GSA Momentum Discussions

Hosted by The Gerontological Society of America

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Apr 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

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

May 19, 2025Episode 5424 min

Perspectives on Caregiving One Couple’s Unwelcome Journey with Alzheimer's Disease

During this Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, Jim Mangi reflects on being the loving and selfless caregiver for his wife, Kathleen, whose 17-year journey with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease ended in December 2024. Jim is a Vietnam veteran, author, retired business owner, and an environmental scientist with a PhD in Ecology – none of which prepared him to be a caregiver. Inspired by his wife’s grace during her journey with Alzheimer’s disease, Jim has dedicated himself to dementia activism efforts, including his tireless work in Saline, Michigan, aimed at making it easier for folks living with dementia to enjoy the community with less difficulty and more dignity. This podcast episode is supported by Genentech, Otsuka, Lilly, and Eisai. Content was developed by Gerontological Society of America (GSA). Transcript Speaker Jim Mangi, PhD, Dementia Friendly Services Host Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE Director, Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America

March 3, 2025Episode 5320 min

Reflections of My Weight Journey with Joe Sapone

In this Momentum Discussions Podcast episode, Joseph Sapone reflects on his weight journey. He provides us with unique perspectives of an older adult who has lived in a larger body size for most of his adult life. He shares how stigma and bias have affected him in his personal and professional life as well as in healthcare and other settings. Joe discusses how a comprehensive approach to obesity management has helped him to achieve his health and wellness goals, and he offers insights into why it is so important that older adults have access to the full continuum of obesity care. Transcript Guest Joseph Sapone, MBA Founder and President, P4+ Host Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE Director, Strategic Alliances Gerontological Society of America This podcast episode is supported by Novo Nordisk. Content was developed by Gerontological Society of America (GSA).