This is Growing Old

Medicaid and SNAP have long provided essential support for vulnerable adults. However, a recent proposal in Congress to reduce funding for these programs threatens to undermine equitable access to care for millions of older Americans, many of whom are living with Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions.This week, we're joined by Natalie Kean, Director of Federal Health Advocacy at Justice in Aging, to explore the serious implications these proposed cuts could have on vulnerable adults.

We at the Alliance are deeply grateful for our dedicated Board of Directors, who help amplify our mission. On today’s episode of This is Growing Old, our Board Chair, Michele Markus, joins us to share insights on the year ahead.

It’s Heart Month—a busy and exciting time here at the Alliance as we gear up for Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day on February 22nd. In the spirit of the season, we’re thrilled to be joined by Amy Johnson, President and Director of Rock from the Heart. Amy will share their incredible efforts to educate people about aortic and heart valve disease, support families affected, connect patients with vital resources, and inspire us all through the healing power of music.

Caregiving is a radical act of empathy. To give care is to recognize the needs of another and provide support and companionship. All of us have received care at some point in our lives, and many of us will provide care in one way or another. Yet, the concept of care often goes underexplored, leaving caregivers unrecognized and their contributions undervalued.  In honor of National Caregiver’s Month, we're joined by Stage Director, Playwright, Producer and scholar, Dr. Derek Goldman, to discuss his ground breaking play The Art of Care. This production, developed in part by its ensemble, tells a powerful story made up of real-life narratives. It shines a light on the sacrifice, hardship, and profound beauty that define the caregiving experience

Intergenerational friendships enrich our worldview and create lasting legacies through the exchange of ideas, love, and support between grandparents or grand friends and young adults. Following Healthy Aging Month, we’re joined by Dr. Abigail T. Stephens, Research Assistant Professor of Psychology at Clemson University and faculty affiliate with the Institute for Engaged Aging, to discuss the value of these bonds and share ways to foster them in our own lives.

In June, the Alliance joined policymakers and patient advocates on Capitol Hill to discuss the unintended consequences of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). While the IRA offers benefits like capping out-of-pocket costs and reducing vaccine expenses, it also raises concerns about how plans are incentivized to control costs. These concerns are detailed in a recent report by the Alliance and Manatt. Joining us today to explore the implications of the IRA for older adults, along with the steps CMS can take to protect beneficiaries, is the Alliance's Public Policy Manager, Adina Lasser.

In an era dominated by digital media, cultivating media literacy skills is essential to navigate the digital landscape safely and confidently. Joining us to examine the importance or media literacy, the dangers of internet falsehoods, and the unique challenges that older adults face as they navigate web is Dr. Carol Quade, an adjunct professor at Northern Virginia Community College's Annandale Campus, volunteer at the Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia, and expert in communications and media studies.

Starting over can be daunting, even terrifying, for many older adults. But for Nell Irvin Painter, an accomplished educator turned artist, it was as simple as placing a brush on a canvas. In this episode, we explore Nell's fearless leap into the arts after a distinguished 30-year career as a professor and historian. Join us as we discuss her inspiring journey and the joy of embracing a new chapter in life.

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.

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

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.

‘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!

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.

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.

On September 26th, the Alliance for Aging Research will be celebrating our landmark 30th annual Heroes in Health Awards Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington DC. In anticipation of this historic evening, we’re joined by our master of ceremonies, Kevin Rigby, to discuss our honorees, favorite moments, and a few Heroes In Health fun facts that may surprise you! Visit www.agingresearch.org/events/2023heroesinhealth/ to learn more about our annual awards dinner.

August 30th is Grief Awareness Day, a time to educate others on grief, create space for loss, and prepare ourselves and loved ones for this difficult, yet, inevitable experience. Joining us to explore some of the misconceptions around grief and the growing effort to support patients as they navigate their journey into the final stage of life are two experts in end-of-life care. Tom Koutsoumpas and Carole Fisher lead the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation, a membership organization dedicated to innovating effective models of palliative and hospice care that centers the patient and their families. During our chat, Tom and Carole share their unique insight and lived experience with hospice care that drives their incredible advocacy work.

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.

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 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.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to address the stigma around alcohol use disorder, or AUD, and share resources to support those who suffer from this often underdiagnosed and undertreated condition. Among the millions of Americans impacted, older adults remain at heightened risk of alcohol abuse due to a variety of environmental, medical, and social factors.   Joining us to discuss the risks of alcohol abuse as we age is the Director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Dr. George Koob. Dr. Koob is an internationally recognized expert on alcohol and stress and the neurobiology of alcohol and drug addiction.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Each year, the Alliance hosts Heroes in Health, an event to honor individuals and companies making great strides to further research and innovation in aging. Kicking off our 29th annual celebration and here to share his excitement with us is master of ceremonies Kevin Rigby, a champion in the health space and a fierce advocate for aging Americans. Join us on Tuesday, September 20th at the United States Institute of Peace for an evening of generativity and joy as we honor the the heroes who are advance the science of human aging. Click here to learn more or register for our Heroes in Health Celebration. 

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!

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.

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.

June is Pride Month, which is when LGBTQ+ communities and their allies come together to celebrate the freedom to be themselves. In recognition of Pride month, we are talking with Michael Adams, the Chief Executive Officer of SAGE (Advocacy and Services for LGBTQ+ Elders), the world’s largest and oldest organization—founded in 1978—dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ older people.  Prior to joining SAGE, Adams was the Director of Education and Public Affairs for Lambda Legal and spent a decade leading cutting-edge litigation that established new rights for LGBTQ+ people. A graduate of Stanford Law School and Harvard College, Adams is a professor, an advisor to leading local and national aging organizations, and prolific author of numerous publications on an array of LGBTQ+ issues. To learn more about Sage and how to get involved, visit www.SageUSA.org

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. 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month as well as Older Americans Month. This critical intersection implores us to explore emotional, psychological, and social-well being as we age. Here to join us for this conversation is Dr. Dilip Jeste, professor of psychiatry and Director of the Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging at UC San Diego. Dr. Jeste is a geriatric neuropsychiatrist who specializes in mental health and well-being with age.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

October 4 through 8 is Malnutrition Awareness Week. Joining Alliance Vice President of Health Education and Advocacy Lindsay Clarke is Gail Cresci, PhD, RD, President of ASPEN, an organization dedicated to improving patient care by advancing the science and practice of clinical nutrition and metabolism. Gail talks with Lindsay about recognizing the signs of malnutrition and how we can fight against it as we age. Learn more about Malnutrition Awareness Week: http://www.nutritioncare.org/maw/ Watch the Alliance for Aging Research's films on nutrition: https://www.agingresearch.org/health-topic/nutrition/

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. 

The Alliance for Aging Research is celebrating 35 years! Here to talk about this incredible milestone and all that the Alliance has accomplished for older adults is our founder, Dan Perry!  Join us in celebrating 35 years on September 21 at Heroes in Health. Register for free here: https://give.agingresearch.org/event/2021-heroes-in-health/e337728. 

This Grandparents Day, Generations United and the Alliance for Aging Research are sharing important facts about vaccines with older adults who are often the truth tellers in their families and communities. Getting the truth about vaccination to share with loved ones and friends can help stop disinformation, address vaccine hesitancy, and protect more people through vaccinations. On this episode, Lindsay Clarke, Vice President of Health Education and Advocacy at the Alliance for Aging Research, interviews Generations United Executive Director Donna Butts about Grandparents Day and how grandparents can promote vaccines across the generations. Join the Alliance for Aging Research and Generations United on Monday, September 13 for a free webinar, "The Truth About Vaccines: How to Stop Disinformation and Promote Vaccines Across the Generations." Register here: bit.ly/thetruthaboutvaccineswebinar. Grandparents Day is Sunday, September 12! Learn how you can get involved at https://www.gu.org/projects/grandparents-day/.

Did you know that September is Hydrocephalus Awareness Month? Lindsay Clarke, Vice President of Health Education and Advocacy, talks with Diana Gray, President and CEO of the Hydrocephalus Association, about what hydrocephalus is and why an awareness month is so important. Learn more at www.hydroassoc.org.

Sue Peschin, President and CEO of the alliance for Aging Research, chats with Mark Meridy, Executive Director of DOROT. DOROT's mission is to decrease social isolation and loneliness among older adults, which is more important than ever. Learn more about DOROT: https://www.dorotusa.org.

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.