Living to 100 Club

Joseph M. Casciani, PhD
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

The Living to 100 Club is an exciting take on getting older. The Living to 100 Club members turn aging on its head knowing and understanding age is only a number. The Living to 100 Club is for everyone of all ages who wants to maintain a positive outlook about our futures. The Living to 100 Club offers fresh and inspiring perspectives on aging successfully, no matter how much help we may need adapting to growing older. Whether we’re still running marathons or confined to a wheelchair, we can always keep a positive frame of mind, look forward to events in our future, and plan on living to 100. The Living to 100 Club brings together topics on successful aging, overcoming obstacles, staying positive in the face of adversity, healthy lifestyles, starting new chapters and doing what you can’t. The Living to 100 Club guests share their professional stories, give advice on wellness, and offer explanations about living life to its fullest.

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  1. Jul 23

    What Makes Life Worth Extending?

    What Makes Life Worth Extending? What does it really mean to live longer—and live better? In this episode of the Living to 100 Club, Dr. Joe Casciani speaks with Leslie Kenny, Member of the Board of Directors, Oxford Longevity Project, about the psychological, biological, and lifestyle factors shaping longevity around the world. Leslie shares surprising findings from a global longevity study involving 25 countries, including striking attitudes toward aging among younger generations. Together, Joe and Leslie explore how purpose, mindset, social connection, and healthy lifestyle habits can influence not only lifespan, but quality of life along the way. The conversation also examines ageism, reinvention later in life, anti-inflammatory approaches to health, and the idea that aging can become a new chapter filled with growth, curiosity, and renewed meaning. Leslie also discusses her own personal health journey and why she believes individuals should remain hopeful, proactive, and engaged in shaping their future health and well-being. Topics Included The Oxford Longevity Project and global attitudes toward aging Why purpose and meaning matter throughout life The impact of mindset on longevity and resilience Ageism and outdated stereotypes about growing older Reinvention and “new chapters” later in life Lifestyle factors linked to healthy aging Anti-inflammatory approaches to wellness Practical ways to stay engaged, optimistic, and connected as we age This thoughtful discussion offers encouragement and practical insights for anyone interested in aging with greater intention, vitality, and purpose. Mini Bio Leslie Kenny is an autoimmune disease survivor, certified health coach, and founder of Oxford Healthspan, an Oxford, England based nutraceutical company bringing healthspan promoting molecules to market. She previously worked as a fundraiser for Oxford University regenerative medicine spinouts. Through her personal brand, Leslie's New Prime, she shares her expertise via a comprehensive health and longevity guide, drawing from both her personal journey and professional knowledge. Her health journey and longevity expertise are often featured in print, including The Times and The Guardian, and she was a speaker at TEDx Oxford in February 2025. Leslie has a Harvard MBA and a BA from Berkeley. For Our Listeners Oxford Longevity Project Leslie's Website: Leslie's New Prime Continue Exploring Healthy Longevity Interested in learning more? Here are a few additional conversations and resources from the Living to 100 Club that expand on the science and practice of healthy aging. The Mountain and the Climb: Reflections on Aging, Resilience, and Purpose Centenarian Longevity Habits: What Keeps Them Healthy Mindfulness Practices to Enhance Longevity and Quality of Life

  2. Jul 23

    Strength, Sugar, and Small Habits: Practical Strategies for Healthy Aging

    Strength, Sugar, and Small Habits: Practical Strategies for Healthy Aging In this Living to 100 Club episode, Dr. Joe Casciani speaks with Kristin Oja, nurse practitioner and founder of a rapidly growing healthcare practice focused on lifestyle medicine, movement, and patient empowerment. Together, they explore the powerful role of strength training, metabolic health, and small daily habits in shaping long-term well-being. Kristin shares insights from working with over 10,000 patients, highlighting how incremental changes—like improving balance, building muscle, and managing glucose levels—can significantly reduce the risk of chronic conditions, including dementia. The conversation also challenges common assumptions about “healthy” habits, particularly around sugar intake and metabolic health. This episode offers a refreshing, practical approach to aging well—one that emphasizes consistency, purpose, and small steps that add up over time. 🔑 Key Topics Covered Why strength and muscle mass are essential for longevity and independence The concept of “type 3 diabetes” and its connection to brain health Hidden glucose spikes—even in foods considered healthy The role of inflammation in aging and cognitive decline Habit stacking and small, sustainable behavior changes Balance training and fall prevention through daily routines Functional medicine and addressing root causes of disease The importance of purpose and mindset in sustaining health behaviors 🧠 What You’ll Learn Why building strength may be one of the most important investments in aging well How small, consistent habits can lead to major health improvements What most people misunderstand about sugar and metabolic health How to integrate simple balance and movement exercises into daily life Why understanding your “why” is critical for lasting behavior change Mini Bio Kristin obtained her Doctor of Nursing Practice, Masters of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner focus, and is a Registered Nurse. She is also an entrepreneur, functional and lifestyle medicine guru, personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and lover of everything health and wellness! Passionate about taking a Personalized Medicine approach, Kristin focuses on uncovering the root cause of chronic illness and disease. Taking into account her patients lifestyle, diet, genetics, environment, and stress, each treatment plan is unique and individualized. Kristin has been serving and caring for patients for over 10 years. She strives every day to provide high quality care by doing everything with compassion, integrity, and above all a serving heart. Kristin founded STAT Wellness, which stands for Strength To Achieve Total Wellness, to help transform medicine. Statistically, as a society, we are getting sicker and sicker. At STAT Wellness, we want to partner with you to help you not only look your best but to feel your best by combining the best practices of medicine + movement. For Our Listeners Kristin's website: StatWellness.com

  3. Jun 23

    Heart Health, Longevity, and Prevention with Dr. Pratiksha Gandhi

    In this episode of the Living to 100 Club podcast, Dr. Joseph Casciani speaks with cardiologist and preventive healthcare expert Dr. Pratiksha Gandhi. We discuss heart health, aging, and the growing importance of prevention and lifestyle-based care. Dr. Gandhi is the Founder and CEO of CoCardio™ Inc and has spent nearly three decades helping individuals improve cardiovascular health through holistic and preventive approaches used alongside traditional medical care. Over the course of her career, she has worked with more than 100,000 clients internationally. She has written five books on heart health and wellness. The discussion explores how lifestyle, stress, behavior, mindset, nutrition, exercise, and early intervention may influence long-term cardiovascular health and healthy aging. Dr. Gandhi also discusses EECP therapy. What are related approaches that may offer additional options for some individuals seeking non-surgical support for heart conditions. Topics include: Preventive approaches to cardiovascular health The relationship between lifestyle and longevity Stress, emotional health, and the aging heart Whether aspects of heart disease may be improved or reversed EECP and non-invasive approaches to circulatory support What people often misunderstand about heart health Practical steps listeners can take to protect heart function as they age This conversation offers an encouraging and practical look at how proactive choices and informed care may help support both heart health and quality of life over time. For more information about Dr. Pratiksha Gandhi and CoCardio™, visit her website and related resources: https://cocardioinc.com Interested in learning more about EECP? Listen to our related episode: "EECP Therapy and Heart Health with Jack Clifford" Mini Bio CoCardio™ Inc, is the continuation of Pratiksha Gandhi’s lifelong mission to prevent heart attacks and reverse heart disease naturally. This approach adopts holistic solutions as an adjunct to standard care. Now, Dr. Gandhi brings her expertise and knowledge to San Diego. She is on a mission to share her knowledge and experience to revolutionizing how we approach heart care and save lives. Pratiksha Gandhi, MD, has published five books. She has also been published in US News, California Herald, Times of India, LA Wire and NY Weekly. Acknowledged by the California Legislature Assembly and honored with the 2016 President’s Volunteer Service Award for exceptional support to GuardaHeart in enhancing heart health and saving lives, Pratiksha Gandhi MD stands as a beacon in the field. In 2016, the International Association of Cardiologists, New York, USA, hailed her as The Leading Physician of the World. Additionally, in March 2017, she was proudly awarded the Top 50 Global Women Healthcare Leader. For Our Listeners Dr. Gandhi's website: https://cocardioinc.com

  4. Jun 2

    Rethinking Loneliness: How Community Shapes Social Connection in Older Adults

    In this episode of the Living to 100 Club, Dr. Joe Casciani speaks with Amanda Montague of Carleton University about her innovative, community-based research on social isolation and loneliness among older adults. Also on the program is Anna Cuylits, Chair of the Senior Watch Old Ottawa South (SWOOS). Working closely with Anna's group in Ottawa, Amanda used participatory methods—including workshops, digital storytelling, and social network mapping—to better understand how older adults experience connection in everyday life. Rather than focusing only on isolation, the project explored what helps people feel connected, revealing an important insight: loneliness may be more prevalent—and more complex—than social isolation alone. Their conversation highlights how social connection is shaped not just by relationships, but also by the design of communities—walkable spaces, accessible transportation, and simple features like places to rest. To better understand social connection in older adults, they also explore the role of informal networks of care, community partnerships, and the need for better coordination among organizations that support aging in place. This episode offers practical insights for professionals, caregivers, and communities seeking to move beyond awareness and take meaningful steps to strengthen connection and well-being in later life. Mini Bios Amanda Montague Amanda received her PhD from the University of Ottawa in 2019. Her dissertation, Mobile Memories: Canadian Cultural Memory in the Digital Age, explored how mobile technologies and locative media shape everyday experiences of memory and place. From 2019 to 2022, she held a postdoctoral fellowship in Digital Storytelling at the Sherman Centre for Digital Scholarship at McMaster University, where she collaborated with librarians and information specialists to support digital scholarship through teaching, consultations, and digital tool workshops. She later joined McMaster’s Office of Community Engagement as an Educational Developer for Community-Engaged Teaching and Learning. Amanda has extensive experience developing community-engaged and experiential learning courses as an instructor, collaborator, and consultant. Since 2016, she has designed projects in digital humanities that promote creativity, collaboration, and community-building. Her work has included supporting students in developing community storytelling projects using tools such as podcasting, digital exhibits, mapping, GIS, and social media. In her current role at Carleton University as Postdoctoral Fellow for Community Engaged Digital Humanities and StudioDH, Amanda continues to advance interdisciplinary, community-driven digital scholarship while fostering equitable co-teaching and co-learning environments for students, instructors, and community members. Anna Cuylits Anna is Chair of OSCA Senior Watch Old Ottawa South (SWOOS). She retired in 2012 after a 40-year career in community and hospital social work. Wanting to age in place in her inner urban community of Old Ottawa South, Anna and other residents recognized barriers to healthy aging and independent living. In 2018, they founded SWOOS to raise awareness and advocate for improvements in healthcare, housing, social connection, and winter walkability. Under Anna’s leadership, SWOOS has published dozens of articles on safe and healthy aging, conducted winter walkability audits to support advocacy for improved city maintenance standards, helped support development of the Seniors Health Innovations Hub, and successfully advocated for community improvements including an intergenerational chat bench and an additional city bus stop. SWOOS also received a 2024 Community Builders Award and is currently collaborating with Carleton University on projects examining social connections and barriers affecting older adults. Anna graduated from the Academy of Social Sciences and Social Work in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and has held professional social work registrations in British Columbia, Ontario, and nationally in Canada. In 2025, she received the Ontario Senior Achievement Award. Link to Ottawa South Social Connections Project

  5. May 22

    Can Better Blood Flow Improve Brain and Heart Health? A Conversation About EECP

    What if improving blood flow—and potentially enhancing heart health, energy, and even cognitive function—didn’t require surgery? In this Living to 100 Club episode, we explore EECP therapy, a non-invasive treatment designed to improve circulation and support cardiovascular health. I speak with Jack Clifford about his personal experience with Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP). EECP is a non-invasive therapy designed to increase circulation and support cardiovascular function. Originally developed as a treatment for patients with severe angina, EECP remains relatively underutilized in the United States. This is despite FDA clearance and Medicare coverage in certain cases. Jack shares his journey with EECP, including the improvements he experienced in energy, sleep, and overall well-being. We also explore the broader potential of this therapy. What are its possible applications for conditions such as cognitive decline, long COVID, and other circulation-related concerns. Our conversation goes beyond the medical procedure itself. We touch on larger questions about innovation in healthcare. This includes why some treatments gain traction while others remain on the margins, and what individuals can do to advocate for their own health. As always, this discussion is intended to inform and inspire curiosity—not to replace medical advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals when considering treatment options. Key Topics Covered What EECP is and how it works Jack’s personal experience and outcomes The standard treatment protocol and what patients can expect Why EECP remains underutilized in the U.S. Research findings and emerging applications Considerations, risks, and accessibility challenges The role of patient advocacy in exploring treatment options Listener Takeaways There may be non-surgical approaches to improving circulation and cardiovascular health Some therapies remain underrecognized despite clinical research and regulatory approval Personal health outcomes can improve through a combination of medical intervention and self-awareness Staying informed and asking questions is an important part of managing one’s own health journey Mini Bio  Jack Clifford is a retired U.S. Coast Guard E-9 with 21 years of active duty service. He is the author of EECP: The Most Underutilized Therapy in Medicine. After retiring from the military at 39, Clifford spent years focused almost entirely on the health of his wife Jennifer. During this time, she was navigating her traumatic brain injury, scleroderma, and lymphoma across two decades. During that period, he stopped caring for himself. In January 2021, he was hospitalized at 47 with severe coronary artery disease. His diagnoses included a 100% blocked LAD (the widowmaker), a 95% blocked left circumflex, and an 80% blocked right coronary artery. He declined to sign a combined cath-and-bypass consent form and leaving the hospital against medical advice. Alternatively, he found EECP — a therapy he had first encountered years earlier while researching options for his mother after her own triple bypass and subsequent cognitive decline. He drove three hours to find a cardiologist willing to use EECP as a first-line treatment. Additionally, Jack financed his own machine on credit, and has used it nearly every day since. Over more than 600 hours of treatment he observed many changes. These cut across cardiovascular function, cognition, sleep, and overall vitality that deepened his understanding of the endothelium as a whole-body system. His wife Jennifer also began using the same machine. She hasexperienced her own measurable improvements — turning a personal discovery into an obligation to share it. Through his writing and educational outreach, Clifford seeks to ensure that no patient is offered EECP only after being told their options have run out. Importantly, he advises that the structural and economic reasons for its neglect become part of the public conversation about American healthcare.

  6. May 6

    The Forgotten Sense: How Smell Impacts Brain Health, Mood, and Aging Well

    What if one of the most overlooked indicators of brain health is something we rarely think about—our sense of smell? In this Living to 100 Club episode, Dr. Joe Casciani speaks with Jonathan Askholm about the emerging science of olfactory health. We spotlight its surprising connection to cognitive function, mood, and overall well-being. While vision and hearing loss receive widespread attention, smell loss often goes unnoticed—even as it may signal deeper neurological changes. Jonathan shares insights from recent research showing how olfactory training—simple, daily exposure to specific scents—has surprising benefits. It may help strengthen neural pathways, support memory, and even reduce depressive symptoms. The conversation explores why smell declines with age. Also discussed is how it affects quality of life, and why this “forgotten sense” deserves a more prominent role in healthy aging strategies. Listeners will come away with a new appreciation for the role of smell in brain health. And listeners gain practical ideas for incorporating olfactory awareness into daily life. 🔑Key Topics Covered Why smell loss is often overlooked compared to hearing and vision The connection between olfactory function, the brain, and emotional health Research linking smell loss to cognitive decline and depressive symptoms How olfactory training works (simple daily scent exercises) The role of neuroplasticity in maintaining and improving smell function Practical applications for older adults and those concerned about brain health Why smell may be an early indicator of neurological change 🧠 What You’ll Learn How smell connects directly to memory and emotion through the brain’s limbic system Why gradual smell loss often goes unnoticed for years How a few minutes a day of scent exposure may support cognitive health The broader implications of olfactory health for aging, dementia, and well-being Mini Bio After losing his father to dementia and experiencing first-hand the helplessness that accompanies such a journey, Jonathan is excited to share an empowering and simple practice that you can begin using today. Upon learning incredible scientifically-backed benefits to cognition and memory through our sense of smell, what began as presentations sharing this information with families, caregivers, and aging populations grew into Memorease. Jonathan hosts workshops on wellness and personal/professional development through his company Happy People. He believes that positive change is possible at any of life's stages, and that we each play a pivotal role in our own health & well-being.

  7. May 4

    Why We Avoid Planning for Aging—and How to Take the First Step

    Planning for later life often begins later than we expect. Many families find themselves making important decisions under pressure, rather than with clarity and intention. In this episode of the Living to 100 Club, Nancy Cogar shares practical strategies to help individuals and families think ahead—before a crisis occurs. Drawing on her legal expertise and experience, she outlines thoughtful approaches to planning, decision-making, and navigating the complexities that often come with aging. In this encore episode of the Living to 100 Club, Dr. Joseph Casciani welcomes back Nancy Cogar, author of Boomertime Blueprint, to explore why so many individuals and families delay planning for later life—and what it costs them when they do. Why is legal planning so important, and how do we get started? Nancy brings a thoughtful, advocacy-based perspective to aging, caregiving, and decision-making. Together, they discuss how to move from avoidance to action, with practical steps that can reduce stress, improve communication, and support better outcomes for everyone involved. This conversation is especially relevant for adults 55+ and for family members who may find themselves stepping into caregiving roles—often without a plan. For those looking to take the next step, additional guidance and resources are available through the Living to 100 community. What You’ll Learn Why aging-related planning is so often delayed The emotional and psychological barriers behind avoidance What can happen when planning is postponed too long Practical first steps individuals and families can take now Common misconceptions about aging, independence, and caregiving How Boomertime Blueprint helps guide people toward informed decisions About Nancy Cogar Nancy Cogar is an advocate, educator, and author focused on helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of aging with greater clarity and confidence. Her work emphasizes proactive planning, informed decision-making, and compassionate communication. Her new book, Boomertime Blueprint, offers a practical guide to preparing for the later stages of life. For Our Listeners Nancy's Website: Nancy Cogar

  8. Apr 27

    Lessons from the Amazon Rain Forest: Flow, Perspective, and Aging Well

    What can the rainforest teach us about living well? About aging well? In this episode of the Living to 100 Club, Joe Casciani reflects on a journey into the Ecuadorian rainforest. This trip was colored with hiking muddy jungle trails and sharing lunch with a Kichwa family living in harmony with the forest. Standing on the equator with one foot in each hemisphere was a highlight. Along the way, a simple bracelet made of San Pedro wood beads offered an unexpected lesson. In Amazonian cosmology, the beads symbolize the continuity and flow of water. This is a reminder to move with life rather than against it. Joining the conversation is rainforest guide Alfredo Carrera. Alfredo was born and raised in the rain forest until age 13. As an adult, he has spent years helping travelers experience the extraordinary ecosystem of the Amazon basin and the wisdom of the cultures that live within it. Together they explore what nature, indigenous traditions, and travel itself can teach us about perspective, resilience, and the psychology of aging well. Key Takeaways • Nature has a way of restoring perspective.• Many indigenous cultures emphasize living with the natural world rather than controlling it.• Psychological flexibility — adapting rather than resisting — is a core ingredient of resilience.• Aging well often means learning to move with life’s currents rather than fighting them.

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5
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About

The Living to 100 Club is an exciting take on getting older. The Living to 100 Club members turn aging on its head knowing and understanding age is only a number. The Living to 100 Club is for everyone of all ages who wants to maintain a positive outlook about our futures. The Living to 100 Club offers fresh and inspiring perspectives on aging successfully, no matter how much help we may need adapting to growing older. Whether we’re still running marathons or confined to a wheelchair, we can always keep a positive frame of mind, look forward to events in our future, and plan on living to 100. The Living to 100 Club brings together topics on successful aging, overcoming obstacles, staying positive in the face of adversity, healthy lifestyles, starting new chapters and doing what you can’t. The Living to 100 Club guests share their professional stories, give advice on wellness, and offer explanations about living life to its fullest.

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