Aging In Full Bloom

I enjoyed sitting down with Marc Cooper, the insightful author behind "Older to Elder." [https://www.google.com/books/edition/_/2DPw0AEACAAJ?hl=en] Together, we discuss the difference between simply getting older and consciously stepping into the role of an elder—a transformation that calls for intention, mindfulness, and a commitment to higher purpose. Marc brings a refreshing perspective, moving beyond conversations about ageism and decline to focus on what’s possible when we choose to live with wisdom, curiosity, and compassion. We talk about what it means to be a “contemporary elder” and how this journey involves embracing—not avoiding—life’s endings, and, in doing so, finding freedom, peace, and relevance. Whether you’re navigating your own path through aging or supporting someone you love, I think this conversation will inspire you. It’s all about seeing aging not just as something that happens to us, but something we can deeply engage with—so we can truly age in full bloom. Key Moments 00:00 Overcoming Ageism: "Older to Elder" 05:13 "Elders' Acceptance of Aging" 07:11 Embrace Death to Live Fully 11:59 Self-Discovery and Cultural Isolation 14:56 Embracing Life's Unfairness 18:29 Elder Freedom and Expression 23:07 "Life's End: Plan Backwards" 24:22 Hearing Life's Higher Purpose 30:10 Elder Acknowledgment and Transition 31:22 Inspiration: Confidence, Compassion, Kindness Here are my big takeaways: Elderhood is a Choice, Not Just a Stage: Becoming an elder requires mindfulness, intentionality, and self-inquiry. It’s about embracing the responsibilities and freedoms that come with age, rather than passively accepting societal narratives about getting old. Legacy Through Presence and Purpose: Elders aren’t just “older” people—they’re contributors and stewards. By focusing on a higher purpose, elders enrich not only their own lives but also their communities, impacting personal, business, and political conversations with newfound wisdom. Spirituality & Self-Reflection Are Key: The journey from older to elder hinges on self-acceptance, letting go of the past, and cultivating a sense of meaning. Marc emphasizes that this is a spiritual journey as much as a practical one, embracing uncertainty and fostering peace with both life and death. Email me, Lisa Stockdale, anytime at aginginfullbloom@gmail.com [aginginfullbloom@gmail.com] Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale is sponsored by HomeCaire [https://www.homecaire.com/]. We believe every patient should get the personalized care they need, in the way they want it. Every caregiver should feel supported, valued, and motivated. We see each person as their own entity, with unique needs, desires, and skills. Our goal is to best support our family as they reach new milestones. Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player. Android user? http://www.subscribeonandroid.com [http://www.subscribeonandroid.com/] Copyright 2025 Lisa Stockdale Mentioned in this episode: Thank you for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale Thanks for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale, sponsored by HomeCaire of Ohio. We added an "i" to care because we care about the individual. That includes the individual caregiver and the individual client. From each caregiver's caseload to every client's care plan, we understand that individual preferences and priorities matter. People matter; we haven't lost sight of that here at HomeCaire of Ohio. If you or someone you know needs personal care at home, call 419-458-3000 to learn.

> "...Everybody takes their car in to get routine maintenance, because they don't want costly repairs or their vehicle to break down. And the home is the same thing." - Sean Fitzgerald In this part of our series on aging at home, I’m taking a closer look at something that’s vital for seniors—but often gets overlooked: home maintenance. I’m joined by Sean Fitzgerald, president of TruBlue Home Service Ally [https://www.trublueally.com/blog/TruBlue-Aims-to-Make-Aging-in-Place-More-Accessible], to talk about why proper home upkeep is so important for older adults who want to stay safe and independent in their own homes. Sean and I discuss the common challenges seniors face, from preventing falls to simple chores that become harder as we age. He explains how TruBlue’s services—like home safety assessments, grab bar installation, and maintenance packages—can help solve these problems and give both seniors and their families peace of mind. We also talk about how even small fixes, like improving lighting or clearing clutter, can make a big difference. Whether you’re a senior yourself, caring for an older loved one, or interested in starting a purpose-driven business in this field, you’ll find valuable insights in today’s conversation. Highlights from the Conversation: * Safety First: Home safety assessments are vital to help prevent falls. TruBlue experts look for clutter, poor lighting, tricky doorways, and more—simple fixes that make a big difference. * Senior-Centered Modifications: The most-requested update? Grab bars! These and other modifications (like walk-in showers) can be surprisingly affordable and tailored to each person’s needs. * Ongoing Maintenance: TruBlue offers regular maintenance packages. Think quarterly filter changes, lighting checks, fixing doors, and handling seasonal outdoor chores like snow removal—so you or a loved one isn’t up on a ladder alone. * Trusted Employees: All work is done by TruBlue’s own screened and insured employees, not subcontractors, giving you peace of mind. Did you know? The #1 home modification? GRAB BARS! But they also offer creative solutions—like affordable ways to turn your tub into a walk-in shower, without the full remodel price tag. Seniors should have safety and dignity at home. Email me, Lisa Stockdale, anytime at aginginfullbloom@gmail.com [aginginfullbloom@gmail.com] Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale is sponsored by HomeCaire [https://www.homecaire.com/]. We believe every patient should get the personalized care they need, in the way they want it. Every caregiver should feel supported, valued, and motivated. We see each person as their own entity, with unique needs, desires, and skills. Our goal is to best support our family as they reach new milestones. Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player. Android user? http://www.subscribeonandroid.com [http://www.subscribeonandroid.com/] Copyright 2025 Lisa Stockdale Mentioned in this episode: Thank you for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale Thanks for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale, sponsored by HomeCaire of Ohio. We added an "i" to care because we care about the individual. That includes the individual caregiver and the individual client. From each caregiver's caseload to every client's care plan, we understand that individual preferences and priorities matter. People matter; we haven't lost sight of that here at HomeCaire of Ohio. If you or someone you know needs personal care at home, call 419-458-3000 to learn.

What are some of the most important factors you should consider when planning to age at home? Welcome to another episode of Aging In Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale. I’m so glad you’re here as we wrap up our “Aging at Home” series with a conversation packed full of practical strategies to help you—or the ones you love—stay safe, independent, and happy right at home. In this episode, I’m joined by Deana Liss, Executive Director of Elderwerks [https://www.elderwerks.org/default.aspx], a nonprofit organization from Illinois that provides complimentary support to older adults and their families. Together, we dive into what it really takes to age well at home, covering everything from making your living space safer and more accessible to financial planning, long-term care options, and the vital importance of honest conversations and early planning. We’ll also tackle the rising threat of scams targeting seniors and point you to reliable resources and a supportive community, with highlights on the Elderwerks Senior Resource Directory—a goldmine of information for anyone navigating the aging process. Whether you’re hoping to age in place, helping a loved one, or work with older adults, you’ll find practical advice, peace of mind, and a few moments of laughter along the way. Join us as we empower ourselves to make thoughtful, confident choices about aging well. Top Takeaways from This Episode: Keys to Aging Well at Home - Deana shares that aging well at home starts with planning. This means honestly evaluating your current health, finances, and home setup. Plan Financially for Every Stage - If home isn’t an option, knowing the costs of senior living is essential. Assisted living can start at $6,000/month, with memory care and skilled nursing reaching as high as $11,000/month. Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help - Reaching out for support or sharing your plans with family doesn’t signal a loss of independence—it secures it. Key Moments 00:00 Elderwerks Expands Aging Support Services 04:26 Aging Gracefully at Home 07:28 Rising U.S. Aging Costs 11:18 Elder Care Support and Planning 15:12 "Elderwerks: Aging Resources Online" 16:15 Elder Works: Comprehensive Care Experts 19:53 Scams Escalating: Seniors at Risk 25:52 Elderwerks Funding and Partnership Efforts 27:47 Aging Well: Planning Resources Email me, Lisa Stockdale, anytime at aginginfullbloom@gmail.com [aginginfullbloom@gmail.com] Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale is sponsored by HomeCaire [https://www.homecaire.com/]. We believe every patient should get the personalized care they need, in the way they want it. Every caregiver should feel supported, valued, and motivated. We see each person as their own entity, with unique needs, desires, and skills. Our goal is to best support our family as they reach new milestones. Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player. Android user? http://www.subscribeonandroid.com [http://www.subscribeonandroid.com/] Copyright 2025 Lisa Stockdale Mentioned in this episode: Thank you for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale Thanks for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale, sponsored by HomeCaire of Ohio. We added an "i" to care because we care about the individual. That includes the individual caregiver and the individual client. From each caregiver's caseload to every client's care plan, we understand that individual preferences and priorities matter. People matter; we haven't lost sight of that here at HomeCaire of Ohio. If you or someone you know needs personal care at home, call 419-458-3000 to learn.

Curious about how your local pharmacy can help you age at home? In this episode, we look into the benefits of choosing a local pharmacy, and how it can enhance your ability to age at home successfully. My guest is Hussain, an experienced pharmacist and owner of GoodNeighbors Family Pharmacy in Toledo, Ohio. Hussain shares his vast experience with seniors and discusses the personalized services his pharmacy offers, such as free delivery, home vaccinations, and medication packaging. Together, we highlight the importance of building relationships with local pharmacies and the personalized attention they provide—benefits that go beyond what's typically available at chain pharmacies. Here's what we uncover... * Personalized Care is Key: Local pharmacies offer a unique level of personal attention and familiarity. Hussain emphasizes the importance of knowing each patient personally, which can lead to better health outcomes through tailored advice and support. * Superior Services for Seniors: From free home delivery to in-home vaccination services, local pharmacies provide invaluable programs to support aging at home. Their medication packaging ensures seniors take the right dose at the right time, reducing the risk of medication errors significantly. * Community-Strengthening Benefits: Shopping local doesn't just benefit your health; it strengthens community ties. Local pharmacies hire locally and invest in community relationships, offering an essential alternative to chain pharmacies with consistent and caring service. 00:00 "Local vs. Chain Pharmacy Staffing" 05:34 "Community Support in Local Pharmacies" 07:54 Free Medication Compliance Packaging 12:52 Local Pharmacy Cost Savings 13:25 Saving Patients Money with Coupons GoodNeighbors Family Pharmacy [https://www.gnfpharmacy.com/] Email me, Lisa Stockdale, anytime at aginginfullbloom@gmail.com [aginginfullbloom@gmail.com] Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale is sponsored by HomeCaire [https://www.homecaire.com/]. We believe every patient should get the personalized care they need, in the way they want it. Every caregiver should feel supported, valued, and motivated. We see each person as their own entity, with unique needs, desires, and skills. Our goal is to best support our family as they reach new milestones. Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player. Android user? http://www.subscribeonandroid.com [http://www.subscribeonandroid.com/] Copyright 2025 Lisa Stockdale Mentioned in this episode: Thank you for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale Thanks for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale, sponsored by HomeCaire of Ohio. We added an "i" to care because we care about the individual. That includes the individual caregiver and the individual client. From each caregiver's caseload to every client's care plan, we understand that individual preferences and priorities matter. People matter; we haven't lost sight of that here at HomeCaire of Ohio. If you or someone you know needs personal care at home, call 419-458-3000 to learn.

With this episode, I start our our "Aging at Home" series with a focus on the invaluable role of home care. I am joined by a remarkable guest, Stephen Tweed, a leading expert in the home care industry. Steven is the CEO of Leading Home Care, a consulting and publishing company specializing in the home care sector, and he's also the founder of the Home Care CEO Forum [https://www.homecareceo.com/]. Stephen shares his personal journey and professional insights, revealing how home care can not only support individuals in staying independent but also foster a sense of peace for families. Through his extensive experience, both personally as a father to his son Jason and professionally, Stephen highlights the benefits and essence of home care in today's society. We also talk about how to choose the right home care agency and discuss the significance of preparing for senior care as the fastest-growing demographic in our society continues to rise. Whether you're a family member looking for care or considering starting an agency, this episode is packed with valuable insights and advice. Here are some key highlights 🔹 Home Care as Independence: Many people believe that accepting home care means losing independence, but Stephen emphasizes that it's about enhancing and maintaining independence. 🔹 Choosing the Right Home Care: Whether through personal recommendations, advice from trusted advisors, or thorough online research, finding the right home care can significantly impact one's experience and satisfaction. 🔹 The Growing Importance of Home Care: As many prefer to receive care at home, home care is positioned as a key to providing peace of mind and quality of life. Key Moments 00:00 Leading Home Care CEO Overview 04:04 The Blessings of Home Care 08:24 Reluctance to Accept Elderly Care 10:09 Home Care: Preferred by Seniors 14:25 Passion for Home Health Industry 16:33 Understanding Home Care Options 21:53 Managed Care and Home Care Referrals 23:24 Home Care Mastermind Journey 28:22 Senior Home Care Awareness Encouraged Email me, Lisa Stockdale, anytime at aginginfullbloom@gmail.com [aginginfullbloom@gmail.com] Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale is sponsored by HomeCaire [https://www.homecaire.com/]. We believe every patient should get the personalized care they need, in the way they want it. Every caregiver should feel supported, valued, and motivated. We see each person as their own entity, with unique needs, desires, and skills. Our goal is to best support our family as they reach new milestones. Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player. Android user? http://www.subscribeonandroid.com [http://www.subscribeonandroid.com/] Copyright 2025 Lisa Stockdale Mentioned in this episode: Thank you for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale Thanks for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale, sponsored by HomeCaire of Ohio. We added an "i" to care because we care about the individual. That includes the individual caregiver and the individual client. From each caregiver's caseload to every client's care plan, we understand that individual preferences and priorities matter. People matter; we haven't lost sight of that here at HomeCaire of Ohio. If you or someone you know needs personal care at home, call 419-458-3000 to learn.