Senior Matters Podcast

As life expectancy increases, so do the financial challenges of retirement. In this insightful episode of the Senior Matters Podcast, host and estate planning attorney Mark E. Wight sits down with fiduciary advisor Scott Summerlin of Starlifter Wealth Management to unpack the new financial realities facing today's retirees. The conversation begins with a striking shift in retirement demographics—r...

In this essential episode of the Senior Matters Podcast, host Mark E. Wight is joined by fiduciary financial advisor Scott Summerlin from Starlifter Wealth Management for a discussion about retirement planning, investment strategy, and the evolving needs of seniors. Scott brings over two decades of experience and holds both Series 7 and Series 66 licenses, giving him the expertise to offer persona...

On this episode of Senior Matters, host Mark E. Wight speaks with Robert Vande Merwe, Executive Director of the Idaho Healthcare Association continue their conversation about major changes impacting senior care and healthcare providers in Idaho. Their conversation is based on the 2025 Idaho Legislative Session. Starting July 1, state regulations for nursing homes, hospitals, and home health agenci...

In this compelling episode of the Senior Matters Podcast, estate planning attorney Mark E. Wight welcomes Robert Vande Merwe, Executive Director of the Idaho Health Care Association, for an overview of what seniors can expect from the 2025 Legislative Session. We think it's important to share what might be impacted by new legislation on senior healthcare services across Idaho. Together, they discu...

In this episode of the Senior Matters Podcast, estate planning attorney Mark E. Wight dives into the complex and emotionally charged world of blended families and estate planning. Using real-life stories and decades of experience, Mark walks listeners through familiar challenges that arise when remarried couples have children from previous relationships—what he calls the "Yours, Mine, and Ours" sc...

In this engaging episode of the Senior Matters Podcast, host and estate planning attorney Mark E. Wight welcomes Mike Thompson of the Meridian Senior Center, for a thoughtful conversation about the essential role senior centers play in supporting the well-being of older adults. They spotlight how these community hubs offer far more than just a place to gather—they are lifelines for connection, act...

In this episode of Senior Matters, host Mark E. Wight and estate planning attorney Carly Ward break down common myths about estate planning and probate. From the misconception that everything transfers automatically after death to the belief that only the wealthy need estate plans, they tackle the realities of probate, family disputes, and why appointing a personal representative is crucial. Don't...

In this heartfelt episode of Senior Matters, host Mark Wight explores the compassionate world of death doulas with guests Karen Midlow and Christine Sosa of End-of-Life Doulas of Idaho. Discover how these non-medical professionals guide individuals and their families through dying, providing legacy work, relationship mending, and emotional support. The episode highlights how death doulas complemen...

LinkedIn Post How do we process grief in a way that fosters healing and community? In the latest episode of Senior Matters Podcast, host Mark E. Wight welcomes Drew Hazen, chaplain and certified grief counselor at Keystone Health and Hospice, to discuss the importance of grief support. They explore: 🔹 Anticipatory grief, especially in cases of Alzheimer's and dementia 🔹 The power of support grou...

Scammers are more sophisticated than ever, and seniors are often prime targets. In this episode, estate planning attorney Mark E. Wight speaks with Detective Brad Thorne of the Boise Police Department about cyber-enabled fraud, financial crimes, and how seniors can safeguard themselves. From Nigerian prince scams to the grandparent scam, learn how to spot red flags, implement a family scam plan, a...

In this episode of Senior Matters, Mark E. Wight and Scott Cruise dove into the importance of special needs trusts (SNT) for families caring for individuals with physical, mental or developmental disabilities. Learn how these trusts protect financial stability while preserving eligibility for government benefits like Medicaid. Through real-life examples—including a family who unintentionally disin...

In this episode of Senior Matters, host Mark Wight welcomes Joe Muratore, owner of M Squared of Idaho, to discuss practical home maintenance solutions for seniors. Joe shares expert advice on simple yet essential updates—such as installing grab bars, replacing smoke detector batteries, and making accessibility modifications—to help create a safer, more comfortable living environment. As we age, st...

Taking Care of Your Sweetheart In this episode of Senior Matters Podcast, estate planning attorney Mark E. Wight dives into the important role of spouses and partners as caregivers. From building a strong support system to financial planning for rising care costs, Mark shares practical strategies to help caregivers navigate this important journey. Tune in to learn: ✅ How to create a personal boar...

In this episode of Senior Matters, host Mark Wight sits down with Ashley Szechy from Green Staff Staffing to discuss the importance of home care for seniors. Ashley, who comes from a family of healthcare professionals, shares personal caregiving experiences and insights into the challenges families face in providing care. Learn about early planning, identifying the need for home care, overcoming r...

In this episode, host Mark Wight continues his conversation with reverse mortgage expert Karen Keyser, exploring the benefits and strategic uses of reverse mortgages. Learn how these financial tools can help homeowners preserve retirement savings, combat inflation, and even fund medical expenses while maintaining Medicaid eligibility. Karen shares real-life examples, including how her mother-in-la...

Join host Mark Wight and mortgage expert Karen Keyser, who brings over 24 years of experience, as they break down everything you need to know about reverse mortgages. In this episode of Senior Matters, we delve into how reverse mortgages have evolved, who qualifies, and how they can serve as a strategic tool for retirement planning. From understanding the mechanics to exploring the benefits and ke...

In this episode of the Senior Matters Podcast, host Mark E. Wight sits down with Kathy Lacina from Oasis Senior Advisors to discuss the challenges and opportunities of senior care. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Kathy shares practical advice for families navigating senior living transitions, emphasizing the importance of touring facilities before you need them, identifying the d...

In this episode of the Senior Matters podcast, host Mark E. Wight sits down with Juana Espinosa-Alcaraz, our trust funding coordinator and legal assistant, to clarify the critical role of funding in estate planning. They discuss the importance of transferring assets into a trust to avoid probate and conservatorship issues, touching on bank accounts, investments, life insurance, and retirement acco...

In this episode of Senior Matters, host Mark Wight speaks with Tina Barnett, Tech Ed Program Manager for the Lifelong Education and Aging Resource Network (LEARN, Idaho). Together, they explore how technology education is transforming the lives of older adults. Tina shares how LEARN, Idaho's free Tech Ed classes teach essential digital skills—like texting, emailing, and online safety. The conversa...

In this episode of the Senior Matters Podcast, host Mark White sits down with marketing expert Tina Kierce to discuss the ins and outs of holiday shopping for seniors. Learn how retailers use Black Friday, and Cyber Monday tactics to influence spending. Get practical advice on creating thoughtful shopping lists, avoiding impulse buys, understanding refund policies, and researching products for sma...

🎙️ Senior Matters Podcast: Holiday Planning for Seniors with Julie Torresani In this heartwarming episode of the Senior Matters Podcast, host and estate planning attorney Mark E. Wight welcomes Julie Torresani from the Agency on Aging to explore the essentials of holiday planning for seniors. Together, they delve into practical strategies to make sure the holiday season is enjoyable, safe, and inc...

https://www.idahoestateplanning.com/aboutIn this episode of the Senior Matters Podcast, Mark Wight sits down with Catherine Owens, author of "Be Your Own Hero," to discuss the pressing issues of isolation among seniors—especially during the holidays and why now is a great time to check-in. Together, they explore the impacts of reduced social interaction, from increased depression to fall risks, an...

Janet Miller of Idaho Commission on Aging joins host Mark Wight, an estate planning attorney, to explore loneliness among seniors and its profound impact on health. Learn how caregiver support, socialization, and innovative solutions can make a difference. Janet shares practical strategies and resources to support seniors and caregivers, including homemaker services, adult protective services, and...

In this episode of the Senior Matters podcast, host Mark Wight, an attorney is joined by Eric Collett, founder and CEO of A Mind for All Seasons, to discuss the critical connection between brain health, diet, and lifestyle. Explore the earliest signs of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, the impact of diet and environmental toxins. Eric shares practical tips for enhancing cognitive health, from...

In this episode of Senior Matters, host Mark E. Wight explores the critical impact of home care services on seniors' quality of life. From helping with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) like bathing and medication management to promoting family connections and independence. Home care can be an essential resource for aging individuals and their families. Mark is joined by Morgan Peabody from A Bett...