News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club

This News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club episode was recorded in June, which is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. We were glad to be able to include this important article from the Guardian about people living with dementia in early stages rallying to get better media representations and treatment. They have formed or become active in organizations like the Young Dementia Network, Deme...

Our June 16, 2026 episode covered innovative housing options as we age; how ageism in the workplace is sabotaging corporate America and sleep health focused on preparing to sleep. Elizabeth Magallon Fleury took us through Architectural Digest's article on senior citizens living in cruise ship condos, co-housing communities, and Florida's retirement wonderland. Linda Sherman pointed out t...

Hosted by Linda Sherman and Ray Gordon this was News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club recorded on June 2, 2026. Debbie Howard reported on the importance of glute strength to longevity and ran through exercises like glute bridges and squats to strengthen different sets of glute muscles. Elizabeth Magallon Fleury reported on seniors seeking roommates due to rising housing costs, noting a 300% i...

We admired a creative solution to Japan's nursing home crisis with the recruitment of bodybuilders, MMA fighters, and sumo wrestlers as caregivers. Ginger Griggs joined us from Japan with a New York Times article detailing how these athletes, despite being a small portion of the workforce, can positively impact care centers. We expressed hope that publicity of this idea might bring athletic m...

Benjamin Surmi walked us through the Senior Living Transformation Company (SLTC)'s efforts to modernize assisted living operations by integrating information technology, aiming to improve efficiency and resident care. Debbie Howard shared an article from Newsweek about the proposed CMS Medicare and Medicaid reforms to speed up drug approvals, emphasizing the need for public comments by June 1...

We covered financial exploitation of seniors, with Elizabeth highlighting a New York Times article on banks training staff to spot scams, noting annual losses of $28 billion. Ellen shared a study on a receptor crucial for bone strength, which could lead to new treatments for osteoporosis. She listed what you should be eating and drinking to improve bone health. Benjamin explained a Canadian hospit...

Benjamin Surmi presented a Stanford report on robots for aging and disabilities, highlighting projects like Rosie, an outdoor guide dog, and an exoskeleton for better walking. Co-host Linda Sherman went deep on companion robotics by country. Elizabeth Magallon Fleury presented on innovative urban planning for aging populations, emphasizing Singapore's Age Well SG program and the importance of...

In our News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club episode recorded on April 21, 2026, Benjamin Surmi highlighted focus in the UK on training caregivers in dementia care, emphasizing the need for effective training evaluation. Benjamin also covered AI's role in automating documentation, staffing analysis, and onboarding in senior living. Ellen Khalifa shared insights from her solution-focused...

Our April 14, 2026 News for Ages episode reviewed an article on innovative devices for dementia patients, including a new NFC tag system in England. We discussed the challenges of setting up smart home devices and the potential still evolving role of AI in simplifying this process. We also discussed a study on aging anxiety and its correlation on biological aging, noting that anxiety about declini...

Our News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club April 7, 2026 episode falls in the week of World Parkinson’s Day on April 11 and a Rethinking Aging Club Podcast episode on April 9th focused on Parkinson’s solutions. We began with Ray Gordon's article and study about a potential blood test for early Parkinson's detection. Researchers at Chalmers University and Oslo University, identified b...

Our News for the Ages March 31, 2026 episode focused on the importance of muscle strength in predicting longevity, citing a study published by JAMA Network that found stronger grip and chair stand performance significantly reduced the risk of death in older women. Ellen Khalifa and Ray Gordon provided insights into how maintaining muscle strength supports mobility, balance, and overall health. Deb...

Our March 24, 2026 News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club episode began with the importance of hydration, discussing a Today Show article quoting Emily Johnston PhD, who recommends drinking a full glass of water first thing in the morning. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues, including kidney problems and seizures. Ellen: “It's great to see mainstream media making healthspan a p...

On our March 17, 2026 News for the Ages episode, we discussed a new Yale study by Becca Levy that found nearly half of adults aged 65 and older actually improved in cognitive or physical function over 12 years. As in Levy’s previous work, the study highlighted the importance of positive age beliefs. We explored the potential of smart homes to enhance aging in place, noting advancements in health m...

This episode of News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club was recorded on March 10, 2026. Today we had three articles from the NY Times, two on sexual health. One reported on by Linda, was specifically on things men should know about their own sexual health. Ellen reported on Sex Span, in this article sex after 80. We were all pleased to see these topics being addressed by respected press and enc...

Our News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club March 3, 2026 podcast episode. Elizabeth Magallon Fleury shared an article by author Ken Stern highlighting the outdated notion of old age at 65, given the increasing life expectancy and physical capabilities of older adults. Benjamin Surmi presented a report on community service projects by Koelsch Communities, showcasing diverse initiatives by resid...

Our News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club, February 24, 2026 episode.  Ellen Khalifa discussed the potential of GLP-1 drugs as longevity drugs. Benjamin Surmi addressed the shift of 401(k) investments into private equity, emphasizing the complexities and regulatory changes involved. Elizabeth Magallon Fleury shared practical aging-in-place modifications, such as better lighting, staircase rai...

In our 2-17-26 News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club episode we discussed the benefits of sports for older adults, emphasizing the importance of gradual participation and touched on updating equipment. The conversation also covered the use of AI in healthcare, with examples of AI outperforming human doctors in diagnoses and the potential of AI to reduce social isolation.  Presented by Elizabe...

Our News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club, Feb 10, 2026 episode discussed the FDA's approval of a study on reprogramming genes to reverse eye damage in glaucoma patients using viruses carrying three reprogramming genes. The study aims to regenerate blood flow to the optic nerve.  Concerns were raised about muscle loss and functional strength reduction in GLP-1 drug users, with 47% of use...

In this News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club podcast episode recorded with a live audience on February 3rd, 2026, Elizabeth shared an article on Dick Van Dyke's secrets to living to 100, emphasizing physical activity, playfulness, and maintaining social connections. Ellen reported on the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, noting its potential impact on global health. Benjamin presented on he...

Benjamin Surmi reported on the American Seniors Housing Association's report, "Surviving to Thriving" for our discussion. The report outlines key principles for senior living: value, inclusion, trust, agency, longevity, and systems (VI-LTS), emphasizing the need for affordable housing, outcome-based metrics, and innovative living formats like modular designs and multi-generational l...

In this episode we discussed three Best of CES 2026 articles in the wellness, mobility and healthtech categories.  Presented by Ellen Khalifa , Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan PC Mag 1-13-26 Top 10 Wellness Gadgets CES 2026 by Angela Moscaritolo https://www.pcmag.com/news/fit-for-the-future-top-wellness-gadgets-to-recharge-your-routine-ces-2026    Linda mentioned our 9-28-23 podcast with...

In this 12-30-25 News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club episode, Ellen Khalifa presented an article from New York Magazine on elder millennials, highlighting the concept of "the cliff" at ages 44 and 60, and the importance of self-acceptance and adaptability.  Elizabeth Magallon Fleury presented the second part of her smart home products for aging in place, covering Wirecutter recomm...

In our December 23, 2025 News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club episode Dr. Zalan Alam explained the British approach to longevity, emphasizing lifestyle interventions and social prescribing over supplements.  Ray Gordon presented an article from New Scientist, explaining how exercise shifts metabolism to favor muscle cells over cancer cells. A new animal study confirms the continuing theory t...

Debbie Howard presented two articles: one on the caregiving crisis, highlighting  increasing stress and financial strain on caregivers, with average caregiving duration at 4.5 years. Her second article focuses on questions to ask elders over the holidays to capture their life stories.  Benjamin Surmi shared insights on memory care marketing tactics, emphasizing the importance of authentic represen...

In this episode we discussed health span and intrinsic capacity, with Ellen Khalifa highlighting a New Scientist article. The article noted that by 2029, 1.4 billion people will be aged 60 or over, but health expectancy hasn't kept pace with life expectancy. Intrinsic capacity shows improvements in cohorts born in the 1950s compared to earlier generations.  Elizabeth Magallon Fleury presented...