This Day and Age

While grief is most commonly associated with the passing of loved ones, there are a number of different factors that can lead to a higher level of grieving in aging adults. From retirement to becoming empty nesters to physical or mental decline, these natural life transitions and changes can contribute to feelings of anguish. In this episode, we’re joined by Janet Jaymin, Director of Bereavement Services at Faith Hospice, and Bereavement Counselor Jenny Gruppen to discuss how aging adults can cope with the loss of loved ones and other types of grief.

There is still a lot of stigma around dementia, and the lack of awareness and understanding leads many people to shy away from those living with the disease. In this episode, we’re joined by Lois Thomas and Rosemary Apol-Hoezee of the Dementia Institute, who educate listeners on the effects of brain change and how we can better interact with, communicate with, and approach those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. 

People often think of older adults as carefree individuals with few responsibilities and stressors in this phase of life. However, older adults can still experience mental health issues like anxiety and depression—the causes are just different. In this episode, we’re joined by Hope Huizinga, a Transition Navigator with Reliance Community Care Partners, as we discuss factors that can lead to mental health issues and cognitive decline in aging adults and how they can be prevented.

In this episode, we’re taking a moment to celebrate one of our community’s greatest resources: the knowledge and wisdom of the older generations. Their collection of stories, experiences, and lessons learned over a lifetime are invaluable, especially to the younger generations. Listen now to hear what advice Holland Home residents Dan Girdwood and Lois Vander Wel recently shared with Calvin University students. 

Every generation is shaped by a number of historical events and experiences that lead to shared cultural and personality traits. As more and more Baby Boomers are reaching retirement age, these characteristics are reshaping the senior living and care industry. In this episode, we’re joined by Holland Home Chief Strategy Officer David Tiesenga and Grand Valley State University Professor Priscilla Kimboko to help us learn more about the needs, wants, and expectations of aging Baby Boomers.

When it comes to healthy aging, things like eating healthy and staying active are what people typically prioritize. While these are important aspects, more and more research is pointing to other factors that profoundly impact the health of aging adults. In this episode, Holland Home Director of Resident Life, Marenta Klinger, and Welbi CEO, Elizabeth Audette-Bourdeau, discuss the role of social engagement and life enrichment in optimizing the health of older adults. 

Technology and the older generations haven’t always meshed well. Whether due to ageism, access gaps, or anxiety about its use, older adults have been impeded from utilizing modern tools. However, with an aging population, technology is and will continue to play an important role in caring for older adults. In this episode, Jessie Riley, Holland Home Resident Technology Manager, and Keith Brophy, COO at Mentavi Health/ADHD Online, discuss emerging trends and how technology will impact senior living in the future. 

When it comes to senior living, there’s a fair share of misconceptions. Many people still have a negative image of it—hospital-like institutions with sterile living facilities and little interaction. But that is far from the reality of the vibrant, bustling, and social community you’ll find today. In this episode, we’re joined by current resident Ann Robinson and Holland Home Sales Director Michael Loughman to talk about what “senior living” actually looks like today.

Whether you plan to receive help from family, move into a senior living community, or use home care services as you age, there is a lot of planning and preparation that needs to take place. One of the biggest aspects being finances. In this episode, we’re joined by Holland Home CFO Adam Kinder and Holland Home Financial Liaison Stephanie Hotz to discuss misconceptions about the costs of care and offer guidance on planning financially for the care you will need and the life you want as you age. 

The Baby Boomer generation — America’s most populous generation — will soon all be 65 and older. As they continue to age, the demands for their living and care needs will too. On top of an increased life expectancy, fewer caregivers and limited senior living space could create a crisis. In this episode, Holland Home President & CEO Troy Vugteveen and Dr. Robert Riekse, a Geriatrician with Trinity Health Grand Rapids, discuss what needs to be done to ensure this aging population receives the care it needs.