One of the joys of being a podcaster is that you can listen to a conversation about caregiving on NPR, look up the guest and invite them to guest on your show. I was thrilled when today's guest accepted my invitation.

Our guest is Kat McGowan a journalist focused on caregiving. She's had first hand knowledge of the experience, having cared for both her sister in law and then her parents. She discovered that 26 million American caregivers who look after friends and family are effectively the nation's largest healthcare workforce. But they're overlooked in social policy and ignored by the media.

Kat's goal is to help people recognize caregiving for what it is: "An essential social service, a form of medicine, a love story, a burden, an honor, a privilege—and, for many of us, a chapter of life." Find out more about her at katmcgowan.com .

Find out more about the Zestful Aging Podcast at ZestfulAging.com