Ep. 709 | Care, Courage & the Work of Aging Well

Ep. 709 | Care, Courage & the Work of Aging Well

This week on The Senior Zone, host Shawn Perry brings listeners two meaningful conversations centered on advocacy, caregiving, dignity, and what it means to age with purpose. In Segment One, Shawn welcomes Bob Blancato, one of the nation’s most respected voices in aging advocacy, for a timely conversation about elder justice, nutrition, caregiving, Medicare outreach, and the importance of keeping older adults visible in public policy conversations. In Segment Two, Shawn is joined by Roy Remer, Executive Director of Zen Caregiving Project and author of Zen Caregiving: How to Care for Yourself While Caring for Others. Together, they explore the emotional realities of caregiving, caregiver burnout, compassion, mindfulness, and the importance of caring for yourself while caring for someone else. This episode also features The Senior Zone’s Weekly Vitamin, Birthdays of the Week, Dear Grave Woman by Joelle Simone, and the Later Life Lowdown with senior-focused news, resources, and community announcements for DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Whether you are an older adult, caregiver, advocate, family member, or someone preparing for the next chapter, this episode offers wisdom, encouragement, and practical insight for the journey ahead. Segment Highlights: Bob Blancato on aging advocacy, elder justice, nutrition, Medicare outreach, and why older adults must remain central in national conversations. Roy Remer on caregiving, compassion, burnout, mindfulness, and how caregivers can care for themselves while caring for others. Signature Features: *  Weekly Vitamin *  Birthdays of the Week *  Dear Grave Woman by Joelle Simone *  Later Life Lowdown *  Senior-focused resources for DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia Listen and Share: The Senior Zone airs Mondays from 10:00am to 11:00am on WYCB 1340AM and streams live at MySpiritDC.com. After the broadcast, listen on demand wherever you get your podcasts — Spotify, Apple, iHeart, Amazon Music and more. Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.

Ep. 708 | Brain Health, Aging Strong & Living Well at Home

This week on The Senior Zone, Shawn Perry welcomes two nationally respected voices for conversations centered on healthier aging, independence, and quality of life after 50. First, during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, Dr. Juan Rodriguez joins the show to discuss brain health, memory wellness, cognitive aging, and practical ways older adults can better support their long-term mental sharpness and emotional well-being. Then, gerontologist and caregiving advocate Dr. Lakelyn Hogan-Eichenberger from Home Instead discusses what aging in place really looks like today — including caregiving challenges, home safety, family conversations, and how older adults can maintain dignity and independence while remaining at home. Plus: 🎂 Birthdays of the Week  💌 Dear Grave Woman featuring Joel Simone  🌟 Later Life Lowdown The Senior Zone — the DMV’s #1 weekly radio program serving the 50+ community since 2012. Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.

Ep. 707 | Protecting Your Home, Your Money & Your Future

This week on The Senior Zone with Shawn Perry, we focus on protecting what matters most as we age.  In Segment One, Shawn welcomes Bryony Coiner and Willow Hasson from Legal Counsel for the Elderly for an important discussion on the DC Real Property Tax Lien Auction and the Schedule H property tax relief program that could help qualifying homeowners save money and avoid unnecessary hardship.  Then in Segment Two, Shawn sits down with Sandy Markwood, CEO of USAging, for a meaningful conversation about caregiving, aging with dignity, staying connected, and building stronger communities for older adults nationwide.  Plus: 🎂 Birthdays of the Week  💌 Dear Grave Woman featuring Joel Simone  🌟 Later Life Lowdown  Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.

Ep. 706 | Veterans, Money & Moving Forward

This week on The Senior Zone, Shawn Perry brings together two meaningful conversations centered around veteran care, financial freedom, and thriving after 50. First, Shawn welcomes Vamsee Potluri, Medical Center Director of the Washington DC VA Medical Center, to discuss healthcare access, caregiver support, mental health resources, and the VA’s commitment to improving the veteran experience throughout the DMV. Then, Chris Miles — founder of Money Ripples and nationally known “Cash Flow Expert” — joins the show to challenge traditional retirement thinking and explain how older adults can create greater financial flexibility and passive income in today’s economy. Plus: 🎂 Birthdays of the Week  💌 Dear Grave Woman featuring Joel Simone  🌟 Later Life Lowdown 📻 Listen live every Monday from 10am–11am EST on WYCB 1340AM  🌐 Stream live at MySpiritDC [https://www.myspiritdc.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com] 🎧 Podcast available immediately after the broadcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music and more. Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.

Ep. 705 | Power, Purpose & Aging Forward

What does it mean to age with purpose—not just gracefully, but powerfully? This week on The Senior Zone, Shawn Perry leads a compelling conversation on leadership, legacy, and the importance of staying visible and valued after 50. Featuring Karyne Jones, President & CEO of NCBA, Inc., our first episode explores how advocacy, economic empowerment, and community voice shape the future of aging in America. And then in segment two, we shift the lens just a bit…Because beyond programs and policies—there’s something deeper that we all need. We’re going to talk about what it really means to be still seen… and still needed—right where you are in life. Plus, we wrap with Birthdays of the Week, Dear Grave Woman featuring Joelle Simon, and the Later Life Lowdown—bringing you the resources and inspiration you need to keep moving forward. Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.