ProAging Podcast

Delve into the profound topic of awareness in individuals with dementia, even in the nonverbal, non-responsive, or later stages of the condition. Join us for a discussion led by the internationally renowned thought-leader and author of Journey Through the Infinite Mind. Katya De Luisa brings a compassionate perspective and deep understanding of dementia, challenging conventional views on the inner experiences of those affected.

View recording and full chat transcript with resources

We’ve all been aging since the day we were born, but is there a right time to start thinking about senior living? For Steve Gurney, it was in his early 40s. During a yearlong project, Steve moved into five different senior living communities to get the full experience. Steve will share firsthand insight and advice about what to look for when searching for a senior living community. This is the perfect time to dip your toes in the water and get to know the team at Charter Senior Living. Steve is the Founder of the Positive Aging Community and develops innovative products to help seniors make the best choices in retirement living. He is a Senior Marketing Institute award winner and the Founder and Publisher of the Positive Aging SourceBook.

For more information about Charter Senior Living Charter Senior Living currently manages over 60 senior living communities across the United States. 

Mission: To Enhance the Human Spirit. At Charter Senior Living, our mission statement and core values unite us in our purpose – and our passion. We strive to be a caring and compassionate leader within the senior living industry, but more importantly, our goal is to demonstrate that commitment to our residents … Every. Single. Day.

Visit any Charter Senior Living community on any given day … and, from the moment you step through our doors, we think you’ll experience the difference …

Questions Asked: 

Steve Gurney from the Positive Aging Community interviewed Katie McQuaid, author of the "Everybody Loves Grace" book series, and Tyra Hunter from Care Partners. The "Everybody Loves Grace" series, initially intended for children, has found a unique place in senior care. The books are used in reminiscence therapy, helping seniors recall past experiences and engage socially. The program also includes a plush toy of Grace, the dog from the series, which provides comfort and stimulates conversation. The books are also available in audio format for those with vision impairments. The program has been praised for its versatility and its ability to facilitate connections across generations. LIVING WITH GRACE PROGRAM DOES FOR SENIORS: Living with Grace—A Seniors Program supports caretakers in their mission to provide seniors with a fuller and happier life. The messages the program delivers are positive, timely, and relevant to their special needs. Living with Grace—A Seniors Program can inspire happiness for everyone in your community and will add value to your organization’s existing activity programming. Join us in spreading positivity by connecting seniors through literature! https://www.everybodylovesgrace.com/living-with-grace/ CarePartners programs are located across the Greater Houston area. We collaborate with more than 60 different partners and over 1,200 volunteers to deliver high-quality programming for older adults, individuals with dementia, and family caregivers. https://carepartnerstexas.org/

A live and interactive discussion with Steve Guttenberg about his new book Time to Thank: Caregiving for my Hero which discusses Steve’s journey to stardom and navigating the path he took when he dropped everything to become his father’s caregiver when he was diagnosed with kidney failure. Steve Guttenberg is a beloved Hollywood actor, known for his role in films including Diner, Police Academy, Short Circuit, Three Men and a Baby, and television shows including Ballers and Veronica Mars

Learn about the innovative Namaste Care program developed by Joyce Simard which is a loving approach to caring for people, especially those with advanced dementia. Find out how Williamsburg Landing the first community in the State of Virginia to use the Namaste Care Program is utilizing it to improve the lives of their residents and families. 

Namaste Care Resources 

Join us for a special NRSRN Lunch that will explore Frontotemporal disorders (FTD), sometimes called frontotemporal dementia.While the most common form of dementia among all age groups is Alzheimer’s disease, Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) is the most common for those diagnosed before age 60. It can occur as early as 21and as late as 80. FTD differs from other types of dementia in that memory loss is not a hallmark symptom. A group of related, heterogeneous disorders, initial symptoms bring progressive changes to personality, behavior, decision making, communication or movement. The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration will present the signs and symptoms of FTD, the importance of early diagnosis and person-centered care, and highlight current research opportunities and support resources for those living with FTD and their care partners.Presented by Will Reiter, AFTD Education Program Manager and Jen Morabito, AFTD Ambassador, you’ll hear both the family experience of this challenging disease and learn how it differs from other dementias as far as symptoms, support and care.Objectives:Learn how Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) differs from other types of dementiaIdentify the common signs and symptoms of FTDLearn how this younger onset dementia impacts familiesDiscover helpful resources provided by The Association for Frontotemporal DegenerationPresenters:Will Reiter, MA | AFTD, Education Program ManagerWill joined AFTD in May 2021 as Education Program Manager. He works to expand AFTD's relationships with healthcare providers in order to support early FTD diagnosis and comprehensive person-centered FTD care. He has worked in the dementia field for more than 30 years. In a variety of local and regional settings, he has provided direct support and education to those living with dementia, care partners, and healthcare providers. William previously worked at the Family Caregiver Alliance in San Francisco as well as the Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Most recently, he served as the Health Systems Director for the Alzheimer’s Association, Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania region, initiating and strengthening connections to clinicians and regional health systems.Jen Morabito | AFTD Ambassador, MarylandJen first learned about AFTD after her mother was diagnosed with FTD in 2014. She began hosting events for AFTD’s Food for Thought campaign, and became known for her Cindy’s Cakes fundraiser. Soon after, she became a liaison to assist other Food for Thought hosts. Jen has been in close contact with volunteers and staff at AFTD, and has found a strong sense of community and support, which she wants to share with others. As an Ambassador, Jen is looking forward to working with individuals, groups, and agencies to support AFTD’s mission of awareness, education, support, and advocacy.

The challenge our society faces is how to improve the health, well being and longevity of people who are already old. How can we harness the power unleashed by elders who choose to grow old rather than merely get old? Strength, purpose and belonging are legitimate pursuits for older people. Aging is simply the name we give to growth when we are no longer young. 

Dr. Bill Thomas is a prolific author, speaker and founder of the Eden Alternative and the Green House Project. In 2008, the Wall Street Journal named him one of the 12 most influential Americans shaping aging in the 21st century. He is currently chief independence officer of population health pioneer Lifespark. 

His most recent book is Better Together: The Awesome Power of Growing Stronger Together. The book is the last of a free four-part series dedicated to help older people and their families perfect the process of Aging Magnificently.

Produced in partnership with Reston for a Lifetime and the Positive Aging Community

Listen to a recording of a live and in-person discussion that was held at the impressive JK Moving headquarters in front of their innovative training house in a warehouse. Our panel of four sharing their real-life stories of moving and downsizing experiences, for themselves to active adult communities and helping their loved ones navigate the system of hospitals, aging life care, independent living, assisted living, memory care and much more!

Gregory Hunter created and established the Hunter Cleaning Services dynamic signature brand of intensive home cleaning services called the High Impact Transformation. The High Impact Transformation procedure transforms neglected and contaminated indoor home environments into medicinal spaces that induce overall wellness and recovery of outpatients.

Learn about an innovative new concept that brings together women 55+ to co-live in affordable, spacious, beautifully designed houses for the best times of their lives. 

 A Live & Interactive Discussion with Wing Pepper and Kyle Sobus CO-Founders Perch Houses. Research indicates that older adults benefit from the increased companionship, support in completing daily tasks, and increases in well-being associated with home sharing.