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

Aging Well: The LGBTQIA+ Aging Experience - with Billy Rogers

In this episode of Aging Well, host Gretchen Knowlton talks with Billy Rogers, the President of Golden Rainbows of Illinois South and a longtime advocate for the LQBTQ+ community. Drawing on more than 40 years of experience, Billy shares powerful insights into the realities LGBTQ+ older adults face today, from isolation and healthcare distrust to the ongoing need for safe, welcoming spaces.  Listeners will learn why many LGBTQ+ older adults may “go back into the closet” when seeking care, how barriers like transportation and lack of family support impact aging, and why building trust in services is critical. Billy also highlights the importance of intergenerational relationships, emphasizing how younger and older communities can learn from and support one another.  This conversation offers practical examples of creating inclusive environments with curiosity and simple signals, to larger systemic challenges in housing, healthcare, and food access. Whether you’re an older adult, caregiver, professional, or ally, this episode provides meaningful ways to foster connection, dignity, and belonging as we age.   Resources:  Golden Rainbows of Illinois South [https://www.goldenrainbows.org/]  Illinois LGBTQ Aging Commission Report [https://ilaging.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/aging/forprofessionals/documents/il-commission-on-lgbtq-aging-report-2026.pdf]  Disrupting Disparities Report [https://www.sageusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/disrupt-disparities-lgbtq-report-il-2021.pdf]  SAGE (Services & Advocacy for LGBTQ+ Elders) [https://www.sageusa.org/]  Area Agencies on Aging services [https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/area-agencies-aging] & Eldercare Locator [https://eldercare.acl.gov/]  Adult Protective Services (APS) [https://ilaging.illinois.gov/protectionadvocacy/abuse.html]  SNAP food assistance [https://abe.illinois.gov/access/]  LIHEAP (Energy Assistance Program) [https://www.elderlyordisabledliving.com/liheap-information/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=609798939&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIr6mYx6yRlQMVdIrCCB0t8ieCEAAYASAAEgJCS_D_BwE]  Farmers Market Nutrition Programs [https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30521]  Rainbow Cafe LGBTQ support [https://www.rainbowcafe.org/] Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuide Twitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide  Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcast Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast Website: ageguide.org

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 [https://www.rush.edu/services/social-work-and-community-health-services]  E4 Center – Rush Center for Excellence in Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging [https://e4center.org/]  E4 Center Toolkits [https://e4center.org/resources/#_toolkit]  4Ms Behavioral Health – E4 Center [https://e4center.org/training-and-technical-assistance/4msbh/]  Longevity increased by positive self-perceptions of aging - PubMed [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12150226/]  The 8 Limbs of Yoga and Why They Matter to Your Practice – Sri Sri School of Yoga [https://srisrischoolofyoga.org/na/blog/8-limbs-of-yoga-ashtanga-yoga/]  A Decolonized Guide to the 8 Limbs of Yoga [https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness/the-8-limbs-of-yoga]  Gatekeeper Program | Washington County, OR [https://www.washingtoncountyor.gov/davs/gatekeeper-program]  Bowling Alone [http://bowlingalone.com/]  Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuide Twitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide  Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcast Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast Website: ageguide.org

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