Elder Awesome: Lessons on Saging, Sufficiency, and the Power of Paradigm Shifts
Release Date: 12/24/2025
From Activism to Innovation: The Story of OATs, with Tom Kamber
Elevate Eldercare
This week on Elevate Eldercare, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with Tom Kamber, founder of Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and Senior Planet, to explore how technology can empower older adults. Tom shares his journey from a young activist inspired by his father’s library to a national leader in digital inclusion. After 9/11, he shifted his focus toward technology as a tool for social change—sparked by a transformative experience with an 80-year-old woman named Pearl learning to use tech for the first time. From humble beginnings teaching classes in senior...
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Ethical AI in Eldercare, with Mohammad Mahoor, Phd
Elevate Eldercare
This week’s episode features Mohammad Mahoor, professor of computer science at the University of Denver, where he leads research in artificial intelligence, computer vision, and social robotics. AgingIN CEO sits down with Mohammad to explore how artificial intelligence can support emotional well-being and cognitive health in aging. With a unique background spanning computer science, biomedical engineering, and psychology, Mohammad shares how his early work with children with autism evolved into a focus on addressing loneliness, social isolation, and early-stage dementia in older adults.A...
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Rewiring Brain Health: From Memory Care to Neuro Wellness, with Sue Paul
Elevate Eldercare
Sue Paul, an occupational therapist with more than 35 years of experience, joins AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan to share her journey reimagining dementia care through the lens of brain health. Reflecting on a time when Alzheimer’s care was often institutional and limiting, Sue, who is senior director of well being and brain health for Asbury Communities, developed a more proactive, person-centered framework focused on prevention, dignity, and understanding the trajectory of cognitive change. Her work has evolved into a strong emphasis on...
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Listening and Learning as a Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Elevate Eldercare
In this week’s episode of Elevate Eldercare, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with Beverly Gianna, who recently became a long-term care ombudsman after a three-decade career with the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau, now known as New Orleans & Company. Having earned at least three master’s degrees—one from the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology— Beverly has become a passionate advocate for nursing home residents. Her fascinating story takes listeners...
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A Bit About Hearing Loss and the Brain with Kelly Tremblay, PhD
Elevate Eldercare
In this episode of Brain Bytes, host Kelly Tremblay, PhD, neuroscientist and hearing and brain health expert, explores the powerful—and often overlooked—connection between hearing and the brain. In recognition of World Hearing Day on March 3, Dr. Kelly sheds light on why hearing health is critical to overall well-being, especially for older adults. ...
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Data-Driven Change in Seniors Housing with Lisa McCracken
Elevate Eldercare
In this week’s episode, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with industry leader Lisa McCracken to explore how data, innovation, and bold thinking are reshaping the future of eldercare. With more than 26 years of experience spanning Holleran, Ziegler, and now the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care, Lisa shares how research and analytics can drive access, affordability, and meaningful choice for older adults. From the growing urgency of serving the “forgotten middle” to the promise (and noise) of AI, this conversation offers a candid,...
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Rethinking Affordable Housing for Older Adults with Amy Schectman
Elevate Eldercare
In this week’s episode AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with Amy Schectman, CEO of 2Life Communities, to explore how affordable housing, community connection, and supportive services can transform the experience of aging. She shares insights into how innovative housing models are helping older adults thrive while remaining connected to their communities....
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Building Communities Where Aging Thrives with Christie Hinrichs
Elevate Eldercare
In this week’s episode, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with Christie Hinrichs, president and CEO of Frasier, a life plan community in Boulder, Colo., who shares her journey from growing up on a farm in rural Nebraska to pioneering the Green House model at Tabitha, a senior living community in Omaha, Neb. Throughout their conversation, Christie reflects on the experiences that shaped her commitment to older adults—from childhood visits with “adopted grandparents” to her early work in hospice social work. Now leading Frasier, Christie describes a thriving community that offers a range...
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Healing Workplace Culture Through Nature-Inspired Leadership with MaryCay Durrant
Elevate Eldercare
In this week’s episode, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with MaryCay Durrant, founder of Leading Naturally. In this enlightening discussion, MaryCay shares her journey from corporate leadership to developing nature-inspired practices that help organizations thrive. Drawing from her upbringing in North Dakota and a transformative personal awakening, MarCay challenges transactional workplace models and instead looks to ecosystems as a guide for cooperation, resilience, and trust. She introduces her WORK framework — Wake Up, Orient, Reimagine partnering, and Keepnourishing what matters —...
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A Bit About Dementia: Introducing “Brain Bytes”
Elevate Eldercare
Introducing Brain Bytes, a new micro-cast hosted by Kelly Tremblay, PhD, neuroscientist, World Health Organization advisor, NIH grant reviewer, advocate, and professor. Brain Bytes features “byte”-sized nuggets of knowledge aimed at making neuroscience accessible for the senior living world. In each episode, which will air on the fourth Friday of each month, Dr. Tremblay will share research-backed information related to aging and brain health. This week, she explores the different types of dementia and examines what evidence-based researchtells us about it. While encouraging...
info_outlineThis week’s replay, one of the most popular episodes of 2025, features a profound conversation between Barry Barkan, visionary eldercare advocate and Pioneer Network co-founder, and AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan. These longtime friends discuss reimagining aging and the transformative potential of community, spirit, and consciousness.
Barkan shares his journey from founding the Live Oak Institute to helping launch the Pioneer Network, driven by a belief that aging is not a problem to solve but a gift to elevate. He recounts his efforts to create a regenerative, inclusive community at the Jewish Home in Oakland—an idea that initially faced rejection but ultimately gained momentum and global influence, including a successful expansion into 15 homes in Israel.
But this conversation goes beyond history. Barkan offers a deeply reflective vision for a paradigm shift—a movement from a worldview rooted in domination and separation to one grounded in interconnection, kindness, and sufficiency. He challenges listeners to see humanity as one living being, where every person and every creature matters.
Together, Ryan and Barkan explore the concept of “Elder Awesome” and moving beyond traditional notions of “elder care.” They also discuss the “Tao of Blessings”—a personal path to leave grace in every encounter
Barkan offers his vision for communities and care environments rooted in equity, dignity, and accountability.