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
In this episode of Aging Well, Gretchen Knowlton welcomes Courtney Hedderman, Senior Associate Director for Advocacy and Outreach at AARP Illinois, and a leading voice in fraud prevention. As scams become increasingly sophisticated and costly, Courtney shares why fraud can happen to anyone and how criminals are using technology, artificial intelligence, emotional manipulation, and impersonation tactics to target people of all ages....
In this episode of Aging Well, we have Christina Peoples, a gerontologist, educator, speaker, health promotion coordinator, and founder of Gero-What?, a digital platform making conversations about aging more relatable, inclusive, and accessible. Through her work, Christina challenges ageism, amplifies historically marginalized voices, and centers the experiences and wisdom of Black elders. Christina explains how our physical health...
In this episode of Aging Well, host Gretchen Knowlton talks with Billy Rogers, the President of Golden Rainbows of Illinois South and a longtime advocate for the LQBTQ+ community. Drawing on more than 40 years of experience, Billy shares powerful insights into the realities LGBTQ+ older adults face today, from isolation and healthcare distrust to the ongoing need for safe, welcoming spaces.
Listeners will learn why many LGBTQ+...
As we age, mental health becomes just as important as physical health, yet it’s often overlooked, misunderstood, or dismissed as a normal part of getting older. In this episode of Aging Well, we hear from Robyn Golden, Associate Vice President of Social Work and Community Health at Rush University Medical Center and Caryn Blanton, Program Manager at the E4 Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Disparities in Aging, to ex...
As Americans live longer than ever, too many are aging without financial security, health supports, or clear pathways to thrive. To continue exploring what it truly means to age well, we’re joined by Ramsey Alwin, President and CEO of the National Council on Aging, and a leading national voice on aging policy, economic security, and equity. In this episode, Ramsey unpacks why longevity is one of the most consequential megatre...
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...
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-bas...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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. ...
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...
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...
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...
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&rs...
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 a...
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...
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 the next g...
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 inclusive soc...
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