Libsyn Directory

EP 97: Using the Grandkid Investigator Kit in Camp: An Interview with Empowering the Ages

Value of Wrinkles: Caregiving, Aging Parents, and Intergenerational Connection

Release Date: 11/07/2025

EP 105: Building Connection: How LEGO® Helps People Living with Dementia – with Loretta Veney (Part 2)

Value of Wrinkles: Caregiving, Aging Parents, and Intergenerational Connection

Shownotes: In this episode, we continue our conversation with Loretta Veney and reflect on how Legos became an unexpected source of emotional support and communication during her mother’s long journey with dementia. Listening to Loretta share how therapeutic play strengthened family bonding, encouraged memory sharing, and deepened their intergenerational connection reminded me that caregiving doesn’t always have to feel heavy to be meaningful. We talk about how building together created moments of joy and understanding, even when words were hard to find. This episode invites you to rethink...

EP 104: Building Connection: How LEGO® Helps People Living with Dementia – with Loretta Veney (Part 1)

Value of Wrinkles: Caregiving, Aging Parents, and Intergenerational Connection

Shownotes: In this episode, I sit down with Loretta Veney and listen to the beautiful way Legos became a bridge for communication during her mother’s journey with dementia. She shares how something as simple as play created moments of joy, creativity, and deep emotional connection within her family, even during hard seasons. I was moved by how these small acts of engagement supported both her mother’s mental health and her own as a caregiver. This conversation is a powerful reminder that connection doesn’t have to be complicated sometimes it starts with a handful of Legos and a willing...

EP 103: Love Doesn’t End in December: Why January Visits Matter and How the Grandkid Investigator Kit Helps

Value of Wrinkles: Caregiving, Aging Parents, and Intergenerational Connection

Shownotes: In this episode, I talk about why January visits can be some of the most meaningful moments for our aging parents and loved ones in senior living. After the holidays pass and the noise fades, loneliness can settle in and that’s when connection matters most. I share how my experiences in caregiving have shown me the importance of consistent family visits and intergenerational connection, not just seasonal check-ins. I also introduce the Grand Kid Investigator Kit as a simple way to create meaningful visits and help kids show up with curiosity, confidence, and heart all year long....

EP 102: When Kids are Afraid of Visiting Senior Living Communities

Value of Wrinkles: Caregiving, Aging Parents, and Intergenerational Connection

Shownotes: In this episode, I share why caregiving and aging have taught me so much about the power of intergenerational connection, especially during the holidays. I talk about what I’ve learned from bringing kids into senior living communities whether through a holiday caravan, community service, or simple family activities and how we can help children overcome fear and uncertainty when visiting seniors. I also share why patience matters, and how meaningful relationship building takes time, trust, and repeated moments of showing up. My hope is to give you practical encouragement to help...

EP 101: Why Connection Is the Greatest Gift for Grandparents

Value of Wrinkles: Caregiving, Aging Parents, and Intergenerational Connection

Shownotes: In this episode, I share why the greatest gift you can give a grandparent this Christmas isn’t something you buy but it’s genuine connection. I talk about how older adults often feel unseen or overlooked, and why asking questions, listening, and spending intentional time with them matters so much. I also introduce the Grandkid Investigator Kit, a simple tool I created to help families spark meaningful conversations and deepen relationships across generations, whether you're together in person or connecting from afar. Highlights: 00:00 - The Holiday Spirit and Connection...

EP 100: Celebrating 100 Episodes: My Honest Reflection on Podcasting, Perseverance & Purpose

Value of Wrinkles: Caregiving, Aging Parents, and Intergenerational Connection

Shownotes: In this special milestone episode, I’m celebrating something that still feels surreal: 100 episodes of the Value of Wrinkles podcast. Join me as I take you behind the scenes of this four-year journey from recording under a blanket during COVID, to late night sessions past midnight, to navigating tech changes, long pauses, and everything in between. You’ll hear honest reflections, funny confessions (yes - recording in a hot car counts), and the deeper purpose behind every episode I create: helping you love your older loved ones better while learning to love yourself through aging...

EP 99: How to Avoid Controversial Topics at Thanksgiving: Tips for a Peaceful Holiday

Value of Wrinkles: Caregiving, Aging Parents, and Intergenerational Connection

Shownotes: In this episode, I share how I approach Thanksgiving and the tricky family conversations that can come with it. I talk about why I try to be proactive during holiday gatherings, using simple communication tips to keep things warm, positive, and enjoyable for everyone. I also share how I redirect discussions to avoid unnecessary controversy including one of my favorite strategies: creating a “favorite things” list to guide meaningful conversations. My hope is to help you enjoy a holiday filled with connection, gratitude, and less stress. Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction to...

EP 98: Why this thanksgiving with your grandparents/parents really matters

Value of Wrinkles: Caregiving, Aging Parents, and 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 -...

EP 97: Using the Grandkid Investigator Kit in Camp: An Interview with Empowering the Ages

Value of Wrinkles: Caregiving, Aging Parents, and 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...

EP 96: Which Kids Interact Best with Older Adults

Value of Wrinkles: Caregiving, Aging Parents, and 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,...

More Episodes

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 stronger.

Leah Bradley is the Executive Director and Co-Founder has extensive experience in the intergenerational field, including providing nationwide training and technical assistance to practitioners establishing intergenerational initiatives. She has visioned, planned and implemented many intergenerational programs throughout the Country. Leah is a social worker, having earned her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan with concentrations in interpersonal practice and gerontology and a Bachelors of Science from University of Delaware in Family and Community Service. Leah and her husband reside in Olney, Maryland and have two daughters in/recently graduated from Montgomery County Public Schools. Leah enjoys traveling and watching her daughters play sports. To contact Leah, email her at leah@empoweringtheages.org

Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction to Empowering the Ages

05:08 - The Impact of Intergenerational Programs

08:18 - Summer Camp for Grandparents and Grandkids

08:38 - Introduction to the Grand Kid Investigator Kit

09:07 - Engaging Families with Free Missions

09:38 - Summer Camp for Grandparents and Grandkids

12:29 - Activities and Learning Experiences

15:34 - Planning for Future Camps

18:36 - Connecting with Empowering the Ages

19:10 - Connecting Generations: The Value of Intergenerational Relationships

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