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We’re all getting older. We might as well embrace it. Join Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR® in exploring what it’s like to get older. Host Cheryl Proska walks with you on the winding road of aging. The peaks. The valleys. And everything in between. This is what aging looks like. Real people. Real stories. Real advice. Let’s grow old, together.
Episodes
Wednesday Apr 24, 2024
The Power of Reinventing Yourself
Wednesday Apr 24, 2024
Wednesday Apr 24, 2024
Throughout his life and career, Fred Dawson has reinvented himself again and again.
Fred spent his first career with the Dupont company as a professional engineer in various engineering assignments. Moving on, he started his own consulting company and then had a third career in architectural design and building residential homes. Now in his retirement, Fred’s discovered his passion for writing. Fred is also a Friends Life Care member.
On this episode of Friends Life Care VigR®, we dive into the power of reinventing yourself. We cover Fred’s life and career transitions, overcoming obstacles, lessons learned, and advice anyone can use on a journey of reinvention.
#honestlyaging #friendslifecare #soloagers #aging #olderadults #vitality #independence #growth #resilience #stories #advice #advocate #podcast #reinvention #careertransitions #overcomingobstacles #lifelessons #writingpassion #retirementlife #selfdiscovery #lifejourney #personalgrowth #professionaldevelopment #engineering #consulting #architecturaldesign #inspiration #motivation #successstory #reinventyourself #reinvent
Wednesday Apr 10, 2024
Respecting Wisdom: Addressing Bullying in Older Adults
Wednesday Apr 10, 2024
Wednesday Apr 10, 2024
Despite being associated with childhood, bullying is not limited to adolescence. In fact, it can persist throughout life and take on new, often subtle forms as we age.
On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Kathy Rusch, a medical advocate with the Women’s Center of Montgomery County, joins us for a candid conversation that uncovers the hidden world of bullying that affects older adults.
In her role as a medical advocate, Kathy plans, executes, tracks, and monitors outreach on domestic violence services and training.
Prior to her position with the Women’s Center of Montgomery County, Kathy spent many years as the District Office Manager for the PA House of Republican Caucus. In addition, Kathy has experience in grant writing, fundraising, real estate, and journalism. She also holds an Associate’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
Resources:
Women’s Center of Montgomery County, joins us for a candid conversation that uncovers the hidden world of bullying that affects older adults. In her role as a medical advocate, Kathy plans, executes, tracks, and monitors outreach on domestic violence services and training. Prior to her position with the Women’s Center of Montgomery County, Kathy spent many years as the District Office Manager for the PA House of Republican Caucus. In addition, Kathy has experience in grant writing, fundraising, real estate, and journalism. She also holds an Associate’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
Resources:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathyrusch/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/women-s-center-of-montgomery-county-a014211a6/ https://www.facebook.com/WomensCenterofMontgomeryCounty
https://www.instagram.com/womenscentermc/
#honestlyaging #friendslifecare #soloagers #soloaging #aging #olderadults #vitality #independence #growth #resilience #stories #advice #advocate #podcast #bullyingbeyondyouth #agingwithdignity #endelderbullying #bullyingawareness #bullyingprevention #speakupagainstbullying #elderlyempowerment #breakthecycle #ageismawareness #respectyourelders #elderlyrights #bullyingunmasked #seniorsupport #bullyingawarenessmonth #empowerolderadults #kindnessknowsnoage #standagainstbullying #seniorcitizenrespect #agewithgrace #safeaging #inclusiveeldercare #seniorequality #compassionforseniors #bullyingneveracceptable #elderlyadvocacy
(C) 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday Mar 27, 2024
How Technology Can Support Aging in Place
Wednesday Mar 27, 2024
Wednesday Mar 27, 2024
Technology can support older adults who stay at home as they age. It can provide a safer environment, help maintain independence, and provide peace of mind for loved ones.
On this episode of Friends Life Care VigR®, Akshita Iyer, who is the CEO and founder of Ome, a technology company that built the world’s first Smart Stove Knob to make cooking safer, easier, and more enjoyable, joins me to discuss this increasingly hot topic.
Drawing from her experience in user behavior, cognitive psychology, and technology integration, Akshita is passionate about making technology less “techie,” particularly for older adults. With Ome, she has been building intuitive smart kitchen products that create a safer cooking environment for older adults — allowing them to maintain their independence and enjoy the health benefits of home-cooked meals, while providing peace of mind to their families and caregivers.
Her inspiration for reinventing the kitchen began when her mom left the stove on one too many times and started a kitchen fire. On a mission to develop a solution, Akshita assembled a team, appeared on Shark Tank, raised $3M in venture capital, and launched the Ome Smart Knob — the only smart device that can retrofit to your existing stove in minutes so you can monitor and control your burners from anywhere, anytime.
Akshita is passionate about the ways technology can improve people’s lives. Through Ome, she is helping to transform the way we cook and live in our homes — one kitchen at a time.
Resources:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/akshitaiyer/
https://www.facebook.com/omeforhome
https://www.instagram.com/omeforhome/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC013avoauMtwhTbbf6x15gg
https://www.tiktok.com/@ome.kitchen https://twitter.com/omeforhome
#honestlyaging #friendslifecare #soloagers #soloaging #aging #olderadults #vitality #independence #growth #resilience #stories #advice #advocate #podcast #technologyforseniors #aginginplace #elderlycare #smarthome #assistivetechnology #seniorliving #independentliving #peaceofmind #friendslifecare familycaregiving #smartdevices #innovativetech #healthtech #agetech #friendslifecare elderlysafety #homesafety #seniorcare #smartstove #ometech #honestlyaging #friendslifecare #vigr #akshitaiyer #ceointerview #techinnovation
(C) 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday Mar 13, 2024
Aging as Thriving: Embodied Mindset
Wednesday Mar 13, 2024
Wednesday Mar 13, 2024
The Alexander Technique is a powerful tool for change. By revealing harmful habits and redirecting them into optimal functioning, this method can help restore comfort, power, and ease in your everyday activities.
On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Ariel Weiss, a teaching member of Alexander Technique International shares the many benefits of the practice, especially as it relates to older adults.
Watch or listen and learn how the Alexander Technique can help cultivate a growth mindset, thrive as we age, and more.
Ariel Weiss watches how the world moves. Trained as a dancer and choreographer, she delights in helping her students move freely and has nurtured a lively private practice teaching Alexander Technique in Philadelphia since 1988.
In addition to her online classes and courses, Ariel teaches in person at her Center City and Delaware County studios, at The Curtis Institute of Music and Crosslands retirement community, and also coordinates a Wellness Program for surgeons at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
She presented her TEDX talk: Posture myth-busting in 2021 and is interested in bringing Alexander Technique to a wider audience centered on core values of belonging and agency. You can join her weekly class for seniors Move Free, Feel Free on Zoom Tuesdays at 10 am.
Resources:
- For more information check out her website: www.atphila.com.
- Watch her TEDX talk here: https://youtu.be/8LD0_2gKZZY?si=XJsrpkbpeNJZL0rc
- Follow AT Phila on FaceBook, Instagram and LinkedIn
- Watch her Friends Life Care 6 part workshop series “Living in Balance” here: https://www.youtube.com/@arielweiss8907/videos
- Register for her Tuesday online class here: https://calendly.com/atphila/move-free-feel-free?month=2024-03
(C) 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.
#AlexanderTechnique #ChangeYourHabits #OptimalFunctioning #ComfortAndEase #EverydayWellness #AgingGracefully #MindBodyConnection #HabitTransformation #WellBeingJourney #HealthyAging #SeniorHealth #FriendsLifeCare #HonestlyAging #ArielWeiss #MindfulMovement #PostureCorrection #SelfCare #MovementTherapy #BodyAwareness #HolisticHealth #WellnessJourney #FunctionalMovement #MindfulLiving #AgeWithGrace #HealthyHabits #SeniorWellness #BodyMindConnection #LifeTransitions #HealthAndWellness #Empowerment
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
Health Advocacy: Help Navigating the Complex Healthcare System
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
After practicing medicine for over 20 years, Dr. Carolyn Trend transitioned to a career in health advocacy, where she now specializes in working with middle-aged and older adults and their caregivers.
Throughout her career, Carolyn saw how complex and frustrating the healthcare system can be.
On today’s episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, she shares her professional and personal experiences with health advocacy and how a health advocate can help you navigate the complex and frustrating healthcare system.
Resources
- https://www.trendhealthadvocacy.com/
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolyn-trend-7195a325/
- https://umbrahealthadvocacy.com/
- https://nahac.com/
(C) 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.
#honestlyaging #friendslifecare #soloagers #soloaging #aging #olderadults #vitality #independence #growth #resilience #stories #advice #advocate #physicalhealth #podcast #wellness #healthcare #healthadvocate #patientadvocate #selfcare #patientadvocacy #patientsfirst #advocate #mentalhealth #patientexperience #holistichealth #patientvoice #patientrights #patientjourney #medicaladvocacy #healthadvocacy #podcastinterview #podcastcommunity #healthandwellness
Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
How to Handle the Physical Demands of Solo Aging
Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
As we age, our bodies and minds go through many changes. So, how can we stay fit as we get older?
Vaia Lappas-Gilchrist, M.Ed., DTR, CWP, CHWC, joins us for this important topic. She covers ways to maintain an active lifestyle as we age, why physical activity is so important for older adults, and demos five exercises she recommends for any body. As always, check with your doctor before starting any work out program.
Vaia is a Wellness Coordinator with Friends Life Care. She has been in the health and wellness field for over 25 years. She has worked in various settings, including hospitals, long-term care, fitness centers, corporate wellness, and spas, providing health and wellness education to multiple populations.
Vaia has a Master’s in Exercise Science and a Bachelor’s in Nutrition, Health & Fitness from Cleveland State University. She is an Exercise Physiologist, Registered Dietetic Technician and holds certifications as a Health and Wellness Coach and Wellness Practitioner. Vaia’s passion for health and wellness and her strong belief in disease prevention through achievable lifestyle changes motivate her to help others overcome barriers and reach their goals.
Resources:
https://www.friendslifecare.org/about-us/care-coordinators/vaia-lappas-gilchrist
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vaia-lappas-gilchrist-me-d-dtr-cwp-chwc-180272139/
https://www.friendslifecare.org/wellness-webinars/
https://www.friendslifecare.org/vigr-chats/
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/
(C) 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.
#honestlyaging #friendslifecare #soloagers #soloaging #aging #olderadults #over55 #vitality #independence #growth #resilience #stories #advice #advocate #physicalhealth #podcast #fitness #stayhealthy #health #healthylifestyle #wellness #healthy #motivation #workout #lifestyle #nutrition #exercise #healthcare #healthyliving #selfcare #life #mentalhealth
Wednesday Jan 31, 2024
Wednesday Jan 31, 2024
Sara Pilling spent her encore career as a standardized patient. This experience taught her how to talk to healthcare providers and advocate more effectively for herself.
Jennifer Schwartz, Sara’s Friends Life Care Wellness Coordinator, joins this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR for a co-interview. We learn what a standardized patient is, essential skills for this field of work, and lessons to take into our next healthcare appointment.
Sara Pilling spent her encore career as a standardized patient for the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners, University of Pennsylvania medical school, and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Along with being a constant source of income, her experience as a standardized patient helped Sara learn to talk to physicians and effectively advocate for herself. Sara is also a Friends Life Care member.
Jennifer Schwartz has 20 years of experience working for Philadelphia non-profits serving older adults and people with disabilities in roles including care manager and long-term care ombudsman. She holds a bachelor’s degree in History and a master’s degree in Social Work.
https://www.friendslifecare.org/about-us/care-coordinators/jennifer-schwartz/
(C) 2023 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.
#honestlyaging #friendslifecare #standardizedpatient #standardized #patient #soloagers #soloaging #aging #olderadults #over55 #vitality #independence #growth #resilience #stories #advice #healthcareproviders #healthcare #advocate #socialwork #medical #examination #patient #doctor #medical #health #doctors #patientcare #surgery #care #dental #treatment
Wednesday Jan 17, 2024
Living an Intentional Life
Wednesday Jan 17, 2024
Wednesday Jan 17, 2024
How can you live an intentional life, and what exactly does that mean, especially regarding aging?
On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Autumn Nessler, a Certified Retirement Options Coach, shares how to live an intentional life through successful transition planning and looking beyond the financial side of retirement.
Autumn Nessler specializes in assisting Women to Reinvent “What’s Next”, especially their Post-Career Life. Her company, An Intentional Life, LLC, helps women live life on their own terms, ie., Live an Intentional Life.
Autumn understands the power of a successful transition plan. Prior to retiring and starting her coaching practice, Autumn successfully transitioned from being an Educator, to Career Counselor, to Human Resources professional, and finally to Sales professional—in between with “gigs” as a Solopreneur. Personal transitions included raising other people's children, divorce, and many moves. Having recently downsized, she resides in Glen Mills, PA with her husband, and is enjoying living her Intentional Life.
Autumn holds a MS in Counseling and Human Relations from Villanova University and a BS in Elementary Education/Special Education from West Chester University.
Resources:
Contact Autumn: autumn@designretirement.org or 215-870-2960
Website: www.designretirement.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nnessler/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anintentionallifellc
(C) 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.
#friendslifecare #honestlyaging #soloagers #soloaging #aging #olderadults #over55 #vitality #independence #growth #resilience #stories #advice #podcast #podcasting #newepisode #interview #youtube #applepodcasts #podcasters #podcastshow #itunes #spotifypodcast #newpodcast #intentionallife #retirementplanning #retirementadvice #retirementpreparation #retirementgoals #planningforsuccess #planningforthefuture #planning #financial #postcareer #whatsnext #women #woman #womanpower #womenempowerment
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
Hospice Care: It May Not Be What You Think
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
Wednesday Jan 03, 2024
Hospice care can bring up feelings of fear and apprehension. It doesn’t have to, though. In fact, hospice care can be a time of support, connection, and peace.
Shawn Schmitt discusses how hospice provides a whole system approach to end-of-life care. She also covers the practical and emotional sides of death and dying, dispels myths about hospice care, and normalizes the experience.
Shawn is the Community Liaison and Social Media Manager at Suncrest Hospice, where the mission is to provide quality care and customer service to patients, families, and referring sources.
Before working in the hospice industry, Shawn held roles in pharmaceutical sales and community wellness education. Shawn received a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Moravian University and recently sat on the Lehigh Valley Aging in Place Coalition board.
Resources:
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/
Suncrest Hospice:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnschmitt/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/suncrest-home-health-&-hospice/
https://www.facebook.com/suncrestphiladelphia
https://www.fivewishes.org/for-myself/
(C) 2024 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.
#hospice #hospicecare #friendslifecare #honestlyaging #palliativecare #healthcare #love #family #grief #palliative #caregiver #homecare #care #griefsupport #homehealth #support #mentalhealth #community #homehealthcare #peace #emotional #death #compassion #community #specialistcare #personalcare #seniorcare #nurse #assistedliving #soloagers #soloaging #aging #olderadults #over55 #vitality #independence #growth #resilience #stories #advice
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Real Estate Advice for the Solo Ager
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
Wednesday Dec 20, 2023
There can be both practical and emotional sides to moving. Sarah Forti and Gina Bass of Forti homes work with clients on both. Listen along as we discuss the lifecycle of moving, including buying, selling, and considerations specific to older adults and solo agers.
Sarah Forti is a lifetime resident of the Philadelphia and Main Line area with over 16 years of real estate experience and the founder of the Forti Homes, Keller Williams Devon-Wayne team.
She is a fierce advocate for her clients and a wealth of knowledge in all things real estate. She has represented hundreds of home buyers and sellers on their most valuable investment.
Gina Bass is a licensed social worker turned real estate professional who specializes in helping and supporting individuals who are transitioning into their next phase of life by assisting them in finding their “right sized” home.
With 6 years of experience in healthcare (including time at Friends Life Care) and a year of experience in the real estate industry, she brings a unique perspective to her work and the Forti Homes team.
Resources:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahwoodforti/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/regina-bass-7411a554/
https://www.friendslifecare.org/aging-in-place-organize-declutter-or-downsize/
If you have any questions or would like to reach Sarah or Gina, you can send them an email at sarah@fortihomes.com or gina@fortihomes.com, call them at 610-688-0115, or check out their website at www.fortihomes.com.
(C) 2023 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.