Senior Living Straight Talk

In this episode of Senior Living Straight Talk , Vi Senior Community Relations Manager Pamela Fultz continues the conversation about artificial intelligence and its growing role in senior living. She is joined by Vi at La Jolla Village resident Quelda Wilson, who shares how she first discovered ChatGPT in December 2022 and quickly became fascinated by the possibilities of AI as a practical, everyd...

In this episode of Senior Living Straight Talk , Vi Senior Community Relations Manager Pamela Fultz talks with Yanyn “Yany” San Luis, CEO and founder of The Win Woman, about how seniors are using artificial intelligence as a practical tool for independence, creativity, organization, and connection. Yanyn shares what she has seen firsthand while teaching AI workshops to Vi residents, including how...

In this episode, Senior Community Relations Manager Pam Fultz discusses the shared mindset that often brings residents together in Life Plan Communities. She is joined by nationally recognized senior living and financial expert Brad Breeding, CFP®, founder of myLifeSite and author of Your Best Path Forward: A Practical Guide to Navigating Senior Living Options and Planning . Brad explains that Lif...

In this episode of Senior Living Straight Talk , Pamela Fultz, Senior Community Relations Manager with Vi, speaks with Billie Porter, Certified Financial Planner, Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor, and President of the Naples location of Florida Trust Wealth Management, about the tax advantages of living in a Type A Life Plan Community. Their conversation explores how entrance fees and monthly...

In this episode of Senior Living Straight Talk , host Pamela Fultz, Community Manager at Vi, welcomes Carrie Schroeder, Executive Director at Vi at The Glen, to discuss an exciting new initiative across Vi communities: Vista 360 Well-Being. Building on Vi’s long-standing commitment to resident wellness, Vista 360 shifts the focus from traditional wellness programming to a more expansive, personali...

Pam Fultz, Community Relations Manager at Vi, speaks with communications strategist and professional futurist Stephen Dupont about how Baby Boomers are reshaping expectations around retirement and senior living. With more than 30 years of experience in public relations and a master’s degree in foresight from the University of Houston, Stephen offers a unique perspective on generational shifts, tec...

Vi Senior Community Relations Manager Pam Fultz welcomes back Dr. Joseph Casciani, psychologist and founder of the Living to 100 Club. With more than 35 years of experience in the aging field, Dr. Joe shares insights into what contributes to healthy longevity based on his extensive research and conversations with centenarians. From maintaining a positive mindset to incorporating daily movement and...

On this episode, Vi Sr. Community Relations Manager, Pam Fultz talks with three residents of Vi senior living communities who made their decisions, at least somewhat based on a relative who has also resided in the community. We explore what it means to be a “legacy resident.” In this episode, they discuss: What it means to be a "legacy resident" at a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) How...

In this episode of Senior Living Straight Talk, host Pam Fultz, Senior Community Relations Manager at Vi, welcomes back Ed Wollman, Estate Planning Attorney and Founding Partner of Wollman, Gehrke & Associates, P.A. Ed shares critical updates on estate planning and wealth transfer laws that will take effect in 2026, providing practical strategies for individuals and families looking to protect...

In this episode of Senior Living Straight Talk , host Pam Fultz welcomes back Jamie Shapiro, founder of Silver Linings Transitions, Certified Senior Advisor, and Certified Senior Move Manager. Jamie shares expert advice on how seniors and their families can preserve cherished memories through photo organization and restoration. From digitization tips to emotional considerations, this episode provi...

In this episode of Senior Living Straight Talk , host Pam Fultz speaks with Bryan Devore, Director of the Senior Division at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties. With over two decades of experience, Bryan shares his expert insights on how seniors can successfully prepare their homes for sale when transitioning to smaller residences or senior living communities. From decluttering...

In this episode, Pamela Fultz welcomes Matt Wilson, founder and advisor of Next Level Senior Advisors and best-selling author of Simplifying the Senior Care Maze . Together, they delve into the profound emotional and physical benefits that senior living communities offer, from combating loneliness to increasing independence and quality of life. Matt shares his extensive experience helping families...

Technology is no longer just for younger generations—seniors are embracing it to stay informed, connected, and independent. In this episode, Pam Fultz, Senior Community Relations Manager at Vi, speaks with John Guerra, Director of the FGCU Academy at Florida Gulf Coast University. They explore how older adults are integrating technology into daily life, from video chats with grandkids to online le...

Today’s seniors are redefining what it means to age well. In this episode, Pam Fultz, Senior Community Relations Manager at Vi, speaks with Colin Milner, founder and CEO of the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA). With over two decades of experience leading the global conversation around health, wellness, and aging, Colin shares powerful insights about improving health span—not just lifes...

Moving to a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is a major life transition, and for many, the most overwhelming part is deciding what to do with a lifetime’s worth of belongings. In this episode, Pam Fultz, Senior Community Relations Manager at Vi, speaks with Jamie Shapiro, founder of Silver Linings Transitions, Certified Senior Advisor, and Certified Senior Move Manager about how to navi...

In this heartfelt episode, Pam Fultz, Senior Community Relations Manager at Vi, sits down with Bernie and Mary Surchketter, residents of Vi at The Glen, to talk about their journey toward choosing a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). They share how their years of research and thoughtful decision-making led them to Vi—and what they love most about their experience today. In this episode,...

Moving to a senior living community is a major transition that often involves downsizing—or as some prefer to call it, rightsizing. In this episode, Pam Fultz, Senior Community Relations Manager at Vi, speaks with Lucian Robinson of Silver Threads Senior Relocation Specialists about how to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. In this episode, they discuss: The Importance of Earl...

Aging is not a period of decline—it’s a time of growth, reinvention, and discovery. In this episode, Pam Fultz, Senior Community Relations Manager at Vi, speaks with Dr. Joseph Casciani, founder of the Living to 100 Club. With more than 35 years of experience in aging and psychology, Dr. Casciani shares insights on embracing aging with a positive mindset and continuing to live a fulfilling and act...

The new year offers a fresh opportunity to prioritize wellness and aging gracefully. In this episode, Pam Fultz, Senior Community Relations Manager at Vi, hosts a discussion with Carrie Bloemers, the System Director of Wellness at Lee Health. Carrie shares her expertise on enhancing physical and mental well-being for seniors in 2025. In this episode, they discuss: Physical Activity as a Cornerston...

Applying to a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) involves significant preparation and organization. In this episode, host Vivian Arias, Community Relations Manager at Vi, speaks with Diana Kahn, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and the “Financial Pharmacist,” about best practices for helping clients navigate this complex process. Drawing from decades of experience and personal insights...

As the year-end approaches, tax planning is top of mind for many seniors. In this episode, host Vivian Arias sits down with Nadia Keric, a Certified Financial Planner specializing in family wealth management, estate planning, and charitable giving strategies, to discuss the most impactful tax changes for seniors to consider before 2025. In this episode, they discuss: Required Minimum Distributions...

Choosing the right senior living community is a big decision, and knowing the financial stability of the community is essential! Today’s guest, Joe Chambers, the AVP of Sales for Vi, discusses how to determine the financial stability of a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). Joe has more than 30 years of experience in the senior living industry, including 15 years with Vi in various roles....

As you get older, estate planning becomes important. But let’s be honest – it can also be pretty daunting. That’s why it’s crucial to have the right team of professionals in your corner, guiding you through the process.   Today’s guest on the show is Ed Wollman, Estate Planning Attorney - Board Certified in Wills, Trusts & Estates by The Florida Bar and Founding Partner of Wollman, G...

The key to successful aging could be as simple as choosing the right retirement community. Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are more than just a place to retire – they offer a wealth of health benefits that can help seniors age more successfully. Tony Galvin, AVP of Living Well for Vi, discusses the health benefits of living at a CCRC – a supportive environment, improved physical and...

Mellany Hanson, Gerontologist and Lifestyle Director for Vi, discusses how Vi supports the cognitive health and well-being of its residents through the Brain Vitality Studio. Mellany also talks about the concept of exergaming, how it can help aging adults with cognition, and the importance of brain health. She explains how the community at Vi uses a holistic approach to help residents maintain the...