In this episode of the Exploring Aging podcast, the hosts discuss the alarming statistics surrounding prescription drug use in the U.S. and the potential health crisis it indicates. They explore the concept of food as medicine, emphasizing the importance of nutrition in promoting longevity and reducing healthcare costs. Guest Erin Martin, a gerontologist, shares insights on the quality of food, the significance of community in healthy aging, and practical steps individuals can take to improve their diets. The conversation also touches on the concept of Blue Zones, areas where people live significantly longer, and the role of regenerative agriculture in restoring food quality.

Chapters

00:00 The Prescription Drug Crisis in America
02:54 Food as Medicine: A New Perspective
06:03 Understanding Gerontology and Aging
08:56 The Impact of Food Quality on Health
12:12 Exploring Blue Zones and Longevity
14:50 Practical Steps to Improve Nutrition
17:47 The Role of Community in Healthy Aging
20:52 Navigating Food Choices and Supplements
24:06 The Future of Food and Health in America

According to the Federal Trade Commission $2.6 million consumers reported losing more than $10 billion to fraud in 2023. Have you ever been scammed? Are you prepared to fight against the criminals that are seeking to steal your hard-earned money? Emory Thomas, a retired financial planner & advisor, with decades of experience, shares how to avoid fraud and financial scams on this edition of THE EXPLORING AGING PODCAST, with your hosts Ray Sanders, Dr. Bill Pierce and Greg McNeece.

00:00:00: Introduction to the podcast and the topic of fraud

00:00:31: Guest introduction: Emory Thomas, retired financial planner

00:00:57: Highlights from the previous podcast episode

00:02:05: Welcoming Emory Thomas and co-hosts

00:02:22: Discussion about Emory's background and character

00:02:47: Importance of transferring values along with valuables

00:04:28: Emory as a marketplace minister

00:05:27: The seriousness of fraud and scams

00:06:29: Statistics on fraud from 2022 and 2023

00:07:09: Introduction to Emory's perspective on scams

00:08:45: Phone scam example involving grandparents

00:11:01: The rise of AI in scams

00:13:13: Realistic fake audio and video used in scams

00:15:08: Ways to verify the identity of financial advisors

00:16:05: Advice on being cautious with unknown contacts

00:17:12: Story of a potential phone scam involving the Oklahoma City Philharmonic

00:18:09: Caller ID manipulation in scams

00:19:01: Spotting and defending against phishing emails

00:19:47: Introduction to phone number verification

00:20:24: Complexity of scams and their dangers

00:21:04: Reporting fraud to the FTC

00:23:09: Importance of secure communication

00:24:00: Awareness and steps to avoid scams

00:25:08: Challenges with AI-generated content

00:27:02: Living in a world where you can't trust what you see

00:28:57: Encouragement to live life despite risks

00:30:13: Emphasis on being careful but active

00:31:17: Closing thoughts on healthy skepticism

It has been said that there is a church on every corner in Oklahoma. How are these churches different and the same? On this edition of The Exploring Aging Podcast, hosts Dr. Bill Pierce, Greg McNeece, and Ray Sanders take a deeper look at a dynamic and thriving Oklahoma City church full of older adults who are changing the world in their sixties, seventies, eighties, and beyond!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Church at the Village
03:01 Unique Aspects of the Church
05:52 The Community and Its Members
08:32 The Church's Mission and Philosophy
11:42 Worship Experience and Services
14:36 Ministry Opportunities and Outreach
17:25 Impact of Aging Adults in Ministry
20:24 Evangelism and Personal Stories
23:13 Future of Church at the Village
26:30 Closing Thoughts and Prayer Requests

Gain insightful tips for a better way of life.

What are the benefits of taking time to care for your well-being? Would you live longer? Would your quality of life improve? What is self-care? Is it selfish and self-centered, or is it the key to ongoing independence? Why is self-care important for aging adults? From physical health to emotional balance, hosts Dr. Bill Pierce, Greg McNeece, and Ray Sanders dive into practical ideas to help you live not just longer—but better—on this edition of The Exploring Aging Podcast.

Timestamps
00:00:00 - Introduction to Self-Care

00:01:15 - Co-hosts Introduction

00:03:30 - Defining Self-Care

00:07:45 - The Seven Spokes of Self-Care

00:15:00 - Practical Tips for Self-Care

00:22:30 - The Importance of Gratitude

00:28:00 - Conclusion

Discover how poverty is impacting aging adults today.

Poverty is a disturbing word. No one wants to live in poverty, yet nearly 700 million people—8.5 percent of the global population—live in “extreme” poverty, defined as surviving on less than $2.15 per day. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 11.6% of Americans—roughly 38 million people—live at or below the poverty level. What responsibility do we have to help meet the needs of those in poverty? On this edition of The Exploring Aging Podcast, hosts Dr. Bill Pierce, Greg McNeece, and Ray Sanders take a hard look at the state of poverty in the United States, especially among aging adults.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and overview of poverty among aging adults.

03:00 Discussion on global poverty statistics and their implications.

06:45 Exploring the definition and types of poverty.

11:30 Causes of poverty, focusing on economic and social factors.

16:15 Impact of poverty on seniors, including health and food insecurity.

21:00 Overview of assistance programs for seniors in Oklahoma.

26:30 Community and church roles in addressing poverty.

31:45 Personal stories highlighting resilience and support.

36:30 Encouragement for community involvement and personal action.

41:00 Closing thoughts and call to action for listeners.

Have you given any thought to how long you will live? Will you live into your 80’s or 90’s? Will you be one of the few people who live more than 100 years? How many of those years will be healthy years of life? Most of us are aware of the term lifespan. Have you ever considered your healthspan? Lifespan is the total number of years we live. Health span is how many of those years are healthy and free from disease. Unfortunately, many will spend 20% of their lives unhealthy. Hosts Dr. Bill Pierce, Greg McNeece, and Ray Sanders get honest and upfront about the importance of taking care of ourselves as we do all we can to have as many healthy and vibrant years of life as possible. Learn more about why a healthspan is the key to an excellent lifespan on this edition of The Exploring Aging Podcast.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Lifespan vs. Healthspan
11:21 Practical Tips for Extending Healthspan
30:52 The Importance of Social Connections

Did you know we lose our sense of thirst and hunger as we age? Were you aware that changes in our sense of smell and taste can affect our appetites and food preferences? Are vitamins and supplements really needed as we age? Why is protein so important for seniors? On this episode of The Exploring Aging Podcast, hosts Dr. Bill Pierce, Greg McNeece, and Ray Sanders take a closer look at our dietary needs as we grow older. Special guest Holly Stephens, a dietitian responsible for serving nutritious meals to more than hundreds of older adults every day, joins the program to share valuable insights about the nutrition and dietary needs of aging adults.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Aging and Nutrition
02:57 The Role of Taste and Smell in Appetite
05:59 Vitamins and Supplements for Seniors
08:59 The Importance of Protein in Aging
12:04 Dietary Preferences and Individual Needs
15:05 Exploring Dietary Trends and Fads
23:14 The Vegan Journey and Protein Needs
26:07 Navigating Nutrition Resources
28:11 The Importance of Hydration
31:22 Debunking Senior Nutrition Myths
33:14 Weight Loss Considerations for Seniors
35:17 The Role of Exercise in Senior Health
37:48 Confessions of Food Vices
42:23 Final Thoughts on Enjoying Food

What do Christians mean when they use terms like, born again, saved or “Ask Jesus to come into your heart?” So long as you have been a good person and tried your best, why should you be concerned about life after death? On this episode of The Exploring Aging Podcast, hosts Dr. Bill Pierce, Greg McNeece, and Ray Sanders unpack the Plan of Salvation and why more and more aging adults are giving greater thought to life after death.

00:00 Introduction to the Exploring Aging Podcast

00:59 Meet the Hosts and New Studio

01:47 Unpacking Salvation and Reaching Older Adults

02:43 Special Guest: Blair Mulholland

03:31 Understanding the International Mission Board

06:42 Challenges in Evangelism Among Older Adults

28:57 The Importance of Reflective Listening

33:37 Statements on Sharing Christ with Senior Adults

34:31 Understanding Older Adults' Needs

35:45 Evangelism as a Process

36:28 Challenges in Reaching Older Adults

38:20 The Power of Love and Community

43:15 Relational vs. Confrontational Evangelism

43:50 The Importance of Listening and Empathy

46:09 Effective Evangelism Strategies

50:49 Discipleship for Older Adults

52:18 Sharing the Gospel: Practical Tips

01:03:09 Invitation to Connect and Learn More

We live in an ever-changing world. Things are changing whether we like it or not. What if you could have a heads up on what is coming down the path? What if you could be more aware of the changes that are about to take place? On this edition of THE EXPLORING AGING PODCAST, hosts Ray Sanders, Dr. Bill Pierce and Greg McNeece take a closer look at what they believe are the Top 5 Trends Among Aging Adults.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Change in an Evolving World
09:25 Understanding Aging Services and Trends
19:21 The Impact of Caffeine on Aging
24:30 Innovations in Pain Management
30:41 Addressing Mental Health in Aging
36:52 Future Trends: Brain-Chip Interfacing

It has been said that there is never a better time than the present to get things done. Why do it today when you could do it tomorrow?

As the old saying goes, you can pay me now or you can pay me later. What have you been putting off? On this episode of the THE EXPLORING AGING PODCAST, hosts Ray Sanders, Dr. Bill Pierce and Greg McNeese explore Tips for Getting Active and Getting Things Done!

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Taking Action
05:08 Getting Active: Tips and Trends
13:44 The Role of Social Connections
17:27 Physical Activity and Church Involvement
22:47 Staying Active in Scripture
32:22 Hobbies and Lifelong Engagement
39:21 Renewing Old Connections and Activities