Navigating the World with Your Aging Loved One

How can we transform care into a holistic journey that not only addresses practical needs but also integrates well-being, resilience, and comprehensive support systems to empower caregivers and enhance the quality of aging life?

Today, my guest is Mary Jo Saavedra, a nationally recognized gerontologist, author, and Aging Life Care Professional. With over a decade of experience in the aging and healthcare industry and walking alongside her mom who was living with Alzheimer's, Mary Jo founded Fireside Group, becoming a guide for care management services for seniors and their families. Grounded in values of compassion, innovation, and connection, Mary Jo's approach has deeply resonated with clients, families, solo agers, business professionals, and community members, establishing her as a trusted advocate and thought leader in the field.

Throughout our conversation, we look at Mary Jo's holistic approach to caregiving, discussing why it's essential and how it can be effectively implemented. We'll navigate through the often complex legal and financial challenges caregivers face and share strategies to prioritize health and wellness for both caregivers and their loved ones. From leveraging community resources to fostering emotional and social connections, addressing our own views on aging and sustaining caregiver resilience, we're covering it all. Plus, we'll get an exclusive insight into Mary Jo's resources including her HomeLife Design program and The Six Pillars of Aging Wellbeing, along with her latest passion project, the Soul Shift Journey Tours, and learn about her vision for the future of gerontology.

Thank you, Mary Jo, for supporting us in our holistic caregiving and for bringing Radical Amazement to us!

Learn more at www.maryjosaav.com

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

Please follow for updates, rate & review!

For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com

*This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co., a boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now atwww.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!

How does the rapid evolution of technology affects the lives of older adults? In a world where a new gadget appears every day, how do our seniors keep up, and why is it crucial that they do and have support?

My guest for this fascinating and vital topic is Vida Roozen, Chief Operating Officer at The Smarter Service. With over two decades of experience in consumer technology and a personal journey that has deepened her understanding of the tech challenges faced by aging adults, Vida brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the discussion. The Smarter Service, renowned for its personalized tech concierge services for older adults and senior living communities, stands at the forefront of this field, championing the cause of tech literacy and digital equity for older adults.

In today's episode, we talk all about the world of technology literacy among older adults. We explore the growing importance of tech in ensuring independence, connectivity, and a thriving lifestyle for seniors. It's not just about having the latest devices; it's about how these tools are integrated into their lives and the support available to make this integration seamless and empowering. We'll talk about the challenges in bridging the digital divide, the role of caregivers, and the crucial need for a shift in our approach to tech education for older adults.

Thank you, Vida, for bringing intentionality, care, and love to all you do! I LOVE any opportunity I get to talk and learn from you, my friend!

Learn more at www.thesmarterservice.com

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

Please follow for updates, rate & review!

For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com

*This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now atwww.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!

Today, we're exploring a topic close to our hearts: the indispensable role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare, with a special focus on language access and community empowerment. We are looking at the heart of healthcare, not just through the lens of medicine, but through the vital perspective of connection and understanding.

My guest today is Mauricio Montes de Oca, a remarkable individual with over two decades of experience in the healthcare industry. He is not only a certified medical interpreter; but a visionary who has bridged communication gaps, ensuring equitable access to healthcare services for all. Through his work, he has touched lives, eased tensions, and fostered a deeper understanding across diverse cultures, all while advocating tirelessly for fair and inclusive healthcare practices.

In today's conversation, we talk about the complexities of care and caregiving informed by personal experience, the evolving role of medical interpreters, the humane necessity of language access, and the legal frameworks that support it. We'll explore how healthcare can be more inclusive for non-English speaking minorities, discuss the impact of language barriers on caregivers, patient safety, and share strategies for advocating diversity in healthcare settings. Thank you, Mauricio, for teaching us how we can all contribute to a more equitable and empathetic healthcare system.

Connect with Mauricio on LinkedIn HERE.

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

Please follow for updates, rate & review!

For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com

*This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!

How does the experience of aging and caregiving differ across cultures and continents? How does creativity play into the aging process, and what can we learn from the wisdom and experiences of our elders? Today we talk all about the world of caregiving, creative aging, and the transformative power of participatory arts and wellness programs.

Today my guest Ryan Reid, Founder of Bream. Ryan's journey began with experience in memory care as a teenager and life with her grandfather, which set the trajectory for her life's work. From the stages of off Broadway to the rural communities of Nepal, Ryan has dedicated her career to enriching the lives of older adults and their caregivers. Her brainchild, Bream, is a testament to her commitment, offering a holistic platform designed to alleviate loneliness and promote wellbeing among our senior community.

In our conversation today, we'll explore Ryan's personal and professional journey, from her early experiences with Alzheimer's research to her Fulbright studies in Nepal. We'll discuss the intricacies of caregiving across different cultures, talk about the philosophy of creative aging, and the role of arts and wellness in the lives of older adults. Ryan will also share insights into the mission and operations of Bream, how it tailors its offerings to meet the diverse needs of older adults, and her vision for the future of caregiving. Thank you, Ryan!

Learn more at https://www.hellobream.com/

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

Please follow for updates, rate & review!

For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com

*This episode is brought to you by Gigi Betty co. A boutique gift shop raising awareness and funds for caregivers and care partners. Show now at www.gigibettyco.com. Use the special code WILLGATHER20 for 20% off your order- Just for our podcast listeners!

What if I told you that there's a way to 'live long, die short'? What inspires someone to undertake this mission, and how does it transform the aging process? My guest today is Charles De Vilmorin, co-founder of Linked Senior, an organization dedicated to changing the experience of aging. Linked Senior supports person-centered care through life enrichment and dementia engagement, using technology and non-drug therapy. Together, we talk about a variety of topics including dementia care, ageism, and the quest for purpose in our later years.

We talk about the concept of "live long, die short," We'll also touch upon the vital role of agency and support in senior living, with a focus on empowering families to advocate for their loved ones. We share our perspectives on ageism and how it's a challenge we must confront head-on and that purpose should be a basic human right, regardless of age.

With a personal connection to the challenges of dementia and a desire to make a positive impact, Charles has dedicated himself to changing the experience of aging and ensuring that every older adult in senior living finds purpose and joy. Thank you, Charles!

Learn more at www.linkedsenior.com

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

Please follow for updates, rate & review!

For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com

What steps have you taken to ensure your healthcare wishes are honored, especially in times when you might not be able to express them? This question often pushed to the back of our minds, is crucial for our peace of mind and for those we love.

We're honored to have Rachel Schromen with us today, an accomplished estate planning and elder law attorney, and the owner of Schromen Law, LLC. Recognized as one of the Top 3 Best Rated Estate Law firms in St. Paul, Rachel's professional work and her commitment to the community, as a volunteer as an end-of-life doula gives her a unique perspective to today's conversation.

In our conversation today, we'll talk about what a healthcare directive really means and why it’s vital. We'll hear Rachel's personal story with her father, explore the balance between legalities and emotions, and understand the practical steps of creating a healthcare directive. Whether you're looking to prepare for the future or navigating these decisions with a loved one, this conversation promises to be interesting, practical, and, most importantly, deeply human.

Learn more at Schromen Law.

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

Please follow for updates, rate & review!

For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com

The most heartwarming connections can lead to impactful movements. Today is all about serendipity, strength, and solidarity.

Joining me today is Maria Kent Beers, the co-founder of Remember Me and the Remember Me podcast, along with Rachel Martinez. These two incredible women's paths crossed in the most extraordinary way: Rachel, from Los Angeles, a trained marriage and family therapist, and Maria, living in Boston, found each other while caregiving for their parents, both diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

Today, our conversation focuses not only on the Remember Me community and podcast but also on how these remarkable women transformed their personal struggles into a beacon of hope and support for many from the early days of caregiving for their parents. From the launch of their podcast in the whirlwind of 2020 to their ongoing efforts to foster a community for FTD awareness, their story is as inspiring as it is enlightening.

We explore the road to FTD diagnosis, reminisce about the times before, and embrace the good that emerges from life's toughest challenges. These women are on a mission to share stories, educate about symptoms, and raise FTD awareness. This is a story of love, grief, and the relentless pursuit of a future without FTD. Now, I have a new friend in Maria.

Maria has a heart of gold, full of compassion, and I can't wait for all of you to hear her story, her insights, and to join their community, Remember Me.

Learn more at www.remembermeftd.com

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

Please follow for updates, rate & review!

For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com

What magic happens behind the scenes at one of the world's largest events, particularly those that shine a light on our aging population and the tech revolutionizing their lives? You're in the right spot! We're excited to take you with us as we re-cap the innovation, technology, and stories that are impacting the future of care.

Carrie Aalberts and Nicole Will, are at the forefront of amplifying and exploring the people and companies that are transforming care through technology. Carrie, known to many as Dementia Darling, brings a decade of expertise in senior care and a passion for supporting dementia caregivers with resources and education. She's a beacon of hope for many navigating the dementia journey.

Nicole Will, founder of willGather, a platform dedicated to enriching the lives of older adults and those who care for them. Nicole's multifaceted approach to advocacy and innovation, rooted in her personal and professional experiences, offers a fresh perspective on the care economy.

Together, they share their experiences at the AgeTech Collaborative From AARP at CES, share stories behind the missions, and highlight the inspirations that drive impactful work in the agetech space. So, sit back, relax, and join us as we share, laugh, cry and give you a personal and insightful journey into the world of aging, innovation, and the human stories that connect us all.

Learn more at AARP & AARP AgeTech Collaborative.

To learn more about AgeTech Collaborative From AARP at CES and connect with many of the companies we mentioned, visit HERE

To connect with Carrie Aalberts visit HERE.

To connect with Nicole Will visit HERE.

To learn more about CES visit HERE.

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

Please follow for updates, rate & review!

For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com

What does it mean to live a good life when the very essence of your memory and autonomy begins to fade? In a world where aging is inevitable, the challenges of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's pose profound questions about identity, care, and dignity.

Today, I'm honored to have a conversation with Dr. Jason Karlawish. He is the author of The Problem of Alzheimer's: How Science, Culture, and Politics Turned a Rare Disease into a Crisis and What We Can Do About It. As a professor of medicine, medical ethics, health policy, and neurology at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine, Dr. Karlawish's work transcends the traditional boundaries of science and ethics, offering new perspectives on how we care for those living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

His journey has led him to pivotal roles at the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and the Penn Memory Center, where he provides leadership in the Penn Program on Precision Medicine for the Brain (P3MB). He addresses the ethical challenges of aging brains and explores how diseases like Alzheimer's and Lewy body disease affect autonomy and self-determination through innovative projects. Dr. Karlawish is reshaping how we understand and support the Alzheimer's community.

His essays on ethics and aging have appeared in publications such as The Hill, The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, STAT News, The Washington Post, and more. In our conversation today, we discuss the evolution of Alzheimer's from a misunderstood condition to a widely recognized crisis, the vital role of caregivers, and the transformative impact of storytelling and advocacy in changing the narrative of dementia care.

Dr. Karlawish's insights not only highlight the complexities of Alzheimer's disease but also celebrate the human spirit's resilience. Join us as we discuss the journey of caregiving, the challenges and opportunities in research and policy, and how we can collectively foster a society that supports all aspects of aging with grace and dignity.

Thank you, Dr. Karlawish, for your compassionate care, for infusing humanity into your practice, and for engaging in this meaningful conversation with me. I am grateful for your dedication and advocacy. Thank you!

Learn more at www.jasonkarlawish.com

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

Please follow for updates, rate & review!

For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com

How do we harness modern technology to truly touch lives, especially when addressing the silent epidemic of social isolation in our aging population?

Today, I am privileged to introduce to you my colleague and friend, Kyle Rand. He is the CEO of Rendever, a visionary who took personal inspiration from his grandparents' experiences and turned them into a revolutionary solution.

Drawing from his extensive research at Duke University on neural prosthetics and the intricate workings of the aging brain, Kyle founded Rendever, an award-winning virtual reality platform recognized by Forbes' 30 Under 30 and listed on Time's 100 Most Influential Companies.

This groundbreaking innovation isn’t just tech for tech's sake. It is a beacon of hope, reducing social isolation and bringing the vast expanse of the outside world to older adults, irrespective of their physical boundaries.

As we visit today, we talk about our time at CES and seeing AgeTech Collaborative from AARP and the momentum, recognition, and excitement we observed. We also uncover the heart and the science behind Rendever, the stories from senior living communities, family caregivers, and older adults, and the ripple effects that this platform is creating in reshaping the future of care. You don’t want to miss this conversation as we talk about the journey of our emotions and the intersection of technology, empathy, and human connection.

Kyle, I deeply admire your work, and I feel incredibly fortunate to count you as a friend. Thank you for weaving magic into our lives with Rendever. I'm thrilled about what the future holds and am celebrating this week's exciting new features and releases with you. Thank you!

Learn more at www.rendever.com

We are not medical professionals and are not providing any medical advice. If you have any medical questions, we recommend that you talk with a medical professional of your choice. willGather has taken care in selecting its speakers but the opinions of our speakers are theirs alone. Thank you for your continued interest in our podcasts.

Please follow for updates, rate & review!

For more information about our guest, podcast & sponsorship opportunities, visit www.willgatherpodcast.com