The Senior Zone
The Senior Zone is the DMV’s #1 weekly radio program dedicated to empowering adults 50+ to live fuller, healthier, and more informed lives — now available on demand as a podcast.
Hosted by Shawn Perry since 2012, The Senior Zone features thoughtful conversations with trusted experts, community leaders, advocates, and everyday people doing extraordinary work in aging, health, finance, caregiving, and purposeful living. From timely resources and consumer protections to inspiration, wisdom, and real talk — this is where experience meets opportunity.
Whether you’re planning your next chapter, supporting a loved one, or simply committed to thriving beyond expectations, The Senior Zone delivers insight, clarity, and encouragement — one meaningful conversation at a time.
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📍 Originally broadcast on WYCB 1340AM (Washington, DC)
The Senior Zone
Ep. 708 | Brain Health, Aging Strong & Living Well at Home
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This week on The Senior Zone, Shawn Perry welcomes two nationally respected voices for conversations centered on healthier aging, independence, and quality of life after 50.
First, during Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, Dr. Juan Rodriguez joins the show to discuss brain health, memory wellness, cognitive aging, and practical ways older adults can better support their long-term mental sharpness and emotional well-being.
Then, gerontologist and caregiving advocate Dr. Lakelyn Hogan-Eichenberger from Home Instead discusses what aging in place really looks like today — including caregiving challenges, home safety, family conversations, and how older adults can maintain dignity and independence while remaining at home.
Plus:
🎂 Birthdays of the Week
💌 Dear Grave Woman featuring Joel Simone
🌟 Later Life Lowdown
The Senior Zone — the DMV’s #1 weekly radio program serving the 50+ community since 2012.
Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.
Opening Remarks & Weekly Vitamin
SPEAKER_07Welcome to the Singus Zone.
SPEAKER_11Will we connect older adults with the organizations and resources that singers don't go? Great guests, not upcoming advances and useful information.
SPEAKER_07So get ready to take notes.
SPEAKER_11It's note time for the senior zone.
SPEAKER_05Good morning, good morning, my good people, and welcome to another edition of the Senior Zone. I am your host, Sean Perry, and as always, I thank you from my heart to yours for allowing me to spend just a little part of your Monday morning with you. Now, listen, we are stepping into the month of June, and I really believe this is one of those moments where many people are beginning to think a little deeper about health, peace of mind, family, and what it truly means to age well. Because the truth is, folks aren't just trying to live longer anymore. People want to live better, sharper, stronger, more connected, more independent, more fulfilled. And today's show really speaks directly to that. But before we get there, let me give you this week's weekly vitamin. Sometimes the strongest thing you can do in this season of life is slow down long enough to truly listen to yourself. Not the noise, not the fear, not the pressure yourself. Because wisdom often whispers before life starts shouting. And many older adults have spent decades taking care of everybody else, solving problems, carrying burdens, pushing through pain, that they forgot they deserve care too. So this week, breathe a little deeper. Rest without guilt, laugh without apology, and remember this growing older is not evidence that life is leaving you behind. It's proof that Grace has continued choosing you. Alright, family, let's keep it moving. As we begin June, we also recognize Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. And in segment one, we're talking about brain health, memory, healthy aging, and what people can do right now to help protect cognitive wellness as they age. Joining us will be Dr. Juan Rodriguez, Vice President of Policy and Brain Health with AARP and Executive Director of the Global Council on Brain Health. He previously helped lead national Alzheimer's and healthy aging efforts at the CDC, and today he'll help us better understand practical ways older adults can support healthier brains and healthier lives. And then in segment two, we're shifting the conversation toward something many families are facing right now. How do I remain safely at home while still maintaining my independence? Because let's be honest, most people want to age where life feels familiar, but caregiving stress, safety concerns, memory changes, and family dynamics can make that difficult. So we're having a real conversation about aging in place and what families can do now to better support loved ones at home. Joining us for that discussion is Dr. Lakeland Hogan Eckenberger. She's a gerontologist and caregiving advocate with home instead. And of course, before we wrap up things today, we have our birthdays of the week, the new Dear Grave Woman, featuring Joelle Simone, plus another edition of the Later Life Lowdown with news, resources, and announcements across the DMV and family. Don't forget, the Senior Zone Podcast is now available on demand after every show. So if you ever miss an episode or want to go back and revisit a conversation that touched your spirit, you can catch us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, and other major podcast platforms. I also want to send some love and gratitude to our sponsors and partners who make this show possible each and every week. Thank you, Legal Counsel for the Elderly, AARP of the District of Columbia, AARP of the State of Maryland, Compassion and Choices, Jewish Council for the Aging, now, Mary Center, and the DC Department of Aging and Community Living. All
The Beacon Newspapers with Margaret Foster
SPEAKER_05right, family, let's keep it moving. If you're someone who likes staying informed, staying inspired, and staying ahead of the curve after 50, this next conversation is for you. I'm joined now by Margaret Foster, editor of the Beacon Newspapers, and we're diving into their June issue of 2026. Margaret, welcome back to the Senior Zone, my friend.
SPEAKER_03Thank you, Sean. It's great to be here.
SPEAKER_05It is great to have you back. It's a new month. So, Margaret, the cover story is a feature uh uh about Carla Hall. It really stood out to me, especially the title. Please underestimate me. What do you think older adults will connect with uh her and her story the most?
SPEAKER_03Well, Carla Hall is a semi-famous celebrity chef. You may have seen her on the Food Network and other um shows, and she's lovely. She has kind of no fear of aging, and she's done all sorts of things. She was a model in Paris. She was an accountant. Um and then now she's kind of become a celebrity and a chef. She has her own restaurant that opened in DC. It's a um kind of a sit-down, uh, you know, southern kind of food place that just opened. But in the meantime, she decided to kind of write her life story because she's done so much. And she's gonna do a one-woman show and only called Please Underestimate Me. That's gonna be funny, it's gonna have audience participation, and it starts um showing in the in a the only theater uh next month in June.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, I think when listeners get their hands on the June edition of the Beacon newspaper, you know, they're gonna learn that you know they can relate to Carla, right? Because reinventing themselves as she did later in life is something, you know, some of us anyway would love uh uh to do, and she's doing it, uh, so she's certainly an example. Y'all also tackle uh hearing loss and its connection to brain health and dementia. Why is this such an important issue for older adults right now?
SPEAKER_03I think some of us just don't want to admit that we might not be able to hear conversations. You know, we sort of get used to maybe reading lips. Um, and during the COVID pandemic, um maybe we couldn't hear people because of the masks, you know, and when we go to a crowded restaurant, another early sign of hearing loss is actually not being able to make out accents on shows. So if you can't understand that British accent anymore, that's actually a sign of hearing loss. So um this article is just about uh, you know, older adults and and actually a younger woman who suffered hearing loss and went to get a hearing test and now has hearing aids. And because she's more engaged with her world and her community, she's gonna be staving off dementia too.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, good stuff. Another article, Margaret, that caught my attention, focused on loneliness and therapy. What did you find most interesting or surprising from that piece?
SPEAKER_03I thought it was interesting that people who are lonely can kind of create a self-sustaining, you know, vicious circle where they're lonely, they don't want to reach out because they're afraid of getting rejected. Like they don't matter, especially as we get older and you know, we retire, we step back from the world a bit. Um one kind of missed phone call from a friend is gonna make us feel rejected, and we might keep to ourselves even more. A therapist can actually help you, they can help you kind of go through that. Well, what I'm thinking might not be a fact, you know, maybe I should try an experiment and reach out to a few friends and see what they say. And a therapist can make you take tiny steps to kind of get out of your comfort zone. You know, hey, try a new club, hey, make a lunch date with a friend and plan ahead on um the the article kind of focuses on widowers and plan ahead on those anniversaries or holidays. Try to make a plan to see a friend because staying keeping keeping yourself isn't gonna make you feel any better.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, always great stuff in the beacon uh newspapers. I'm married to a therapist, uh, Margaret, so I I understand exactly what you just uh mentioned. Uh let's talk money real quick with the time we have left. Insurance premiums uh they just keep climbing. What are a couple of practical ways people may be able to save on car and home insurance from this article?
SPEAKER_03Well, shop around. If your premiums are going up, and everyone's premiums are going up, and yet insurance companies are actually paying out a little less, according to this report from Vanderbilt University. So make some phone calls, shop around, see if you're paying the best rate, see if you're getting the best rates. And then if you get a better quote, maybe call your insurance company and say, you know, I have this. Can you imagine?
SPEAKER_05And lastly, um, my friend, before I let you go, you also covered AI scams and online safety. What's the biggest warning older adult you should know right now?
SPEAKER_03Well, these scams are getting a little trickier. I had a neighbor who actually was scammed. You know, someone said, Oh, your son's had an accident, and they even had kind of a recording of his voice or new new personal details. And she freaked out and she went to the bank and tried to get $13,000 out instead of thinking it through. So the biggest thing you can do is verify it. She can call her son, she could, you know, call the source. Um, but the big thing is slow down. Don't freak out, don't lose your mind, and start to fact check it.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, absolutely. Don't buy into that sense of urgency. That's what they want you to do. Lastly, this is the final question. Uh, where can our listeners get their hands, their ears, their eyes on the June edition of the Beacon Newspaper?
SPEAKER_03Well, we're always on our website at the beacon newspapers.com. You can flip through it there, or you can go to your local library, senior center, giant safe way, CVS, and ask for it there.
SPEAKER_05Gotcha, gotcha. Margaret Foster, editor of the Beacon Newspapers. I always appreciate you joining us each and every uh month and keeping and helping keep our community informed and connected. And family, be sure to pick up the June edition of the Beacon Newspapers. I have mine throughout the DMV or visit the Beacon Newspapers online. Margaret, thank you for stopping by, my friend.
SPEAKER_03Thank you, Sean.
SPEAKER_05All right, folks, this next break is brought to you by Legal Counsel for the Elderly, providing free legal and social work services to DC residents most in need. Don't change that dial. Sean Perry in the Sheen Zone, I promise we'll be right back.
SPEAKER_00Legal Counsel for the Elderly champions the dignity and rights of DC elders by providing free legal and social work services to those in need. Worried about eviction or foreclosure? Need help obtaining social security or veterans benefits? Call Legal Counsel for the Elderly at 202-434-2120. Income eligibility applies. LCE is an affiliate of AARP 202-434-2120.
SPEAKER_06Attention, listeners, criminals are consistently developing new ways to steal your hard-earned money and personal information. But the AARP Fraud Watch Network is here to help you protect yourself and your loved ones. See or report scams in your area with our scam tracking map. Get guidance from our trained fraud specialists, and sign up to receive information on the latest scams. Knowledge is power. If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam. Get more tips and resources at AARP.org slash fraudwatch network.
SPEAKER_05All right,
Dr. Juan Rodriguez: Brain Health & Healthy Aging
SPEAKER_05family. Welcome back. This is the Senior Zone, and I am your host, Sean Perry. Now, as we begin the month of June, we also recognize Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, a time focused on increasing awareness around memory, dementia prevention, and healthier aging. And joining us today is someone who has spent years helping lead national conversations around brain health and healthy aging. Our guest is Dr. Juan Rodriguez, Vice President of Policy and Brain Health and Executive Director of the Global Council on Brain Health. Dr. Rodriguez previously led CDC efforts around Alzheimer's disease and healthy aging. And today he is here to help us better understand what people can do right now to help support brain health as they age. Dr. Rodriguez, welcome to the Cena Zone.
SPEAKER_04Thank you, Sean, for having me. Thrilled to be here.
SPEAKER_05It is my absolute pleasure to have you. So, Dr. Rodriguez, since June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, this feels like the perfect place to begin. Why is or why has brain health become such an important national conversation, especially among those 50 and older?
SPEAKER_04Yeah, you know, brain health is one of the top concerns people have about aging. A key reason to focus on our brain health is that it can help us reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. And these diseases are frightening for all of us. Conventional wisdom for a long time has been that there's not much we can do about our risk for some of these neurological conditions, but there's now very strong evidence that there are a lot of things we can do to address our risk. Brain health isn't just about genetics or about us getting older. It's something that we can influence through our everyday behaviors and throughout the course of our lives, not just in our older age. When people understand that they can take steps to protect their brain health, they're more likely to take action.
SPEAKER_05Yeah. And I think many of our listeners needed to hear that message from you that brain health isn't not only about aging, it's also about awareness as well as action. Now, uh during this month, uh Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, we often hear statistics and warnings. But I also want to focus on hope, uh, Dr. Rodriguez, as well as prevention. What are some everyday habits people can begin practicing right now in their homes that may help support healthier brain aging?
SPEAKER_04Yeah, you know, a lot of brain health comes back to some surprisingly core things that we often hear about in terms of age healthy aging, and there are six key things that ARP calls are six core pillars of brain health that um that are the way we advise people to kind of start taking steps toward addressing their brain health, and that's staying socially connected, keeping your brain engaged, managing your stress, exercising regularly, getting good quality sleep, and eating healthy foods. In addition, managing our physical health, like common chronic conditions, also key part of prevention. But there's just a lot of practical behaviors that fit into all our daily lives, and they're central to how we talk about protecting brain health.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, and I appreciate, you know, um uh that list is practical, as you just mentioned, uh achievable, uh things that people can begin incorporating immediately uh after this broadcast. One thing that surprises many people is learning um that brain health and overall physical health are deeply uh connected, as you just uh referred to. What are some of the major risk factors, uh, Dr. Rodriguez, that people often overlook when it comes to dementia or cognitive decline?
SPEAKER_04Well, several of them are these common chronic conditions that millions of Americans suffer from: diabetes, hypertension, having high cholesterol. These are three key factors that if we don't manage these conditions, they can really affect our brains in the long term. Another is hearing loss. If we're suffering from hearing loss and we could benefit from the use of a hearing aid, that is something else that could really help protect our brains. Um, sleep apnea is another one. It prevents us from getting good sleep, and that is another major physical health issue that could affect our brains in the long run. And then when we compound some of these um health issues with some of our health behaviors or our lifestyles, like being physically inactive, um, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and being overweight or obese, these all these things kind of they're all related to each other and they're all interconnected. And so many of these common manageable health issues are things that a lot of people just don't realize they're um connected to our brain health, but addressing them and managing them with the help of a healthcare provider are things that can help go a long way toward improving our brain health.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, Dr. Rodriguez, I fall into this category in that I'm one of those individuals that has assumed that dementia uh is simply unavoidable, just a part of getting older. But how important is public awareness in helping people understand, like myself, that dementia risk may actually be influenced by one's lifestyle and health choices.
SPEAKER_04Yeah, I mean, if you know, the first thing I'll say is dementia is not an inevitable part of aging. There's meaningful things we can do to reduce our risk and support healthing, aging in a healthier way. Um, awareness of those facts are very uneven across the US population. A lot of adults don't fully connect things like the physical health issues we just talked about to their brain health. They don't realize that piecing one thing affects the other. Um, and increasing awareness, one of the central things we we try to do as an organization, is something that helps people see where they can take steps to pro um take steps to protect their brain health earlier rather than later. Um and so there's you know, are we have a program staying sharp that can help people figure out actions they can take to support their brain health that they can find on our website?
SPEAKER_05Yeah, and I appreciate that. It's it's that awareness uh that can become the first step towards uh you know prevention and healthier decision making. Uh now, Dr. Rodriguez, one thing that AERP seems to emphasize is empowerment instead of fear. So when people learn that there are things they can do to support brain health, what does that actually uh or does that actually motivate you know change in behavior?
SPEAKER_04Research shows that it definitely can. When people learn that their dementia risk is something that it's modifiable that they can have some control over, many say they're a lot more likely to take action. And a lot of it is just knowing. You know, they say knowing is half the battle. Um, knowing there are things you can do to help make that shift from fear or lack of control to understanding an issue that leads to empowerment, and that empowerment helps people take action and make change. You know, that could be whether you're increasing your physical activity, whether you start working on your sleeping habits, you schedule an appointment to get your hearing checked, or you talk to your healthcare provider about managing your heart health. All those things reinforce the idea that information can influence behavior when it's clear and relevant.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, you know, when I launched a CenaZone some years ago, Dr. Rodriguez, I began to learn the effects uh through conversations like this of loneliness as well as social isolation in our older adults. Can you talk about the role that social connection plays in protecting as well as supporting brain health?
SPEAKER_04Yeah, you know, humans are we're wired for social connection. We're wired to have these kind of conversations, we're wired to be with each other. And so that gives us purpose, it stimulates our brains, it gives us routines, and it can lead to greater support. So social connections are an incredibly important part of our brain health, and a lot of people can't underestimate that. People who are socially isolated are more likely to have depression, they're more likely to suffer from chronic stress, they're more likely to be physical and active, and they're more likely to have health conditions that can also affect their brains over time. So social interaction as we age helps keep our brain engaged, having these conversations, having positive relationships, getting involved in your community, all those things will require your memory, they require your attention, they require you to communicate, and they help you process emotions as well. So our brains are really built for this, and we need to keep up those actions and activities as we age in order to keep ourselves sharp.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, and I think many of us, I know I have, um, uh underestimate just how healing, you know, conversation can be, friendship and faith communities and just staying engaged, how that can truly be uh be helpful. Um, it is June. So during this month, Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, families are also thinking about loved ones already living with uh dementia. What message would you give to caregivers who may feel emotionally exhausted, spent, overwhelmed, or afraid?
SPEAKER_04Yeah, you know, caregiving is one of those um really emotionally and exhausting, physically exhausting things that people take on, particularly when they're caring for a loved one with dementia. And I think it's really important for caregivers to really know that they're not alone. Um, supporting someone living with dementia is really meaningful work. Um, but that caregiver also needs support, they need rest, they need community, and they need all that so they can continue to care for their own health. If you don't take care of yourself, then you may not be in a place to take care of your loved one. Um, so the message I would have for caregivers is to seek out resources for respite care from a lot of state and local agencies offer respite care services for caregivers um so that they have they can take the moments to take care of themselves so that they can take care of their loved ones.
SPEAKER_05Absolutely. I've I've said this a thousand times here. Uh uh self-care is not selfish, right? That's right. That's right. Yeah, absolutely, absolutely. Another thing people may not realize, Dr. uh Rodriguez, is that brain health isn't only a quote unquote senior uh issue. Why is it important for our younger adults, middle aged folks? To begin paying attention to brain health.
SPEAKER_04Well, you know, brain health is something that develops throughout our life course. You know, like many of the factors we talked about, blood pressure, um, high cholesterol, those are factors that start affecting people in their 30s and 40s. And so the longer you live with these issues unmanaged, the worse it is in the long term. So it's never too early to start caring about your brain health. Um, so um, and it's also never too late to take those steps either. So there's positive news on both ends of that age spectrum. We're never too young and we're never too old.
SPEAKER_05Yeah. What have you found, um, Dr. Rodriguez, uh, that surprises people the most when they begin learning more deeply about brain health as well as dementia prevention?
SPEAKER_04You know, for me, people are always uh surprised by how interconnected our body systems are. I think because of the way um things are set up, we tend to learn about health in individual in terms of individual diseases or individual organ systems. But when people start realizing that all this stuff is interconnected, that if you take care of your heart, you're taking care of your brain, that if you address hearing loss, you're taking care of your brain. I think that surprises a lot of people and kind of also makes them realize that there's a lot more they can do to take charge of their brain health. Um, and so I think for me, that's the biggest one that people most often get surprised by.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, you know, we preach here, I say preach, um, but uh, you know, knowing your numbers, right? It's those gateway numbers, your cholesterol, your blood pressure, your weight, right? All those numbers, right? Uh your even it's your PSA, anything that would cause worry and anxiety, right? Know those numbers and manage those numbers. Those I call them the gateway numbers, and that can lead to uh better brain health. That's my uh unprofessional, untrained uh disposition there. If you want to share in that thought before my last question, uh we can uh piggyback on that as well, knowing the numbers.
SPEAKER_04Yeah, I mean, it particularly with um your uh glucose levels, fasting blood glucose levels to check for diabetes, your blood pressure, your um knowing those numbers are what lead help you and your providers decide when to take action and what kind of action to take. And so getting those regular checkups, engaging with your primary care doctor, those are all keys to healthy aging and health and um protecting your brain as you age.
SPEAKER_05Yeah. Well, I'm just happy to know from this conversation, listening to you, Dr. Rodriguez, that I have some control, right? It's it's it's just not an aging uh uh uh issue uh anymore. There is some control that I and others uh have over brain health through lifestyle choices and knowing one's number. Finally, as we kick off this month, the month of June of 2026, Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month here on the Senior Zone. What is one major takeaway you hope listeners carry with them after today's conversation?
SPEAKER_04I mean, I think for me, the big takeaway I would I would want people to take is that there's something they can do. Um, you know, research estimates that almost up to 40% of dementia cases are preventable worldwide. That's not an insignificant number. Um, and there's an opportunity to take your health in your hands um and work with your providers and work on changing behaviors and being healthier that can make a difference um for your for you as you age and for your brain health in the long term. So I would say that empower yourself. There's a lot of resources out there. ARP has wonderful resources like our Staying Sharp program and our Brain Health Resource Center. Um, we also have a global council for brain health that's written great recommendations and guidelines for people that you can really you can review and you can empower yourself to take steps to support those good outcomes in the future.
SPEAKER_05Absolutely, absolutely. It's just an outstanding conversation uh once again, and such an important reminder that protecting our brain health is part of protecting our quality of life. Family, as we recognize Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month throughout the month of June, let today's conversation serve as a reminder that brain health deserves our attention, our conversations, and our action. Whether it's staying physically active, managing blood pressure, getting quality sleep, as Dr. Rodriguez mentioned, remaining socially connected, or simply scheduling those hearing and vision checkups, small choices today may help shape healthier tomorrow's. I want to thank Dr. Juan Rodriguez, Vice President of Policy and Brain Health, and executive director of the Global Council on Brain Health for joining us today and helping us kick off this important month of awareness here on the Senior Zone. Dr. Rodriguez, thank you, my friend.
SPEAKER_04No, thank you for having me, Sean. It was a pleasure.
SPEAKER_05All right, thank you as well. You are welcome back anytime. Folks, this next break is brought to you by Compassion and Choices, empowering everyone to chart their own end of life journey. We'll be right back. And life choices matter.
SPEAKER_10Compassionate choices is here to support you on your journey. Our organization provides a wealth of resources to help you navigate difficult decisions with compassion and understanding. Because on End of Life Choices, visit our website at compassionatechoices.org for a range of informative articles, toolkits, and personal stories. Our compassionate team is just a call away, ready to assist you. Because, let's face it, talking about death is not gonna kill you. Compassionate choices, empowering you to make choices that reflect your values.
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SPEAKER_05Welcome
Dr. Lakelyn Hogan-Eichenberger: Aging in Place
SPEAKER_05back, family. This is the Senior Zone, and I am your host, Sean Perry. Now listen, one of the biggest concerns many older adults and families have today is this. How do I safely remain in my own home and still maintain my independence? Because the truth is, most people want to age in place. They want to stay where life feels familiar, comfortable, and connected. But caregiving, home safety, memory concerns, and family stress are becoming real challenges for millions of families. So today we're having some honest conversation about what aging in place really looks like today and what families can do right now to better support their loved ones. Joining us is Dr. Lakeland Hogan Etchenberger, gerontologist and caregiving advocate with Home Instead, a company dedicated to helping seniors live safely and comfortably at home with care since 1997. Dr. Lakeland, welcome to the Senior Zone.
SPEAKER_09Thank you so much for having me. I'm delighted to be here.
SPEAKER_05It is an absolute pleasure and honor to have you here. Let's just jump right in with the time that we have, uh, Dr. Lakeland. Before we dig into the deeper conversation, let's start with you. Tell our listeners a little bit about your work with home instead and why supporting older adults and caregivers has become such a personal mission for you.
SPEAKER_09Absolutely. Happy to. Well, I grew up watching caregiving in my own family. So my family rallied around our great grandma Manhart nearly 30 years ago. And we were helping her with little things, medications, meals, uh, getting up and walking around, socialization. And it really was transformational for her because she was declining in her health. Um, but those little things really helped her kind of come back to life and extended her life another decade. And so actually, my parents founded Home Instead because they were inspired by this situation we watched unfold in our own family. And um, so Home Instead was born out of that need that so many families have uh extra support to help keep their loved one safe, independent at home. Kind of just as you talked about. So many people want to stay home. And so uh we're helping make that a reality. And I also personally just love helping older adults, and so I pursued uh education in gerontology, which is the study of aging. So my my personal experience has really aligned with my professional passions, uh, and I love the work I get to do.
SPEAKER_05I love it. I love it. We know we hear the phrase aging in place all the time these days, Dr. Lakeland, but I think a lot of people define it differently. So when you hear that phrase, what does aging in place really mean in today's world?
SPEAKER_09Well, I think aging in place means staying in the place that feels most comfortable for you, uh, whether that's your home or in uh moving in with another family member, but um aging in place means staying where you want to be and having the independence and dignity to really age on your own terms. And so I I like to think of it kind of in multiple buckets. Um aging in place, you have to kind of assess is your physical environment set up in a way that's going to support you as you age? And then are you going to have the resources in terms of support? So maybe it's your family, friends, or outside services coming in to help you age again in the place that you want to. Uh so really it kind of goes back to uh that agency and choice, having a say in the way you age. That's how I view it.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, I completely get it and I understand. And let's be honest, most folks want to stay in their homes as long as possible. I know that I do. Why do you think remaining at home matters so deeply emotionally, mentally, and even physically for older adults?
SPEAKER_09Oh gosh. Well, I think that there are so many reasons. Um, you know, home is where we feel comfortable. We're in familiar surroundings. Uh, that's where we've made a lot of our memories. We're part of our communities. Uh, maybe you know your neighbors, you have a local grocery store and the cashier knows your name. Um, maybe you're part of a faith community in that neighborhood. And so there's so much rooted there in your identity. I think we really associate our sense of home with our sense of identity. And so it becomes emotional as we get older and maybe we're not able to navigate our environment as easily, or we're having health conditions that are changing and we need more support. Um, you know, realizing that um we might need to make some modifications to our environment or bring some in in some help, um, it can be it can be an emotional journey for so many.
SPEAKER_05Yeah. You know, Dr. Lakeland, I know a lot of families listening may be quietly noticing changes in a parent, a spouse, or even a loved one, but they're not quite sure what to do next. What are some early warning signs that additional support may be needed at home?
SPEAKER_09You know, that's a really great question. I think these are a few things that people should pay attention to. Um, you know, the the home environment and the surroundings, if you're starting to see uh that the house is a little messier, um, maybe there's unopened mail, um, multiple medication bottles, and some are full, some are empty. Uh maybe you're noticing changes in your loved ones' personal hygiene and the way that they um kind of spruce themselves up, or maybe there's uh starting to be challenges there. So they're not as cleanly as they once were. Um maybe you're noticing more confusion and maybe the stove has been left on one too many times. Um maybe you're noticing some mobility changes, and um maybe there's some near falls happening, um, or maybe they're kind of starting to withdraw socially. Um, maybe they're not going to the monthly um book club or the weekly coffee meetup that they have always gone to. It might be a sign that they're having some physical challenges, um, or maybe they're noticing some cognitive change in themselves. Um, and and so it's starting to show up in in a variety of ways. But um, you know, if you're noticing a change in your loved one, um, you know them best, most likely. So uh it's probably a sign that, okay, maybe we need to have a conversation, start to ask how they're feeling about living in their environment or how are they feeling about keeping up with the day-to-day household items? Um, and is there anything that would make life a little easier?
SPEAKER_05Yeah, that's a great segue into my next question, which will be about having the conversation. What advice would you give adult children or family caregivers who don't know how to approach the difficult conversation around safety, driving, memory concerns, or just accepting help?
SPEAKER_09Yeah, that is such a tough question because sometimes having the conversation is the hardest part. But I think the key there is conversation, talking with the older adult. Make sure that they feel part of the conversation, that they have an opportunity to express their wants, needs, wishes, and to actually be heard by the other members of the family. Uh, that's really important. And I think a lot of times when we focus on the goal, that can help orient everyone to what the solutions could be. And most of the time, the goal is to stay at home for as long as possible. So if we can talk about realistically what will need to happen in order to make that a reality, then that shows your loved one that you are wanting to help them maintain as much independence, help them meet that goal to the best of your ability instead of kind of approaching it from a negative perspective of okay, we're trying to take things away or we're trying to insist that you get this certain kind of help or make this modification. Again, if you always orient to the goal and make sure that they're involved, then usually they have more buy-in and it can help with the conversation. It doesn't always work every time, but I think it's a good place to start.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, absolutely. I know you've uh seen this many times in the work that you do, and that is how quickly and overwhelming family caregiving uh can become. With that being said, Dr. Lakeland, what are some of the biggest mistakes families make when trying to handle everything all alone?
SPEAKER_09Yes, I think the biggest mistake is thinking you're gonna do it alone. I don't think caregiving should be done alone. I think that you should tap into resources early before you think you need it. If I had a dollar for every time somebody said, Oh, I wish I would have started services sooner, or um, well, things aren't that bad yet. So I'm gonna wait a little longer before I get some help. Um, a lot of times we see that that just isn't the best approach. You know, you want to be looking into these um supports and resources before you need them, uh, because so often we see families wait until a crisis, uh, until they're totally burnt out, they themselves are in the hospital or their loved one has a fall or major health event before they look into getting help and support. So I think the sooner you can start to do that research, look into your options, um, then when when you go to start initiate those services, you're coming from a place of being informed. Uh, you have some time, as opposed to a crisis where you're having to make decisions really fast under a lot of stress. So I think that's the biggest mistake is uh not looking into your support and resources early on in your caregiving journey.
SPEAKER_05Great, great uh response. Let's have um some practical uh talk right now, some real talk for folks listening out there right now. For families wanting to help a loved one remain independent at home, what are some simple real-world changes they can make right now, starting today, that could dramatically improve safety as well as quality of life?
SPEAKER_09Great question. I think look at the bathroom. The bathroom is where we see the most falls occur in the house. So look at the bathing situation. Uh, do they have grab bars installed? Do they need a shower seat to sit down while they bathe? Are there uh non-slip bath mats on the ground outside of the shower? So, really taking a look at um how they utilize the restroom and how to make that environment safer, I think that would be my number one place to start. From there, then start to look at the other rooms of the home that they are in all the time, probably the kitchen, the living room, and look for any safety uh issues that could be in those environments. Um, you know, those throw rugs, get rid of them. Um, you know, making sure that they all of the furniture that they're sitting in, they can easily get in and out of. Um, so those are some practical things you can do to modify the environment. Um, and then also start to look into those resources that can come into the home to support families. So looking into things like home care, uh, you can go to our website, homeinstead.com, to learn more, uh, or look uh up your look up your area agency on aging to see what support resources uh they might have locally for you in the area. Because again, um the sooner you can start looking into those resources, the better.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, thank you. Thank you again, uh, Dr. Lakeland. Another thing, Dr. Lakeland, many caregivers who are our unsung heroes struggle with is guilt. They feel guilty asking for help, guilty taking a break, sometimes even guilty feeling exhausted. Can you speak to the emotional toll that caregiving takes on people?
SPEAKER_09Yes. I know that guilt is a very common feeling as caregivers. And so if you are feeling that, know that you're in the norm. But um I think it's important to realize that it's okay to ask for help. It's not a sign of failure or weakness. I see it as a sign of strength because we know for so many that caregiving is a marathon and not a sprint. People are often in this role for many years, sometimes even decades. And so you have to take care of yourself and you have to find kind of your support circle, your support network too to help sustain you on your caregiving journey. Um, and so I I think it's important to process those feelings, those emotions in whatever way is healthy and uh most impactful for you. So maybe it's journaling, maybe it's exercise, maybe it's talk therapy. Um find an find an outlet for those emotions. Uh, get connected to other caregivers too, through support groups, um, whether they're virtual, in person, uh, because also knowing you're not alone in your caregiving journey can also be very powerful and can help you realize, okay, I'm not the only one feeling these emotions. Um, and and a lot of times caregivers, fellow caregivers have the best advice for one another and you can learn so much from each other.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, great, great answer, uh Dr. Lakeland. It's now June, June 1st, to be uh precise, which means it's Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. And earlier in today's show, we discussed brain health with AARP. How closely connected are caregiving and cognitive health conversations becoming today?
SPEAKER_09Oh, so common. Um, we're seeing an increase in the number of diagnoses uh of cognitive impairment. And so we're seeing more caregivers, more families impacted by cognitive decline and brain change. So I think it's it's very interwoven. And I think what caregivers also need to realize is their brain health and their cognition is important too. And we're learning so much about brain health. We know that over our life course, um, a lot of the lifestyle factors that we're engaging can impact our brain health in later life. Uh, things like getting proper nutrition, hydration, sleep, socialization, um, exercise. So all of these things are so important for our brain health. And a lot of those things, as a caregiver, you put on a back burner when your caregiver. So I think this month of June is a great time for us to remind caregivers that your brain health is important too. Of course, also it's important to acknowledge that their loved one, the person they're caring for, might be impacted by cognitive decline or brain change. But I think it's a good reminder that there is a lot they can do as caregivers to take care of themselves, even in these little micro moments throughout the day, stopping to take a drink of water, or prepping a few healthy snacks for the week so that you're getting proper nutrition, or looking into respite care so you can get to your own doctor's appointment or take a nap during the day. Um so that you can again sustain yourself on your caregiving journey, but also protect your own brain health. Because um long after your caregiving journey is gone, you're gonna be aging, and we want uh caregivers to age well uh in addition to the person they're caring for.
SPEAKER_05Dr. Lakeland, we are nearly out of time, but for our older adults listening right now who may fear losing their independence someday, or for caregivers who just may feel overwhelmed, what words of encouragement would you leave with them today?
SPEAKER_09Oh gosh, it's a shame that we only have a few minutes left, because there's so much I would like to say. I think to an older adult who has the fear of losing their independence, that's completely normal. I think though there's a lot you can do to help maintain as much independence as possible. I know at home instead our care professionals they um really get to know our clients to help maintain their independence as much as possible. So there's a lot you can do to um hang on to your abilities and also focus on what you can still do. I know that there uh it can be discouraging to see some of the changes you're experiencing, but uh you are still capable of so much, and so do don't lose sight of that. And then to the caregivers listening, um reach out for help. Don't let yourself reach that burnout stage uh because we need you. We need all the caregivers out there in the world, and you're doing a great job. Um, and I just know that I appreciate all you do, you're seen, you're valued, and what you're doing for your loved one. It really matters.
SPEAKER_05What a timely and important conversation, uh, Dr. Lakeland, because the truth is aging in place is about much more than simply staying in a house. It's about dignity, as you already know, connection, independence, safety, and making sure that our older adults continue, as you've just mentioned, feel seen, valued, and supported every step of the way. Dr. Lakeland Hogan-Eckenberger, gerontologist and caregiving advocate with Home Instead. Thank you for joining us today on the Senior Zone.
SPEAKER_09Thank you so much for having me.
SPEAKER_05Thank you, thank you, thank you as well. And family, don't go anywhere. We've got more coming your way right here on the Senior Zone. This next break is brought to you by AARP DC, your wise friend and fierce defender in Washington, D.C. We'll be right back.
SPEAKER_10Today is your day to connect with AARP and DC. AARP is here in the District of Columbia working hard to make it an even better place to live, work, and play for people of all ages, and you can help. Put your skills and talents to good use as an AARP volunteer where you can help lead local events or become an advocate for the issues that matter in your community, like funding for programs that help district residents age with dignity and independence. AARP is also helping you get the most out of life. Check out their educational workshops where they can help you grow as a caregiver, find a job, and teach you about the latest technology, or enjoy the night out at any of their exciting local events, like their happy hours and free movie screenings. Today is your day to connect with your community and with AARP. So let's take on today and every day. Learn more at aarp.org slash DC. Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday.
Birthdays of the Week
SPEAKER_05It's time to light up our spirits as we celebrate another week of special milestones. It's now part of our tradition to honor, recognize, and celebrate a few of our amazing seniors who are adding another candle on their life's cake this week. So let's give them a warm shout out. First up, we have Donald Edwards, 59. Today, Monday, June 1st from Falls Church, Virginia. Happy birthday, Donald, Wendy Gatson, 62, Social Security eligible tomorrow, Tuesday, June 2nd from Laurel, Maryland. Happy birthday, Wendy. Joyce Child, 70 years young on Wednesday, June 3rd from Hyattesville, Maryland. Happy birthday, Joyce. Ralph Moore, 74. Tomorrow as well, June 3rd from Baltimore, Maryland. Happy birthday, Ralph. C.T. Durbin, Washington, 83 on Wednesday, June 3rd from Washington, D.C. Happy birthday, C.T. Pat Via or Pat Via is 72 on Wednesday, June 3rd from Martinsville, Virginia. Happy birthday, Pat. Laverne Anderson, 68 on Friday, June 5th from Philadelphia, P.A. Happy birthday, Laverne, Teresa Turner, 72 on Sunday, June 7th from Gatesville, Maryland. Happy birthday, Teresa. And last but not least, Darlene Bogan Dawkins is 60 years young on Sunday, June 7th from Chesterfield, Virginia. Happy birthday, Darlene, and happy birthday to each and every one of you from all of us here at the Senior Zone. And family, if you'd like to celebrate someone special on the air, just send the full name, age they are turning, the city and state they are from, and the birth date to info at theseniorzone.com. That is INFO at theseniorzone.com.
Dear Grave Woman featuring Joelle Simon
SPEAKER_05All right, family, it is now time for Dear Grave Woman featuring Joelle Simone, where wisdom, honesty, compassion, and life lessons all come together in a very unique way. Joelle, take it away, my friend.
SPEAKER_08Hello, everyone, and welcome back to Dear Grave Woman. I am your host, Joelle Simone, also known as the Grave Woman. And today I have a question for you. What are you leaving behind in the form of cultural assets? And so by cultural assets, I mean things that maybe are not tangible, such as an insurance policy, a home, a vehicle, so to speak. But the things that are innately unique to you. And so, in order to get your years going and hopefully help you manifest some of these cultural assets or recognize some of these cultural assets in your life, I'm going to share to you the different seven cultural assets that I encourage the families and individuals that I work with to focus on. Number one, are your oral traditions and stories? And so the practice of happening, history, wisdom, humor, and survival strategies in spoken word is one of the most enduring legacy systems. And so how are you capturing your stories and ensuring that generations to come who will have access to them? Number two, is your spirituality and basic practices, whether rooted in Christianity, Islam, African diaspora, spiritual systems, or blended practice? Spirituality as a function is both refuge and resistance, especially for communities of color. Number three is your music heritage and your sonic memory. What is the soundtrack of your life? Have you recorded songs and CDs, YouTube playlists, or any other mediums to share with those that you're leaving behind? Um, number four is your kinship networks and chosen family structures, extended family systems, such as negative kids, such as people that are aunties or uncles and community elders that don't have no can or blood relations with us, as well as neighborhood-based caregiving create relational ecosystems that go beyond biological ties. Who is your non-blood family community? And is your family or your loved ones even aware that they exist? Number five, are your cultural codes of resistance and adaptation? That kind of ties into storytelling a little bit. What have you survived? What can future generations lean strength from in the event or upon your demise? Hearing those things is vitally important. Number six are rituals of grief ongoing and ancestor honoring. What have you done to navigate grief and sort of survive loss in your life? And number seven, last but not least, is your aesthetic experience and your cultural style and your identity language. Things like the pieces that you want in your hair, statement pieces from your closet, and just things that make you you that are going to be left behind. They are tangible, but on a deeper level, they're not because they represent your essence. Thank you so much for paying attention today. And Sean, back to you for the Later Life Lowdown.
SPEAKER_05Joelle, Simone, you did it again. Thank you so much once again for that insight, that honesty, and those words that always seem to reach people exactly where they are. Now,
Later Life Lowdown & Outro
SPEAKER_05family, let's slide into this week's Later Life Lowdown, bringing you resources, information, and opportunities to help our older adults throughout D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia help them live stronger, safer, and more connected. In Washington, D.C., the D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living is reminding older adults about the Safe at Home Program, which helps qualifying seniors receive home accessibility modifications to improve safety and independence. To learn more about this Safe at Home program, call 202-724-5626. That's 202-724-5626. Also in DC, Legal Counsel for the Elderly, they continue to provide free legal and housing assistance for qualifying older adults throughout the District of Columbia. For more information there, call 202-434-2120. That's 202-434-2120. And don't forget, if you are struggling with the rising cost of prescriptions, groceries, utilities, and healthcare expenses, visit benefitscheckup.org. That's benefitscheckup.org, a website from National Council on Aging to see what programs and support that you may qualify for. Over in Maryland, the Maryland Department of Aging is continuing to provide support through its senior call check program, a free daily wellness check phone service for older adults living alone. To sign up or learn more, call 866-502-0560. That's 866-502-0560. Also in Maryland, residents can contact the Maryland Access Point Program for help navigating caregiving support, long-term care resources, transportation, and food assistance services. Call 844-627-5465 to learn more. That's 844-627-5465. And for older adults concerned about frauds and scams, Maryland seniors can report suspicious financial exploitation or seek assistance through the Maryland Consumer Protection Division at 410-528-8662. That's 410-528-8662. And over in Northern Virginia, the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services continues offering caregiver resources, meal assistance, and aging support services for older adults and families throughout the Commonwealth. For more information there, call 800-552-3402. That's 800-552-3402. Also in Virginia, the Medicare Counseling Program, known as VICAP, continues helping seniors understand Medicare plans, billing issues, and enrollment options. It's completely free of charge. Just call 800-552-3402. Again, that's 800-552-3402. And that's a wrap-up for this week's Later Life Blowdown, where the info is fresh, the love is always real, and the goal is always to enrich your journey. And family, before we get out of here, thank you once again for spending part of your day, your morning with us right here on the Senior Zone, the DMV's number one weekly radio program serving our 50 plus community. And before we close things out, remember these conversations don't end when the radio show ends. The Senior Zone podcast is now available so you can listen anytime, catch up on missed interviews, and share meaningful conversations with family and friends. Just search the Senior Zone with Sean Perry on your favorite podcast platform. Until next time, continue checking on one another, continue loving on one another, and continue giving yourself permission to age with dignity, purpose, and joy. So until we meet again, keep your head high, keep your heart full, and always be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow. Love you. Peace.
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