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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.
The Age Guide: Perspectives on the Aging Journey
Aging Well: Connecting Policy, Nutrition, and Community – with Bob Blancato
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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 older adults. Listeners will gain insight into the growing “Food as Medicine” movement, the importance of nutrition security, and how programs like the Older Americans Act nutrition services help address both health and social isolation for older adults.
Bob also shares perspectives on current policy developments, including efforts to expand medical nutrition therapy, strengthen community nutrition programs, and integrate social care services into healthcare systems. Throughout the conversation, he highlights how advocacy, education, and community engagement can help shape stronger nutrition policies and better outcomes for older adults.
This conversation offers a thoughtful look at how better nutrition, stronger policy, and community advocacy can help ensure older adults have the support they need to age well.
Resources:
National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs - PODCAST
Blog: Nutrition and Healthy Aging Featuring Bob Blancato - Alliance for Aging Research
Basics of Congregate Nutrition Programs | acl.gov
Basics of Home Delivered Meal Program | acl.gov
Food Is Medicine | odphp.health.gov
Food Assistance - SNAP Benefits for Older Adults
Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs
Older Americans Act: Summary in Brief | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030
Innovation Insight: RFI Now Open for Comments on Potential Improvements to Medicare Advantage | CMS
Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) | HHS.gov
Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2025 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
Find a Federally Qualified Health Center
Adult Obesity Facts | Obesity | CDC
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