Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®

Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®

We’re all getting older. We might as well embrace it. Join Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR® in exploring what it’s like to get older. Host Cheryl Proska walks with you on the winding road of aging. The peaks. The valleys. And everything in between. This is what aging looks like. Real people. Real stories. Real advice. Let’s grow old, together.

  1. 6d ago

    Pilates for Strength, Balance, and Healthy Aging

    In this episode of Honestly Aging, we welcome Pilates instructor Jule Lane for a conversation about how Pilates can support strength, balance, posture, and confidence as we age. Jule shares the origins of Pilates, explains why it's a uniquely adaptable form of movement, and breaks down how it can help older adults build core stability, reduce fall risk, improve mobility, and feel more at home in their bodies.  Throughout the conversation we explore both the physical and emotional benefits of Pilates, from supporting bone health and easing back pain to reducing stress and helping people feel more confident and independent in everyday life. Jule also offers practical guidance on how to get started, what to look for in an instructor, and how Pilates can be modified for people living with arthritis, osteoporosis, or limited mobility. The episode concludes with a gentle Pilates demonstration focused on strengthening the core and supporting healthy aging.  #HonestlyAging #FriendsLifeCare #VigR #Podcast #PilatesForAging #HealthyAging #ActiveAging #AgingWell #Pilates #MindfulMovement #StrengthAndBalance #FallPrevention #MobilityMatters #WellnessForOlderAdults #AgingIndependently   Resources:  https://pranacollective.net  https://www.facebook.com/JuleLaneYoga/  https://www.facebook.com/groups/pranacollectivenj/  https://www.instagram.com/pranacollectivenj/  https://www.youtube.com/@julelaneyoga  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jule-lane/  https://www.friendslifecare.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Jule-Lane-Parana-Class-Flyer-1.pdf   Friends Life Care:  https://www.friendslifecare.org/ https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/ https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/   © 2026 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

    1 hr

  2. Jun 10

    What It Means to Carry a Family Legacy

    In this episode of Honestly Aging, we welcome Nina Foster, daughter of artist Harold Weston, for a conversation about family legacy, aging, advocacy, and her work preserving and sharing her father's art through the Harold Weston Foundation. Nina is also a Friends Life Care member.  Throughout the episode, Nina reflects on her unique childhood growing up in the Adirondacks with an artist father whose work would later become recognized as an important contribution to American art. She shares stories about family life, the role her mother played in supporting Harold’s career, and the inspiration behind preserving his legacy through the Harold Weston Foundation.  The conversation explores themes of family legacy, independence, advocacy, aging, and the responsibility of carrying meaningful work forward for future generations. Nina also discusses her own professional journey, including her work in volunteer leadership and patient advocacy during the early AIDS crisis, as well as the importance of planning ahead for aging and remaining connected to purpose throughout life.  As a special tribute, Nina honors fellow Friends Life Care member and poet Fred Dawson by reading one of his poems and reflecting on the creativity, curiosity, and lifelong growth that can continue well into older adulthood.  Viewers will also enjoy a guided look at several of Harold Weston's paintings and learn how the Foundation continues to preserve, promote, and share his artwork with new audiences.  For listeners, you can watch this episode on YouTube here. This conversation offers insight into art, family, service, and what it means to leave a lasting legacy.  #HonestlyAging #FriendsLifeCare #VigR #Podcast #OlderAdults #VibrantAging #FamilyLegacy #LifeStories #HaroldWeston  Resources:  https://haroldweston.org/home   Friends Life Care:   https://www.friendslifecare.org/   https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/  https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/  https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/    © 2026 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

    36 min

  3. May 22

    The Power of Friendship as We Age

    Claudia Apfelbaum, licensed clinical social worker and founder of Claudia Listens, joins Honestly Aging for a heartfelt conversation about friendship, loneliness, resilience, and the importance of meaningful connection as we age.  We explore how friendships evolve over time, why social connection is essential for emotional well-being, and the ways older adults can begin building new relationships later in life. From navigating retirement and life transitions to overcoming isolation after loss or during periods of loneliness, this episode offers compassionate insight and practical encouragement for anyone seeking deeper connection.  Claudia shares reflections from her therapy practice and friendship support groups while discussing:  The difference between solitude and loneliness  How vulnerability deepens relationships  Rebuilding social confidence after COVID isolation  Why volunteering, hobbies, and shared interests can foster connection  The importance of resilience, self-worth, and "befriending yourself"  Communication skills that strengthen friendships, including listening and paraphrasing  Whether you are looking to strengthen existing relationships, reconnect with old friends, or build new social connections later in life, this conversation offers hope, wisdom, and practical ideas for cultivating friendship at every age.  #HonestlyAging #FriendsLifeCare #VigR #Podcast #VibrantAging #Friendship #ConnectionMatters #LonelinessAwareness #MentalWellness #PositiveAging  Resources:  https://www.claudialistens.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-apfelbaum-35862611/  https://www.bluezones.com/  https://www.idealist.org/volunteermatch  https://www.usa.gov/agencies/americorps-seniors  https://www.unitedway.org/how-you-can-help/why-volunteer  https://pcacares.org/services/community-connection/volunteer/  https://www.philafound.org/engaging-volunteers/individuals/retirees/  Friends Life Care:  https://www.friendslifecare.org/        https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/       https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/      https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/  © 2026 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

    52 min

  4. May 7

    Tech + Care Coordination: Zemplee & Friends Life Care Study

    In this Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR® episode we welcome Mike Liskai, Director of Program Operations at Zemplee and Beth Morley, Care Coordinator at Friends Life Care. This episode explores the impact of Zemplee's passive AI monitoring system in the homes of at-risk Friends Life Care members, highlighting how non-intrusive sensors and data-driven alerts support independence, safety, and peace of mind. Hear firsthand experiences from the Friends Life Care pilot study, learn about the balance between technology and human touch in care coordination, and discover innovations on the horizon for aging in place.   #HonestlyAging #FriendsLifeCare #VigR #Podcast #Zemplee #AgeTech #CareCoordination #HomeSafety  Resources:  https://zemplee.com/  https://www.facebook.com/Zemplee  https://www.instagram.com/zemplee_inc/   https://www.linkedin.com/company/zemplee/  https://www.youtube.com/@zemplee6567   https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-liskai/   https://www.friendslifecare.org/about-us/care-coordinators/beth-morley/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-morley-msw-cdp-flc-cca-9749b8109/   Friends Life Care:  https://www.friendslifecare.org/        https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/       https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/      https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/  © 2026 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

    49 min

  5. Apr 22

    Turning Pages, Changing Lives: Historic Fair Hill’s Literacy Mission

    In this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, we explore the powerful connection between community engagement and vibrant aging with guests Kerry Roeder, Executive Director of Historic Fair Hill, and Jean Hurd, a Friends Life Care member and dedicated volunteer.    Located in North Philadelphia, Historic Fair Hill is a Quaker burial ground turned community hub, where literacy, green space, and social impact come together. Kerry and Jean share how the organization is addressing a local literacy crisis by reopening school libraries, supporting students through Reading Buddies, and creating meaningful opportunities for volunteers of all ages to make a difference.     Jean offers a firsthand perspective on how volunteering has shaped her own sense of purpose, while Kerry highlights the lasting impact older adults can have as mentors, role models, and advocates for the next generation.    Together, this conversation highlights how staying engaged, giving back, and building intergenerational connections can bring purpose, joy, and momentum to the aging journey.    #HonestlyAging #FriendsLifeCare #VigR #Podcast #HistoricFairHill #Community #EarlyLiteracy #Greening #OlderAdults #Volunteer    Resources:  https://historicfairhill.com/   info@historicfairhill.com    https://www.instagram.com/historic_fh/   https://historicfairhill.com/news/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-roeder-8978b71b/   https://www.paliteracy.org/   https://www.readby4th.org/   https://www.restorephillylibrarians.org/     Friends Life Care:   https://www.friendslifecare.org/        https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/        https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/   https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/         © 2026 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

    40 min

  6. Apr 9

    Feel Better, Move Better: Why Massage Matters as We Age

    In this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, we're joined by Caróle Sinclair-Thompson, a massage therapist with nearly four decades of experience, to explore the role of therapeutic massage in the aging journey. From her unexpected path from New Zealand to Pennsylvania, Caróle shares how her passion for the mind-body connection has shaped a career focused on helping people feel better, move better, and reconnect with themselves.   As Caróle beautifully puts it, "Massage is an in the moment experience," a reminder of the importance of slowing down and tuning into your body. Together, we discuss the most common challenges older adults face, including chronic pain, stiffness, poor circulation, and stress, and how massage can support both physical and emotional well-being. She explains different massage techniques, the science behind their benefits, and why massage should be viewed not as a luxury, but as an important part of overall health and self-care.   The conversation also highlights the deeper impact of touch, from reducing anxiety and improving body awareness to offering comfort in later stages of life. Caróle shares meaningful stories from her long-standing practice, illustrating how personalized care, trust, and human connection can make a lasting difference.   Whether you're new to massage or considering how to support your well-being as you age, this episode offers thoughtful insights and practical guidance to help you feel more at home in your body.  Resources:  Caróle's email: carsinthom@aol.com   Caróle's phone number: 267-879-9109  https://www.amtamassage.org/  Friends Life Care:   https://www.friendslifecare.org/   https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/   https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/   https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/  #HonestlyAging #FriendsLifeCare #VigR #Podcast #VibrantAging #MassageTherapy #MindBodyConnection #SelfCareAtAnyAge #WellnessAsWeAge  © 2026 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

    33 min

  7. Mar 26

    What Caregiving Teaches Us About Aging Well

    In this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, we're joined by Karen Hirst, an occupational therapist in long-term care and the founder of Elevate Aging.  Karen shares her personal journey from working with older adults across the continuum of care to becoming a caregiver for her own mother as she experienced cognitive decline. She opens up about the emotional complexity of recognizing changes in a loved one, navigating difficult family conversations, and doing everything possible to support her mom at home before ultimately transitioning her into a nursing home where Karen herself worked.  Through this experience, Karen gained a new perspective on caregiving, advocacy, and the importance of building trust with care teams. She also reflects on loss, including the passing of both her mother and brother within a short time, and how those experiences reshaped her outlook on life, relationships, and purpose.  Inspired by her journey, Karen created Elevate Aging to help others feel empowered in their own aging process. She shares insights on brain health, holistic approaches to wellness, and the role of lifestyle choices, meaningful activity, and lifelong learning in supporting vibrant aging.  This episode offers thoughtful guidance for caregivers, encouragement for those navigating change, and a reminder that even in life's most challenging moments, growth, connection, and purpose are still possible.  Resources:  https://elevateaging.com/  https://elevateaging.com/product/rewiring-life/ https://www.instagram.com/elevate.aging  Friends Life Care:  https://www.friendslifecare.org/   https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/   https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/   https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/  #HonestlyAging #FriendsLifeCare #VigR #Podcast #VibrantAging #ElevateAging #CaregivingJourney #DementiaCare #CaregiverSupport #BrainHealth #HolisticWellness #GriefAndHealing #FindingPurpose  © 2026 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

    44 min

  8. Mar 11

    How to Communicate and Connect with Loved Ones Facing Memory Loss

    In this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, we speak with Vicky Hart, founder of A Gathering of Minds, about how families can stay meaningfully connected with loved ones experiencing memory loss.  Drawing on her personal experience supporting her father through dementia and her background in music, Vicky shares practical strategies for communicating with someone whose cognition is changing. She explains why shifting from fact-based conversations to emotion-based connection can reduce frustration and help create moments of joy, curiosity, and engagement.   Vicky offers simple ways care partners can foster connection through music, humor, shared interests, and intentional time together. She also shares how her program, A Gathering of Minds, creates opportunities for people with cognitive impairment to stay socially and intellectually engaged.  This episode offers compassionate insights and practical ideas for anyone supporting a loved one through memory loss.   Resources:    https://agatheringofminds.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-hart-ctrs-dcp-dma-9b87886b/   https://www.aliveinside.us/   https://shop.ouisi.co/   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLnGxxa0GT8&list=PLkXUSD3jJC9GpImwmpRe2LYtCLm5gEZik&index=4   Friends Life Care:  https://www.friendslifecare.org/       https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/       https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/    https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/      #HonestlyAging #FriendsLifeCare #VigR #Podcast #VibrantAging #DementiaCare #MemoryLoss #CarePartners #CaregivingSupport #AlzheimersAwareness #BrainHealth #ConnectionMatters © 2026 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

    52 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

We’re all getting older. We might as well embrace it. Join Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR® in exploring what it’s like to get older. Host Cheryl Proska walks with you on the winding road of aging. The peaks. The valleys. And everything in between. This is what aging looks like. Real people. Real stories. Real advice. Let’s grow old, together.

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