The Age Guide: Perspectives on the Aging Journey

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 [https://www.ncoa.org/]  UMass Boston's Elder Index: Measure of Economic Security [https://elderindex.org/]  UMass Boston's Gerontology Institute "Living Between the Lines: Economic Insecurity and Older Americans" [https://scholarworks.umb.edu/demographyofaging/109/]  Older Americans Act: Overview and Funding | Congress.gov | Library of Congress [https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R43414]   Evidence-Based Program: Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance® [https://www.ncoa.org/article/evidence-based-program-tai-ji-quan-moving-for-better-balance/]   Caregiving in the US 2025: Key Trends, Strains, and Policy Needs [https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/ltss/family-caregiving/caregiving-in-the-us-2025/]   Visit BenefitsCheckUp.org [https://benefitscheckup.org/]or call 1-800-794-6559 Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuide Twitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide  Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcast Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast Website: ageguide.org

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 - PODCAST [https://www.nanasp.org/PODCAST] Blog: Nutrition and Healthy Aging Featuring Bob Blancato - Alliance for Aging Research [https://www.agingresearch.org/blog/blog-nutrition-and-healthy-aging-featuring-bob-blancato/] Basics of Congregate Nutrition Programs | acl.gov  [https://acl.gov/senior-nutrition/basics-congregate] Basics of Home Delivered Meal Program | acl.gov [https://acl.gov/senior-nutrition/basics-home-delivered-meals] Food Is Medicine | odphp.health.gov [https://odphp.health.gov/foodismedicine] Food and Nutrition Security [https://www.nifa.usda.gov/topics/food-nutrition-security] Food Assistance - SNAP Benefits for Older Adults [https://www.aarp.org/aarp-foundation/our-work/food-security/] Food Paradigm [https://www.foodparadigm.org/] Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs [https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/news%202017-03/OAA-Nutrition_Programs_Fact_Sheet.pdf] Older Americans Act: Summary in Brief | Congress.gov | Library of Congress [https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF12530] Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030 [https://cdn.realfood.gov/DGA.pdf]  Innovation Insight: RFI Now Open for Comments on Potential Improvements to Medicare Advantage | CMS [https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-insight-rfi-now-open-comments-potential-improvements-medicare-advantage] Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) | HHS.gov [https://www.hhs.gov/maha/index.html] Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2025 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress [https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6199/text] Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress [https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4231] Find a Federally Qualified Health Center [https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/]  Adult Obesity Facts | Obesity | CDC [https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/adult-obesity-facts/?CDC_AAref_Val=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fobesity%2Fdata%2Fadult.html&utm_campaign=CHD_g-plans-review] Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuide Twitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide  Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcast Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast Website: ageguide.org

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 [https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R43414]  Administration for Community Living - Older Americans Act [https://acl.gov/about-acl/authorizing-statutes/older-americans-act]  USAging - Older Americans Act [https://www.usaging.org/olderamericansact]  Indigo Hill Strategies [https://www.indigohillstrategies.com/]  Mic’d Up podcast [https://www.indigohillstrategies.com/podcast]  Eldercare Locator [https://eldercare.acl.gov/home]  Find and contact elected officials | USAGov [https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials]  Best-Practices-Meeting-with-a-Congressional-Office-February-2025.pdf [https://voicesforservice.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Best-Practices-Meeting-with-a-Congressional-Office-February-2025.pdf]  Here’s a look at federal agencies’ shutdown contingency plans | Federal News Network [https://federalnewsnetwork.com/government-shutdown/2025/09/heres-a-look-at-federal-agencies-contingency-plans-as-shutdown-looms/]  U.S. House of Representatives [https://www.house.gov/]  Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuide Twitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide  Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcast Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast Website: ageguide.org

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 [geerkenk@vcu.edu]  Disrupting Ageism | ScienceDirect [https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/edited-volume/9780443338274/disrupting-ageism#editors]  Antidotes for Ageism - Changing the Narrative [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-hVkKZ0I1M]  Age-Friendly Healthcare – Changing the Narrative [https://changingthenarrativeco.org/age-friendly-healthcare/]  Ageism in health care found to cost $63 billion annually | Yale Daily News [https://yaledailynews.com/articles/ageism-in-health-care-found-to-cost-63-billion-annually]  The Conversation Project - Have You Had The Conversation? [https://theconversationproject.org/]  National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health [https://www.nccih.nih.gov/]  Aging Unfiltered: Flipping the Script on Ageism [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1924421/episodes/17866896]    Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuide Twitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide  Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcast Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast Website: ageguide.org

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 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/israelcross-phd/]   Aging in Place Conversations - The Caregiver's Edition Amazon Kindle copy [https://www.amazon.com/Aging-Place-Conversations-Caregivers-Strategies-ebook/dp/B0FVTN84T3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3H9LN3VKBODQ3&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.a7tgWf7hhg98fu1vkL1_coAH7BLCTGoGriNWTjwGGRVBDZQTm1cqnxZRQYIukQqoh2Kxm2nCBLQwqLlMc6dMYddw1Fdl9lw3Su06kxJWgoJ3E2uRbPtH9G_pmauoAw8FnncJaSFhl8ILogwgrxF49Q.aMnjSpaIhWPGl2_y39ZvLSIx7MKytO22i9LpaHfrTKA&dib_tag=se&keywords=Aging+in+Place+Conversations+caregiver&qid=1760462103&s=books&sprefix=aging+in+place+conversations+caregiver%2Cstripbooks%2C79&sr=1-1]   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® [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/aging-in-place-conversations-the-caregivers-edition-sean-fitzgerald/1148571598]  National Aging in Place Council Website [https://ageinplace.org/]  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services | CMS [https://www.cms.gov/]  National Institute on Aging [https://www.nia.nih.gov/]  Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) | NAHB [https://www.nahb.org/education-and-events/credentials/certified-aging-in-place-specialist-caps]  Online Courses - USC Home Modification [https://homemods.org/echm/]  Grab Bar [https://www.grabbarspecialists.com/products-gbs.php?cat=18&utm_content=grab%20bars&msclkid=3fb61c18551e1b8aadab74eac5e39dd7&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Grab%20Bar&utm_term=grab%20bar%20for%20bathroom] and Zero Degree Shower [https://www.homestratosphere.com/zero-threshold-showers/]    The Sandwich Generation [https://www.care.com/c/what-is-the-sandwich-generation/]  Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuide Twitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide  Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcast Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast Website: ageguide.org