In this episode of Aging Well, we talk with advocate and researcher Kris Geerken about how ageism and ableism shape the way we experience aging and healthcare. Drawing on her hospice work, her research at Virginia Commonwealth University, and advocacy with Changing the Narrative, Kris explores how age bias often goes unnoticed in medical settings and why stronger gerontology training is essential to improving care. She highlights the impact of unacknowledged grief, the high-cost ageism has on our society, and the need for person‑centered systems that honor the values and goals of people at every age.

Also, Alaine makes her Medicare Minute debut to explain that Illinois allows self‑referral to physical therapy without a physician’s prescription.

This conversation offers practical insights and encouragement for navigating care, challenging age bias, and aging well at every stage of life.

Resources:

Reach out to Kris: geerkenk@vcu.edu

Disrupting Ageism | ScienceDirect

Antidotes for Ageism - Changing the Narrative

Age-Friendly Healthcare – Changing the Narrative

Ageism in health care found to cost $63 billion annually | Yale Daily News

The Conversation Project - Have You Had The Conversation?

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

Aging Unfiltered: Flipping the Script on Ageism

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