In this heartfelt episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, we speak with Deborah Armstrong, a specialist in senior isolation and loneliness. Deborah sheds light on a reality many older adults face: feeling disconnected from their families and the world around them. Whether it’s an inability to relate to the fast-paced conversations of their children and grandchildren or the impact of cognitive or mental health issues, isolation often leads to deep sadness or depression.

Deborah also reminds us how the COVID-19 pandemic heightened this problem, as everyone became more familiar with the toll that prolonged isolation can take.

But there is hope. Deborah shares practical and compassionate strategies to help bring our aging loved ones back into connection with life and those around them. Some of her suggestions include:

• Taking them out for short visits to familiar or new places
• 
  
• Bringing laughter into their lives through funny movies or joyful memories
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• Surrounding them with children when possible, whose energy can be contagious
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• Sharing family photos to spark stories and conversation
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• Bringing along favorite activities (like coloring, knitting, or puzzles) when going to appointments to make wait times more enjoyable
• 
  
• Encouraging movement—short walks, gentle dancing, or just listening to music
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• Singing together or reading a book they once loved
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• Reentering their world, rather than forcing them into ours
• 
  

Deborah’s message is clear: reconnection doesn’t require grand gestures—it starts with small, loving actions that honor who they are and what brings them joy.

Tune in to learn how to help the elders in your life feel seen, heard, and valued once again.

In this inspiring episode of A Time to Care: The Caregivers Podcast, we sit down with Alara Rosenberg, a retirement coach who helps individuals navigate the emotional and practical transition into post-career life. Alara shares that one of the most essential steps in this phase is taking the time to reflect on key questions: Who are you now? What do you want to do? Who do you want to become?

She emphasizes the importance of social connection, encouraging retirees to build meaningful relationships and embrace the freedom to explore new interests. Retirement, she reminds us, is not a fixed destination—it’s a journey of self-discovery where everyone’s path is different.

Alara invites retiree listeners to experiment with new hobbies, seek out fresh friendships, and pursue long-forgotten passions. This stage of life is a unique opportunity to realign with your values and find joy in new experiences.

She leaves us with three powerful pieces of advice:

1. Take intentional time to plan your retirement journey.
2. 
   
3. Identify your new values, goals, and priorities.
4. 
   
5. Take care of your brain and body to maintain vitality and good health.
6. 
   

Tune in to be inspired and to rethink retirement not as an end, but as a new beginning filled with possibility.

In today’s podcast episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Giancarlo Paolillo, whose background in law enforcement has inspired him to develop a cutting-edge mobile application designed to enhance safety and communication in elder care. Drawing from his experience on the police force, Giancarlo recognized the urgent need for real-time information sharing and reliable systems that support both caregivers and families.

His app—available for both Android and iOS—is versatile and scalable, making it ideal for individuals, small businesses, and large organizations alike. The platform allows users to document real-time biometric testing results, track medications taken, and identify who the current caregiver is. It also includes a powerful feature that enables users to request assistance during a crisis, ensuring all relevant parties are notified immediately.

Whether you're caring for a loved one at home or managing care across an organization, this app is a game-changer. It empowers families, caregivers, and health professionals with the tools they need to ensure safety, transparency, and quick response when it matters most.

Giancarlo reminds us that technology, when used with compassion and intelligence, can truly transform the way we protect and care for our elders.

To reach Giancarlo

https://www.watchourown.com

giancarlo@watchourown.com

I want to take a moment to personally invite you to something very special.

If you're a caregiver or someone approaching retirement, and you're feeling like it’s time to start thinking about your future — not just everyone else’s — then I’d love to welcome you into “A Planning Lab for Family Caregivers and Retirees.”

This is a 5-week online experience where we slow down and explore important questions:

• What do I want my next chapter to look like?
• How do I prepare emotionally and practically for the future?
• And how can I start caring for myself the way I care for others?

In this space, you’ll find guidance, clarity, and community. We’ll talk about planning ahead, navigating difficult conversations, creating meaningful connections, and prioritizing your own well-being.

The Lab begins on June 4th, and spots are limited to keep it personal and supportive.

If this speaks to you — or someone you know — visit https://www.tumcoeur.com/artandsupportofagingwell to learn more and sign up.

You’ve given so much.

Now it’s time to give a little back to yourself.

I hope to see you there.