ProAging Podcast

Jane Stelboum, a yoga instructor and Certified Brain Longevity® Specialist, with a background in advertising, shares her insights on brain longevity and Alzheimer's prevention. Drawing from personal experience with her mother's Alzheimer's and Lewy body dementia, Jane emphasizes the importance of lifestyle choices in maintaining brain health. She highlights the four pillars of Alzheimer's prevention: stress management, diet, exercise, and spiritual fitness. Stress management involves techniques like yoga and breathing exercises to reduce cortisol levels.

A Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, is recommended for its potential to lower Alzheimer's risk. Exercise, both physical and mental, is crucial for brain health, with yoga offering unique benefits through poses that stimulate brain activity.

Spiritual fitness, encompassing connections to community and nature, combats isolation and loneliness. Jane also underscores the significance of quality sleep for cognitive health. Through her company, Sarasvate, she offers workshops and one-on-one coaching to share these tools, aiming to enhance the quality of life for individuals and caregivers alike.

https://sarasvate.com/Recording https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com/videos/finding-joy-and-meaning-appreciative-inquiry-for-life-and-death-with-jill-greenbaum-8052

The Positive Aging Community recently hosted a dynamic discussion on one of the most pressing questions facing older adults and their families: should you age in place or consider making a move? Moderated by Steve Gurney, the session drew on recent survey data, expert insights, and robust audience participation to explore the nuanced factors that shape this deeply personal decision.

Desire to Stay vs. Need to Move

A central theme emerged from the discussion: most older adults want to remain in their homes as they age. Citing the December 2024 AARP “Aging in Place in Community” study, Gurney noted that 75% of adults age 50 and older wish to stay in their current homes, while 73% hope to remain in their communities, even if that means moving to a different type of residence within the same area1. This distinction—between “aging in place” and “aging in community”—reflects a growing recognition that while the desire for continuity is strong, practical needs may prompt changes in living arrangements.

Key Factors Driving Decisions

The conversation highlighted several major considerations:

A Four-Legged Stool: Planning for Meaning and Purpose

Gurney introduced a helpful metaphor for decision-making: the “four-legged stool.” The seat represents living with meaning and purpose, supported by four legs:

Participants were encouraged to reflect on these questions as a framework for planning, emphasizing that having a plan—rather than simply hoping to age in place—is crucial for positive outcomes.

Financial Stability and Community Options

The discussion also addressed concerns about the financial stability of senior living communities, particularly in light of recent bankruptcies among life plan communities. Gurney advised potential residents to be cautious consumers: ask about entry fee refunds, review financial health documents, and consult with professionals before making a decision.

Watch the recording and review chat, etc. https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com/videos/aging-in-place-or-making-a-move-open-forum-and-q-a

For more information, resources, and the latest research, visit the AARP Aging in Place Study and the Positive Aging Community.

Join us for an engaging and informative live & interactive session where Aging Life Care Managers® come together to share their knowledge and best practices.Elyse Weber-SacksConnie Rosenberg & AssociatesCatherine VergaraCareForHeidi L. GarvisCaring ConsiderationsWatch the video recording and review chat, etc. https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com/videos/aging-life-care-manager-roundtable-discussion-8041

When it comes to making the move to a senior living community, few stories are as engaging and instructive as that of Dick Stohr. Recently interviewed by Steve Gurney of the Positive Aging Community, Dick shared his candid experiences—from his distinguished military and professional career to his eventual decision, alongside his wife Beverly, to embrace life in a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) at Westminster at Lake Ridge in Northern Virginia.

A Life of Service and Reinvention

Dick’s journey began in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was born, educated, and married. His early career saw him serve as a naval flight officer, flying P-3 aircraft and participating in historic missions, including Apollo astronaut recoveries. After a decade in the Navy, Dick transitioned to a career as a Department of Defense contractor, rising through the ranks to become a company president.

But Dick’s story is also one of creative reinvention. Inspired by a Parade Magazine article, he rekindled his childhood love of yo-yos, eventually launching a 19-year career teaching “Yo-Yo Fun and the Science of Spin” in schools and libraries. When educational enrichment programs waned, Dick found a new passion in woodturning, later expanding into knife and scissor sharpening with his brother—the “Snippy Bros.”

The Decision to Move: Planning with Purpose

Like many, Dick and Beverly postponed the decision to move to a senior living community, revisiting the idea every few years. However, in their mid-seventies, they resolved not to leave the burden of difficult decisions to their sons, as their own parents had. “We wanted to make the move when we could choose, not when the family had to drag us out,” Dick explained.

Their search was thorough, spanning communities from Fredericksburg to Winchester and Arlington. The Stohrs prioritized a CCRC model that would provide seamless transitions between independent living, assisted living, nursing, and memory care—avoiding the disruption of moving between separate organizations as needs changed. Ultimately, the not-for-profit model and familial atmosphere at Westminster Lake Ridge stood out. “This community acts like a family,” Dick noted, highlighting the supportive environment and integrated care.

Downsizing: The Emotional Challenge

After 35 years in their family home, the move was daunting. Dick emphasized the importance of “taking emotion out of the process,” coining the acronym “STUFF” for “Superfluous Things Underfoot Forever.” The couple used professional services to declutter, donate, and store items—though Dick admits some yo-yos and papers still linger in storage.

Life at Westminster at Lake Ridge: Ten Years On

Now celebrating a decade at Westminster at Lake Ridge, Dick describes a vibrant life enriched by community and purpose. He found a woodworking shop and a tribe of fellow enthusiasts, continuing his passion for woodworking and helping others. The Stohrs value the support system, social connections, and peace of mind that come with living in a community that feels like home.

Dick’s story is a testament to the power of preparation, adaptability, and embracing new chapters with intention. For those considering a similar move, his advice is clear: plan ahead, involve your family, and focus on what truly matters—community, purpose, and peace of mind.

Watch the recording https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com/videos/making-the-move-real-life-insights-into-life-plan-community-living

A conversation between Steve Gurney from Positive Aging Community and Jill Greenbaum, focusing on end-of-life experience planning and discovering ways to appreciate life every day. Jill, an educator with a doctorate in curriculum development, shares insights from her work in positive psychology and Appreciative Inquiry, emphasizing the importance of recognizing all of life—both positive and negative aspects. She introduces the concept of Appreciative Living, which involves finding joy in life through an awareness of where and how we focus our attention. 

Jill discusses her role as a death literacy advocate, graphic facilitator, and Zen Buddhist chaplain using visual tools to help individuals explore, imagine, and develop plans for dying well. She highlights ways people can tell the stories of their lives through creating their visual obituaries and discusses her work drawing personalized end-of-life plans. These visuals can become conversation starters, helping people communicate their wishes and reduce the burden on loved ones. 

The discussion underscores the importance of planning for end-of-life, not just legally but emotionally and socially, to ensure peace and clarity for oneself and one's family. Jill advocates for normalizing conversations about death and dying, encouraging people to explore creative and personalized approaches to end-of-life planning.

For more information:  https://jillgreenbaum.com/

Watch the on-demand recording at https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com/videos/finding-joy-and-meaning-appreciative-inquiry-for-life-and-death-with-jill-greenbaum

A discussion with Rachel Donnelly, author of Late To Your Own Funeral. After experiencing multiple family losses, Rachel realized that mourners need guidance through death's bureaucracy, not just condolences. As an after loss consultant, she helps navigate estate complexities, acting as a "wedding coordinator—but for death."

Produced in partnership with Northeast Ohio Thrive—a lifestyle magazine dedicated to helping our Northeast Ohio readers thrive after 55 https://www.northeastohiothrive.com/

Late To Your Own Funeral: How To Leave a Legacy and Not a Logjam order on Amazon at https://a.co/d/2IMfOo4Through a blend of practical insight and unflinching honesty, Donnelly offers a roadmap for both the living and those thrust into the role of executor. Late To Your Own Funeral helps readers face the conversations everyone else avoids, giving loved ones an invaluable gift: the ability to mourn without drowning in paperwork.

Rachel Donnelly is the founder and CEO of AfterLight,https://myafterlight.com/ a pioneering firm dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the complex administrative challenges of estate settlement and legacy planning after a loss. Inspired by her own experience managing multiple family estates while balancing a career and raising children, Donnelly created AfterLight to provide the support she wished she had during those difficult times.

Under her leadership, AfterLight has developed innovative offerings like the Legacy Building Formula™, a six-step coaching program designed to help clients preserve their stories and protect their families’ futures. Donnelly’s expertise includes handling intricate cases involving digital assets and cross-border estates, and she is widely recognized for her compassionate, client-centered approach to after-loss services.

She is also the author of the book Late To Your Own Funeral, which offers practical guidance and personal insight into grief, estate administration, and legacy planning. Before founding AfterLight, Donnelly worked in fundraising and development at institutions such as Emory University, Georgia Tech, and the Shepherd Center Foundation. She is a graduate of Agnes Scott College, serves on the board of the Momento Foundation, and lives in Decatur with her husband and two children

Professionals of After Loss Services https://www.afterlosspros.com/

A comprehensive discussion on Medicare, led by Steve Gurney from Positive Aging Community, with insights from panelists Michelle Thomas and Don Oellerich, Ph.D. The session covers essential information for retirees about Medicare, including eligibility, enrollment periods, costs, and the interaction between Medicare and job-based or retiree coverage. The panelists explain the four parts of Medicare: Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), Part D (prescription drug plans), and Part C (Medicare Advantage plans). They highlight the importance of understanding Medicare's coverage limitations, such as the lack of long-term care and routine dental or vision care, and discuss options like Medigap policies to supplement coverage. The session also addresses enrollment strategies, penalties for late enrollment, and the nuances of Medicare Advantage plans. The panelists encourage attendees to utilize resources like the Medicare Plan Finder and local State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) for personalized counseling. The discussion concludes with a Q&A session, addressing specific concerns about federal retiree benefits, TRICARE, and in-home care services under Medicare.

Slidedeck External-Transportation-FAQ.pdf

Flyer Arlington VICAP Medicare FEHB Fact Sheet - June 2025.pdf

View recording at https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com/videos/what-we-should-all-know-about-medicare

Death is inevitable, dying badly is not. A good death is achievable, and this Chris Palmer explains how. There is an art to dying well that can be taught and learned. While death is inevitable, dying badly is not. 

This practical guide to achieving a good death will reduce the fear that often cloaks discussions about death and dying and give readers the knowledge and skills to achieve a peaceful and gentle death. With the multiple options available at the end of life, people can design and direct their end-of-life journey so they have as fulfilling and meaningful life as possible right up to the end and achieve the elusive good death when the time comes. 

Produced in partnership with Senior Services Alliance

Chris Palmer 

Handouts:

Greg Cantori joins Steve Gurney to challenge how we think about home safety. Drawing parallels to the evolution of car safety, Greg makes a compelling case for why grab bars and handrails should be standard in every home—just like seat belts in vehicles. From preventing falls to embracing universal design, this conversation offers real-world solutions to help people of all ages live safely and independently.

They explore the stigma around safety features, how thoughtful design can be both beautiful and functional, and the bold idea that accessible homes should be the default, not the exception.

Whether you're a caregiver, a designer, or simply someone who wants to age in place with dignity, this episode will shift your perspective on what it means to create truly safe and inclusive living spaces.

🔗 Watch the full episode on https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com/videos/we-buckle-up-in-cars%E2%80%94why-not-in-the-bathroom

Steve Gurney of Positive Aging Community for a heartfelt panel discussion recorded live at The Residences at Thomas Circle. Residents Mark McElreath and Bert Kubli, a gay couple, share their powerful life stories—from childhood and military service to marriages, coming out, and finding self-acceptance later in life. They reflect on the importance of supportive communities and the positive environment they’ve found at Thomas Circle.

This episode explores the intersections of aging, LGBTQ+ rights, and the changing landscape of senior living. Listen in as the panelists discuss building safe spaces, overcoming challenges, and celebrating authenticity. The event wraps up with an engaging Q&A session and opportunities for connection and community.

Whether you’re an older adult, a family member, or a professional in senior living, this conversation offers inspiration, resources, and practical insights on embracing diversity and fostering inclusion.