Caregiving

Aging Companion Robotics, Urban Design and Traveling with Disabilities 5-5-26

By Linda Sherman / May 20, 2026

Benjamin Surmi presented a Stanford report on robots for aging and disabilities, highlighting projects like Rosie, an outdoor guide dog, and an exoskeleton for better walking. Co-host Linda Sherman went deep on companion robotics by country. Elizabeth Magallon Fleury presented on innovative urban planning for aging populations, emphasizing Singapore’s Age Well SG program and the…

AI Healthcare Training, Ending Well 4-21-26

By Linda Sherman / May 4, 2026

In 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…

Hydration Tips, Chris Hemsworth Dementia Road Trip Documentary, Why Improv Skills Help Dementia Care, When Your Parents Should Stop Driving 3-24-26

By Linda Sherman / March 31, 2026

Our 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…

Caregiving Crisis, Questions to Ask Your Elders, Memory Care Marketing, Resistance to Disability Self Identifying 12-16-25

By Linda Sherman / December 18, 2025

Debbie Howard presented two articles: one on the caregiving crisis, highlighting the increasing stress and financial strain on caregivers, with the average caregiving duration at 4.5 years and rising caregiving hours. The second article focuses on questions to ask elders over the holidays to capture their life stories. Benjamin Surmi shared insights on memory care…

Caregiver Friendly Products Lorenzo’s House, Memcara, Trelawear

By Debbie Howard / November 24, 2025

In our second Caregiver-Friendly Products episode this November, we featured innovators bringing meaningful support to families navigating dementia care, including community and peer-based programs as well as music-driven therapeutic connection. We also highlighted stylish personal emergency response technologies designed to help older adults live independently with confidence and dignity. This episode continued our recognition of…

McKinsey Health Institute White Paper on Investing in Healthy Aging in USA; America’s Caregiving Crisis is Getting Worse 11-11-25

By Linda Sherman / November 12, 2025

November is National Family Caregiver Month. November 11 is Veteran’s Day. We discussed the McKinsey Health Institute’s report on investing in healthy aging in the USA, which projects that $1 invested in healthy aging interventions could yield $3 in economic and healthcare benefits. Key interventions include transportation, housing, and public safety. The report highlights a…

Caregiver Friendly Products with Neal Shah CareYaya, Counterforce Health; Ashish Aggarwal PhD JubileeTV; Matt Golden MapHabit; Kendra Seavey care.coach

By Linda Sherman / November 10, 2025

In this first of two Caregiver Friendly Products episodes recognizing 2025 National Family Caregivers Month, National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Home Care and Hospice Month, we featured four outstanding speakers all of them representing AgeTech Collaborative from AARP portfolio companies. AI elements were highlighted. Cost of care reduction and care enhancement were featured.…

Living Choices: Understanding Long Term Care with Erin Hart, Benjamin Surmi, Stacey Eisenberg, Peter Murphy Lewis

By Linda Sherman / October 13, 2025

October is Long-term Care Residents Rights Month October. October 9, 2025 is Ageism Awareness Day. Recorded on October 9, 2025, this episode is part of our Living Choices Series. Our goal was to explain through discussion with experts what “nursing homes” are as the term is used far too generically by many journalists. We touched…

New Alzheimer’s Association Study on Brain Health Diet and Exercise, Getting Enough Protein, How to Advocate for an Older Loved One in the ER or Hospital 8-5-25

By Linda Sherman / August 7, 2025

Benjamin Surmi highlighted a significant study reported by NPR July 28, 2025, showing that structured lifestyle changes, including exercise and diet, can improve brain health and reduce dementia risk. The Alzheimer’s Association’s $40 million commitment to implementing these findings was noted. Ellen Khalifa discussed the importance of protein intake during menopause, emphasizing its role in…

AARP July 2025 Family Caregiver Report, Respecting Physical Labor Staff in Senior Living 7-29-25

By Linda Sherman / August 1, 2025

We discussed AARP’s new report released in July on caregiving in the U.S. for 2025, revealing a surge to 63 million caregivers, a 45% increase over 10 years. Key findings include increased caregiving intensity, with 65% assisting with daily living activities and 58-59 million adult caregivers. The report highlights the need for policy changes, including…