EP: 190 - Practical Strategies to Future-Proof Your Life with Bradley Schurman, Author of SuperAge
This Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD
Release Date: 09/10/2024
This Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD
In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, I’m joined by Nancy (Dangle) and Kat (Dot), two incredible women with valuable insights into dementia care. Together, we explore the emotional challenges of caregiving, particularly how important non-verbal communication can be when building meaningful connections with loved ones living with dementia. Nancy shares her personal experience with Alzheimer’s disease, discussing the power of physical touch, eye contact, and simply being present. We also talk about the importance of inclusion and how small...
info_outline EP : 199 - Dementia Caregiving: Preparing for Your Own Health CrisisThis Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD
In "Dementia Caregiving: How to Prepare for Health Crisis (2024)," we provide essential strategies for caregivers managing the complexities of dementia care. Preparing for unexpected health crises can ease the burden on both the caregiver and the person with dementia. This episode covers vital aspects like maintaining caregiver health, emotional preparedness, and practical planning for financial, legal, and care arrangements. Together with Dr. Melissa Batchelor and guest Jacob Kendall, we dive into how caregiving impacts personal health and share insights on managing stress, building a...
info_outline EP: 198 - Opioid Use Disorder | Impact on Families – Aging Parents to Grandkids | OpiAIDThis Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD
In this episode, we explore the critical risks of opioid use among seniors, including addiction, overdose, and the dangerous side effects that can worsen existing health conditions. We speak with David Reeser, CEO of OpiAID, to understand the impact of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) on aging parents and their families, highlighting why awareness is essential for everyone. OpiAID is revolutionizing OUD treatment with remote patient monitoring, biometric insights, and personalized care plans that go beyond the clinical setting. As the opioid crisis impacts families nationwide, this episode provides...
info_outline EP: 197 - Dating After 50: 10 Must-Know Tips for Finding Love Over 50This Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD
Are you navigating the dating scene after 50? Whether you’re newly single or returning to the dating world after years, it can feel daunting, but also exciting! In this episode, I’m joined by Evan Marc Katz, a renowned dating coach with over 13,000 success stories, to explore how to find love and meaningful connections later in life. We discuss the challenges and joys of modern dating over 50, how to overcome fears, present yourself authentically, and stay safe both online and offline.
info_outline EP: 196 - Role of Diet in LongevityThis Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD
In today’s fast-paced world, numerous diet trends promise to enhance health and longevity, but true wellness stems from understanding the science behind our food choices. This episode examines three popular diets—intermittent fasting, the Mediterranean diet, and the ketogenic diet—and their impact on aging. Intermittent fasting, which alternates between eating and fasting periods, is praised for weight management and metabolic health benefits, though its long-term sustainability, especially for older adults, is debated. The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains,...
info_outline EP: 195 - How to Choose the Best Home Care for an Older AdultThis Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD
Caring for an aging loved one can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure where to start. Many older adults express a desire to "age in place," but it’s critical to assess whether staying at home is still a safe and realistic option for them. My "Care Options Checklist" offers a clear framework for evaluating important factors such as mobility, cognitive health, and their ability to manage daily living tasks like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. Depending on their needs, solutions might range from simple home modifications to hiring a professional caregiver or even a home...
info_outline EP: 194 - How to Choose a Quality Nursing HomeThis Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD
Choosing the right nursing home for a loved one requires careful attention to both care quality and financial considerations. When visiting a facility, be sure to observe how residents are treated, whether they’re well-cared for, and if the environment is clean and welcoming. Ask about staff-to-resident ratios, especially on different shifts, and the turnover rate of nursing assistants, which can indicate the facility’s culture. Additionally, check if the medical team is familiar with residents' needs and whether your loved one can keep their personal doctor. A surprise visit during...
info_outline EP: 193 - Medication accessibility: SnapSlideThis Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD
Prescription bottles can be tough to open, especially for those with dexterity challenges. Enter SnapSlide, an innovative solution designed for easy, one-handed medication access. CEO Rocky Batzel was inspired to create SnapSlide after watching his grandmother struggle with child-resistant bottles, common among older adults with conditions like arthritis. SnapSlide’s ergonomic, child-proof design ensures easy access without compromising safety. It improves medication adherence and reduces frustration for users with hand disabilities or caregivers. Rocky plans to bring SnapSlide to major...
info_outline EP: 192 - Emergency Preparedness for Older Adults Living with Alzheimer’s: Vital Tips for CaregiversThis Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD
Emergencies and natural disasters can be particularly dangerous for older adults and individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, making proper preparedness essential. Caregivers should focus on maintaining calm and offering reassurance during high-stress situations, sticking to familiar routines and providing comfort items to reduce confusion. Clear communication using simple language, avoiding sensory overload, and ensuring the individual has proper identification are key strategies for keeping those with cognitive impairments safe. It’s also crucial to develop and regularly review a...
info_outline EP: 191 - The Future of Care: Care Yaya Matches Healthcare Students with Older AdultsThis Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD
In this episode, I sit down with Neal Shah, CEO of CareYaya, to explore how this innovative platform provides affordable, high-quality caregiving for aging adults. CareYaya connects families with healthcare students eager to gain real-world experience while supporting seniors with companionship and daily tasks. Learn how CareYaya, often dubbed "the Uber of caregiving," is revolutionizing the industry by offering trusted, accessible care to families nationwide. Tune in to discover how this tech startup is filling crucial gaps in caregiving, ensuring safety, affordability, and support for your...
info_outlineAre you looking for practical strategies to navigate an ever-changing world as you age? In this episode, we dive deep with Bradley Schurman, demographic strategist and author of The Super Age. Bradley shares his expertise on how longevity and demographic change are reshaping the economy, businesses, and even our homes. With years of research on aging trends and their impact on society, Bradley offers actionable insights to help you future-proof your life. Whether you're preparing for new trends, seeking long-term success, or simply trying to stay ahead in an unpredictable world, this episode is full of tips you can't afford to miss.
Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FGSA, FAAN. I am a nurse, nurse practitioner, nurse educator and nurse researcher with over 25 years of experience in the aging and long-term care healthcare space. You can visit my website at MelissaBPhD.com to learn more about me, how you can work with me directly, and/or support future episodes of the podcast.