HONESTLY AGING
A Friends Life Care VigR® Podcast
Join Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR® in exploring what it’s like to get older. Host Cheryl Proska walks with you on the winding road of aging. The peaks. The valleys. And everything in between. This is what aging looks like. Real people. Real stories. Real advice. Let’s grow old, together.
Listen to Honestly Aging on all major audio platforms
Season 2
Discovering OLLI: A Path to Lifelong Learning and Community
In this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Adam Brunner, Director of OLLI at Temple University, shares how older adults are reigniting passions, building community, and staying sharp through engaging courses and programs.
Ayurveda: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Wellness
In this episode of Honestly Aging, we talk with Ayurvedic practitioner Lexa Chernin about how ancient Ayurvedic wisdom can support modern wellness and vibrant aging.
Strength in Aging: How Vivo is Transforming Fitness for Older Adults
In this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, we talk to Eric Levitan, founder and CEO of Vivo, an innovative online strength training program designed specifically for older adults.
Tai Chi and the Art of Mindful Movement
Join us for an engaging episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR® as we explore the world of Tai Chi with Professor Mitch Goldfarb, an expert in mindfulness, meditation, and movement.
Chiropractic Care for Aging Well
In this episode of Honestly Aging, we talk with Dr. Rachael Thompson, owner of Impact Chiropractic, to explore how spinal health, balance, and holistic care contribute to healthy aging.
The Perfect Recipe for Vibrant Aging
On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, we’re joined by Jay Hilliard, a Friends Life Care Plan counselor with 20+ years of experience, to explore “The Perfect Recipe for Vibrant Aging”.
A Couple’s Journey of Helping Philadelphia’s Unsheltered Community
On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Irene and Lee share their incredible journey of resilience, humanity, and generosity.
Moving Forward: Expert Guidance on Downsizing, Relocation, and Home Organization
In this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, we chat with Marlene Stocks, Certified Senior Move Manager and President of Senior Transition Services, about strategies to make these transitions smoother and less stressful.
Finding Purpose Later in Life: Vocational Discernment for Older Adults
On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, we’re joined by guests from Beacon Hill Friends House for a meaningful conversation on vibrant aging and self-discovery.
The Art of Genealogy: Tips to Start and Sustain Your Family History Project
Join us in this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR® as we welcome back Clémence Scouten, founder of Memoirs and More, to explore the exciting world of genealogy.
Legacy Projects – Writing, Preserving, and Sharing Your Life Story
In this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, we sit down with Clémence Scouten, owner of Memoirs & More, to discuss documenting your life story and family history.
Navigating Age-Related Challenges and Transitions
In this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, we’re joined by Felicia Greenfield, a licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist specializing in age-related challenges, caregiver support, and grief counseling.
Compassionate Conversations: Nonviolent Communication for Honest, Empathetic Relationships
In this episode of Honestly Aging, we chat with Colleen Kanaan Bertrand about the power of Nonviolent Communication to build stronger, more compassionate relationships.
Exploring Mindfulness Meditation for Older Adults
Explore the power of mindfulness meditation with Georgia Larounis, a certified mindfulness instructor, in this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®.
Living Longer, Living Better: How Older Adults Can Break Ageist Barriers
On this episode, we’re joined by David Stewart, the founder of AGEIST. Listen and learn about the 5 pillars of super aging, navigating encore careers, and staying relevant in your later years.
Comfort in Transition: The Art and Heart of End-of-Life Doula Care
In this episode of the Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR® podcast, we talk with Lori Rizzo, an experienced End-of-Life Doula and Certified Dementia Practitioner.
Nutrition and Aging: Healthful Tips for Older Adults
In this episode of the Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR® podcast, we are joined by Nicole Bergoine, a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer with over 14 years of experience.
Kicking Off Honestly Aging Season Two with Vibrant Aging
Season 2 of the Honestly Aging Podcast is here! In our kickoff episode, we unpack the concept of Vibrant Aging – inspired by real feedback from Friends Life Care members.
Honestly Aging Season Two Coming Soon
Season Two of the Honestly Aging podcast starts September 18. This season, we’re focusing on Vibrant Aging. Catch up on past episodes wherever you get your podcasts. Let’s explore what it’s like getting older.
Season 1
It’s a Wrap! Closing Thoughts on Season One.
In our closing episode, we’re joined by Jay Hilliard, Friends Life Care Plan Counselor, to get his take on some topics covered throughout the season.
The Art of Chi Walking: Where to Begin
On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Carol Bilek joins us to discuss Chi Walking – a practice that combines walking with the principles of Tai Chi.
Coaching for Dementia Caregivers: A Holistic Approach
On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, we’re joined by Emily Gavin, a dementia care expert, occupational therapist, and caregiver coach.
Navigating Late-Life Care: Insights for Older Adults and Their Loved Ones
On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Ellen Donovan from One Life Consulting joins us to discuss preparing for late-life care.
Aging and Bones: Why Prioritizing Bone Health Matters
On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Darshan Bhatt joins us to share insights into bone health and how we can take proactive steps to ensure strong and healthy bones as we age.
Optimizing Independence: How In-Home Rehab Empowers Older Adults
During this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, we discuss the benefits of in-home rehab, why someone would need it, and strategies to increase success with physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
The Power of Reinventing Yourself
On this episode of Friends Life Care VigR®, we dive into the power of reinventing yourself. We cover Fred’s life and career transitions, overcoming obstacles, lessons learned, and advice anyone can use on a journey of reinvention.
Respecting Wisdom: Addressing Bullying in Older Adults
On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Kathy Rusch, a medical advocate with the Women’s Center of Montgomery County, joins us for a candid conversation that uncovers the hidden world of bullying that affects older adults.
How Technology Can Support Aging in Place
On this episode of Friends Life Care VigR®, Akshita Iyer, who is the CEO and founder of Ome Kitchen, a technology company that built the world’s first Smart Stove Knob to make cooking safer, easier, and more enjoyable, joins me to discuss this increasingly hot topic.
Aging as Thriving: Embodied Mindset
On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Ariel Weiss, a teaching member of Alexander Technique International shares the many benefits of the practice, especially as it relates to older adults.
Health Advocacy: Help Navigating the Complex Healthcare System
Dr. Carolyn Trend shares her professional and personal experiences with health advocacy and how a health advocate can help you navigate the complex and frustrating healthcare system.
How Being a Standardized Patient Helped Me Effectively Talk to Doctors and Advocate for Myself
Jennifer Schwartz, Sara’s Friends Life Care Wellness Coordinator, joins this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR® for a co-interview. We learn what a standardized patient is, essential skills for this field of work, and lessons to take into our next healthcare appointment.
Living an Intentional Life
On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Autumn Nessler, a Certified Retirement Options Coach, shares how to live an intentional life through successful transition planning and looking beyond the financial side of retirement.
Hospice Care: It May Not Be What You Think
On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Shawn Schmitt discusses how hospice provides a whole system approach to end-of-life care. She also covers the practical and emotional sides of death and dying, dispels myths about hospice care, and normalizes the experience.
Real Estate Advice for the Solo Ager
There can be both practical and emotional sides to moving. Sarah Forti and Gina Bass of Forti homes work with clients on both. Listen along as we discuss the lifecycle of moving, including buying, selling, and considerations specific to older adults and solo agers.
Managing the Administrative and Organizational Responsibilities Required to Age in Place
On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Bode Hennegan, the Founder and President of Life Managers & Associates discusses the importance of bill paying, paperwork, home maintenance, and more.
Pets and Solo Aging: What to Consider
Katelyn (Weyrauch) Schunkewitz, MSW, Care Coordinator with Friends Life Care, covers topics older adults and solo agers may wish to consider before and during pet ownership like the benefits of having a pet, things to think about before getting a pet, resources for ownership, and more.
Loneliness: Causes, Effects, and Ways to Combat It
Ellen Houle and Beth Morley, Care Coordinators with Friends Life Care cover the causes, effects, and ways to combat loneliness. In addition, they discuss insights gleaned from Friends Life Care members about loneliness and ways our organization is dealing with the issue.
LGBT+ and Aging: My Journey Through Love, Life, and Loss
Robert Keppler joins us for an important conversation about aging in the LGBT+ community, supporting his partner through illness, ultimately losing his partner, and life after grief and loss.
Building Resilience for Successful Aging
Join Jan Zacharjasz as she shares concrete ways to build resilience in your daily life. She covers how mid- to later life transitions impact resilience, the nine traits that foster resilience, mindset shifts, and how we can manage a change impacting us now.
Patina Health: Reinventing Primary Care for Older Adults
On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Dr. Neil Patel, Chief Health Officer at Patina, discusses the disparities often experienced between the two and how Patina delivers high-quality care to older adults in new, innovative, and technology-enabled ways.
Tackling the Challenges Facing Today’s Solo Agers
On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Ailene Gerhardt guides us through the complexities of solo aging with resources and facts to help this cohort make informed decisions that reflect their personal values.
What You Need to Know About Medicare
On this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, Kiersten Spitzenberger, a Medicare Specialist with Dan White and Associates, joins us to discuss the different parts of Medicare, what they cover, the cost, eligibility, and more.
The Many Facets of Grief and Loss: Help for the Solo Ager
We talk about grief and loss when someone dies, but can we grieve someone who is still living? How might we deal with the loss of “things” and compound grief over the years? What if we don’t feel close enough with anyone to share our grief?
Feeling Your Best as You Age
Hydration, nutrition, and exercise are critical to feeling our best as we age. Kiristin Briggs, MSN, CRNP, shares key components of all three, including information on the MIND DIET. Kiristin also covers supplements and why you should check with your healthcare provider before starting any.
How Palliative Care Can Support You in the Aging Process
Kate Phelan, a board-certified family nurse practitioner certified in palliative care, shares what palliative care consists of, how it differs from hospice care, real-life examples of how this type of care positively impacts patients, and more.
Aging Solo – Are You Taking Time for Self Care?
Might you benefit from having a therapist in your life? Katie Starrantino, LCSW, M.Ed, CDP, Friends Life Care Director of Wellness Initiatives, covers how solo agers can find the right fit with her top 5 considerations when selecting a therapist. She also debunks the stigma around “shrinks” and shares therapy successes.
Ageism and Its Impact on Today’s Society
What is ageism, and why should we care about it? Katie Reilly, PhD, explored this and more during her doctoral research on the existence of ageism. Listen to this podcast episode and better understand what ageism is, its negative repercussions, strategies to combat it, and more.
Demystifying Caregiving: An Inside Look at the Experience
Having a caregiver in your home helping with your activities of daily living can be an unfamiliar situation. On this episode of Honestly Aging by VigR Health, Annmarie Francis and Erin Price help demystify the caregiving experience.
Finding Your Passion After Retirement
On this episode of Honestly Aging by VigR Health, Shelley, also a Friends Life Care member, shares how Encore Creativity has been a creative outlet and social experience.
Memory and Aging: What’s Normal, What’s Not
Changes in memory occur as we get older. These changes may make us wonder, is this normal, or cause for concern. Gary Skole joins us to tackle this important topic.
Can Your “Forever Home” Meet Your Solo Aging Needs?
Kristin Swanick, CAPS, joins us to discuss accessibility, aging in place, home modifications, and more. Listen and learn actionable ways to make your home safer and more accessible, especially as you age.
Spirituality and Aging. Why We Care.
Advanced Planning for Solo Agers
Solo Travel: How I Set Myself Up for Success
So, What is Honestly Aging?
Joylyn Williamson, Friends Life Care Plan Counselor, joins us for our inaugural episode to discuss her unique experiences supporting her father through the aging process, being a solo ager, and working with prospective Friends Life Care members.
Honestly Aging by VigR Health Introduction
Meet Honestly Aging by VigR Health host Cheryl Proska. In this season of Honestly Aging by VigR Health, we’re covering topics related to solo aging. The peaks. The valleys. And everything in between. You’ll meet interesting people in each episode, hear stories, and get advice.