Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging with Wendy Jones

In this episode of Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging, host Wendy Jones and estate planning attorney Mallory Kallabat discuss probate, estate planning, and strategies to avoid probate. They explain what probate is, its drawbacks, and the importance of early planning. The conversation covers the differences between wills and trusts, the necessity of properly funding trusts, and essential documents like powers of attorney. ...

This week, we’re bringing back one of our most powerful conversations. In this Best Of episode of Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging, host Wendy Jones sits down with caregiver and advocate Deirdre Mercer for an honest, real-life look at what it means to care for aging parents while juggling teenagers, a career, and, you know… sanity.

Deirdre shares her family’s “share and care” philosophy, w...

In this episode of "Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversation on Aging," host Wendy Jones and guest Pastor Lorenzo Sewell from 180 Church in Detroit discuss the emotional complexities of aging during the holiday season. They emphasize the importance of forgiveness, letting go of regrets, and the joy of giving. Pastor Sewell shares personal stories and encourages listeners to reflect on their relationships and cherish memories of loved one...

In this episode of Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging, host Wendy Jones and Father Brian from Saint Andrew’s Church discuss how seniors can face fears related to aging, loss, and uncertainty with hope. They explore the importance of faith, prayer, scripture, and community support, share personal stories, and offer practical spiritual practices. Listeners are encouraged to reach out for help, embrace new opportunitie...

In this episode of Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging, host Wendy Jones welcomes Valerie Grubb, author of Planes, Canes and Automobiles. Valerie shares heartfelt stories from 25 years of traveling with her late mother, highlighting the joys and challenges of journeying with aging loved ones. The conversation explores practical tips for planning trips, the importance of creating lasting memories, and how travel can deepen ...

In this special holiday episode of Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging, host Wendy Jones is joined by Kimm Kincer for a heartfelt conversation about what truly matters as we age - the gift of faith, hope, and spiritual peace.

Together, Wendy and Kim discuss the importance of addressing spiritual needs, particularly for seniors nearing the end of life. Kim shares her experiences visiting seniors in hospitals, nursing homes,...

In this episode of "Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging," host Wendy Jones is joined by Bill Feldmaier and Mike Laske from Greenleaf Trust to discuss achieving financial peace of mind in retirement. They highlight the importance of comprehensive financial planning, organizing scattered assets, involving family in financial literacy, and working with fiduciary advisors. The conversation emphasizes proactive planning, clear ...

In this heartfelt episode, Wendy Jones addresses the emotional challenges faced by adult children caring for aging parents. She emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with loved ones, encouraging listeners to engage in meaningful conversations and create lasting memories before it's too late. Wendy shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on how to connect with aging parents, highlighting the significance of in-pe...

In this episode of "Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging," host Wendy Jones and expert Val Fiott discuss vital topics in senior health, including joint care, fall prevention, and muscle loss (sarcopenia). Val explains why walking and swimming aren’t enough for joint and muscle health, emphasizing the importance of personalized strength training. They debunk myths about aging, highlight the risks of inactivity, and sha...

In this episode of Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging host Wendy Jones and dementia practitioner Erica Ancel discuss the unique challenges caregivers face during the holiday season, especially when supporting seniors with memory loss. They introduce the CARE framework Connect, Acknowledge, Reflect, Empower, Engage to guide compassionate caregiving. The conversation highlights the importance of patience, empathy, and slowi...

This week, host Wendy Jones sits down with former professional basketball player, motivational speaker, and survivor Derrick Boles—a man who’s truly unstoppable. Derrick shares his incredible testimony of faith and perseverance after surviving two strokes, a brain aneurysm, heart and back surgery, cellulitis, and two bouts of COVID-19.

Despite years of physical and spiritual challenges, Derrick’s story is one of&n...

This week, host Wendy Jones sits down with former professional basketball player, motivational speaker, and survivor Derrick Boles—a man who’s truly unstoppable. Derrick shares his incredible testimony of faith and perseverance after surviving two strokes, a brain aneurysm, heart and back surgery, cellulitis, and two bouts of COVID-19.

Despite years of physical and spiritual challenges, Derrick’s story is one of&n...

In this episode of Next Steps for Seniors: Conversations on Aging, host Wendy Jones welcomes caregiver and advocate Deirdre Mercer to share her personal journey of caring for aging parents while raising teenagers and working full-time. Deirdre discusses her family's "share and care" philosophy, the importance of support systems, and the vital role of professional caregivers. The conversation explores the emotional challenges of car...

Tune in to this episode of Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging as Wendy and Doug Kaherl from Creekside Christian Church as he tackles meaningful topics like faith, love, leadership, and serving others with grace and purpose. With practical advice and spiritual encouragement, this podcast empowers listeners to make the most of every moment and find peace in every season of life.

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In this episode of Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging, host Wendy Jones and life coach Jill Goote discuss the emotional challenges adult children face when caring for aging parents. They explore managing guilt over care decisions, setting healthy boundaries, and coping with overwhelm. Jill offers faith-based strategies for self-forgiveness, intentional decision-making, and being present in relationships. The conversation ...

In this episode of "Next Steps 4 Seniors," host Wendy Jones discusses emergency preparedness for seniors and their families. She covers choosing the right hospital, the importance of calling 911, preparing medical information, and keeping a go-bag ready. Wendy also explains hospital admission and rehabilitation coverage, highlights the value of medical alert devices for those living alone, and encourages regular wellness checks. Th...

In this special Veterans Day episode of "Next Steps 4 Seniors: Conversations on Aging" host Wendy Jones honors Veterans Day with guest Vito Pampiloma, a decorated Vietnam War veteran. Vito shares his military experiences, reflects on the significance of Veterans Day, and discusses the sacrifices and challenges faced by veterans. Together, they emphasize the importance of recognizing all who serve, educating younger generations, and...

In this episode, Wendy sits down with Deirdre Mercer, a woman who has spent her life caring for her parents, for her community, and now for caregivers everywhere. She shares how caregiving shaped her family, what she learned while raising teens and supporting aging parents at the same time, and why the true “secret” has nothing to do with tasks… and everything to do with unconditional love. 

Deirdre’s ...