For our November Thanksgiving/Holidays episode Sherri Snelling, gerontologist, author and CEO of the Caregiving Club, highlights news and some of the recent studies for National Family Caregiver Month including recent research showing 20 million more caregivers have joined the caregiver volunteer army over the last decade, how men as caregivers are dealing with their mental health and how the Sandwich Generation is challenged with financial resiliency.

And since families are gathering for the holidays Sherri shares some insights into how “respitality” can help traveling caregivers but also how caregivers can get a much-needed break during the holidays with respite care. Speaking of self-care, we know the holidays and recent adjustments to Daylight Savings Time on November 2 may negatively impact your sleep health – Sherri shares how your sleep posture tells you about the type of stress you may be experiencing during the hectic holidays.

Sherri also provides a sneak preview of Caregiving Club’s 5th Annual Holiday Gift Guide just in time for Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals. And she gives a shout-out to her fellow authors who have appeared on this podcast with books on caregiving, wellness, brain health and longevity for National Author’s Day November 1.

We specifically made this podcast a little shorter than most of our episodes so you can have more minutes to focus on you this holiday season. We are grateful for all our podcast listeners and subscribers and to all the nation’s 63 million family caregivers! Happy Thanksgiving!

(3:48) – Caregiver Wellness News

(29:36) - Well Home Design News

Take Care and Stay Well!

Find out more at: caregivingclub.com/podcast/

In our 2nd October episode we focus on National Work-Family Month and also National Emotional Wellness Month. Host and gerontologist, Sherri Snelling, has two great expert interviews for this episode:

1) Jill McNamara – General Manager of Senior Care for Care.com which offers caregiving services including a caregiver marketplace to find in-home care. Jill shares BREAKING NEWS with us: How Care.com has now added care navigation help from senior care experts to not just employer clients but now to individual families as well. Jill also shares the latest research surveys from Care.com on trends in workplace caregiving from both the employer and employee perspective.

2) Chanel T. Rowe, Esq. – Attorney, Author, Coach, Speaker and Caregiver – Chanel provides us an overview of her new book, “Finding Balance: A Devotional to Help Caregivers Move From Suffering to Strength” where she talks about juggling career and caregiving for her mom with a rare disease, and how her faith helps her on her journey.

For CAREGIVER WELLNESS NEWS, Sherri reviews:

o National Work-Family Month – Sherri talks about caregiver wellness in the workplace and how some brain health or “brainspan” programs are trending as the newest emotional health services employers are using

o Sherri also talks about “Ageism Awareness Day” (Oct 9) – What is ageism and what does it mean for employers and employees? Sherri also provides insights into a new role for employers – a growing new trend in hiring Chief Longevity Officers or Chief Gerontology Officers and how this will change not just workplaces but products, services, communities and home

o And, since October is Halloween month, Sherri highlights two topics that made us think of spooky or scary aging and caregiving issues: Zombie Cells and Cog Fog. She shares how to combat them both and whether blue methylene is good for your brain health?

In WELL HOME DESIGN NEWS, Sherri covers:

o A new study showing couples who live together have a stronger mental health connection – which can be good and bad. It also demonstrates how environmental and social wellness (our homes and relationships) can impact our emotional health.

o October is also Long-Term Care Planning Month so Sherri pivots into one of the 7 wellness elements from her ME TIME MONDAY book with a look at Financial Wellness. AARP’s recent survey shows solo agers, especially older women, are at great financial risk. Sherri offers some long-term care planning resources to help older adults and family caregivers find out what can help for future financial resiliency.

(4:37) – Caregiver Wellness News

(26:07) Interview with Jill McNamara – Care.com

(53:02) – Interview with Chanel T, Rowe, Esq. – Attorney, Author and Caregiver

(1:29:41) - Well Home Design News

Take Care and Stay Well!

Find out more at: caregivingclub.com/podcast/

In our 1st episode for October, host and gerontologist, Sherri Snelling, has two great expert interviews to share:

1) Justin Boogaard – Co-Founder and CEO of GoGoGrandparent. We’re celebrating October National Rideshare Month with Justin! You’ll learn how this rideshare company has created a concierge service specifically designed for older adults and how the services are expanding into other delivery and care needs into the home.

2) Marty Stevens-Heebner – Author, CEO of Clear Home Solutions and Founder of AgeWise Alliance

Marty shares insights for October’s National Emotional Wellness Month on how adult children can help their older parents downsize, identify clutter from hoarding (a mental health issue) and move into a smaller space or a senior living community.

For CAREGIVER WELLNESS NEWS, Sherri focuses on National Train Your Brain Day on Oct 13 including why brain games do not create the neuroplasticity of brain exercises and what is the difference? Also tips on brain health hacks and insights from our friends at brainHQ. Since October is also National Positive Thinking Month and National Gratitude Month Sherri shares news of a new online matchmaking tool where older adults are paired with younger adults with a mission to mentor and build resiliency with age. Also, studies on how gratitude impacts both physical and mental health.

In WELL HOME DESIGN NEWS, Sherri talks about a new trend in home design that helps older adults and family caregivers” 5 Senses Design. This trend taps into the Neuro Design that Sherri has talked about in her upcoming book, THE SNUG HOME. She provides tips and insights as to why this type of home design support mental and emotional health all for October’s National Emotional Health Month.

(4:18) – Caregiver Wellness News

(28:56) Interview with Justin Boogaard – GoGo Grandparent

(1:08:07) – Interview with Marty Stevens-Heebner – Clear Home Solutions

(1:44:01) - Well Home Design News

Take Care and Stay Well!

Find out more at: caregivingclub.com/podcast/

In our second September episode, host and gerontologist, Sherri Snelling, focuses on World Alzheimer’s Month as she talks with Dr. Tina Sadarangani, creator of Enlightened Caregiver in Instagram for dementia caregiving tips and inspiration as well as her innovative new app, CareMobi, for family care coordination. Sherri and Dr. Tina also talk about the latest Alzheimer’s research and lifestyle prevention results – can we protect ourselves from later life dementia? And they talk about Emma Heming Willis, wife of actor Bruce Willis and her new book on caregiving self-care and some of the backlash she has received on social media as well more great insights on brain health.

For CAREGIVER WELLNESS NEWS, Sherri focuses on World Alzheimer’s Month and September Self-Care Month as she reveals more research about lifestyle choices and Alzheimer’s risk, including how copper in your diet and journaling for your mind help reduce your risk. Sherri also gives a shoutout to a friend and colleague whose new fashion line for pickleball supports brain health research. And, a nod to the first responders of 9/11 who are showing signs of dementia 20 years earlier than is typical – and why environmental wellness is a key part of brain health.

In WELL HOME DESIGN NEWS, Sherri talks about September as Emergency Preparedness Month and offers a free webinar on our YouTube channel for caregivers to help themselves and their older loved ones prepare for natural disasters. Sherri also does another shoutout to Theora Care and its “No Fear” campaign, this time talking about dementia adults and wandering as well as Zinnia TV which has new research on why dementia-focused content improves an Alzheimer’s adult physical and emotional health. Sherri also talks about the recent Tik Tok trend of “Depression Room” videos and how they relate they have a negative mental health impact. The solution? Sherri talks about Dopamine Design and her 5 Cs for Age-Friendly and Dementia-Friendly Design at home – especially when it comes to hacks on how to declutter in 7-minute sessions.

(4:35) – Caregiver Wellness News

(26:45) Interview with Dr. Tina

(1:04:32) – Well Home Design News

Take Care and Stay Well!

Find out more at: caregivingclub.com/podcast/

In this September episode, host and gerontologist, Sherri Snelling, talks with Wayne Lehrer, author of the new book, “The Art of Conscious Aging for National Healthy Aging Month.

For CAREGIVER WELLNESS NEWS, Sherri dives into the secrets of living longer such as eating the breakfast foods that those who reach age 100 love for National Centenarian Day (9/22). Sherri also shares 3 great wellness hacks for National Self-Care Month: Walking, Sleepmaxing and Grandparenting. Sherri also talks about the “Grandmother Hypothesis” from her ME TIME MONDAY book for National Grandparents Day (9/10).

In WELL HOME DESIGN NEWS, Sherri shares the latest news on why more seniors are dying from falls and what is the reason all for Falls Awareness Week (Sept 22-26). And, she takes a look at how solo agers are changing the real estate market and senior living trends.

(3:11) – Caregiver Wellness News

(29:42) Interview with Wayne Lehrer – Author, “The Art of Conscious Aging” - Sherri talks with Wayne about our third act in life including: 1) Why you are NOT your story 2) How to embrace a meaningful life 3) Why we should abandon anti-aging stereotypes and 4) How to embrace authentic happiness.

(1:18:25) – Well Home Design News

Take Care and Stay Well!

Find out more at: caregivingclub.com/podcast/

Our August episode has host and gerontologist, Sherri Snelling, talking with Savenia Falquist of HomeShare Oregon about a roommate finding service for older adults. Looking to support older adults who are living at home and help them with avoiding loneliness while also boosting their financial resilience, this is what we call “Golden Girls 2.0.” Savenia explains how it works.

In CAREGIVER WELLNESS NEWS, Sherri celebrates one of the biggest entertainment stars of our lifetime sharing her caregiving story: Taylor Swift joins the 63 million caregivers in the U.S. Sherri talks about why this type of spotlight on caregiving is important.

Sherri shares insights from her book, “ME TIME MONDAY” for National Wellness Month and also talks about “broken heart syndrome” as part of National Grief Awareness Day (8/30). In honor of wellness month and National Relaxation Day (8/15) Sherri shares 7 Relaxation Hacks from her “Self-Care in 7 Minutes Solutions” video series on YouTube. And, for National Social Wellness Month in August Sherri provides statistics from a recent national poll on friendships and aging – how do you rank?

In our WELL HOME DESIGN NEWS, Sherri talks about recent studies that show how environment wellness is key in longevity showing how Parkinson’s risk is connected to golf courses and how dogs can help. Also, August 26 is National Dog Day and Sherri shares more info on how our furry best friends help is live longer and now how we can do the same for them.

And finally, Sherri celebrates the 2-year-anniversary of her book, ME TIME MONDAY, which is coming out in audio format; and Penny the wonder dog makes her annual appearance!

(2:50) – Caregiver Wellness News

(15:30) Interview with Savenia Falquist – Executive Director of HomeShare Oregon

(41:36) – Well Home Design News

Take Care and Stay Well!

Find out more at: caregivingclub.com/podcast/

Our July episode has host and gerontologist, Sherri Snelling, talking with Saudia Gajadhar, Chief Happiness Officer at Comfort Keepers about this year’s National Day of Joy survey among older adults and family caregivers and Comfort Keepers’ role in the new PBS documentary, “Caregiving.”

In CAREGIVER WELLNESS NEWS, Sherri shares the latest stats to highlight July’s National Sandwich Generation Month as well as global wellness hacks for International Self-Care Day (July 24). She also talks about a new habit-stacking wellness trend for older women who care caregiving: how “rucking” is the new “walking.” And a new study shows the significant stress burden on caregivers of those with dementia or Alzheimer’s who wander. As an intro to the interview with Saudia, Sherri shares the difference between happiness vs. joy from her book, ME TIME MONDAY.

In our WELL HOME DESIGN NEWS, Sherri focuses on the financial wellness challenges for the Sandwich Generation including a recent Edward Jones survey showing Sandwich Generation caregivers need more education from financial advisor about long-term care costs; and the actual monetary responsibility many Gen X, Millennials and older Gen Z are taking on caring for children and older parents at the same time. Sherri also shares the topics from the July “Self-Care in 7 Minutes” videos found on the Caregiving Club YouTube channel: Caregiver Bill of Rights, How Alice in Wonderland Helps Caregivers Build Resiliency, 10 Global Wellness Hacks for International Self-Care Day, How the Sandwich Generation Can Build Social Wellness.

(3:48) – Caregiver Wellness News

(21:16) Interview with Saudia Gajadhar – Chief Happiness Officer for Comfort Keepers

(56:32) – Well Home Design News

Take Care and Stay Well!

Find out more at: caregivingclub.com/podcast/

For our June episode host and gerontologist, Sherri Snelling, talks with the authors of the new “AARP Caregiver Answer Book” – Barry Jacobs and Julia Mayer. They share some of the insights from the book including the difference in caring for a spouse versus an older parent, how and why families need to have the caregiving conversation, how to adopt self-care routines into an overwhelming caregiving life and more.

For CAREGIVER WELLNESS NEWS, June is National Alzheimer’s and Brain Health Month and Sherri talks about blood tests for Alzheimer’s risk, how to avoid “popcorn brain,” brain health tests and more. And since June 21 is the Summer Solstice where we have the longest day of sunlight in the year, Sherri shares information on how “sunshine” plays a key role in healing and how a new study uses UV light to help those with multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer’s adults who experience “sundowning.”

And June is also Employee Wellness Month where Sherri talks about the latest studies by Harvard, MetLife and other researchers on why caregiving help as a workplace benefit is crucial and a study showing a health benefit for women solopreneurs.

In our WELL HOME DESIGN NEWS, Sherri talks about a new app from Apple and Universal Music Group for sound bathing just in time for World Music Day June 21, for National Garden Week June 1-7 Sherri shares how garden therapy is taking off in senior living and in workplaces for stressed workers and since June is National Elder Abuse Month, Sherri talks about studies showing how financial elder abuse and scams on older adults is on the rise and what you can do to protect your loved ones.

(3:47) – Caregiver Wellness News

(26:05) Interview with Barry Jacobs and Julia Mayer – authors of the “AARP Caregiver Answer Book”

(1:02:29) – Well Home Design News

Take Care and Stay Well!

Find out more at: caregivingclub.com/podcast/

May is a BIG month and we have two great guests for this episode: Harry Margolis, Elder Law Attorney and Linda Kafka, Founder/Principal of Neuro Design Academy. Since May is both National Elder Law Month and Home Modification Month, these two experts are perfect for this episode to share valuable information caregivers do not want to miss!

In our Caregiver Wellness News, we focus on May Older Americans Month and an awareness campaign where Sherri served as gerontology advisor on for Theora Care called “No Fear.” And since May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, Sherri shares some insights from research done by Prof. Jean Twenge at San Diego State University on iGen and social media dangers to teen mental health. Sherri also shares information about the latest educational campaign from the Caregiver Action Network on caring for someone with PTSD; and a new stress relief, self-care app called eLightn.me from Drs. Alman and Felitti.

For our Well Home Design News, we put the spotlight on May as National Home Improvement Month and National Moving Month. Sherri talks two great resources, TruBlue Home Service Ally for finding handymen and other home small modification services; and Porch.com for downsizing or moving an older loved one.

And in our Pop Culture segment. Sherri shares the latest documentaries and films you can stream on caregiving with celebrities like Bradley Cooper, Martin Sheen, Seth and Lauren Miller Rogen and more.

(2:58) – Caregiver Wellness News

(18:26) Interview with Harry Margolis – Elder Law Attorney

(56:50) Interview with Linda Kafka – Neuro Design Academy

(1:38:31) – Well Home Design News

(1:43:16) – Pop Culture – Caregiving and Aging At the Movies

Take Care and Stay Well!

Find out more at: caregivingclub.com/podcast/

We are kicking off April with what is top of mind for everyone – how AI (artificial intelligence) is affecting and changing aging and caregiving. We have two experts in this area: Lawrence Kosick, Co-Founder of Get Set Up and Dor Skuler, Founder and CEO of Intuition Robotics, makers of ElliQ. They talk about how they are using AI to help both older adults and caregivers make managing health easier and more personalized.

In our Caregiver Wellness News, we focus on April as National Stress Awareness Month and Sherri shares the latest on the Tik Tok trend, “cortisol face” and what caregivers should know. Sherri also talks about a new way to measure cortisol and stress in the workplace using saliva being tested with Cleveland Clinic employees. And new insights from a recent report from United Church Homes and MIT AgeLab on how caregivers feel about AI and managing care for their older loved one.

For our Well Home Design News, we put the spotlight on April’s National Parkinson’s Awareness Month and the research that is identifying “parkinson’s clusters” – geographic areas with extremely high prevalence for Parkinsons’s disease – Sherri talks about what you should know about environmental factors and other risks as well as the signs of Parkinson’s – some of which may surprise you. Also, Sherri shares a new report from the National Alliance for Caregiving and the Michel J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research – the first-ever study of caregivers of those with Parkinson’s disease. One solution for these Parkinson’s caregivers and all caregivers is a training platform from Trualta that helps caregivers up-skilll and learn techniques that help them on their caregiving journey. They share results of more than 3 million minutes caregivers have spent on their platform and what they are saying.

(3:52) – Caregiver Wellness News

(17:46) Interview with Lawrence Kosick – Get Set Up

(53:26) Interview with Dor Skuler – Intuition Robotics and ElliQ

(1:23:24) – Well Home Design News

Take Care and Stay Well!

Find out more at: caregivingclub.com/podcast/