If you’ve felt your sense of smell is slipping as you age, know someone struggling with dementia or Parkinson’s, or just want to boost your brain health with a simple daily practice, this episode is for you.

Welcome to Aging In Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale! In this episode, I sit down with my special guest, Jonathan Askholm, to explore the fascinating and often overlooked world of olfactory training—the art and science of strengthening your sense of smell.

Together, we dive into how our nose isn’t just about pleasant aromas or powerful memories; it’s deeply connected to brain health, cognition, mood, and our overall well-being.

Jonathan Askholm shares his personal journey—from corporate wellness into a passionate advocate for olfactory training—sparked by his own family’s experience and compelling scientific studies.

Through our conversation, I discovered some surprising truths, like how the olfactory system is the only sense capable of regenerating neurons throughout life, and why smell training is now being recommended to improve memory, mood, and even help those recovering from illnesses like COVID-19.

If you’ve felt your sense of smell is slipping as you age, know someone struggling with dementia or Parkinson’s, or just want to boost your brain health with a simple daily practice, this episode is for you.

Let's learn why smell just might be our most underrated sense—and how it could become your secret weapon for healthy aging.

Read more about it!

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9891899/

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/olfactory-training-during-sleep-could-help-your-memory/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-my-brain-works/202410/can-smell-training-improve-memory

3 Key Takeaways:

1. You can actually “train” your sense of smell. Regular, intentional exposure to specific scents can help sharpen your sense of smell and even regrow some neural pathways.
2. Olfactory training boosts more than just your nose. Studies show it can improve memory, mood, and overall cognitive function, especially in older adults.
3. It’s simple and affordable. All you need are concentrated scents like lemon, clove, rose, and eucalyptus—just a few minutes, twice a day, can make a difference.

Email me, Lisa Stockdale, anytime at aginginfullbloom@gmail.com

Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale is sponsored by HomeCaire. We believe every patient should get the personalized care they need, in the way they want it. Every caregiver should feel supported, valued, and motivated. We see each person as their own entity, with unique needs, desires, and skills. Our goal is to best support our family as they reach new milestones.

Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player. Android user? http://www.subscribeonandroid.com

Copyright 2026 Lisa Stockdale

Mentioned in this episode:

Thank you for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale

Thanks for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale, sponsored by HomeCaire of Ohio. We added an "i" to care because we care about the individual. That includes the individual caregiver and the individual client. From each caregiver's caseload to every client's care plan, we understand that individual preferences and priorities matter. People matter; we haven't lost sight of that here at HomeCaire of Ohio. If you or someone you know needs personal care at home, call 419-458-3000 to learn.

Whether you’re excited by new technology or wary of its risks, I invite you to listen in as we talk about the real-world opportunities and challenges AI brings to our lives.

In this episode of "Aging In Full Bloom," I’m tackling the complex and sometimes intimidating world of artificial intelligence—and what it means for older adults. I’m

joined by Henry Quinlan, an author and speaker who’s spent years teaching seniors about technology, and together we break down the basics: what AI really is, how it works, and where it’s headed.

Henry Quinlan shares eye-opening examples, like using AI to write personalized messages, plan trips, or even improve recipes at home. But we also dig into the tough questions—loss of jobs, the lack of government regulation, and how AI might impact our sense of connection and companionship. There’s even talk about the possibility of using AI for emotional support, which, to be honest, raises some mixed feelings in me.

My goal is to help you see both sides, and to remind you that, even in a fast-moving digital world, staying connected and cherishing humanity is more important than ever.

Moments

00:00 "AI: From Curiosity to Fear"

04:30 "Using Jasper for Creative Tasks"

08:09 "AI Transforming Writing and Memory"

12:50 "AI Revolutionizing Education and Medicine"

14:33 AI Companions for Seniors

17:50 "Blurry Lines of AI Logic"

20:33 "Google Health: A New Tool"

26:23 Individual Birthday Dinners with Grandkids

28:58 "Positive Insights for Older Adults"

Here are 3 key takeaways for anyone navigating tech and aging:

1. AI creates meaningful connections and practical support for seniors - From personalized recipe suggestions to virtual companionship tools, AI can help older adults stay engaged, creative, and connected—including bridging generational gaps with grandchildren.
2. Rapid advancement brings both excitement—and uncertainty - While AI opens doors for healthcare, travel planning, and learning, it’s also shifting job markets and raising questions about emotional dependence and loss of human touch.
3. Embrace, Explore, but Stay Vigilant - Henry Quinlan encourages seniors to try out AI tools to discover their benefits. However, he reminds us to proceed thoughtfully and be aware of potential risks.

Email me, Lisa Stockdale, anytime at aginginfullbloom@gmail.com

Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale is sponsored by HomeCaire. We believe every patient should get the personalized care they need, in the way they want it. Every caregiver should feel supported, valued, and motivated. We see each person as their own entity, with unique needs, desires, and skills. Our goal is to best support our family as they reach new milestones.

Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player. Android user? http://www.subscribeonandroid.com

Copyright 2026 Lisa Stockdale

Mentioned in this episode:

Thank you for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale

Thanks for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale, sponsored by HomeCaire of Ohio. We added an "i" to care because we care about the individual. That includes the individual caregiver and the individual client. From each caregiver's caseload to every client's care plan, we understand that individual preferences and priorities matter. People matter; we haven't lost sight of that here at HomeCaire of Ohio. If you or someone you know needs personal care at home, call 419-458-3000 to learn.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Kathleen Sheldon, Director of Outreach and Engagement for BoldAge PACE.

BoldAge PACE is a new, comprehensive senior care program now available to Franklin County, OH residents—and it's truly changing the landscape for aging at home.

Here are three key takeaways anyone in senior services, caregiving, or healthcare should know:

🔹 All-Inclusive Care in the Community:

BoldAge PACE offers medical, social, transportation, and in-home support services, helping seniors age safely and comfortably in their own homes. No more worrying about multiple providers or transportation—PACE brings everything under one roof.

🔹 Eligibility Made Clear:

Participants must be age 55+, live in a state-approved service area (like Franklin County), meet a nursing facility level of care, and be able to live safely in the community with support. Medicaid is the primary payer, but Medicare/Medicaid dual eligibility or private pay are also options.

🔹 No Out-of-Pocket Surprises:

PACE covers all authorized healthcare costs—including hospitalizations—with no copays, deductibles, or premiums for eligible members. Enrollments happen every month, so seniors don't have to wait for open enrollment to get started.

Moments

06:37 Nursing Home Level Care Assessment

07:22 Assessing Care Needs for Independence

11:13 Comprehensive Care Through PACE

13:44 "Comprehensive Services and Next Steps"

17:42 Coordinated Care for Participants

20:24 "Unique Aging Service Model"

23:23 Supporting Independent Senior Living

Email me, Lisa Stockdale, anytime at aginginfullbloom@gmail.com

Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale is sponsored by HomeCaire. We believe every patient should get the personalized care they need, in the way they want it. Every caregiver should feel supported, valued, and motivated. We see each person as their own entity, with unique needs, desires, and skills. Our goal is to best support our family as they reach new milestones.

Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player. Android user? http://www.subscribeonandroid.com

Copyright 2026 Lisa Stockdale

Mentioned in this episode:

Thank you for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale

Thanks for listening to Aging in Full Bloom with Lisa Stockdale, sponsored by HomeCaire of Ohio. We added an "i" to care because we care about the individual. That includes the individual caregiver and the individual client. From each caregiver's caseload to every client's care plan, we understand that individual preferences and priorities matter. People matter; we haven't lost sight of that here at HomeCaire of Ohio. If you or someone you know needs personal care at home, call 419-458-3000 to learn.