The Age Guide: Perspectives on the Aging Journey

Aging happens to all of us, yet ageism remains one of the most accepted forms of bias in our society. In a special Ageism Awareness Day episode, Gretchen talks with Jeanette Leardi, social gerontologist and author of Aging Sideways. Drawing from both research and personal experience as a family caregiver, Jeanette challenges the myths and misconceptions that shape how our culture views aging and i...

In this episode of Aging Well, Dr. Tanvi Bhatt, Professor of Physical Therapy at the University of Illinois Chicago, and Alaine Kvedaras, AgeGuide’s Health Promotion and Education Specialist, explore why falls are not an inevitable part of aging and what we can do to reduce your risk. Dr. Bhatt explains the science behind balance, including the important difference between maintaining balance duri...

In this episode of Aging Well, Gretchen Knowlton welcomes Courtney Hedderman, Senior Associate Director for Advocacy and Outreach at AARP Illinois, and a leading voice in fraud prevention. As scams become increasingly sophisticated and costly, Courtney shares why fraud can happen to anyone and how criminals are using technology, artificial intelligence, emotional manipulation, and impersonation ta...

In this episode of Aging Well, we have Christina Peoples, a gerontologist, educator, speaker, health promotion coordinator, and founder of Gero-What?, a digital platform making conversations about aging more relatable, inclusive, and accessible. Through her work, Christina challenges ageism, amplifies historically marginalized voices, and centers the experiences and wisdom of Black elders. Christi...

In this episode of Aging Well , host Gretchen Knowlton talks with Billy Rogers, the President of Golden Rainbows of Illinois South and a longtime advocate for the LQBTQ+ community. Drawing on more than 40 years of experience, Billy shares powerful insights into the realities LGBTQ+ older adults face today, from isolation and healthcare distrust to the ongoing need for safe, welcoming spaces.  List...

As we age, mental health becomes just as important as physical health, yet it’s often overlooked, misunderstood, or dismissed as a normal part of getting older. In this episode of Aging Well , we hear from Robyn Golden, Associate Vice President of Social Work and Community Health at Rush University Medical Center and Caryn Blanton, Program Manager at the E4 Center of Excellence for Behavioral Heal...

As Americans live longer than ever, too many are aging without financial security, health supports, or clear pathways to thrive. To continue exploring what it truly means to age well, we’re joined by Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO of the National Council on Aging, and a leading national voice on aging policy, economic security, and equity. In this episode, Ramsey unpacks why longevity is one of t...

In this episode of Aging Well , Bob Blancato, national advocate for older adults and expert in nutrition and aging policy, explores the critical role nutrition plays in supporting healthy aging and strengthening communities. This episode examines how nutrition intersects healthcare, social services, and public policy, and why improving access to healthy food is essential for preventing chronic dis...

  In this episode of Aging Well, Ryann Hill, Aging Policy and Advocacy Expert, shares the realities facing older adults and caregivers today and offers guidance on how listeners can take meaningful action.   This episode explores how aging policy brings people together across party lines, how to effectively and confidently engage your legislators, and why the Older Americans Act continues to serve...

In this episode of Aging Well , we talk with advocate and researcher Kris Geerken about how ageism and ableism shape the way we experience aging and healthcare. Drawing on her hospice work, her research at Virginia Commonwealth University, and advocacy with Changing the Narrative, Kris explores how age bias often goes unnoticed in medical settings and why stronger gerontology training is essential...

In this episode of Aging Well , we sit down with Dr. Israel Cross, Public Health Gerontologist and President of the National Aging in Place Council. Drawing on his experience as both an aging network professional and family caregiver, Dr. Cross reframes aging as a natural continuum rather than a crisis and highlights why caregivers are essential partners in our aging infrastructure.   We explore t...

In this episode, we get the opportunity to take a deep dive with Dr. Raj Shah of Rush University Medical Center exploring ideas revolving around brain health, caregiving, and what it truly means to age well. Drawing from decades of dementia research and community-based work, Dr. Shah reflects on the power of connection, the role of care partners, and how belonging shapes our health across the life...

To launch our new season on Aging Well, we’re joined by Ken Stern, nationally recognized expert on longevity, author, founder of the Longevity Project, and host of the podcast Century Lives.   In this episode we explore how longer lives challenge the way we think about the second half of life and prompt us to reimagine every aspect of society, from education and work to community and connection. K...

With Ageism Awareness Day approaching, the final episode of Aging Unfiltered features Jan Golden, founder of Age Friendly Vibes , and Sara Breindel, Communications Specialist and Ageism Consultant with the American Society on Aging. Jan shares how a contest for anti-ageist birthday cards led her to create an age-positive greeting card company, while Sara recalls the moment she realized how subtle...

In this episode of Aging Unfiltered, we explore what it really means to create an age-friendly workplace. Marla Fronczak, CEO of AgeGuide, Jeri Colucy, Director of Operations, Finance & Human Resources, and Dr. Brian Kaskie, Professor at the University of Iowa, come together to share personal stories, research insights, and practical strategies to build inclusive work environments that support...

In this episode, welcome Arielle Galinsky, Harvard Kennedy School MPP candidate, CEO and co‑founder of The Legacy Project Inc., and Teen Vogue contributor, to discuss the power of intergenerational advocacy. Arielle shares her personal journey, from her passion for aging policy to co‑founding The Legacy Project at Tufts, where college students interview and build friendships with older adults to p...

Welcome to another episode of Aging Unfiltered . In this episode, we are honored to welcome Ashton Applewhite to the podcast for a great conversation about pushing back against ageism. Ashton is a passionate advocate, writer, and thought leader whose work focuses on dismantling ageism and promoting a more inclusive, vibrant vision of aging. She is also the author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto A...

Welcome to another episode of Aging Unfiltered . In this episode, we dive into an important topic: employment after age 55, and the unique challenges older adults face in the job market. It was a privilege to welcome Elizabeth White to the podcast to discuss this pressing issue. Elizabeth is a leading voice in the movement for economic justice and a champion for older adults navigating the complex...

Welcome to another episode of Aging Unfiltered . In this episode, we have an important conversation about the intersection of aging, race, and representation. It was a privilege to welcome Raymond A. Jetson to the podcast to talk about this important subject. He’s a visionary leader, a changemaker, and the force behind Aging While Black and MetroMorphosis . Raymond has spent his life dedicated to...

Welcome to another episode of Aging Unfiltered. In this episode, we learn more about Dementia Friendly America (DFA) and how its work is focused on creating communities that are inclusive and supportive of individuals living with dementia. Joining us are Sandy Marwood, CEO of USAging and Mary Ek, Director of Community Care Corps and Dementia Friendly America at USAging. Through education, advocacy...

Welcome to another episode in our series entitled: "Aging Unfiltered". In this episode, we talk to Dana Griffin, who is the Co-Founder and CEO of Eldera, a groundbreaking global platform connecting older and younger generations through meaningful conversations and wisdom sharing. Eldera operates on the profound belief that older adults are an untapped resource, uniquely equipped to addre...

Welcome to another episode in our series entitled: "Aging Unfiltered". In this episode, we talk to Shari Foos, a psychotherapist, educator, activist, writer, a former punk rock star, and the founder of The Narrative Method, a nonprofit program that promotes human connection by increasing empathy and tolerance. Join us as we speak about intergenerational connections and ageism on a deep a...

Welcome to our second episode in our series entitled: "Aging Unfiltered". In this episode, we address the challenges of ageism in the workplace and its impact on job seekers of all ages. Age bias can affect hiring decisions, career advancement, and workplace culture in ways that are often damaging. Join us as we speak with Janine Vanderburg a passionate anti-ageism advocate and the CEO o...

This is our first episode in our new Series entitled: "Aging Unfiltered". Through this podcast series, we are spreading the word about ageism, and we’re kicking it off intentionally on Ageism Awareness Day, October 9th. Today, we dive into the pervasive issue of ageism—how it shapes our perceptions of aging and how it influences our lives. Join us as we talk to Dr. Tracey Gendron, and ex...

The Great Reconnection: The Heart of Community – Senior Services Associates   This month, we're celebrating Senior Center Month, and today we're focusing on a vital resource that is the heart of community: Multipurpose Senior Centers. In the final episode of our series, “The Great Reconnection,” Gretchen and Minnie discuss the essential role these centers play in supporting older adults...