Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®

How to Handle the Physical Demands of Solo Aging

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

How Being a Standardized Patient Helped Me Effectively Talk to Doctors and Advocate for Myself

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

 

Living an Intentional Life

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

Hospice Care: It May Not Be What You Think

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.suncrestcare.com/  

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 

Real Estate Advice for the Solo Ager

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.       

Managing the Administrative and Organizational Responsibilities Required to Age in Place

Aging in place takes more than just planning for future care needs. The administrative and organizational components of maintaining a home must also be considered. 

On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Bode Hennegan, the Founder and President of Life Managers & Associates discusses the importance of bill paying, paperwork, home maintenance, and more. 

In addition, Bode touches on the unique ways Life Managers & Associates meets older adults where they are to maintain their independence while aging in place. 

Bode is a passionate advocate for independent aging and an experienced resource for aging in place in the Philadelphia region. She holds an MBA from St. Joseph’s University and a BS in Management from Thomas Jefferson University. She is a Certified Aging in Place Specialist and a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business program.  

Bode has a longstanding history of service to the community. She currently serves on the board of the Philadelphia chapter of the Financial Planners Association (FPA) and the Montgomery County Estate Planning Council (MCEPC) and is an active member of the Philadelphia Estate Planning Council, and the American Association of Daily Money Managers. 

RESOURCES 

https://life-managers.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/Lifemanagersassociates 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/life-managers-associates/ 

https://www.instagram.com/lifemanagersassociates/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bode-hennegan-bb993a67/ 

 

Pets and Solo Aging: What to Consider

Are you considering getting a pet? Do you already own one? Katelyn (Weyrauch) Schunkewitz, MSW, Care Coordinator with Friends Life Care, covers topics older adults and solo agers may wish to consider before and during pet ownership like the benefits of having a pet, things to think about before getting a pet, resources for ownership, and more.

Katelyn (Weyrauch) Schunkewitz is a Care Coordinator with Friends Life Care. Katelyn holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and has been in the healthcare field for six years. During this time, she has worked with interdisciplinary teams in rehabilitation and nursing centers and held positions on short-term, long-term, and dementia units.

Resources: Benefits of Animal Bond:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/pets-can-help-their-humans-create-friendships-find-social-support-201505067981 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3944143/

For adaptable pet equipment:

https://techowlpa.org/kb/pet-care/ Pet ownership considerations: https://www.adaptivepetstrategies.com/choosing-a-pet/

For adoption:

Local animal shelter

Grey Nose Society

Senior Paws and Pets for the Elderly https://petsfortheelderly.org/ https://www.pawsacrosspittsburgh.com/seniors

Sitting, Grooming, and Pet Care Services: WAG, Rover, Care.com, DogVacay, local mobile vet and mobile groomer services

Pet therapy/Visiting services: https://www.tdi-dog.org/ https://petsfortheelderly.org/ https://www.pawsforpeople.org/

Katelyn (Weyrauch) Schunkewitz:

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

https://www.friendslifecare.org/about-us/care-coordinators/katelyn-schunkewitz/

Virtual pet app:

https://www.phillymag.com/be-well-philly/2021/12/16/murphy-cares-pet-therapy-app/

Mobile veterinarian:

https://vetster.com/en-us

https://housepaws.us/mobile-vet/

https://homeridgemobilevet.com/pa/

https://myinhomevet.com/

(C) 2023 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

#honestlyaging #friendslifecare #soloaging #soloagers #catlovers #kitten #meow #kitty #kittens #animallovers #petlover #adoptdontshop #dogslife #doglove #Grooming #PetCare #veterinary #veterinarian #adoption #petadoption #petsmart #chewy #petco #dogbreed #cat

Loneliness: Causes, Effects, and Ways to Combat It

According to the National Institute on Aging, the health risks of prolonged isolation are equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Social isolation and loneliness have even been estimated to shorten a person’s life span by as many as 15 years.  

Ellen Houle and Beth Morley, Care Coordinators with Friends Life Care cover the causes, effects, and ways to combat loneliness. In addition, they discuss insights gleaned from Friends Life Care members about loneliness and ways our organization is dealing with the issue.   

Ellen is a licensed occupational therapist with more than seven years working with older adults. She has worked in a variety of settings including homecare, hospice, short term rehabilitation facilities and retirement communities. She earned her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Temple University and Executive Certification in Home Modifications from The University of Southern California.     

Ellen values the importance of a well-rounded and proactive approach to healthcare. In her free time, Ellen is an avid cyclist and drummer, playing in multiple bands in the greater Philadelphia area.   

Beth holds a Master of Social Work degree and a bachelor’s degree in International Studies and has 25 years of experience in public and private positions with a background in case management systems, long-term care coordination and program development.   

Previously, Beth worked for nine years with refugees and immigrants in emergency services, program management and community-based social services. She also was employed as a clinical social worker in a skilled nursing facility and spent two years coordinating community-based services for older adults in Virginia.   

Resources: 

https://www.ncoa.org/article/staying-socially-connected-can-stave-off-isolation-and-loneliness  

https://www.cmaj.ca/content/191/17/E476   

https://www.forbes.com/health/healthy-aging/how-to-mitigate-senior-loneliness/   

https://www.nia.nih.gov/ctctoolkit   

https://www.ncoa.org/article/staying-socially-connected-can-stave-off-isolation-and-loneliness 

https://www.friendslifecare.org/about-us/care-coordinators/ellen-houle/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-morley-msw-9749b8109/ 

https://www.friendslifecare.org/about-us/care-coordinators/beth-morley/  

https://pennmemorycenter.org/programs-services/timetogether/ 

AARP Community Programs 

https://www.aging.pa.gov/local-resources/Pages/AAA.aspx 

https://www.pcacares.org/ 

https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx 

https://www.ncoa.org/ 

https://www.nia.nih.gov/ 

LGBT+ and Aging: My Journey Through Love, Life, and Loss

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/

https://www.sageusa.org/

(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

Building Resilience for Successful Aging

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.