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
• 
  
• Sharing family photos to spark stories and conversation
• 
  
• 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
• 
  
• Singing together or reading a book they once loved
• 
  
• 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.

In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with financial advisor Michael Lewis, who shares insightful perspectives on the intersection of brain health and financial planning.

Michael points out that certain cognitive decline conditions can begin developing 7 to 10 years before any noticeable symptoms appear. With this in mind, he strongly recommends that just as we schedule annual physical checkups, we should also routinely assess our cognitive function. Proactive brain health screenings can make a significant difference in long-term financial decision-making and personal well-being.

He also emphasizes that periods of high stress are some of the worst times to make major financial decisions. Stress can cloud judgment, heighten emotional responses, and lead to choices that may not be in our best interest. His advice? Plan ahead and prepare for the unexpected.

Michael encourages families to have the important conversations before a crisis arises—whether about wills, care plans, or long-term financial goals—and to take action early, rather than delaying essential steps.

This conversation is a powerful reminder of the importance of being proactive, not only in our finances but in our mental and emotional well-being as we age.

To reach Michael.

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-lewis-cfa-mba
• Website: www.familylegacync.com

Calendar: https://calendly.com/caregiversresource/preliminary

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Aneesh Chaundry, who shares powerful insights into the connection between mental health and athletic performance. Through his work, Aneesh discovered that many athletes struggle to reach their full potential not due to physical limitations, but because of psychological barriers that often go unaddressed.

Motivated by this realization, he developed a specialized program designed to support athletes in nurturing strong mental well-being. His approach focuses on helping individuals build emotional resilience, foster inner peace, and maintain a balanced mindset—essential tools not only for sports but for life.

Aneesh emphasizes that true happiness isn’t something we need to chase externally. Instead, it can be cultivated from within through intentional and conscious practices. One of the foundational tools he recommends is mindfulness—learning to be present in the moment, to observe thoughts without judgment, and to reconnect with one’s inner self.

His work is a reminder that peak performance starts from within, and that mental fitness is just as important as physical training.

To reach Aneesh:

webpage:

SoulPhysio LifeStyle – Family Mental Health is Our Mission

Today on the podcast, we are joined by Miriam Bahar, a specialist in movement and transitions, who provides compassionate support to individuals—especially older adults—during the significant life event of relocating to a new home.

Miriam shares how moving is not simply about changing addresses; it is a deeply emotional and meaningful process. For many seniors, parting with personal belongings can be difficult, as these items often hold sentimental value and are linked to cherished memories. She emphasizes the importance of having support during this time—someone who can walk alongside them with empathy and understanding, helping them make thoughtful decisions about what to keep, what to donate, and what truly serves them in the present.

One of Miriam’s core principles is focusing on what is currently useful and necessary. In her experience, simplifying one’s space by keeping only what is actively used allows for a more peaceful and manageable transition. She also reminds us that people often hold onto objects not for their utility but for the emotional significance they carry. Navigating this attachment with care and sensitivity is essential in her work.

Beyond emotional support, Miriam highlights the importance of planning for safety. She encourages individuals and families to take future mobility and accessibility into account when choosing a new home or arranging a living space. Proactively creating a safe and comfortable environment plays a key role in maintaining independence and quality of life as we age.

Miriam’s work serves as a beautiful reminder that moving can be a healing process—a chance to reflect, simplify, and look ahead with clarity and confidence.

In this episode of our podcast, we have the pleasure of interviewing Traci Poe, a communication specialist with a deep understanding of human connection and emotional intelligence. Tracy shares valuable insights on how we can learn from others by observing and even mirroring their ways of expressing love, helping us to better connect with those around us—whether it's our partners, family members, or friends.

One of the key highlights of the episode is Traci’s explanation of the Five Love Languages, a concept developed by Dr. Gary Chapman that has transformed how many people understand and express love. These five languages are:

1. Words of Affirmation – expressing love through verbal encouragement, appreciation, and kind words.
2. Acts of Service – showing love by doing helpful things for the other person, like running errands or helping with tasks.
3. Physical Touch – using affection, such as hugs, hand-holding, or gentle touches, to communicate emotional closeness.
4. Quality Time – giving someone your undivided attention and being fully present during shared moments.
5. Giving and Receiving Gifts – showing love through thoughtful presents that symbolize care and appreciation.

Traci emphasizes that by understanding these different languages and recognizing the preferred love language of those we care about, we can foster deeper, more meaningful relationships. She also encourages us to be open to learning and adapting our communication style—not only to express love more effectively but also to receive it in the way others offer it.

This episode is a powerful reminder that love is both a feeling and an intentional practice, and by becoming fluent in the love languages, we can strengthen our bonds and create more harmony in our relationships.

To reach Traci:

Webpage:

https://communicategreat.online/page/communicating-with-family-friends

Podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/show/6nOmhILK8mF7Pt6PE6B1SF

Social:

FB-

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572409980096

IG-

https://www.instagram.com/glowandgrowthyself?igsh=ZW10eXJxdDdvZjUy&utm_source=qr

YT-

https://youtube.com/@glowandgrowthyself?si=dwCTJPoyq3ajS4N5

In today’s podcast episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Judy Swanson, who shares valuable insights on mental health and well-being. She provides practical tips on how to cultivate small sparks of joy in everyday life and emphasizes the importance of being kinder to yourself.

Judy encourages us to practice gratitude daily, engage in acts of kindness, smile more often, and find joy in the simple beauty of nature. She also explains how the way we phrase our thoughts and words can significantly impact our mood. For example, shifting from saying “I have to” to “I get to” can create a more positive mindset.

Additionally, she reminds us to focus on small but essential habits, such as staying hydrated, nourishing our bodies with healthy foods, and incorporating movement into our daily routine. By shifting our focus to the positive, we can enhance our well-being and cultivate a more joyful and fulfilling life. Tune in for an uplifting conversation filled with wisdom and practical steps to nurture both your mind and spirit!

To reach Judi

Website:

https://kindnesschampions.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/KindnessChampions/

Instagram:

@kindness_champs

https://www.instagram.com/kindness_champs/?hl=en

X/Twitter:

@KindnessChamps

Blue Sky:

@kindnesschampions.bsky.social

LinkedIn:

Judi Swanson and Kindness Champions

Email:

kindnesschampions2020@gmail.com