Empowered Elder Podcast

What resources are available to veterans and the family members who care for them?

Dr. Sarah Beck joins the Empowered Elder Podcast to discuss VA healthcare, caregiver support, Veteran Directed Care, help at home, medication access, and resources that may help veterans age safely and maintain their independence.

She also explains the Four M's of Age-Friendly Care—Mind, Mobility, Medication, and What Matters—and shares why asking questions and working with your primary care team are essential parts of advocating for your health.

Whether you're a veteran, a family caregiver, or someone helping a loved one navigate aging, this conversation can help you identify questions to ask and resources to explore.

Disclaimer: This episode is for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. VA program eligibility and availability vary; contact the VA or an appropriate professional for guidance specific to your circumstances.

In this this conversation:

00:00 - Introduction & Background

05:49 - VA Resources & Caregiver Support Programs

11:14 - Enrolling, Qualifying, & Training Caregivers

14:42 - Dementia Care & Supporting Caregivers

20:27 - Addressing VA Misconceptions & Modern Technology

24:46 - Safety Tools & Proactive Health Initiatives

33:35 - Preventive Care & The 4 Ms of Age-Friendly Care

38:58 - Research & Interdisciplinary Care Teams

43:52 - Aging Well & The Lightning RoundIn partnership with Agewise Colorado:https://agewisecolorado.org/blog/empowered-elder-podcasts/🎧 Youtube: https://youtu.be/iZo2GBhWaZI🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/empowered-elder-podcast/id1862896231🔗 Visit our website & episode resources:http://bit.ly/EmpoweredElderPodcastGuests: Dr. Sarah E. Beck, Deputy Chief of Medicine, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System🌐https://www.va.gov/eastern-colorado-health-care/Hosts: 🎙️ Tasha Beckman & Nicole Robilotto The Empowered Elder Podcast — where we talk about home, heart, and the next chapter of life

What makes a celebration of life meaningful?

In this episode of the Empowered Elder Podcast, Tasha Beckman and Nicole Robilotto talk with Mary Jo, a life celebrant who helps families honor the people they've lost through personal, thoughtful, and meaningful gatherings.

Mary Jo shares how her background in spiritual study, ceremony, and facilitation led her to this work. She explains how a celebration of life can go beyond traditional funeral arrangements to make room for stories, memories, emotions, and the relationships that shaped someone's life.

The conversation explores supporting families through grief, approaching difficult losses with compassion, incorporating personal touches into memorials, and creating opportunities for connection during an incredibly difficult time.

Mary Jo also shares moving stories that illustrate how small details can carry deep meaning, and why talking with family about your wishes for your own celebration of life can be an important part of planning ahead.

Join us for a thoughtful conversation about grief, remembrance, legacy, and the ways we can honor a life well lived.

The Empowered Elder Podcast helps individuals and families navigate aging, life's transitions, and the decisions that shape their future.

In partnership with Agewise Colorado:https://agewisecolorado.org/blog/empo...🎧 Youtube: https://youtu.be/2lz9tWLVqTI?si=gsvYJGsRU-BgdpdB🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast...🔗 Visit our website & episode resources:http://bit.ly/EmpoweredElderPodcastGuests: Mary Jo Honiotes, M.A., Rev., Life Celebrant & Founder, Life Celebrant Services🌐https://www.maryjohoniotes.comHosts: 🎙️ Tasha Beckman & Nicole Robilotto The Empowered Elder Podcast — where we talk about home, heart, and the next chapter of life.

A serious health crisis can change life for the person receiving care and for everyone who loves them.In this episode of the Empowered Elder Podcast, hosts Tasha Beckman and Nicole Robilotto welcome Galen Wilson, Co-Founder of the Monument Method Institute, to discuss his heart transplant journey and the lessons he and his wife, Heather, learned about staying connected through difficult times.Galen shares why caregivers need emotional support, how fear and exhaustion can affect relationships, and why meaningful communication becomes difficult when we're in fight-or-flight mode. He also explains the Monument Method and the importance of creating a relationship where both people can feel safe, supported, and understood.The conversation explores a question many families may overlook when preparing for retirement, aging, or a health crisis: Are we preparing emotionally as well as financially?Whether you're supporting a loved one, navigating a major life transition, or hoping to strengthen a long-term relationship, this conversation offers a thoughtful perspective on connection, resilience, and the importance of showing up for one another.Thank you to Galen Wilson for sharing his story and the lessons he's learned about resilience, love, and living with purpose.Listen, reflect, and share this episode with someone who may need the reminder that we don't have to navigate life's changes alone.Guests: Gaylen Wilson, Co-Founder, Monument Method InstituteIn partnership with Agewise Colorado:https://agewisecolorado.org/blog/empo...🎧 Youtube: https://youtu.be/elWqnvQjCjA?si=-FbDg37OxDZguGFd🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast...🔗 Visit our website & episode resources:http://bit.ly/EmpoweredElderPodcast

What if getting older doesn’t have to mean living with more pain?

In Episode 32 of The Empowered Elder Podcast, Tasha Beckman and Nicole Robilotto sit down with Butch Phelps, founder of The Muscle Repair Shop, to talk about aging, mobility, muscle health, and the everyday habits that can affect how our bodies feel.

Butch brings a deeply personal perspective to the conversation. After a major accident at 18, losing 135 pounds later in life, and experiencing debilitating back pain himself, he went on to study the relationship between the brain, muscles, movement, and pain.

One of the biggest takeaways? The place where you feel pain isn't always where the problem starts.

We talk about how sitting, screen time, footwear, stress, and everyday movement patterns can contribute to muscle tension—and why consistent movement and stretching may be more important than waiting until something hurts.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Why aging itself doesn't necessarily cause pain
• The connection between the brain and muscle tension
• How sitting can affect your hips and lower back
• Why screen time can contribute to neck and shoulder tension
• How footwear can affect the way you move
• Butch's stretch-and-release approach
• Simple exercises for improving mobility
• Why daily movement matters as we age
• The mindset and discipline behind healthy aging

If you've ever thought, "I'm getting older, so I guess this is just part of it," this conversation may give you a different perspective.

🎧 Listen to Episode 32 of The Empowered Elder Podcast and discover practical ways to support mobility, movement, and healthy aging.

In partnership with Agewise Colorado:https://agewisecolorado.org/blog/empowered-elder-podcasts/🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/empowered-elder-podcast/id1862896231🔗 Visit our website & episode resources:http://bit.ly/EmpoweredElderPodcastGuests: Butch Phelps, Owner & Muscle Therapist, The Muscle Repair Shop🌐 https://mysite.vagaro.com/tmrhpzc/homeHosts: 🎙️ Tasha Beckman & Nicole Robilotto The Empowered Elder Podcast — where we talk about home, heart, and the next chapter of life.

What can you do today to make things easier for the people you love tomorrow?

Estate planning isn't just about deciding what happens to your assets. It's also about making sure your family isn't left searching for answers during an already difficult time.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Shane Phillips of First Steps Help, we talk about the difference between planning and settlement, why organizing important documents matters, and why both partners should know where the important information is.

We also explore end-of-life conversations, digital tools, and resources that can help families navigate the practical side of loss.

The goal isn't to plan from a place of fear. It's to create clarity, organization, and peace of mind for the people you love.

🎧 Listen to Episode 31 — Part 2 of the Empowered Elder Podcast.

And if this conversation could help someone you know, be generous and share it with them. ❤️

Chapters:00:00 – Introduction: Estate Planning vs. Estate Settlement00:38 – The Stress of Missing Information After a Loss02:54 – Modern After-Loss Care & Digital Document Vaults04:27 – The Origin of the First Steps Book & Concierge Service07:31 – Real-World Solutions: Handling Unique Family Assets09:48 – Planning Ahead vs. Settling an Estate12:26 – Case Study: Complex Estate Settlement Steps13:56 – Organizing Your Affairs: Step-by-Step Guidance16:00 – Starting Crucial Family Conversations Early18:59 – The First Essential Action Step for Families19:59 – Lightning Round: Myths & Key Documents21:42 – Closing Takeaways: Clarity and Peace of Mind
Guests: Shane Phillips, Founder, First Steps Help🌐https://firststepshelp.com/Hosts: 🎙️ Tasha Beckman & Nicole Robilotto The Empowered Elder Podcast — where we talk about home, heart, and the next chapter of life.

What happens financially after someone dies?

Grief is already heavy, but families may also suddenly have to navigate the home, mortgage, debts, life insurance, investments, and important financial documents — often without knowing where to begin.

In Part 1 of this conversation, Shane helps break down some of the financial first steps families may need to consider after a loss, including:

• Securing the home and understanding mortgage obligations

• Knowing which debts need immediate attention

• Gathering important financial documents

• Identifying life insurance and investment accounts

• Understanding beneficiaries and estate planning

• Creating a clearer financial roadmap before a crisis happens

Shane also shares personal experiences that helped shape his work helping families navigate the financial side of loss.

Because preparation doesn't take away the loss — but knowing what to do next can make an overwhelming situation easier to navigate.

Listen to Part 2 for a deeper conversation about information, organization, and why both partners should know where important financial records are before a crisis happens.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Beth Hackett, OT & Certified Metabolic Health Coach, we explore the physical and mental foundations of healthy aging — including strength, nutrition, mobility, independence, resilience, and mindset.

Beth explains why maintaining strength is so important as we age, how muscle loss can affect independence, and simple ways to incorporate strength-building movements into everyday life.

We also talk about protein and nutrition, including practical tips for identifying protein-rich foods and making healthier choices.

Beth gets personal, sharing her own health journey and the health crisis she experienced before 50 — and why her transformation ultimately required more than a diet. It required a shift in mindset.

From changing “I can't” to “How can I?” to understanding difficult emotions, breaking old habits, building new ones, and knowing when to ask for help, Beth offers a powerful reminder that growth doesn't stop with age.

And in our lightning round, she shares quick answers on healthy-aging myths, daily habits, independence, failure, and getting unstuck.

You’re never too old to challenge what you believe is possible.

Guests: Beth Hackett, Occupational Therapist & Certified Metabolic Health Coach, Thrive in Wellness, LLC 🌐https://www.trilivyhealth.com/us/en/c...Hosts: 🎙️ Tasha Beckman & Nicole Robilotto The Empowered Elder Podcast — where we talk about home, heart, and the next chapter of life.

In partnership with Agewise Colorado:https://agewisecolorado.org/blog/empo...🎧 Youtube: https://youtu.be/cjyeG_FGiws?si=KdsnGHJ_NoeLt_kQ🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast...🔗 Visit our website & episode resources:http://bit.ly/EmpoweredElderPodcast

You’re never too old — unless you decide you’re too old.

In Part 1 of our conversation with Beth Hackett, Occupational Therapist and Certified Metabolic Health Coach, we explore the mindset behind healthy aging.

Beth shares her own remarkable journey of losing 355 pounds and explains why lasting change went far beyond weight loss. We talk about limiting beliefs, learning to ask for help, celebrating small wins, building healthy habits, and finding the courage to believe that something different might be possible.

Beth also shares how she applies these lessons with her clients, helping them break big goals into smaller, achievable steps and build the confidence and independence to keep moving forward.

Because healthy aging isn't about perfection. It's about continuing to learn, grow, adapt, and live the life you want to live.

In this episode:

00:00 – Beth's journey into occupational therapy02:42 – Losing 355 pounds and changing her health journey03:39 – OT vs. PT: What's the difference?08:10 – You're never too old10:20 – Why mindset comes first11:48 – The importance of asking for help13:10 – Vulnerability and moving past fear15:13 – Always having something to work toward16:02 – Taking care of yourself so you can care for others18:04 – Why mindset matters when life gets difficult18:47 – What healthy aging means to Beth19:01 – Gratitude and celebrating small wins21:20 – The “gratitude sandwich”22:28 – Redefining what a win looks like23:41 – Breaking big goals into smaller steps24:34 – Always having something to work toward26:33 – Knowledge is power26:43 – Moving from “I can't” to “what might I be able to do?”

Guests: Beth Hackett, Occupational Therapist & Certified Metabolic Health Coach, Thrive in Wellness, LLC 🌐https://www.trilivyhealth.com/us/en/coach/1013192728Hosts: 🎙️ Tasha Beckman & Nicole Robilotto The Empowered Elder Podcast — where we talk about home, heart, and the next chapter of life.

In partnership with Agewise Colorado:https://agewisecolorado.org/blog/empowered-elder-podcasts/🍎 Apple:

https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/empowered-elder-podcast/id1862896231

▶️ Youtube:

https://youtu.be/bQoWyCBAEtM

🔗 Visit our website & episode resources:http://bit.ly/EmpoweredElderPodcast

How do you know if your financial advisor is truly the right fit?

What retirement mistakes should you avoid after 50? And what financial questions should you be asking before making major decisions?

In Part 2 of our conversation with Sharon Starkey, we get practical about financial planning, retirement, aging, and protecting your financial future.

Sharon shares the financial advisor red flags people shouldn't ignore—from feeling dismissed or unheard to having calls go unanswered or being told what to do without a meaningful recommendation.

We also talk about common retirement mistakes, the importance of saving consistently, tax questions to bring to your financial advisor, and why having the right professional network can make navigating Social Security and other complicated systems easier.

Plus, Sharon explains why financial planning should be a judgment-free experience and why something as simple as having a will and power of attorney can make a huge difference for your family.

Whether you're over 50, approaching retirement, already retired, or helping an aging parent navigate finances, this conversation is about more than money.

It's about confidence, clarity, independence—and ultimately, peace of mind.

In this episode:00:00 – Introduction & The Philosophy of Empowered Planning01:53 – Longevity in Financial Relationships06:36 – Empowering Independence and Freedom10:32 – Identifying Subtle Red Flags13:19 – Navigating Systemic Hurdles17:28 – Breaking Down the Financial Planning Process25:15 – Overcoming Judgment and Financial Shame29:34 – The Lightning Round & OutroIn partnership with Agewise Colorado:https://agewisecolorado.org/blog/empo...▶️ Youtube: https://youtu.be/nrKn_SQyT6g?si=9ORpoZCjnaLD0FCW🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast...🔗 Visit our website & episode resources:http://bit.ly/EmpoweredElderPodcastGuests: Sharon Starkey, Financial Advisor🌐https://www.highlandswmg.com/Hosts: 🎙️ Tasha Beckman & Nicole Robilotto The Empowered Elder Podcast — where we talk about home, heart, and the next chapter of life.

As parents get older, financial planning can become about much more than investments and numbers.

It can become about independence, family dynamics, changing needs, and making sure the person you love can continue living with dignity.

In this episode, Sharon Starkey, CFP and CDFA, shares more than 30 years of experience helping retirees, widows, and older adults navigate their finances. She talks about subtle changes that may signal someone needs help, including repeated questions, overdrawn accounts, changes in grooming, and difficulty understanding things they once knew well.

Tasha and Nicole also explore the importance of planning ahead — from Power of Attorney and beneficiary designations to wills, gifting, and building a retirement plan well before the transition actually happens.

The truth is, these conversations aren't always easy. But having them while everyone is healthy and capable can give families more choices later.

In partnership with Agewise Colorado:https://agewisecolorado.org/blog/empowered-elder-podcasts/▶️ Youtube: https://youtu.be/ydjT6RCts2g🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/empowered-elder-podcast/id1862896231🔗 Visit our website & episode resources:http://bit.ly/EmpoweredElderPodcastGuests: Sharon Starkey, Financial Advisor🌐https://www.highlandswmg.com/Hosts: 🎙️ Tasha Beckman & Nicole Robilotto The Empowered Elder Podcast — where we talk about home, heart, and the next chapter of life.