Real Talk on Aging

The latest research keeps pointing to something families sometimes forget: older adults still need purpose, connection, growth, and experiences to look forward to. Retirement does not have to mean life gets smaller, for many people it can be the season where they finally have space to ask, "What do I still want to do?" In this episode, Barb and Dave talk about why it is never too late to...

In 2025, older Americans reported losing more than $7.7 billion to fraud — with reported losses jumping 59% in a single year. And the FBI says shame, confusion, and unfamiliarity with reporting channels can keep many victims from ever speaking up. The scams targeting seniors are sophisticated, emotionally manipulative, and increasingly hard to spot. The grandparent scam. Romance scams. Tech suppor...

Loneliness in older adults is easy to miss because it rarely looks like a crisis. It can look like a parent who stops going out, a spouse who no longer drives, or someone whose world quietly gets smaller after retirement, illness, or loss. But the health impact can be serious. In 2025, the World Health Organization reinforced that loneliness and social isolation are major health risks, especially...

Caring for an aging parent comes with a task list anyone can see: appointments, medications, finances. So when an adult child burns out, the advice is almost always the same — get more organized, build better systems, find more help. But a recent study found something that flips that advice on its head. The strongest predictor of caregiver burnout wasn't the number of hours spent caregiving. I...

Financial strain around aging rarely starts with one big moment. It usually begins with smaller signs. Bills stacking up. Missed payments. Confusion around accounts. Delayed decisions because no one wants to talk about cost. These issues can feel uncomfortable to bring up, but avoiding them often makes caregiving more stressful, more reactive, and more expensive over time. In this episode, we brea...

Mobility doesn’t usually decline all at once. It starts with small changes. Walking a little slower. Avoiding stairs. Sitting more often. Needing help getting up. These shifts can feel minor, but over time they directly impact independence, safety, and confidence at home. Movement is not just exercise. It is one of the strongest predictors of whether an older adult can continue living comfortably...

Alzheimer’s research is evolving, but many families are still navigating the disease with outdated expectations. From earlier detection to a better understanding of progression, new insights are reshaping how families prepare, communicate, and provide care. The challenge is not just understanding the science, it is knowing what actually matters in daily life. In this episode, Dave Ritterling and B...

When families focus on the logistics of care, the schedules, the medications, the appointments, something quieter slips away: the connection that makes life feel worth living. In this episode, Dave and Barb open up the full range of intimacy in aging, from a simple hand on the shoulder to the physical and romantic closeness that, contrary to the myth, doesn't end with age. Drawing on real stor...

When a parent needs care, family conflict doesn't just show up. It explodes. Siblings who haven't spoken in years suddenly have opinions, the child who has been present resents the one who disappeared, and the person who just wants what's best for mom or dad gets caught in the crossfire of decades-old family wounds. In this episode, Dave Ritterling and Barb Faust pull from years of rea...

Talking about aging parents is one of the hardest conversations families will ever have. But avoiding the conversation about aging parents often leads to confusion, family conflict, and rushed decisions during a crisis. In this episode, Dave Ritterling and Barb Faust break down how to hold the first family meeting about aging parents—without turning it into a fight. Many families wait until someth...

Driving and dementia is one of the most difficult conversations families will ever face. In this episode of Real Talk on Aging, Dave Ritterling and Barb Faust share practical guidance on how to recognize the warning signs that an aging parent may no longer be safe behind the wheel—and how to have the driving conversation before a crash, injury, or crisis forces the issue. Learn how to spot early r...

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease affect millions of families, but most people are unprepared for the emotional, behavioral, and communication changes that come with cognitive decline. In this episode, Dave Ritterling and Barb Faust have an honest conversation about dementia caregiving, early warning signs, communication breakdowns, family dynamics, and how to support aging parents with dignity and...

Senior fall prevention isn’t just about avoiding accidents—it’s about preserving independence, confidence, and quality of life. In this episode of Real Talk on Aging , senior fall prevention takes center stage as hosts Dave Ritterling and Barb Faust unpack why even one fall can signal a turning point. If you’re caring for aging parents—or noticing changes yourself—this conversation will help you u...

Early signs of dementia often don’t look serious—they look explainable. In this episode, Dave Ritterling and Barb Faust break down the early signs of dementia families ignore and why recognizing patterns early can change everything. If you’ve ever wondered whether “it’s just aging” or something more, this conversation will help you spot the difference before it’s too late. On this episode of Real...

Are you prepared for an aging parent crisis before it happens? Aging parent planning is the conversation most families avoid—until a fall, a health scare, or a sudden change forces decisions fast. In this episode of Real Talk on Aging , you’ll learn how to avoid an aging parent crisis, recognize risks inside the home, and start planning before “everything seems fine” turns into something urgent. H...

Real Talk on Aging reveals why families fall behind the aging curve—and how to stay ahead before a crisis hits. In this episode of Real Talk on Aging, you’ll learn how subtle changes in your loved ones signal bigger shifts, and why waiting for “something major” can cost you time, options, and peace of mind. If you’ve ever felt unsure about what to look for or when to step in, this conversation giv...

Real Talk on Aging is a podcast about the moments, decisions, and emotions that come with caring for an aging parent or loved one. Hosted by Barb Faust , RN and Director of Program Development at Visiting Angels, and Dave Ritterling , Senior Vice President of Global Operations, the show brings thoughtful conversations with people who understand the realities of caregiving and the opportunity it cr...