The Age Guide: Perspectives on the Aging Journey

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May 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Age Guide podcast highlighting perspectives on the aging journey. We are here to be your personal Age Guide and enhance your quality of life on the road ahead. This podcast is about putting a face on aging and giving a voice to older adults and caregivers by highlighting their experiences and stories. We want to provide a window into the struggles and joys of aging, to dispel myths and combat ageism. This podcast is hosted by AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois, an Area Agency on Aging in Northeastern Illinois. At AgeGuide, it is our mission to be a vital resource and advocate for people as we age by providing thoughtful guidance, supportive services, and meaningful connections.

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50 recent

May 27, 2026Episode 841 min

Aging Well: Breaking the Silence Around Mental Health and Aging - with Robyn Golden and Caryn Blanton

As we age, mental health becomes just as important as physical health, yet it’s often overlooked, misunderstood, or dismissed as a normal part of getting older. In this episode of Aging Well, we hear from Robyn Golden, Associate Vice President of Social Work and Community Health at Rush University Medical Center and Caryn Blanton, Program Manager at the E4 Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging, to explore the realities of mental health and aging, and why connection, purpose, and support are critical to aging well. Robyn and Caryn share powerful insights on ageism in healthcare, the emotional impact of social isolation, caregiver stress, depression, anxiety, and the importance of treating mental health with the same urgency and compassion as physical health. The conversation also dives into the growing need for education and advocacy around behavioral health for older adults, including the work being done through the E4 Center of Excellence and innovative programs that help identify and support older adults before they reach a crisis point. Whether you’re an older adult, caregiver, healthcare professional, or simply someone looking to better support the people around you, this episode offers meaningful perspective, practical advice, and an important reminder: it is never too late to care for your mental health, ask for help, and stay connected. Resources: Social Work and Community Health Services | Rush E4 Center – Rush Center for Excellence in Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging E4 Center Toolkits 4Ms Behavioral Health – E4 Center Longevity increased by positive self-perceptions of aging - PubMed The 8 Limbs of Yoga and Why They Matter to Your Practice – Sri Sri School of Yoga A Decolonized Guide to the 8 Limbs of Yoga Gatekeeper Program | Washington County, OR Bowling Alone Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuideTwitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcastPodcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcastWebsite: ageguide.org

April 30, 2026Episode 724 min

Aging Well: The Cost of Growing Older in America - with Ramsey Alwin

As Americans live longer than ever, too many are aging without financial security, health supports, or clear pathways to thrive. To continue exploring what it truly means to age well, we’re joined by Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO of the National Council on Aging, and a leading national voice on aging policy, economic security, and equity. In this episode, Ramsey unpacks why longevity is one of the most consequential megatrends of our time and how longer lives are reshaping work, caregiving, health, and community life across America. Gretchen and Ramsey explore the growing challenge of economic insecurity among older adults, the deep links between financial stability and health, and why aging well must be treated as a right, not a privilege. Ramsey also shares why the Older Americans Act remains a cornerstone of healthy aging, and why increased funding and reauthorization is essential as demographics continue to shift. The conversation highlights empowering tools like BenefitsCheckUp®, evidence-based health programs, and the power of community-based organizations to help older adults and caregivers age with dignity, security, and connection. Whether you’re planning your own future, caring for a loved one, or advocating for stronger aging policies in your community, this episode offers both practical resources and a compelling call to action.Resources: NCOA UMass Boston's Elder Index: Measure of Economic Security UMass Boston's Gerontology Institute "Living Between the Lines: Economic Insecurity and Older Americans" Older Americans Act: Overview and Funding | Congress.gov | Library of Congress Evidence-Based Program: Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance® Caregiving in the US 2025: Key Trends, Strains, and Policy Needs Visit BenefitsCheckUp.org or call 1-800-794-6559Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuideTwitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcastPodcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcastWebsite: ageguide.org

March 24, 2026Episode 638 min

Aging Well: Connecting Policy, Nutrition, and Community – with Bob Blancato

In this episode of Aging Well, Bob Blancato, national advocate for older adults and expert in nutrition and aging policy, explores the critical role nutrition plays in supporting healthy aging and strengthening communities.This episode examines how nutrition intersects healthcare, social services, and public policy, and why improving access to healthy food is essential for preventing chronic disease and promoting well-being among older adults. Listeners will gain insight into the growing “Food as Medicine” movement, the importance of nutrition security, and how programs like the Older Americans Act nutrition services help address both health and social isolation for older adults.Bob also shares perspectives on current policy developments, including efforts to expand medical nutrition therapy, strengthen community nutrition programs, and integrate social care services into healthcare systems. Throughout the conversation, he highlights how advocacy, education, and community engagement can help shape stronger nutrition policies and better outcomes for older adults.This conversation offers a thoughtful look at how better nutrition, stronger policy, and community advocacy can help ensure older adults have the support they need to age well.Resources:National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs - PODCASTBlog: Nutrition and Healthy Aging Featuring Bob Blancato - Alliance for Aging ResearchBasics of Congregate Nutrition Programs | acl.gov Basics of Home Delivered Meal Program | acl.govFood Is Medicine | odphp.health.govFood and Nutrition SecurityFood Assistance - SNAP Benefits for Older AdultsFood ParadigmOlder Americans Act Nutrition ProgramsOlder Americans Act: Summary in Brief | Congress.gov | Library of CongressDietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030 Innovation Insight: RFI Now Open for Comments on Potential Improvements to Medicare Advantage | CMSMake America Healthy Again (MAHA) | HHS.govMedical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2025 | Congress.gov | Library of CongressTreat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025 | Congress.gov | Library of CongressFind a Federally Qualified Health Center Adult Obesity Facts | Obesity | CDCFacebook: facebook.com/AgeGuideTwitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcastPodcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcastWebsite: ageguide.org

February 26, 2026Episode 531 min

Aging Well: Building Better Aging Policy - with Ryann Hill

In this episode of Aging Well, Ryann Hill, Aging Policy and Advocacy Expert, shares the realities facing older adults and caregivers today and offers guidance on how listeners can take meaningful action. This episode explores how aging policy brings people together across party lines, how to effectively and confidently engage your legislators, and why the Older Americans Act continues to serve as the backbone of community-based supports for older adults. Participants will also gain a clear understanding of the difference between authorization and funding, and why both matter, along with practical, real-world strategies for advocating locally, sharing impactful stories, and strengthening support for aging services. This conversation offers a grounded and hopeful look at what it takes for communities to ensure that people can age with dignity, stability, and support. Resources: Older Americans Act: Overview and Funding | Congress.gov | Library of Congress Administration for Community Living - Older Americans Act USAging - Older Americans Act Indigo Hill Strategies Mic’d Up podcast Eldercare Locator Find and contact elected officials | USAGov Best-Practices-Meeting-with-a-Congressional-Office-February-2025.pdf Here’s a look at federal agencies’ shutdown contingency plans | Federal News Network U.S. House of Representatives Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuideTwitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcastPodcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcastWebsite: ageguide.org

January 29, 2026Episode 436 min

Aging Well: Rethinking Aging and Healthcare - with Kris Geerken

In this episode of Aging Well, we talk with advocate and researcher Kris Geerken about how ageism and ableism shape the way we experience aging and healthcare. Drawing on her hospice work, her research at Virginia Commonwealth University, and advocacy with Changing the Narrative, Kris explores how age bias often goes unnoticed in medical settings and why stronger gerontology training is essential to improving care. She highlights the impact of unacknowledged grief, the high-cost ageism has on our society, and the need for person‑centered systems that honor the values and goals of people at every age. Also, Alaine makes her Medicare Minute debut to explain that Illinois allows self‑referral to physical therapy without a physician’s prescription. This conversation offers practical insights and encouragement for navigating care, challenging age bias, and aging well at every stage of life. Resources: Reach out to Kris: geerkenk@vcu.edu Disrupting Ageism | ScienceDirect Antidotes for Ageism - Changing the Narrative Age-Friendly Healthcare – Changing the Narrative Ageism in health care found to cost $63 billion annually | Yale Daily News The Conversation Project - Have You Had The Conversation? National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Aging Unfiltered: Flipping the Script on Ageism Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuideTwitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcastPodcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcastWebsite: ageguide.org

December 23, 2025Episode 333 min

Aging Well: Aging as a Continuum, Not a Crisis - with Dr. Israel Cross

In this episode of Aging Well, we sit down with Dr. Israel Cross, Public Health Gerontologist and President of the National Aging in Place Council. Drawing on his experience as both an aging network professional and family caregiver, Dr. Cross reframes aging as a natural continuum rather than a crisis and highlights why caregivers are essential partners in our aging infrastructure. We explore the evolving concept of aging in place and discuss why early conversations about care and autonomy matter. Dr. Cross also introduces the latest edition of Aging in Place Conversations: The Caregiver’s Edition, a guide filled with real stories, tips, and tools for navigating caregiving challenges. Tune in for a conversation that centers compassion and offers a hopeful roadmap for building systems that prioritize dignity, choice, and collaboration. Resources: Israel Cross LinkedIn Page Aging in Place Conversations - The Caregiver's Edition Amazon Kindle copy Aging in Place Conversations - The Caregiver's Edition: Stories, Strategies, and Support for Aging in Your Community by Sean Fitzgerald, Fritzi Gros-Daillon, Mary Lynch, Paperback | Barnes & Noble® National Aging in Place Council Website Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services | CMS National Institute on Aging Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) | NAHB Online Courses - USC Home Modification Grab Bar and Zero Degree Shower The Sandwich Generation Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuideTwitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcastPodcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcastWebsite: ageguide.org

November 21, 2025Episode 247 min

Aging Well: Creating a Sense of Belonging - with Dr. Raj Shah

In this episode, we get the opportunity to take a deep dive with Dr. Raj Shah of Rush University Medical Center exploring ideas revolving around brain health, caregiving, and what it truly means to age well. Drawing from decades of dementia research and community-based work, Dr. Shah reflects on the power of connection, the role of care partners, and how belonging shapes our health across the lifespan. Together, they unpack the small, meaningful actions at home, in clinics, and throughout our communities that can make aging a more supported, inclusive, and thriving experience. Resources: Dementia Friends Illinois - Illinois Cognitive Resources Network Dementia Friendly America Dementia Friendly Illinois Monthly Meetings - Illinois Cognitive Resources Network Dementia Friendly Initiative – AgeGuide Dementia Friendly Efforts in Illinois Raj Shah | LinkedIn Design For Belonging Initiative Memory Cafe Directory 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer's | Alzheimer's Association How the CARE Act Helps Caregivers Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuideTwitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcastPodcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcastWebsite: ageguide.org

October 30, 2025Episode 129 min

Aging Well: How Social Ties Shape Longer Lives - with Ken Stern

To launch our new season on Aging Well, we’re joined by Ken Stern, nationally recognized expert on longevity, author, founder of the Longevity Project, and host of the podcast Century Lives. In this episode we explore how longer lives challenge the way we think about the second half of life and prompt us to reimagine every aspect of society, from education and work to community and connection. Ken also shares incredible insights from his new book, Healthy to 100: How Strong Social Ties Lead to Long Lives, which captures the central theme of this season: that thriving as we age depends on the strength of our relationships and communities. Together, they explore how longevity science offers a hopeful roadmap for aging well in today’s world. Resources: Healthy to 100: How Strong Social Ties Lead to Long Lives Healthy to 100 Blog The Longevity Project Three Not so Bad Things on Longevity and Aging Newsletter Century Lives Podcast When I’m 64 Podcast Blue Zones Netflix Documentary Gorham House Intergenerational Preschool & Senior Community Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuideTwitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcastPodcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcastWebsite: ageguide.org

September 18, 2025Episode 1133 min

Aging Unfiltered: Flipping the Script on Ageism - with Jan Golden and Sara Breindel

With Ageism Awareness Day approaching, the final episode of Aging Unfiltered features Jan Golden, founder of Age Friendly Vibes, and Sara Breindel, Communications Specialist and Ageism Consultant with the American Society on Aging. Jan shares how a contest for anti-ageist birthday cards led her to create an age-positive greeting card company, while Sara recalls the moment she realized how subtle language can reinforce stereotypes. Together, they explore why our mindset toward aging matters, and how the way we talk about aging shapes culture while influencing health and longevity. Sara and Jan share how stories, word choices, and even humor affect how we think and feel about aging. Tune in to discover practical ways we can all flip the script and build a more inclusive vision of growing older. Episode Linkshttps://www.agefriendlyvibes.comhttps://www.asaging.orgASA Ageism Awareness Day HomepageSocial Media ToolkitFact Sheet Contact Sara: agepositive@asaging.orgBecca Levy’s Breaking the Age CodeAging Unfiltered: The Power of Intergenerational Advocacy – with Arielle GalinskyAging Unfiltered: The Power of Human Connections Across Generations - with Shari Fooshttps://www.smpresource.orgFacebook: facebook.com/AgeGuideTwitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcastPodcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcastWebsite: ageguide.org

August 7, 2025Episode 1038 min

Aging Unfiltered: Confronting Ageism in the Workplace - with Dr. Brian Kaskie, Marla Fronczak, and Jeri Colucy

In this episode of Aging Unfiltered, we explore what it really means to create an age-friendly workplace. Marla Fronczak, CEO of AgeGuide, Jeri Colucy, Director of Operations, Finance & Human Resources, and Dr. Brian Kaskie, Professor at the University of Iowa, come together to share personal stories, research insights, and practical strategies to build inclusive work environments that support people at every stage of life.From Marla’s own journey of career transition in midlife to Jeri’s human resources experience, this conversation dives deep into how employers can lead with empathy, flexibility, and foresight. Dr. Kaskie shares key findings from his research, including how the AARP Employer Pledge and simple job redesigns can boost recruitment and retention, especially as older adults continue working longer out of passion or necessity.Plus, don’t miss this episode’s special “Medicaid Moment” featuring Lore Baker, a valued member of AgeGuide’s Advisory Council and CEO of A.I.D., as she breaks down the latest Medicaid changes and what it means for older adults in our region.Whether you’re an HR professional, a job seeker over 50, or someone rethinking your workplace culture, this episode challenges assumptions and offers tools for real change.Resources:AARP Employer Pledge ProgramTake Action Today – AgeGuideEfforts to Address the Aging Academic Workforce: Assessing Progress Through a Three-Stage Model of Institutional ChangeAID ⋆ Association for Individual Development ⋆ Empowering Individuals...Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuideTwitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcastPodcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcastWebsite: ageguide.org