The Age Guide: Perspectives on the Aging Journey

The Age Guide: Perspectives on the Aging Journey

Welcome to the Age Guide podcast highlighting perspectives on the aging journey. We are here to be your personal Age Guide and enhance your quality of life on the road ahead. This podcast is about putting a face on aging and giving a voice to older adults and caregivers by highlighting their experiences and stories. We want to provide a window into the struggles and joys of aging, to dispel myths and combat ageism. This podcast is hosted by AgeGuide Northeastern Illinois, an Area Agency on Aging in Northeastern Illinois. At AgeGuide, it is our mission to be a vital resource and advocate for people as we age by providing thoughtful guidance, supportive services, and meaningful connections.

Episodes

March 24, 2026 38 mins

In this episode of Aging Well, Bob Blancato, national advocate for older adults and expert in nutrition and aging policy, explores the critical role nutrition plays in supporting healthy aging and strengthening communities.

This episode examines how nutrition intersects healthcare, social services, and public policy, and why improving access to healthy food is essential for preventing chronic disease and promoting well-being among o...

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 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 s...

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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 t...

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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...

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In this episode, we get the opportunity to take a deep dive with Dr. Raj Shah of Rush University Medical Center exploring ideas revolving around brain health, caregiving, and what it truly means to age well. Drawing from decades of dementia research and community-based work, Dr. Shah reflects on the power of connection, the role of care partners, and how belonging shapes our health across the lifespan. Together, they unpack the sma...

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To launch our new season on Aging Well, we’re joined by Ken Stern, nationally recognized expert on longevity, author, founder of the Longevity Project, and host of the podcast Century Lives.  

In this episode we explore how longer lives challenge the way we think about the second half of life and prompt us to reimagine every aspect of society, from education and work to community and connection. Ken also shares incredible insights f...

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With Ageism Awareness Day approaching, the final episode of Aging Unfiltered features Jan Golden, founder of Age Friendly Vibes, and Sara Breindel, Communications Specialist and Ageism Consultant with the American Society on Aging. Jan shares how a contest for anti-ageist birthday cards led her to create an age-positive greeting card company, while Sara recalls the moment she realized how subtle language can reinforce stereotypes. ...

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In this episode of Aging Unfiltered, we explore what it really means to create an age-friendly workplace. Marla Fronczak, CEO of AgeGuide, Jeri Colucy, Director of Operations, Finance & Human Resources, and Dr. Brian Kaskie, Professor at the University of Iowa, come together to share personal stories, research insights, and practical strategies to build inclusive work environments that support people at every stage of life.

From...

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In this episode, welcome Arielle Galinsky, Harvard Kennedy School MPP candidate, CEO and co‑founder of The Legacy Project Inc., and Teen Vogue contributor, to discuss the power of intergenerational advocacy.

Arielle shares her personal journey, from her passion for aging policy to co‑founding The Legacy Project at Tufts, where college students interview and build friendships with older adults to preserve their life stories. She expl...

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Welcome to another episode of Aging Unfiltered. In this episode, we are honored to welcome Ashton Applewhite to the podcast for a great conversation about pushing back against ageism. Ashton is a passionate advocate, writer, and thought leader whose work focuses on dismantling ageism and promoting a more inclusive, vibrant vision of aging. She is also the author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism. Through her work, she...

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Welcome to another episode of Aging Unfiltered. In this episode, we dive into an important topic: employment after age 55, and the unique challenges older adults face in the job market. It was a privilege to welcome Elizabeth White to the podcast to discuss this pressing issue. Elizabeth is a leading voice in the movement for economic justice and a champion for older adults navigating the complexities of work and retirement. She’s ...

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Welcome to another episode of Aging Unfiltered. In this episode, we have an important conversation about the intersection of aging, race, and representation. It was a privilege to welcome Raymond A. Jetson to the podcast to talk about this important subject. He’s a visionary leader, a changemaker, and the force behind Aging While Black and MetroMorphosis. Raymond has spent his life dedicated to empowering Black older adults and res...

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Welcome to another episode of Aging Unfiltered. In this episode, we learn more about Dementia Friendly America (DFA) and how its work is focused on creating communities that are inclusive and supportive of individuals living with dementia. Joining us are Sandy Marwood, CEO of USAging and Mary Ek, Director of Community Care Corps and Dementia Friendly America at USAging. Through education, advocacy, and local partnerships, DFA foste...

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Welcome to another episode in our series entitled: "Aging Unfiltered". In this episode, we talk to Dana Griffin, who is the Co-Founder and CEO of Eldera, a groundbreaking global platform connecting older and younger generations through meaningful conversations and wisdom sharing. Eldera operates on the profound belief that older adults are an untapped resource, uniquely equipped to address societal challenges and nurture ...

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Welcome to another episode in our series entitled: "Aging Unfiltered". In this episode, we talk to Shari Foos, a psychotherapist, educator, activist, writer, a former punk rock star, and the founder of The Narrative Method, a nonprofit program that promotes human connection by increasing empathy and tolerance. Join us as we speak about intergenerational connections and ageism on a deep and personal level. By fostering inc...

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Welcome to our second episode in our series entitled: "Aging Unfiltered". In this episode, we address the challenges of ageism in the workplace and its impact on job seekers of all ages. Age bias can affect hiring decisions, career advancement, and workplace culture in ways that are often damaging. Join us as we speak with Janine Vanderburg a passionate anti-ageism advocate and the CEO of Encore Roadmap, where she partner...

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This is our first episode in our new Series entitled: "Aging Unfiltered". Through this podcast series, we are spreading the word about ageism, and we’re kicking it off intentionally on Ageism Awareness Day, October 9th. Today, we dive into the pervasive issue of ageism—how it shapes our perceptions of aging and how it influences our lives. Join us as we talk to Dr. Tracey Gendron, and explore the ways ageism influences ev...

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The Great Reconnection: The Heart of Community – Senior Services Associates  

This month, we're celebrating Senior Center Month, and today we're focusing on a vital resource that is the heart of community: Multipurpose Senior Centers. In the final episode of our series, “The Great Reconnection,” Gretchen and Minnie discuss the essential role these centers play in supporting older adults and connecting them with essential s...

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This month, we're celebrating Senior Center Month, and today we're focusing on a vital resource that is the heart of community: Multipurpose Senior Centers. In this episode, Gretchen and Irene discuss the essential role these centers play in supporting older adults and connecting them to critical services. Tune in to discover the exciting initiatives happening through AgeGuide's senior center partners and how they fo...

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Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, so it’s important that we stay one step ahead. In this episode, get essential tips from Crystal Cuellar, Rachel Granetz and Val Guzman on how to protect yourself against scams and how to find help in case you witness abuse. Hear how AgeGuide’s funded partners and other community helpers can assist you.  

If you believe you have been a victim of abuse or scam, visit our website for more infor...

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