In this episode of Aging Well, Ryann Hill, Aging Policy and Advocacy Expert, shares the realities facing older adults and caregivers today and offers guidance on how listeners can take meaningful action.

This episode explores how aging policy brings people together across party lines, how to effectively and confidently engage your legislators, and why the Older Americans Act continues to serve as the backbone of community-based supports for older adults. Participants will also gain a clear understanding of the difference between authorization and funding, and why both matter, along with practical, real-world strategies for advocating locally, sharing impactful stories, and strengthening support for aging services.

This conversation offers a grounded and hopeful look at what it takes for communities to ensure that people can age with dignity, stability, and support.

Resources:

Older Americans Act: Overview and Funding | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

Administration for Community Living - Older Americans Act

USAging - Older Americans Act

Indigo Hill Strategies

Mic’d Up podcast

Eldercare Locator

Find and contact elected officials | USAGov

Best-Practices-Meeting-with-a-Congressional-Office-February-2025.pdf

Here’s a look at federal agencies’ shutdown contingency plans | Federal News Network

U.S. House of Representatives

Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuide
Twitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide
Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcast
Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast
Website: ageguide.org

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

Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuide
Twitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide
Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcast
Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast
Website: ageguide.org

In this episode of Aging Well, we sit down with Dr. Israel Cross, Public Health Gerontologist and President of the National Aging in Place Council. Drawing on his experience as both an aging network professional and family caregiver, Dr. Cross reframes aging as a natural continuum rather than a crisis and highlights why caregivers are essential partners in our aging infrastructure.

We explore the evolving concept of aging in place and discuss why early conversations about care and autonomy matter. Dr. Cross also introduces the latest edition of Aging in Place Conversations: The Caregiver’s Edition, a guide filled with real stories, tips, and tools for navigating caregiving challenges.

Tune in for a conversation that centers compassion and offers a hopeful roadmap for building systems that prioritize dignity, choice, and collaboration.

Resources:

Israel Cross LinkedIn Page

Aging in Place Conversations - The Caregiver's Edition Amazon Kindle copy

Aging in Place Conversations - The Caregiver's Edition: Stories, Strategies, and Support for Aging in Your Community by Sean Fitzgerald, Fritzi Gros-Daillon, Mary Lynch, Paperback | Barnes & Noble®

National Aging in Place Council Website

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services | CMS

National Institute on Aging

Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) | NAHB

Online Courses - USC Home Modification

Grab Bar and Zero Degree Shower

The Sandwich Generation

Facebook: facebook.com/AgeGuide
Twitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide
Instagram: instagram.com/theageguidepodcast
Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast
Website: ageguide.org