Value of Wrinkles: Caregiving, Aging Parents, and Intergenerational Connection

Isabel Tom
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Welcome to Value of Wrinkles. A heartfelt podcast hosted by Isabel Tom, author, speaker, and forever grandchild. Inspired by her book The Value of Wrinkle: A Young Perspective on How Loving the Old Will Change Your Life, this show celebrates the beauty of aging, the power of intergenerational relationships, and the transformative role of caregiving. Each episode explores how to connect more deeply with the older generation, offering practical advice, tender stories, and honest conversations on topics like elder care, aging parents, and legacy. Whether you're a caregiver, grandchild, or someone simply curious about growing older with grace, this podcast will help you love the older generation and yourself a little more.

  1. EP 107: Navigating Life as a Young Caregiver - with Beka Dowhy

    3D AGO

    EP 107: Navigating Life as a Young Caregiver - with Beka Dowhy

    Shownotes: In this conversation, Beka shared about the unique experiences of child caregivers, drawing from her personal story of caring for her mother who has multiple sclerosis. Together, we explore the emotional challenges that come with caregiving at a young age, the sense of purpose it can bring, and how often youth caregivers go unrecognized. We also discuss why it's so important for children to understand health conditions and share coping strategies that can help young caregivers navigate their roles with more support and confidence.   Highlights: 03:17 - The Reality of Youth Caregivers 05:42 - Navigating Caregiving Challenges 08:22 - Understanding Multiple Sclerosis and Its Impact 10:37 - The Importance of Support Networks 10:52 - Introduction to Caregiving Support Network 12:12 - Encouragement for Young Caregivers   Resources mentioned: Website - https://www.caregivingsupportnetwork.org/ Prepare to Care Course: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/preptocare   🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen 📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/ 📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534 📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup 📌 Get your GKI Kit: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/gkifam

    12 min
  2. EP 106: You're Already Watching the Olympics: 4 Ways Adult Children in the Sandwich Generation Can Turn it into Connection

    FEB 5

    EP 106: You're Already Watching the Olympics: 4 Ways Adult Children in the Sandwich Generation Can Turn it into Connection

    Shownotes: In this episode of the Value of Wrinkles podcast, I share four practical and heartfelt ways we can use the upcoming Winter Olympics as a meaningful way to connect with our aging parents and grandparents. From simple conversation starters to opportunities to serve with intention, these ideas are designed to help us build deeper intergenerational connection, understanding, and respect right where we are. Watch it together Share facts and create conversation. Help them setup TV/streaming to be able to watch the Olympics Create a watch schedule for the sports they enjoy watching.   Highlights: 00:00 - Connecting Generations Through the Olympics  02:50 - Engaging Conversations with Aging Parents 05:19 - Practical Ways to Serve and Connect 11:02 - Creating Meaningful Interactions 16:33 - The Importance of Enjoying Life Together   Resources mentioned: Stream the Olympics - Watch 2026 Winter Olympics | Peacock Grandkid Investigator Kit - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/gkifam   🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen 📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/ 📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534 📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup 📌 Get your GKI Kit: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/gkifam

    21 min
  3. EP 105: Building Connection: How LEGO® Helps People Living with Dementia – with Loretta Veney (Part 2)

    JAN 22

    EP 105: Building Connection: How LEGO® Helps People Living with Dementia – with Loretta Veney (Part 2)

    Shownotes: In this episode, we continue our conversation with Loretta Veney and reflect on how Legos became an unexpected source of emotional support and communication during her mother's long journey with dementia. Listening to Loretta share how therapeutic play strengthened family bonding, encouraged memory sharing, and deepened their intergenerational connection reminded me that caregiving doesn't always have to feel heavy to be meaningful. We talk about how building together created moments of joy and understanding, even when words were hard to find. This episode invites you to rethink caregiving and see how simple tools like Legos can transform connection, one shared build at a time.   Highlights: 00:00 - Lego Serious Play: A Unique Approach to Engagement 22:38 - Connecting Through Caregiving and Creativity 24:06 - Resources for Caregivers: Prepare to Care Course   Resources mentioned: Website: https://lorettaveney.com/ Loretta's book: https://lorettaveney.com/shop/ols/products/being-my-moms-mom-3rd-edition Episode 104: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/blog/Building-Connection-How-LEGO-Helps-People-Living-with-Dementia-with-Loretta-Veney-Part-1 Prepare to Care Course: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/preptocare   🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen 📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/ 📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534 📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup 📌 Get your GKI Kit: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/gkifam

    25 min
  4. EP 104: Building Connection: How LEGO® Helps People Living with Dementia – with Loretta Veney (Part 1)

    JAN 15

    EP 104: Building Connection: How LEGO® Helps People Living with Dementia – with Loretta Veney (Part 1)

    Shownotes: In this episode, I sit down with Loretta Veney and listen to the beautiful way Legos became a bridge for communication during her mother's journey with dementia. She shares how something as simple as play created moments of joy, creativity, and deep emotional connection within her family, even during hard seasons. I was moved by how these small acts of engagement supported both her mother's mental health and her own as a caregiver. This conversation is a powerful reminder that connection doesn't have to be complicated sometimes it starts with a handful of Legos and a willing heart.   Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction to Loretta Veney and Her Lego Journey 04:32 - Using Legos as a Communication Tool for Dementia 08:20 - Finding Joy in the Face of Dementia 12:00 - Lego Serious Play: A Unique Approach to Engagement 13:49 - The Power of Play and Connection 15:09 - Using Legos for Dementia Care   Resources mentioned: https://lorettaveney.com/ Loretta's book: https://lorettaveney.com/shop/ols/products/being-my-moms-mom-3rd-edition   🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen 📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/ 📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534 📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup

    17 min
  5. EP 103: Love Doesn't End in December: Why January Visits Matter and How the Grandkid Investigator Kit Helps

    JAN 8

    EP 103: Love Doesn't End in December: Why January Visits Matter and How the Grandkid Investigator Kit Helps

    Shownotes: In this episode, I talk about why January visits can be some of the most meaningful moments for our aging parents and loved ones in senior living. After the holidays pass and the noise fades, loneliness can settle in and that's when connection matters most. I share how my experiences in caregiving have shown me the importance of consistent family visits and intergenerational connection, not just seasonal check-ins. I also introduce the Grand Kid Investigator Kit as a simple way to create meaningful visits and help kids show up with curiosity, confidence, and heart all year long.   Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction to the Value of Wrinkles Podcast 00:26 - The Importance of January Visits 03:45 - The Grand Kid Investigator Kit 08:26 - Making Meaningful Connections Year-Round   Resources mentioned: Follow the GKI Holiday Caravan - Visiting senior living communities during the holidays Check out the GKI Kit -Grandkid Investigator Kit - Make time with grandparents memorable   🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen 📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/ 📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534 📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup

    11 min
  6. EP 102: When Kids are Afraid of Visiting Senior Living Communities

    12/19/2025

    EP 102: When Kids are Afraid of Visiting Senior Living Communities

    Shownotes: In this episode, I share why caregiving and aging have taught me so much about the power of intergenerational connection, especially during the holidays. I talk about what I've learned from bringing kids into senior living communities whether through a holiday caravan, community service, or simple family activities and how we can help children overcome fear and uncertainty when visiting seniors. I also share why patience matters, and how meaningful relationship building takes time, trust, and repeated moments of showing up. My hope is to give you practical encouragement to help kids and seniors connect in ways that feel joyful, respectful, and lasting.   Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction to the Value of Wrinkles Podcast 00:27 - The Importance of Visiting Senior Living Communities 01:30 - Overcoming Kids' Fear of Senior Visits 04:04 - Building Comfort and Patience in Kids 09:08 - Task-Oriented Engagement for Kids 12:31 - Closing Thoughts and Future Plans     Resources mentioned: GKI Holiday Caravan - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/hckids Check our Website - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com   🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen 📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/ 📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534 📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup

    14 min
  7. EP 101: Why Connection Is the Greatest Gift for Grandparents

    12/05/2025

    EP 101: Why Connection Is the Greatest Gift for Grandparents

    Shownotes: In this episode, I share why the greatest gift you can give a grandparent this Christmas isn't something you buy but it's genuine connection. I talk about how older adults often feel unseen or overlooked, and why asking questions, listening, and spending intentional time with them matters so much. I also introduce the Grandkid Investigator Kit, a simple tool I created to help families spark meaningful conversations and deepen relationships across generations, whether you're together in person or connecting from afar.   Highlights: 00:00 - The Holiday Spirit and Connection 08:16 - The Gift of Connection: Grand Kid Investigator Kit   Resources mentioned: Get your GKI Kit - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/gkifam Netflix Documentary - Man on the Inside   🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen 📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/ 📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534 📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup

    11 min
  8. EP 100: Celebrating 100 Episodes: My Honest Reflection on Podcasting, Perseverance & Purpose

    11/27/2025

    EP 100: Celebrating 100 Episodes: My Honest Reflection on Podcasting, Perseverance & Purpose

    Shownotes: In this special milestone episode, I'm celebrating something that still feels surreal: 100 episodes of the Value of Wrinkles podcast. Join me as I take you behind the scenes of this four-year journey from recording under a blanket during COVID, to late night sessions past midnight, to navigating tech changes, long pauses, and everything in between. You'll hear honest reflections, funny confessions (yes - recording in a hot car counts), and the deeper purpose behind every episode I create: helping you love your older loved ones better while learning to love yourself through aging too.   Highlights: 00:00 - Celebrating 100 Episodes 04:57 - The Journey of Podcasting 10:46 - Behind the Scenes of Podcasting 13:31 - Highlighting Memorable Series and Episodes 15:45 - Looking Ahead and Future Aspirations   Resources mentioned: Episode 89 - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/blog/6-Tips-for-Managing-Kids-in-Intergenerational-Senior-Living-Programs Episode 75 - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/blog/Tired-of-Meeting-Together-with-Family Episode 28 - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/blog/ep-28 Episode 12 - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/blog/ep-12 Episode 33 - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/blog/33 Episode 55 - https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/blog/ep-55-making-grandparent-time-fun-this-summer-with-author-roxy-wiley   🎧 Show Notes: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/listen 📸 Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isabelctom/ 📖 Read The Value of Wrinkles: https://www.amazon.com/Value-Wrinkles-Perspective-Loving-Change/dp/0802419534 📬 Join the email list: https://www.valueofwrinkles.com/signup

    17 min
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About

Welcome to Value of Wrinkles. A heartfelt podcast hosted by Isabel Tom, author, speaker, and forever grandchild. Inspired by her book The Value of Wrinkle: A Young Perspective on How Loving the Old Will Change Your Life, this show celebrates the beauty of aging, the power of intergenerational relationships, and the transformative role of caregiving. Each episode explores how to connect more deeply with the older generation, offering practical advice, tender stories, and honest conversations on topics like elder care, aging parents, and legacy. Whether you're a caregiver, grandchild, or someone simply curious about growing older with grace, this podcast will help you love the older generation and yourself a little more.

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