GSA Momentum Discussions

Hosted by The Gerontological Society of America

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Jul 2026

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About the show

The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) brings together researchers, educators, and practitioners to stimulate dialogue on trends with great momentum to advance gerontology. The Momentum Discussions podcasts delve into various aging-related topics and features conversations with experts in the field. The podcasts explore the latest research, trends, and practical applications in gerontology, covering themes such as the impacts of aging on health, social systems, and policy. Its goal is to advance the understanding and practice of gerontology by sharing insights and innovations that can improve the quality of life for older adults and foster a better understanding of the aging process.

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60 recent

July 21, 2026Episode 6434 min

The Missing Prescription: Why Strength Training Belongs in Health Care

In this episode of the GSA Momentum Discussions Podcast, Paige Denison and Dr. Liz Joy share insights into the global Exercise is Medicine initiative and explore how clinicians can integrate physical activity as a vital sign in clinical care. From formal exercise prescriptions to community resources and the “Rx for Health” series, this episode provides practical guidance for healthcare providers and individuals looking to harness the power of movement to prevent and manage chronic conditions. This podcast episode is supported by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) and highlights innovative approaches to bridging clinical care and lifestyle medicine. Support provided by Haleon and Lilly. Transcript Guests Elizabeth Joy, MD, MPH, DIpABLM, FACSM, Chairperson, Exercise is Medicine, Host, She Leads Science Paige Denison, BS, PAPHS, Director – Health, Wellness, and Project Enhance, Sound Generations Host Elana Kieffer Blass, MBA, Director of Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America

July 10, 2026Episode 6316 min

Medicare, Medicaid, and GLP-1s: Demystifying the Bridge and BALANCE Models

In this episode of the GSA Momentum Discussions Podcast, Cristine Gallagher, MPAff, Obesity Care Advocacy Network (OCAN) Coordinator, shares insights into the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge and BALANCE models and explains how these models expand access to anti-obesity medications for older adults. She offers practice advice for navigating the Bridge model for prescribers and older adults living with obesity. Support provided by Lilly and Novo Nordisk. Transcript Speaker Cristy Gallagher, Associate Director of Research and Policy, STOP Obesity Alliance Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University Host Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE, Director, Strategic Alliances Gerontological Society of America

April 22, 2026Episode 6215 min

Nutrition Matters: Supporting Healthy Aging Through Proper Nutrition

This GSA Momentum Discussions podcast episode explores why nutrition is essential to healthy aging. The conversation examines age-related changes in appetite and nutrient needs, the risks of nutritional deficiencies as we age, and the role of diet and physical activity in preventing sarcopenia. It also highlights emerging research and practical strategies to help older adults maintain strength, function, and independence. Support provided by Haleon. Transcript Guest Roger A. Fielding, PhD Associate Director, Jean Mayer, USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging Lead Scientist and Senior Scientist, Nutrition, Exercise Physiology, and Sarcopenia Team Professor of Nutrition, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University Professor of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine Host Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE, Director, Strategic Alliances Gerontological Society of America

January 27, 2026Episode 6120 min

When Opioids Help and When They Harm Older Adults

During this Momentum Discussions podcast episode, Dr. Bethea (Annie) Kleykamp of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the Maryland Addiction Consultation Service talks to us about opioid use among older adults. She explores the many reasons people use opioids, common misconceptions around opioid use and older adults, her very personal reason for researching this topic, and how each of us can play a role in preventing an opioid overdose. And to learn more about this important topic, check out GSA’s recently-published report, Staying Safe with Opioids at Home. This podcast episode is supported by Emergent BioSolutions. Content was developed by Gerontological Society of America (GSA). Transcript Guest: Bethea (Annie) Kleykamp, PhD, MA, Assistant Professor, Psychiatry Department, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Director, Research and Evaluation Maryland Addiction Consultation Service (MACS) Host: Elana Kieffer Blass, MBA, Director of Strategic Alliances, GSA

January 27, 2026Episode 6019 min

Patient Perspectives of Disease-Modifying Therapies for Alzheimer’s Disease

Amyloid-lowering monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapies for early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease, including mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia, have generated new excitement about the future of treatment for this progressive condition. These treatments aim to slow or halt the progression of Alzheimer's disease by tackling an underlying cause of the disease – not just managing its symptoms. The evidence shows that individuals receiving these therapies can experience slower disease progression and the potential to extend their independence in everyday life. This GSA Momentum Discussion webinar, recorded at the GSA 2025 Annual Scientific Meeting, highlights the clinical outcomes associated with mAb therapies through the reflections of patients receiving the treatments and those who support them. Support provided by Eisai. Transcript Speakers Tracy Collins, Person living with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease Scott Hardy, Care partner to Tracy Host Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE, Director, Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America

January 21, 2026Episode 5914 min

Trends in Comprehensive Obesity Care for Women as They Age

In this episode of the GSA Momentum Discussions Podcast, titled "Trends in Comprehensive Obesity Care for Women as They Age," a family medicine doctor and geriatrician with deep expertise in care of older adults with obesity reflects on the unique needs of older and aging women with obesity. She discusses key assessment principles that clinicians should consider when caring for women with obesity as they age, and she highlights the importance of comprehensive, individualized care by an interprofessional team for older and aging women with obesity. This podcast episode is supported by Haleon and Novo Nordisk, with content developed by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA). Transcript Speaker Anna Pendrey, MD, Dipl. ABOM, Assistant Professor, Family Medicine and Geriatrics Physician, Indiana University School of Medicine Host Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE, Director, Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America

October 22, 2025Episode 5820 min

Family Caregiving from the Personal to the Professional

In this episode of GSA’s Momentum Discussions, sociologist Dr. Mindy Fried shares how caring for her father inspired her memoir Caring for Red and launched her into podcasting about aging and caregiving. She reflects on the emotional realities of caregiving, the complexities of assisted living, and the power of storytelling to build community and drive change. Transcript Speaker Mindy Fried, MSW, PhD Principal, Arbor Consulting Partners Producer, Open Your Heart Creator/Host, The Shape of Care podcast Author, Caring for Red: A Daughter’s Memoir Host Elana Kieffer Blass, MBA, Director of Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America

October 22, 2025Episode 5725 min

Living Well with Dementia

In this episode of the GSA Momentum Discussions Podcast, titled "Living Well with Dementia," three individuals living with dementia share personal insights into how they continue to lead meaningful, engaged lives after diagnosis. Through heartfelt reflections, they explore what “living well” truly means—from maintaining daily routines and adapting beloved hobbies to the critical role of peer support and the importance of compassionate care partners. Their stories offer valuable guidance for healthcare professionals, families, and communities on how to better support those navigating life with dementia. This podcast episode is supported by Genentech, Lilly, Eisai, and Otsuka, with content developed by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) in collaboration with the National Council of Dementia Minds. Transcript Speakers Scott Guernsey Human Resources Consultant, HR Components, LLC Krissan Moss, RN, BSN, Retired Clinical Education Manager, Genentech Jay Reinstein, Former Assistant City Manager of Fayetteville, NC | Board member, Alliance for Aging Research Host Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE Director, Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America

October 22, 2025Episode 5623 min

Dementia Diagnosis to One Year Out: Perspectives of People Living with Dementia

In this GSA Momentum Discussions Podcast episode, members of the National Council of Dementia Minds reflect on their first year living with a dementia diagnosis. They speak candidly about the moment they received the diagnosis, the support they did—or didn’t—receive from their medical providers, and what has helped them adjust to this new chapter of life. Their lived experiences offer clear, actionable insights for primary care teams on how to better support people living with dementia in the months that follow a dementia diagnosis. This podcast episode is supported by Genentech, Lilly, Eisai, and Otsuka, with content developed by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) in collaboration with the National Council of Dementia Minds. Transcript Speakers Phyllis Cole Member, National Council of Dementia Minds, Dementia Friendly Services Miriam Owens, Christian Author and Special Education Advocate, Rhema Publishing and Consulting, LLC Seth Stern, MD, Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYC Health and Hospitals - Jacobi Host Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE Director, Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America

October 22, 2025Episode 5529 min

Benefits of an Early Diagnosis

This GSA Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, the first of three episodes developed in collaboration with the National Council of Dementia Minds, highlights how receiving a timely diagnosis of dementia can positively impact overall well-being, relationships, and more. Our three guests who live with dementia offer honest reflections and practical advice for healthcare professionals and the public, emphasizing how early recognition opens the door to self-advocacy, planning, and purpose. This podcast episode is supported by Genentech, Lilly, Eisai, and Otsuka, with content developed by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) in collaboration with the National Council of Dementia Minds. Transcript Speaker Steven Barbieri, President of the National Council of Dementia Minds David Compton, MD, Doctors with Dementia Group, National Council of Dementia Minds Joanna Fix, PhD, Former College Professor and Psychologist Host Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE Director, Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America