In this episode of Aging Well, we talk with advocate and researcher Kris Geerken about how ageism and ableism shape the way we experience aging and healthcare. Drawing on her hospice work, her research at Virginia Commonwealth University, and advocacy with Changing the Narrative, Kris explores how age bias often goes unnoticed in medical settings and why stronger gerontology training is essential to improving care. She highlights the impact of unacknowledged grief, the high-cost ageism has on our society, and the need for person‑centered systems that honor the values and goals of people at every age.   

Also, Alaine makes her Medicare Minute debut to explain that Illinois allows self‑referral to physical therapy without a physician’s prescription.  

This conversation offers practical insights and encouragement for navigating care, challenging age bias, and aging well at every stage of life. 

Resources: 

Reach out to Kris: [email protected] 

Disrupting Ageism | ScienceDirect 

Antidotes for Ageism - Changing the Narrative 

Age-Friendly Healthcare – Changing the Narrative 

Ageism in health care found to cost $63 billion annually | Yale Daily News 

The Conversation Project - Have You Had The Conversation? 

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health 

Aging Unfiltered: Flipping the Script on Ageism 

Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuide
Twitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide
Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcast
Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast
Website: ageguide.org

In this episode of Aging Well, we sit down with Dr. Israel Cross, Public Health Gerontologist and President of the National Aging in Place Council. Drawing on his experience as both an aging network professional and family caregiver, Dr. Cross reframes aging as a natural continuum rather than a crisis and highlights why caregivers are essential partners in our aging infrastructure.  

We explore the evolving concept of aging in place and discuss why early conversations about care and autonomy matter. Dr. Cross also introduces the latest edition of Aging in Place Conversations: The Caregiver’s Edition, a guide filled with real stories, tips, and tools for navigating caregiving challenges.  

Tune in for a conversation that centers compassion and offers a hopeful roadmap for building systems that prioritize dignity, choice, and collaboration. 

Resources: 

Israel Cross LinkedIn Page  

Aging in Place Conversations - The Caregiver's Edition Amazon Kindle copy  

Aging in Place Conversations - The Caregiver's Edition: Stories, Strategies, and Support for Aging in Your Community by Sean Fitzgerald, Fritzi Gros-Daillon, Mary Lynch, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® 

National Aging in Place Council Website 

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services | CMS 

National Institute on Aging 

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) | NAHB 

Online Courses - USC Home Modification 

Grab Bar and Zero Degree Shower   

The Sandwich Generation 

Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuide
Twitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide
Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcast
Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast
Website: ageguide.org

In this episode, we get the opportunity to take a deep dive with Dr. Raj Shah of Rush University Medical Center exploring ideas revolving around brain health, caregiving, and what it truly means to age well. Drawing from decades of dementia research and community-based work, Dr. Shah reflects on the power of connection, the role of care partners, and how belonging shapes our health across the lifespan. Together, they unpack the small, meaningful actions at home, in clinics, and throughout our communities that can make aging a more supported, inclusive, and thriving experience. 

Resources: 

Dementia Friends Illinois - Illinois Cognitive Resources Network 

Dementia Friendly America 

Dementia Friendly Illinois Monthly Meetings - Illinois Cognitive Resources Network 

Dementia Friendly Initiative – AgeGuide 

Dementia Friendly Efforts in Illinois 

Raj Shah | LinkedIn 

Design For Belonging Initiative  

Memory Cafe Directory 

2025 Walk to End Alzheimer's | Alzheimer's Association 

How the CARE Act Helps Caregivers 

Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuide
Twitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide
Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcast
Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast
Website: ageguide.org

To launch our new season on Aging Well, we’re joined by Ken Stern, nationally recognized expert on longevity, author, founder of the Longevity Project, and host of the podcast Century Lives.  

In this episode we explore how longer lives challenge the way we think about the second half of life and prompt us to reimagine every aspect of society, from education and work to community and connection. Ken also shares incredible insights from his new book, Healthy to 100: How Strong Social Ties Lead to Long Lives, which captures the central theme of this season: that thriving as we age depends on the strength of our relationships and communities. Together, they explore how longevity science offers a hopeful roadmap for aging well in today’s world. 

Resources: 

Healthy to 100: How Strong Social Ties Lead to Long Lives 

Healthy to 100 Blog 

The Longevity Project 

Three Not so Bad Things on Longevity and Aging Newsletter 

Century Lives Podcast 

When I’m 64 Podcast 

Blue Zones Netflix Documentary 

Gorham House Intergenerational Preschool & Senior Community 

Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuide
Twitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide
Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcast
Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast
Website: ageguide.org

With Ageism Awareness Day approaching, the final episode of Aging Unfiltered features Jan Golden, founder of Age Friendly Vibes, and Sara Breindel, Communications Specialist and Ageism Consultant with the American Society on Aging. Jan shares how a contest for anti-ageist birthday cards led her to create an age-positive greeting card company, while Sara recalls the moment she realized how subtle language can reinforce stereotypes. Together, they explore why our mindset toward aging matters, and how the way we talk about aging shapes culture while influencing health and longevity.  Sara and Jan share how stories, word choices, and even humor affect how we think and feel about aging. Tune in to discover practical ways we can all flip the script and build a more inclusive vision of growing older.

Episode Links

https://www.agefriendlyvibes.com

https://www.asaging.org

ASA Ageism Awareness Day Homepage

Social Media Toolkit

Fact Sheet 

Contact Sara: [email protected]

Becca Levy’s Breaking the Age Code

Aging Unfiltered: The Power of Intergenerational Advocacy – with Arielle Galinsky

Aging Unfiltered: The Power of Human Connections Across Generations - with Shari Foos

https://www.smpresource.org

Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuide
Twitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide
Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcast
Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast
Website: ageguide.org

In this episode of Aging Unfiltered, we explore what it really means to create an age-friendly workplace. Marla Fronczak, CEO of AgeGuide, Jeri Colucy, Director of Operations, Finance & Human Resources, and Dr. Brian Kaskie, Professor at the University of Iowa, come together to share personal stories, research insights, and practical strategies to build inclusive work environments that support people at every stage of life.

From Marla’s own journey of career transition in midlife to Jeri’s human resources experience, this conversation dives deep into how employers can lead with empathy, flexibility, and foresight. Dr. Kaskie shares key findings from his research, including how the AARP Employer Pledge and simple job redesigns can boost recruitment and retention, especially as older adults continue working longer out of passion or necessity.

Plus, don’t miss this episode’s special “Medicaid Moment” featuring Lore Baker, a valued member of AgeGuide’s Advisory Council and CEO of A.I.D., as she breaks down the latest Medicaid changes and what it means for older adults in our region.

Whether you’re an HR professional, a job seeker over 50, or someone rethinking your workplace culture, this episode challenges assumptions and offers tools for real change.

Resources:

AARP Employer Pledge Program

Take Action Today – AgeGuide

Efforts to Address the Aging Academic Workforce: Assessing Progress Through a Three-Stage Model of Institutional Change

AID ⋆ Association for Individual Development ⋆ Empowering Individuals...

Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuide
Twitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide
Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcast
Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast
Website: ageguide.org

In this episode, welcome Arielle Galinsky, Harvard Kennedy School MPP candidate, CEO and co‑founder of The Legacy Project Inc., and Teen Vogue contributor, to discuss the power of intergenerational advocacy.

Arielle shares her personal journey, from her passion for aging policy to co‑founding The Legacy Project at Tufts, where college students interview and build friendships with older adults to preserve their life stories. She explains how these connections combat isolation, foster empathy, and spark policy engagement.

Whether you're a Gen Z changemaker, a caregiver, or simply care about making aging policy more equitable, this episode highlights how intergenerational connection leads to civic action and systems change.

Resources: 

The Trump Administration Is Going After Your Grandma, Teen Vogue Article

The Legacy Project

Eldera

Aging Unfiltered: The Era of Elders – with Dana Griffin

Wish Act- HR 4289

Contact Information

Send a voice message to TheAgeGuidePodcast

Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuide
Twitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide
Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcast
Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast
Website: ageguide.org

Welcome to another episode of Aging Unfiltered. In this episode, we are honored to welcome Ashton Applewhite to the podcast for a great conversation about pushing back against ageism. Ashton is a passionate advocate, writer, and thought leader whose work focuses on dismantling ageism and promoting a more inclusive, vibrant vision of aging. She is also the author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism. Through her work, she challenges outdated narratives about aging and advocates for a more inclusive, age-positive society. In this powerful discussion we’ll dive into Ashton’s journey, explore the impact of ageism in today’s world, and discuss how we can all contribute to a future where people of all ages are empowered.

Resources

This Chair Rocks – Pushing Back Against Ageism

Ashton Applewhite: Let's end ageism | TED Talk

Ashton Applewhite (@thischairrocks) - Instagram

Take Action Today – AgeGuide

Contact Information

Send a voice message to TheAgeGuidePodcast

Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuide
Twitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide
Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcast
Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast
Website: ageguide.org

Welcome to another episode of Aging Unfiltered. In this episode, we dive into an important topic: employment after age 55, and the unique challenges older adults face in the job market. It was a privilege to welcome Elizabeth White to the podcast to discuss this pressing issue. Elizabeth is a leading voice in the movement for economic justice and a champion for older adults navigating the complexities of work and retirement. She’s the author of 55, Underemployed, and Faking Normal and is dedicated to raising awareness around the financial struggles faced by people over 55. In this eye-opening conversation, Elizabeth shares her personal insights, research, and stories of working tirelessly to overcome ageism as a barrier to employment. Tune in for an empowering discussion about an often-overlooked aspect of aging advocacy.

Resources

55, Underemployed, and Faking Normal: Your Guide to a Better Life: White, Elizabeth

Elizabeth White: An honest look at the personal finance crisis | TED Talk
NuuAge Coliving
Elizabeth White

Take Action Today – AgeGuide

Contact Information

Send a voice message to TheAgeGuidePodcast

Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuide
Twitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide
Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcast
Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast
Website: ageguide.org

Welcome to another episode of Aging Unfiltered. In this episode, we have an important conversation about the intersection of aging, race, and representation. It was a privilege to welcome Raymond A. Jetson to the podcast to talk about this important subject. He’s a visionary leader, a changemaker, and the force behind Aging While Black and MetroMorphosis. Raymond has spent his life dedicated to empowering Black older adults and reshaping narratives around aging and equity. Tune in for an inspirational conversation.

Resources

Aging While Black

AWB The Book | Aging While Black

Aging While Black | Raymond Jetson | TEDxScotlandville

Home - Metromorphosis

Contact Information

Send a voice message to TheAgeGuidePodcast

Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuide
Twitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide
Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcast
Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast
Website: ageguide.org