EP: 205 - How Changes in Touch Impact Eating
This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World Podcast with Dr. MELISSA BATCHELOR
Release Date: 12/24/2024
EP: 224 - Mental Health and Dementia Support at Home
This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World Podcast with Dr. MELISSA BATCHELOR
The Regional Older Adults Facility Mental Health Support Team (RAFT) in Northern Virginia has been helping older adults with mental illness and dementia remain in their communities for more than a decade. With a multidisciplinary team that includes social workers, counselors, psychiatrists, and nurses, RAFT provides intensive support such as case management, therapy, medication oversight, and caregiver training. The program has achieved a 98% success rate in preventing re-hospitalizations, making it a model for effective, community-based mental health care. In addition to direct services, RAFT...
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EP: 223 - Changing The Way Clinicians Talk to Patients About Dementia
This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World Podcast with Dr. MELISSA BATCHELOR
Getting a dementia diagnosis is one of the most emotional moments in healthcare—for patients, families, and clinicians. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Melissa Armstrong, a neurologist and dementia researcher, to explore how to approach that conversation with clarity, compassion, and the right tools. We talk about the importance of early diagnosis, how to support both patients and caregivers, and why building a care team matters. Whether you're facing memory changes or supporting someone who is, this episode offers practical advice and hope.
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EP: 222 - Creating Dementia-Friendly Hospitals
This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World Podcast with Dr. MELISSA BATCHELOR
As the number of older adults living with dementia continues to rise, hospitals must adapt to meet their unique needs. A dementia-friendly hospital incorporates evidence-based strategies to reduce risks such as falls, confusion, and readmissions. At UNC Health in North Carolina, a comprehensive initiative led by the Division of Geriatric Medicine and the Center for Aging and Health included interdisciplinary staff training, tailored environmental changes, and ongoing evaluation to improve care for this vulnerable population. The project trained over 550 clinical and non-clinical staff and...
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EP: 220 - Affordable Housing with Jennifer Hammer
This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World Podcast with Dr. MELISSA BATCHELOR
Could home sharing be the answer to rising housing costs and loneliness among older adults? This timely question opens the door to an important conversation about aging, affordability, and community. Today, nearly 1 in 3 older adults struggle with housing costs—and projections show that rent burdens and homelessness among adults 65+ will rise sharply in the next decade. With limited affordable options, many older adults are searching for ways to stay in their homes while staying connected. Enter home sharing—a creative and growing solution that allows older adults to share space, reduce...
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EP: 219 - Vision Zero: Creating Safer Streets for Walkers, Bikers, and Drivers
This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World Podcast with Dr. MELISSA BATCHELOR
Are zero traffic deaths possible? This thought-provoking question sparks a crucial conversation about road safety and the future of transportation. As we continue to grapple with the devastating consequences of traffic accidents, it's essential to explore the possibilities of a world where zero traffic deaths are the norm. From advanced safety features to innovative infrastructure designs, we'll delve into the latest technologies and strategies aimed at reducing traffic fatalities. Join us as we examine the challenges, opportunities, and potential solutions to creating a safer and more...
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EP: 218 - Beyond the Fountain of Youth with Dr. Julian Gershon
This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World Podcast with Dr. MELISSA BATCHELOR
Is aging really inevitable—or have we just accepted it as fact? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Julian Gershon, triple-board-certified physician and author of Beyond the Fountain of Youth, for a deep (and surprisingly fun) dive into what it really takes to live longer, feel younger, and reclaim energy you thought was long gone. Dr. Gershon blends advanced medical training with a deeply human approach to aging—one that prioritizes vitality, confidence, and joy, not just lab numbers. From hormone optimization and regenerative medicine to practical tweaks in sleep, nutrition, and...
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EP: 217 - Breaking the Silence: What Every Woman Should Know About Perimenopause and Menopause
This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World Podcast with Dr. MELISSA BATCHELOR
Feeling blindsided by perimenopause? You’re not alone! Dr. Betty Murray joins me to break the silence on menopause, debunk myths, and share real solutions for navigating this transition with confidence. Whether you’re struggling with brain fog, weight gain, or mood swings, this episode will help you take back control of your health and feel your best.
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EP: 216 - Why the Administration for Community Living Matters—And What Happens If It’s Gone
This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World Podcast with Dr. MELISSA BATCHELOR
What happens when critical aging services are put on the chopping block? The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is facing major restructuring, potentially dismantling key programs that support older adults and individuals with disabilities. In this episode, Howard Gleckman and Alison Bankoff explain why this decision matters—not just for seniors, but for families, caregivers, and communities nationwide. We’ll break down the potential consequences, discuss how advocacy groups are responding, and highlight what you can do to ensure these vital services remain intact.
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EP: 215 - The Teaching Nursing Home Collaborative
This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World Podcast with Dr. MELISSA BATCHELOR
The Future of Nursing Homes: Smarter Training & Stronger Partnerships For decades, nursing homes have struggled with staffing shortages and outdated training models. But what if we could change that? The Teaching Nursing Home Collaborative is an innovative program connecting schools of nursing with nursing homes to provide better training, improve workforce development, and enhance residents' quality of life. This initiative, which started in Pennsylvania, is now expanding nationwide. According to Nancy Zients, Chief Program & Strategy Officer at the Jewish Healthcare Foundation,...
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EP: 214 - Protecting Your Money: How to Stop Financial Exploitation
This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World Podcast with Dr. MELISSA BATCHELOR
In this episode, I speak with Cameron Huddleston, a financial expert specializing in protecting older adults from financial exploitation. Cameron explains the two primary types of financial abuse—scams from strangers and exploitation by people the victim knows—and discusses how quickly financial abuse can happen, particularly in caregiving situations. She offers practical advice for families transitioning a loved one into assisted living, such as removing financial documents, limiting access to money, and automating bill payments to reduce the risk of exploitation. We also talk about how...
info_outlineAs Alzheimer’s disease progresses, changes in touch—like the return of the palmar reflex and loss of fine motor skills—can make eating difficult for individuals with dementia. In this video, I share two key sensory changes that impact mealtimes and four practical strategies to help your loved one eat more easily and comfortably. From the overhand and underhand techniques to introducing finger foods and adaptive utensils, these tips are designed to improve both the caregiver’s experience and the individual’s independence. Looking for more support? Check out my new course, Managing Meals and Eating Challenges, or grab the ebook for quick solutions at melissabphd.com/courses.