In this episode, we look at a number of technologies that can significantly improve our lives.  First we talk to Debbie about her enthusiasm for Stitch.net – a website for people over 50, that she uses to make friends.  Then we hear from Frances about Nesterly, a new program that is being used in Boston and Columbus, to carefully match older people who have space in their home, with younger people who need a more affordable place to live.  John and Beth talk about food delivery apps such as Instacart, and transportation apps such as Uber and Lyft.  Next we hear how Allen uses his Apple Watch in multiple ways to make life safer, more efficient and fun.  And finally, we hear from Frieda about how she is helping to implement the use of smart speakers such as the Amazon Echo Dot, to improve the lives of older low income residents.

Stu Maddux produced the film ”Gen Silent” ten years ago, about the unique fears many older LGBT people have, about entering an assisted care facility.  In this episode, Stu reflects on the making of the film.

In this episode, we decided to hear the remarkable life story of Al Schleuter - a man who was born in Ferguson, MO in 1940.  Al never met an African American until he was an adult, but he went on to devote his life to racial and economic justice.  During the Civil Rights era in the mid sixties, Al taught at Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, Mississippi (an historically black College founded by the United Church of Christ in 1869).  Later in life he taught in three African countries, spending many years supporting schools in Rwanda after the genocide.  Al has really mastered, ”The Art of Aging.”

In this episode, we explore various ways people benefit from intergenerational relationships, including a church congregation that has successfully drawn parishioners of all ages, an adult day care that works with an early childhood daycare, a retired man who mentors an 18 year old boy, and a retired woman who volunteers for a ”Homework Helper” program at her local library.

In this episode, we will be talking to Katie White, director of Age Friendly Columbus about the first four years of their efforts to establish Columbus, Ohio as an ”age Friendly community”.  Katie will share how they have begun to implement many of the eight domains outlined by the World Health Organization in coordination with AARP.  Age Friendly Columbus is one of the most successful age friendly communities in the U.S.

The Village to Village Network, begun in Beacon Hill Boston, has spread worldwide.  A Village is a neighborhood community that is organized around providing support for older citizens‘ needs.  Village members live in their homes an average of two years longer than non-members.  Columbus Ohio has four villages and is in the process of building villages citywide.