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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
Friday Oct 27, 2023
Friday Oct 27, 2023
Robert Keppler is a Friends Life Care member. He is also part of the LGBT+ community. On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Robert joins us for an important conversation about aging in the LGBT+ community, supporting his partner through illness, ultimately losing his partner, and life after grief and loss.
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/
Blog: https://www.friendslifecare.org/blog/
(C) 2023 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.
#honestlyaging #friendslifecare #vigr #soloagers #soloaging #aging #mindset #podcast #podcasts #podcastepisode #youtube #youtubeuploads #youtubepodcast #lgbt #lgbtcommunity #grief #griefandhealing #healing #loss #illnesses #life #lgbtq #lgbt #gay #pride #love #lgbtpride #pridemonth #Counseling #Death #Retirement #Support #SupportGroups #Help #StagesofGrief
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
Wednesday Oct 11, 2023
Building resilience is a critical part of successful aging. But what does it entail?
Join Jan Zacharjasz as she shares concrete ways to build resilience in your daily life. She covers how mid- to later life transitions impact resilience, the nine traits that foster resilience, mindset shifts, and how we can manage a change impacting us now.
Jan M. Zacharjasz, MS, PCC, CPC, ELI-MP, brings over 30 years of experience in group facilitation, healthcare program management, and counseling to her work as a Professional Certified Coach. The founder of Coaching for Resilience, specializing in mid to later-life transitions, Jan is passionate about helping people gain courage and resilience through incredible work, health, and family changes so they can thrive moving forward.
Jan has been recognized as a Top Life Coach by Coach Foundation. She is co-chair of the Life Planning Network Philadelphia and serves on its National Board as chair of Chapter Affairs. Along with individual coaching, Jan provides life purpose and energy leadership assessments and hands-on skill-building workshops on resilience, successful aging, and care for caregivers.
Resources:
Email: jan@coachingresilience.com
Telephone: 215-380-9878
https://coachingresilience.com/
https://www.facebook.com/coachingresilience/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/coaching-for-resilience/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/janmzach/
(C) 2023 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
Wednesday Sep 27, 2023
There is the primary care older adults should receive, and then there is the care they actually receive in the current healthcare system.
On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Dr. Neil Patel, Chief Health Officer at Patina, discusses the disparities often experienced between the two and how Patina delivers high-quality care to older adults in new, innovative, and technology-enabled ways.
Patina is a new model of primary care for adults 65+ that reimagines the journey of aging through virtual and home-based care.
Patina is building a healthcare experience for older adults that honors the wisdom they’ve accumulated and how they want to experience aging and care. At Patina, Dr. Neil is part of a crew that will listen, learn, and honors patients’ expertise, helping them be true leaders in their care.
Before joining Patina, Dr. Neil helped found Iora Health, an early innovator in primary care. Before that, he helped start the Atlantic City Special Care Center, serving the most complex and costly patients from the Local 54 hotel workers union with the AtlantiCare health system.
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/
Blog: https://www.friendslifecare.org/blog/
Patina Health
Website: https://patinahealth.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-patel-68911494/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/patinahealth/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClAvq-dk7uflXC_L9fOr_HQ
#honestlyaging #friendslifecare #vigr #soloagers #soloaging #primarycare #healthcare #patients #seniorcare #seniorliving #homecare #health #eldercare #caregiving #retirement #caregivers #caregiver #care #retirement #retirementplanning #finance #family #seniorliving #retirementgoals #retirementcommunity #familymedicine #doctor #medicine #telehealth #wellness #medical #familycare #healthmatters #physician #primarycarephysician #patientcare #telemedicine
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
Wednesday Sep 13, 2023
Today’s healthcare system can be confusing and difficult to navigate, especially for solo agers.
On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Ailene Gerhardt guides us through the complexities of solo aging with resources and facts to help this cohort make informed decisions that reflect their personal values.
Ailene is the Founder of Beacon Patient Solutions LLC and the Navigating Solo Network. Her qualifications include Independent Board-Certified Patient Advocate, National Authority on Solo Aging, Solo Aging Educator, and Advocate, Certified Senior Advisor.
Resources:
https://www.beaconpatientsolutions.com/
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
Wednesday Aug 30, 2023
To say Medicare can be confusing is an understatement.
On this episode of Honestly Aging by VigR Health, Kiersten Spitzenberger, a Medicare Specialist with Dan White and Associates, joins us to discuss the different parts of Medicare, what they cover, the cost, eligibility, and more.
As a Medicare Specialist, Kiersten helps clients understand and successfully enroll in Medicare plans that suit their needs and budget.
Before her role as a Medicare Specialist, Kiersten held positions as Dan White and Associates’ Assistant Director of Operations and Marketing and as an Independent Agent with Mutual of Omaha.
Kiersten has a bachelor’s degree from West Chester University in professional studies with two minors in Mathematics and Elementary Education. She is also licensed in Life and Health Insurance.
Grab something to take notes with because we cover a lot!
Resources:
https://danwhiteandassociates.com/
https://danwhiteandassociates.com/about/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiersten-spitzenberger-21b853161/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/daniel-a-white-&-associates/
https://www.facebook.com/DanWhiteandAssociates
https://www.youtube.com/@daniela.whiteassociatesllc9576
https://www.instagram.com/danwhiteandassociates/
https://www.friendslifecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Medicare-Enrollment-Flow-Chart.pdf
https://www.friendslifecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Four-Parts-of-Medicare.pdf
#HonestlyAging #FriendsLifeCare #VigR #SoloAgers #SoloAging #Medicare #PartA #PartB #PartC #PartD #Medigap #MedicareSupplement #Medicaid #Cost #Eligibility #Enrollment #EnrollmentPeriod #LongTermCare #Coverage #CaseStudies #MedicareVsMedicaid #MedicareAdvantage #PreExistingConditions #HomeHealthCare #DanWhiteAndAssociates #MedicareSpecialist #Benefits #65Plus #LatePenalties
Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
Wednesday Aug 16, 2023
The Many Facets of Grief and Loss: Help for the Solo Ager
We talk about grief and loss when someone dies, but can we grieve someone who is still living? How might we deal with the loss of “things” and compound grief over the years? What if we don’t feel close enough with anyone to share our grief?
Angela Dora Dobrzynski works through these tough topics and helps us navigate the complex emotions that come with grief and loss throughout a lifespan.
Angela Dora Dobrzynski is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a private practice. Additionally, she is a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist and holds a certificate in Holistic Health Coaching from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
Angela earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Rosemont College and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Stockton University.
Prior to private practice, Angela worked as a Bereavement Counselor for Main Line Health Homecare and Hospice, The Renfrew Center, and as adjunct faculty at Manor College teaching Developmental Psychology and Stress and Health Psychology.
Resources:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-dora-dobrzynski-lpc-04b958b/
Therapeutic Writing Blog Post: https://angeladora.org/2022/01/24/therapeutic-writing/
Support Groups:
St. Peter Church East Brandywine. Contact Shavaun: shavaunmcginty@gmail.com
Compassus Hospice: Online general grief support group, Tuesdays at 8pm, Contact John john.cooper@compassus.com
Adult grief group with Hand Holding Hearts. Contact Amy: contact@handsholdinghearts.org
Penn Medicine Hospice: Online support group via Zoom. Call 610. 617. 2400.
Books:
Healing After Loss by Martha W. Hickman: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-After-Loss-Meditations-Working/dp/0380773384
Unmoored by Angela Dora Dobrzynski: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZCQPKZC?psc=1&smid=A1Y53T3O3Q25L8&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp
Helpful Website: www.whatsyourgrief.com
(C) 2023 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday Aug 02, 2023
Wednesday Aug 02, 2023
Hydration, nutrition, and exercise are critical to feeling our best as we age. Kiristin Briggs, MSN, CRNP, shares key components of all three, including information on the MIND DIET. Kiristin also covers supplements and why you should check with your healthcare provider before starting any.
Kiristin Briggs is a Board-Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in the nursing profession, including nearly 10 years as an Advanced Practice Nurse. Kiristin graduated with her BSN from Bradley University in 2004 and obtained her MSN at LaSalle University in 2010.
For 10 years Kiristin has also maintained an adjunct faculty position at the Community College of Philadelphia. Kiristin has experience in Primary Care/Internal Medicine, med-surg, skilled/rehab nursing, long-term care, and drug detox/rehabilitation. In addition, she has been a Legal Nurse Consultant/Expert Witness since 2018.
Resources:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiristin-briggs-823665213/
https://www.friendslifecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/At-Home-Stationary-Exercises_NIA.pdf
https://www.goodrx.com/well-being/movement-exercise/20-chair-exercises-for-seniors
https://www.silversneakers.com/blog/total-body-chair-workout-for-older-adults/
https://www.friendslifecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/MIND_Diet_Flyer_1-22.pdf
Please note, those interested in incorporating the MIND diet should make sure there aren't any medical/medication and/or diet contraindications. Consider using low sodium or no added salt to some of the recipes.
(C) 2023 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.
#HonestlyAging #VigRHealth #FriendsLifeCare #SoloAgers #SoloAging #Aging #Hydration #Dehydration #Awarness #SelfMonitoring #MINDDiet #Moderation #Supplements #Exercise #Endurance #Flexibility #Balance #Strength #PhysicalTherapy #PhysicalLimitations #Nutrition
Wednesday Jul 19, 2023
Wednesday Jul 19, 2023
How Palliative Care Can Support You in the Aging Process
Palliative care is a healthcare option to improve the quality of life in people with chronic and serious illnesses that have caused a physical, emotional, or spiritual burden.
Kate Phelan, a board-certified family nurse practitioner certified in palliative care, shares what palliative care consists of, how it differs from hospice care, real-life examples of how this type of care positively impacts patients, and more.
Resources:
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/
Angelic Health Website: https://www.angelic.health/
Angelic Health Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngelicHealthPA
Angelic Health LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angelic-palliative-hospice-care/
Kate Phelan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-phelan-msn-crnp-achpn-cen-a8b98a31/
Palliative Care Informational Resources:
https://www.friendslifecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Palliative-E-brochure.pdf
https://www.friendslifecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Palliative-Provides-PA-22.pdf
#HonestlyAging #VigRHealth #FriendsLifeCare #SoloAgers #SoloAging #Aging #Palliative #PalliativeCare #WhatIsPalliativeCare #Chronic #ChronicConditions #SeriousIllnesses #PalliativeVsHospiceCare #Insurance #Goals #PatientGoals #Autonomy #PatientAutonomy #Family #Team #FamilyDynamics #TeamDynamics #SuccessStories #AngelicHealth #WhyConsiderPalliativeCare #CareersInPalliativeCare #PalliativeVsPrimaryCare #HealthcareOption #QualityOfLife
(C) 2023 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.
Wednesday Jul 05, 2023
Wednesday Jul 05, 2023
Might you benefit from having a therapist in your life? Katie Starrantino, LCSW, M.Ed, CDP, Friends Life Care Director of Wellness Initiatives, covers how solo agers can find the right fit with her top 5 considerations when selecting a therapist. She also debunks the stigma around “shrinks” and shares therapy successes.
Katie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Dementia Practitioner, has a master’s degree in education, and is a Licensed Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania.
Resources:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists
https://bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40359-022-00742-7
https://gimletmedia.com/shows/science-vs/8whx33w
https://www.friendslifecare.org/about-us/care-coordinators/katie-starrantino/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-starrantino-lcsw-m-ed-cdp-387129224/
(C) 2023 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.
#HonestlyAging #VigRHealth #FriendsLifeCare #SoloAgers #SoloAging #Aging #WellnessCoordination #TherapeuticAlliance #Therapy #Therapist #Top5 #DebunkingStereotypes #Insurance #PrivatePay #TherapistCredentials #TherapyOnline #TherapyInPerson #Success #Relationship #Modalities #AnxietyDisorders #CBT #CognitiveBehavioralTherapy #Depression #PTSD #CPT #ProlongedExposureTherapy #LifeChanging #Psychologist #Psychology #MentalHealth #SelfCare #MentalHealthAwareness
Wednesday Jun 21, 2023
Wednesday Jun 21, 2023
What is ageism, and why should we care about it? Katie Reilly, PhD, explored this and more during her doctoral research on the existence of ageism. Listen to this podcast episode and better understand what ageism is, its negative repercussions, strategies to combat it, and more.
Katie Reilly is a doctoral level gerontologist with over 13 years of experience in the senior care industry. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Gwynedd Mercy University, a master’s degree in Gerontology from Saint Joseph’s University and a PhD from Concordia University in Leadership and gerontology—with a qualitative research focus on the existence of ageism.
Katie works as a Care Advisor for the Abramson Senior Care Healthy Brain and Memory Center. Additionally, Katie provides education on dementia-related topics to both formal and informal caregivers as well as the community at large. Katie also serves as a volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association as both a support group facilitator and certified community educator. In addition to her work with Abramson Senior Care, Katie works as an adjunct professor at a local university teaching undergraduate courses on aging and dementia.
Per KR: I will be rejoining ACTS Retirement as the divisional director of memory care services in May.
Abramson Senior Care: https://abramsonseniorcare.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-reilly-phd-12664510/
(C) 2023 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.
#HonestlyAging #VigRHealth #FriendsLifeCare #SoloAgers #SoloAging #Aging #Ageism #OlderAdults #Seniors #ComponentsofAgeism #ChronologicalAgeism #RecognizingAgeism #AgeBias #Gerontology #RepercussionsofAgeism #CombattingAgeism #IntergenerationalConnections