Exploring Aging

Medicare prescription drug expenditures are expected to nearly triple over the next 15 years. What is the difference between a traditional pharmacy and a  long-term care at home pharmacy? On this edition of Exploring Aging Podcast hosts Ray Sanders, Dr. Bill Pierce and Greg McNeece quiz Jim Huff, a pharmacist with more than 30 years of experience in the medical field, on how long-term care at home pharmacies provide options for meeting medical needs of aging adults. Jim also shares why he believes long-term care has a clear scriptural mandate.

Chapters
00:00:00: Exploring the rise in Medicare prescription drug expenditures

00:00:07: Introduction to long term care at home pharmacy

00:00:13: Overview of this episode's guest

00:00:42: Introducing the co-hosts and discussion setup

00:01:14: Welcoming back pharmacist Jim Huff

00:02:07: Jim Huff's background and experience

00:02:32: Discussion on long term care at home pharmacy services

00:04:02: Operation and services of Jim's community pharmacy

00:05:10: Locating a long term care at home pharmacy

00:07:08: Understanding the network of independent pharmacists

00:08:24: Jim Huff's personal philosophy and calling

00:09:02: The scriptural mandate for long term care

00:12:49: The connection between pro life values and long term care

00:16:00: What long term care is not

00:17:46: Long term care as an opportunity

00:19:08: Assisting grown children with long term care decisions

00:19:36: Eligibility for long term care at home pharmacy

00:20:03: Introduction to pharmacy's enhanced services

00:20:11: Government-assisted homes and pharmacy services

00:20:27: Considering pharmacy services for paying customers

00:20:42: Motivation for joining pharmacy school

00:20:54: Qualifying for daily living activities support

00:21:13: Assessing independence in daily tasks

00:21:40: Instrumental activities of daily living

00:22:13: Qualifying for long-term care services

00:22:26: Specific qualifications (medications and chronic conditions)

00:22:46: Additional qualifiers for long-term care services

00:23:02: Coordinating long-term care services

00:24:00: Process of qualifying through Medicare

00:24:54: Pharmacist's role in assisting with qualifications

00:25:17: Enhancements and services provided by the pharmacy

00:26:12: Convenience for adult children with pharmacy delivery

00:27:37: Independent pharmacists and community support

00:28:04: Special packaging for medication

00:28:36: Synchronization of medications

00:29:06: Takeaways of the educational podcast

00:29:41: Importance of customer service in healthcare

00:31:34: Impact of grandparents on career choices

00:33:04: Conclusion and wrap-up of the episode

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services predicts that 70% of individuals who reach age 65 will need long-term care services before they die. Long-term care at home services is for patients living in their homes who might otherwise be in an aging services community. Long-term care at home services represents a shifting population of patients preferring to remain in their homes while receiving the same care they would receive living in a long-term care community. Pharmacist Jim Huff joins THE EXPLORING AGING PODCAST as a special guest to discuss how to take advantage of all the long-term care service options available to aging adults.

Chapters
00:00:00: Statistics about aging population in the United States

00:01:04: Introduction to the episode and guest

00:01:28: Meet the hosts of the podcast

00:02:24: Discussion on long term care services

00:02:38: The role of community pharmacies in long term care

00:03:38: Jim Huff’s background and motivation to become a pharmacist

00:06:56: Importance of community pharmacy

00:07:14: Changes in the pharmacy profession over the years

00:08:11: What is working in the pharmacy sector

00:10:17: Balancing patient interaction and business efficiency

00:11:48: Dispensing peace of mind in community pharmacies

00:12:06: What is not working in the pharmacy sector

00:14:14: Challenges faced by rural pharmacies

00:14:54: Role of Prescription Benefit Managers (PBMs)

00:16:17: Impact of PBMs on independent pharmacies

00:18:38: Introduction to cash pricing

00:18:52: The struggle of rural pharmacies

00:19:03: Future trends in pharmacy

00:20:01: The role of independent pharmacists

00:21:11: Problems with mail-order medications

00:22:30: Pharmacy laws in Oklahoma

00:24:19: Small pharmacy struggles with military contracts

00:26:27: Group solutions and long-term care pharmacy

00:27:05: Defining long-term care services

00:29:41: Long-term care at home

00:30:29: How pharmacies support long-term care at home

00:34:10: Experience working with assisted living homes

00:38:16: Target Audience for the Discussion

00:38:35: Clarifying Medicaid and Medicare Eligibility

00:39:12: Benefits for Financially Struggling Individuals

00:40:10: Layman’s Terms: Medicare and Medicaid

00:42:04: Long Term Care (LTC) Pharmacy Services

00:44:16: Future Needs and Training in LTC Pharmacy

00:44:35: Conclusion and Preview of Next Episode

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

In just two decades, more than 84 trillion dollars will move from older Americans to GenX and Millennials. What does the future hold? How will the financial markets be impacted? On this edition of THE EXPLORING AGING PODCAST, Ray Sanders, Dr. Bill Pierce and Greg McNeece discuss what to expect with Emory Thomas, a retired financial planner and advisor, with decades of experience, as he shares valuable insights on THE GREAT WEALTH TRANSFER.

00:00:00: Introduction to the episode

00:00:36: The great wealth transfer

00:01:10: Introducing the hosts and today's topic

00:02:22: Emory Thomas's background and expertise

00:03:52: The significance of baby boomers' wealth

00:04:47: Transferring values along with valuables

00:05:12: Are boomers ready to pass their wealth?

00:06:48: Preparing children and grandchildren for inheritance

00:10:02: Ensuring your wealth goes where you want it

00:11:16: Emory's personal testament of faith and stewardship

00:14:52: Managing clients and building relationships

00:15:19: Legal instruments for managing wealth transfer

00:18:28: The need for wills and trusts

00:20:20: Understanding probate and key terms

00:24:03: Revocable vs. irrevocable trusts

00:25:40: Costs of preparing wills and trusts

00:29:01: Estate planning through charitable organizations

00:30:36: Communicating estate plans with family

00:35:37: Tax implications in estate planning

00:37:42: Introduction to key investing principles

00:38:00: Defining financial goals based on age and needs

00:38:48: The importance of diversification

00:39:55: Types of income-producing investments

00:40:57: Advantages of mutual funds

00:42:28: Advice for young investors

00:43:01: Discussion on cryptocurrency

00:44:02: The risks of cryptocurrency

00:44:29: Closing thoughts and upcoming topics

If you are older than 60 and could ask a doctor anything about aging, what would you ask? What if he told you the top five mistakes he believes adults are making that hinder or hurt their health? Would you listen in? In part two of this series of THE EXPLORING AGING PODCAST, Ray Sanders and his Co-hosts Dr. Bill Pierce and Greg McNeece discover more helpful insights from retired geriatrician, Dr. Frank Davis as he discusses important realities faces aging adults.

00:00:00: Introduction

00:00:30: Importance of Seeking Health Advice

00:00:50: Introduction of Host and Guests

00:01:38: Personal Experiences with Dr. Frank Davis

00:02:12: Discussion on Geriatric Medicine

00:02:28: Advice for people

00:02:43: Talking about Health Supplements

00:03:14: Changes in the body due to aging

00:03:44: Learning new things later in life

00:03:58: Languages and Brain Stimulation

00:04:24: Reflection on Previous Discussion

00:05:17: Introduction of a new topic: Top

00:05:47: Discussion on health mistakes

00:07:26: Tips on better sleep and sleep requirements

00:08:00: Indicators of Sleep Apnea

00:08:25: Personal Experiences with Sleep

00:09:07: Advice on exercises

00:09:31: Importance of Core Strength in Aging Adults

00:10:12: Importance of Applying Sunscreen

00:11:03: Importance of being Hydrated

00:13:01: Need for Elderly to Drink More Water

00:16:01: Personal Anecdote on How to Increase Water Intake

00:17:34: The Importance of Mental Health in Men

00:19:24: The Significance of Mental Health Screenings

00:19:57: Overcoming Loneliness and Cultivating Relationships

00:21:30: Keys to Maximize Your Health

00:24:33: The Importance of Staying Connected with your Children

00:26:49: Realities of Aging

00:29:25: Living Abundantly in Old Age

If you are somewhere around 60 years old and you have a medical issue, what type of doctor will you reach out to? In part one of this series of THE EXPLORING AGING PODCAST, Ray Sanders and his Co-hosts Dr. Bill Pierce and Greg McNeece speak with retired geriatrician, Dr. Frank Davis, about his decades of experience serving aging adults. Listeners will discover innovations in geriatric medicine as well as insightful and practical advice specifically helpful for aging adults.

00:00:00: Introduction and Overview

00:01:02: Characteristics and Responsibilities of a Geriatrician

00:03:13: Transition from Family Practice to Geriatric Medicine

00:04:26: Fulfillments and Challenges in Geriatric Medicine

00:07:36: The Evolution of Geriatric Medicine

00:11:11: The Importance of Geriatric Medicine in an Aging Population

00:13:19: Recognizing Changes and Needing Specialized Care

00:15:38: Geriatric Patient Examinations and Assessments

00:17:57: Changes and Innovations in Geriatric Medicine

00:19:14: Positive and Negative Effects of Changes in Medicine and Aging Population

00:20:29: Discussing Quality of Life and Aging

00:22:06: Personal Experiences from Nursing Home Visits

00:23:25: Contemplation of Life and the Afterlife

00:24:03: Future of the Medical Field

00:25:25: Practical advice on how to improve Health

00:27:26: Discussion on Calcium Intake and its importance

00:28:14: Wrapping up and Invite for the next Episode

In part two of this series of THE EXPLORING AGING PODCAST, Ray Sanders and his Co-hosts Dr. Bill Pierce and Greg McNeece dig in deeper with two special guests who unpack the challenges families face as they seek to meet the growing needs of older parents desiring to age in place. Practical insights and services are discussed to help overcome the financial, emotional and physical challenges required to meet the needs of older parents served by the Sandwich Generation.

00:00:00: Introduction to the podcast

00:00:14: Challenges faced by the sandwich generation

00:01:01: Definition of sandwich generation

00:07:14: How to organize care for elders: The story of the three Marys

00:10:47: The importance of aging in place: Introduction to "Entrusted Hearts"

00:14:59: Rates and cost of caregiving with "Entrusted Hearts"

00:16:54: The value of companionship in caregiving

00:18:46: The approach of "Entrusted Hearts" in caregiving

00:19:08: Costs associated with children and investment in friendships

00:19:43: Story of a lady who loves puzzles and forming relationships

00:21:03: Loneliness and the importance of friendship

00:21:44: Building relationships with caregivers

00:22:46: Interviewing and screening process for home helpers

00:23:45: Costs and availability of in-home service

00:24:15: No long-term contract required for the service

00:25:14: How to approach caring for aging parents

00:25:38: Starting with small commitments and adjusting as needed

00:26:35: Using entrusted hearts as a source of information

00:27:03: How to contact entrusted hearts

00:28:20: Conclusion of the episode

As the population ages, more and more people have a strong desire to age in place without moving away from the homes they have lived in for years. As a result, the so called Sandwiched Generation is being challenged to not only care for their aging parents but for their children as well. On this two part series, of THE EXPLORING AGING PODCAST, two special guests provide insights and perspectives on how they have personally navigated the financial, emotional and physical challenges required to meet the needs of older parents and growing families.

00:00:00: Introduction to the Podcast

00:00:27: Introducing the Concept of Sandwich Generation

00:01:00: Introduction of Guests

00:02:26: Discussion on Aging in Place

00:04:13: Explanation of Sandwich Generation

00:05:35: Sharing of Personal Stories Dealing with Sandwich Generation

00:11:20: Juggling Different Roles within a Family

00:17:45: Communication within a Family Using Technology

00:18:00: Expert's Opinion on Similar Patterns of 'Sandwich Generation'

00:18:36: Discussing challenges with family support and care

00:19:12: Dealing with high-tension situations in family dynamics

00:24:11: Providing dignity and care for the elderly

00:24:33: Services provided by Entrusted Hearts

00:26:14: Concerns by adult children about parents' care

00:27:25: Personal experiences and the appeal of Entrusted Hearts

00:28:52: Contact information for Entrusted Hearts

00:29:56: Conclusion and invitation for further discussion in a follow-up episode

The number of Americans over age 85 is increasing faster than any other age group. If you have found yourself caring for your children and your elderly parents you are part of the “Sandwich Generation.” On this edition of THE EXPLORING AGING PODCAST Ray Sanders and his Co-hosts Dr. Bill Pierce and Greg McNeece take a look at the rapidly changing family dynamics faced by today’s “Sandwich Generation”.

00:05: Introduction to the sandwich generation

00:58: Challenges faced by the sandwich generation

01:09: Understanding the sandwich generation

02:08: Misconceptions about the sandwich generation

03:05: Modern family dynamic challenges

03:22: Unveiling the biggest challenges of the sandwich generation

04:01: Navigating through the unknown territory of aging parents care

06:09: Communication and conflict resolutions

09:02: Empathy towards aging parents

11:16: Dealing with siblings in caregiving

13:56: Seeking help when an only child

16:22: Involving spouse and kids in caregiving

17:14: The importance of planning ahead in caregiving

18:58: Discussing Involvement in Parents' Lives

19:51: Crisis Management: Costs and Solutions

20:38: Concerns about Aging Parents' Driving

20:56: Legal Affairs and Doctor Appointments

21:23: The 'Sandwich Generation' and Managing Multiple Responsibilities

24:27: Frustrations and Limitations of Caregiving

25:08: Respite Care and Support from Local Church

26:00: Outsourcing Care and Support

27:35: Benefits of Companionship and Activities for Older Adults

28:03: Introduction to 'Entrusted Hearts' Services.

According to the National Council on Aging, 95% of adults 60 and older have at least one chronic health condition. On this edition of the Exploring Aging Podcast, Host Ray Sanders and his Co-hosts Dr. Bill Pierce and Greg McNeece discuss 10 common chronic conditions for adults 65 plus and what can be done to face these challenges head on.

00:00:00: Introduction

00:00:17: Common Chronic Conditions in Adults Over

00:00:34: Aim of the Episode

00:00:59: Introduction of Co-hosts

00:01:13: Topic of Myths Related to Aging

00:01:42: Analysis of Myths

00:01:58: Revisiting Previous Myths

00:04:36: Chronic Conditions Statistic Discussion

00:09:55: Myth Number Five: Nothing We Can Do About Chronic Conditions

00:10:28: Positivity in Face of Chronic Conditions

00:12:47: Top Ten Chronic Conditions

00:15:49: Dealing with COPD

00:17:33: Alzheimer's discussion (mention)

00:17:55: Risks and Prevention of Health Conditions

00:19:34: Benefits of Exercise, Particularly Boxing

00:23:46: Coping with Depression

00:23:51: Fighting Heart Failure

00:25:19: Addressing Kidney Disease

00:25:54: Understanding Diabetes

00:30:00: Managing Arthritis

00:35:03: Treating High Cholesterol

00:36:57: Discussing high cholesterol and its effects

00:37:30: Importance of Regular Blood Pressure Testing

00:38:13: Addressing High Blood Pressure in Older Adults

00:38:36: Tips on Lowering Blood Pressure

00:39:34: Overconsumption and its impact on health

00:40:31: Role of Awareness in Maintaining Health

00:41:34: Busting Myths about Chronic Medical Conditions

00:42:11: Encouragement and Resources