This is Growing Old
Episodes
This Is Growing Old: Caring Together with Jason Resendez
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Alzheimer’s and related diseases don’t just affect memory. They also bring behavioral and psychological challenges known as neuropsychiatric sympt...
(Bonus) The Check Up: Reflecting on 40 Years of Advocacy with the Alliance for Aging Research
23 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This year marks a major milestone as the Alliance for Aging Research celebrates its 40th anniversary. That’s four decades of changing the narrative ...
Celebrating 10 Years of Valve Disease Awareness with Lindsay Clarke
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day (HVDAD) takes place each February 22 during American Heart Month and was launched to raise awareness of valve disea...
Looking Beyond the Label with U.S. Pharmacopeia
22 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From multivitamins to protein powders, thousands of supplements crowd drugstore shelves offering over-the-counter answers to our nutritional needs. Ye...
(Bonus) The Check Up: Why is ACIP Reversing Course on Childhood Vaccines
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
2025 has been a challenging year for advocates fighting for equitable access to care, as the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has ...
Improving Access to Patient-Centered Care With Chad Worz and Dr. Amita Patel
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Equitable access to treatment is vital for older adults with Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, especially in long-term care. CMS’s...
(Bonus) What You Need to Know This Medicare Open Enrollment Period
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Open Enrollment season is here, and millions of Americans are hoping the latest formulary changes will help ease costs at the pharmacy counter. This ...
(Bonus) The Check-Up: Health Policy is Shifting Rapidly. What's at Stake?
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With health policy shifting so quickly, it can be hard to keep track of what’s at stake.Today, we're joined by Alliance Senior VP of Public Poli...
Why Immunization Matters With Dr. Kawsar Talaat
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With respiratory season approaching, it’s vital to protect against preventable illnesses like COVID-19, flu, RSV, and pneumonia. As debates over vac...
(Bonus) The Check Up: Peeking Behind the Scenes of Our Heroes in Health Celebration
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Each year, the Alliance honors advocates and changemakers who set the standard in research, innovation, and advocacy for older adults. We’re thrille...
How to Live Longer and Stronger with Dr. Stuart Phillips
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Starting around age 30, we all begin to lose muscle mass and strength. For some, this progresses into sarcopenia, a condition that can reduce independ...
(Bonus) The Check Up: What Are Neuropsychiatric Symptoms?
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
are you familiar with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease? Neuropsychiatric symptoms, or NPS, are emotional and behavioral symptoms that often go ov...
Demystifying Intellectual Property with David Kappos
09 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Intellectual property may not be the first thing we think of when it comes to equitable care, but it’s what drives the innovation that saves lives.J...
(Bonus) This Is Growing Old: The Check Up
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In our first episode of This Is Growing Old: The Check Up, we reflect on our conversation last month with Natalie Kean, Director of Federal Health Ad...
Defending Medicaid, SNAP and Equitable Access with Natalie Kean
15 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Medicaid and SNAP have long provided essential support for vulnerable adults. However, a recent proposal in Congress to reduce funding for these progr...
Charting A New Chapter with Alliance Board Chair Michele Markus
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We at the Alliance are deeply grateful for our dedicated Board of Directors, who help amplify our mission. On today’s episode of This is Growing Ol...
Listening to Your Heart with Advocate Amy Johnson
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s Heart Month—a busy and exciting time here at the Alliance as we gear up for Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day on February 22nd. In the spirit...
Uncovering the Art of Care with Dr. Derek Goldman
29 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Caregiving is a radical act of empathy. To give care is to recognize the needs of another and provide support and companionship. All of us have recei...
Bridging Generations with Dr. Abigail T. Stephan
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Intergenerational friendships enrich our worldview and create lasting legacies through the exchange of ideas, love, and support between grandparents o...
Decoding the Inflation Reduction Act With Adina Lasser
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In June, the Alliance joined policymakers and patient advocates on Capitol Hill to discuss the unintended consequences of the Inflation Reduction Act ...
Safely Navigating the Net with Dr. Carol Quade
16 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In an era dominated by digital media, cultivating media literacy skills is essential to navigate the digital landscape safely and confidently. Joinin...
I Did It Because I Could: Embracing Your Second Act with Nell Irvin Painter
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Starting over can be daunting, even terrifying, for many older adults. But for Nell Irvin Painter, an accomplished educator turned artist, it was as s...
Understanding Patient Perspectives with Carrie Shaw
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we explore caregiver experiences with older adults facing neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS). Joining us is Carrie Shaw, founder of Embodied ...
Becoming Your Own Advocate with Heart Disease Survivor Robyn Peacock
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
February is American Heart Month, a time to increase awareness around the risk factors, symptoms, and treatments for heart disease. Each year, we are ...
Looking Ahead with Alliance Board Chair Michele Markus
17 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As we channel the lessons learned from years past into actions that shape equitable futures, we at the Alliance are grateful for such a passionate boa...
Boosting Your Holidays with Vaccination Resources
15 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
‘Tis the season to sleigh preventable diseases like COVID, Flu, RSV and Pneumonia. In this episode, we’re joined by CEO of Healthy Women Beth Batt...
Navigating Neuropsychiatric Symptoms with Terrie Montgomery
08 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are you familiar with the symptoms of Alzheimer's? Neuropsychiatric symptoms, or NPS, are mood and emotional symptoms of dementias and other brain...
Fall Prevention with Occupational Therapist Dr. Scott Trudeau
19 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As we age, we become more susceptible to accidental injury. What may seem like a minor slip, trip, or fall could cause severe bruising, breaks, or eve...
Celebrating 30 Years of Heroes in Health with Kevin Rigby
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On September 26th, the Alliance for Aging Research will be celebrating our landmark 30th annual Heroes in Health Awards Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria ...
Navigating Grief with the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation
23 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
August 30th is Grief Awareness Day, a time to educate others on grief, create space for loss, and prepare ourselves and loved ones for this difficult,...
Aging with Pride with Mary Anne Adams
28 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As we observe pride, a time when LGBTQ+ plus folks celebrate their enduring fight for liberation, we must recognize the communities that strengthen th...
Breaking the Color Barrier with Gretchen Wartman
25 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On the heels of National Minority Health Month this past April, we're joined by Dr. Gretchen Wartman, Vice President for Policy and Program at the...
Exploring Brain Donation with Tish Hevel of the Brain Donor Project
03 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
May 7th is National Brain Donor Awareness Day, bringing attention to the critical need for brain donation and the advances in research made possible ...
The Truth About Alcohol with Dr. George Koob
05 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to address the stigma around alcohol use disorder, or AUD, and share resources to support those who suffer fr...
Kick QALY to the Curb with Terry Wilcox
22 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For more than 40 years, the quality-adjusted life year (QALY) has been devaluing the lives of older adults and patients with chronic medical condition...
Speaking From The Heart: A Conversation with Heart Valve Voice Canada
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On Wednesday, February 22nd, the Alliance will be joined by more than 119 partners who are all working together to help raise awareness of valve disea...
Listen to Your Heart This Valve Disease Day with Lindsay Clarke
08 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It’s Heart Month, which is a busy time at the Alliance as we prepare for Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day on February 22nd. In the spirit of Heart ...
Addressing Barriers to Adult Immunization with Abby Bownas
25 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It’s no secret that vaccination is our best defense against preventable illnesses like the flu and COVID-19. However, for our most vulnerable commun...
2022 in Review With Dan Perry, Founder of the Alliance for Aging Research
11 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It’s hard to believe that 2022 is over. As we step into a new year, it’s important to look back and reflect on the year that we’ve just had. Dan...
It Takes Two: Living With Early Stages Alzheimer's Disease
07 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On the heels of National Family Caregivers Awareness Month and National Alzheimer's Awareness month, we're joined by two patient advocates that epitom...
55. Deciphering the Inflation Reduction Act with Michael Ward
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In August, the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law. The bill includes provisions to address a number of issues including healthcare, to climat...
54. Celebrating Our Heroes with Kevin Rigby, Master of Ceremonies
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Each year, the Alliance hosts Heroes in Health, an event to honor individuals and companies making great strides to further research and innovation in...
53. Changing the World, One Button at a Time with Robert Bolen
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Who needs the bells and whistles when inventor, Robert Bolen is changing the world with a button? Created as a teenager to help restore the independen...
52. Rallying For Medical Research with Jon Retzlaff
27 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Each year, the Rally for Medical Research raises awareness of the urgent need for increased investment in the NIH to improve health, spur progress, in...
51. Practicing UV Safety This Summer with Jay Sirois
06 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
July is UV Safety Awareness Month, which is a time to spread awareness about how important it is to protect our eyes and skin from the side effects of...
50. Celebrating Pride Month with Sage CEO Michael Adams
29 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
June is Pride Month, which is when LGBTQ+ communities and their allies come together to celebrate the freedom to be themselves. In recognition of Prid...
49. Gone Phishing: How to Protect Your Loved Ones from Financial Abuse with Deborah Royster
15 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a ...
48. Celebrating Mental Heath Awareness Month with Geriatric Neuropsychiatrist Dr. Dilip Jeste
18 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
May is Mental Health Awareness Month as well as Older Americans Month. This critical intersection implores us to explore emotional, psychological, and...
46. Raising Awareness With Valve Disease Day Partner Karyne Jones
09 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On February 22 we'll be hosting our sixth annual Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day, a conference dedicated to increasing recognition of the specific r...
45. David Farber Discusses the Implications of CMS' Recent National Coverage Decision Proposal For FDA Approved Alzheimer's Treatments
28 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On January 11th, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released an NCD proposal that would require “coverage with evidence development”...
NFID Medical Director William Schaffner, MD Answers Common Questions About Co-administration And Shares Vital Vaccine Info
12 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The CDC has recommended COVID-19 boosters for many Americans and has also approved co-administration of COVID-19 vaccines with other vaccines. Though ...
43. Alliance Board Chair Jim Scott Shares This Year's Top Stories in Aging and Health
15 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's hard to believe that 2021 is almost over. As we prepare for the new year, it's important to look back and reflect on the year that we've just had...
42. How to Make a Difference this Holiday Season with Meals on Wheels
01 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Colder weather is upon us, and that means that many older adults may be isolated at home. Here to talk about how Meals on Wheels is making a differenc...
41. Fighting Ageism with Activist and Author Ashton Applewhite
17 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
At the Alliance for Aging Research, we are all about helping people live longer, happier, more productive lives. Unfortunately, ageism in our society ...
40. Addressing Out-of-Pocket Costs for Older Adults with PAN Foundation's Amy Niles
10 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Being able to afford out-of-pocket prescription drug medications is a problem for millions of Americans, especially older adults. Every year, Medicare...
39. Living with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease: Patient Advocate Jay Reinstein Shares his Story
03 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Jay Reinstein is a graduate of the Alliance’s Talk NERDY to Me program, which trains older adult on patient-centered outcomes research and the clini...
38. What is Geroscience? Dr. Felipe Sierra, International Advocate for Geroscience, Explains.
20 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Felipe Sierra is an internationally known research leader and advocate in the fields of geroscience and aging biology. He is currently chairing th...
37. Malnutrition and Aging: What You Need to Know
06 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
October 4 through 8 is Malnutrition Awareness Week. Joining Alliance Vice President of Health Education and Advocacy Lindsay Clarke is Gail Cresci, Ph...
36. Are You NERDY? Become an Advocate for Older Adult Health with Talk NERDY to Me
29 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Teresa Wright-Johnson shares her experience being a patient advocate and participating in the Alliance for Aging Research's Talk NERDY to Me training....
35. Celebrating 35 Years of the Alliance for Aging Research with Founder Dan Perry
15 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The Alliance for Aging Research is celebrating 35 years! Here to talk about this incredible milestone and all that the Alliance has accomplished for o...
34. Celebrate Grandparents Day and Learn the Truth About Vaccines
10 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This Grandparents Day, Generations United and the Alliance for Aging Research are sharing important facts about vaccines with older adults who are oft...
33. September is Hydrocephalus Awareness Month
01 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know that September is Hydrocephalus Awareness Month? Lindsay Clarke, Vice President of Health Education and Advocacy, talks with Diana Gray, ...
32. How to Help Older Adults with Social Isolation and Loneliness
25 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sue Peschin, President and CEO of the alliance for Aging Research, chats with Mark Meridy, Executive Director of DOROT. DOROT's mission is to decrease...
31. What the 2021 America’s Health Rankings Senior Report Discovered About Older Adults
11 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sue Peschin, President and CEO of the Alliance for Aging Research, talks with Dr. Rhonda Randall, Chief Medical Officer for UnitedHealthcare Employer ...
30. UsAgainstAlzheimer's Chairman and Co-Founder George Vradenburg
28 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Alliance for Aging Research President and CEO Sue Peschin talks with George Vradenburg, Chairman and Co-Founder of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, about the r...
29. Mike Sylvester, Five-Time Heart Surgery Survivor and Stroke Survivor, Shares His Story
14 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mike Sylvester is a five-time heart surgery survivor, a stroke survivor, and an advocate who shares his story to help others live healthier lives. Lis...
28. Food for Thought: The Role of Nutrition in Healthy Aging
30 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Alliance for Aging Research President and CEO Sue Peschin interviews Lindsay Clarke, the Alliance's Vice President of Health Education and Advocacy, a...
27. Ken Thorpe, Chairman of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease
16 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Alliance for Aging Research President and CEO Sue Peschin interviews Ken Thorpe, the Robert W. Woodruff Professor and Chair of the Department of Healt...
26. Shaking the Stigma of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms with Dr. Jeffrey Cummings
02 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Diseases and injuries that damage the brain can impact how we interact with the world and lead to significant and disabling behavioral and psychologic...
25. How COVID-19 Has Impacted Minorities with Dr. Gary Puckrein
19 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially devastating for people of color. Minority groups are more likely to get severely sick and die from COVID-19....
24. Improving the Current Body of Evidence on Dementia Care with Dr. Eric Larson
05 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
According to a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the current body of evidence on dementia care does not r...
23. Bonus Episode: This Policy Would Have a Catastrophic Impact on Alzheimer’s Disease Research
03 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
International reference pricing proposals currently under consideration by the U.S. Congress, and proposed in the previous Congress as Title I of H.R....
22. Speaking Out Against Discrimination in Healthcare with Terry Wilcox
21 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Age or possible disability does not impact the value of a human life. Unfortunately, the Institute of Clinical and Economic Review, or ICER, produces ...
21. Fighting COVID-19 Vaccine Myths featuring Dr. Todd Wolynn
07 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What can YOU do to fight against COVID-19 vaccine disinformation and misinformation on social media? Alliance President and CEO Sue Peschin talks with...
20. Nutrition and Healthy Aging Featuring Bob Blancato
24 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted food programs and nutrition for older adults? What are some barriers that older adults face when it comes to nu...
19. David Farber Explains How International Reference Pricing Would Impact Older Adults
10 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What is international reference pricing, and how would it impact older adults and their access to prescription drugs? David Farber, a partner at King ...
18. Martha Taggart, BrightFocus Science Writer: Raising Awareness of a Leading Cause of Vision Loss for Older Americans
24 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In recognition of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month, Sue Peschin talks with Martha Taggart, a science writer for the BrightFocus Founda...
17. John Lewis, Executive Director of Heart Valve Voice US: Raising Awareness of Heart Valve Disease
10 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
February 22 marks the fifth annual Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day, a day dedicated to spotlighting the importance of detecting and treating heart v...
16. A Special New Year's Message from Alliance President and CEO Sue Peschin
03 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What does 2021 have in store for the Alliance for Aging Research and older adults in general? In this first episode of season 2 and 2021, Alliance Pre...
15. Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santas: Bringing Joy to a Tough Year
23 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On the season finale of This is Growing Old, Sue Peschin talks with Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santas Chairman Ric Erwin and President Bob Callah...
14. Ramsey Alwin, CEO of the National Council on Aging: Holiday Safety Tips During COVID-19
09 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, National Council on Aging President and CEO Ramsey Alwin talks about how older adults can stay safe and connected this holiday season...
13: Emiliana R. Simon-Thomas: The Benefits of Practicing Gratitude
25 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to a special Thanksgiving episode of our podcast! Although the holidays look different this year because of COVID-19, we can still celebrate ...
12. Grace Whiting: Caring for Caregivers During COVID-19
11 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we recognize National Family Caregivers Month by interviewing C. Grace Whiting, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Caregi...
11. Dr. Jack Guralnik: What You Should Know About Sarcopenia
28 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode of This is Growing Old, we talk about something that is quite common, but that you might not have ever heard of before: sarcopenia....
10. Dr. William Schaffner: Why Getting Your Flu Shot is More Important Than Ever
14 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
William Schaffner, M.D., Medical Director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID), explains why the flu vaccine is so important this...
9. Debbe McCall: Cardiovascular Patient Researcher, Advocate & Speaker
30 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Debbe McCall is a cardiovascular patient researcher, advocate, and speaker. She was also a participant and expert speaker in the Alliance for Aging Re...
8. Dr. John Whyte, Chief Medical Officer at WebMD
16 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
As Chief Medical Officer for WebMD, Dr. John Whyte has been active in providing information to educate people during the COVID-19 pandemic by intervie...
7. Beverlye Hyman Fead: Changing How We Think About Aging
02 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Beverlye Hyman Fead is an author, artist, activist, and inspirational speaker. in 2019, she received the Alliance for Aging Research Perennial Hero Aw...
6. Patty Peterson: Why Patient Advocacy is Important
19 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Patty Peterson, a participant of the Alliance’s Talk NERDY to Me program, reflects on what she learned from the program and the importance of patien...
5. All of Us: Improving Health Care Through Research
05 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Why is the All of US Research program on a mission to collect and study health data from a million people or more? And how will this data help improve...
4. Men's Health Network: Healthy Aging for Men and Those Who Love Them
22 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Why do men have shorter life expectancies than women? And what can men do to improve their health as they age? Ana Tomšić, Vice-President of Men’s...
3. Patient Advocates Jim and Geri Taylor: Living with Alzheimer's Disease
08 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Patient advocates Jim and Geri Taylor talk about their personal experience with Geri’s Alzheimer’s disease and what it’s been like during the pa...
2. Sandy Markwood: How to Help Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic
17 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The National Association for Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) has been busy for the past few months helping older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. We ...
1. Lance Robertson: COVID-19's Impact On Older Adults
03 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Sue Peschin talks with Lance Robertson, who serves as both Assistant Secretary for Aging and Administration for Community Living Administrator, about ...
Preview: This is Growing Old
20 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Alliance for Aging Research has encountered hundreds of inspiring people in its quest to promote healthy aging and we want you to meet them! Join ...