Seniority Authority

Aging gracefully means navigating through years of accumulated possessions and deciding what truly matters. But this process can feel completely unmanageable and emotionally overwhelming—deciding what to do with a lifetime of possessions can definitely be complicated.

On this episode, we’re joined by Matt Paxton, who you may have seen on the fascinating show Hoarders. He is a decluttering expert, author, and host of Legacy List. In our conversation today, we dive into the emotional and practical aspects of downsizing. Matt shares insights from his latest book, "Keep the Memories, Lose the Stuff," guiding listeners through a transformative process that honors their past while making room for the future.

What's Next?

• Got stories, questions, or insights about decluttering and downsizing? We'd love to hear from you at [email protected]!

Stay Connected

• Connect with Cathleen Toomey on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Seniority Authority on our website! Plus, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
• Subscribe to Seniority Authority on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

Sometimes all you need is a helping hand! Today, we sit down with Felicia Greenfield, an advocate for dementia caregiving support, to delve into the transformative power of mentorship for caregivers. Felicia shares the origin and impact of a pioneering program designed at the Penn Memory Center, which pairs experienced caregivers (mentors) with those newly navigating the caregiving journey (mentees).

The program, rooted in compassion and shared experience, offers practical guidance, emotional support, and a sense of community, demonstrating the profound difference mentorship can make in the lives of caregivers and their loved ones. Felicia discusses the program's setup, its successes, and how it addresses the unique challenges caregivers face, from dealing with the diagnosis to finding joy in the caregiving journey.

• Penn Memory Center's website
• Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers (ADRC) directory (To find an ADRC in your area)

What's Next?

• Share your caregiving stories, questions, or insights with us at [email protected]!

• Connect with Cathleen Toomey on LinkedIn
• Explore more about Seniority Authority on our website, Facebook, or Instagram.
• Don't forget to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform.

Join us as we uncover the invaluable role mentorship plays in the caregiving experience, highlighting the importance of support, understanding, and shared wisdom.

In this transformative episode of Seniority Authority, we sit down with Adam Felts, Research Associate at the MIT AgeLab, to dive into the complexities of caregiving in today's aging society. Adam shares invaluable insights from his groundbreaking research on family caregiving, revealing the challenges and triumphs of those caring for older adults. Together, we explore the implications of our longer life spans on caregiving dynamics and the crucial role of planning and support for caregivers.

Key Discussion Points:

• The increasing prevalence of caregiving responsibilities among middle-aged adults.
• The financial, emotional, and physical impacts of caregiving.
• Strategies for balancing caregiving with personal and professional life.
• The significance of planning for long-term care and available resources for caregivers.

What's Next?

What are your thoughts or experiences with caregiving? Do you have strategies or stories to share? Reach out to us at [email protected]!

Stay Connected

• Connect with Cathleen Toomey on LinkedIn
• Discover more about Seniority Authority on our website. Find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

Technology can be an incredibly helpful tool as we age, but many older adults don’t take advantage of the new tools we have going for us.

Join us in an eye-opening discussion with Lauren Lachs, the visionary behind Wisebird, a website dedicated to enhancing the lives of older adults through digital innovation. Lauren shares her journey from a successful digital marketer to a trailblazer in the aging industry. 

Learn about the inspiration behind Wisebird, its mission to provide reliable, user-friendly, and sophisticated resources for older adults, and how it's challenging societal stereotypes about aging. Dive into the insights gained from Lauren's unique perspective on aging and discover how technology can empower and enrich the lives of our senior population.

• Try out Wisebird for evidence-based tools and personalized insights.
• Follow Wisebird on YouTube and TikTok.
• Julia Louis-Dreyfus's Podcast "Wiser Than Me"

What's Next?

• Have thoughts on how digital innovation can improve the aging experience? Share with us at [email protected]!

Stay Connected

• Connect with Cathleen Toomey on LinkedIn
• Discover more at senorityauthority.org
• Follow Seniority Authority on Facebook and Instagram
• Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

In this compelling episode of Seniority Authority, Cathleen Toomey sits down with Lauri Scharf, a seasoned social worker and Master Trainer with the Benjamin Rose Institute's “We Care Because You Do” program. Lauri delves into the critical and often overlooked aspects of caregiving, shedding light on the immense challenges and pressures that unpaid family caregivers face daily.

Lauri shares valuable insights on the evolving landscape of caregiving, emphasizing the significance of recognizing oneself as a caregiver to access necessary resources and support. She discusses the innovative approaches of the “We Care Because You Do” program, focusing on providing individualized support to caregivers through evidence-based strategies that address both the practical and emotional dimensions of caregiving.

Learn more about the Benjamin Rose Institute’s “We Care Because You Do” program. Contact the caregiver support number at (216) 373-1797, or call Lauri directly at  (216) 282-3170.

What's Next?

Do you have personal experiences, insights, or questions about caregiving? Share your thoughts with us at [email protected]!

Stay Connected

• Connect with our host, Cathleen Toomey, on LinkedIn
• Discover more about Seniority Authority on our website, follow us on Facebook, and Instagram
• Subscribe to Seniority Authority on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to never miss an episode!

Navigating the later stages of life can be as complex as it is essential. Where does one begin when planning for the golden years? It's not just about finding the right care; it's about understanding the nuances of aging and the healthcare system.

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Lachs, a leading gerontologist and author of the book, "What Your Doctor Won't Tell You About Getting Older", joins us to delve deep into the realm of geriatric care, emphasizing the vital role geriatricians play in focusing on functionality and overall well-being in older adults. Dr. Lachs highlights empowering aging strategies, stressing the importance of proactive steps such as socialization, physical activity, and having a sense of purpose for maintaining health in the later years.

Additionally, Dr. Lachs adeptly wades through the intricacies of the healthcare system, offering invaluable advice on how to be an informed and active participant in one's health journey, thus equipping listeners with the knowledge and tools needed for a more empowered approach to aging.

• How do you plan to navigate your healthcare as you age? Share your thoughts and questions with us at [email protected]!\

• Join the Conversation: Follow Cathleen Toomey on LinkedIn for more insights into aging gracefully.
• Discover More: Visit the Seniority Authority Website, Facebook, and Instagram for additional resources and support.
• Subscribe and Stay Updated: Tune into more insightful episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

Eldercare is a necessary fact of life for many seniors (and their families), but figuring out where to start can be pretty overwhelming. A Google search for “eldercare near me” is probably not going to cut it—so how do you know where to go?

In this must-listen episode of Seniority Authority, we welcome Joy Loverde, a renowned author and authority in the aging industry. As we delve into the essentials of eldercare, Joy shares her valuable insights, drawing from her extensive experience and her popular books, "Who Will Take Care of Me When I'm Old?" and "The Complete Eldercare Planner".

Discover the intricacies of planning for eldercare and learn how to maintain independence while aging. Joy addresses key aspects of personal safety, home care, and managing health and lifestyle changes. She also discusses coping strategies for overcoming isolation and loneliness, a common challenge in the aging journey.

And because it’s important to think forward, we explore technology's ever-evolving role in eldercare, providing a glimpse into how advancements are reshaping the way we approach aging. 

Links to Joy Loverde's Essential Reads:

• "Who Will Take Care of Me When I'm Old?"
• "The Complete Eldercare Planner"

What's Next?

Have thoughts or questions about eldercare planning? We'd love to hear from you! Reach out to us at [email protected]!

Stay Connected

• Chat with our host, Cathleen Toomey, on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Seniority Authority on our website
• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
• Don't forget to subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

As the number of individuals grappling with dementia continues to rise globally, understanding and empathizing with their unique challenges has never been more crucial. Join us as we delve deep, exploring strategies, experiences, and the transformative power of genuine connection, and partnering with dementia patients instead of doing things for them.

Meet Teepa Snow

Renowned as a beacon in the world of dementia care, Teepa Snow stands as the driving force behind "Positive Approach to Care," an organization that's revolutionizing dementia care across over 30 countries. With 40+ years of experience as an occupational therapist, Teepa's passion and expertise shine through her work, guiding caregivers and families alike. In this episode, gain invaluable insights from Teepa on caregiving challenges, the magic of proprioceptive input, and personal anecdotes that promise to touch your heart. Don't miss this enriching conversation!

What's Next?

What are your views, comments, or questions on dementia, or caring for someone with dementia? Share them with us at [email protected]!

Stay Connected

• Get in touch with our host Cathleen Toomey on LinkedIn.
• You can also find Seniority Authority on Facebook, on Instagram, or you can connect with us on our website!
• Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.

If you are a woman of a certain age, do you start to feel invisible? Do you sense that people think of you just as an “old person”—as if that were your defining characteristic? If you've experienced this sensation, then boy—do I have a book for you.

Join us in this enriching episode where author Colleen Oakley delves into her latest book, "The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise," painting a vivid picture of aging, familial bonds, and the richness of shared stories. Colleen discusses her inspirations, particularly her grandmother, and shares humorous and heartfelt anecdotes that shaped her perspectives and her writing.

Get her book, "The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise”.

Discover more about:

• The inspirations behind Colleen Oakley's writing.
• The influence of strong familial bonds and female role models.
• The challenges and vivid hallucinations experienced by her grandmother due to Parkinson's Disease.
• How shared stories form connections and help cope with grief.

What's Next?

• Share your views, comments, or questions at [email protected]!

Stay Connected:

• Connect with Cathleen Toomey on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Seniority Authority on our Website. Also find us on Facebook and Instagram.
• Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Unveiling the secrets to a longer, healthier life has been the life's mission of Dan Buettner, a renowned explorer, journalist, and best-selling author. On this episode of Seniority Authority, we delve deep into Buettner's groundbreaking "Blue Zones Project", which sheds light on the regions across the globe where people live the longest, and the lifestyle choices that contribute to their longevity. Dan, who initially launched this project through a National Geographic article, expanded it into a series of informative books, a popular cookbook, and now, a riveting Netflix documentary series. 

In an engaging conversation with our host, he explains the intricate research process that spanned years and took him all over the world, to regions where lifestyle and environmental factors play a crucial role in longevity. He highlights the diet patterns in these regions, which are predominantly plant-based, incorporating whole grains, greens, and legumes, with minimal processed food and meat intake, complemented by regular low-intensity physical activities.

We also explore the community health programs influenced by the Blue Zones approach in 72 American cities, witnessing notable reductions in obesity rates and heart diseases, along with an increase in life expectancy. Dan shares some of these success stories and provides tips for listeners to incorporate healthier choices in their daily routines, emphasizing environmental alterations over mere willpower.

For a deeper dive into the life-extending secrets of the Blue Zones, check out the resources mentioned during the podcast, available on the official Blue Zones website and Dan's personal website. You can also connect with him directly on Instagram: @danbuettner

What's Next?

• What are your views, comments, or questions about the secrets to living a longer, healthier life shared in this episode? Share them with us at [email protected]!

Stay Connected

• Get in touch with our host Cathleen Toomey on LinkedIn
• You can also find Seniority Authority on Facebook, on Instagram, or you can connect with us on our website!

  
Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts.