Episodes

  • Rethinking Loneliness: How Community Shapes Social Connection in Older Adults

    Rethinking Loneliness: How Community Shapes Social Connection in Older Adults
    Jun 2 2026
    In this episode of the Living to 100 Club, Dr. Joe Casciani speaks with Amanda Montague of Carleton University about her innovative, community-based research on social isolation and loneliness among older adults. Also on the program is Anna Cuylits, Chair of the Senior Watch Old Ottawa South (SWOOS). Working closely with Anna's group in Ottawa, Amanda used participatory methods—including workshops, digital storytelling, and social network mapping—to better understand how older adults experience connection in everyday life. Rather than focusing only on isolation, the project explored what helps people feel connected, revealing an important insight: loneliness may be more prevalent—and more complex—than social isolation alone. Their conversation highlights how social connection is shaped not just by relationships, but also by the design of communities—walkable spaces, accessible transportation, and simple features like places to rest. To better understand social connection in older adults, they also explore the role of informal networks of care, community partnerships, and the need for better coordination among organizations that support aging in place. This episode offers practical insights for professionals, caregivers, and communities seeking to move beyond awareness and take meaningful steps to strengthen connection and well-being in later life. Mini Bios Amanda Montague Amanda received her PhD from the University of Ottawa in 2019. Her dissertation, Mobile Memories: Canadian Cultural Memory in the Digital Age, explored how mobile technologies and locative media shape everyday experiences of memory and place. From 2019 to 2022, she held a postdoctoral fellowship in Digital Storytelling at the Sherman Centre for Digital Scholarship at McMaster University, where she collaborated with librarians and information specialists to support digital scholarship through teaching, consultations, and digital tool workshops. She later joined McMaster’s Office of Community Engagement as an Educational Developer for Community-Engaged Teaching and Learning. Amanda has extensive experience developing community-engaged and experiential learning courses as an instructor, collaborator, and consultant. Since 2016, she has designed projects in digital humanities that promote creativity, collaboration, and community-building. Her work has included supporting students in developing community storytelling projects using tools such as podcasting, digital exhibits, mapping, GIS, and social media. In her current role at Carleton University as Postdoctoral Fellow for Community Engaged Digital Humanities and StudioDH, Amanda continues to advance interdisciplinary, community-driven digital scholarship while fostering equitable co-teaching and co-learning environments for students, instructors, and community members. Anna Cuylits Anna is Chair of OSCA Senior Watch Old Ottawa South (SWOOS). She retired in 2012 after a 40-year career in community and hospital social work. Wanting to age in place in her inner urban community of Old Ottawa South, Anna and other residents recognized barriers to healthy aging and independent living. In 2018, they founded SWOOS to raise awareness and advocate for improvements in healthcare, housing, social connection, and winter walkability. Under Anna’s leadership, SWOOS has published dozens of articles on safe and healthy aging, conducted winter walkability audits to support advocacy for improved city maintenance standards, helped support development of the Seniors Health Innovations Hub, and successfully advocated for community improvements including an intergenerational chat bench and an additional city bus stop. SWOOS also received a 2024 Community Builders Award and is currently collaborating with Carleton University on projects examining social connections and barriers affecting older adults. Anna graduated from the Academy of Social Sciences and Social Work in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and has held professional social work registrations in British Columbia, Ontario, and nationally in Canada. In 2025, she received the Ontario Senior Achievement Award. Link to Ottawa South Social Connections Project
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    44 mins
  • Can Better Blood Flow Improve Brain and Heart Health? A Conversation About EECP

    Can Better Blood Flow Improve Brain and Heart Health? A Conversation About EECP
    May 22 2026
    What if improving blood flow—and potentially enhancing heart health, energy, and even cognitive function—didn’t require surgery? In this Living to 100 Club episode, we explore EECP therapy, a non-invasive treatment designed to improve circulation and support cardiovascular health. I speak with Jack Clifford about his personal experience with Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP). EECP is a non-invasive therapy designed to increase circulation and support cardiovascular function. Originally developed as a treatment for patients with severe angina, EECP remains relatively underutilized in the United States. This is despite FDA clearance and Medicare coverage in certain cases. Jack shares his journey with EECP, including the improvements he experienced in energy, sleep, and overall well-being. We also explore the broader potential of this therapy. What are its possible applications for conditions such as cognitive decline, long COVID, and other circulation-related concerns. Our conversation goes beyond the medical procedure itself. We touch on larger questions about innovation in healthcare. This includes why some treatments gain traction while others remain on the margins, and what individuals can do to advocate for their own health. As always, this discussion is intended to inform and inspire curiosity—not to replace medical advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals when considering treatment options. Key Topics Covered What EECP is and how it works Jack’s personal experience and outcomes The standard treatment protocol and what patients can expect Why EECP remains underutilized in the U.S. Research findings and emerging applications Considerations, risks, and accessibility challenges The role of patient advocacy in exploring treatment options Listener Takeaways There may be non-surgical approaches to improving circulation and cardiovascular health Some therapies remain underrecognized despite clinical research and regulatory approval Personal health outcomes can improve through a combination of medical intervention and self-awareness Staying informed and asking questions is an important part of managing one’s own health journey Mini Bio Jack Clifford is a retired U.S. Coast Guard E-9 with 21 years of active duty service. He is the author of EECP: The Most Underutilized Therapy in Medicine. After retiring from the military at 39, Clifford spent years focused almost entirely on the health of his wife Jennifer. During this time, she was navigating her traumatic brain injury, scleroderma, and lymphoma across two decades. During that period, he stopped caring for himself. In January 2021, he was hospitalized at 47 with severe coronary artery disease. His diagnoses included a 100% blocked LAD (the widowmaker), a 95% blocked left circumflex, and an 80% blocked right coronary artery. He declined to sign a combined cath-and-bypass consent form and leaving the hospital against medical advice. Alternatively, he found EECP — a therapy he had first encountered years earlier while researching options for his mother after her own triple bypass and subsequent cognitive decline. He drove three hours to find a cardiologist willing to use EECP as a first-line treatment. Additionally, Jack financed his own machine on credit, and has used it nearly every day since. Over more than 600 hours of treatment he observed many changes. These cut across cardiovascular function, cognition, sleep, and overall vitality that deepened his understanding of the endothelium as a whole-body system. His wife Jennifer also began using the same machine. She hasexperienced her own measurable improvements — turning a personal discovery into an obligation to share it. Through his writing and educational outreach, Clifford seeks to ensure that no patient is offered EECP only after being told their options have run out. Importantly, he advises that the structural and economic reasons for its neglect become part of the public conversation about American healthcare.
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    39 mins
  • 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