Not Born Yesterday

Today we want to honor all the volunteers, postcard writers, block captains and poll workers who contributed their time and worked to make sure this year's voting was peaceful. We are bringing back our episode featuring The Raging Grannies, older women who pretend to be "nice little old ladies" but really deliver strong opinions and satirical song lyrics at political events.   The Raging Grannies...

Designed to provide care that can ease pain, reduce stress, and improve the quality of life, too many patients and family members with serious illnesses are unaware of the benefits of palliative care. Our guest, Dr. Eric Widera of the University of California San Francisco, explains how and when to use this vital healthcare service. he also produces a podcast called GeriPal. Brought to you by NEXT...

Change is hard, so today we talk about the emotional impact of the many political changes the new administration has imposed. Whether you support or reject the current president's programs and  enforcement, these issues influence feelings of safety, community, connection and identity. Children and adults of all ages are reporting higher levels of anxiety than ever before. Our guest expert, therapi...

Too many older adults take five or more medications every day and few are looking at why or who is monitoring them. Is it because we feel better if we get a new pill? Have you asked your doctor or pharmacist about the need or value of your medications? Is a new condition perhaps the result of unrecognized drug interactions?    Our guest, Dr. Hedva Levy, believes using meds safely is an important s...

If you are concerned about who is holding power and representing you and your interests, listen to today's guest, Professor Samuel Moyn, as he accuses the older generation of hoarding power and wealth. While our guest believes it would be better for all if the elderly transferred some of their political power and wealth to the next generations sooner, we know you will enjoy the thoughtful conversa...

More older adults are less afraid of change today and welcome new possibilities and purpose, especially as we live longer and want to navigate a different kind of future. So if you feel stuck or think you can't change, stay tuned. The transformation you may be seeking is not defined by your biological age.   Our guest, Jeff Hamaoui of the Modern Elder Academy, will help you understand the challeng...

Today, one in five adults is a caregiver, and if you are not one yet, you may become one or need one in the future. Most of us are unprepared for the role. Caregiving is a difficult and emotionally difficult task. Our guest, Roy Remer, author of  Zen Caregiving: How to Care for Yourself While Caring for Others, hopes to support the emotional challenges many caregivers experience.  Brought to you b...

Today's episode focuses on empathy and how older adults are more empathetic than one supposes. Longevity, stress, loss and experience lead us to understand and empathize more than younger people and our guest today wants to set the record straight. Our guest, Dr. Meng Huo, studies empathy and altruism at the University of California at Davis. Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.org NEXT Village SF is...

"Aging in community", or cohousing, is our topic today. Cohousing is an intentional, self-governing community of a few dozen privately owned homes where retiring boomers, young families, and people from diverse cultures may choose to live together as members and neighbors. Charles Durrett of cohousing.com, is an architect who has designed many cohousing communities and says these are designed for...

It may surprise you, but Artificial Intelligence can be a major tool in making aging in place possible. New devices powered by AI technology offer increased independence and peace of mind, for both the senior and caregivers. But there are also concerns: privacy, affordability, and whether technology can ever replace human connection. Our guest, writer Jennifer Tuohy, has been following AI for year...

Aging affects all of us and if you are lucky, you have family around when you need help. But one sector of the aging community may not have the support system they need -- the 3 million older LBGTQ Americans who face unique challenges and obstacles. While not fitting the heterosexual norm, many gay older adults have created family and friend groups who share their past and present. Our guests toda...

Many people dream of retirement for years but don't realize that the drastic change in daily life can affect the brain. With no mental challenges or structure, many retirees risk depression and cognitive decline. It is not just forgetting a name or place, but according to our guest today, without the routine your brain is used to, there can be a natural response to inactivity. Ross Andel is a prof...

More than 22 million Americans are considered solo agers—older adults who have no partner or children, or whose family is estranged or unavailable. This demographic will grow as we live longer and more adults find themselves without close family support.   For many solo agers, this is a life choice and love the freedom to create their own families. But the lack of a built in support system poses a...

In case you haven't noticed, Artificial Intelligence is transforming healthcare beyond your electronic health records. As it quickly advances, we all need to know more about the implications of AI. Our guest, Dr. Robert Wachter, has drawn on his experience as a practicing clinician and researcher and  reveals how AI is reshaping medicine in his latest book, A Giant Leap . If you have been waiting...

If you tried retirement and miss the challenges, community and purpose of work, you may be ready to try something new- become a entrepreneur! You have the skills, experience and desire so perhaps starting your own project or company is the next step. Our guest, Jannette Anderson, is no stranger to creating a business, and says age is not a barrier if you have the interest and support you need. Her...

If you have retired and are thinking about travel opportunities, today's episode celebrates the fact that you are no longer limited to two week vacations. Now, you can travel and immerse yourself in a new culture....with a little help from The Good Life Abroad. Created with active older adults in mind, the company's founder, Andrew Motiwalla, provides the opportunity to stay in one place for a mon...

If you've wondered if there was a secret to successful aging that isn't just about exercising or eating right, listen today to longevity expert Ken Stern. His new book, Healthy to 100, reveals that social connections and relationships are the key to a healthy and rewarding life. He studied societies in the longest-lived countries and found that physical and mental health improve when older adults...

Thousands of grandparents are raising their grandchildren in a full-time parenting role, even though we do not often think of them as “caregivers.” Many who expected a slower pace of life in their later years now find themselves stepping back into parenting because of a variety of family circumstances. Our guest, Cynthia Green of the Edgewood Kinship Program, explains why this is happening and how...

If the words “estate planning” intimidate or bore you, you’re not alone. But estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or the elderly. It’s something everyone needs, at any age. Even if you feel like you don’t have enough assets to justify a plan, putting one in place ensures your wishes are honored and your voice is heard when it matters most. Estate planning attorney Howard Rosen breaks it down...

Society sends mixed messages to older adults who have lost a spouse or partner. When is the right time to seek companionship again? What will your children think? When is too soon?    Our guest, Robyn Blum, runs workshops on grief and bereavement, and sees people who are conflicted when it comes to re-entering social life after a loss. Her advice applies to people of all ages who have lost a loved...

We’re living in the most age-segregated society in history — and missing out on the complementary skills and talents people of all ages can bring to the table.  Our guest today, Janet Oh, is the Senior Director of Innovation and programs at CoGenerate, where older and younger people join forces to solve problems, and co-create the future. Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.org NEXT Village SF is a ne...

We often hear aging parents say, “I don’t want to be a burden.” What’s really behind that statement? Is it fear of losing independence, or discomfort with shifting roles between parents and adult children? Our guests unpack where this feeling comes from and share practical ways to support loved ones who may resist accepting help. Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.org NEXT Village SF is a neighborhoo...

Many people dream of moving to a different country, either for something new, a lower cost of living, politics, or because they just want to live somewhere else. Our guest today, Jen Barnett of Expatsi, helps people through the adjustment period, bureaucracy, paperwork, language barriers, safety concerns and healthcare access.  Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.org NEXT Village SF is a neighborhood...

Experts tell us that political conflict influences our mental and emotional health, often making us feel powerless and depressed. We have all lived through political changes before, but it has never seemed as angry or divisive as it does today. Our guest, therapist Nancy Hollander, studied protestors in Argentina during the 1970's and found that action beats denial every time.   Brought to you by...

Many adults suddenly find themselves in an unexpected role as they age...that of caregiver to a family member. The job can be rewarding but also difficult, as one has to balance personal needs with caregiving. Today's guests have been there, and offer advice on this timely issue.  Brought to you by NEXTVillageSF.org NEXT Village SF is a neighborhood nonprofit providing services and support that em...