The Retirement Navigator

Send us Fan Mail

More than 59 million adults in the U.S. care for a family member or friend, and most of them never call themselves "caregivers." In this episode, Kwame speaks with Rita B. Choula, Senior Director of Caregiving at the AARP Public Policy Institute and co-author of AARP's *Valuing the Invaluable* report. She also brings the perspective of someone who cared for her own mother for 15 years while raising two young children.

Rita explains why family caregivers now provide an estimated $1 trillion of unpaid care a year, and what that care actually involves today, from managing medications to giving injections. She also covers what caregiving can cost the people who provide it, including out-of-pocket spending, lost work opportunities, and retirement savings that stop growing. Along the way, she shares practical guidance on starting hard conversations early, finding help locally, and not feeling guilty about taking care of yourself.

This matters because most families don't plan for caregiving until a crisis hits. Understanding the costs, the resources, and the conversations to have now can make the difference between scrambling and feeling prepared.


Key Topics Covered

- What the "sandwich generation" really looks like, and why caregiving is far more varied than the "average caregiver" picture
- What the $1 trillion figure in AARP's *Valuing the Invaluable* report means, and why the number has grown
- The real out-of-pocket costs of caregiving (over $7,200 a year on average) and the hidden costs, like missed promotions and paused retirement savings
- How to start the conversation with a parent or spouse before a crisis, including why assumptions can lead to the wrong decisions
- What Medicare does and doesn't cover, and how Medicaid fits in
- Where to find free local help through Area Agencies on Aging and SHIP counselors
- Why dementia diagnoses can take time, and why caregivers should be heard by the care team
- Practical ways for caregivers to look after themselves, and why guilt is so common


Who This Episode Is For

This episode is for anyone caring for a parent, spouse, or friend, and for anyone who can see caregiving coming and wants to prepare. It's also helpful for adult children who aren't sure how to start a difficult conversation with a loved one about their wishes, finances, or health.


Why This Matters Now

As the population ages, more families are taking on care responsibilities, often while still working and supporting their own children. Planning ahead, knowing where to turn, and having honest conversations early can ease both the financial and emotional weight later.


Resources Mentioned

- AARP Caregiving Resource Center: aarp.org/caregiving (planning guides, including a financial guide for caregivers)
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): free Medicare counseling in every state
- National Alliance for Caregiving: research on caregivers' financial strain


Guest Bio

Rita B. Choula, MA is Senior Director of Caregiving at the AARP Public Policy Institute and a nationally recognized expert on family caregiving, aging, and long-term care policy. Her work bridges policy and research to practice, focused on identifying and supporting the needs of the millions of Americans who provide unpaid care to loved ones. She is a co-author of AARP's 2026 *Valuing the Invaluable* report, which estimates the economic value of family caregiving at $1.01 trillion a year.

Rita led the Home Alone Alliance video series for family caregivers who perform complex medical tasks at home, and she spearheaded a multi-million dollar initiative to help hospitals and health systems better recognize and support family caregivers. She serves as Vice Chair of the Board of the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration and is a board member of the National Alliance for Caregiving. She has been named to the CARE 100 List of the Most Influential People in Care and received the National Hispanic Council on Aging's Caregiving Award from AARP.

Her work is also deeply personal. Rita was the primary caregiver for her mother, who lived with frontotemporal degeneration, for more than a decade. She holds a master's degree in the management of aging services from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Connect with Rita B. Choula:
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ritabchoula
- AARP Caregiving: AARP.org/caregiving


SUBSCRIBE and JOIN our community for more:

The Retirement Navigator
https://www.youtube.com/@TheRetirementNavigator
https://linktr.ee/retirementnavigator

Benefits Insider
https://www.skool.com/benefits-insider/about
http://www.youtube.com/@Benefits-Insider

The Social Security Playbook (step-by-step guide):
https://amzn.to/4g81B49

The Morning Step
https://www.themorningstep.com/
https://linktr.ee/themorningstep

#caregiver #mentalhealth #support

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when an entire generation grows up right as pensions disappear, 401(k)s get introduced with little guidance, and nobody bothers explaining the difference? In this episode, Kwame speaks with Jana, a longtime financial journalist and co-author of *Retirement Bites: A Gen X Guide to Securing Your Financial Future*, about why personal finance often isn't as personal as it feels — and what that means for anyone preparing for retirement today.

This conversation covers real, practical numbers: how much you should have saved by 50, 60, and 67, how to assess what you actually have versus what you'll need, and why so many people in their 50s and 60s quietly feel behind without ever running the real math. Jana also breaks down the "great wealth transfer," why Medicare doesn't cover long-term care, and the often-overlooked financial and emotional weight of caring for aging parents while still supporting your own children.

This episode matters because retirement planning isn't only about individual choices — larger economic forces, policy decisions, and timing all play a real role. Understanding where you stand, and having honest conversations with family before a crisis hits, can make a meaningful difference in how prepared you feel.

Key Topics Covered

- Simple savings benchmarks by age (50, 60, 67) to gauge where you stand
- How to calculate what you'll actually need in retirement using your income and Social Security estimate
- Why Medicare does not cover long-term care, and what options exist instead
- The "5-year lookback rule" for Medicaid and why early planning matters
- How to start honest financial conversations with aging parents before a crisis hits
- Why paying off debt, especially credit card debt, should be a top early priority
- How health changes in your 40s and 50s can meaningfully affect your finances later


Who This Episode Is For

This episode is for Gen Xers approaching retirement, as well as anyone in the "sandwich generation" juggling financial responsibility for both their children and their aging parents. It's also valuable for retirees and near-retirees who want a clear, simple way to assess their own readiness.


Why This Matters Now

As more people live longer and pensions become increasingly rare, understanding your own numbers — and having early conversations with family about long-term care — has become more important than ever. Small, proactive steps taken now can meaningfully ease financial and emotional stress later.


Resources Mentioned

- Retirement Bites: A Gen X Guide to Securing Your Financial Future by Jana and Kerry Hannon

Hardcover:
https://www.amazon.com/Retirement-Bites-Securing-Financial-Future/dp/154170584X

Kindle Edition:
https://www.amazon.com/Retirement-Bites-Securing-Financial-Future-ebook/dp/B0DS9YTGVJ

- Social Security's online benefits estimator (ssa.gov)

- AARP and Vanguard retirement calculators


Guest Bio

Janna Herron is an award-winning journalist with two decades of experience covering personal finance, retirement, taxes, real estate, and economics. She previously served as Senior Columnist and on-air expert at Yahoo Finance, where she covered the forces shaping financial security and wealth-building, and has held roles at major outlets including USA TODAY, Bankrate, and The Associated Press.

Known for turning complex financial and economic issues into practical, easy-to-understand guidance, Janna helps everyday people make better decisions with the money they have. She is the co-author, with Kerry Hannon, of Retirement Bites: A Gen X Guide to Securing Your Financial Future (2025), a book born from her reporting on a generation caught between pensions and do-it-yourself retirement planning — with little guidance on how to bridge the gap.

Connect with Janna Herron:
linkedin.com/in/janna-herron-40316814


If this episode helped you think differently about your own retirement timeline, or gave you a starting point for a conversation with your parents or siblings, we'd love for you to subscribe and share it with someone who might find it helpful. Understanding where you stand today is one of the most valuable steps you can take for your future.

__________________________________________________

SUBSCRIBE and JOIN our community for more:

The Retirement Navigator
hhttps://www.youtube.com/@TheRetirementNavigator
https://linktr.ee/retirementnavigator

Benefits Insider
https://www.skool.com/benefits-insider/about
http://www.youtube.com/@Benefits-Insider

The Social Security Playbook (step-by-step guide):
https://amzn.to/4g81B49

The Morning Step
https://www.themorningstep.com/
https://linktr.ee/themorningstep


#retirementplanning #retirement  #financialfreedom

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

What if the best healthcare you could receive as you age isn't in a hospital, but in your own living room? In this episode, Kwame speaks with Dr. Terry Fullmer, a nurse leader whose decades-long career spans Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and the John A. Hartford Foundation, about a quiet but significant shift happening in how care is delivered to older adults.

Dr. Fullmer explains the "4Ms" framework — What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility — a simple set of questions that can change how you interact with your doctor at your very next appointment. She also breaks down the growing "health at home" movement, why mobility is described as "medicine," how to tell the difference between normal aging and early signs of dementia, and why caregiving and social isolation deserve far more attention than they currently get.

This conversation matters because so much of what shapes a good retirement isn't just financial planning — it's understanding how to advocate for your own care, recognize warning signs early, and stay engaged rather than isolated. These are practical tools you can use starting with your next medical appointment.

Key Topics Covered
- The 4Ms framework — What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility — and how to bring it up at your own doctor visits
- Why "health at home" programs are expanding, and how conditions once requiring hospitalization can now be treated safely at home
- The real cost comparison between hospital care and home-based care
- How to tell the difference between normal age-related memory changes and early signs of dementia
- Why mobility matters at every stage, and how it looks different depending on where you live
- The difference between social isolation and loneliness, and why the distinction matters for your health
- How to have a more active role in decisions about your own medications
- The scale of family caregiving in the U.S. and where to find real support


Who This Episode Is For
This episode is for retirees and older adults who want practical tools for navigating their own healthcare, as well as family members supporting a parent or loved one through changes in memory, mobility, or daily living. It's especially useful if you've ever left a doctor's appointment feeling like your real concerns weren't addressed.


Why This Matters Now
As more people live longer, the way healthcare is delivered is changing — with a growing emphasis on care at home and person-centered approaches like the 4Ms. Understanding these tools now can help you have more informed, more effective conversations with your own healthcare providers.


Resources Mentioned
*The 4Ms framework — Age-Friendly Health Systems, developed with the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, American Hospital Association, and Catholic Health Association

*John A. Hartford Foundation — family caregiving resources and research

*American Hospital Association's Hospital at Home information page

*Reframing Aging— FrameWorks Institute research on aging and ageism

*The RAISE Family Caregivers Act — federal support for family caregivers

*The Social Security Playbook — Kwame's book addressing Social Security's funding challenges

If this conversation gave you a new way to think about your own healthcare conversations, or something to share with a family member, we'd love for you to subscribe and pass it along. Small changes in how you advocate for yourself can make a meaningful difference over time.
___

Guest Bio
Few voices have shaped how America cares for its aging population quite like     Dr. Terry Fulmer, PhD, RN, FAAN. As Adjunct Professor of Medicine at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine and President Emerita of The John A. Hartford Foundation in New York City, she spent a decade as the Foundation's chief strategist, a role from which she helped set in motion the Age-Friendly Health Systems movement — a shift now reshaping how hospitals across the country approach older patients.

Her influence extends well beyond that movement. Dr. Fulmer holds a seat as an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine and served on the 2020 independent Coronavirus Commission for Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes, advising the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services during one of the field's most critical moments. A Brookdale National Fellow, she broke new ground as the first nurse ever seated on the American Geriatrics Society board — and later became the first nurse to lead the Gerontological Society of America as its President, an achievement recognized with the organization's 2019 Donald P. Kent Award, given for embodying the highest standard of leadership in the field of aging.


Connect with Dr. Fulmer:
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/terry-fulmer-95b21210
- Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine: geiselmed.dartmouth.edu
- Age-Friendly Health Systems: ihi.org/partner/initiatives/age-friendly-health-systems


#seniorhealth #aging #caregiving #dementia #mobility  #socialsecurity  #eldercare

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Most people plan carefully for retirement income, but very few plan for the cost of long-term care — and that gap can catch even well-prepared families by surprise. In this episode, Kwame speaks with Robert, a long-term care policy expert, about why the system is often confusing, expensive, and difficult to navigate, even for people who have saved responsibly.

This conversation covers what long-term care actually costs, how Medicaid and Medicare really work (and don't), and why so many families find themselves caught in the middle — with too much savings to qualify for help, but not enough to comfortably afford care on their own. Robert also shares practical, grounded guidance on where to start if a loved one suddenly needs care.

This episode matters because long-term care is one of the most overlooked parts of retirement planning. Understanding the real costs and options now — before a crisis hits — can make a meaningful difference in the choices available to you and your family later.


Key Topics Covered
- Why the cost of long-term care is often left out of retirement planning conversations
- The real dollar range for home care and nursing home care, and how quickly savings can be affected
- The difference between what Medicare covers and what many people assume it covers
- How Medicaid eligibility works, and why many middle-income retirees fall into a difficult in-between space
- Practical first steps for families facing a sudden care need, including where to find local support
- The emotional side of caregiving, including terms like anticipatory grief and caregiver hypervigilance
- How workforce shortages among caregivers are affecting access to care nationwide
- Where technology, including AI, may help support caregiving in the years ahead


Who This Episode Is For
This episode is for retirees and pre-retirees who want a clearer picture of long-term care costs and options, as well as adult children who may be helping a parent navigate a care decision. It's especially helpful if you've saved for retirement but haven't yet factored long-term care into your overall plan.


Why This Matters Now
As more people move into retirement age, long-term care costs continue to be one of the least understood and least planned-for parts of a retirement budget. Learning about the realistic costs and available resources ahead of time can help families make more informed, less rushed decisions if care becomes necessary.

Robert Espinoza is the Founder and CEO of The CareWorkx Project, an advisory and innovation firm helping nonprofits, government leaders, businesses, and investors rethink and strengthen long-term care and caregiving systems. A nationally recognized strategist, Robert has spent his career working at the intersection of aging, caregiving, and workforce policy — including as CEO of the National Skills Coalition and Executive Vice President of Policy at PHI, where he helped lead national efforts on behalf of direct care workers.

Robert began his career in aging and long-term care as head of policy at SAGE, building the organization's national advocacy work for LGBTQ older adults — an experience that continues to shape his understanding of how caregiving challenges disproportionately affect different communities. A former journalism and English major, Robert brings a writer's eye to policy work, coining terms like the "caregiving divide" and creating "The Hidden Vocabulary of Long-Term Care," a series exploring the emotional realities of caregiving, including concepts like anticipatory grief and caregiver hypervigilance.

He is currently a Leadership & Society Fellow at the University of Chicago and is writing a forthcoming book, The Caregiving Divide. Robert is a widely published author, speaker, and advisor, and shares ongoing insights through his Substack, Care Actually.

Connect with Robert:
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robertespinoza1
- Company: careworksproject.co
- Substack: substack.com/@careactually
- Facebook: facebook.com/61572135560902
- Instagram: instagram.com/care_actually



If this episode gave you a clearer picture of what to expect with long-term care planning, we'd love for you to subscribe and share it with someone who might find it helpful. Understanding these options ahead of time is one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself and your family.


#retirementplanning #benefits #medicare #medicaideligibility  #fixedincome  #aginginplace  #homecare  #caregiving  
______________________________

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

What does it really take to age well — not just live longer, but live better? In this episode, Kwame sits down with Ariana Myers, whose career has taken her from investment banking to running a home care agency to conducting Alzheimer's research at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. Few guests bring this range of hands-on experience across the entire caregiving and longevity landscape.

Ariana shares what she's learned about the real gaps in senior care — including a surprising shortage in housing options for the "middle" of the market — and why community and purpose matter just as much as a safe place to live. She also breaks down the science behind healthy aging, including a landmark study on brain health that shaped her latest work, and offers reassuring, practical guidance for anyone who feels like it's "too late" to make healthy changes.

If you've ever wondered whether it's worth starting a new habit later in life, or you're trying to understand your options for care — for yourself or a loved one — this conversation offers clarity without overwhelm.


Key Topics Covered:

- Why finding compassionate, reliable caregivers has become one of the biggest challenges in home care today

- The often-overlooked "middle" gap in senior housing — and what it means for aging in place

- Why community and connection matter as much as physical safety when planning for the future

- What the landmark FINGER brain health study revealed about lifestyle and cognitive resilience

- Why exercise is considered the single most powerful lever for long-term brain health

- Reassurance for anyone who feels it's "too late" to improve their health, at any age

- How to recognize early signs that a memory concern may need a proper diagnosis

- Where caregivers can turn for support, including free, 24/7 resources


Who This Episode Is For:

- Adults 55+ thinking about their own long-term health and independence

- Anyone currently caring for a spouse or aging parent

- Adult children trying to understand care options for a parent

- Listeners curious about how technology may support aging in the years ahead

- Anyone who has felt discouraged about starting new health habits later in life


Why This Matters Now:

As more people reach retirement age, questions about long-term care, caregiving, and cognitive health are becoming part of everyday planning — not just a future concern. Understanding your options now, while you're able to plan calmly, can make a meaningful difference later.



About Ariana Myers:

Ariana Myers is a healthtech strategist and aging innovation expert focused on cognitive health, longevity, and the future of aging.

She is the Founder and Managing Director of Vershina Consulting, where she advises mission-driven organizations and startups at the intersection of aging, healthcare, and technology.

Ariana is Co-Founder and Strategic Advisor at Mindr, an evidence-based digital platform focused on brain health, dementia prevention, and healthy aging.

She also serves as CEO of AgeTech Connect San Francisco, helping connect founders, healthcare leaders, and innovators building solutions for older adults.

Her background spans more than 25 years across international finance, entrepreneurship, healthtech, senior care, and scientific research.

Ariana’s work today centers on helping people and systems prepare for longer lives through healthier aging, cognitive wellness, and thoughtful use of technology.

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianamyers/  
- Company Website: https://vershinaconsulting.com/
- Minder (mindr.us) — a digital brain-health program based on the FINGER and U.S. POINTER clinical trials
- Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline — 1-800-272-3900


If this conversation gave you something to think about — for yourself or someone you're caring for — we'd love for you to subscribe and share it with someone who might find it helpful too. We're grateful to have you as part of this community.
_______________________________

STAY ENCOURAGED, FOLLOW AND SUBSCRIBE TO:

The Retirement Navigator:
https://linktr.ee/retirementnavigator

The Morning Step: 
https://linktr.ee/themorningstep

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

What happens if you live alone and something goes wrong while you're asleep? That's the question that changed everything for Jan Van Vlack, a retired nurse who woke up after a seizure with no memory of what had happened. Her experience led to the creation of Snug, a free safety app now used by thousands of older adults across the country.

In this episode, host Kwame Kuadey sits down with Jan Van Vlack, the inspiration behind Snug, and Preet Anand, the app's CEO and co-founder, to talk about how the tool works, why it's different from other alert systems, and how it's already helped save lives. Unlike traditional medical alert devices that require you to press a button during an emergency, Snug flips the process: you simply check in once a day to say you're okay. If you don't, your emergency contacts are notified right away.

For the one in three older adults who live alone, and the nearly half of seniors 75 and older doing the same, this conversation offers a simple, low-cost way to add an extra layer of protection, without new equipment, batteries, or complicated setup.

KEY TOPICS COVERED

• How Snug works: a daily check-in that alerts loved ones automatically if you miss it
• The real-life story behind Snug's creation, including Jen's own health scare
• The difference between the free plan and the paid dispatch plan
• How Snug complements devices you may already use, like an Apple Watch or medical alert necklace
• Real stories of people whose lives were affected by using Snug, including a young man with type 1 diabetes
• Why daily check-ins can also ease loneliness and provide a sense of connection
• How Snug helps ensure pets are cared for if something happens to you
• Simple steps to download and set up the app in under two minutes

WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR

• Seniors living alone or with a spouse who may not be able to call for help
• Adult children who want peace of mind about a parent's safety
• Anyone managing a chronic health condition, such as diabetes
• Pet owners who worry about who would care for their animals in an emergency
• Anyone looking for an easy, low-cost way to stay connected and safe

WHY THIS MATTERS NOW

More older adults are living alone than ever before, and many worry about what would happen if they became unresponsive with no one nearby to notice. Simple daily check-in tools like Snug offer a practical way to close that gap without adding cost or complexity to daily life.

ABOUT THE GUESTS

Preet Anand

• Founder and CEO of Snug Safety — a free daily check-in app for older adults living alone that alerts emergency contacts within 15 minutes of a missed check-in, with over 20 million check-ins completed
• Previously founded Patronus, a personal safety and 911 improvement company — sold to RapidSOS, which now powers emergency calling for both Apple and Uber and has saved an estimated 11,000+ lives
• Former product leader at Lyft and ClassDojo — contributing to safety systems used by millions of riders and classrooms worldwide
• Driven by a personal mantra of "perpetuating free will and joy" — building technology that gives communities new choices in how they live their lives
• Passionate about the intersection of digital technology and fundamental human services — safety, transportation, housing, energy, and finance
• A builder at heart who measures success not by revenue, but by whether the people he serves gain new freedom, safety, and dignity in their daily lives

Jan Van Vlack

• Customer Champion at Snug Safety — the daily check-in app for people living alone that she personally inspired over 10 years ago, making her one of the original reasons the app exists
• Retired Registered Nurse with extensive hands-on clinical experience and healthcare executive leadership across multiple organizations
• Former Study Manager at Health Care Excel — Kentucky's Quality Improvement Organization for CMS — overseeing the national Surgical Care Improvement Project focused on reducing postoperative complications
• Former Clinical Data Analyst at the Indiana Health Information Exchange — supporting community-wide quality reporting and chronic disease management programs
• Active community volunteer and handler of Linnéa, her Certified Therapy toy poodle — bringing comfort and connection to people in her community
• Driven by creativity, positivity, and genuine care for others — a living example of the senior independence and purposeful living that Snug was built to protect

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Snug Safety app (available on the Apple App Store and Google Play)
• Snug YouTube channel, featuring user stories including Mike's story

If this episode resonated with you, we'd love for you to subscribe and share it with someone who might benefit, especially if they live alone or care for someone who does. Join our community for more conversations on aging well, staying safe, and making the most of retirement.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

If you think retirement is the finish line — this conversation will completely change how you see what comes next.

Most of us planned for retirement with one question: "Do I have enough money?"

Nobody told us that was the wrong question.

You're trying to balance:

Wondering why retirement feels emptier than you expected.

Feeling more isolated than you ever imagined you would.

Watching your social circle quietly shrink year by year.

Trying to stay healthy without really knowing what "healthy aging" means.

Figuring out what purpose even looks like when the career is over.

🚨 CRITICAL QUESTION:

If being lonely is clinically equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day — what is your plan for staying connected?

THE TRUTH:

The longest-lived people on earth — in Japan, Italy, Spain, Singapore — don't live longer because of better doctors or better gyms. They live longer because they never stopped being needed. They work longer, live with family, and stay woven into their communities. Meanwhile, the US separated its generations, invented the retirement community in 1959, and called it progress. We're now paying for that with our health.

DON'T WAIT:

Japan's median life expectancy for women is now 90. Ours isn't close. And the gap isn't genetics — it's how we've designed our lives. The decisions you make about connection, purpose, and community in the next few years will matter more than any supplement or doctor's visit.

✅ WHAT TO DO:

Watch this full episode — Ken Stern's research across 5 countries reveals what actually drives a long, healthy life, and it will change how you think about your next chapter

Ask yourself one honest question today: "Who actually needs me right now — and how am I showing up for them?"

You don't age faster from working too long. You age faster from stopping too soon.

Watch the full conversation with Ken Stern, author of Healthy to 100, on the Retirement Navigator Podcast — and subscribe so you never miss an episode that could add years to your life.

About Ken Stern

• Founder and Chair of the Longevity Project, an organization exploring how longer lives are reshaping individuals, communities, and society.
• Host of the award-winning podcast Century Lives, where he explores the opportunities and challenges of living longer lives.
• Author of the nationally best-selling book Healthy to 100: How Strong Social Ties Lead To Long Lives, which examines the connection between relationships, community, and longevity.
• CEO of Palisades Media Ventures, helping organizations shape conversations around important social issues.
• Former CEO of NPR, where he led major expansions in podcasting, digital media, and global news reach.
• A lawyer by training and a longtime media leader, Ken brings decades of experience connecting research, storytelling, and public conversations about how we live and thrive. 

Connect with Ken Stern:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sternken/
Website: https://www.longevity-project.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grand.people.longevity/
Century Lives podcast: https://longevity.stanford.edu/century-lives/
Healthy to 100 newsletter: https://healthy-to-100-newsletter.beehiiv.com/ 

#HealthyAging #Longevity #RetirementLife #SeniorWellness #AgingWell #SocialConnection 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

You may have more working years ahead of you than you think — and that can be a good thing. In this episode, personal finance expert and author Kerry Hannon joins the Retirement Navigator Podcast to talk about what she calls the longevity economy: the growing reality that many people retiring today could have 25 to 30 years of life ahead of them, often without enough savings to cover it.

Kerry walks us through what that means for your retirement income, your career options, and your sense of purpose. Whether you are still in the workforce and want to stay there, looking to start something new, or trying to figure out how to stretch a fixed income, this conversation offers clear, practical guidance you can act on.

This episode is especially helpful if you have ever felt behind on retirement planning or wondered whether it is too late to make a change. Kerry's message is clear: it is not too late, and you have more to offer than you may realize.

Key Topics Covered

The longevity economy explained — why longer lifespans are changing the way we think about retirement income, work, and financial planning

Starting a second-act career — how people 55 and older are launching new careers, small businesses, and meaningful work they love

Three pillars of a successful career transition — financial fitness, physical health, and inner soul-searching, and how each one supports the others

Staying relevant in the workplace — practical ways to fight ageism, embrace new technology including AI, and keep your skills current

How to use AI tools as an older worker — simple, low-pressure ways to start exploring tools like ChatGPT without feeling overwhelmed

Remote work and flexible jobs — where to find legitimate work-from-home opportunities and how the remote work landscape has settled since the pandemic

How to find a financial advisor you can trust — what a fee-only CFP is, why fiduciary responsibility matters, and free tools to get started on your own

LinkedIn for seniors and job seekers — why your LinkedIn profile matters even if you are not actively job hunting, and simple ways to stay visible

Physical health as a financial strategy — why staying healthy is one of the most important things you can do to protect your retirement savings and reduce future medical costs

Who This Episode Is For

This episode is a good fit for you if you are:

• Approaching retirement and realizing your savings may not stretch as far as you hoped.
• In your 50s or 60s and wondering whether a career change is still realistic.
• Currently working and noticing signs of age discrimination or being passed over.
• Out of the workforce — due to caregiving, health, or a layoff — and thinking about re-entering.
• Living on a fixed income or Social Security and looking for ways to supplement it.
• Simply curious about what a fulfilling second chapter could look like for you.

Why This Matters Now

Social Security was never designed to fund a 30-year retirement. With the full retirement age at 66 or 67, and many people living well into their 80s and 90s, the financial math has changed — even if the planning conversations have not caught up. Out-of-pocket medical costs in retirement can reach six figures, and that number does not include assisted care. The earlier you start thinking about income, skills, and health, the more options you will have.

If this episode got you thinking, we would love to have you along for more. Subscribe to the Retirement Navigator Podcast so you never miss an episode, and if you found this helpful, consider sharing it with a friend or family member who might need to hear it.

And remember what Kerry said at the end: Just take that first step. There is no perfect path, and there is no right or wrong way to do this. You have more time, more skills, and more options than you may think.

About Kerry Hannon

Kerry Hannon is a leading expert on careers, entrepreneurship, personal finance, and retirement, with more than three decades of experience covering the changing world of work. 

• She is a senior columnist and on-air expert for Yahoo Finance and has written for major outlets including Forbes, The New York Times, Money, and USA Today.
• Kerry is the bestselling author of 14 books, including In Control at 50+, Great Jobs for Everyone 50+, and Never Too Old to Get Rich. 
• Her work focuses on helping adults 50+ navigate career transitions, retirement, financial security, entrepreneurship, and finding meaningful work later in life.
• Kerry has testified before the U.S. Senate on older workers and the future of retirement work, and she is widely recognized as a trusted voice on the realities of working longer.
• Through her writing, speaking, and media appearances, Kerry helps people rethink aging, retirement, and what’s possible in the second half of life. 

Connect with Kerry:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerryhannon/
Website: KerryHannon.com
Yahoo Finance: search "Kerry Hannon" on Yahoo Finance for articles on retirement, Social Security, Medicare, and more

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

If you've been worried about Social Security's future, confused about caregiving costs, or wondering whether your retirement savings will last — this episode was made for you. Kwame sits down with Andy Eschtruth, Director of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, for an honest, clear-headed conversation about the real state of retirement in America today.

Andy has spent three decades studying how people plan for — and live through — retirement. In this episode, he breaks down the Social Security funding shortfall in plain language, explains what it actually means for people already receiving benefits, and shares what Congress is likely to do about it. He also opens up about his own parents' caregiving journey and what it taught him about the non-financial side of retirement.

This conversation goes beyond money. It covers social isolation, the caregiving workforce crisis, emergency savings gaps, and the surprising truth about what actually determines happiness in retirement. If you're living on a fixed income or approaching retirement, this episode gives you the kind of grounded, practical insight that's hard to find anywhere else.

Key Topics Covered

• The Social Security shortfall explained simply — what it means, how serious it is, and what the realistic outcomes are for current and future beneficiaries
• What Congress is likely to do — and why history suggests action will come late but will come
• How raising the retirement age is actually a benefit cut — and what that means if you claim early
• The caregiving crisis — workforce shortages, affordability, and what options exist for middle-income families
• Social isolation in retirement — why your social life may matter more than your bank account
• Emergency savings in retirement — why 2 in 5 retired households can't cover unexpected expenses, and what that means for your daily decisions
• The National Retirement Risk Index — the sobering statistic that 40–50% of American workers are not on track to maintain their standard of living in retirement
• Workplace retirement savings access — why only 1 in 2 private sector workers participates in a retirement plan, and what's being done about it

Who This Episode Is For

This episode is especially valuable if you are:

• Already retired or within 10 years of retirement
• Receiving or planning to receive Social Security benefits
• Caring for an aging parent or concerned about your own future care needs
• Living on a fixed income and trying to make your savings last
• Someone who wants clear, research-backed information — not opinion or alarm

Why This Matters Now

Social Security's trust fund is projected to face a shortfall within six years under current conditions. At the same time, caregiving costs are rising, the caregiver workforce is shrinking, and many retirees are facing unexpected expenses with little cushion. Understanding where things stand — and what options exist — helps you make more informed decisions about your own retirement security, right now.

About Andrew Eschtruth

Andrew Eschtruth is the director of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College.  He joined the Center in 1999 and served as associate director for external relations and then deputy director until assuming the director role in 2025.  His interests include Social Security program design and finances, expanding access to workplace-based retirement plans, and improving the nation’s long-term care system.  In his previous roles, he oversaw the Center’s communication activities and managed relationships with the government, foundation, and corporate communities.  Eschtruth is the co-author (with Charles D. Ellis and Alicia H. Munnell) of Falling Short: The Coming Retirement Crisis and What to Do About It (Oxford University Press, 2014).

Before joining the Center, Eschtruth was a senior research analyst with the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) specializing in Social Security, federal fiscal policy, and the economic implications of an aging population.  While at the GAO, he served on a special assignment as an aide to the Chair of the Senate Finance Committee.  Eschtruth earned his B.A. from the University of Michigan and an M.A. in public policy from Duke University. 

Connect with Andrew

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-eschtruth-b3a1745/
Center for Retirement Research at Boston College Website: https://crr.bc.edu/ 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

For adults on a fixed income or navigating retirement, understanding the healthcare system for aging loved ones can feel confusing and costly. This conversation helps cut through that — with honest, experience-based advice on what steps to take, when to bring in help, and how to ask the right questions.

Key Topics Covered

• What dementia really is — and why it's much more than memory loss (it affects safety, judgment, finances, and daily independence)
• The most common types of dementia explained simply: Alzheimer's, vascular, Lewy body, frontotemporal, and mixed
• Risk factors you can actually influence — blood pressure, diet, physical activity, social connection, and family history
• Early warning signs to look for when you visit a parent or older loved one, especially around Mother's Day or Father's Day
• How to start a conversation with a resistant parent about getting help
• What a care manager actually does — and how they coordinate doctors, medications, home safety, and family decisions
• Special guidance for "solo agers" — older adults living alone without close family nearby
• How AI monitoring tools can support seniors living at home without replacing human care

Who This Episode Is For

This episode is for adults in their 50s, 60s, and beyond who are caring for an aging parent or loved one — or starting to wonder if they should be. It's also for anyone planning ahead for their own aging who wants to understand what a care manager does and when to call one. If you have a neighbor, aunt, or family friend living alone, the segment on solo agers is especially worth your attention.

Why This Matters Now

Dementia affects an estimated 6 to 7 million people in the United States, and that number is growing as the population ages. Many families don't seek guidance until a crisis hits, which often leads to rushed decisions and higher long-term care costs. Getting informed early — even if nothing seems wrong yet — helps protect your loved one's independence and gives you the legal and financial groundwork you need if things do change.

If this episode gave you something to think about, consider sharing it with a sibling, adult child, or friend who is also navigating care for an older loved one. Subscribing to the Retirement Navigator Podcast means you'll always have a calm, trustworthy voice in your corner as you plan for the years ahead. Every episode is made with one goal: helping you feel more prepared and less alone.

About Gina Negri

Gina brings more than 30 years of hands-on experience — from hospital bedside nursing to long-term care, home care agency ownership, and now care management. She walks through the different types of dementia, early warning signs families often miss, and why getting guidance early makes a real difference in quality of life for both the person with dementia and their caregivers. Gina is a clinician and trained Nurse Practitioner specializing in eldercare, with more than three decades of experience supporting older adults across the continuum of care. Her background spans direct patient care, clinical leadership, and quality-focused operations, and she now advises and advocates for families navigating the day-to-day realities of dementia care.

She is also a:

• Bedside Nurse
• Nurse Practitioner (NP)
• Director of Nursing (Long-Term Care)
• Utilization Management / Quality Management Professional
• Home Care Agency Manager
• Dementia Care Advisor and Family Advocate

Resources

Guidance Care Management — gcmfix.com (launching soon)
Service area: Remote consultations available nationally. In-person preferred in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and compact nursing states.

Connect with Gina

Contact Gina directly: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginadnegri/
Website: http://www.primacarecom.com/

Support the show