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

Caring for a loved one with dementia who struggles with eating can be challenging, as sensory changes in taste and smell often lead to a loss of interest in food. These changes occur because dementia damages brain areas responsible for processing smell and taste, such as the olfactory bulb and hippocampus, and is further impacted by protein buildups like amyloid plaques. To address these challenge...

How Hearing and Language Changes in Dementia Impact Eating | Tips for Caregivers Alzheimer's disease and other dementias impact every aspect of life, including how a person hears and understands language. In this episode, Dr. Melissa Batchelor explores how these changes can make eating independently a challenge—and shares practical strategies to help. ✨ Topics Covered: How hearing loss and audito...

In this episode of This is Getting Old , Dr. Melissa sits down with David Burke, the founder of NxtGen Care, to discuss how social engagement and movement are vital for healthy aging. David highlights how staying connected with others and maintaining regular physical activity are key factors in promoting cognitive health, emotional well-being, and overall longevity. He shares a touching story of a...

One of the most concerning and puzzling symptoms of Alzheimer's is when a person stops being able to eat independently. Without adequate support, this could lead to malnutrition, weight loss, and a decline in overall health. In this video, you will learn how changes in vision impact a person living with dementia's ability to feed themselves.  As Alzheimer's disease progresses, changes in vision ca...

In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World , I'm joined by Nancy (Dangle) and Kat (Dot), two incredible women with valuable insights into dementia care. Together, we explore the emotional challenges of caregiving, particularly how important non-verbal communication can be when building meaningful connections with loved ones living with dementia. Nancy shares her p...

In "Dementia Caregiving: How to Prepare for Health Crisis (2024)," we provide essential strategies for caregivers managing the complexities of dementia care. Preparing for unexpected health crises can ease the burden on both the caregiver and the person with dementia. This episode covers vital aspects like maintaining caregiver health, emotional preparedness, and practical planning for financial,...

In this episode, we explore the critical risks of opioid use among seniors, including addiction, overdose, and the dangerous side effects that can worsen existing health conditions. We speak with David Reeser, CEO of OpiAID, to understand the impact of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) on aging parents and their families, highlighting why awareness is essential for everyone. OpiAID is revolutionizing OUD...

Are you navigating the dating scene after 50? Whether you're newly single or returning to the dating world after years, it can feel daunting, but also exciting! In this episode, I'm joined by Evan Marc Katz, a renowned dating coach with over 13,000 success stories, to explore how to find love and meaningful connections later in life. We discuss the challenges and joys of modern dating over 50, how...

In today's fast-paced world, numerous diet trends promise to enhance health and longevity, but true wellness stems from understanding the science behind our food choices. This episode examines three popular diets—intermittent fasting, the Mediterranean diet, and the ketogenic diet—and their impact on aging. Intermittent fasting, which alternates between eating and fasting periods, is praised for w...

Caring for an aging loved one can feel overwhelming, especially when you're unsure where to start. Many older adults express a desire to "age in place," but it's critical to assess whether staying at home is still a safe and realistic option for them. My "Care Options Checklist" offers a clear framework for evaluating important factors such as mobility, cognitive health, and their ability to manag...

Choosing the right nursing home for a loved one requires careful attention to both care quality and financial considerations. When visiting a facility, be sure to observe how residents are treated, whether they're well-cared for, and if the environment is clean and welcoming. Ask about staff-to-resident ratios, especially on different shifts, and the turnover rate of nursing assistants, which can...

Prescription bottles can be tough to open, especially for those with dexterity challenges. Enter SnapSlide, an innovative solution designed for easy, one-handed medication access. CEO Rocky Batzel was inspired to create SnapSlide after watching his grandmother struggle with child-resistant bottles, common among older adults with conditions like arthritis. SnapSlide's ergonomic, child-proof design...

Emergencies and natural disasters can be particularly dangerous for older adults and individuals with Alzheimer's disease, making proper preparedness essential. Caregivers should focus on maintaining calm and offering reassurance during high-stress situations, sticking to familiar routines and providing comfort items to reduce confusion. Clear communication using simple language, avoiding sensory...

In this episode, I sit down with Neal Shah, CEO of CareYaya, to explore how this innovative platform provides affordable, high-quality caregiving for aging adults. CareYaya connects families with healthcare students eager to gain real-world experience while supporting seniors with companionship and daily tasks. Learn how CareYaya, often dubbed "the Uber of caregiving," is revolutionizing the indus...

Are you looking for practical strategies to navigate an ever-changing world as you age? In this episode, we dive deep with Bradley Schurman, demographic strategist and author of The Super Age. Bradley shares his expertise on how longevity and demographic change are reshaping the economy, businesses, and even our homes. With years of research on aging trends and their impact on society, Bradley off...

In this inspiring episode, I interview Nancy and Kat, also known as "Dangle and Dot," who share their unique and positive perspectives on living with and caring for those with Alzheimer's disease. Nancy, diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's in 2013, speaks about how her diagnosis became a new beginning rather than an end. She emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and shares how writing po...

In today's rapidly evolving marketplace, being an age-friendly business is not just a nice-to-have—it's a game-changer. But what exactly does it mean to be age-friendly? It means tailoring your business to meet the needs of the new consumer majority: people over the age of 40, the group holding the most wealth in our society today. In our latest episode of "This is Getting Old," we dive deep into...

Did you know that 64% of new businesses are started by people over age 40? In this insightful interview, we sit down with Christy Owens, the innovative mind behind uTap2. Christy shares her journey from the printing industry to pioneering digital business cards, highlighting the unique features and customer-centric approach of her product. In this episode we discover how uTap2 is transforming the...

Understanding Pelvic Floor Disorders and New Technology for Strengthening Your Pelvic Floor Pelvic floor disorders, particularly urinary incontinence, affect approximately 6-10% of the population, and they are often associated with the weakening of pelvic floor muscles. This condition can lead to involuntary urine leakage, which can significantly impact a person's quality of life. However, it's im...

"Smoking or having more than two alcoholic drinks per day can contribute to bone loss." —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN WHAT IS OSTEOPENIA AND OSTEOPOROSIS?   Losing height and bone density are serious health concerns that often go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred.   With 40 to 50 million Americans living with osteopenia or osteoporosis, the impact of these conditions i...

"Understanding and addressing Functional Cognitive Disorder (FCD) is an emerging field of science." —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN It's usually a good idea to get an evaluation when experiencing issues with concentration, attention, or memory. Recognizing the differences between various cognitive disorders is crucial for appropriate management and care. LEARN ABOUT FUNCTIONAL COGNITI...

"The gut microbiome is believed to hold the key to healthy aging." —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN The secret to aging well may lie within our gut. Scientists have discovered that maintaining gut health is crucial for overall well-being, including brain health. In this episode, we'll explore the gut microbiome, what it is, and how to keep yours thriving. WHAT IS THE GUT MICROBIOME? Th...

"Many nursing homes are owned by private equity firms that modify operations to maximize profits." —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN   Nursing homes provide essential care for older adults who need more help than family and friends can give. During the COVID-19 pandemic, over 200,000 residents and staff died , exposing serious problems in these facilities.    Recently, the Centers for M...

"Be prepared for agitation and anxiety; have snacks, water, and distractions ready" —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN   Traveling with a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease can be challenging, but with the right preparation, it can also be a smooth and enjoyable experience. In this episode, I provide five essential tips to help make your journey more comfortable and less stressful.  ...

"Meaningful relationships and social connections are essential components of our overall health" —Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN   Many of us deeply value our connections to family, friends, and our wider community, understanding that these relationships are crucial for our mental and emotional health. Renowned athletes like Michael Phelps have emphasized the importance of these conne...