This week on the Art of Aging, Rev. Beth Long-Higgins and Ashley Bills highlight lessons learned from a year of podcasts with guests who share unique perspectives on dementia, inclusivity, faith, community involvement, and overcoming fears. Listeners will discover inspiring stories of personal growth, the importance of compassionate support for all older adults, and key takeaways on embracing change, staying curious, and fostering purposeful connections as we age. Don’t miss this look back at some of the top moments from the year of the podcast.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Introduction and setting the theme of aging conversations (0:00)
• Metaphor of older adults as resilient weeds (3:02)
• The idea of being master climbers and challenging "over the hill" (6:06)
• Turning fear into curiosity: approaching dementia and death (9:00)
• Personalized approaches to aging, “walking span,” and generational myths (12:46)
• Challenging generational assumptions and early life choices about aging (15:14)
• Creativity and Constraints: Green Eggs and Ham Hypothesis (18:06)
• Guests’ surprises about their own aging and creative new beginnings (21:14)
• LGBTQ+ elders and meaningful inclusivity in later life (24:46)
• Embracing physical changes and self-acceptance with age (27:14)
• Generational connections and finding purpose while aging (30:03)
• Shifting from consumer to citizen and increasing life engagement (33:08)
• The power of faith, community, and unexpected achievements as we age (36:00)

Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Art of Aging, Rev. Beth Long-Higgins welcomes Susan Wallace, President and CEO of LeadingAge Ohio, for an insightful discussion on aging in the 21st century. Topics include the evolution and importance of hospice and palliative care, differences between for-profit and nonprofit care providers, the risks of fraud in hospice services, and the innovative PACE program for comprehensive elder care. Susan also shares personal stories and reflections on caregiving, the value of social connection, and her own journey with aging. Key takeaways for listeners include understanding care options, the importance of informed choices, the power of relationships in aging abundantly, and so much more.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Susan’s Background and Role at Leading Age Ohio (0:40)
• What is LeadingAge Ohio and Its Connection to National Organization (1:28)
• How Hospice Has Changed and What to Expect Today (6:05)
• For-Profit vs. Nonprofit Hospice Care (9:44)
• What to Look for When Choosing a Hospice Provider (12:18)
• Quality Measures and Medicare’s Care Compare (14:44)
• The Role of Community and Spiritual Care in Hospice (15:46)
• Fraud and Trends in Hospice Care (17:12)
• Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care (0:20:26)
• The PACE Program: All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (24:20)
• Expansion and Education about PACE in Ohio (26:43)
• The Importance of Caregiving and Social Connection in Aging (29:29)
• Challenges and Opportunities in Aging Services (30:23)
• Reflections on Aging: Personal Growth and Surprises (32:18)
• How to Connect with Susan and Parting Thoughts (36:20)

Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week on the Art of Aging, Dr. Like Lokon, artist, educator, and founder of Opening Minds Through Art (OMA), discusses her journey from confronting a fear of dementia to developing an innovative, evidence-based art program that empowers older adults and bridges generations. The conversation explores international insights, the therapeutic power of creativity, breaking down power dynamics in care settings, and the value of intergenerational relationships. Key takeaways include the transformative impact of art and social connection for people living with dementia, the importance of experiential learning, how programs like OMA foster dignity, agency, and lasting human connections, and so much more.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Confronting Fear Of Dementia and Its Impact on Dr. Lokon's Path (1:53)
• International Experiences and Learning About Dementia Care (3:42)
• Lessons From Time Slips and The Development of OMA’s Philosophy (4:30)
• Power Dynamics In Memory Care and OMA’s Approach (7:12)
• The Impact of OMA On Students and Fostering Human Connection (12:44)
• Intergenerational Dynamics and Social Connection Through OMA (16:45)
• Processes Within OMA To Equalize Power Across Generations (20:13)
• Personal Evolution and Dr. Lokon's Decision To Study Gerontology (21:55)
• Public Art Shows and Recognizing Older Adults (23:53)
• Expanding OMA Into Affordable Housing and Social Engagement (26:23)
• Art Versus Social Engagement and Breaking Intimidating Expectations (27:51)
• Benefits of Group Art Classes For Aging and Fighting Ageism (29:54)
• The Value of Social Connection and Health Outcomes (32:04)
• Death Doula Training and Connecting With End-Of-Life Care (33:01)
• Reflections On Aging and Personal Growth (36:07)
• Closing Remarks, Upcoming Symposium, And How To Learn About OMA (41:12)

Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.