This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World Podcast with Dr. MELISSA BATCHELOR

This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World Podcast with Dr. MELISSA BATCHELOR

Getting older? Guess what - so is everyone else! But aging doesn’t have to mean slowing down or settling for less. Because aging isn’t a problem to fix - it’s an adventure to embrace! 🎙️ Welcome to This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, the podcast that flips the script on what it means to grow older - and let’s be real, this show is for ANYONE BORN BEFORE 1997 (yes, that’s you, Millennials!). Hosted by Dr. Melissa Batchelor, nurse, nurse practitioner, educator, and aging expert, this show dives into the latest innovations, inspiring stories, and real-world solutions that are transforming how we age. We cover everything from aging and age-friendly initiatives to brain health, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia care - because staying sharp and thriving as we age is the real goal. Whether you’re caring for a loved one, thinking about your future, or just curious about how to age well—this is the place to be. Expect candid conversations, expert guests, and practical tips—all served up with a dose of humor and heart. New episodes drop every week on Tuesdays at 11am ET - so tune in and join the movement towards a better, age-friendly world - if we’re all getting older, et’s get better at it - TOGETHER! 👉 And please don't forget to support the podcast by SUBSCRIBING today - and if you find value in the content, please LIKE the episode and SHARE with others who could benefit from the information you learn while you're here! Don't forget to swing by MelissaBPhD to discover new resources designed to support you on your own aging and caregiving journey! See YOU there!

Episodes

May 6, 2025 12 mins

Could home sharing be the answer to rising housing costs and loneliness among older adults? This timely question opens the door to an important conversation about aging, affordability, and community. Today, nearly 1 in 3 older adults struggle with housing costs—and projections show that rent burdens and homelessness among adults 65+ will rise sharply in the next decade. With limited affordable options, many older adults are searchi...

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Are zero traffic deaths possible? This thought-provoking question sparks a crucial conversation about road safety and the future of transportation. As we continue to grapple with the devastating consequences of traffic accidents, it's essential to explore the possibilities of a world where zero traffic deaths are the norm. From advanced safety features to innovative infrastructure designs, we'll delve into t...

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Is aging really inevitable—or have we just accepted it as fact?

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Julian Gershon, triple-board-certified physician and author of Beyond the Fountain of Youth, for a deep (and surprisingly fun) dive into what it really takes to live longer, ...

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Feeling blindsided by perimenopause? You’re not alone! Dr. Betty Murray joins me to break the silence on menopause, debunk myths, and share real solutions for navigating this transition with confidence. Whether you’re struggling with brain fog, weight gain, or mood swings, this episode will help you take back control of your health and feel your best. Read more

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What happens when critical aging services are put on the chopping block? The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is facing major restructuring, potentially dismantling key programs that support older adults and individuals with disabilities. In this episode, Howard Gleckman and Alison Bankoff explain why this decision matters—not just for seniors, but for families, caregivers, and communities nationw...

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The Future of Nursing Homes: Smarter Training & Stronger Partnerships

For decades, nursing homes have struggled with staffing shortages and outdated training models. But what if we could change that?

The Teaching Nursing Home Collaborativ...

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In this episode, I speak with Cameron Huddleston, a financial expert specializing in protecting older adults from financial exploitation. Cameron explains the two primary types of financial abuse—scams from strangers and exploitation by people the victim knows—and discusses how quickly financial abuse can happen, particularly in caregiving situations. She offers practical advice for families transit...

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In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, financial expert Cameron Huddleston shares essential tips for recognizing and preventing scams targeting older adults. Scammers have become more sophisticated, using fear, urgency, and emotional manipulation to steal personal information, drain bank accounts, and isolate victims. From te...

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Finding Love in Dementia with Dangle & Dot | This is Getting Old Podcast

Can people with dementia form new romantic relationships? What about caregivers—how do they navigate love while supporting a loved one? In this episode, I’m joined by Dangle & Dot to explore love, companionship, and relationships in the context of cognitive decline. We’ll discuss key ethical issues like consent, dignity, and autonomy, plus how caregivers can p...

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When words fail, love still remains. In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, I sit...

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February 4, 2025 53 mins

In this episode, I talk with Brandon Davis about the Davis Focus Project, an innovative mental health program using neurofeedback to help veterans overcome challenges like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Brandon explains how neurofeedback works by mapping the brain, identifying dysregulated areas, and providing real-time feedback to help the brain self-correct. This non-invasive approach allows individuals to heal while doing everyd...

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January 28, 2025 23 mins

In this episode, Dr. Melissa Batchelor dives into the future of assisted living with Shaun Toomey of Inspir Embassy Row, a premier luxury senior living and memory care community. Discover how cutting-edge technology and personalized care are setting a new standard for older adults. Learn about the innovative services offered by Inspir and the role of age-friendly initiatives in shaping a more inclusive world. Don’t miss this fascin...

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Are you caring for a loved one with dementia and wondering how to make the most of your time together? Walking can be a great way to spend quality time with your loved one while also promoting their physical and mental well-being. In this episode, we'll explore 3 tips for walking together. Tune in to learn how you can make walking with your ...

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When Dementia Patients Stop Eating: A Caregiver’s Guide to Support and Comfort

Caring for a loved one with dementia is an emotional journey, and one of the most difficult challenges is when they stop eating or drinking. This heartbreaking transition often signals the later stages of the disease, leaving caregivers feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do.

In this blog post, we’ll explore:

  • Why people with dementia stop eati...
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In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, I sit down with Brittany Olson, an expert in Feng Shui and interior design. Brittany shares her insights on creating spaces that promote harmony and balance, highlighting how Feng Shui can be a powerful tool for enhancing well-being. We explore practical tips for arranging furniture, selecting colors, and using natural elements to transform any environmen...

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As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, changes in touch—like the return of the palmar reflex and loss of fine motor skills—can make eating difficult for individuals with dementia. In this video, I share two key sensory changes that impact mealtimes and four practical strategies to help your loved one eat more easily and comfortably. From the overhand and underhand techniques to introducing finger foods and adaptive utensils, these tips...

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Caring for a loved one with dementia who struggles with eating can be challenging, as sensory changes in taste and smell often lead to a loss of interest in food. These changes occur because dementia damages brain areas responsible for processing smell and taste, such as the olfactory bulb and hippocampus, and is further impacted by protein buildups like amyloid plaques. To address these challenges, caregi...

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How Hearing and Language Changes in Dementia Impact Eating | Tips for Caregivers Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias impact every aspect of life, including how a person hears and understands language. In this episode, Dr. Melissa Batchelor explores how these changes can make eating independently a challenge—and shares practical strategies to help.

✨ Topics Covered: How hearing loss and auditory processing difficulties affect me...

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In this episode of This is Getting Old, Dr. Melissa sits down with David Burke, the founder of NxtGen Care, to discuss how social engagement and movement are vital for healthy aging. David highlights how staying connected with others and maintaining regular physical activity are key factors in promoting cognitive health, emotional well-being, and overall longevity. He shares a touching story of a retired World War II pilot who, des...

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One of the most concerning and puzzling symptoms of Alzheimer's is when a person stops being able to eat independently. Without adequate support, this could lead to malnutrition, weight loss, and a decline in overall health.In this video, you will learn how changes in vision impact a person living with dementia’s ability to feed themse...

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