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This is Growing Old

This is Growing Old

By Alliance for Aging Research

At this very moment, no matter where we are, we all have one thing in common—from the moment we are born, we’re getting older. The experience of aging brings each of us challenges as well as adventures. And if we’re lucky, our lives will tell a tale that we can share to help others on their path.

The Alliance for Aging Research has encountered hundreds of inspiring people in its quest to promote healthy aging and we want you to meet them! Join the Alliance as we interview these changemakers in our podcast, This is Growing Old. Stay tuned for new episodes every other Wednesday.
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5. All of Us: Improving Health Care Through Research

This is Growing OldAug 05, 2020

00:00
29:31
Understanding Patient Perspectives with Carrie Shaw

Understanding Patient Perspectives with Carrie Shaw

This week, we explore caregiver experiences with older adults facing neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS). Joining us is Carrie Shaw, founder of Embodied Labs, a revolutionary medical training platform that prioritizes patient perspectives. Informed by her caregiving experiences, Carrie offers profound insights into the world of NPS patients through Embodied Labs’ immersive tools.

Mar 20, 202421:45
Becoming Your Own Advocate with Heart Disease Survivor Robyn Peacock

Becoming Your Own Advocate with Heart Disease Survivor Robyn Peacock

February is American Heart Month, a time to increase awareness around the risk factors, symptoms, and treatments for heart disease. Each year, we are joined by hundreds of advocates, organizations, care centers, and clinicians to share critical resources that may save lives.

As we prepare for Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day, taking place every February 22nd, we're proud to welcome our guest Robyn Peacock, a heart disease survivor, patient-advocate, and Womenheart Champion. Tune in as Robyn shares her life-changing journey with heart disease and what drives her advocacy work

Feb 20, 202430:27
Looking Ahead with Alliance Board Chair Michele Markus

Looking Ahead with Alliance Board Chair Michele Markus

As we channel the lessons learned from years past into actions that shape equitable futures, we at the Alliance are grateful for such a passionate board of Directors to help amplify our mission. Joining us on today’s episode of This is Growing Old to reflect on the year ahead is our Board Chair, Michele Markus.

Jan 17, 202427:44
Boosting Your Holidays with Vaccination Resources

Boosting Your Holidays with Vaccination Resources

‘Tis the season to sleigh preventable diseases like COVID, Flu, RSV and Pneumonia. In this episode, we’re joined by CEO of Healthy Women Beth Battaglino to discuss the crucial role that vaccination plays in creating a safer, merrier holiday for you and your loved ones. After all, it’s Our Best Shot!


Dec 15, 202317:01
Navigating Neuropsychiatric Symptoms with Terrie Montgomery

Navigating Neuropsychiatric Symptoms with Terrie Montgomery

Are you familiar with the symptoms of Alzheimer's? Neuropsychiatric symptoms, or NPS, are mood and emotional symptoms of dementias and other brain diseases that are often overlooked and under-treated. This Alzheimer's Awareness Month, we're amplifying the voices of those experiencing NPS.

Today, we're joined by Terry Montgomery, a friend of the alliance, a patient advocate, and someone who, after receiving a dementia diagnosis, has committed her voice to ensuring that Alzheimer's patients have access to treatments and care and that there's a nurturing community for everyone.

Nov 08, 202320:28
Fall Prevention with Occupational Therapist Dr. Scott Trudeau

Fall Prevention with Occupational Therapist Dr. Scott Trudeau

As we age, we become more susceptible to accidental injury. What may seem like a minor slip, trip, or fall could cause severe bruising, breaks, or even death among older adults. In fact, falls are the leading cause of accidental injury and death in adults over age 65. For the American Occupational Therapy Association, creating innovative solutions for daily living is critical in preventing falls.

Joining us to explore fall prevention is occupational therapist Dr. Scott Trudeau. Dr. Trudeau has committed his career to ensuring that older adults "thrive in place." As the Director of Practice Engagement at the American Occupational Therapy Association, Dr. Trudeau addresses the risk factors that lead to falls and empowers patients to live each day confidently, independently, and safely.

Oct 19, 202338:31
Celebrating 30 Years of Heroes in Health with Kevin Rigby
Sep 20, 202312:18
Navigating Grief with the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation
Aug 23, 202333:52
Aging with Pride with Mary Anne Adams

Aging with Pride with Mary Anne Adams

As we observe pride, a time when LGBTQ+ plus folks celebrate their enduring fight for liberation, we must recognize the communities that strengthen this movement. Zami Nobla is one of those groups. Founded by Mary Anne Adams, a Metro Atlanta community activist, social worker, and public health researcher, Zami Nobla aims to increase opportunities for networking and social support and to explore the healthcare needs and coping strategies of Black lesbian older adults.

Jun 28, 202348:41
Breaking the Color Barrier with Gretchen Wartman

Breaking the Color Barrier with Gretchen Wartman

On the heels of National Minority Health Month this past April, we're joined by Dr. Gretchen Wartman, Vice President for Policy and Program at the National Minority Quality Forum, to discuss what healthy aging looks like for Black and Brown older adults and some of the barriers to healthy aging that PoC older adults face. 

The National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) combats health disparities among Black and Brown communities and empowers our most vulnerable neighbors to create healthier outcomes through culturally and linguistically appropriate resources. An advocate for over 30 years, Gretchen has committed her career to advancing health policy and restoring equity.

May 25, 202348:41
Exploring Brain Donation with Tish Hevel of the Brain Donor Project

Exploring Brain Donation with Tish Hevel of the Brain Donor Project

May 7th is National Brain Donor Awareness Day, bringing attention to the critical need for brain donation and the advances in research made possible by donors across the country. Leading the charge is the CEO and Founder of the Brain Donor Project, Tish Hevel.


In this episode, we sit down with Tish to dispel misconceptions about brain donation and discuss the crucial role that donated brain tissue plays in unraveling the complexities of neurological disorders.

May 03, 202323:20
The Truth About Alcohol with Dr. George Koob
Apr 05, 202327:36
Kick QALY to the Curb with Terry Wilcox

Kick QALY to the Curb with Terry Wilcox

For more than 40 years, the quality-adjusted life year (QALY) has been devaluing the lives of older adults and patients with chronic medical conditions. Yet, thanks to organizations like Patients Rising, we may finally put these discriminatory assessments to rest once and for all. In light of the recent QALY Ban Bill introduced to Congress, we're joined by returning guest, Co-Founder, and CEO of Patients Rising, Terry Wilcox, to break down the impact of QALYs on patients whose quality of life relies on access to critical treatments.


Mar 22, 202328:00
Speaking From The Heart: A Conversation with Heart Valve Voice Canada

Speaking From The Heart: A Conversation with Heart Valve Voice Canada

On Wednesday, February 22nd, the Alliance will be joined by more than 119 partners who are all working together to help raise awareness of valve disease—what it is, who’s at risk, what the symptoms are, how it’s detected, and how it’s treated.

This year, we’re proudly expanding internationally with the help of Heart Valve Voice Canada. There are an estimated 11 million Americans with heart valve disease and more than 1 million Canadians—so this topic is of great importance to both of our organizations. Heart Valve Voice has a number of exciting events and outreach activities planned for Heart Month and Valve Disease Day, and their managing director, Ellen Ross, is here to tell us more about their work. 

Feb 15, 202316:16
Listen to Your Heart This Valve Disease Day with Lindsay Clarke

Listen to Your Heart This Valve Disease Day with Lindsay Clarke

It’s Heart Month, which is a busy time at the Alliance as we prepare for Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day on February 22nd. In the spirit of Heart Month, we're joined by Lindsay Clarke, the Senior Vice President of Health Education & Advocacy at the Alliance, to talk about the risk factors, symptoms, and importance of increasing awareness about Valve Disease. Lindsay has been heading up Valve Disease Day since its start in 2017 and leads our efforts to educate consumers, patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals on a variety of diseases and conditions of aging.

Feb 08, 202312:40
Addressing Barriers to Adult Immunization with Abby Bownas

Addressing Barriers to Adult Immunization with Abby Bownas

It’s no secret that vaccination is our best defense against preventable illnesses like the flu and COVID-19. However, for our most vulnerable communities, access to preventative care can feel just out of reach.

Luckily for us, the Adult Vaccination Access Coalition is combatting the financial obstacles to critical treatment that many older Americans face. Joining us today is a patient advocate and co-manager at AVAC, Abby Bownas. Tune in as we discuss the importance of vaccination along with the amazing work that AVAC is doing to support older adults everywhere this flu season.

Jan 25, 202328:56
2022 in Review With Dan Perry, Founder of the Alliance for Aging Research

2022 in Review With Dan Perry, Founder of the Alliance for Aging Research

It’s hard to believe that 2022 is over. As we step into a new year, it’s important to look back and reflect on the year that we’ve just had. Dan Perry, Founder of the Alliance for Aging Research and member of our Board of Directors, joins Alliance President and CEO Sue Peschin to reflect on the moments that defined 2022. 

Jan 11, 202351:08
It Takes Two: Living With Early Stages Alzheimer's Disease

It Takes Two: Living With Early Stages Alzheimer's Disease

On the heels of National Family Caregivers Awareness Month and National Alzheimer's Awareness month, we're joined by two patient advocates that epitomize this critical intersection. Roger Cochran is a member of the Early-Stage Alzheimer's Advisory Commission for the Alzheimer's Association. He has an MA in Anthropology, MS in Health Systems (Ga Inst Tech), a Ph.D. in Sociology, and has worked for over 30 years in community health planning. Roger is also living with Alzheimer's disease. Dorothy Merrick is married to Roger and is also his primary caretaker. She is passionate about the topic of Alzheimer's disease and is a powerful advocate for her husband and others living with this condition.

 During our chat, we explore their journey together, as they navigate the challenges that follow the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Dec 07, 202224:24
55. Deciphering the Inflation Reduction Act with Michael Ward

55. Deciphering the Inflation Reduction Act with Michael Ward

In August, the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law. The bill includes provisions to address a number of issues including healthcare, to climate change, and deficit reduction. In this episode, we're joined by our very own VP of Public Policy and Government Relations, Michael Ward, to discuss some of the most important provisions of the bill for older adults, as well as how you can engage with the federal government to ensure that patients are able to easily benefit from the law’s changes.

Oct 19, 202231:20
54. Celebrating Our Heroes with Kevin Rigby, Master of Ceremonies
Sep 07, 202210:42
53. Changing the World, One Button at a Time with Robert Bolen

53. Changing the World, One Button at a Time with Robert Bolen

Who needs the bells and whistles when inventor, Robert Bolen is changing the world with a button? Created as a teenager to help restore the independence of a friend, the Button Helper has empowered thousands of older adults, veterans, and differently abled individuals to dress themselves with dignity and ease. As the Button Helper continues to enhance lives across the country, Robert is proving that the most enduring innovations aren’t always complicated. They just make life easier.

Robert Bolen joins us to demonstrate just how easy, accessible, and inclusive the Button Helper really is!

Aug 24, 202212:44
52. Rallying For Medical Research with Jon Retzlaff

52. Rallying For Medical Research with Jon Retzlaff

Each year, the Rally for Medical Research raises awareness of the urgent need for increased investment in the NIH to improve health, spur progress, inspire hope, and save lives. In collaboration with over 350 organizations, the Rally urges policymakers to make biomedical research a national priority. Now in its 10th year, we are proud to celebrate the critical advances made possible by the efforts of advocates nationwide.

Joining us today for the conversation is Jon Retzlaff, Chief Policy Officer and VP of Science Policy and Government Affairs at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). Since launching the Rally in 2013, AACR has united thousands of Americans in one cause: the vital national importance of medical research.

Jul 27, 202217:24
51. Practicing UV Safety This Summer with Jay Sirois

51. Practicing UV Safety This Summer with Jay Sirois

July is UV Safety Awareness Month, which is a time to spread awareness about how important it is to protect our eyes and skin from the side effects of ultraviolet rays. This month continues to be a reminder on the connection between over exposure to UV light and cancers that occur in the eyes, lips, and the skin. While sun safety has always been an important topic, especially as we age, the last couple of years have added new confusion to which sunscreens we should buy and how to use them properly.

Joining us today for the conversation is Jay Sirois, Vice President of Regulatory & Scientific Affairs at the Consumer Healthcare Products Association. CHPA is the leading voice fighting to ensure that Americans have access to over-the-counter (OTC) medications, dietary supplements, and consumer medical devices they can count on to be reliable, save money and time, and deliver new and better ways to get and stay healthy.

Jul 06, 202222:39
50. Celebrating Pride Month with Sage CEO Michael Adams
Jun 29, 202220:52
49. Gone Phishing: How to Protect Your Loved Ones from Financial Abuse with Deborah Royster

49. Gone Phishing: How to Protect Your Loved Ones from Financial Abuse with Deborah Royster

June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.

In recognition of the day, we are joined by Deborah Royster, the Assistant Director of the Office for Older Americans at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), to share the tools and resources for later life financial security. 

Jun 15, 202238:10
48. Celebrating Mental Heath Awareness Month with Geriatric Neuropsychiatrist Dr. Dilip Jeste
May 18, 202226:40
47. Living with Atrial Fibrillation with Mellanie True Hills

47. Living with Atrial Fibrillation with Mellanie True Hills

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of arrhythmia, or irregular heart rhythm, and impacts as many as six million Americans. While the irregular heart rhythm itself isn’t generally serious, the abnormal blood flow and strain to the heart can lead to serious and deadly medical conditions, including heart failure and stroke.

In this episode, we are joined by Mellanie True Hills, the CEO and founder of StopAfib.org, a patient-to-patient website and resource that helps all AFib patients make informed decisions regarding their life and health. Mellanie is an AFib survivor herself and created StopAfib.org so that others will have the resources, answers, and support they need when they are facing a diagnosis. Mellanie shares her perspective on living with AFib, common questions asked by the people who turn to StopAFib.org for information, why AFib patients need to take stroke risk seriously, and more.

May 11, 202223:44
46. Raising Awareness With Valve Disease Day Partner Karyne Jones

46. Raising Awareness With Valve Disease Day Partner Karyne Jones

On February 22 we'll be hosting our sixth annual Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day, a conference dedicated to increasing recognition of the specific risks and symptoms of heart valve disease, improve detection and treatment, and ultimately save lives. Valve Disease Day would not be possible without the more than 100 partners who have joined the campaign to lend their voices. Among the incredible organizations that we've partnered with is the National Caucus and Center on Black Aging, the only national organization devoted solely to providing effective leadership in making minority participation in aging services a national issue and priority.

This week, we sat down with NCBA president and CEO Karyne Jones to discuss the importance of health equity in combatting valve disease along with the NCBA's role in raising awareness. We're looking forward to celebrating this year with a Valve Disease Day virtual celebration, a Facebook Live, a Twitter chat, and more. 

Please visit https://www.valvediseaseday.org/ to see how you can get involved.

Feb 09, 202215:36
45. David Farber Discusses the Implications of CMS' Recent National Coverage Decision Proposal For FDA Approved Alzheimer's Treatments

45. David Farber Discusses the Implications of CMS' Recent National Coverage Decision Proposal For FDA Approved Alzheimer's Treatments

On January 11th, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released an NCD proposal that would require “coverage with evidence development” for monoclonal antibody therapies aimed at amyloid for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. CMS’ coverage determination is deeply troubling, as it restricts Medicare recipient access to critical treatment.

Here today to discuss CMS’ national coverage determination and its implications on patients who suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias is David Farber, an expert on international reference pricing, healthcare reimbursement, and the regulatory approval process for drugs and medical devices.

Jan 28, 202232:16
NFID Medical Director William Schaffner, MD Answers Common Questions About Co-administration And Shares Vital Vaccine Info

NFID Medical Director William Schaffner, MD Answers Common Questions About Co-administration And Shares Vital Vaccine Info

The CDC has recommended COVID-19 boosters for many Americans and has also approved co-administration of COVID-19 vaccines with other vaccines. Though many Americans have received their COVID-19 boosters and their flu shots this Winter, there are many questions about co-administration and vaccine hesitancy remains. Here to answer some common questions about co-administration, dispel myths, and share tips to keep older adults protected against all vaccine-preventable diseases is National Foundation for Infectious Diseases’ Medical Director, Dr. William Schaffner.

Jan 12, 202236:48
43. Alliance Board Chair Jim Scott Shares This Year's Top Stories in Aging and Health

43. Alliance Board Chair Jim Scott Shares This Year's Top Stories in Aging and Health

It's hard to believe that 2021 is almost over. As we prepare for the new year, it's important to look back and reflect on the year that we've just had. Jim Scott, Chair of the Alliance for Aging Research's Board of Directors, joins Alliance President and CEO Sue Peschin to reflect on the year's top stories in aging and health.

Dec 15, 202112:38
42. How to Make a Difference this Holiday Season with Meals on Wheels

42. How to Make a Difference this Holiday Season with Meals on Wheels

Colder weather is upon us, and that means that many older adults may be isolated at home. Here to talk about how Meals on Wheels is making a difference is Meals on Wheels President and CEO Ellie Hollander. 

Dec 01, 202124:00
41. Fighting Ageism with Activist and Author Ashton Applewhite

41. Fighting Ageism with Activist and Author Ashton Applewhite

At the Alliance for Aging Research, we are all about helping people live longer, happier, more productive lives. Unfortunately, ageism in our society can be a huge barrier to healthy aging. Here to talk about ageism is Ashton Applewhite, an activist and author who wrote This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism.

Nov 17, 202125:23
40. Addressing Out-of-Pocket Costs for Older Adults with PAN Foundation's Amy Niles

40. Addressing Out-of-Pocket Costs for Older Adults with PAN Foundation's Amy Niles

Being able to afford out-of-pocket prescription drug medications is a problem for millions of Americans, especially older adults. Every year, Medicare beneficiaries pay on average over 3,200 in out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs. For an older adult on a fixed income, this is no small chunk of change. Alliance for Aging Research Vice President of Public Policy Michael Ward is joined by Amy Niles, Executive Vice President of the PAN Foundation to talk about why out-of-pocket costs are so high, the real-world impacts of growing out-of-pocket costs for older adults, and what we can do about it.

Nov 10, 202132:14
39. Living with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease: Patient Advocate Jay Reinstein Shares his Story

39. Living with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease: Patient Advocate Jay Reinstein Shares his Story

Jay Reinstein is a graduate of the Alliance’s Talk NERDY to Me program, which trains older adult on patient-centered outcomes research and the clinical trials process. Jay, who has early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, shares his story this Alzheimer's Awareness Month.

Nov 03, 202121:35
38. What is Geroscience? Dr. Felipe Sierra, International Advocate for Geroscience, Explains.

38. What is Geroscience? Dr. Felipe Sierra, International Advocate for Geroscience, Explains.

Dr. Felipe Sierra is an internationally known research leader and advocate in the fields of geroscience and aging biology. He is currently chairing the 2nd Euro-Geroscience Conference, which will take place in Toulouse, France on March 24-25, 2022. Prior to his current position, Dr. Sierra most recently served as Director of the Division of Aging Biology for the National Institute on Aging at the NIH. Alliance for Aging Research President and CEO Sue Peschin talks with Dr. Sierra about the emerging field of geroscience, his upcoming conference, and the secrets to healthy aging.


Oct 20, 202119:38
37. Malnutrition and Aging: What You Need to Know
Oct 06, 202122:21
36. Are You NERDY? Become an Advocate for Older Adult Health with Talk NERDY to Me

36. Are You NERDY? Become an Advocate for Older Adult Health with Talk NERDY to Me

Teresa Wright-Johnson shares her experience being a patient advocate and participating in the Alliance for Aging Research's Talk NERDY to Me training. 

Learn more about Talk NERDY to Me in this episode and at https://www.agingresearch.org/nerdy/2021-call-for-advocates/. We are looking for patients, family caregivers, researchers, and clinicians involved in Alzheimer’s disease, heart valve disease, atrial fibrillation, chronic pain and/or disability, and macular degeneration in adults age 65 years and older. Participants successfully completing the workshop will receive a stipend of $1,500 and a Certificate of Completion for participating in the training. 

Sep 29, 202117:01
35. Celebrating 35 Years of the Alliance for Aging Research with Founder Dan Perry
Sep 15, 202128:45
34. Celebrate Grandparents Day and Learn the Truth About Vaccines
Sep 10, 202118:27
33. September is Hydrocephalus Awareness Month
Sep 01, 202122:15
32. How to Help Older Adults with Social Isolation and Loneliness
Aug 25, 202126:14
31. What the 2021 America’s Health Rankings Senior Report Discovered About Older Adults

31. What the 2021 America’s Health Rankings Senior Report Discovered About Older Adults

Sue Peschin, President and CEO of the Alliance for Aging Research, talks with Dr. Rhonda Randall, Chief Medical Officer for UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, about the UnitedHealth Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings Senior Report. 

View the report here: https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/newsroom/posts/2021/2021-5-18-report-challenges-older-americans-791889.html.

Aug 11, 202114:51
30. UsAgainstAlzheimer's Chairman and Co-Founder George Vradenburg

30. UsAgainstAlzheimer's Chairman and Co-Founder George Vradenburg

Alliance for Aging Research President and CEO Sue Peschin talks with George Vradenburg, Chairman and Co-Founder of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, about the recent aducanumab announcement, the UsAgainstAlzheimer's Brain Guide program, and the importance of the Medicare annual wellness visit for detection of cognitive impairment.

Jul 28, 202118:33
29. Mike Sylvester, Five-Time Heart Surgery Survivor and Stroke Survivor, Shares His Story
Jul 14, 202127:48
28. Food for Thought: The Role of Nutrition in Healthy Aging

28. Food for Thought: The Role of Nutrition in Healthy Aging

Alliance for Aging Research President and CEO Sue Peschin interviews Lindsay Clarke, the Alliance's Vice President of Health Education and Advocacy, about the importance of good nutrition for healthy aging. 

Jun 30, 202115:00
27. Ken Thorpe, Chairman of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease
Jun 16, 202118:58
26. Shaking the Stigma of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms with Dr. Jeffrey Cummings

26. Shaking the Stigma of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms with Dr. Jeffrey Cummings

Diseases and injuries that damage the brain can impact how we interact with the world and lead to significant and disabling behavioral and psychological symptoms, which are also referred to as neuropsychiatric symptoms. Here to talk about neuropsychiatric symptoms and the challenges they present is Dr. Jeffrey Cummings. Dr. Jeffrey Cummings is the Joy Chambers-Grundy Professor of Brain Science, an endowed professorship at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. He is the Director of the Chambers-Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience, a center devoted to using the tools of neuroscience and neurologic drug development to transform people’s lives.

Jun 02, 202114:44
25. How COVID-19 Has Impacted Minorities with Dr. Gary Puckrein

25. How COVID-19 Has Impacted Minorities with Dr. Gary Puckrein

The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially devastating for people of color. Minority groups are more likely to get severely sick and die from COVID-19. Additionally, Black Americans are getting vaccinated at a slower rate than whites. Here to talk about these disparities and how we can work to overcome them is Gary Puckrein, President and CEO of the National Minority Quality Forum. 

May 19, 202125:35
24. Improving the Current Body of Evidence on Dementia Care with Dr. Eric Larson
May 05, 202127:39