades of his most influential work on loss, resilience, and the deep emotional intelligence required to heal. This episode offers comfort, wisdom, and practical guidance for anyone seeking hope after the death of someone they love.

Thomas Attig's book, ''Seeking Wisdom in Death's Shadows': Collected Writings on How We Grieve,'' is available as an ebook on Amazon.

His previous book, "How We Grieve: Relearning the World," 2nd edition, is available at Amazon. See his other books on Amazon.

Visit Tom's website Grief's Heart and read an except from the 1st edition.

SilverKite Community Arts is transforming the way we think about healthy aging by helping older adults stay creative, connected, and confident. Founded by Jennifer Kulik in 2013, SilverKite offers engaging creative aging programs, intergenerational arts experiences, and professional development for senior-serving organizations. These programs are designed to help older adults tap into their creativity, maintain cognitive and emotional vitality, and build meaningful social connections — key components of healthy aging. In this episode of Answers for Elders, host Suzanne Newman welcomes Jennifer to explore how creativity can enhance quality of life for seniors and support families navigating the aging journey.

During the conversation, Jennifer shares powerful stories from SilverKite’s work with Chateau Retirement communities, including an inspiring intergenerational project at Chateau Bothell Landing. Students interviewed older adult residents and created “memory boxes” celebrating their life stories, sparking deep friendships across generations. One fifth-grade student even built a travel-themed box complete with lights, maps, and a spinning globe—leading to a lasting bond that extended far beyond the program. These heartwarming connections illustrate how creative engagement helps seniors feel valued, seen, and socially connected while giving youth a meaningful window into aging, history, and empathy.

With over 30 years of experience designing arts programs for older adults, youth, and retirement communities, Jennifer explains the developmental importance of creativity later in life—drawing on Erik Erikson’s theories of lifelong growth. As today’s seniors live longer, healthier, and more active lives, programs like SilverKite offer opportunities to explore new passions, maintain identity, and stay mentally sharp. Whether you’re an older adult looking to stay engaged, or a family member seeking ways to support aging parents, this episode shines a light on the powerful role the arts play in well-being, purpose, and healthy aging.

Jen holds a Ph.D. in Theatre for Young Audiences from Arizona State University and an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Washington. In 2012, she was awarded a Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching fellowship to travel to Singapore. She received the Joseph F. Wall Service Award from Grinnell College in 2018. Jen presents at conferences worldwide.

Chateau Retirement provides independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. They have been locally owned and family operated for more than 25 years. Chateau Retirement has three communities in Washington's Seattle/Puget Sound area: Chateau Pacific in Lynnwood, Bothell Landing in Bothell, and Chateau Valley Center in Renton. Visit them online or call 800.960.1944. Visit Chateau's specialist page on Answers for Elders.

Connect with SilverKite

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube

Visit Answers for Elders.

Mentioned in this episode:

Chateau Retirement

Chateau Retirement

Suzanne Newman welcomes the SilverKite team of Jennifer Kulik (founder and CEO), McKenzie Wilson (Intergenerational & Community Program Manager), and Mollia Jensen (Creative Aging Program Manager) on the Answers for Elders podcast, hosted by Chateau Pacific in Lynnwood, Washington. SilverKite helps older adults stay creative, connected, and confident with engaging creative aging programs, intergenerational arts experiences, and professional development for senior-serving organizations. These programs are designed to help older adults tap into their creativity, maintain cognitive and emotional vitality, and build meaningful social connections—key components of healthy aging.

Jen says, "When I was three years old, my mother caught me in my room with two dolls, one named Purple and one named Orange, and they were talking to each other, and I had voices for both of them. So my mother decided to enroll me in theater classes at the local community college. When I got to middle school, I started having health problems. I lost my hair and I also was having a really hard time digesting food, so I lost a lot of weight. I was very thin and bald at age 11. [She was diagnosed with alopecia universalis.] So if you can imagine, that was a very difficult time in my life. I was bullied quite extensively during my middle school years and into high school. But during all of that time, I kept going to theater classes, I kept acting, I kept going there, and I was part of a community there that helped me to regain my confidence and my self-esteem. And it was a very powerful thing for me.

"So when I went off to college and started thinking about how the heck did I make it through this really difficult time, I realized that it was the arts. That was the thing that kept me going and helped me to recover myself during that difficult time. What can I do to help others who may be having a similar kind of thing happen to them? And so thus began my career in arts education and arts engagement. And I fell into intergenerational programs in 1999 when I was working on my master's degree, and a colleague and I were creating a curriculum for fourth and fifth graders about immigration that was social science and theater combined. And my colleague said, why don't we bring in some older adults from the community into the classroom to share their stories with the students about their immigration experience? And so we did that. And when I first saw this connection happening between these older adults and the youth, and was reminding myself about the great relationship I had with my own grandparents, it opened up a new door to me in thinking about how the arts can be a service to people and the community at large. So that is how I got started."

Mollia adds, "Jen's story inspired me to understand my own even more, which is that I think I was born with a superpower that I didn't know I had, but I just did it, which is whenever life brought obstacles, I turned to the arts, and they just ended up being the healing arts. But they were always just the arts. And the arts are sort of like a portal I could always enter. And still to this day, that's what I'm doing, to be able to work at an organization that is always inviting people to create opportunities for people to enter that portal. Because what I've noticed about depression and loneliness in my own journey, and in others near to me, is sometimes it's as simple as a very small perspective shift, whether that stepping outside or whether that saying yes to come to an activity or a program, and then you're just in a whole new world. You're sitting at a table with people you didn't think you would be. You're on an outing. And I know that sometimes getting from here to there is is challenging for some individuals. But we're here to say say yes, come to the programs."

For the past 30+ years Jennifer Kulik has designed and facilitated intergenerational arts, arts for youth, and arts for older adults programs for retirement communities, schools, theatre companies, and social service organizations. Jen holds a Ph.D. in Theatre for Young Audiences from Arizona State University and an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Washington. In 2012, she was awarded a Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching fellowship to travel to Singapore. She received the Joseph F. Wall Service Award from Grinnell College in 2018. Jen presents at conferences worldwide.

McKenzie Wilson is a Seattle-based artist originally from North Carolina. She is dedicated to creating innovative, inspiring, and engaging projects that bring people together. With over 10 years of directing, writing, and performance experience across the country, Mckenzie delights in exploring and uplifting the vibrant cultures, communities, and stories around her, infusing her work with a playful spirit and a sense of wonder. Their work draws on the power of innovative storytelling and devised performance, inviting curiosity and discovery, with the intention to build authentic connection. She is always happy to connect — especially about creative pursuits, outdoor exploration, cats, and reality TV. She holds a BA in Dramatic Art and Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Mollia Jensen has been a teaching artist for over 30 years. With roots in the theatre and wings in dance and writing, her path has engaged in leading programming with several arts, educational, community organizations and local creative classes. Mollia loves sharing moments of alchemy with others whether in a creative coaching session, in written words on the page, playing with swirling watercolors, or on the dance floor. She has an MFA in Writing from Pacific University.

Chateau Retirement provides independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. They have been locally owned and family operated for more than 25 years. Chateau Retirement has three communities in Washington's Seattle/Puget Sound area: Chateau Pacific in Lynnwood, Bothell Landing in Bothell, and Chateau Valley Center in Renton. Visit them online or call 800.960.1944. Visit Chateau's specialist page on Answers for Elders.

Connect with SilverKite

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube

Visit Answers for Elders.

Mentioned in this episode:

Chateau Retirement

Chateau Retirement

Intergenerational connection is one of the most powerful tools for healthy aging—and SilverKite is leading the way. Their innovative programs create intentional spaces where older adults and youth build relationships, share life stories, and combat social isolation. Through creative arts, storytelling, and collaborative projects, SilverKite helps seniors find purpose, connection, and renewed confidence. In this episode of the Answers for Elders podcast, host Suzanne Newman welcomes SilverKite founder and CEO Dr. Jennifer Kulik, along with McKenzie Wilson, Intergenerational & Community Program Manager, to explore how creativity enhances emotional wellness and quality of life for aging adults. This conversation was recorded at Chateau Pacific in Lynnwood, Washington.

McKenzie shares insight into one of SilverKite’s most beloved initiatives: the Intergenerational Theater Company, now celebrating its 11th production. This unique program brings younger and older performers together to share real-life stories, transform them into powerful stage performances, and tour them across Seattle communities, libraries, and schools. McKenzie’s passion grew from her theater background and a desire to create meaningful community engagement. She describes how SilverKite’s mission—intentionally connecting people through their lived experiences—has shaped her work and reinforced the importance of joy, empathy, and human connection across generations.

For more than 30 years, Dr. Jennifer Kulik has been a national leader in creative aging, designing arts-based programs for seniors, youth, retirement communities, schools, and social service organizations. Her expertise, combined with McKenzie’s innovative, people-centered approach, has helped SilverKite expand into a thriving organization committed to improving senior wellness through creativity. Together, they highlight programs designed to help older adults stay connected, engaged, and inspired. Whether you’re supporting an aging parent or looking for ways to stay active later in life, this episode offers uplifting insights and actionable ideas for aging with joy and purpose.

McKenzie Wilson is a Seattle-based artist originally from North Carolina. She is dedicated to creating innovative, inspiring, and engaging projects that bring people together. With over 10 years of directing, writing, and performance experience across the country, Mckenzie delights in exploring and uplifting the vibrant cultures, communities, and stories around her, infusing her work with a playful spirit and a sense of wonder. Their work draws on the power of innovative storytelling and devised performance, inviting curiosity and discovery, with the intention to build authentic connection. She is always happy to connect — especially about creative pursuits, outdoor exploration, cats, and reality TV. She holds a BA in Dramatic Art and Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Chateau Retirement provides independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. They have been locally owned and family operated for more than 25 years. Chateau Retirement has three communities in Washington's Seattle/Puget Sound area: Chateau Pacific in Lynnwood, Bothell Landing in Bothell, and Chateau Valley Center in Renton. Visit them online or call 800.960.1944. Visit Chateau's specialist page on Answers for Elders.

Connect with SilverKite

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube

Visit Answers for Elders.

Mentioned in this episode:

Chateau Retirement

Chateau Retirement