This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World Podcast with Dr. MELISSA BATCHELOR

Language and imagery shape how aging is perceived, influencing public opinion, policies, and community support. In this episode of This Is Getting Old: Moving Toward an Age-Friendly World , Dr. Melissa Batchelor and Hannah Albers from the National Center to Reframe Aging discuss research-backed strategies to communicate about aging in ways that reduce ageism and highlight older adults' contributio...

By 2030, adults over 65 will outnumber children in the U.S., yet only one percent of homes meet basic accessibility standards. What does that mean for the future of aging in our communities? In this episode, AARP's Shannon Guzman explains why most neighborhoods weren't built with aging in mind and how we can change that. We explore the AARP Livability Index, a tool that measures how communities su...

By the end of this decade, one in five Americans will be over 65—and for the first time in U.S. history, older adults will outnumber children. In this episode of This Is Getting Old , futurist and author Bradley Schurman explains why ageism is bad for business and how ignoring demographic change could quietly undermine success. We explore how businesses and communities can benefit by embracing old...

What if one of the best solutions to America's biggest challenges—like health, loneliness, and the economy—was as simple as letting people work longer if they want to? In this episode of This is Getting Old , Tim Driver shares why extending opportunities for older adults to remain in the workforce benefits individuals, employers, and society as a whole. Drawing on data, surveys, and real-world exa...

In this episode of This Is Getting Old: Moving Toward an Age-Friendly World , I welcome Ashton Applewhite, a leading voice in the global movement against ageism. Ashton challenges the cultural myths that equate aging and disability with decline, showing how these biases harm us all in health care, the workplace, and even in the way we see ourselves. Her talk, Still Kicking: Confronting Ageism and...

During the George Washington University Center for Aging, Health, and Humanities' Age-Friendly Ecosystem Summit, Lindsay Goldman, CEO of Grantmakers in Aging (GIA), delivered a presentation titled Aging is Living: The Case for Investing in Aging . She highlighted how aging intersects with every philanthropic priority, from health and housing to transportation and caregiving, and emphasized that fu...

The Regional Older Adults Facility Mental Health Support Team (RAFT) in Northern Virginia has been helping older adults with mental illness and dementia remain in their communities for more than a decade. With a multidisciplinary team that includes social workers, counselors, psychiatrists, and nurses, RAFT provides intensive support such as case management, therapy, medication oversight, and care...

Getting a dementia diagnosis is one of the most emotional moments in healthcare—for patients, families, and clinicians. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Melissa Armstrong, a neurologist and dementia researcher, to explore how to approach that conversation with clarity, compassion, and the right tools. We talk about the importance of early diagnosis, how to support both patients and caregivers, a...

As the number of older adults living with dementia continues to rise, hospitals must adapt to meet their unique needs. A dementia-friendly hospital incorporates evidence-based strategies to reduce risks such as falls, confusion, and readmissions. At UNC Health in North Carolina, a comprehensive initiative led by the Division of Geriatric Medicine and the Center for Aging and Health included interd...

Could home sharing be the answer to rising housing costs and loneliness among older adults? This timely question opens the door to an important conversation about aging, affordability, and community. Today, nearly 1 in 3 older adults struggle with housing costs—and projections show that rent burdens and homelessness among adults 65+ will rise sharply in the next decade. With limited affordable opt...

Are zero traffic deaths possible? This thought-provoking question sparks a crucial conversation about road safety and the future of transportation. As we continue to grapple with the devastating consequences of traffic accidents, it's essential to explore the possibilities of a world where zero traffic deaths are the norm. From advanced safety features to innovative infrastructure designs, we'll d...

Is aging really inevitable—or have we just accepted it as fact? In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Julian Gershon, triple-board-certified physician and author of Beyond the Fountain of Youth , for a deep (and surprisingly fun) dive into what it really takes to live longer, feel younger, and reclaim energy you thought was long gone. Dr. Gershon blends advanced medical training with a deeply human...

Feeling blindsided by perimenopause? You're not alone! Dr. Betty Murray joins me to break the silence on menopause, debunk myths, and share real solutions for navigating this transition with confidence. Whether you're struggling with brain fog, weight gain, or mood swings, this episode will help you take back control of your health and feel your best.  

What happens when critical aging services are put on the chopping block? The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is facing major restructuring, potentially dismantling key programs that support older adults and individuals with disabilities. In this episode, Howard Gleckman and Alison Bankoff explain why this decision matters—not just for seniors, but for families, caregivers, and communitie...

The Future of Nursing Homes: Smarter Training & Stronger Partnerships For decades, nursing homes have struggled with staffing shortages and outdated training models. But what if we could change that? The Teaching Nursing Home Collaborative is an innovative program connecting schools of nursing with nursing homes to provide better training, improve workforce development, and enhance residents' qual...

In this episode, I speak with Cameron Huddleston, a financial expert specializing in protecting older adults from financial exploitation. Cameron explains the two primary types of financial abuse—scams from strangers and exploitation by people the victim knows—and discusses how quickly financial abuse can happen, particularly in caregiving situations. She offers practical advice for families trans...

In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World , financial expert Cameron Huddleston shares essential tips for recognizing and preventing scams targeting older adults. Scammers have become more sophisticated, using fear, urgency, and emotional manipulation to steal personal information, drain bank accounts, and isolate victims. From tech support and romance scams to i...

Finding Love in Dementia with Dangle & Dot | This is Getting Old Podcast Can people with dementia form new romantic relationships? What about caregivers—how do they navigate love while supporting a loved one? In this episode, I'm joined by Dangle & Dot to explore love, companionship, and relationships in the context of cognitive decline. We'll discuss key ethical issues like consent, dignity, and...

When words fail, love still remains. In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, I sit down with Dangle & Dot to explore the power of love and connection in dementia care. We discuss how small moments—a smile, a touch, or a favorite song—help maintain deep relationships even when words become difficult. Learn how caregivers can adapt love languages, practice patie...

In this episode, I talk with Brandon Davis about the Davis Focus Project, an innovative mental health program using neurofeedback to help veterans overcome challenges like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Brandon explains how neurofeedback works by mapping the brain, identifying dysregulated areas, and providing real-time feedback to help the brain self-correct. This non-invasive approach allows ind...

In this episode, Dr. Melissa Batchelor dives into the future of assisted living with Shaun Toomey of Inspir Embassy Row, a premier luxury senior living and memory care community. Discover how cutting-edge technology and personalized care are setting a new standard for older adults. Learn about the innovative services offered by Inspir and the role of age-friendly initiatives in shaping a more incl...

Are you caring for a loved one with dementia and wondering how to make the most of your time together? Walking can be a great way to spend quality time with your loved one while also promoting their physical and mental well-being. In this episode, we'll explore 3 tips for walking together. Tune in to learn how you can make walking with your loved one a positive and enjoyable experience for both of...

When Dementia Patients Stop Eating: A Caregiver's Guide to Support and Comfort Caring for a loved one with dementia is an emotional journey, and one of the most difficult challenges is when they stop eating or drinking. This heartbreaking transition often signals the later stages of the disease, leaving caregivers feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. In this blog post, we'll explore: Why...

In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World , I sit down with Brittany Olson, an expert in Feng Shui and interior design. Brittany shares her insights on creating spaces that promote harmony and balance, highlighting how Feng Shui can be a powerful tool for enhancing well-being. We explore practical tips for arranging furniture, selecting colors, and using natural...

As Alzheimer's disease progresses, changes in touch—like the return of the palmar reflex and loss of fine motor skills—can make eating difficult for individuals with dementia. In this video, I share two key sensory changes that impact mealtimes and four practical strategies to help your loved one eat more easily and comfortably. From the overhand and underhand techniques to introducing finger food...