Episodes

  • The Forgotten Sense: How Smell Impacts Brain Health, Mood, and Aging Well

    The Forgotten Sense: How Smell Impacts Brain Health, Mood, and Aging Well
    May 6 2026
    What if one of the most overlooked indicators of brain health is something we rarely think about—our sense of smell? In this Living to 100 Club episode, Dr. Joe Casciani speaks with Jonathan Askholm about the emerging science of olfactory health. We spotlight its surprising connection to cognitive function, mood, and overall well-being. While vision and hearing loss receive widespread attention, smell loss often goes unnoticed—even as it may signal deeper neurological changes. Jonathan shares insights from recent research showing how olfactory training—simple, daily exposure to specific scents—has surprising benefits. It may help strengthen neural pathways, support memory, and even reduce depressive symptoms. The conversation explores why smell declines with age. Also discussed is how it affects quality of life, and why this “forgotten sense” deserves a more prominent role in healthy aging strategies. Listeners will come away with a new appreciation for the role of smell in brain health. And listeners gain practical ideas for incorporating olfactory awareness into daily life. 🔑Key Topics Covered Why smell loss is often overlooked compared to hearing and vision The connection between olfactory function, the brain, and emotional health Research linking smell loss to cognitive decline and depressive symptoms How olfactory training works (simple daily scent exercises) The role of neuroplasticity in maintaining and improving smell function Practical applications for older adults and those concerned about brain health Why smell may be an early indicator of neurological change 🧠 What You’ll Learn How smell connects directly to memory and emotion through the brain’s limbic system Why gradual smell loss often goes unnoticed for years How a few minutes a day of scent exposure may support cognitive health The broader implications of olfactory health for aging, dementia, and well-being Mini Bio After losing his father to dementia and experiencing first-hand the helplessness that accompanies such a journey, Jonathan is excited to share an empowering and simple practice that you can begin using today. Upon learning incredible scientifically-backed benefits to cognition and memory through our sense of smell, what began as presentations sharing this information with families, caregivers, and aging populations grew into Memorease. Jonathan hosts workshops on wellness and personal/professional development through his company Happy People. He believes that positive change is possible at any of life's stages, and that we each play a pivotal role in our own health & well-being.
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    38 mins
  • Why We Avoid Planning for Aging—and How to Take the First Step

    Why We Avoid Planning for Aging—and How to Take the First Step
    May 4 2026
    Planning for later life often begins later than we expect. Many families find themselves making important decisions under pressure, rather than with clarity and intention. In this episode of the Living to 100 Club, Nancy Cogar shares practical strategies to help individuals and families think ahead—before a crisis occurs. Drawing on her legal expertise and experience, she outlines thoughtful approaches to planning, decision-making, and navigating the complexities that often come with aging. In this encore episode of the Living to 100 Club, Dr. Joseph Casciani welcomes back Nancy Cogar, author of Boomertime Blueprint, to explore why so many individuals and families delay planning for later life—and what it costs them when they do. Why is legal planning so important, and how do we get started? Nancy brings a thoughtful, advocacy-based perspective to aging, caregiving, and decision-making. Together, they discuss how to move from avoidance to action, with practical steps that can reduce stress, improve communication, and support better outcomes for everyone involved. This conversation is especially relevant for adults 55+ and for family members who may find themselves stepping into caregiving roles—often without a plan. For those looking to take the next step, additional guidance and resources are available through the Living to 100 community. What You’ll Learn Why aging-related planning is so often delayed The emotional and psychological barriers behind avoidance What can happen when planning is postponed too long Practical first steps individuals and families can take now Common misconceptions about aging, independence, and caregiving How Boomertime Blueprint helps guide people toward informed decisions About Nancy Cogar Nancy Cogar is an advocate, educator, and author focused on helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of aging with greater clarity and confidence. Her work emphasizes proactive planning, informed decision-making, and compassionate communication. Her new book, Boomertime Blueprint, offers a practical guide to preparing for the later stages of life. For Our Listeners Nancy's Website: Nancy Cogar
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    36 mins
  • Rethinking Health: Empowerment, Aging and the “Wellness Glitch”

    Rethinking Health: Empowerment, Aging and the “Wellness Glitch”
    May 1 2026
    In this episode of the Living to 100 Club, Dr. Joseph Casciani speaks with Angela Peterson, DNP, a nurse practitioner and author of The Wellness Glitch. We discuss the gaps in today’s healthcare system—and what individuals, especially older adults, can do to take greater control of their health. Dr. Peterson shares her perspective on how traditional healthcare often focuses on managing symptoms rather than promoting long-term wellness. Drawing from her clinical experience, she introduces the idea of a “wellness glitch.” This refers to systemic patterns in medicine, pharmaceuticals, and lifestyle that can unintentionally work against optimal health. The conversation explores practical ways to improve vitality and independence later in life, including the role of lifestyle changes, hormone evaluation, and emerging regenerative approaches to pain management. Angela also discusses the importance of helping individuals make informed decisions about their care, particularly as they navigate complex medical systems. Dr. Casciani brings his psychological lens to the discussion, emphasizing mindset, resilience, and the role of personal interpretation in coping with health challenges and aging-related transitions. Together, they highlight a shared message: aging well is not simply about avoiding illness—it’s about staying engaged, informed, and proactive in shaping one’s future. Key Themes Empowering older adults to take an active role in their health Moving beyond symptom management toward long-term wellness The intersection of mindset, behavior, and physical health Addressing loneliness and maintaining engagement in later life Exploring emerging approaches to pain management and vitality Mini Bio Angela Peterson is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice. As Medical Director, she oversees all clinical care at ARH and ensures every treatment plan is grounded in evidence-based medicine. Her approach combines clinical rigor with genuine compassion — treating the whole person, not just the injury. For Our Listeners Angela's Website: Amplified Regenerative Health
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    37 mins
  • From “Trying to Lose Weight” to a New Identity: Becoming a 1%er

    From “Trying to Lose Weight” to a New Identity: Becoming a 1%er
    May 1 2026
    In this episode of Living to 100, host Dr. Joseph Casciani speaks with Fred Ford, author of the international bestselling book Think and Grow Thin. Fred shares the remarkable story of how he lost 135 pounds. This was done not through dieting alone, but by transforming his mindset and identity. Fred explains how shifting from “trying to lose weight” to becoming the kind of person who naturally lives a healthy lifestyle changed everything. The conversation explores the psychology behind identity change, visualization, and daily habits. He stresses the importance of rewriting the internal story we tell ourselves. Drawing on his background in stand-up comedy and motivational speaking, Fred brings humor, insight, and practical strategies for anyone navigating health changes, aging, or a personal reinvention. This conversation offers practical insights for anyone seeking lasting change—whether in health, aging, or personal growth. Mini Bio Fred Ford is an author, speaker, and personal development coach. He is the international bestselling author of Think and Grow Thin. This book combines mindset principles with practical lifestyle change strategies to help people create lasting health transformation. Earlier in life, Fred spent more than 20 years performing as a stand-up comedian, honing his ability to connect with audiences through humor and storytelling. Today he blends that same humor with motivational insights to inspire individuals—especially those over 50—to take control of their health and their future. Fred’s own journey of losing 135 pounds inspired the creation of the Think and Grow Thin philosophy, which focuses on identity change, daily habits, and long-term transformation rather than short-term dieting. For Our Listeners Fred's Website: AuthorFredFord.com
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    43 mins
  • Lessons from the Amazon Rain Forest: Flow, Perspective, and Aging Well

    Lessons from the Amazon Rain Forest: Flow, Perspective, and Aging Well
    Apr 27 2026
    What can the rainforest teach us about living well? About aging well? In this episode of the Living to 100 Club, Joe Casciani reflects on a journey into the Ecuadorian rainforest. This trip was colored with hiking muddy jungle trails and sharing lunch with a Kichwa family living in harmony with the forest. Standing on the equator with one foot in each hemisphere was a highlight. Along the way, a simple bracelet made of San Pedro wood beads offered an unexpected lesson. In Amazonian cosmology, the beads symbolize the continuity and flow of water. This is a reminder to move with life rather than against it. Joining the conversation is rainforest guide Alfredo Carrera. Alfredo was born and raised in the rain forest until age 13. As an adult, he has spent years helping travelers experience the extraordinary ecosystem of the Amazon basin and the wisdom of the cultures that live within it. Together they explore what nature, indigenous traditions, and travel itself can teach us about perspective, resilience, and the psychology of aging well. Key Takeaways • Nature has a way of restoring perspective.• Many indigenous cultures emphasize living with the natural world rather than controlling it.• Psychological flexibility — adapting rather than resisting — is a core ingredient of resilience.• Aging well often means learning to move with life’s currents rather than fighting them.
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    31 mins
  • How to Stay Engaged, Purposeful, and Connected as We Age — Practical Tools for Living Well

    How to Stay Engaged, Purposeful, and Connected as We Age — Practical Tools for Living Well
    Apr 27 2026
    In this episode of the Living to 100 Club, we explore how to age well. The focus is on staying engaged, purposeful, and connected in later life. Drawing on over four decades of experience, Dr. Joe Casciani shares practical insights and tools. These are designed to help individuals and families navigate aging with intention. This program includes a format twist. Dr. Hugh Pates steps into the interviewer’s role. He explores the work and philosophy of Living to 100 Club host, Dr. Joe Casciani. With more than four decades of experience working with older adults, Joe reflects on what first drew him to the field of aging. He shares what he observed early in his career that continues to shape his work today. In long-term care settings and beyond, he noticed a common pattern: following setbacks such as illness, loss, or changes in independence, many individuals begin to withdraw. While these transitions are undeniably difficult, Joe emphasizes that we spend far less time helping people adapt, regain footing, and ask an essential question: What’s next? This conversation explores a central theme of Joe’s work. Of course, we have made tremendous progress in extending lifespan. However, we have not devoted equal attention to helping people manage the psychological and practical challenges that come with living longer. Joe discusses his book, Living Longer IS the New Normal, which challenges outdated assumptions about aging. He introduces a more hopeful and realistic perspective—one that emphasizes continued growth, purpose, and engagement in later life. From there, the discussion turns to the development of several practical tools designed to translate these ideas into everyday use: Better, Longer & Happier (BLH) Card Decks – A series of structured, psychology-based prompts designed to facilitate meaningful conversations and engagement in senior living communities Conversation Starter Workbook – A guided resource for individuals and families to foster deeper, more meaningful conversations Living to 100 Planner – A comprehensive tool for organizing essential life information and reducing stress for families during times of need Living to 100 Companion – A daily reflection resource to encourage ongoing engagement and intentional living, in the form of a cell phone app Throughout the episode, Joe emphasizes that these tools are not about “filling time.” Instead, they are about creating opportunities for connection, reflection, and dignity. This is true whether in group settings, family conversations, or personal practice. Taken together, they represent a broader system designed to support people at different stages and needs. These are all centered around a common goal: helping individuals remain engaged, purposeful, and connected as they age. Key Takeaways Living longer requires a shift in mindset—not just medically, but psychologically Setbacks are inevitable, but adaptation and re-engagement are possible Many older adults seek deeper connection—not just activity Practical tools can help translate insight into meaningful daily action Aging well is not accidental—it benefits from intention and structure Resources & Links Explore tools and resources: www.livingto100.solutions Join the Living to 100 Community: www.livingto100.community Learn more about Dr. Casciani: www.livingto100.club
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    19 mins
  • Living with Purpose at Any Age: Stories, Risk, and Reinvention with John Graham

    Living with Purpose at Any Age: Stories, Risk, and Reinvention with John Graham
    Apr 24 2026
    What happens when a former U.S. diplomat turns his attention to purpose in later life? In this episode, John Graham shares why meaning doesn’t fade with age—it sharpens. John helps us better understand it means to live a meaningful life—especially as we grow older? In this Living to 100 Club episode, I’m joined by John Graham, an 83-year-old former diplomat, co-founder of the Giraffe Heroes Project, and creator of the popular “Badass Granddad” video series, reaching over 120,000 followers across social platforms. John has spent decades telling stories of individuals who “stick their necks out” to solve real-world problems. His work challenges the idea that aging is a period of decline. Instead, he makes a compelling case that later life can be a time of renewed purpose, creativity, and engagement. We explore: Why meaning—not money or status—becomes central in later life How storytelling can inspire action and connection The importance of risk, adventure, and reinvention at any age How John is reaching younger generations through short-form video What it means to stay relevant, engaged, and “alive” well into our later years John shares stories from his own life—often beginning with adventure and humor—before drawing out deeper lessons about civic responsibility, personal growth, and living with intention. This is a conversation about aging differently—seeing later life not as an endpoint, but as an opportunity to contribute, create, and connect in new ways. Mini Bio John Graham is the Project's Executive Director, its principal speaker/workshop leader and Director of Giraffe Heroes International—the overseas affiliates launched by the Project. He was a US diplomat for 15 years, where his assignments included revolutionary Libya, Viet Nam, NATO, the US Mission to the UN and a stint as foreign policy advisor to Senator John Glenn. He joined the Giraffe Heroes Project staff in 1983. His degrees are from Harvard and Stanford, and his mountain climbing credits include the first ascent of the north wall of Denali, a climb that’s never been repeated. He is the author of Outdoor Leadership, It’s Up to Us, Stick Your Neck Out and Quest. For Our Listeners John's Giraffe Heroes Project: Giraffe Heroes International John's 2-Minute Adventure story: Badass Granddad
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    41 mins
  • ADHD in Later Life: Why It’s Often Missed and Why It Matters

    ADHD in Later Life: Why It’s Often Missed and Why It Matters
    Mar 19 2026
    How ADHD Shapes Decision-making, Organization, and Life Transitions in Later Years ADHD is often seen as a childhood condition. But for many, it quietly continues into adulthood and later life, shaping how they organize, decide, and navigate major transitions. In this episode, I speak with Jami Shapiro, founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Jami began noticing a pattern in her work with older adults. Chronic disorganization wasn’t always about being overwhelmed—it was often undiagnosed ADHD. We explore how ADHD shows up later in life, including challenges with planning, emotional regulation, and follow-through. Our conversation also looks at why many people only receive a diagnosis decades after childhood. Jamie and I also discuss how these patterns can complicate major life transitions like downsizing and relocation. How does the right support make these changes more manageable and less stressful? For families, caregivers, and professionals, this conversation offers a clearer understanding of behaviors that are often misunderstood. And importantly, we highlight a more compassionate way to support them. Because aging well isn’t just about the body—it’s about understanding how the mind evolves over time. Mini Bio Jami Shapiro is the Founder of Silver Linings Transitions, a San Diego–based senior move management company. Her company helps older adults navigate downsizing and relocation. She is the incoming president of the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM). Our guest is also a Certified Senior Move Manager who has guided hundreds of families through complex life transitions. Through her work, Jami recognized that many clients struggling with disorganization were living with undiagnosed ADHD. She is now an ADHD coach and educator. This allows her to help families understand the neurological roots of behaviors often mistaken for stubbornness or overwhelm. For Our Listeners Jami's Website: JamiShapiro.me Jami's New Book: This Explains So Much: Understanding Undiagnosed ADHD
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    42 mins