The Stepping In It Podcast with Renee Schulte & Jason Haglund

101. What Matters Most: Building Age-Friendly Health Systems

Renee Schulte

In this episode, we’re digging into the heart of what makes a health system truly age-friendly. After a classic whiny farmer intro (spraying before the rain, you know the drill), we’ll break down the 4Ms framework—What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility—and explore how these evidence-based practices are helping older adults receive safer, more personalized care. We’ll also take a look at recent data and research that show why aligning care with the needs of older adults and their caregivers isn’t just good medicine, it’s essential. Whether you’re a clinician, caregiver, or just aging (aren’t we all?), you’ll want to hear this one.


In this episode, you will be able to:

  • Discover how mastering behavioral health systems can transform care coordination and improve outcomes for older adults.
  • Explore the steps to implement Age Friendly Health Systems that truly put seniors’ unique needs at the center of care.
  • Unlock the secrets to effective medication management that can prevent complications and enhance quality of life for seniors.
  • Learn proven strategies to prevent falls and keep elderly loved ones safe and independent longer.
  • Integrate mental health seamlessly into age-friendly care to boost overall well-being and resilience in older adults.


The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction to Behavioral Health Systems and Podcast Overview
00:01:00 - Personal Challenges with Agriculture and Workplace Humidity
00:03:00 - Exploring Age-Friendly Health Systems and Senior Care Needs
00:06:00 - Understanding the Four M’s Framework for Senior Care
00:11:30 - Challenges and Implementation of Age-Friendly Systems in Real Life
00:13:30 - Integrating Behavioral Health in Falls Prevention for Older Adults
00:15:01 - Medication Management Challenges and Pharmacy Support for Seniors
00:18:26 - Expanding Brain Health Beyond Mental Health for Aging Populations
00:19:19 - Designing Age-Friendly Healthcare Spaces and Coordinated Care Hubs
00:23:36 - The Future of Age-Friendly Care: Research, Implementation, and Cost Savings
00:26:40 - Utilizing Support Tools and Seeking Help in Challenging Times
00:28:30 - Modeling Help-Seeking Behavior and Community Support in Farming
00:29:11 - Preventative Health and Building Resilience for Long-Term Wellbeing
00:30:17 - Age-Friendly Health Systems and the Value of Prevention
00:31:13 - Engaging with the Stepping In It Podcast Community


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Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hl486rnGjbk