This is Growing Old (Alliance for Aging Research)

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common type of arrhythmia, or irregular heart rhythm, and impacts as many as six million Americans. While the irregular heart rhythm itself isn’t generally serious, the abnormal blood flow and strain to the heart can lead to serious and deadly medical conditions, including heart failure and stroke.

In this episode, we are joined by Mellanie True Hills, the CEO and founder of StopAfib.org, a patient-to-patient website and resource that helps all AFib patients make informed decisions regarding their life and health. Mellanie is an AFib survivor herself and created StopAfib.org so that others will have the resources, answers, and support they need when they are facing a diagnosis. Mellanie shares her perspective on living with AFib, common questions asked by the people who turn to StopAFib.org for information, why AFib patients need to take stroke risk seriously, and more.

William Schaffner, M.D., Medical Director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), explains why the flu vaccine is so important this year and answers questions about common questions about COVID-19. 

Learn more about NFID's Keep Up The Rates Campaign: https://www.nfid.org/keep-up-the-rates/. 

Get the latest information and resources about age-related conditions, diseases and issues that impact the health of older Americans: https://www.agingresearch.org/health-topic/

Sue Peschin talks with Lance Robertson, who serves as both Assistant Secretary for Aging and Administration for Community Living Administrator, about COVID-19’s impact on older adults.

Learn more about ACL by visiting acl.gov.

Visit www.agingresearch.org to learn more about age-related conditions, diseases and issues that impact the health of older Americans.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to address the stigma around alcohol use disorder, or AUD, and share resources to support those who suffer from this often underdiagnosed and undertreated condition. Among the millions of Americans impacted, older adults remain at heightened risk of alcohol abuse due to a variety of environmental, medical, and social factors.  

Joining us to discuss the risks of alcohol abuse as we age is the Director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Dr. George Koob. Dr. Koob is an internationally recognized expert on alcohol and stress and the neurobiology of alcohol and drug addiction.

On Wednesday, February 22nd, the Alliance will be joined by more than 119 partners who are all working together to help raise awareness of valve disease—what it is, who’s at risk, what the symptoms are, how it’s detected, and how it’s treated.

This year, we’re proudly expanding internationally with the help of Heart Valve Voice Canada. There are an estimated 11 million Americans with heart valve disease and more than 1 million Canadians—so this topic is of great importance to both of our organizations. Heart Valve Voice has a number of exciting events and outreach activities planned for Heart Month and Valve Disease Day, and their managing director, Ellen Ross, is here to tell us more about their work. 

Patient advocates Jim and Geri Taylor talk about their personal experience with Geri’s Alzheimer’s disease and what it’s been like during the pandemic; their work with the Alliance’s Talk NERDY To Me Training, and their latest campaign to change clinical trial recruitment in Alzheimer’s disease trials. 

Read The New York Times article featuring Jim and Geri: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/05/01/nyregion/living-with-alzheimers.html

Learn more about the Alliance's Talk NERDY to Me program: https://www.agingresearch.org/nerdy/. 

Colder weather is upon us, and that means that many older adults may be isolated at home. Here to talk about how Meals on Wheels is making a difference is Meals on Wheels President and CEO Ellie Hollander. 

On February 22 we'll be hosting our sixth annual Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day, a conference dedicated to increasing recognition of the specific risks and symptoms of heart valve disease, improve detection and treatment, and ultimately save lives. Valve Disease Day would not be possible without the more than 100 partners who have joined the campaign to lend their voices. Among the incredible organizations that we've partnered with is the National Caucus and Center on Black Aging, the only national organization devoted solely to providing effective leadership in making minority participation in aging services a national issue and priority.

This week, we sat down with NCBA president and CEO Karyne Jones to discuss the importance of health equity in combatting valve disease along with the NCBA's role in raising awareness. We're looking forward to celebrating this year with a Valve Disease Day virtual celebration, a Facebook Live, a Twitter chat, and more. 

Please visit https://www.valvediseaseday.org/ to see how you can get involved.

Age or possible disability does not impact the value of a human life. Unfortunately, the Institute of Clinical and Economic Review, or ICER, produces recommendations on how much new drugs should cost based on these same considerations—age or possible disability.

It is time for patients to say enough is enough. Here at the Alliance, we believe in the power of patient advocacy, and we are proud to stand against this discrimination in healthcare. 

Thankfully, we are not alone in our fight against discrimination and our desire to help patients get the best care possible. Organizations like Patients Rising are doing incredible work to empower patients and to fight against discriminatory healthcare rationing.

Terry Wilcox, the Executive Director of Patients Rising, talks with Alliance for Aging Research President and CEO Sue Peschin about quality-adjusted life years and why they are bad for patients and older adults in particular. 

Learn more about Patients Rising at https://www.patientsrising.org/.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted food programs and nutrition for older adults? What are some barriers that older adults face when it comes to nutrition? Here to talk about the importance of nutrition for healthy aging and to address some of these questions is Bob Blancato, Executive Director of the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs. 

Sign up to receive updates from the Alliance for Aging Research, including our newsletter, Living Longer & Loving It, and to receive emails letting you know when a new podcast episode has dropped! https://www.agingresearch.org/about-us/thisisgrowingold/#updates

What does 2021 have in store for the Alliance for Aging Research and older adults in general? In this first episode of season 2 and 2021, Alliance President and CEO Sue Peschin shares her thoughts on the new year. 

On the season finale of This is Growing Old, Sue Peschin talks with Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santas Chairman Ric Erwin and President Bob Callahan about why Santas would make for good messengers for promoting the COVID-19 vaccine, how Santas are bringing hope to a difficult year, and why they think real beards are better.

Learn more about the Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santas: https://forbsantas.com/

Get the latest information and resources about age-related conditions, diseases and issues that impact the health of older Americans: https://www.agingresearch.org/health-topic/

Caregiving is a radical act of empathy. To give care is to recognize the needs of another and provide support and companionship. All of us have received care at some point in our lives, and many of us will provide care in one way or another. Yet, the concept of care often goes underexplored, leaving caregivers unrecognized and their contributions undervalued. 

In honor of National Caregiver’s Month, we're joined by Stage Director, Playwright, Producer and scholar, Dr. Derek Goldman, to discuss his ground breaking play The Art of Care. This production, developed in part by its ensemble, tells a powerful story made up of real-life narratives. It shines a light on the sacrifice, hardship, and profound beauty that define the caregiving experience

The Alliance for Aging Research is celebrating 35 years! Here to talk about this incredible milestone and all that the Alliance has accomplished for older adults is our founder, Dan Perry! 

Join us in celebrating 35 years on September 21 at Heroes in Health. Register for free here: https://give.agingresearch.org/event/2021-heroes-in-health/e337728. 

Why do men have shorter life expectancies than women? And what can men do to improve their health as they age? Ana Tomšić, Vice-President of Men’s Health Network, and Dr. Sal Giorgianni, Senior Science Advisor at Men's Health Network, talk about how men can pursue healthy aging and how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted men's health. 

Learn more about Men's Health Network: https://www.menshealthnetwork.org/

At the Alliance for Aging Research, we are all about helping people live longer, happier, more productive lives. Unfortunately, ageism in our society can be a huge barrier to healthy aging. Here to talk about ageism is Ashton Applewhite, an activist and author who wrote This Chair Rocks: A Manifesto Against Ageism.

On the heels of National Family Caregivers Awareness Month and National Alzheimer's Awareness month, we're joined by two patient advocates that epitomize this critical intersection. Roger Cochran is a member of the Early-Stage Alzheimer's Advisory Commission for the Alzheimer's Association. He has an MA in Anthropology, MS in Health Systems (Ga Inst Tech), a Ph.D. in Sociology, and has worked for over 30 years in community health planning. Roger is also living with Alzheimer's disease. Dorothy Merrick is married to Roger and is also his primary caretaker. She is passionate about the topic of Alzheimer's disease and is a powerful advocate for her husband and others living with this condition.

 During our chat, we explore their journey together, as they navigate the challenges that follow the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.

In recognition of the day, we are joined by Deborah Royster, the Assistant Director of the Office for Older Americans at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), to share the tools and resources for later life financial security. 

Beverlye Hyman Fead is an author, artist, activist, and inspirational speaker. in 2019, she received the Alliance for Aging Research Perennial Hero Award, presented each year to honor an older individual who is actively contributing to create positive societal change and serves as a role model for people of all ages. In this episode, Sue Peschin, President and CEO of the Alliance, talks with Beverlye about embracing aging, why honesty and a sense of humor are so important as we age, and more. 

Learn more about Beverlye: http://www.aginginhighheels.com/

Register for the 2020 Heroes in Health: https://heroesinhealth.vfairs.com/

Visit www.agingresearch.org to learn more about age-related conditions, diseases and issues that impact the health of older Americans.

Did you know that September is Hydrocephalus Awareness Month?

Lindsay Clarke, Vice President of Health Education and Advocacy, talks with Diana Gray, President and CEO of the Hydrocephalus Association, about what hydrocephalus is and why an awareness month is so important.

Learn more at www.hydroassoc.org.

In June, the Alliance joined policymakers and patient advocates on Capitol Hill to discuss the unintended consequences of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). While the IRA offers benefits like capping out-of-pocket costs and reducing vaccine expenses, it also raises concerns about how plans are incentivized to control costs. These concerns are detailed in a recent report by the Alliance and Manatt.

Joining us today to explore the implications of the IRA for older adults, along with the steps CMS can take to protect beneficiaries, is the Alliance's Public Policy Manager, Adina Lasser.

October 4 through 8 is Malnutrition Awareness Week. Joining Alliance Vice President of Health Education and Advocacy Lindsay Clarke is Gail Cresci, PhD, RD, President of ASPEN, an organization dedicated to improving patient care by advancing the science and practice of clinical nutrition and metabolism. Gail talks with Lindsay about recognizing the signs of malnutrition and how we can fight against it as we age.

Learn more about Malnutrition Awareness Week: http://www.nutritioncare.org/maw/

Watch the Alliance for Aging Research's films on nutrition: https://www.agingresearch.org/health-topic/nutrition/

In an era dominated by digital media, cultivating media literacy skills is essential to navigate the digital landscape safely and confidently.

Joining us to examine the importance or media literacy, the dangers of internet falsehoods, and the unique challenges that older adults face as they navigate web is Dr. Carol Quade, an adjunct professor at Northern Virginia Community College's Annandale Campus, volunteer at the Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia, and expert in communications and media studies.

Debbe McCall is a cardiovascular patient researcher, advocate, and speaker. She was also a participant and expert speaker in the Alliance for Aging Research’s Talk NERDY to Me program. In this episode, Debbe talks about how she became a patient advocate and how patients can best advocate for themselves. 

Follow Debbe on Twitter: @DebbeMcCall

Learn more about the Alliance for Aging Research: https://www.agingresearch.org/ 

Alliance for Aging Research President and CEO Sue Peschin interviews Lindsay Clarke, the Alliance's Vice President of Health Education and Advocacy, about the importance of good nutrition for healthy aging. 

As Chief Medical Officer for WebMD, Dr. John Whyte has been active in providing information to educate people during the COVID-19 pandemic by interviewing public health experts in a special video series for WebMD. In this conversation with Alliance for Aging Research President and CEO Sue Peschin, John shares some of the highlights of these interviews. He also talks about common misconceptions about COVID-19, why COVID-19 is infecting and killing more Black and Hispanic Americans, and the most common questions he gets about aging. 

Visit www.agingresearch.org to learn more about age-related conditions, diseases and issues that impact the health of older Americans.

Each year, the Rally for Medical Research raises awareness of the urgent need for increased investment in the NIH to improve health, spur progress, inspire hope, and save lives. In collaboration with over 350 organizations, the Rally urges policymakers to make biomedical research a national priority. Now in its 10th year, we are proud to celebrate the critical advances made possible by the efforts of advocates nationwide.

Joining us today for the conversation is Jon Retzlaff, Chief Policy Officer and VP of Science Policy and Government Affairs at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). Since launching the Rally in 2013, AACR has united thousands of Americans in one cause: the vital national importance of medical research.

As we age, we become more susceptible to accidental injury. What may seem like a minor slip, trip, or fall could cause severe bruising, breaks, or even death among older adults. In fact, falls are the leading cause of accidental injury and death in adults over age 65. For the American Occupational Therapy Association, creating innovative solutions for daily living is critical in preventing falls.

Joining us to explore fall prevention is occupational therapist Dr. Scott Trudeau. Dr. Trudeau has committed his career to ensuring that older adults "thrive in place." As the Director of Practice Engagement at the American Occupational Therapy Association, Dr. Trudeau addresses the risk factors that lead to falls and empowers patients to live each day confidently, independently, and safely.

According to a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the current body of evidence on dementia care does not reflect the experiences of diverse populations.

Here to talk about this report and why it is important is Dr. Eric Larson, a senior investigator at the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute and chair of the committee that wrote the report.

Read the full report here: https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/2021/02/meeting-the-urgent-needs-of-people-living-with-dementia-requires-addressing-existing-disparities-in-care-and-ensuring-future-research-prioritizes-inclusivity-and-real-world-studies

July is UV Safety Awareness Month, which is a time to spread awareness about how important it is to protect our eyes and skin from the side effects of ultraviolet rays. This month continues to be a reminder on the connection between over exposure to UV light and cancers that occur in the eyes, lips, and the skin. While sun safety has always been an important topic, especially as we age, the last couple of years have added new confusion to which sunscreens we should buy and how to use them properly.

Joining us today for the conversation is Jay Sirois, Vice President of Regulatory & Scientific Affairs at the Consumer Healthcare Products Association. CHPA is the leading voice fighting to ensure that Americans have access to over-the-counter (OTC) medications, dietary supplements, and consumer medical devices they can count on to be reliable, save money and time, and deliver new and better ways to get and stay healthy.

On the heels of National Minority Health Month this past April, we're joined by Dr. Gretchen Wartman, Vice President for Policy and Program at the National Minority Quality Forum, to discuss what healthy aging looks like for Black and Brown older adults and some of the barriers to healthy aging that PoC older adults face. 

The National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF) combats health disparities among Black and Brown communities and empowers our most vulnerable neighbors to create healthier outcomes through culturally and linguistically appropriate resources. An advocate for over 30 years, Gretchen has committed her career to advancing health policy and restoring equity.

Patty Peterson, a participant of the Alliance’s Talk NERDY to Me program, reflects on what she learned from the program and the importance of patient advocacy. 

Talk NERDY to Me is seeking advocates to participate in the 2020 research-advocacy training program designed to empower senior patients and their family caregivers to engage in patient-centered outcomes research. Find out more here: https://www.agingresearch.org/nerdy/2020-call-for-advocates/

More about Patty: https://www.pattypeterson.com/

Follow Patty on social media
Twitter: @Patty_Peterson
Instagram: @patty_peterson
Facebook: @patty.peterson.music

In August, the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law. The bill includes provisions to address a number of issues including healthcare, to climate change, and deficit reduction. In this episode, we're joined by our very own VP of Public Policy and Government Relations, Michael Ward, to discuss some of the most important provisions of the bill for older adults, as well as how you can engage with the federal government to ensure that patients are able to easily benefit from the law’s changes.

Intergenerational friendships enrich our worldview and create lasting legacies through the exchange of ideas, love, and support between grandparents or grand friends and young adults. Following Healthy Aging Month, we’re joined by Dr. Abigail T. Stephens, Research Assistant Professor of Psychology at Clemson University and faculty affiliate with the Institute for Engaged Aging, to discuss the value of these bonds and share ways to foster them in our own lives.

Why is the All of US Research program on a mission to collect and study health data from a million people or more? And how will this data help improve health care for all of us? Find out in this conversation between Sue Peschin and Eric Dishman, Chief Innovation Officer at All of Us. 

Learn more about All of Us and join now: https://allofus.nih.gov/

Learn more about Eric Dishman: https://allofus.nih.gov/about/who-we-are/nih-all-us-research-program-staff/eric-dishman

Each year, the Alliance hosts Heroes in Health, an event to honor individuals and companies making great strides to further research and innovation in aging. Kicking off our 29th annual celebration and here to share his excitement with us is master of ceremonies Kevin Rigby, a champion in the health space and a fierce advocate for aging Americans.

Join us on Tuesday, September 20th at the United States Institute of Peace for an evening of generativity and joy as we honor the the heroes who are advance the science of human aging. Click here to learn more or register for our Heroes in Health Celebration. 

‘Tis the season to sleigh preventable diseases like COVID, Flu, RSV and Pneumonia. In this episode, we’re joined by CEO of Healthy Women Beth Battaglino to discuss the crucial role that vaccination plays in creating a safer, merrier holiday for you and your loved ones. After all, it’s Our Best Shot!

It’s no secret that vaccination is our best defense against preventable illnesses like the flu and COVID-19. However, for our most vulnerable communities, access to preventative care can feel just out of reach.

Luckily for us, the Adult Vaccination Access Coalition is combatting the financial obstacles to critical treatment that many older Americans face. Joining us today is a patient advocate and co-manager at AVAC, Abby Bownas. Tune in as we discuss the importance of vaccination along with the amazing work that AVAC is doing to support older adults everywhere this flu season.

Sue Peschin, President and CEO of the Alliance for Aging Research, talks with Dr. Rhonda Randall, Chief Medical Officer for UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, about the UnitedHealth Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings Senior Report. 

View the report here: https://www.unitedhealthgroup.com/newsroom/posts/2021/2021-5-18-report-challenges-older-americans-791889.html.

What is international reference pricing, and how would it impact older adults and their access to prescription drugs? David Farber, a partner at King & Spalding LLP, explains in this episode hosted by Alliance for Aging Research Vice President of Public Policy Michael Ward. 

Learn more at https://www.agingresearch.org/advocacy-topic/drug-pricing.

Welcome to a special Thanksgiving episode of our podcast!

Although the holidays look different this year because of COVID-19, we can still celebrate Thanksgiving by practicing gratitude. On this episode, Emiliana R. Simon-Thomas, Ph.D., the science director of the Greater Good Science Center, talks about the importance of gratitude and how we can incorporate it into our daily lives. 

Learn more about Emiliana: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/profile/emiliana_simon_thomas
Check out the Greater Good Science Center: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/

Get the latest information and resources about age-related conditions, diseases and issues that impact the health of older Americans: https://www.agingresearch.org/health-topic/

The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially devastating for people of color. Minority groups are more likely to get severely sick and die from COVID-19. Additionally, Black Americans are getting vaccinated at a slower rate than whites. Here to talk about these disparities and how we can work to overcome them is Gary Puckrein, President and CEO of the National Minority Quality Forum. 

This Grandparents Day, Generations United and the Alliance for Aging Research are sharing important facts about vaccines with older adults who are often the truth tellers in their families and communities. Getting the truth about vaccination to share with loved ones and friends can help stop disinformation, address vaccine hesitancy, and protect more people through vaccinations. On this episode, Lindsay Clarke, Vice President of Health Education and Advocacy at the Alliance for Aging Research, interviews Generations United Executive Director Donna Butts about Grandparents Day and how grandparents can promote vaccines across the generations.

Join the Alliance for Aging Research and Generations United on Monday, September 13 for a free webinar, "The Truth About Vaccines: How to Stop Disinformation and Promote Vaccines Across the Generations." Register here: bit.ly/thetruthaboutvaccineswebinar.

Grandparents Day is Sunday, September 12! Learn how you can get involved at https://www.gu.org/projects/grandparents-day/.

In recognition of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month, Sue Peschin talks with Martha Taggart, a science writer for the BrightFocus Foundation, about age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, an eye disease that is a leading cause of vision loss in older Americans. 

Learn more about Martha: https://www.brightfocus.org/bio/martha-snyder-taggart

Watch our short films on AMD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrlWWCd7B4k

It’s hard to believe that 2022 is over. As we step into a new year, it’s important to look back and reflect on the year that we’ve just had. Dan Perry, Founder of the Alliance for Aging Research and member of our Board of Directors, joins Alliance President and CEO Sue Peschin to reflect on the moments that defined 2022. 

International reference pricing proposals currently under consideration by the U.S. Congress, and proposed in the previous Congress as Title I of H.R. 3, would allow federal government use of foreign price controls in direct negotiations with pharmaceutical companies for the cost of 250 prescription medicines in Medicare Part B and Part D. It also extended the negotiated price to insurers and the commercial market at large.

Given the risks of investing in medical breakthroughs for neurological conditions, companies need successful products to underwrite and subsidize the investment into new areas of this research. A new analysis by Vital Transformation and the Alliance for Aging Research shows that implementing international reference pricing in the U.S. would decimate the clinical development of therapies for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and drastically reduce the revenue that helps support this critical research.

In this special bonus episode, Alliance President and CEO Sue Peschin discusses this analysis with Vital Transformation’s Managing Director Duane Schulthess.

Read the full report here: https://www.agingresearch.org/press-release/new-analysis-shows-international-reference-drug-pricing-would-have-a-catastrophic-impact-on-alzheimers-disease-research/

On September 26th, the Alliance for Aging Research will be celebrating our landmark 30th annual Heroes in Health Awards Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria in Washington DC. In anticipation of this historic evening, we’re joined by our master of ceremonies, Kevin Rigby, to discuss our honorees, favorite moments, and a few Heroes In Health fun facts that may surprise you!

Visit www.agingresearch.org/events/2023heroesinhealth/ to learn more about our annual awards dinner.

Mike Sylvester is a five-time heart surgery survivor, a stroke survivor, and an advocate who shares his story to help others live healthier lives. Listen to his conversation with Alliance for Aging Research Vice President of Health Education and Advocacy Lindsay Clarke and learn more about Year Without a Stroke at http://yearwithoutastroke.org.

As we channel the lessons learned from years past into actions that shape equitable futures, we at the Alliance are grateful for such a passionate board of Directors to help amplify our mission. Joining us on today’s episode of This is Growing Old to reflect on the year ahead is our Board Chair, Michele Markus.

Diseases and injuries that damage the brain can impact how we interact with the world and lead to significant and disabling behavioral and psychological symptoms, which are also referred to as neuropsychiatric symptoms. Here to talk about neuropsychiatric symptoms and the challenges they present is Dr. Jeffrey Cummings. Dr. Jeffrey Cummings is the Joy Chambers-Grundy Professor of Brain Science, an endowed professorship at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. He is the Director of the Chambers-Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience, a center devoted to using the tools of neuroscience and neurologic drug development to transform people’s lives.

August 30th is Grief Awareness Day, a time to educate others on grief, create space for loss, and prepare ourselves and loved ones for this difficult, yet, inevitable experience. Joining us to explore some of the misconceptions around grief and the growing effort to support patients as they navigate their journey into the final stage of life are two experts in end-of-life care.

Tom Koutsoumpas and Carole Fisher lead the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation, a membership organization dedicated to innovating effective models of palliative and hospice care that centers the patient and their families. During our chat, Tom and Carole share their unique insight and lived experience with hospice care that drives their incredible advocacy work.

Are you familiar with the symptoms of Alzheimer's? Neuropsychiatric symptoms, or NPS, are mood and emotional symptoms of dementias and other brain diseases that are often overlooked and under-treated. This Alzheimer's Awareness Month, we're amplifying the voices of those experiencing NPS.

Today, we're joined by Terry Montgomery, a friend of the alliance, a patient advocate, and someone who, after receiving a dementia diagnosis, has committed her voice to ensuring that Alzheimer's patients have access to treatments and care and that there's a nurturing community for everyone.

As we observe pride, a time when LGBTQ+ plus folks celebrate their enduring fight for liberation, we must recognize the communities that strengthen this movement. Zami Nobla is one of those groups. Founded by Mary Anne Adams, a Metro Atlanta community activist, social worker, and public health researcher, Zami Nobla aims to increase opportunities for networking and social support and to explore the healthcare needs and coping strategies of Black lesbian older adults.

In this episode, National Council on Aging President and CEO Ramsey Alwin talks about how older adults can stay safe and connected this holiday season and provides updates on NCOA initiatives. 

Learn more about the National Council on Aging: www.ncoa.org

Get the latest information and resources about age-related conditions, diseases and issues that impact the health of older Americans: www.agingresearch.org/health-topic. 

February is American Heart Month, a time to increase awareness around the risk factors, symptoms, and treatments for heart disease. Each year, we are joined by hundreds of advocates, organizations, care centers, and clinicians to share critical resources that may save lives.

As we prepare for Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day, taking place every February 22nd, we're proud to welcome our guest Robyn Peacock, a heart disease survivor, patient-advocate, and Womenheart Champion. Tune in as Robyn shares her life-changing journey with heart disease and what drives her advocacy work

May 7th is National Brain Donor Awareness Day, bringing attention to the critical need for brain donation and the advances in research made possible by donors across the country. Leading the charge is the CEO and Founder of the Brain Donor Project, Tish Hevel.

In this episode, we sit down with Tish to dispel misconceptions about brain donation and discuss the crucial role that donated brain tissue plays in unraveling the complexities of neurological disorders.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month as well as Older Americans Month. This critical intersection implores us to explore emotional, psychological, and social-well being as we age. Here to join us for this conversation is Dr. Dilip Jeste, professor of psychiatry and Director of the Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging at UC San Diego. Dr. Jeste is a geriatric neuropsychiatrist who specializes in mental health and well-being with age.

The CDC has recommended COVID-19 boosters for many Americans and has also approved co-administration of COVID-19 vaccines with other vaccines. Though many Americans have received their COVID-19 boosters and their flu shots this Winter, there are many questions about co-administration and vaccine hesitancy remains. Here to answer some common questions about co-administration, dispel myths, and share tips to keep older adults protected against all vaccine-preventable diseases is National Foundation for Infectious Diseases’ Medical Director, Dr. William Schaffner.

The National Association for Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) has been busy for the past few months helping older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. We talk with n4a CEO Sandy Markwood about common challenges older adults face during the COVID-19 pandemic and how n4a is helping older adults get access to the information and services they need. 

Learn more about n4a at https://www.n4a.org/.

Read the episode transcript here: https://www.agingresearch.org/about-us/thisisgrowingold/sandy-markwood-this-is-growing-old-podcast-transcript/.

Visit www.agingresearch.org to learn more about age-related conditions, diseases and issues that impact the health of older Americans.

For more than 40 years, the quality-adjusted life year (QALY) has been devaluing the lives of older adults and patients with chronic medical conditions. Yet, thanks to organizations like Patients Rising, we may finally put these discriminatory assessments to rest once and for all. In light of the recent QALY Ban Bill introduced to Congress, we're joined by returning guest, Co-Founder, and CEO of Patients Rising, Terry Wilcox, to break down the impact of QALYs on patients whose quality of life relies on access to critical treatments.

It’s Heart Month, which is a busy time at the Alliance as we prepare for Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day on February 22nd. In the spirit of Heart Month, we're joined by Lindsay Clarke, the Senior Vice President of Health Education & Advocacy at the Alliance, to talk about the risk factors, symptoms, and importance of increasing awareness about Valve Disease. Lindsay has been heading up Valve Disease Day since its start in 2017 and leads our efforts to educate consumers, patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals on a variety of diseases and conditions of aging.

It's hard to believe that 2021 is almost over. As we prepare for the new year, it's important to look back and reflect on the year that we've just had. Jim Scott, Chair of the Alliance for Aging Research's Board of Directors, joins Alliance President and CEO Sue Peschin to reflect on the year's top stories in aging and health.

Jay Reinstein is a graduate of the Alliance’s Talk NERDY to Me program, which trains older adult on patient-centered outcomes research and the clinical trials process. Jay, who has early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, shares his story this Alzheimer's Awareness Month.

On January 11th, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released an NCD proposal that would require “coverage with evidence development” for monoclonal antibody therapies aimed at amyloid for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. CMS’ coverage determination is deeply troubling, as it restricts Medicare recipient access to critical treatment.

Here today to discuss CMS’ national coverage determination and its implications on patients who suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias is David Farber, an expert on international reference pricing, healthcare reimbursement, and the regulatory approval process for drugs and medical devices.

Starting over can be daunting, even terrifying, for many older adults. But for Nell Irvin Painter, an accomplished educator turned artist, it was as simple as placing a brush on a canvas. In this episode, we explore Nell's fearless leap into the arts after a distinguished 30-year career as a professor and historian. Join us as we discuss her inspiring journey and the joy of embracing a new chapter in life.

June is Pride Month, which is when LGBTQ+ communities and their allies come together to celebrate the freedom to be themselves. In recognition of Pride month, we are talking with Michael Adams, the Chief Executive Officer of SAGE (Advocacy and Services for LGBTQ+ Elders), the world’s largest and oldest organization—founded in 1978—dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ older people. 

Prior to joining SAGE, Adams was the Director of Education and Public Affairs for Lambda Legal and spent a decade leading cutting-edge litigation that established new rights for LGBTQ+ people. A graduate of Stanford Law School and Harvard College, Adams is a professor, an advisor to leading local and national aging organizations, and prolific author of numerous publications on an array of LGBTQ+ issues.

To learn more about Sage and how to get involved, visit www.SageUSA.org

Alliance for Aging Research President and CEO Sue Peschin talks with George Vradenburg, Chairman and Co-Founder of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, about the recent aducanumab announcement, the UsAgainstAlzheimer's Brain Guide program, and the importance of the Medicare annual wellness visit for detection of cognitive impairment.

This week, we explore caregiver experiences with older adults facing neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS). Joining us is Carrie Shaw, founder of Embodied Labs, a revolutionary medical training platform that prioritizes patient perspectives. Informed by her caregiving experiences, Carrie offers profound insights into the world of NPS patients through Embodied Labs’ immersive tools.

The Alliance for Aging Research has encountered hundreds of inspiring people in its quest to promote healthy aging and we want you to meet them! Join Alliance President and CEO Sue Peschin twice a month as she interviews these changemakers in the Alliance’s new podcast, This is Growing Old, premiering June 3.

Sue Peschin, President and CEO of the alliance for Aging Research, chats with Mark Meridy, Executive Director of DOROT. DOROT's mission is to decrease social isolation and loneliness among older adults, which is more important than ever.

Learn more about DOROT: https://www.dorotusa.org.

In this episode, we recognize National Family Caregivers Month by interviewing C. Grace Whiting, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregiving. Grace talks about challenges caregivers are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Follow Grace on Twitter: @cgracetweet

Learn more about the National Alliance for Caregiving: https://www.caregiving.org/

Get the latest information and resources about age-related conditions, diseases and issues that impact the health of older Americans: https://www.agingresearch.org/health-topic/

Dr. Felipe Sierra is an internationally known research leader and advocate in the fields of geroscience and aging biology. He is currently chairing the 2nd Euro-Geroscience Conference, which will take place in Toulouse, France on March 24-25, 2022. Prior to his current position, Dr. Sierra most recently served as Director of the Division of Aging Biology for the National Institute on Aging at the NIH. Alliance for Aging Research President and CEO Sue Peschin talks with Dr. Sierra about the emerging field of geroscience, his upcoming conference, and the secrets to healthy aging.

On today's episode of This is Growing Old, we talk about something that is quite common, but that you might not have ever heard of before: sarcopenia. Joining Alliance for Aging Research President and CEO Sue Peschin on the podcast is Dr. Jack Guralnik, professor of epidemiology and public health at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Listen as Jack talks about health issues impacting older adults, including sarcopenia.

Watch the Alliance for Aging Research's new film, Sarcopenia: Taking Charge of Your Muscle Health As You Age: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAC2g03_-2Y

Get to know today's podcast guest, Dr. Jack Guralnik: https://www.agingresearch.org/blog-get-to-know-the-2020-daniel-perry-founders-award-honoree-jack-guralnik/

Learn more about the Alliance's Aging in Motion program, a diverse group of patient, caregiver, health and aging groups working together to press for greater levels of research and innovation to develop treatments in the area of sarcopenia and age-related functional decline: https://www.aginginmotion.org/ 

Get the latest information and resources about age-related conditions, diseases and issues that impact the health of older Americans: https://www.agingresearch.org/health-topic/

February 22 marks the fifth annual Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day, a day dedicated to spotlighting the importance of detecting and treating heart valve disease. Valve Disease Day would not be possible without the 90 partners who have joined the campaign to lend their voices to the effort to raise awareness about heart valve disease. One of those partners is Heart Valve Voice US. On this episode of the podcast, Alliance for Aging Research Vice President of Health Education and Advocacy Lindsay Clarke speaks with John Lewis, Executive Director of Heart Valve Voice US, about how the organization is raising awareness of heart valve disease. 

We're looking forward to celebrating this year with a Valve Disease Day virtual celebration, a Facebook Live, a Twitter chat, and more. Please visit https://www.valvediseaseday.org/ to see how you can get involved.  

What can YOU do to fight against COVID-19 vaccine disinformation and misinformation on social media? Alliance President and CEO Sue Peschin talks with Dr. Todd Wolynn about best practices for dispelling myths about vaccines.

Todd Wolynn is a pediatrician and child advocate who is the Chief Executive Officer of Kids Plus Pediatrics, Executive Director of the Breastfeeding Center of Pittsburgh, and co-founder of Shots Heard Round the World, which defends and protects Vaccine Advocates from large, coordinated Anti-Vaxxer social media attacks.

Follow Todd on Twitter at @DrToddWo.

Kids Plus Pediatrics covers a range of topics pertinent to grandparents. Check out the KPP Facebook page, including Facebook Live sessions Thursday 10 to 11 a.m. ET, co-hosted by Todd: https://www.facebook.com/KidsPlusPediatrics. You can also listen to the Kids Plus Podcast: https://kidspluspgh.com/our-story/podcast/.

Alliance for Aging Research President and CEO Sue Peschin interviews Ken Thorpe, the Robert W. Woodruff Professor and Chair of the Department of Health Policy & Management in the Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University, and Chair of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease, an organization that does incredible work to raise awareness of the impact of chronic disease on death, disability, and rising healthcare costs.

Being able to afford out-of-pocket prescription drug medications is a problem for millions of Americans, especially older adults. Every year, Medicare beneficiaries pay on average over 3,200 in out-of-pocket expenses for prescription drugs. For an older adult on a fixed income, this is no small chunk of change. Alliance for Aging Research Vice President of Public Policy Michael Ward is joined by Amy Niles, Executive Vice President of the PAN Foundation to talk about why out-of-pocket costs are so high, the real-world impacts of growing out-of-pocket costs for older adults, and what we can do about it.

Teresa Wright-Johnson shares her experience being a patient advocate and participating in the Alliance for Aging Research's Talk NERDY to Me training. 

Learn more about Talk NERDY to Me in this episode and at https://www.agingresearch.org/nerdy/2021-call-for-advocates/. We are looking for patients, family caregivers, researchers, and clinicians involved in Alzheimer’s disease, heart valve disease, atrial fibrillation, chronic pain and/or disability, and macular degeneration in adults age 65 years and older. Participants successfully completing the workshop will receive a stipend of $1,500 and a Certificate of Completion for participating in the training. 

Who needs the bells and whistles when inventor, Robert Bolen is changing the world with a button? Created as a teenager to help restore the independence of a friend, the Button Helper has empowered thousands of older adults, veterans, and differently abled individuals to dress themselves with dignity and ease. As the Button Helper continues to enhance lives across the country, Robert is proving that the most enduring innovations aren’t always complicated. They just make life easier.

Robert Bolen joins us to demonstrate just how easy, accessible, and inclusive the Button Helper really is!