If you're considering a career serving older adults, this episode is for you! Whether you're fresh out of school or seeking a second career, you'll get practical next steps to break into the field. Learn how to find a mentor, volunteer, start with part-time roles, and network with professionals. Plus, get tips on effective job searching in aging services. Tune in for actionable insights that can help you take the next step toward a meaningful career working with seniors.
Ep 74: Thinking About Senior Care? Next Steps Explained
Value of Wrinkles: Caregiving, Aging & Intergenerational Connection
Release Date: 03/27/2025
EP 98: Why this thanksgiving with your grandparents/parents really matters
Value of Wrinkles: Caregiving, Aging & Intergenerational Connection
Shownotes: In this episode, I reflect on Thanksgiving and why it always reminds me to slow down and truly appreciate family. As I think about mortality and how limited our time together really is, I’m reminded of how precious even the smallest family moments can be. I share my own thoughts on what it means to cherish relationships while we still can and to express appreciation for the people who matter most. My hope is that this episode inspires you to be more present and thankful this season and every season. Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction to the Value of Wrinkles Podcast 00:37 -...
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EP 97: Using the Grandkid Investigator Kit in Camp: An Interview with Empowering the Ages
Value of Wrinkles: Caregiving, Aging & Intergenerational Connection
Shownotes: In this episode, I talk with Leah Bradley from Empowering the Ages about how intergenerational programs can strengthen families and communities. Leah shares inspiring stories from their community programs, including a summer camp that brings grandparents and grandchildren together for learning, laughter, and volunteer opportunities. I love how she connects this work to school readiness, workforce development, and community empowerment, showing that every generation has something valuable to give. Our conversation reminded me that when generations come together, everyone grows...
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EP 96: Which Kids Interact Best with Older Adults
Value of Wrinkles: Caregiving, Aging & Intergenerational Connection
Shownotes: In this episode, I share why I’m so passionate about building intergenerational connections between kids and grandparents. I introduce the GrandKid Investigator Kit, a tool I created to help families spark meaningful interactions that bring generations closer together. Drawing from my experiences in senior living communities, I talk about how youth engagement, parenting tips, and even simple community programs can strengthen family relationships and support elder care in everyday life. My hope is to inspire families to be more intentional about helping kids connect, learn from,...
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EP 95: When They Could No Longer Speak: Lessons Learned from 2 Older Adults I’ve Known
Value of Wrinkles: Caregiving, Aging & Intergenerational Connection
Shownotes: In this episode, I share my experiences working with older adults who’ve lost their ability to speak clearly. I talk about the emotional impact of losing one’s voice and what it’s taught me about listening with compassion. I also reflect on how culture, especially in Asian families, influences the way we care for and advocate for our elders. My hope is to remind us all to slow down, pay attention, and be a voice for those who can’t speak for themselves. Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction to the Value of Wrinkles Podcast 00:27 - Preparing for the Holidays with Family...
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EP 94: The Best Time to Celebrate Your Aging Parent/Grandparent
Value of Wrinkles: Caregiving, Aging & Intergenerational Connection
Shownotes: In this episode, I share why I believe we should celebrate and honor our older loved ones while they’re still with us. Too often, we wait until after they’re gone to express how much they mean to us. I talk about simple, meaningful ways to show appreciation now and build stronger connections with the older generation. My hope is to inspire you to start celebrating your parents and grandparents today, not someday. Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction to the Value of Wrinkles Podcast 00:30 - Celebrating Older Loved Ones 00:44 - Introduction to The Value of Wrinkles 06:44 - The...
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EP 93: One Practical Step to Honoring Elders
Value of Wrinkles: Caregiving, Aging & Intergenerational Connection
Shownotes: In this episode, I share why teaching kids to honor and acknowledge their elders matters so much to me. I talk about the power of small gestures like saying hello or using someone’s name and how they can build real respect across generations. I also share practical ways parents can nurture this value in their children, helping them see the worth in every older adult they meet. My hope is to inspire families to make kindness and connection part of everyday life. Highlights: 00:00 Practical Parenting Advice for Honoring Elders 07:26 The Importance of Acknowledgment in...
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EP 92: The Evolution of the Grandkid Investigator Concept: Then and Now
Value of Wrinkles: Caregiving, Aging & Intergenerational Connection
Shownotes: In this episode, I share how the Grandkid Investigator idea first began. After writing The Value of Wrinkles, I realized I wanted my own kids to connect with their grandparents now, not decades later. What started as a simple experiment at home has grown into a program designed to make intergenerational connections fun, meaningful, and lasting. Join me as I tell the story behind it all and hint at where the journey is headed next. Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction to the Grand Kid Investigator Concept 08:48 - The Evolution of the Grand Kid Investigator Program 15:09 - Future...
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EP 91: The Grandkid Investigator Concept: The Spark that Started It All
Value of Wrinkles: Caregiving, Aging & Intergenerational Connection
In this episode, I share how the Grandkid Investigator concept began and why it matters to me as both a mom and a granddaughter. I talk about the challenge of helping kids connect with their grandparents in today’s busy, distraction-filled world, and why it’s important to make those connections fun and meaningful. You’ll hear the inspiration behind the program and why I believe it can help families build stronger intergenerational bonds. Be sure to tune in to the next episode, where I’ll dive into the origins and evolution of the Grandkid Investigator. Highlights: 01:09 - The...
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Ep 90: Bringing Kids together with Assisted Living Residents – Is it a bad idea?
Value of Wrinkles: Caregiving, Aging & Intergenerational Connection
Recently I implmenented the GKI Kit at an assisted living. It was exciting, but don't et me wrong, I had fears! Would kids want to hang out with residents? Would these residents be alert and willing to converse? Will the connection happen? Will the kids complain and be bored? Will that hour be forever? In this episode I discuss the fears that I had in implementing an intergenerational program. “With great risk comes great reward – Thomas Jefferson 🎧 Show Notes: 📸 Connect on Instagram: 📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: ...
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Ep 89: 6 Tips for Managing Kids in Intergenerational Senior Living Programs
Value of Wrinkles: Caregiving, Aging & Intergenerational Connection
This episode is designed for senior living and senior care organizations looking to create meaningful intergenerational programs. How can you keep both kids and older adults safe, engaged, and connected during activities in assisted living or long-term care? Isabel shares six practical tips for scheduling and managing intergenerational programming so it benefits children, parents, and residents alike. You’ll also hear how she is currently implementing her Grandkid Investigator concept in assisted living and long-term care communities to strengthen connections across generations. ...
info_outlineHighlights:
- 3:35 – Search for a mentor
- 5:50 – Volunteer
- 7:31 – Shadow someone who works in the field
- 10:05 – Tips for searching for jobs in the aging serivces field
- 19:00 - Ask more questions
This podcast series is sponsored by Dignity Memorial
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📩 Grab a FREE Grandkid Investigator Mission at https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/freemission
📸 Instagram: @isabelctom