Aging In Portland | Radio Show And Podcast

This week on Aging in Portland, I interviewed Carolyn Miller Parr, retired judge and author of the blog ToughConversations.net. We discussed her book, Grandma's Secrets: Peace around the Christmas Tree.As everyone knows, we live in an increasingly divided nation. Extended families are divided along political lines, and even being politically correct can become controversial. As a result, conversations during the holidays can be tricky. Carolyn Miller Parr, retired Judge, mediator, and author, shares her secrets for how to have constructive, loving conversations during the holidays, even among those who disagree throughout the year. And as a bonus, Carolyn also describes the best thing about growing old. Don’t miss this timely show!

This week on Aging in Portland, I interviewed Dr. Rosie Kuhn, a transformational life coach, author, and speaker from The Paradigm Shifts Coaching Group. She reminds us that being around fascinating, driven people who love living their lives on a large scale is contagious. Catch the fever as she coaches us about how important it is to acknowledge the “being” inside the human being. So much focus is placed on life’s to-do list, especially as we age; Dr. Rosie emphasizes a different awareness in the aging process and talks about how to be with and be in this process. In this way, we become more personally engaged in our whole life, and our experience while aging becomes more rich and beautiful! Don’t miss this show!

Maintaining your independence on your terms in your own home is a top-of-the-list concern for seniors. But at some point, staying at home often requires assistance from a caregiver. Inviting a caregiver into your home can also be a big transition. That’s why we invited Danielle Hoygaard and Caleb Cunningham of ComForCare Home Care of West Linn to join us on today's show to discuss how the caregivers of ComForCare can make a positive impact on your life and help you hold onto your independence. Don’t miss this show!

This week, Michelle Rahn, a motivational speaker, joined us to talk about how to defy the gravity of aging expectations. Meeting new experiences and challenges in life can easily lead to trepidation, especially as we journey on this unpredictable path called "aging." As Michelle says, “Aging deliberately is not passive. It lets us be the best that we can be and allows us to accomplish things that we never knew we could.” She offers informative and inspiring advice about how to ascertain your individual strengths and to feel confident while developing a new you the process, at ANY age. It's never too late to become who you might have been, experience the joy of who you are, and celebrate and the freedom of who you are not. Don’t miss this inspiring show!

This week, Suzanne Rowe, a professional fiduciary from Summit Fiduciary Services, discusses protection in the event we can no longer speak for ourselves.She helps us face questions that may seem daunting: Who will be your representative if you can no longer speak for yourself? Who do you trust to carry out your medical and financial wishes? What if you don’t have a relative who can do this for you? Suzanne guides us through the planning and trust that resolves those concerns. As a National Certified Guardian, Suzanne has the legal experience, combined with heart and compassion, to make sure no one takes advantage of the vulnerable. Her duty is to protect us from financial exploitation, self-neglect, and caregiver neglect, and to provide reinforcement for decisions we have made. Join us to learn more about this vital topic!

This week, Adriana Gavozdea, Founder and CEO of Laria Care Finder, and Alyssa Elting McGuire, Consultant and Training Specialist from Oregon Care Home Consulting, discuss small adult care homes.When it comes to aging in the right place, there are many options. One that is often overlooked is smaller adult care homes, and they may be a better alternative for some people than living in larger adult communities. Alyssa assists those who want to turn their house into an adult care home, while Adriana helps seniors find the right home-style residence for when living in their own home is no longer possible. It’s a conversation you don’t want to miss!

Wally Reitz, Oregon’s own 97-year-old Veteran shares his first-hand accounts of WWII’s Battle of the Bulge. Wally’s insights on being a soldier, serving his country, and living through it to be a husband and father are priceless.It is always the Eleventh Hour on the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month that we all stop to remember the heroes who have made a difference serving their country. Wally Rietz, an ordinary man, shares his extraordinary story of service to his country during WWII. At 97 years of age, Wally relives serving in the Battle of the Bulge and then walking into the horrors of the Nazi concentration camps. He has seen the best and the worst of humankind. We salute all the men and women who have fought for our freedom, life, and liberty and whose sacrifices in the past allow us to have peace as we age in Portland today. Don’t miss this “up close and personal” salute to Veterans on Aging in Portland.

It’s the annual Medicare enrollment period, and Catherine Field, the Intermountain Region President of Humana, joins us to answer Medicare questions and explain the difference between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. For example, how do you get prescription benefits? What does Medicare Advantage include? And when do I have to sign up? We discussed the choices people have during the enrollment season, what you should consider when making your health care plan choices, and what’s new for Medicare in 2020.

Steve Toll, Director of Therapeutic Music programs for ComForCare Health Care Holdings, joins us on today's show. Steve transports us back to the 1940s, reminiscing and singing the popular tunes of America's greatest moment in history. Sing along with Steve as he reminds us of these beloved songs.

In Part 3 of Parkinson's Awareness month, JJ Flentke of Boomerang Therapy Works, shares how they are making a difference for those living with Parkinson's. Exercise is Medicine! They are the first and only wellness center in Vancouver and Portland Metro Area which is focused on specialized Parkinson's treatments. JJ's energy is contagious, motivating, and she will get you moving

This week, Dr. Warren Wolf talks about the challenges of caregivers and the attributes that make the most successful ones. It’s a demanding profession because it’s a life spent in two worlds simultaneously. That may be why only one percent of our population are professional caregivers.As our world ages around us, where are we going to find enough caregivers for our aging population? And who are they? What are their attributes, and how do we recognize those who can thrive and provide the necessary services in such a demanding and self-sacrificing role? Dr. Wolf reveals how he can help identify the best caregivers through Milimot, an algorithm he created for this purpose. With Milimot, it’s now possible to identify people with traits and abilities that make up essential caregiver attributes. If anyone you know may need a caregiver in the future, don’t’ miss this show! #Portland

Don Fries and Bev Bow join us for the final chapter in our series, Building a Better Community through a whole-food, plant-based diet. We wrap it up by laying out a sustainable path to a healthy lifestyle. Check out the myriad resources, books, movies, and medical professional support at your fingertips as you travel down the path of eating for optimum well-being. As Don and Bev say, “Add years to your life by adding life to your years.” Don’t miss this encouraging show!

This week, Don Fries and Bev Bow, co-founders of Healthy World Sedona, talk about how to make a healthy whole-food, plant-based diet works for you.Don and Bev discuss the benefits and challenges of adding a healthy, whole-food approach to your lifestyle. How does that work when much of our culture still eats a diet centered on meat, dairy, eggs, and processed food? And what about our deep cultural heritage and long-standing family traditions that we associate with the food we consume? They remind us that what we eat can affect our health, our energy, and our longevity. It can even influence our relationships. So, it’s important that we learn how to shift toward a more plant-based diet. Don and Bev also outline a variety of resources for more education on the benefits of a whole-food lifestyle, and they share some of their favorite cookbooks to help on that journey. Don’t miss this show!

This week I talked with Georgena, a trauma specialist and grief guide with Beyond Your Loss. She tackled the difficult subject of how to move forward when a loved one dies by suicide. The pain of losing someone this way can be paralyzing. You always wonder if you could have done something different. What should you say or do if someone you know is showing the warning signs of suicide? Georgena joins us in the studio with valuable insight on the signs of suicide and how to cope if someone you love has chosen this route. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear her valuable message.

This week on Aging in Portland, I interviewed Emily-Rose Wiitala, Special Events Director of the ALS Association of Oregon and SW Washington. We discussed the upcoming Walk to Strikeout ALS (a.k.a. Lou Gehrig's Disease).To help fight ALS (a.k.a. Lou Gehrig's Disease), the ALS Association has organized several walks across the state. Portland's walk is scheduled for Sunday, September 29th. Emily-Rose has helped organize other walks all over Oregon and Washington. She and joins us today to explain how you or your team can make a difference in the lives of those living with this devastating disease, by participating in one of those walks. Don't miss this show!

This week, nutrition experts Don Fries and Bev Bow (co-founders of Healthy World Sedona) shared tips about eating super-healthy whole foods and plant-based meals while traveling. In this era of mobility, eating out can play havoc with our nutritional discipline, especially for anyone who wants to maintain the integrity of a whole-food regimen. Don and Bev are often on the road and have faced these challenges personally, so they can share the travel tactics that work best for them and can work for you, as well. Learn how anyone can navigate the waters to stay on course and eat healthy while traveling

This week, Attorney Joe Greenman takes us through the many forms of elder abuse and updates us on what victims and concerned family members can do to make their voices heard. Sadly, elder abuse can take many forms and can happen in many places that seniors call home. Joe is a champion of older generations and believes our elders must be honored. He generously shares his insights on how to recognize and deal with the mistreatment of those who are least able to defend themselves. Don’t miss this show!

Retired judge Carolyn Miller Parr of ToughConversations.net joins us for Part 2 of a conversation we started last week. We discuss her newest book, Loves Way: Living Peacefully with Your Family as Your Parents Age.This week, she shares her insights on how families can get along in a healthy, loving way as Mom and Dad age. Retired judge and author, Carolyn Miller Parr is back to share her insights on how families can get along in a healthy, loving way as Mom and Dad age. Carolyn supports the idea that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself. Also, she explains why it is essential to include all of your adult children in your plans, your life changes and, when you need it, in your care. Then she addresses the big one: What are the four things you should say to a loved one at the end of life, and why? It’s an interview no one should miss.

This week, Carolyn Miller Parr joined us. She is a Retired Judge, Mediator & Author who shares her insights about how families can live in peace as their parents' age. In her newest book, Love’s Way: Living Peacefully with Your Family as Your Parents Age, she outlines the positive ways adult children can deal with their aging parents. It is a practical handbook that helps us all understand the importance of heartfelt communication. Carolyn says that when we avoid the important conversations, it makes difficult matters even worse. She encourages adult children not to use “elderspeak” or force significant changes on a parent unless they become harmful enough to themselves that it becomes necessary. Her recurring theme is “Let your parents maintain their freedom and make their own decisions.” #Portland

This week, Kara Griffey, Walk Director, and Matt Gannon, Program Specialist, from the Oregon & Southwest Washington chapter of the Alzheimer's Association joined us to talk about putting an end to Alzheimer’s.Nationally, the Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization offering care, support, and research for those with Alzheimer’s disease. Kara and Matt are from the regional chapter of the Association and joined us to share details about the latest in research, local services, and free programs that are available to the community. Also, they briefed us about the upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Don’t miss this show!