Empowered Elder Podcast

Mama Bear Team

Aging doesn’t come with a manual — but it does come with questions. The Empowered Elder Podcast connects adults and families with trusted professionals and real answers to help navigate the aging journey wisely, confidently, and with peace of mind. Through empowering conversations, practical guidance, and heartfelt stories, we transform uncertainty into confidence — because aging is a journey you don’t have to walk alone.

  1. When was the last time you talked about your future plans with your family?

    1 hr ago

    When was the last time you talked about your future plans with your family?

    Preparing for the future isn't always easy. Conversations about aging, finances, health changes, and asking for help can feel deeply personal—and sometimes uncomfortable. In Part 2 of this discussion, physical therapist Larissa Ellis and financial planner Annie Garland explore why proactive planning can make all the difference. From understanding future care needs to organizing financial information and building a trusted network of professionals, they share practical ways to prepare before decisions become urgent. The conversation also touches on the emotional side of planning—vulnerability, independence, and the challenges many families face when discussing change. It's a thoughtful reminder that planning ahead isn't about expecting the worst; it's about creating more choices for the future. Wherever you are in your aging journey—whether for yourself or someone you love—we hope this episode helps you feel a little more informed, supported, and empowered. In partnership with Agewise Colorado:https://agewisecolorado.org/blog/empo... Youtube: https://youtube.com/@empoweredelderpodcast?si=kqtNIsxVq8rtg149 🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast...🔗 Visit our website & episode resources:http://bit.ly/EmpoweredElderPodcastGuests: Annie Garland, Certified Financial Planner with WealthClarityLarissa Ellis PT, DPTDoctor of Physical Therapy🌐 https://www.wealthclarity.com/Hosts: 🎙️ Tasha Beckman & Nicole Robilotto The Empowered Elder Podcast — where we talk about home, heart, and the next chapter of life.

    28 min
  2. Falls Aren't Just Physical — They're a Financial Crisis for Your Family #PART1

    25 May

    Falls Aren't Just Physical — They're a Financial Crisis for Your Family #PART1

    Falls are the leading cause of injury for adults 65 and older... and one in four will experience one this year. But what most families don't see coming is how quickly a single fall can unravel everything: health, housing, finances, and plans that took years to build.In this episode, Tasha and Nicole are joined by financial planner Annie Garland and physical therapist Larissa Ellis, PT, DPT for a grounded, practical conversation about how families can get ahead of this risk. From removing tripping hazards at home to the surprising link between social isolation and dementia-related falls, Larissa shares what proactive physical therapy can do — before a fall ever happens. Annie walks through how to build fall-related healthcare costs into a financial plan, why estate documents need to be updated more often than people think, and how financial fraud often follows a health crisis.Key takeaways: an annual PT check-in is a smart baseline for older adults; estate planning documents older than 10 years likely need a review; advisors and adult children should have permission to communicate with each other; and for those without nearby family, professional care managers can fill critical gaps.If you've been putting off "the conversation" — about safety, finances, or planning — this episode is a gentle, practical place to start. You don't have to wait for a crisis to act.In partnership with Agewise Colorado:https://agewisecolorado.org/blog/empo...🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast... ▶️ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@empoweredelderpodcast?si=kqtNIsxVq8rtg149🔗 Visit our website & episode resources:http://bit.ly/EmpoweredElderPodcastGuests: Annie Garland, Certified Financial Planner with WealthClarityLarissa Ellis PT, DPTDoctor of Physical Therapy🌐 https://www.wealthclarity.com/Hosts: 🎙️ Tasha Beckman & Nicole Robilotto The Empowered Elder Podcast — where we talk about home, heart, and the next chapter of life.

    34 min
  3. The Future of Geriatrics: Breaking Down Barriers in Elder Support: #PART1

    11 May

    The Future of Geriatrics: Breaking Down Barriers in Elder Support: #PART1

    Have you ever stopped to think about what it actually feels like for an older adult inside an emergency room? The noise is relentless. The lights are harsh. The wait feels endless. And for someone already managing memory changes, mobility challenges, or the quiet exhaustion of being cared for — it can be genuinely disorienting and scary. Most traditional ERs weren't designed with older adults in mind. But that conversation is finally happening. In Part 1 of this episode, Dr. Holly Buschhorn (she/her) takes us inside the world of geriatric emergency care — what's changing, why it matters, and how age-friendly ER programs are reshaping the way older adults receive care. Less chaos. More compassion. More dignity. And if you've never heard of these programs before, you're not alone. Most families haven't — until they need them. If you're caring for an aging parent, a grandparent, or any older loved one, this episode will give you a new lens on emergency care and the confidence to advocate for the people you love. Part 1 is ready when you are. Hit play. #EmpoweredElderPodcast #CaregivingSupport #AgingParents #GeriatricCare #SeniorHealth Guests: 🌐Dr. Holly Buschhorn (she/her)Chief of the Emergency DepartmentWestern Colorado Health Care System (WCHCS), VAHosts: 🎙️ Tasha Beckman & Nicole Robilotto The Empowered Elder Podcast — where we talk about home, heart, and the next chapter of life. In partnership with Agewise Colorado:https://agewisecolorado.org/blog/empowered-elder-podcasts/🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/empowered-elder-podcast/id1862896231 ▶️ Youtube: https://youtube.com/@empoweredelderpodcast?si=FYCTyh4N-QwaEUgT🔗 Visit our website & episode resources:http://bit.ly/EmpoweredElderPodcast

    29 min
  4. PART 1: Medicare Advantage Plans Explained: Is It Right for You?

    27 Apr

    PART 1: Medicare Advantage Plans Explained: Is It Right for You?

    Medicare decisions often arrive at a time when life already feels full—retirement planning, health concerns, and caring for loved ones. It’s no surprise so many people feel unsure where to begin. In this episode, Hank McClellan offers a steady, easy-to-understand guide through the essentials of Medicare. He explains why plan choices are deeply personal, how different options work, and what to be mindful of when timing your enrollment. In this episode: Why Medicare is not one-size-fits-allThe difference between Medicare Advantage and MedigapKey enrollment timelines and lifelong penaltiesWhat to consider if you’re still working or covered by an employerHow a broker can help simplify your decisions This conversation is a reminder that you don’t have to figure everything out alone—and that with the right information, these decisions can feel manageable. Take it one step at a time. This resonates? Wait 'til you see PART 2. In partnership with Agewise Colorado: https://agewisecolorado.org/blog/empowered-elder-podcasts/ 🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/empowered-elder-podcast/id1862896231 🔗 Visit our website & episode resources: http://bit.ly/EmpoweredElderPodcast Guests: Hank McClellan, Benefits Advisor, Medicare Mentors LLC 🌐 https://medicarementorsllc.com Hosts: 🎙️ Tasha Beckman & Nicole Robilotto The Empowered Elder Podcast — where we talk about home, heart, and the next chapter of life.

    28 min
  5. The Stories We Leave Behind | Intergenerational Connections

    13 Apr

    The Stories We Leave Behind | Intergenerational Connections

    What stories in your family haven’t been told yet? In this episode, Lisa Mars shares how video can become a meaningful way to preserve not just memories, but presence — the voice, personality, and essence of the people we love. For families navigating aging or life transitions, this can be a powerful way to hold onto what matters most. You’ll hear simple ways to begin, even if a loved one feels hesitant, and how everyday conversations can become lasting pieces of family history. In this episode, we talk about: Why family stories are often lost over timeHow video captures more than photos or written memoriesHelping loved ones feel comfortable on cameraSimple, low-pressure ways to start recordingPreserving meaningful moments during life transitions Sometimes, the stories we almost didn’t record become the ones we treasure most. Guests: Lisa Mares, Co-Founder, Maresmedia LLC|Video Strategist/Storyteller, and Content Developer🌐 https://www.maresmedia.online/Hosts: 🎙️ Tasha Beckman & Nicole Robilotto The Empowered Elder Podcast — where we talk about home, heart, and the next chapter of life. In partnership with Agewise Colorado: https://agewisecolorado.org/blog/empowered-elder-podcasts/ 🍎 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/empowered-elder-podcast/id1862896231 🔗 Visit our website & episode resources: https://app.highnote.io/c/p/249d4ddf/empowered-elder-podcast?cp=link Youtube: https://youtube.com/@empoweredelderpodcast?si=kqtNIsxVq8rtg149

    29 min

About

Aging doesn’t come with a manual — but it does come with questions. The Empowered Elder Podcast connects adults and families with trusted professionals and real answers to help navigate the aging journey wisely, confidently, and with peace of mind. Through empowering conversations, practical guidance, and heartfelt stories, we transform uncertainty into confidence — because aging is a journey you don’t have to walk alone.