The Age Guide: Perspectives on the Aging Journey

In this episode, we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month as we explore the impact AgeGuide and its funded partners are making on mental wellness for older adults and caregivers and uncover the benefits of investing in our own mental health. Our guest this month is Nathan Underhile, the Clinical Program Supervisor at Metropolitan Family Services. Nathan brings with him a wealth of experience and...

Welcome to another episode of AgeGuide’s 50th Anniversary theme, ‘The Great Re-Connection.’ Join us as we explore the tangible ways that AgeGuide and it’s funded partners help older adults reconnect with what they love and the people they care about.  In this episode, retired high school teacher, Christopher, reveals his source of joy and connection through volunteering for the Friendly Phone Call...

In this episode, we sit down with Gregory Lind, a dedicated AgeGuide Board Member, and a volunteer for Home Delivered Meals at Kane Senior Council. Greg shares his unique perspective on the transformative power of volunteering and recounts personal experiences with homebound older adults. His efforts resonate with the overarching mission to propel 'The Great Re-Connection' in his communi...

Although people are living longer than ever, how long we live is significantly impacted by demographic factors like where we live, our race, and our socio-economic status. In this episode, we highlight one of the panels from AgeGuide’s 2nd Annual Aging Summit. Together with thought leaders in the Aging field, participants delved into the question, “How can we make longevity equitable for all?”  Th...

In this episode, we continue our celebration of our 50th-anniversary theme, The Great Reconnection. We're discussing the importance of building connections and supporting older adults who are caring for children. We interviewed Sheree Stillwell, a grandparent raising a grandson and also a co-facilitator of a local support group for grandparents raising children. Additionally, she participates...

"When I presented my bill, I said to people, grandparents will would die for their grandchildren and in many cases they are, because in order to afford things for a little person, you will you will forego your own medicines, you will forego your own nourishment. You will forego an awful lot, your own doctor's appointments so that you can provide for these little people." - Natalie M...

In this episode, we recognize National Family Caregivers Month and continue our celebration of our 50 th Anniversary theme of ‘The Great Re-Connection’ by talking about the unique needs of a very special group of older adults – those caring for children. Some are grandparents, some are aunts, uncles, or even unrelated friends, but they are all caregivers who have found themselves parenting childre...

This year marks AgeGuide’s 50th anniversary since being established in 1973 as part of the Older Americans Act. All year long, the Age Guide podcast will highlight the impact of various Older Americans Act funded services and the people who benefit from them. Across the region and the nation we’re seeing a movement toward “The Great Reconnection.” This emphasis on reconnecting with others in this...

In anticipation of Medicare Open Enrollment that begins October 15th, Val Guzman, AgeGuide's Benefits Access Specialist, interviewed Jennifer, a Senior Health Insurance Program client. Jennifer called AgeGuide looking for help to find a Medicare plan that fit her unique medical needs. Val and Jennifer talk about the ins and outs of Medicare and Medicaid while giving tips on how you can naviga...

In this episode of the Age Guide podcast, we continue our series, shining a light on Veterans and the services available to them. We want to draw attention to the unique needs of the heroes in our community who fought for our country and the people who care for them. We interviewed Jacob Zimmerman, Superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Kane County. He works tirelessly to maximize...

In this episode we listen in on a conversation with Lance Corporal Frank, a former Marine, who served in Vietnam and now participates in the Veterans Directed Care Program (VDC), which allows Veterans to continue to live in their homes for as long as possible through home and community-based services. Frank shares his personal story and the profound pleasure of remaining at home with his dear frie...

Our next series will shine a light on Veterans and the services available to them through the Veterans Directed Care program. This program allows Veterans to continue to live in their homes for as long as possible by receiving home and community-based services. We want to shine a light on the unique needs of the heroes in our community who fought for our country and the people who care for them. I...

Women’s History Month celebrates the contributions women have made in our history and the contributions they continue to make today.  This year’s theme is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.” In this episode, we interview Cathy Howard, a trailblazer who held many significant roles in her life. She broke barriers and helped pave the way for other women; her journey was not easy, but her persev...

For the month of March, which is both Disability Month and Women’s History Month, we honor the many older adult women caring for a loved one with disabilities.  Today, there are nearly one million households in which someone aged 60 or older is caring for an adult with an intellectual or developmental disability and the vast majority of those caregivers, 75%, are women. They spend, on average, 40...

On this  episode we interview John and Sandy Miller, Co-founders of the Sounds Good Choir to learn how this unique choir offers respite to caregivers of all ages while helping people with dementia and other disabilities connect to music and artistic expression. We’ll also introduce our new Caregiver Specialist, Caitlyn Tolentino to share other resources and supports for caregivers. And of course,...

In this series of our podcast, we want to shine a light on the commitment and dedication of more than 44 million family caregivers in the United States who provide personal assistance to loved ones with disabilities and other care needs. These caregivers, also known as informal or unpaid caregivers, make up 21% of the adult population today. Most also work full-time jobs in addition to their carin...

We want to shine a light on the commitment and dedication of the more than 44 million family caregivers who take care of loved ones, providing 4.7 million dollars’ worth of care every year.  A family caregiver is defined as an individual who cares for a loved one with a short-term or long-term disability or illness. Also known as an informal or unpaid caregiver, they provide invaluable care to tho...

We want to shine a light on the commitment and dedication of the more than 44 million family caregivers who take care of loved ones, providing 4.7 million dollars’ worth  of care every year.  A family caregiver is defined as an individual who cares for a loved one with a short-term or long-term disability or illness. Also known as an informal or unpaid caregiver, they provide invaluable care to th...

Welcome to the first episode in our new series on Caregivers. We want to shine a light on the commitment and dedication of the more than 44 million family caregivers who take care of loved ones, providing 4.7 million dollars’ worth of care every year.  A family caregiver is defined as an individual who cares for a loved one with a short-term or long-term disability or illness. Also known as an inf...

This episode features an interview with Lucy Powell, wife and devoted caretaker for Jack who had Dementia. Lucy shares what she and Jack experienced during the COVID-19 lockdown in Long Term Care. Hear what that experience taught her and what we can all do to radically change the structure of care for older adults in this country. #theageguidepodcast #COVID-19 #Pandemic #LongTermCare #Advocacy #IL...

Welcome to the third of our 3-episode mini-series, where we’ll bring you the first-hand stories and experiences of a special type of advocate, an Ombudsman.  An Ombudsman advocates for older adults living in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.  You will hear from 3 different Ombudsmen in this series, all of whom were on the front lines during the COVID outbreak. Our goal in this series...

Welcome to the 2nd episode of our 3-episode mini-series, where we’ll bring you the first-hand stories and experiences of a special type of advocate an Ombudsman.  An Ombudsman advocates for older adults living in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.  You will hear from 3 different Ombudsmen in this series, all of whom were on the front lines during the COVID outbreak. Our goal in this s...

Welcome to the first of our 3-episode mini-series, where we’ll bring you the first-hand stories and experiences of a special type of advocate, an Ombudsman.  An Ombudsman advocates for older adults living in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.  You will hear from 3 different Ombudsmen in this series, all of whom were on the front lines during the COVID outbreak. Our goal in this series...

Margorie Logman is a long-time resident of Aurora, IL. At first glance she looks like the picture of successful aging in community, living in her own home and enjoying the freedom to get involved and give back to her community. But Marjorie’s path to community living wasn’t always smooth. At the age of 73, Marjorie is on a mission to disrupt long-term care because of her own harrowing experience l...

This episode gives you an immersive view of what it was like to live in long-term care during the COVID lockdown. Gretchen went into the facility and interviewed two residents about what it was like before, during and after the lockdowns. This podcast shines a light on the struggles and challenges facing long-term care residents and aims to inspire advocacy and change around policies and practices...