Life Is A Sacred Journey

Being a parent or a partner does not guarantee care in old age, a profound statement! So, who will advocate for the solo agers? Today we are joined by Carol Barak to help us answer these and many more questions.Carol Marak is an Aging Expert and Syndicated columnist at Seniorcare.com. Carol is a former family caregiver who lived through the hardships of elder care and realized since she's aging alone, she'll have no one to depend on for care.SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel.L!KE us on Facebook.FOLLOW us on Instagram.

An overwhelmed procrastinator, frustrated overachiever, and recovering perfectionist herself, Sam Bennett knows all the ways we avoid pursuing our dreams and reaching our goals. She also knows how to “get it done.” Start Right Where You Are is an easy-to-read, easy-to-do guidebook for anyone who wants to change their life but doesn’t know where or how to begin.SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel.L!KE us on Facebook.FOLLOW us on Instagram.

End of life care is something we all face, yet too many people are dying in a way they wouldn't choose, leaving loved ones feeling burdened, guilty, and uncertain. While we desire to have our health care wishes honored and not be a burden, many of us fail to have "the conversation" with loved ones about what those wishes are before treatment or unforeseen decisions must be made.SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel.L!KE us on Facebook.FOLLOW us on Instagram.

Next January 13, a cruise will depart to the Caribbean from Ft. Lauderdale that will provide an opportunity for caregivers of all types to gain knowledge, create new friendships, and deepen relationships with other family members and older loved ones.SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel.L!KE us on Facebook.FOLLOW us on Instagram.

This week on on the podcast, we are delighted to welcome Jay Newton-Small. Jay is the co-founder of MemoryWell, which is an online platform that empowers caregivers to provide compassionate and empathetic care. They do this by having journalists tell the stories of people who can’t tell their own, which helps caregivers understand them and improve their quality of life.SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel.L!KE us on Facebook.FOLLOW us on Instagram.

From childhood on, we’re barraged by messages that it’s sad to be old. That wrinkles are embarrassing, and old people useless. Author and activist Ashton Applewhite believed them too, until she realized where this prejudice comes from and the damage it does.Today, Ms. Applewhite is on the show to share insights from her book, “This Chair Rocks – a Manifesto against Ageism”. Lively, funny, and deeply researched, This Chair Rocks traces Applewhite’s journey from apprehensive boomer to pro-aging radical, and in the process, debunks myth after myth about late life.Whether you’re older or hoping to get there, this book will shake you by the shoulders, cheer you up, make you mad, and change the way you see the rest of your life. Age pride!SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel.L!KE us on Facebook.FOLLOW us on Instagram.

Alexandra Crosswell, PhD is a psychological scientist in the UCSF's Center for Health and Community where she studies the effect of stress on health and aging. She is currently studying the effects of the experiences of adult caregivers, and what can help caregivers thrive in their difficult role.SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel.L!KE us on Facebook.FOLLOW us on Instagram.

Is there a role for faith-based organizations in providing social support to senior adults? To help us gain an understanding of the increased role religious congregations now play in providing social support to the elderly, we are joined by Sheila Stevens.Sheila Stevens is CEO of Sheila Stevens and Associates focusing on leadership, interpersonal communication, and team development. She spearheaded a project on "Village Elders" focusing on the legacy from elders to youth in the African American Community. SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel.L!KE us on Facebook.FOLLOW us on Instagram.

Forget about surviving from pay check to pay check, let's talk about facing daily choices between a meal or medication.6.4 million of our mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts, grandmothers and grandfathers struggle daily to afford food and rent, access healthcare and to remain connected to their families and communities.Kevin Prindiville poses a challenge, "We cannot hold up our hands and say we should have helped them 50 years ago. We must, and we can, take action."SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel.L!KE us on Facebook.FOLLOW us on Instagram. 

There are almost 40 million people aged 65+ in the United States. America's 50 and older population will reach 100 million this year.Anthony Cirillo is a passionate advocate for these caregivers and seniors, helping them lead a quality life through a platform of educate aging - physically, emotionally and finnacially. He calls this "Rocking the Aging Experience". His book entitled "Who Moved My Dentures" dispels myths about aging.Catch him here for insights on how to live your best life as a caregiver, elder or boomer.SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel.L!KE us on Facebook.FOLLOW us on Instagram.

Today Judy Thomas, CEO of the Coalition of Compassionate Care of California (CCCC) joins us to share tips on "Living fully until the very end". The CCCC promotes and improved healthcare practices and standards across the continuum of care. Plus, it also has a national impact on transforming the culture of care for people who are seriously ill through advancing the cause of palliative care in America.SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel.L!KE us on Facebook.FOLLOW us on Instagram.

Eldercare tends to sneak up on everybody involved. Adult children allow themselves to believe that their parents will never get sick or old. Parents fail to acknowledge that they will one day become dependent upon others. And ignoring the inevitable only makes it more difficult to cope when a crisis finally occurs. Fortunately, you can make your caregiving journey far easier by facing it head-on.The ElderCare Ready Book tells you what to expect and how to prepare for the challenges you'll encounter. You'll learn: How to be prepared for your eldercare journey How to implement the necessary steps to manage and control your loved one's care: How to identify what information and documentation you will need How to access certain necessary information How to organize and keep this data at hand for use when needed Common misconceptions about eldercare and legal documentation How to keep your loved ones safe What to expect from care providers And much more . . .SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel.L!KE us on Facebook.FOL

You can’t control getting older, but you can influence the quality of life. Does your retirement plan provide for the cost of Long Term Care? More importantly would you like it to? Financial Planner David Rae outlines the ins and out of aging well for the Gay Community.SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel.L!KE us on Facebook.FOLLOW us on Instagram.

Choosing a nursing home for a family member is one of the most difficult decisions in life. It is stressful, time-consuming task that is often made worse by the fact that a loved one has suffered a medical crisis. You may face great pressure to locate a nursing home and arrange care in a very short period of time.So, how exactly do you choose the right long-term care facility for your loved one? Nicole Howell is the Executive Director for Ombudsman Services of Contra Costa County and is responsible for ensuring that the 9,000 residents of long-term care in her community have access to the highest level of care, respect and above all are able to live free of abuse and neglect.Tune into Life is a Sacred Journey, Thursday 4/28 as Nicole shares tips on how best to get the best out of the long-term care system for your loved one. SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel.L!KE us on Facebook.FOLLOW us on Instagram.

Last Dance at the Savoy includes a resource guide and, through Scott’s experiences, addresses questions such as how do I recognize early warning signs and get proper diagnosis? How do I handle the complex changes and strains in our relationship?Author/Actress Kathryn Leigh Scott has written several books of fiction and nonfiction. She starred in the cult favorite “Dark Shadows” and has recently appeared in a recurring role on “The Goldbergs.” SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel.L!KE us on Facebook.FOLLOW us on Instagram.

Consider the facts, 80% of people say that if seriously ill, they would ant to talk to their doctor about end-of-life care, BUT 7% report having had an end-of-life conversation with their doctor. Furthermore, 60% of people say that making sure their family is not burdened by tough decisions is "extremely important", BUT 56% have not communicated their end-of-life wishes. When it comes to end-of-life care, one conversation can make all the difference. This week, Micheal Pope and her guest Linda Best  help you get your thoughts together and then have the conversation. Whether you’re getting ready to tell someone what you want, or you want to help someone else get ready to talk, we hope this show will be a useful guide. SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel.L!KE us on Facebook.FOLLOW us on Instagram. 

In the last 25 years, aging on the island increased by 6.5 percent, and in 2010 the elderly population was greater that the number of Cubans between 0 and 14 years of age, representing 17.8 percent of the total 11.2 million inhabitants. Cuba is able to provide high quality care to a poor population, with limited financial resources. Yet, the Cuban people enjoy better health outcomes in every category of measure: low infant mortality; low rate of depression and sickness in the elderly; and almost everything in between.SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel.L!KE us on Facebook.FOLLOW us on Instagram.

Meet Christine Williams, author of The Listening Project: Lessons of Life, Love and Listening to God. The book is the result of the authors personal journey to discover how to become a better spiritual listener. Readers are offered a guide, through personal questions, struggles and spiritual healing, to become better listeners in their own lives. The book is not focused on any specific religious tradition, but is centered on the individuals relationship with his or herself and the world.SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel.L!KE us on Facebook.FOLLOW us on Instagram.

It's our last episode for 2015 and were making it count! We're taking a look back at the year 2015 and answering the question, "What if we treated aging like we treat childhood, what would our communities look like?" This is your fireside chat with Micheal Pope, only on Life is a Sacred Journey. Every week, we put the spotlight on a wide range of topics around aging and caregiving here on Life is a Sacred Journey. Our mission is to provide community education so that you can awaken to your best selves and discover a deeper connection to the world of aging around you.The show is brought to you by the Area Agency on Aging in partnership with ASEB (Alzheimer’s Services of the East Bay). Catch us every Thursday at 5 pm Pacific Time here on BlogTalk Radio. SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube Channel.L!KE us on Facebook.FOLLOW us on Instagram.

Joy is not for just the lucky few–it’s a choice anyone can make. In this groundbreaking book, based on his popular course, James Baraz helps you discover a path to the happiness that’s right in front of you, offering a step-by-step program that will reorient your mind away from dissatisfaction and distraction and toward the contentment and delight that is abundantly available in our everyday lives.Filled with engaging exercises and practical advice to make happiness your natural default setting and grounded in Buddhist principles – though accessible to people of all faiths or no faith at all – the book takes you step-by-step through cultivating behaviors and attitudes that bring well-being into your life. About Life is a Sacred Journey:Life is a Sacred Journey covers a variety of topics on aging and caregiving, allowing each of us to awaken to our best selves as well as discover a deeper connection to the world of aging around us.The show is brought to you by the Area Agency on Aging in partnership with ASEB