The Four Pillars of Aging Well | Allison O’Shea on Staying Independent, Prepared & Confident
Release Date: 08/24/2025
The Four Pillars of Aging Well | Allison O’Shea on Staying Independent, Prepared & Confident
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How do you take control of your aging journey—before a crisis forces your hand? In this episode of the Act Three Podcast, I sit down with Allison O’Shea, founder of Openly Aging and author of Openly Aging: The Four Pillars to Keep Control. With over 20 years of experience as an executive director in senior living, Allison has seen firsthand the difference between families who plan ahead and those who wait until it’s too late. Together, we explore Allison’s Four Pillars of Aging Well: Support Systems – building the right mix of family, friends, and professionals Living Environment –...
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info_outlineHow do you take control of your aging journey—before a crisis forces your hand?
In this episode of the Act Three Podcast, I sit down with Allison O’Shea, founder of Openly Aging and author of Openly Aging: The Four Pillars to Keep Control. With over 20 years of experience as an executive director in senior living, Allison has seen firsthand the difference between families who plan ahead and those who wait until it’s too late.
Together, we explore Allison’s Four Pillars of Aging Well:
Support Systems – building the right mix of family, friends, and professionals
Living Environment – choosing a home or community that supports independence
Social Connection – understanding your recreation style and designing connection that fits you
Supportive Services & Finances – knowing what services cost, what insurance covers, and planning before you need them
This conversation is for anyone thinking about their own independence as they age—or supporting parents who are navigating these decisions.
✨ Watch now to learn how to replace fear with confidence and create an intentional plan for your future.
Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to Act Three Podcast
01:05 – Introducing Allison O’Shea & Openly Aging
02:15 – Why planning ahead matters more than you think
04:50 – Pillar 1: Building the right support system
09:30 – Professional support options (care managers, nurse advocates)
11:20 – Pillar 2: Choosing the right living environment 1
3:40 – Downsizing, 55+ communities & “Golden Girls” housing
16:00 – Pillar 3: Social connection and recreation styles 1
8:45 – Purposeful vs social recreation (and why it matters for aging well)
20:10 – Pillar 4: Supportive services & finances
22:30 – Triggers that signal it’s time for change (driving, finances, health)
24:20 – When should these conversations start?
25:45 – How Allison works with individuals and families
27:30 – Aging without shame: reframing independence and control
29:15 – TikTok, education, and shifting the culture of aging
30:20 – Final thoughts & how to connect with Allison
📌 Learn more about Allison’s work: https://openlyaging.com
Follow Allison on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@allisonoshea_openlyaging
Follow Allison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/openlyaging/
📌 Learn more about my work with Good Morning Freedom: https://goodmorningfreedom.com
👍 If you found this conversation helpful, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.