Geriatric Oral Health, Caregiving Ethics, Aging in Place Renovations 7-14-26
For our July 14, 2026, News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club, we were particularly interested in Ellen Khalifa’s white paper article on barriers to geriatric oral health such as cognitive impairments, financial constraints, and lack of transportation. Oral health is something we don’t cover often, but it is very important. Ellen wanted Dr. Zalan Alam, a speaker we have on occasion, to join us for this and “Dr. Zalam” kindly joined us at his 11pm in the UK. Dr. Zalan Alam emphasized the link between oral hygiene and cardiovascular health.
Benjamin Surmi shared an article on ethical dilemmas in dementia care as adult children struggle with getting parents to take better care of themselves, advocating for professional guidance.
Elizabeth Magallon Fleury discussed the benefits and challenges of aging in place, including home modifications and financial considerations. Note we have provided links to resources Elizabeth mentioned, including GoGoGrandparent and Lyft Silver.
The discussion also touched on the importance of holistic healthcare and the role of third-party professionals in elder care.
Linda Sherman, Debbie Howard and Ray Gordon offered commentary.
Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan
Cureus white paper on Barriers to Geriatric Oral Health
https://www.cureus.com/articles/393664-barriers-to-geriatric-oral-health-a-multifaceted-public-health-issue#!/
Murali A, Muddappa S C, Rajan R R, et al. (August 08, 2025) Barriers to Geriatric Oral Health: A Multifaceted Public Health Issue. Cureus 17(8): e89604. doi:10.7759/cureus.89604
Presented by Benjamin Surmi, Social Gerontologist and Senior Living Expert, VP Arvo.care, Advisor to Koelsch Communities
WSJ 7-4-26 How Far Would a Daughter Go to Save Her Aging Parents from Self-Neglect by Clare Ansberry
https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/how-far-would-a-daughter-go-to-save-her-aging-parents-from-self-neglect-9170f67a
Apple access: https://apple.news/APCml6Q2vRvmryvQP0jlvdw
The Wall Street Journal LinkedIn post about this article with comments
We referred to our 6-30-26 News for the Ages podcast episode where we spoke about ethics in regard to caring for parents who had been abusive and now have dementia.
Debbie Howard’s LinkedIn article on this caring for abusive parents topic is worth noting.
Presented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life’s Encore Planning
WSJ 6-13-26 Contractors, Remodelers and Consultants are Increasingly Helping Older Americans Age in Place by Clare Ansberry
https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/more-americans-want-to-age-at-home-how-one-couple-plans-to-make-it-work-12123b46
Apple access: https://apple.news/APCml6Q2vRvmryvQP0jlvdw
This WSJ article refers to these mobility options for older adults:
GoGoGrandparent
Lyft Silver
America Independent Transportation Network (ITNA)
Uber Health
Uber Central
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Discussion hosted with commentary by: Managing Editor Boomer Tech Talk, Rethinking Aging Club podcasts founder, executive producer and co-host Linda Sherman; with co-hosts Ray Gordon, architect, urban planner and futurist, Tech Reporter on Boomer Tech Talk; and Debbie Howard, co-founder, Tokyo-based AgeTech platform Living Best
Our Asia Pacific friendly schedule for our News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club live podcast episode recordings:
July 14, 2026 6-7pm EDT (July 15: 7am JST/KST; 6am SGT)
UK – 11pm GMT
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Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman
