Advertise on podcast: Elevate Eldercare

James Balda, president and CEO of Argentum, joins Elevate Eldercare this week to explore how senior living can help address some of the biggest challenges facing aging and long-term care.  Balda sits down with AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan to discuss his journey to Argentum and the organization's policy priorities, including developing stronger care workforce pipelines, expanding senior housing, and finding new ways to serve the "forgotten middle," older adults who struggle to afford private-pay care but don't qualify for Medicaid. The conversation also explores what quality senior living should look like: home-like environments, resident choice, dignity, social connection, meaningful engagement, and strong memory care. He and Susan also delve into the potential of AI and other technologies to support caregivers while emphasizing that technology should enhance—not replace—the human side of care. The episode closes with a call to change the public narrative around senior living through storytelling and to give residents, families, and caregivers a stronger voice in shaping the future of aging. More about Argentum here: https://www.argentum.org/  Information on AgingIN Education Opportunities: https://aginginnovation.org/solutions/education/

What we eat plays a critical role in brain health, muscle strength, bone health, and healthy aging. In this episode of Brain Bytes, Kelly Tremblay talks with Jenny Overly, senior director of nutrition and wellness for CCL Hospitality Group, explore the mind-gut connection, the importance of whole foods, and what to know about protein as we age. They separate evidence-based nutrition guidance from social media hype, discuss quality protein sources, including plant-based options, and share practical tips for spreading protein throughout the day. This episode breaks down how nutrition is not just about how much protein we eat, but the quality, variety, and overall pattern of what's on our plate. More about CCL here: https://www.ccl-hg.com.

In this week's episode, Kimberly Green, PhD, CEO of Sage Integrated Health, shares her fascinating story of 34 years of experience in eldercare. AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with Kimberly to discuss how a life-changing accident reshaped her perspective and how her work with Sage has fueled a vision for more holistic, home-like communities. She explores integrated health, food as medicine, staff education, and the power of creating environments where residents and staff can thrive. Kimberly also discusses the regulatory and cultural barriers that can make change difficult, and why transforming eldercare will require collaboration, new ideas, and policy change. More about Sage Integrated Health here: https://sageih.com/  To learn more about AgingIN education: https://aginginnovation.org/solutions/education/

What happens when Parkinson's changes nearly everything you love to do? For Paul and Deanna Stroud, music became an unexpected path back to purpose, connection and joy. In this episode, the Strouds talk candidly about Parkinson's, grief, caregiving and the losses that come with changing abilities. They also share how the Second Verse Choir, a program for people living with dementia, transformed Paul's outlook and gave him something to look forward to again. For Paul, music gave him something to look forward to. Rehearsals restored a sense of purpose and belonging, while singing familiar songs created opportunities for connection and engagement. At a time when Paul had been struggling deeply with his sense of meaning, the choir helped him reconnect with life.  More about Second Verse here: www.secondversechoir.org.    Giving Voice is another resource for starting a choir in your own community: www.givingvoicechorus.org.    For more information on AgingIN education opportunities: https://aginginnovation.org/solutions/education/

In this episode, AgingIN CEO Susan sits down with Lynne Katzman, founder of Juniper, a senior living company based in New Jersey. Inspired by her Holocaust-survivor parents and entrepreneurial grandmother, Lynne has spent decades challenging conventional approaches to aging.  As the first woman-led senior living company, Juniper has evolved from its beginnings in 1988 to a growing organization operating 20 communities across five states. Lynne discusses with Susan how culture, data, and innovation can transform senior living and improve outcomes.  In addition to sharing Juniper's experience using technology and evidence-based approaches to care, Lynne describes the company's Connect for Life care transitions program, which has dramatically reduced hospital readmissions.  At the heart of their conversation is Lynn's powerful redefinition of independence, which isn't about having no support, it's about having choice. She imagines a future where older adults have more options for how and where they live, with the community, resources, and support they need to live rich and meaningful lives. Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZl1Z6OTixU More about Juniper here: https://junipercommunities.com/. Learn more about AgingIN education here: https://aginginnovation.org/solutions/education/

What happens when we stop designing eldercare environments around institutions—and start designing them around people? In this episode, renowned researcher, architect, and eldercare innovator Maggie Calkins, PhD shares her journey from psychology to architecture and her pioneering work creating dementia-friendly environments. AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with Maggie to reflect on an early nursing home renovation project in 1984 that sparked her lifelong commitment to understanding how the physical environment affects people living with dementia. She discusses the evolution of her research, the development of environmental assessment tools, and the founding of IDEAs Institute and SAGE. The conversation explores why research is essential to innovation, the importance of collaboration among providers, designers, regulators, and academics, and the shift from person-centered care toward person-directed care and self-directed living. Maggie also shares her vision for the future: replacing institutional environments with truly home-like settings—and challenging everyone involved in eldercare to experience those environments for themselves. Connect with Maggie here on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maggie-calkins-848096b

How does standing on one leg connect to brain health and longevity? In this episode of Brain Bytes, Kelly Tremblay talks with physical therapist Karen Stellick about the important relationship between balance, neurological health, mobility, and fall prevention. They explore the single-leg stance test, how the brain uses vision, the inner ear, and proprioception to maintain balance, and simple ways to safely improve stability at any age. This episode also examines how to train and improve balance, the connection between neuropathy and balance, and why maintaining balance is an important part of healthy aging.

What happens when nursing home residents, direct care workers, administrators, clinicians, and researchers all have an equal seat at the table? In this episode of Elevate Eldercare, host Susan Ryan welcomes Liza Behrens, assistant professor at Penn State University, along with members of the Empowering U.S. Nursing Homes Community Advisory Board explore how person-centered research can transform the future of long-term care. Funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), the project is working to increase the capacity of nursing homes to participate in meaningful clinical research shaped by the people who live and work in these communities every day. Joining the conversation are resident Lorraine Bingman, certified nursing assistant Troy Alexander, nursing home administrator Allison Myers, and geriatrician Nicole Osevala, MD. Together, they share how diverse perspectives are strengthening research, breaking down barriers created by technical language, and ensuring that innovation reflects the real experiences of residents and caregivers. More about the Empowering U.S. Nursing Homes project here: https://www.nursing.psu.edu/empoweringus/ More about AgingIN's upcoming purpose-driven conference here: https://aginginnovationconference.org/

In this episode of Elevate Eldercare, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan welcomes David Skoczulek, vice president of business development and communications at iCare Health Network, for a conversation about providing compassionate care to some of the most underserved populations in long-term care.  Drawing on his background as a paramedic, David shares how empathy, communication, and human connection have shaped his approach to serving older adults with complex medical, behavioral health, and social needs. David discusses iCare's innovative care model, including its nationally recognized MissionCare Health, which provides long-term care for justice-involved and difficult-to-place individuals. The conversation explores the importance of person-centered care, leadership, workforce development, and reducing the stigma surrounding these populations.  This is a powerful conversation about dignity, second chances, and courage to lean in and think differently. More about iCare and MissionCare here: www.icarehn.com  More about AgingIN's upcoming purpose-driven conference here: https://aginginnovationconference.org/

In recognition of World Brain Day, Dr. Kelly Tremblay explores why brain health requires a whole-person approach. She explains how hearing, vision, nutrition, mobility, and social connection all play critical roles in cognitive health, and why addressing these factors early can reduce the risk of dementia, falls, and other age-related challenges. Kelly also introduces the World Health Organization's free Integrated Care of Older People (ICOPE) screening tools, which empower individuals and communities to monitor brain and overall health through easy-to-use, multilingual assessments.  Tune in to learn how proactive screening and integrated care can help extend not just lifespan, but healthspan, while supporting independence and quality of life. To learn more, join us at our AgingIN conference and discover what the World Health Organization and your peer communities are doing to make aging better: https://aginginnovationconference.org/program/longevity-summit/ More about ICOPE here: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240103726

What will it take to build a long-term care system that truly works for everyone? In this episode, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan welcomes Robert Espinoza, founder of the CareWorks Project, for a thought-provoking conversation about reimagining care through innovation, equity, and collaboration. Robert shares the personal experiences that shaped his career and introduces the concept of the "caregiving divide," the growing gap between the care people need and the care they actually receive. Together, Susan and Robert explore the urgent need for person-centered and worker-centered solutions, including a universal direct care workforce framework, the promise of artificial intelligence in home care, and the role of public-private partnerships in transforming the future of aging. This episode offers a deeper understanding of the systemic challenges facing long-term care and the bold ideas and collaborative approaches that can help create a more compassionate, sustainable future for older adults, caregivers, and the workforce that supports them. More information about the CareWorks Project here: https://www.careworksproject.co/ More information about AgingIN's upcoming conference here: https://aginginnovationconference.org

What does it take to build communities where older adults can continue learning, connecting, and thriving? In this week's episode, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with Sarah Cheney, Executive Director of Aging Forward, to explore how the organization is empowering older adults through lifelong learning, volunteer services, and neighbor-to-neighbor support. Sarah shares the personal experiences that shaped her passion for aging services and explains how Aging Forward—formerly Shepherd Centers—has spent the past 50 years helping older adults remain engaged, independent, and connected in their communities.  Together, Susan and Sarah discuss the power of purpose, the importance of social connection, and why community-based collaboration is essential to changing the narrative around aging. More information about Aging Forward here: https://aging-forward.org/ Learn about AgingIN's upcoming national conference here: https://aginginnovationconference.org/

AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan sits down with Peter Kaldes, president and CEO of the Next50 Foundation, to explore how philanthropy can help transform the future of aging.  Peter shares his unconventional journey from attorney and public policy leader to one of the nation's leading advocates for older adults. He discusses Next50's mission to end ageism while investing in innovative solutions that help people age well. Their conversation examines the critical role philanthropy plays in advancing aging services, the need for greater investment in digital inclusion, housing, and community-based supports, and why only a small fraction of charitable giving currently benefits older adults.  Peter also reflects on his personal caregiving experiences, the importance of reimagining systems that support aging, and the launch of his podcast, "The Future Is Old," which challenges outdated stereotypes and celebrates the opportunities of an aging society. More details about the Next50 Foundation here: https://next50foundation.org/

In this episode of Elevate Eldercare, AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan welcomes Francis LeGasse Jr, co-founder and managing partner of Assured Senior Living, a growing network of small homes in Colorado, to discuss how intimate, relationship-centered living environments are transforming eldercare. Francis shares his personal journey into aging services, inspired by his family's experiences with dementia and caregiving, and explains why he transitioned from home care to the small house model.  He describes how thoughtfully designed homes, each serving just nine residents, create opportunities for meaningful relationships, greater independence, and improved quality of life. The conversation also explores caring for people living with dementia and brain injuries, the surprising benefits of shared living spaces, workforce retention, and the challenges of financing high-quality care.  More about Assured Senior Living here: https://assuredassistedliving.com/

Feeling sad after a loss, health change, or major life transition is a normal part of life. But depression is not a normal part of aging. In this episode of Brain Bytes, Kelly Tremblay, PhD, explores how to distinguish between temporary low mood and clinical depression, highlighting common symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep or appetite, and social withdrawal. Dr. Kelly also discusses the important role of social connection in protecting emotional well-being and reviews evidence-based approaches that can help, including cognitive behavioral strategies, community engagement, and emerging research on wisdom-enhanced narrative therapy. Tune in to learn why recognizing the signs of depression early can make a meaningful difference in supporting mental health, brain health, and overall quality of life as we age. To learn more, join us at our AgingIN conference and discover what the World Health Organization and your peer communities are doing to make aging better. https://aginginnovationconference.org/program/longevity-summit/ Here is a link to the study cited in the episode:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S106474812400383X?utm_source=chatgpt.com