Aging In Full Bloom

Social Security Explained: What Every Retiree Needs to Know Find out how the “Beyond Break Even” approach differs from simply choosing the age to claim Social Security benefits based on break-even calculations. After years of resisting the idea of inviting financial planners onto the show, I’m making an exception for this important conversation. My guests, Russ Gaiser and Mike Hoeflich—co-authors...

I’m speaking to you directly from my heart. This week marks the fifth anniversary of my baby brother’s passing, and it’s been a difficult time for my family. As I reflect on my own experience with grief, I want to share what I’ve learned—about the many ways people move through loss and how important it is to be kind to yourself and to others during this journey. I’ll talk about the well-known stag...

I sit down with author Cammie McGovern, whose latest book, The Last Letters of Sally and Walter , is set to hit shelves soon (April 2026). Cammie brings her wealth of experience as a novelist and teacher to the conversation, sharing the inspiration behind her new work—a heartwarming story about love, friendship, and new beginnings in the later years of life. Set in a vibrant retirement community,...

If you’ve ever dreamed of spending time truly living in Florence, Paris, Portugal, or somewhere off the beaten path, this episode will inspire you to explore the world—and your own joy—at any stage of life. Welcome to another episode of Aging In Full Bloom . I’m Lisa Stockdale, your host, and today I’m bringing you a conversation that reimagines what travel can look like for older adults. I’m join...

If you’ve felt your sense of smell is slipping as you age, know someone struggling with dementia or Parkinson’s, or just want to boost your brain health with a simple daily practice, this episode is for you. Welcome to Aging In Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale! In this episode, I sit down with my special guest, Jonathan Askholm, to explore the fascinating and often overlooked world of olfactory trai...

Whether you’re excited by new technology or wary of its risks, I invite you to listen in as we talk about the real-world opportunities and challenges AI brings to our lives. In this episode of "Aging In Full Bloom," I’m tackling the complex and sometimes intimidating world of artificial intelligence—and what it means for older adults. I’m joined by Henry Quinlan , an author and speaker who’s spent...

I had the pleasure of chatting with Kathleen Sheldon, Director of Outreach and Engagement for BoldAge PACE . BoldAge PACE is a new, comprehensive senior care program now available to Franklin County, OH residents—and it's truly changing the landscape for aging at home. Here are three key takeaways anyone in senior services, caregiving, or healthcare should know: 🔹 All-Inclusive Care in the Commun...

I had the opportunity to speak with Melanie Henry, who specializes in driver rehabilitation and cognitive driving assessments for older adults. If you have aging loved ones or work with older adults, this episode is an invaluable listen. Key Takeaways: Recognizing Warning Signs Matters: Subtle changes—like increased irritability while driving, new dents or scrapes, or changes in social driving hab...

What I’ve Learned About Aging from Our Guests and My Own Journey In my milestone episode, I take a moment to reflect on some of the biggest lessons learned from years of conversations, stories, and experiences in aging and senior care. Whether you’re working in the aging space, an older adult yourself, or caring for someone you love, here are a few key takeaways you might find valuable: Be Prepare...

If you’re wondering what the next chapter after your career might look like, or you’re already there, this conversation is all about embracing "the after-work" years as a time of excitement and fulfillment. I sit down with Don Akchin, the author of "The AfterWork: Finding Fulfilling Alternatives to Retirement." We talk about the realities of retirement today, pushing back against the myth that it’...

Whether you’re already retired, considering it soon, or just curious about what lies ahead, this episode will leave you feeling supported, inspired, and maybe even a little understood. Welcome to another episode of "Aging In Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale"! In today’s conversation, I welcome bestselling author Tom Marks, whose latest book, "Coming of Age in Retirement: An Advertising Executive Sto...

If you’ve ever felt ambivalent or even anxious about your birthday, stick around—you’ll find plenty of inspiration and insights in this episode! Welcome to another episode of Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale! I’m Lisa, your host, and today I have a truly special guest joining me—Tamar Hurwitz-Fleming, author of How to Have a Happy Birthday and the How to Have a Happy Birthday Workbook . In...

If you’re looking for simple strategies to sharpen your mind and enrich the quality of your life as you age, you’ll find plenty of inspiration and actionable advice here. Join us as we celebrate the joys of learning, growing, and blooming—at every age. Welcome to Aging In Full Bloom! I’m Lisa Stockdale, and in this episode, I’m thrilled to welcome Angie Dortch —an educator, caregiver, and the crea...

If you’re facing the challenge of helping your parents move or wondering how to open those tough conversations about the future, this episode is full of guidance, support, and smart strategies to help you—and your family—thrive at every stage. Welcome to another episode of Aging in Full Bloom! In this episode, I sit down with Marty Stevens-Heebner, a bestselling author, nationally recognized later...

The Impact of Home Ownership on Longevity: "having too much of a concentration of rental in one neighborhood maybe is not helpful for longevity and the like." - Justin Moor I have the pleasure of sitting down with Justin Moor, the President and CEO of the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio. Justin and his organization serve ten counties in our region, with a mission to help those who are 60...

Life Hack to Look Younger: "There's a surefire way to look younger. Tell people to step back." - Diane Dean-Epps I have the pleasure of chatting with Diane Dean-Epps — an author, humorist, and, as she puts it, the queen of multiple jobs that make her a minimum amount of money. Diane just released a new book called Bangs and Botox: My Aging Journey Into, Through and Beyond Denial, Fillers, and Huma...

I enjoyed sitting down with Marc Cooper, the insightful author behind "Older to Elder." Together, we discuss the difference between simply getting older and consciously stepping into the role of an elder—a transformation that calls for intention, mindfulness, and a commitment to higher purpose. Marc brings a refreshing perspective, moving beyond conversations about ageism and decline to focus on w...

"...Everybody takes their car in to get routine maintenance, because they don't want costly repairs or their vehicle to break down. And the home is the same thing." - Sean Fitzgerald In this part of our series on aging at home, I’m taking a closer look at something that’s vital for seniors—but often gets overlooked: home maintenance. I’m joined by Sean Fitzgerald, president of TruBlue Home Service...

What are some of the most important factors you should consider when planning to age at home? Welcome to another episode of Aging In Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale . I’m so glad you’re here as we wrap up our “Aging at Home” series with a conversation packed full of practical strategies to help you—or the ones you love—stay safe, independent, and happy right at home. In this episode, I’m joined by...

Curious about how your local pharmacy can help you age at home? In this episode, we look into the benefits of choosing a local pharmacy, and how it can enhance your ability to age at home successfully. My guest is Hussain, an experienced pharmacist and owner of GoodNeighbors Family Pharmacy in Toledo, Ohio. Hussain shares his vast experience with seniors and discusses the personalized services his...

With this episode, I start our our "Aging at Home" series with a focus on the invaluable role of home care. I am joined by a remarkable guest, Stephen Tweed, a leading expert in the home care industry. Steven is the CEO of Leading Home Care, a consulting and publishing company specializing in the home care sector, and he's also the founder of the Home Care CEO Forum . Stephen shares his personal j...

"Turning Volunteerism Into a Recruitment Platform": "I thought, okay, if I can kind of think of this almost as a recruitment platform and use the students need for volunteer hours, I can find the hidden gems." - Isabella Solano I am delighted to explore the powerful impact of intergenerational friendships with my guest, Isabella Solano, the inspiring founder of Herralink. Isabella's nonprofit init...

I am joined by Amanda Barusch, a retired professor of social work and gerontology, who brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to our discussion. Amanda recently authored the compelling book, " Aging Angry, Making Peace with Rage." Fear of anger can ultimately be as destructive as expressed rage, fomenting social isolation, injustice, and misunderstanding. In rich and insightful pr...

I explore the power and importance of storytelling with Andrew Hall, cofounder of No Story Lost . Andrew and his team are dedicated to preserving life's treasured moments by transforming individuals' life stories into beautifully crafted heirloom books. We explore the power of memories, the connection that storytelling fosters, and the legacy it leaves behind. You'll learn about the process of cap...

Do you want to make your home smart, but aren't sure where to begin? Are you worried about hackers taking control of your smart devices? Do you want to make a smart home that keeps your family entertained, comfortable, and safe? My guest is the author of The Smart Home Manual , Marlon Buchanan. He has worked in the IT field for over twenty-five years as a software developer, a college instructor,...