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Senior Resource Podcasts
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Answers for Elders is the North Star in Navigating Senior Care.  Our content is designed to Empower Seniors and their Families through the Daunting Journey of Aging. Featuring our host, Suzanne Newman and top industry providers across the USA, together, we support, coach and assist seniors, caregivers and their families in finding the best independent solutions in world of aging, with a comprehensive line-up of topics covering Health & Wellness, Life Changes, Living Options, and Money & Law.

  1. 12/06/2025

    1 How Creative Aging Transforms Senior Lives

    SilverKite Community Arts is transforming the way we think about healthy aging by helping older adults stay creative, connected, and confident. Founded by Jennifer Kulik in 2013, SilverKite offers engaging creative aging programs, intergenerational arts experiences, and professional development for senior-serving organizations. These programs are designed to help older adults tap into their creativity, maintain cognitive and emotional vitality, and build meaningful social connections — key components of healthy aging. In this episode of Answers for Elders, host Suzanne Newman welcomes Jennifer to explore how creativity can enhance quality of life for seniors and support families navigating the aging journey. During the conversation, Jennifer shares powerful stories from SilverKite’s work with Chateau Retirement communities, including an inspiring intergenerational project at Chateau Bothell Landing. Students interviewed older adult residents and created “memory boxes” celebrating their life stories, sparking deep friendships across generations. One fifth-grade student even built a travel-themed box complete with lights, maps, and a spinning globe—leading to a lasting bond that extended far beyond the program. These heartwarming connections illustrate how creative engagement helps seniors feel valued, seen, and socially connected while giving youth a meaningful window into aging, history, and empathy. With over 30 years of experience designing arts programs for older adults, youth, and retirement communities, Jennifer explains the developmental importance of creativity later in life—drawing on Erik Erikson’s theories of lifelong growth. As today’s seniors live longer, healthier, and more active lives, programs like SilverKite offer opportunities to explore new passions, maintain identity, and stay mentally sharp. Whether you’re an older adult looking to stay engaged, or a family member seeking ways to support aging parents, this episode shines a light on the powerful role the arts play in well-being, purpose, and healthy aging. Jen holds a Ph.D. in Theatre for Young Audiences from Arizona State University and an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Washington. In 2012, she was awarded a Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching fellowship to travel to Singapore. She received the Joseph F. Wall Service Award from Grinnell College in 2018. Jen presents at conferences worldwide. Chateau Retirement provides independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. They have been locally owned and family operated for more than 25 years. Chateau Retirement has three communities in Washington's Seattle/Puget Sound area: Chateau Pacific in Lynnwood, Bothell Landing in Bothell, and Chateau Valley Center in Renton. Visit them online or call 800.960.1944. Visit Chateau's specialist page on Answers for Elders. Connect with SilverKite Website FacebookInstagramYouTube Visit Answers for Elders. Mentioned in this episode: Chateau Retirement a...

    14 min

  2. 12/06/2025

    2 Creative Aging for Seniors: SilverKite’s Intergenerational Programs at Chateau Retirement

    Suzanne Newman welcomes the SilverKite team of Jennifer Kulik (founder and CEO), McKenzie Wilson (Intergenerational & Community Program Manager), and Mollia Jensen (Creative Aging Program Manager) on the Answers for Elders podcast, hosted by Chateau Pacific in Lynnwood, Washington. SilverKite helps older adults stay creative, connected, and confident with engaging creative aging programs, intergenerational arts experiences, and professional development for senior-serving organizations. These programs are designed to help older adults tap into their creativity, maintain cognitive and emotional vitality, and build meaningful social connections—key components of healthy aging. Jen says, "When I was three years old, my mother caught me in my room with two dolls, one named Purple and one named Orange, and they were talking to each other, and I had voices for both of them. So my mother decided to enroll me in theater classes at the local community college. When I got to middle school, I started having health problems. I lost my hair and I also was having a really hard time digesting food, so I lost a lot of weight. I was very thin and bald at age 11. [She was diagnosed with alopecia universalis.] So if you can imagine, that was a very difficult time in my life. I was bullied quite extensively during my middle school years and into high school. But during all of that time, I kept going to theater classes, I kept acting, I kept going there, and I was part of a community there that helped me to regain my confidence and my self-esteem. And it was a very powerful thing for me. "So when I went off to college and started thinking about how the heck did I make it through this really difficult time, I realized that it was the arts. That was the thing that kept me going and helped me to recover myself during that difficult time. What can I do to help others who may be having a similar kind of thing happen to them? And so thus began my career in arts education and arts engagement. And I fell into intergenerational programs in 1999 when I was working on my master's degree, and a colleague and I were creating a curriculum for fourth and fifth graders about immigration that was social science and theater combined. And my colleague said, why don't we bring in some older adults from the community into the classroom to share their stories with the students about their immigration experience? And so we did that. And when I first saw this connection happening between these older adults and the youth, and was reminding myself about the great relationship I had with my own grandparents, it opened up a new door to me in thinking about how the arts can be a service to people and the community at large. So that is how I got started." Mollia adds, "Jen's story inspired me to understand my own even more, which is that I think I was born with a superpower that I didn't know I had, but I just did it, which is whenever life brought obstacles, I turned to the arts, and they just ended up being the healing arts. But they were always just the arts. And the arts are sort of like a portal I could always enter. And still to this day, that's what I'm doing, to be able to work at an organization that is always inviting people to create opportunities for people to enter that portal. Because what I've noticed about depression and loneliness in my own journey, and in others near to me, is sometimes it's as simple as a very small perspective shift, whether that stepping outside or whether that saying yes to come to an activity or a program, and then you're just in a whole new world. You're sitting at a table with people you didn't think you would be. You're on an outing. And I know that sometimes getting from here to there is is challenging for some individuals. But we're here to say say yes, come to the programs." For the past 30+ years Jennifer Kulik has designed and facilitated intergenerational arts, arts for youth, and arts for older...

    16 min

  3. 12/06/2025

    3 How Intergenerational Arts Improve Senior Health

    Intergenerational connection is one of the most powerful tools for healthy aging—and SilverKite is leading the way. Their innovative programs create intentional spaces where older adults and youth build relationships, share life stories, and combat social isolation. Through creative arts, storytelling, and collaborative projects, SilverKite helps seniors find purpose, connection, and renewed confidence. In this episode of the Answers for Elders podcast, host Suzanne Newman welcomes SilverKite founder and CEO Dr. Jennifer Kulik, along with McKenzie Wilson, Intergenerational & Community Program Manager, to explore how creativity enhances emotional wellness and quality of life for aging adults. This conversation was recorded at Chateau Pacific in Lynnwood, Washington. McKenzie shares insight into one of SilverKite’s most beloved initiatives: the Intergenerational Theater Company, now celebrating its 11th production. This unique program brings younger and older performers together to share real-life stories, transform them into powerful stage performances, and tour them across Seattle communities, libraries, and schools. McKenzie’s passion grew from her theater background and a desire to create meaningful community engagement. She describes how SilverKite’s mission—intentionally connecting people through their lived experiences—has shaped her work and reinforced the importance of joy, empathy, and human connection across generations. For more than 30 years, Dr. Jennifer Kulik has been a national leader in creative aging, designing arts-based programs for seniors, youth, retirement communities, schools, and social service organizations. Her expertise, combined with McKenzie’s innovative, people-centered approach, has helped SilverKite expand into a thriving organization committed to improving senior wellness through creativity. Together, they highlight programs designed to help older adults stay connected, engaged, and inspired. Whether you’re supporting an aging parent or looking for ways to stay active later in life, this episode offers uplifting insights and actionable ideas for aging with joy and purpose. McKenzie Wilson is a Seattle-based artist originally from North Carolina. She is dedicated to creating innovative, inspiring, and engaging projects that bring people together. With over 10 years of directing, writing, and performance experience across the country, Mckenzie delights in exploring and uplifting the vibrant cultures, communities, and stories around her, infusing her work with a playful spirit and a sense of wonder. Their work draws on the power of innovative storytelling and devised performance, inviting curiosity and discovery, with the intention to build authentic connection. She is always happy to connect — especially about creative pursuits, outdoor exploration, cats, and reality TV. She holds a BA in Dramatic Art and Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Chateau Retirement provides independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. They have been locally owned and family operated for more than 25 years. Chateau Retirement has three communities in Washington's Seattle/Puget Sound area: Chateau Pacific in Lynnwood, Bothell Landing in Bothell, and Chateau Valley Center in Renton. Visit them online or call 800.960.1944. Visit Chateau's specialist page on Answers for Elders. Connect with SilverKite Website Facebooka...

    10 min

  4. 12/06/2025

    4 Creative Aging for Seniors: Workshops, Mindfulness & Arts with SilverKite

    In this inspiring episode of Answers for Elders, Suzanne Newman returns to Chateau Retirement to explore the deeper meaning of creative aging with SilverKite’s Creative Aging Programs Manager, Mollia Jensen, and their founder and CEO Jennifer Kulik. Together, they dive into how SilverKite’s workshops, series, and intergenerational programs help older adults reconnect with creativity, emotional expression, and lifelong learning. From in-person classes to online experiences and community partnerships, SilverKite is redefining how seniors stay engaged, connected, and joyful. Mollia shares powerful insights from her 30+-year journey in the arts and creative aging field—beginning with her AmeriCorps work in memory care, where she used music and expressive arts to build meaningful connections. She explains how creative practices like painting, dance, writing, and mindfulness aren’t just hobbies—they awaken forgotten skills, support brain health, and help older adults tap into parts of themselves that may have been suppressed by years of structure or career routines. Whether through a single workshop or a six-week series, SilverKite programs create safe, playful, and growth-oriented environments for adults at every stage of aging. Listeners will also discover how SilverKite’s teaching artists collaborate with communities like Chateau Retirement to deliver experiences that strengthen social connection, encourage personal expression, and invite residents to explore creativity in everyday life. From expressive dance to DIY art projects to mindfulness-based sessions, these programs help seniors feel seen, supported, and inspired. If you're interested in how creativity enhances healthy aging—or you want to know what new residents can expect when they join a SilverKite-connected community—this episode offers heartfelt stories, surprising research, and practical examples of the power of creative play. For the past 30+ years Jennifer Kulik has designed and facilitated intergenerational arts, arts for youth, and arts for older adults programs for retirement communities, schools, theatre companies, and social service organizations. Jen holds a Ph.D. in Theatre for Young Audiences from Arizona State University and an M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction from the University of Washington. In 2012, she was awarded a Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching fellowship to travel to Singapore. She received the Joseph F. Wall Service Award from Grinnell College in 2018. Jen presents at conferences worldwide. Mollia Jensen has been a teaching artist for over 30 years. With roots in the theatre and wings in dance and writing, her path has engaged in leading programming with several arts, educational, community organizations and local creative classes. Mollia loves sharing moments of alchemy with others whether in a creative coaching session, in written words on the page, playing with swirling watercolors, or on the dance floor. She has an MFA in Writing from Pacific University. Chateau Retirement provides independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. They have been locally owned and family operated for more than 25 years. Chateau Retirement has three communities in Washington's Seattle/Puget Sound area: Chateau Pacific in Lynnwood, Bothell Landing in Bothell, and Chateau Valley Center in Renton. Visit them online or call 800.960.1944. Visit Chateau's specialist page on Answers for Elders. Connect with SilverKite Website a href="https://www.facebook.com/silverkitecommunityarts" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    14 min

  5. 11/29/2025

    50 Years of Seahawks Fandom, Part 1

    Celebrate an unforgettable milestone — 50 years of the Seattle Seahawks! — with a heartfelt conversation with long-time fans who have lived, breathed, and cheered through five decades of Seahawks football. In this episode, co-hosts Suzanne Newman (Answers for Elders) and Steve Raible (the Voice of the Seahawks) lead a roundtable sharing personal stories of growing up with the Seahawks, attending games across generations, and building lifelong friendships through the shared love of blue and green. Whether you’ve been following the team since the Kingdome days, or joined during the Legion of Boom era, this roundtable is full of nostalgia, pride, and powerful fan memories. Joining us for part 1: Steve Raible, co-host, Seahawks legend, the Voice of the Seattle Seahawks Jim Godfrey, owner of Chateau Retirement, OG 12 fan Sean Godfrey, VP of Chateau Retirement, OG 12 fan Dave and Susanne Payn, OG 12 fans, Chateau Valley Center residents Valerie Line, OG 12 fan, Chateau Pacific resident "Big Dave" Elk: OG 12 fan, Chateau Valley Center resident Jim Doughty, OG 12 fan, Chateau Pacific resident Listeners will enjoy a warm, authentic discussion that highlights why Seahawks fandom is so special—especially for seniors and long-time football enthusiasts. From early family traditions to the excitement of game day rituals, this episode brings out the emotional heart of what it means to be a 12. You’ll hear what inspired these women to become dedicated fans, what keeps them connected to the team decades later, and how Seahawks culture has shaped their lives, relationships, and sense of community. Whether you're a dedicated fan celebrating the team’s 50-year legacy or someone who loves listening to real stories from real people, this video offers a unique, personal look back at Seahawks history from the fans who lived it. Join us as we honor the past and celebrate the present with memories, laughter, and the true spirit of Seattle football. Go Hawks! Special Thanks: The Seattle Seahawks Steve Raible The Sea Hawkers Booster Club and especially, The OG 12s! Mentioned in this episode: Chateau Retirement Chateau Retirement

    32 min

  6. 11/29/2025

    50 Years of Seahawks Fandom, Part 2

    💠Celebrate an unforgettable milestone — 50 years of the Seattle Seahawks! — with a heartfelt conversation with long-time fans who have lived, breathed, and cheered through five decades of Seahawks football. In this episode, co-hosts Suzanne Newman (Answers for Elders) and Steve Raible (the Voice of the Seahawks) lead a roundtable sharing personal stories of growing up with the Seahawks, attending games across generations, and building lifelong friendships through the shared love of blue and green. Whether you’ve been following the team since the Kingdome days, or joined during the Legion of Boom era, this roundtable is full of nostalgia, pride, and powerful fan memories. Joining us for part 2: Steve Raible, co-host, Seahawks legend, the Voice of the Seattle SeahawksJim Godfrey, owner of Chateau Retirement, OG 12 fanSean Godfrey, VP of Chateau Retirement, OG 12 fanAlyse Robinson: Sea Hawker President of the Central CouncilT.J. Edin: Sea Hawkers memberSharon Burlinson: Executive Director, Snohomish Senior Center"Big Dave" Elk: OG 12 fan, Chateau Valley Center residentAlena Edin: Seahawk team liaison Listeners will enjoy a warm, authentic discussion that highlights why Seahawks fandom is so special—especially for seniors and long-time football enthusiasts. From early family traditions to the excitement of game day rituals, this episode brings out the emotional heart of what it means to be a 12. You’ll hear what inspired these women to become dedicated fans, what keeps them connected to the team decades later, and how Seahawks culture has shaped their lives, relationships, and sense of community. Whether you're a dedicated fan celebrating the team’s 50-year legacy or someone who loves listening to real stories from real people, this video offers a unique, personal look back at Seahawks history from the fans who lived it. Join us as we honor the past and celebrate the present with memories, laughter, and the true spirit of Seattle football. Go Hawks! Special Thanks: The Seattle SeahawksSteve RaibleThe Sea Hawkers Booster Cluband especially, The OG 12s! Mentioned in this episode: Chateau Retirement Chateau Retirement

    49 min

  7. 11/16/2025

    1 Aging in Place | All About Home Care

    Meghan Phelan, owner of Granny NANNIES of Miami, joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders podcast to talk about multiple facets of aging in place. In this segment, Meghan talks about home care agencies, including Granny NANNIES. Meghan says, "ADLs are those basic personal care, five things: showering/bathing, toileting, ambulation walking, feeding spoon-to-mouth, and dressing. Those are the five ADLs. But [home care] is bigger than that. When you're calling the right home care agency, they should be setting up a care plan with you, and going detail-by-detail the house dynamics. Who lives in the house? are there pets? Do we need to walk the pets? What kind of personal care do you prefer? So we go through even a kitchen – Who's cooking? What kind of meals do you like? – so, yes, we do those five ADLs, and they are trained to do that through state programs. However, what's more important is that personalized care plan. It's that 1-to-1 touch that you're getting when you set up the care plan. And then the big one is the personalities. Who gets along with who?" Meghan Phelan brings 18 years of experience in the elder care industry to her role as owner of Granny NANNIES of South Florida. After earning her BS in Health Service Administration from the University of Central Florida, she began her career as Sales and Marketing Director at a luxury assisted living facility in Orlando, where she developed a true passion for serving seniors. While working there, Meghan noticed a common theme: many residents, despite the high-quality care and beautiful environment, would have chosen to remain in their homes if possible. Inspired by this insight, Meghan spearheaded the launch of the facility’s first-ever home care division. This experience ignited her desire to establish her own elder care business, leading her to South Florida—a natural choice, as her business partner hailed from Miami. In 2011, she opened Granny NANNIES of Miami, licensed by AHCA (Agency for Health Care Administration), and has provided care to the community for 13 years. Over the years, her business has expanded with a satellite office in the Florida Keys, establishing a respected presence throughout South Florida. Now based in Miami with her son and two daughters, Meghan remains dedicated to providing compassionate, empathetic elder care. As an Alzheimer’s Association community educator and support group facilitator, she works to ensure seniors can age with dignity and comfort in their own homes. Meghan’s commitment is to make Granny NANNIES a trusted resource for families seeking quality care for their loved ones. Granny NANNIES of South Florida provides in-home care to seniors aged 65 and older, and individuals with chronic conditions or disabilities who prefer to remain in their homes. They service Miami, the Florida Keys, and surrounding regions. They provide compassionate, personalized care that respects the unique needs of South Florida’s diverse community and are a trusted resource for elder care for clients from across the U.S. ✨ Connect with Meghan at 305.591.1818, GrannyNannies.com/Miami or through social media: 💠 Instagram: grannynannies_southflorida 💠 Facebook: @grannynanniesmiamidade 💠 LinkedIn: @granny-nannies-of-miami-fl-24010510 💠 Youtube: @grannynanniesseniorhomecar615 Mentioned in this episode: Chateau Retirement Chateau Retirement

    16 min

  8. 11/16/2025

    2 Aging in Place | Meet Addison, 24-7 Virtual Caregiver

    Addison is an AI-powered virtual caregiver for a senior loved one designed to provide 24/7 care and safety support from home. Addison provides real-time health monitoring, continuous support for the at-risk, aging and ill, designed with tons of built-in tracking and monitoring features like GPS, fall detection, insulin tracking, and more. Addison helps patients better manage their health, improve the efficacy of caregivers, and improve their quality of life. Addison also helps to overcome social isolation and poor mood as a companion. Meghan Phelan joins Suzanne Newman on the Answers for Elders podcast to talk about the benefits of bringing Addison into the home of a senior loved one. Meghan says, "It's a monitor, like an iPad. So you get the monitor and then you pick as many devices as you want to go along with it. It comes with two. So that can be for monitoring. It could be like insulin checks, it could be there's other GPS trackers. So it's all these little gadgets that come with it. But you personalize what you want. I think a lot of the most sought after are the fall monitoring. So they'll plug in the sensors, set up reminders, and they'll set up the vitals that you want to track to your doctor. You also get TeleHealth access to a doctor, literally called PocketMD. And you know how it goes on the weekends. So if you wake up and all of a sudden something's not right, all you have to do is is reach out to somebody right there, right on the screen. Hey, Addison, can you call the doctor?" Meghan adds, "We haven't even talked about was the companionship side of it. We all have Chat GPT now on our phones, and I say that that's my best friend, you know. And the same thing goes for Addison. She's on there, and Addison can fetch, 'Hey, I want to make a spaghetti recipe tonight. Can you put me together something?' you know, or 'Can we do some chair exercises?' So the whole part of the physical help, yes, the monitoring is there, but also what comes with Addison is the companionship side." ✨ Call Meghan to set up a demo of the Electronic Caregiver, featuring Addison and Pocket M.D., at 786.759.1676. Mentioned in this episode: Chateau Retirement Chateau Retirement

    15 min
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About

Answers for Elders is the North Star in Navigating Senior Care.  Our content is designed to Empower Seniors and their Families through the Daunting Journey of Aging. Featuring our host, Suzanne Newman and top industry providers across the USA, together, we support, coach and assist seniors, caregivers and their families in finding the best independent solutions in world of aging, with a comprehensive line-up of topics covering Health & Wellness, Life Changes, Living Options, and Money & Law.

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