Podcast
News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club
Hosted by Linda Sherman and Ray Gordon · EN
Stay informed with "News for the Ages," where we explore the latest developments in aging, longevity, and caregiving. Hosted by Linda Sherman and Ray Gordon with regular co-hosting support from Debbie Howard, our show features insights from a diverse group of industry experts.
Each week, we delve into journalistic articles from respected publications, bringing you the most current and informative stories. Join our lively discussions as we cover wellness, neuroscience, aging in place, senior fitness, caregiver support and more.
Our sister podcast is Rethinking Aging Club Podcast.
37episodes
Episodes
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AI Healthcare Training, Ending Well 4-21-26
May 400:49:14Tap to summarizeIn our News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club episode recorded on April 21, 2026, Benjamin Surmi highlighted focus in the UK on training caregivers in dementia care, emphasizing the need for effective training evaluation. Benjamin also covered AI's role in automating documentation, staffing analysis, and onboarding in senior living. Ellen Khalifa shared insights from her solution-focused coaching training using AI.The conversation also covered the importance of end-of-life care, including recognizing signs of impending death and ensuring family members are informed and prepared. We mentioned that The Pitt had a very relevant episode on respecting the wishes of our loved ones avoiding over-intervention, particularly intubation when it would cause more distress than help. We recommended to follow Dr. Kaishauna Guidry for more resources on hospice care.Finally Linda Sherman did one of her Film Corners, introducing her 2026 recommended streaming shows which includes “actors of a certain age and topics relevant to aging” called “Aging Gracefully” as a category.Presented by Benjamin Surmi, Senior Living Expert and Social GerontologistBenjamin tied two articles together.Article 1:The Care Home Environment 4-2-25 UK adult social care chief regulator Chris Badger gives TCHE editor Mary-Louise Clews insights into thinking behind regulators’ dementia strategy expected later this year. https://www.thecarehomeenvironment.com/story/51093/exclusive-workforce-dementia-skills-will-be-central-to-new-regulator-approachArticle 2:McKnights 3-16-26 Meet AI - Your Newest Team Member by Ron Rajeckihttps://www.mcknightshomecare.com/news/meet-ai-your-newest-team-member/Refers to:LeadingAge’s Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST)During this discussion Benjamin mentioned these three companies: August Health is an EHRSafely You - is integratable into August Health SkyPoint.AIPresented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan Verywell Health 1-7-26; 12 Signs That Someone Is Near Death and How to Help by Angela Morrow, Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse, Medically reviewed by Lindsay Cook, PharmDhttps://www.verywellhealth.com/common-symptoms-at-the-end-of-life-1132515Linda recommended following Dr. Kaishauna Guidry, MD, HMDC ("Dr. G")Linda’s Film CornerWe discussed end of life care advice from The PittPatient: S1 Episode 2 - 3Discussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman and Ray Gordon BoomerTechTalk.com episode page with additional resource links4-21-26 LinkedIn Show PostNews for the Ages podcasts live on Tuesdays. How to join live.Please follow both of our podcasts including Rethinking Aging Club Podcast.Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman
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NFC Device for Dementia Safety, Smart Home AI Reboot, Age Worry Study 4-14-26
Apr 2100:45:30Tap to summarizeOur April 14, 2026 News for Ages episode reviewed an article on innovative devices for dementia patients, including a new NFC tag system in England. We discussed the challenges of setting up smart home devices and the potential still evolving role of AI in simplifying this process. We also discussed a study on aging anxiety and its correlation on biological aging, noting that anxiety about declining health was significant but needed further study.Presented by Benjamin Surmi, Senior Living Expert and Social Gerontologist BBC 3-17-26 'I Created Device to Help People with Dementia Stay Safe' by Isobel Fryhttps://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly0jjn7k60oNFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range wireless technology enabling two devices—typically a smartphone and a reader—to communicate when placed within a few centimeters of each other. It is widely used for contactless, secure payments (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay), digital wallet services, and, based on RFID technology, rapid pairing or scanning smart tags.Presented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life's Encore Planning NY Times 3-5-26 Smart Home Getting a Reboot from AI by Brian X. Chen https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/05/technology/personaltech/ai-smart-home-google-gemini-amazon-alexa.htmlTP LinkBenjamin mentioned Jubilee TV during Elizabeth’s Smart Home article We had Ashish D. Aggarwal, Ph.D., Co-Founder and CEO of JubileeTV on our Rethinking Aging Club Podcast 11-6-25Linda mentioned a Boomer Tech Talk article she wrote with an illustration back in 2010 to support adult children helping their parents to use a Comcast remote.Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan Psychology Today 3-29-26 New Research Suggests That Age-worry Creates a Self-fulfilling Prophecy by Andrea Bonior, Ph.D.https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/friendship-20/202603/a-surprising-effect-of-worrying-about-agingStudyDiscussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman, Ray Gordon and Debbie HowardBoomerTechTalk.com episode page with additional resource links4-14-26 LinkedIn Show PostNews for the Ages podcasts live on Tuesdays. How to join live.Please follow both of our podcasts including Rethinking Aging Club Podcast.Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman
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Early Parkinson’s Predictor, Avoiding My Parents Mistakes, Regenerative Community Co-living 4-7-26
Apr 1001:01:41Tap to summarizeOur News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club April 7, 2026 episode falls in the week of World Parkinson’s Day on April 11 and a Rethinking Aging Club Podcast episode on April 9th focused on Parkinson’s solutions. We began with Ray Gordon's article and study about a potential blood test for early Parkinson's detection. Researchers at Chalmers University and Oslo University, identified biological markers in the blood that indicate early stages of the disease - 20 years before symptoms. Their findings may lead to easily applied tests within 5 years. Elizabeth Magallon Fleury led a discussion of Steven Petrow’s list of aging mistakes to avoid that he made in his 50's and his realization that he needs to use that for himself as he turns 70. Our discussion touches on the importance of accountability, staying active, and maintaining a positive attitude as we age. Fun new phrase from Steven “organ recital”. Ellen Khalifa shared insights on co-living communities inspired by Chip Conley’s Modern Elder Academy, emphasizing the benefits of shared living for older adults especially in "regenerative communities" rather than retirement communities.Presented by Ray Gordon, Architect, Urban Planner, Futurist and Former Pratt Institute Grad School Professor Science Daily 1-29-26 Early Parkinsons Predictorhttps://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260129080424.htmNature 12-5-25https://www.nature.com/articles/s41531-025-01194-7Previous Parkinson’s Discussions on Rethinking Aging Club PodcastsOur Parkinson’s Rethinking Aging Club Show planned for Thursday April 9Presented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life's Encore Planning Washington Post 3-22-26 I Want to Avoid Aging Mistakes My Parents Made by Steven Petrow Article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2026/03/22/aging-mistakesApple access: https://apple.news/AClWp9uLqQN-iUn8Eht_OBAPresented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan NY Times 3-30-26 Co-living: The founder of Modern Elder Academy (MEA), Chip Conley is on a mission to make “Golden Girls”-style living mainstream.https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/30/realestate/modern-elder-academy-adult-co-living-retirement.htmlDiscussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman and Ray Gordon BoomerTechTalk.com episode page with additional resource links4-7-26 LinkedIn Show PostNews for the Ages podcasts live on Tuesdays. How to join live.Please follow both of our podcasts including Rethinking Aging Club Podcast.Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman
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Longevity Tests for Older Women, Work and Housing in the New Longevity Economy 3-31-26
Apr 800:54:41Tap to summarizeOur News for the Ages March 31, 2026 episode focused on the importance of muscle strength in predicting longevity, citing a study published by JAMA Network that found stronger grip and chair stand performance significantly reduced the risk of death in older women. Ellen Khalifa and Ray Gordon provided insights into how maintaining muscle strength supports mobility, balance, and overall health. Debbie Howard led a discussion on the economic potential of the longevity economy, using a Forbes article by Joseph Antoun, which emphasized the shift from reactive sick care to proactive longevity systems as well as the benefits of multi-generational housing. Commentary from Linda Sherman and Elizabeth Magallon Fleury. Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan CNN Health 3-23-26 Two Simple Strength Tests Predict Longevity in Older Women by Katia Hetter Article: https://edition.cnn.com/2026/03/23/health/exercise-grip-strength-health-wellnessStudy: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2845052Presented by Debbie Howard, Aging Matters International We found on Mary Furlong’s LinkedIn postForbes Business Council 3-24-26 How the Longevity Economy Could Reshape Work and Growth by Joseph AntounJoseph Antoun’s company L-NutraArticle:https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2026/03/24/how-the-longevity-economy-could-reshape-work-and-growthVocabulary: anti-senescenceDiscussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman, Ray Gordon and Debbie HowardBoomerTechTalk.com episode page 3-31-26 LinkedIn Show PostNews for the Ages podcasts live on Tuesdays. How to join live.Please follow both of our podcasts including Rethinking Aging Club Podcast.Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman
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Hydration Tips, Chris Hemsworth Dementia Documentary, Why Improv Skills Help Dementia Care, When Your Parents Should Stop Driving 3-24-26
Apr 100:55:44Tap to summarizeOur March 24, 2026 News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club episode began with the importance of hydration, discussing a Today Show article quoting Emily Johnston PhD, who recommends drinking a full glass of water first thing in the morning. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues, including kidney problems and seizures. Ellen: “It's great to see mainstream media making healthspan a part of normal American vocabulary”We covered a gerontology program at Georgia State University Gerontology Institute using improv to train caregivers for dementia patients. Benjamin Surmi is a fan of improv skills especially in memory care to avoid rejecting what residents are saying.We discussed a New York Times Magazine Ethicist column on senior driving emphasizing the need for practical solutions to help older adults transition from driving. A transportation infrastructure should be developed before it is needed. Linda’s Film Corner today was on Chris Hemsworth: A Roadtrip to Remember. We highly recommend this film with reminiscence therapy tips for dementia.Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan Today.com Expert Tip of the Day 2-13-26 A Glass of Water on Waking by Caroline Kee https://www.today.com/health/aging/morning-habit-healthy-aging-expert-rcna258744Presented by Benjamin Surmi, Senior Living Expert and Social Gerontologist CBS News 3-5-26 Improv Comedy for Dementia and Parkinson's Caregivers at Georgia State University Gerontology Institute by Brian Unger https://www.cbsnews.com/atlanta/news/emory-georgia-state-turn-to-improv-comedy-to-help-caregivers-connect-with-people-living-with-dementia/ includes CBS News video clip.Presented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life's Encore Planning NY Times Magazine, The Ethicist column updated 3-4-26 My Aging Mother Won’t Stop Driving by Kwame Anthony Appiah https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/28/magazine/aging-mother-driving-ethics.htmlLinda Sherman‘s Film CornerChris Hemsworth: A Road Trip to Remember launched on National Geographic Nov 23, 2025 now streaming on Disney; 52 minutes long. Darren Aronofsky is the same creator as with Chris Hemsworth’s Limitless series Key words during this film: Reminiscence therapy, Social bridging, Multi sensory experience, Connections Discussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman and Ray Gordon BoomerTechTalk.com episode page with additional resource links and commentary on this episode3-24-26 LinkedIn Show PostNews for the Ages podcasts live on Tuesdays. How to join live.Please follow both of our podcasts including Rethinking Aging Club Podcast.Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman
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Becca Levy New Study, Oscar Nominee Retirement Plan, Smart Home by Rick Robinson, Older Actor Oscars 2026 Representation 3-17-26
Mar 2800:56:13Tap to summarizeOn our March 17, 2026 News for the Ages episode, we discussed a new Yale study by Becca Levy that found nearly half of adults aged 65 and older actually improved in cognitive or physical function over 12 years. As in Levy’s previous work, the study highlighted the importance of positive age beliefs. We explored the potential of smart homes to enhance aging in place, noting advancements in health monitoring, sleep quality, and safety features. Ray Gordon emphasized the role of wireless electricity and embedded sensors in future smart homes. The Oscar nominated animated short “Retirement Plan” is worth a watch. We noted the positive representation of age 60+ actors at the 2026 Oscars. Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan Yale 3-5-26 Yale Study by Becca Levy Challenges Aging Means Decline by Colin Poitrashttps://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-study-challenges-notion-that-aging-means-decline-finds-many-older-adults-improve-over-time/ Yale Study by Becca Levy in MDPI Presented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life's Encore PlanningThe New Yorker 11-13-25 The Dream of Finishing One’s To-Do List in “Retirement Plan” by David Sedaris. https://www.newyorker.com/culture/screening-room/the-dream-of-finishing-ones-to-do-list-in-retirement-planWatch John Kelly's film at this link, it is well worth 7 minutes of your time.Oscars DiscussionOlder actors were well represented in nominations, wins and presenting, including in memoriam tributes.Presented by Debbie Howard, Aging Matters International Home Care Magazine 3-3-26 Why Smart Homes are Future Home Care by Rick Robinson. Rick Robinson is the vice president and general manager leading the AgeTech Collaborative from AARP (ATC)https://www.homecaremag.com/aging-place-home-health/march-2026/why-smart-homes-are-future-homecare Debbie mentioned that Elemind was on our show last week. Here is the March 12 published podcast for CES 2026 Highlights - Longevity with two ATC portfolio companies: Elemind and Sensate. Discussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman, Ray Gordon and Debbie HowardBoomerTechTalk.com episode page with additional resource links and commentary on this episode3-17-26 LinkedIn Show PostNews for the Ages podcasts live on Tuesdays. How to join live.Please follow both of our podcasts including Rethinking Aging Club Podcast.Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman
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Sex Health | Five Conversations to Have with Your Parents 3-10-26
Mar 1700:56:34Tap to summarizeThis episode of News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club was recorded on March 10, 2026.Today we had three articles from the NY Times, two on sexual health. One reported on by Linda, was specifically on things men should know about their own sexual health. Ellen reported on Sex Span, in this article sex after 80. We were all pleased to see these topics being addressed by respected press and encouraging open dialogue in society.Additionally, Elizabeth Magallon Fleury shared insights on conversations to have with aging parents, emphasizing the need for medical history, living environment discussions, and designating a point person for medical decisions. The importance of HIPAA and health care proxy forms was noted.Benjamin Surmi, Senior Living Expert and Social Gerontologist, announced joining Arvo while continuing to support Koelsch Communities. Arvo.Care (website is not up yet) is a startup developing a whole new way of training caregivers, nurses, housekeepers, servers, every employee who works in assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and eventually hospitals. Right now, we have really bad online training options for our whole industry.Presented by Linda Sherman, Founder Rethinking Aging Club Podcasts, Managing Editor Boomer Tech Talk NY Times 1-23-26 Mens Sexual Health by David Robson UK based Author of The Laws of Connection, The Expectation Effect, and The Intelligence Traphttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/21/well/live/mens-sexual-urologists-advice.htmlPresented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan NY Times 3-5-26 How Older Adults Are Improving Their "Sex Span" by Catherine Pearsonhttps://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/05/well/family/sex-span-longevity-health.htmlRelated to Ellen's article:5 Sex Exercises NY Times 4-27-24Our December podcast with Maddy Dychtwald, author of Ageless Aging talked about Sex Over 70Presented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life's Encore Planning NY Times 2-8-26 Five Conversations to Have with Your Aging Parents by Simar Bajaj https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/08/well/aging-parents.htmlDiscussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman and Ray GordonBoomerTechTalk.com episode page 3-10-26 LinkedIn Show PostNews for the Ages podcasts live on Tuesdays. How to join live.Please follow both of our podcasts including Rethinking Aging Club Podcast.Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman
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Outdated 65 Demarcation, Senior Living Community Outreach by Residents, Older Employees Can Provide Competitive Edge 3-3-26
Mar 1700:48:37Tap to summarizeOur News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club March 3, 2026 podcast episode. Elizabeth Magallon Fleury shared an article by author Ken Stern highlighting the outdated notion of old age at 65, given the increasing life expectancy and physical capabilities of older adults. Benjamin Surmi presented a report on community service projects by Koelsch Communities, showcasing diverse initiatives by residents supported by staff to serve their communities, such as food drives and pen pal programs. A great idea for many reasons including marketing and recruiting. Debbie Howard reported on an article from Forbes emphasizing the value of older workers, arguing that their experience and wisdom are crucial for organizational success and competitive advantage, especially in the context of AI advancements. Our discussion also touched on the importance of documenting institutional knowledge and the challenges of ageism.Presented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life's Encore Planning NY Times 11-27-26 I’m 62 Stop Telling Me I’m Old by Ken Stern Ken Stern is the author of “Healthy to 100: How Strong Social Ties Lead to Long Lives.”https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/27/opinion/aging-seniors-medicare.htmlWe discussed "How Old is Old" on our 4-30-24 News for the Ages show. An NBC News 2-22-24 article on public perception backed by a study.Presented by Benjamin Surmi, Senior Living Expert and Social Gerontologist Reviewed 1300 reports to compile what Koelsch communities are doing to serve their local citiesPresented by Debbie Howard, Aging Matters International Forbes 12-6-25 Why Older Workers Are Your Competitive Edge Not a Succession Problem by Vibhas Ratanjeehttps://www.forbes.com/sites/vibhasratanjee/2025/12/06/why-older-workers-are-your-competitive-edge-not-a-succession-problem/Vocabulary in Debbie's article: The wisdom economy Talent architecture Runway Discussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman, Ray Gordon and Debbie HowardBoomerTechTalk.com episode page 3-3-26 LinkedIn Show PostNews for the Ages podcasts live on Tuesdays. How to join live.Please follow both of our podcasts including Rethinking Aging Club Podcast.Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman
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GLP-1s as Longevity Drugs, Private Equity in 401Ks, Age in Place for 1500 Dollars 2-24-26
Mar 500:49:22Tap to summarizeOur News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club, February 24, 2026 episode. Ellen Khalifa discussed the potential of GLP-1 drugs as longevity drugs. Benjamin Surmi addressed the shift of 401(k) investments into private equity, emphasizing the complexities and regulatory changes involved. Elizabeth Magallon Fleury shared practical aging-in-place modifications, such as better lighting, staircase rails, and raised toilet seats, costing under $1,500. The importance of proactive measures and mindfulness in preventing falls was also emphasized.Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan Nature Biotechnology 11-12-25 Are GLP-1s the First Longevity Drugs?https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-025-02932-1Mentioned GLP-1 Women’s Health session at CES 2026 (video) Presented by Benjamin Surmi, Senior Living Expert and Social Gerontologist Financial Advisor Mag The 401(k) Takeover: Private Equity Muscles In On Retirement by Loukia Gyftopoulouhttps://www.fa-mag.com/news/the-401-k--takeover--private-equity-muscles-in-on-retirement-85914.htmlPresented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life's Encore Planning featuring Carol Chiang, How to Set Up Your Home to Age in Place for $1,500 by Veronica Dagherhttps://www.wsj.com/personal-finance/how-to-set-up-your-home-to-age-in-place-for-1-500-9a3508bfApple access: https://apple.news/Ajd0T6T8wRYqQpIQV_CsjoADiscussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman and Ray GordonBoomerTechTalk.com episode page 2-24-26 LinkedIn Show PostNews for the Ages podcasts live on Tuesdays. How to join live.Please follow both of our podcasts including Rethinking Aging Club Podcast.Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman
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Older Athletes Sports Health, Lonely Seniors Turning to AI Bots for Companionship, AI Diagnoses 2-17-26
Feb 2100:53:22Tap to summarizeIn our 2-17-26 News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club episode we discussed the benefits of sports for older adults, emphasizing the importance of gradual participation and touched on updating equipment. The conversation also covered the use of AI in healthcare, with examples of AI outperforming human doctors in diagnoses and the potential of AI to reduce social isolation. Presented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life's Encore Planning Washington Post 8-13-25 Older Athletes Sports Health by Bob Brody https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/08/13/older-athletes-sports-healthApple News Plus accessWe referred to:Various Leisure-Time Physical Activities Associated With Widely Divergent Life Expectancies: The Copenhagen City Heart Study 2018National Senior GamesPresented by Debbie Howard, Aging Matters International Forbes 10-18-25 Lonely Seniors Are Turning to AI Bots for Companionshipby Rashi Shrivastava, and Richard Nieva, both Forbes staffhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/rashishrivastava/2025/10/18/lonely-seniors-are-turning-to-ai-bots-for-companionship/Related: 2-12-26 ElliQ on front page of NYTimes by Eli Saslow https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/12/us/elliq-ai-robot-senior-companion.htmlPresented by Benjamin Surmi, Senior Living Expert and Social Gerontologist The Free Press 2-11-26 The Nurse Told Me I Had Gout. Then I Sent Feet Pics to ChatGPT by Maya Sulkinhttps://www.thefp.com/p/the-nurse-told-me-i-had-gout-thenApple News Plus accessDiscussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman, Ray Gordon and Debbie Howard.BoomerTechTalk.com episode page 2-17-26 LinkedIn Show PostNews for the Ages podcasts live on Tuesdays. How to join live.Please follow both of our podcasts including Rethinking Aging Club Podcast.Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman
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