Aging Together // Unfiltered
TL;DR: A podcast for adult children of aging parents and family caregivers who want honest, no-fluff conversations about aging, care, and caregiving. We talk about what’s working, what’s broken, and what needs to change—without sugarcoating or euphemisms.
Aging Together // Unfiltered explores the real challenges and hard decisions families face as they support aging loved ones. Hosted by Dr. Pooja A. Patel—a double-board certified occupational therapist and gerontologist, and longtime caregiver advocate—this show moves beyond “proper” conversations and into the realities families are navigating every day.
After four seasons of carefully curated, polished discussions, this podcast is now intentionally unfiltered. Not for shock value, but because polite language hasn’t fixed broken systems—or made caregiving easier. Our elders and their families don’t need softer words. They need better care, clearer information, and honest conversations that lead to action.
Each episode features clinicians, caregivers, innovators, and leaders who bring both professional expertise and lived experience. Together, we dive into aging in America—what’s working, what’s failing, and where families are being left to figure things out on their own.
Topics include:
- Aging in place and long-term care options
- Care planning, transitions, and crisis moments
- Mental health, grief, and caregiver burnout
- Navigating healthcare systems and resources
- Advocacy, accountability, and better models of care
This podcast is for the sandwich generation, long-distance caregivers, aging adults planning ahead, and professionals working in aging and care who want the truth—not platitudes.
👉 Follow Aging Together // Unfiltered if you’re navigating aging parents, caregiving decisions, or a healthcare system that wasn’t built with families in mind—and you’re ready for real conversations, not polite ones.
🎙️ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube.
A production of Aging Together LLC.
Aging Together // Unfiltered
S2E06: Digital Literacy & Older Adults: Navigating Social Media & Online Care Platforms
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Did you know that only 60% of seniors aged 65 and older use the internet, with many struggling to navigate the complexities of social media and online care platforms? In today's hyper-connected world, where 89% of American adults use the internet and 58% of WHO Member States have implemented digital health strategies, the ability to navigate online platforms is crucial, especially in healthcare. With the surge in telemedicine and health apps, patients and providers alike are facing new challenges in digital literacy. Our guest today will shed light on how we can bridge the digital divide and ensure safe, high-quality, patient-centered care in this increasingly digital landscape.
This month we’re diving into digital literacy! To review this topic, I have the privilege of interviewing Dr. Vikram Pagpatan, EdD, OTR/L, BCP, ATP, CLA, FAOTA, BCTS, BCCS, CAS.
Vik is an Assistant Professor and Admissions Coordinator for the SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University MSOT program in New York and has over 10 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist practicing through a lifespan approach with specialties in adult neurological disorders, congenital pediatric neuromotor conditions, and assistive technology focused seating/mobility services and augmentative and alternative communication platforms. Vik holds an AOTA Board Certification in Pediatrics (BCP), is a Certified Leader in Academia (CLA) through the AOTA, is an Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) from RESNA, and was named a Fellow (FAOTA) of the AOTA for his advocacy and leadership efforts for the profession. As a proud small business owner, Vik operates VPAT Solutions LLC, an assistive technology-focused consulting company that provides mobility, aging in place, and communication clinical and community-centered services for adults and children.
Together, we’re discussing topics related to social media use, safety, navigation of online care platforms, and the role of family caregivers.
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