ProAging Podcast

A new Centers for Disease Control study reveals that Baby Boomer caregivers more often have chronic health conditions and frequent mental distress than non-caregivers - a situation that further intensifies the already escalated Family Caregiver Crisis as America continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic and the economic, healthcare and personal challenges it has created. With nearly one-quarter of Baby Boomers serving as caregivers, now more than ever, all of our 42 million family caregivers are struggling to cope with the emotional, physical and financial challenges posed by caring for aging loved ones, especially among the 6 in 10 caregivers who also work, creating a new “Employee Caregiving Crisis.”

A conversation with the founders and participants of the innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Big & Mini, https://bigandmini.org/.  A community working together to spread wisdom, end social isolation, and make the world a little better— one generation-bridging connection at a time. Using technology to shrink the generational divide into a small crack. We hope that through shared stories, new memories, and new friendships, we can connect everyone, one big and mini match at a time.

A discussion with James Meenan is the Director of Case Management at Virginia Hospital Center. Get an overview on the inner workings of a case management department during the COVID crisis and how senior serving professionals can best serve our clients before, during and after a transition to a hospital or medical center.  James Meenan is the Director of Case Management at Virginia Hospital Center. He leads a 30-member team; James has oversight and accountability for utilization management, discharge planning and social services throughout the 394-bed Hospital. He and his staff work with the patient, family and medical team to establish care plan’s in the Hospital and arrange for all necessary services following discharge – everything from routine appointments to nursing home care to community social service agencies for patients with complex needs.

A conversation with Justin Boogaard Founder/CEO of GoGoGrandparent  GoGo helps older adults live independently in their home for as long as possible. By working directly with on demand services, GoGo manages the mobility, meals, groceries and more of their clients. GoGo’s “GoGoGuardian” system helps protect clients living with cognitive, visual, physical or dexterous impairments to ensure a safe, reliable and affordable independence. Built in 2015 as demanded by the CEO’s grandmother, GoGo is now relied upon by hundreds of thousands of older adults throughout the United States & Canada.

A thought-provoking and interactive discussion on the topic of ageism and age discrimination from a variety of perspectives. This conversation will follow the framework and concepts of Ashton Applewhite, a renowned anti-ageism advocate and author of This Chair Rocks, A Manifesto Against Ageism. This discussion will also kick off a consciousness-raising initiative by Positive Aging Sourcebook to help lead the process of social change on this topic. Click here for video recording of this discussion.

In a world that often celebrates grand gestures and overnight transformations, Deb Bongiorno's story stands out for its quiet power. At 70-something, this retired communications professional from Northern Virginia doesn't see herself as a hero—just a woman navigating loss, rediscovering meaning, and extending a hand to those who need it. In a recent interview with Steve Gurney of the Positive Aging Community, Deb shared her journey with characteristic humility, insisting her experiences are "just my little story." Yet, her words ripple with inspiration, urging listeners not to pedestal her, but to pause and reflect on their own untapped purposes. As Deb puts it, "It's really hard to break the mold," but the rewards of small, intentional acts can redefine a life.Read more at https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com/articles/finding-purpose-in-the-everyday-a-humble-path-to-helping-others