This is Growing Old

Medicaid and SNAP have long provided essential support for vulnerable adults. However, a recent proposal in Congress to reduce funding for these programs threatens to undermine equitable access to care for millions of older Americans, many of whom are living with Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions. This week, we're joined by Natalie Kean, Director of Federal Health Advocacy at Justice in Aging, to explore the serious implications these proposed cuts could have on vulnerable adults.

We at the Alliance are deeply grateful for our dedicated Board of Directors, who help amplify our mission. On today’s episode of This is Growing Old, our Board Chair, Michele Markus, joins us to share insights on the year ahead.

It’s Heart Month—a busy and exciting time here at the Alliance as we gear up for Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day on February 22nd. In the spirit of the season, we’re thrilled to be joined by Amy Johnson, President and Director of Rock from the Heart. Amy will share their incredible efforts to educate people about aortic and heart valve disease, support families affected, connect patients with vital resources, and inspire us all through the healing power of music.

Caregiving is a radical act of empathy. To give care is to recognize the needs of another and provide support and companionship. All of us have received care at some point in our lives, and many of us will provide care in one way or another. Yet, the concept of care often goes underexplored, leaving caregivers unrecognized and their contributions undervalued. In honor of National Caregiver’s Month, we're joined by Stage Director, Playwright, Producer and scholar, Dr. Derek Goldman, to discuss his ground breaking play The Art of Care. This production, developed in part by its ensemble, tells a powerful story made up of real-life narratives. It shines a light on the sacrifice, hardship, and profound beauty that define the caregiving experience

Intergenerational friendships enrich our worldview and create lasting legacies through the exchange of ideas, love, and support between grandparents or grand friends and young adults. Following Healthy Aging Month, we’re joined by Dr. Abigail T. Stephens, Research Assistant Professor of Psychology at Clemson University and faculty affiliate with the Institute for Engaged Aging, to discuss the value of these bonds and share ways to foster them in our own lives.

In June, the Alliance joined policymakers and patient advocates on Capitol Hill to discuss the unintended consequences of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). While the IRA offers benefits like capping out-of-pocket costs and reducing vaccine expenses, it also raises concerns about how plans are incentivized to control costs. These concerns are detailed in a recent report by the Alliance and Manatt. Joining us today to explore the implications of the IRA for older adults, along with the steps CMS can take to protect beneficiaries, is the Alliance's Public Policy Manager, Adina Lasser.

In an era dominated by digital media, cultivating media literacy skills is essential to navigate the digital landscape safely and confidently. Joining us to examine the importance or media literacy, the dangers of internet falsehoods, and the unique challenges that older adults face as they navigate web is Dr. Carol Quade, an adjunct professor at Northern Virginia Community College's Annandale Campus, volunteer at the Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia, and expert in communications and media studies.

Starting over can be daunting, even terrifying, for many older adults. But for Nell Irvin Painter, an accomplished educator turned artist, it was as simple as placing a brush on a canvas. In this episode, we explore Nell's fearless leap into the arts after a distinguished 30-year career as a professor and historian. Join us as we discuss her inspiring journey and the joy of embracing a new chapter in life.

This week, we explore caregiver experiences with older adults facing neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS). Joining us is Carrie Shaw, founder of Embodied Labs, a revolutionary medical training platform that prioritizes patient perspectives. Informed by her caregiving experiences, Carrie offers profound insights into the world of NPS patients through Embodied Labs’ immersive tools.

February is American Heart Month, a time to increase awareness around the risk factors, symptoms, and treatments for heart disease. Each year, we are joined by hundreds of advocates, organizations, care centers, and clinicians to share critical resources that may save lives. As we prepare for Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day, taking place every February 22nd, we're proud to welcome our guest Robyn Peacock, a heart disease survivor, patient-advocate, and Womenheart Champion. Tune in as Robyn shares her life-changing journey with heart disease and what drives her advocacy work

February is American Heart Month, a time to increase awareness around the risk factors, symptoms, and treatments for heart disease. Each year, we are joined by hundreds of advocates, organizations, care centers, and clinicians to share critical resources that may save lives. As we prepare for Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day, taking place every February 22nd, we're proud to welcome our guest Robyn Peacock, a heart disease survivor, patient-advocate, and Womenheart Champion. Tune in as Robyn shares her life-changing journey with heart disease and what drives her advocacy work

February is American Heart Month, a time to increase awareness around the risk factors, symptoms, and treatments for heart disease. Each year, we are joined by hundreds of advocates, organizations, care centers, and clinicians to share critical resources that may save lives. As we prepare for Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day, taking place every February 22nd, we're proud to welcome our guest Robyn Peacock, a heart disease survivor, patient-advocate, and Womenheart Champion. Tune in as Robyn shares her life-changing journey with heart disease and what drives her advocacy work

As we channel the lessons learned from years past into actions that shape equitable futures, we at the Alliance are grateful for such a passionate board of Directors to help amplify our mission. Joining us on today’s episode of This is Growing Old to reflect on the year ahead is our Board Chair, Michele Markus.

‘Tis the season to sleigh preventable diseases like COVID, Flu, RSV and Pneumonia. In this episode, we’re joined by CEO of Healthy Women Beth Battaglino to discuss the crucial role that vaccination plays in creating a safer, merrier holiday for you and your loved ones. After all, it’s Our Best Shot!

Are you familiar with the symptoms of Alzheimer's? Neuropsychiatric symptoms, or NPS, are mood and emotional symptoms of dementias and other brain diseases that are often overlooked and under-treated. This Alzheimer's Awareness Month, we're amplifying the voices of those experiencing NPS. Today, we're joined by Terry Montgomery, a friend of the alliance, a patient advocate, and someone who, after receiving a dementia diagnosis, has committed her voice to ensuring that Alzheimer's patients have access to treatments and care and that there's a nurturing community for everyone.

As we age, we become more susceptible to accidental injury. What may seem like a minor slip, trip, or fall could cause severe bruising, breaks, or even death among older adults. In fact, falls are the leading cause of accidental injury and death in adults over age 65. For the American Occupational Therapy Association, creating innovative solutions for daily living is critical in preventing falls. Joining us to explore fall prevention is occupational therapist Dr. Scott Trudeau. Dr. Trudeau has committed his career to ensuring that older adults "thrive in place." As the Director of Practice Engagement at the American Occupational Therapy Association, Dr. Trudeau addresses the risk factors that lead to falls and empowers patients to live each day confidently, independently, and safely.

On September 26th, the Alliance for Aging Research will be celebrating our landmark 30th annual Heroes in Health Awards Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington DC. In anticipation of this historic evening, we’re joined by our master of ceremonies, Kevin Rigby, to discuss our honorees, favorite moments, and a few Heroes In Health fun facts that may surprise you! Visit www.agingresearch.org/events/2023heroesinhealth/ to learn more about our annual awards dinner.

August 30th is Grief Awareness Day, a time to educate others on grief, create space for loss, and prepare ourselves and loved ones for this difficult, yet, inevitable experience. Joining us to explore some of the misconceptions around grief and the growing effort to support patients as they navigate their journey into the final stage of life are two experts in end-of-life care. Tom Koutsoumpas and Carole Fisher lead the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation, a membership organization dedicated to innovating effective models of palliative and hospice care that centers the patient and their families. During our chat, Tom and Carole share their unique insight and lived experience with hospice care that drives their incredible advocacy work.

As we observe pride, a time when LGBTQ+ plus folks celebrate their enduring fight for liberation, we must recognize the communities that strengthen this movement. Zami Nobla is one of those groups. Founded by Mary Anne Adams, a Metro Atlanta community activist, social worker, and public health researcher, Zami Nobla aims to increase opportunities for networking and social support and to explore the healthcare needs and coping strategies of Black lesbian older adults.

On the heels of National Minority Health Month this past April, we're joined by Dr. Gretchen Wartman, Vice President for Policy and Program at the National Minority Quality Forum, to discuss what healthy aging looks like for Black and Brown older adults and some of the barriers to healthy aging that PoC older adults face. The National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) combats health disparities among Black and Brown communities and empowers our most vulnerable neighbors to create healthier outcomes through culturally and linguistically appropriate resources. An advocate for over 30 years, Gretchen has committed her career to advancing health policy and restoring equity.