Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®

Exploring Mindfulness Meditation for Older Adults

Explore the power of mindfulness meditation with Georgia Larounis, a certified mindfulness instructor, in this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®.

Georgia shares her 18-year journey with mindfulness and discusses its numerous benefits, especially for older adults. Learn how mindfulness can boost your immune system, control pain, improve sleep, increase attention span, and lower blood pressure.

Discover practical tips to start your own meditation practice and incorporate mindfulness into everyday activities. Georgia addresses common misconceptions about mindfulness and provides valuable resources for those interested in learning more.

As a special treat, the episode concludes with a guided body scan meditation led by Georgia herself. Experience firsthand the calming effects of mindfulness and learn a technique you can use anytime to ground yourself in the present moment.

Whether you're new to mindfulness or looking to deepen your practice, this episode offers valuable insights for aging with vitality, independence, growth, and resilience.

Connect with Georgia Larounis:

• Email: glarounis@comcast.net
• Phone: 215-962-4430
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgia-larounis-5583331b7/
• https://dayvibes.org/about/our-team/

Links to resources mentioned in the episode:

• Jefferson Health: https://www.jeffersonhealth.org/conditions-and-treatments/mindfulness-based-stress-reduction/mindfulness/mbsr-guided-practices
• Penn Medicine: https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/find-a-program-or-service/mindfulness/program-offerings/participant-resources
• UC San Diego: https://cih.ucsd.edu/mindfulness/guided-audio-video

Follow Friends Life Care: 

• https://www.friendslifecare.org/  
• https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/  
• https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/ 
• https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/ 

(C) 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved. 

#HonestlyAging #FriendsLifeCare #VibrantAging #Aging #AgingWell #OlderAdults #Podcast #MindfulnessMediation #HealthyAging #Wellness #Mindfulness #Meditation #MindfulAging

Living Longer, Living Better: How Older Adults Can Break Ageist Barriers

David Stewart has spent the past decade profiling older adults and breaking ageist barriers. In this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, he shares his insights on:

The five pillars of super aging and how to implement them Challenging societal expectations for the 50+ demographic The impact of increased longevity on individuals and society Navigating encore careers and overcoming ageism in the workplace The importance of staying curious, useful, and connected as we age

David offers practical advice for aging with vitality, curiosity, and resilience. Whether you're approaching retirement or simply interested in the future of aging, this conversation provides valuable insights on making the most of life's later chapters.

Resources: David Stewart, AGEIST, SuperAge Podcast:

https://www.ageist.com/ 

https://superage.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-harry-stewart-0127466/ 

https://www.facebook.com/weareageist 

https://www.instagram.com/weareageist 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ageist/ 

https://twitter.com/weareageist

https://www.tiktok.com/@ageist.magazine

Friends Life Care:

https://www.friendslifecare.org/

https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/

https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/

#friendslifecare #honestlyaging #vibrantaging #agesit #longevity #agepositive #olderadults #superage #aging #lifestyle #vitality #encorecareers #resilience #agewithpurpose #purpose #staycurious #ageism

Comfort in Transition: The Art and Heart of End-of-Life Doula Care

In this episode of the Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR® podcast, we talk with Lori Rizzo, an experienced End-of-Life Doula and Certified Dementia Practitioner. Lori, who runs Compassionate Crossings, provides emotional, physical, and spiritual support to individuals and families facing the end of life. Lori shares her deeply personal journey into the field, which began with her own experience caring for her mother and explains the role of an End-of-Life Doula in guiding individuals through this challenging phase.  

Through heartfelt conversation, Lori discusses the importance of legacy work, anticipatory grief, and how her holistic, non-medical approach provides peace and support to those facing death and their loved ones. Whether you're curious about end-of-life care, legacy planning, or simply seeking comfort in discussing this inevitable part of life, this episode offers insight, guidance, and inspiration.  

Tune in to learn more about how an End-of-Life Doula can transform the end-of-life experience into a meaningful, supported journey.  

Resources:  

Lori Rizzo: 

https://www.compassionatecrossingsdoula.com/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/compassionate-crossings-llc/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-rizzo/  

https://www.facebook.com/compassionatecrossingsllc/  

https://www.instagram.com/compassionate_crossings/ 

INELDA: https://inelda.org/  

Friends Life Care: 

https://www.friendslifecare.org/  

https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/  

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/ 

https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/ 

(C) 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved. 

#HonestlyAging #FriendsLifeCare #VibrantAging #Aging #AgingWell #OlderAdults #Podcast #EndOfLifeDoula #LegacyWork #CompassionateCrossings #DeathDoula #AnticipatoryGrief #HolisticCare #Podcast #HonestlyAging #LegacyPlanning 

Nutrition and Aging: Healthful Tips for Older Adults

In this episode of the Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR® podcast, we are joined by Nicole Bergoine, a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer with over 14 years of experience.

Nicole shares her insights on healthy nutrition specifically tailored to older adults. She offers practical tips on balancing meals, protein importance, hydration, bone health, and mindful eating. This episode also dives into nutrition strategies for managing common health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cognitive function.

Tune in for valuable advice on adopting healthier habits for vibrant aging!

Resources:

Nicole Bergoine:

• https://www.nicolemarierd.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/nicolemarierd
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-bergoine-rd-ldn-cpt-49221b21/ https://www.instagram.com/nicolemarietherd/

Websites mentioned during the episode:

• https://www.myfitnesspal.com/
• https://www.eatingwell.com/
• https://bluezoneskitchen.com/
• https://www.fooducate.com/
• https://www.myplate.gov/

Friends Life Care:

• https://www.friendslifecare.org/
• https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/
• https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/
• https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/

#friendslifecare #honestlyaging #vibrantaging #olderadults #nutritiontips #healthyaging #dietitian #protein #hydration #bonehealth #mindfuleating #eattherainbow #podcast

© 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

Kicking Off Honestly Aging Season Two with Vibrant Aging

Welcome to Season 2 of the Honestly Aging Podcast! In this kickoff episode, we’re diving deep into the concept of Vibrant Aging, inspired by the heartfelt feedback from our Friends Life Care members. Join host Cheryl Proska, Joe Conner (Interim President and CEO), and Katie Starrantino (Director of Wellness Initiatives) as they unpack the results of a recent survey sent to Friends Life Care members, discussing the key factors that influence a positive aging journey.

In this episode, we explore: 

• The top decisions that have positively impacted Friends Life Care members' aging experiences. 

• How maintaining purpose and passion can be both a challenge and a success as we age. 

• The shift from "Triumphant Aging" to "Vibrant Aging" based on member feedback. 

• Exciting new Wellness programs designed to support health, relationships, and financial security. 

Tune in to hear how we’re integrating members valuable insights into our Wellness initiatives and what you can look forward to this season. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes!  

Resources:  

https://www.friendslifecare.org/about-us/management-team/joe-conner/  

https://www.friendslifecare.org/about-us/care-coordinators/katie-starrantino/  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephconner/  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-starrantino-lcsw-m-ed-cdp-387129224/  

https://www.friendslifecare.org/  

https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/  

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/ 

https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/ 

(C) 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved. 

#HonestlyAging #FriendsLifeCare #VibrantAging #Aging #AgingWell #OlderAdults #Wellness #Podcast #HealthyAging #Purpose #Passion #AgingJourney  

Honestly Aging Season Two Coming Soon

Hello Honestly Aging listeners and friends! It’s Cheryl Proska here, your podcast host, checking in to thank you for making Season One a success and to share exciting updates about Season Two!  

In Season One, we explored vital topics like solo aging, brain health, resilience, and more, with insights from aging services experts, Friends Life Care members, and my amazing colleagues.   

Season Two kicks off on September 18th with a focus on Vibrant Aging. We’ll delve into engaging discussions on nutrition, age-related transitions, end-of-life planning, and much more. Don’t miss out!  

A special thanks to Nick Deterding for his stellar editing work and to the entire Friends Life Care community for your continued support. We’d love to hear your feedback and suggestions—email us at info@flcpartners.org. 

Subscribe to stay updated, and we’ll see you on September 18th!  

Website: https://www.friendslifecare.org/     
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/    
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/      
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/    

© 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.    

#HonestlyAging #VibrantAging #Podcast #SeasonTwo 

It’s a Wrap! Closing Thoughts on Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR® Season One

Thank you to all our listeners and guests for a stellar first season of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®.

In our closing episode, we’re joined by Jay Hilliard, Friends Life Care Plan Counselor, to get his take on some topics covered throughout the season. Jay also discusses his experiences as an unpaid caregiver, a Friends Life Care member, and consulting with solo agers about Friends Life Care membership.

Jay has been with Friends Life Care for 20 years. Before joining Friends Life Care, he was a long-term care insurance broker for five years. Previously, he worked in sales in the textile industry and for the United States Chamber of Commerce. Jay coaches ice hockey and helps run hockey clinics for goalies. He has two sons with his wife, Sandra, from Glasgow, Scotland. Jay is also a Friends Life Care member.

Resources:

https://www.friendslifecare.org/about-us/plan-counselors/jay-hilliard/

(C) 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

#honestlyaging #friendslifecare #soloagers #soloaging #aging #olderadults #caregiving #longtermcare #thankyou #seasonone #podcastepisode #caregivingjourney #agingwell #lifecareplanning #hockeycoach #caregiversupport #agingcommunity #podcastlisteners #familycaregivers #healthadvocate #selfcare #advocate #mentalhealth #holistichealth #podcastinterview #podcastcommunity #healthandwellness

The Art of Chi Walking: Where to Begin

In this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Carol Bilek joins us to discuss Chi Walking - a practice that combines walking with the principles of Tai Chi. Carol is a certified Chi Walking instructor and shares her journey of discovering Chi Walking after dealing with injuries and mobility challenges.

She explains how Chi Walking differs from traditional walking, focusing on engaging the core, aligning the body, and moving in harmony with nature's forces like gravity. Carol highlights the numerous mental and physical health benefits of Chi Walking, including improved balance, endurance, breathing, mood, and injury prevention.

Throughout the interview, Carol provides insightful tips for getting started with Chi Walking, such as:

• Focusing on body alignment and engaging the core
• Adjusting to a natural, shorter stride
• Allowing gravity to pull you forward rather than pushing with the legs
• Starting on flat terrain and gradually progressing
• Incorporating a metronome to increase walking cadence

She also shares inspirational stories of students who overcame mobility fears and knee issues through Chi Walking. Whether you're an avid walker looking to improve technique or seeking a low-impact exercise for overall wellness, this conversation offers valuable guidance on embracing the mindful movement of Chi Walking.

At the end, Carol invites listeners to connect with her for private lessons, group workshops, or more information on getting started. Carol and Cheryl also go for a Chi Walk.

Resources:

Chi Walking and Carol:

https://chiliving.com/instructor/wholewomanpacarolverizon-net/

https://www.friendslifecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Carol-Bilek-Chi-Walking-Flyer.pdf https://hellowestchesterpa.com/2024/01/30/walk-this-way-retired-west-chester-educator-wants-to-keep-you-moving/

https://youtu.be/UhDWUdu7K3o

wholewomanpacarol@verizon.net

Office: 610-431-3266

Mobile: 610-724-7218

Friends Life Care:

https://www.friendslifecare.org/

https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/

https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/

© 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

Coaching for Dementia Caregivers: A Holistic Approach

On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, we’re joined by Emily Gavin, a dementia care expert, occupational therapist, and caregiver coach to discuss:

• The significance of occupational therapy in dementia care. 
• Practical strategies for caregivers to handle common challenges like repetitive questioning and resistance to care. 
• Tailored advice for caregivers to manage their stress and self-care. 
• Building and utilizing a support network to alleviate caregiver burden. 
• Emily’s personal journey and success stories in dementia caregiving. 

Emily has dedicated her career to improving dementia care through her practice, program development, and training for dementia professionals. Emily now leads Philly Care Coaching, where she equips family caregivers with the essential knowledge and skills to ease their caregiving journey and enhance relationships with their loved ones.

Resources: 

PhillyCare Coaching and Emily Gavin: 
Website: https://phillycarecoaching.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093197558689   

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-s-gavin-ms-otr-l-94966454/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillycarecoaching/   

Mentioned by Emily: 
Teepa Snow: https://www.youtube.com/@teepasnowvideos 

Skills2Care®: https://www.dementiacollaborative.com/pages/skills2care-certification 

Promoting Participation: Engaging Individuals Living with Dementia in Meaningful Activities: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CY439ZCQ 

Friends Life Care:   

Website: https://www.friendslifecare.org/    

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/   

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/     

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/   

© 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

#honestlyaging #friendslifecare #soloagers #soloaging #aging #olderadults #dementiacare #occupationaltherapy #caregiversupport #dementiaawareness #emilygavin #phillycarecoaching #healthandwellbeing 

Navigating Late-Life Care: Insights for Older Adults and Their Loved Ones

“The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining,” John F. Kennedy.

Preparing for late-life care can be daunting and filled with topics no one particularly wants to talk about. Ellen Donovan, founder of One Life Consulting, has spent her career having these conversations with older adults and their loved ones.

On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Ellen offers guidance on planning for late-life care, dealing with crises when planning hasn’t occurred, and resources for solo agers.

We also cover care costs and the importance of self-care for those in caregiver roles.

Resources:

One Life Consulting:

https://www.onelifeadvocates.com/

https://www.facebook.com/OneLifeAdvocates/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellen-donovan-rn-bsn-rac-ct-697656202/

https://twitter.com/Ellen_OneLife

Friends Life Care:

https://www.friendslifecare.org/

https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/

https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/

© 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

#honestlyaging #friendslifecare #soloagers #soloaging #aging #olderadults #LateLifeCare #FamilyConversations #CaregiverSupport #FinancialPlanning #OneLifeConsulting #PodcastDiscussion #CrisisManagement #RNSeniorCareConsultant #FamilyDynamics #CostofCare #Author #Advocacy