News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club

Linda Sherman and Ray Gordon

Stay informed with "News for the Ages," where we explore the latest developments in aging, longevity, and caregiving. Hosted by Linda Sherman and Ray Gordon with regular co-hosting support from Debbie Howard, our show features insights from a diverse group of industry experts. Each week, we delve into journalistic articles from respected publications, bringing you the most current and informative stories. Join our lively discussions as we cover wellness, neuroscience, aging in place, senior fitness, caregiver support and more.Our sister podcast is Rethinking Aging Club Podcast.

  1. Banks Helping Vulnerable Seniors, New Osteoporosis Drug, Hospital Senior Care Training 5-12-26

    3d ago

    Banks Helping Vulnerable Seniors, New Osteoporosis Drug, Hospital Senior Care Training 5-12-26

    We covered financial exploitation of seniors, with Elizabeth highlighting a New York Times article on banks training staff to spot scams, noting annual losses of $28 billion. Ellen shared a study on a receptor crucial for bone strength, which could lead to new treatments for osteoporosis. She listed what you should be eating and drinking to improve bone health. Benjamin explained a Canadian hospital's efforts to become elder-friendly by training 129 senior care advocates across the organization as well as creating a specialized unit called McKenzie Health Behavioral Acute Care for the Elderly unit and implementing an EHR integrated ADAPT model for dementia care.  Presented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life's Encore Planning NY Times 2-28-26 Banks are Becoming Bulwarks for Vulnerable Seniors by Paula Span  https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/28/health/scams-elderly-banks.html Older Americans are losing billions of dollars annually to financial exploitation. Banks and investment firms are training employees to spot red flags and stop the transactions. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/28/health/scams-elderly-banks.html We referred to: AARP Bank Safe Initiative Senior Safe Act Fact Sheet by Finra Linda mentioned this from Gemini: “Yes, Gen Z is highly susceptible to online scams, with studies showing they are up to three times more likely to fall victim to fraud than Baby Boomers. Despite being digital natives, their high-frequency social media use and reliance on instant payment apps make them prime targets for phishing, shopping scams, and fake job offers.” Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan May is Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month Scientists may have found a way to keep your bones strong for life Medical Express 7-28-25 Key Receptor for Bone Cell Strength and Regeneration Identified edited by Gaby Clark, reviewed by Robert Egan https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-key-receptor-bone-cell-strength.html And the NIH study Presented by Benjamin Surmi, Senior Living Expert and Social Gerontologist Hospital News 12-17-25 Reimagining Hospital Care for an Aging Population https://hospitalnews.com/reimagining-hospital-care-for-an-aging-population/ Discussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman and Ray Gordon  BoomerTechTalk.com episode page  5-12-26 LinkedIn Show Post News for the Ages podcasts are recorded with a live audience on Clubhouse on Tuesdays. How to join live where you can comment and ask questions through the chat. Please follow Rethinking Aging Club Podcast and News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Also available on Amazon Music and Audible. Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman

    51 min
  2. Aging Companion Robotics, Urban Design and Traveling with Disabilities 5-5-26

    May 21

    Aging Companion Robotics, Urban Design and Traveling with Disabilities 5-5-26

    Benjamin Surmi presented a Stanford report on robots for aging and disabilities, highlighting projects like Rosie, an outdoor guide dog, and an exoskeleton for better walking. Co-host Linda Sherman went deep on companion robotics by country. Elizabeth Magallon Fleury presented on innovative urban planning for aging populations, emphasizing Singapore's Age Well SG program and the importance of universal design. Debbie Howard concluded with tools for traveling with disabilities, including Google Maps, and apps like Aviv ScoutRoute, RollMobility and Be My Eyes. It was a lively discussion with contributions from co-host Ray Gordon. Presented by Benjamin Surmi, Senior Living Expert and Social Gerontologist Stanford Report 4-1-26 Researchers Prepare Robots for an Aging Society https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2026/04/domestic-robots-support-aging-population Linda Sherman’s chart of companion robots by country Presented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life's Encore Planning Men's Health 4-14-26 Innovative Urban Planners Are Transforming the Spaces Older People Will Thrive In by Michael Clinton https://www.menshealth.com/health/a70895368/future-of-aging-spaces/ We referred to: Michael Clinton talking about his Longevity Nation book on LinkedIn Our latest episode with Eric Levitan CEO of Vivo on the Rethinking Aging Club Podcast Singapore’s Active Aging Program Presented by Debbie Howard, Aging Matters International NY Times 3-13-26 Traveling With Disabilities Is Often Hard. These Tools Can Help by Liza Weisstuch https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/13/travel/disabled-travelers-apps-accessibility.html We referred to: Our Rethinking Aging Club Podcast 4-24-25 featuring TRAVELSIST Magazine Travel Without Limits  Discussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman and Ray Gordon  Please see our BoomerTechTalk.com episode page for additional resource links 5-5-26 LinkedIn Show Post News for the Ages podcasts are recorded with a live audience on Clubhouse on Tuesdays. How to join live where you can comment and ask questions through the chat. Please follow both of our podcasts including Rethinking Aging Club Podcast. Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman

    1h 8m
  3. AI Healthcare Training, Ending Well 4-21-26

    May 4

    AI Healthcare Training, Ending Well 4-21-26

    In our News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club episode recorded on April 21, 2026, Benjamin Surmi highlighted focus in the UK on training caregivers in dementia care, emphasizing the need for effective training evaluation. Benjamin also covered AI's role in automating documentation, staffing analysis, and onboarding in senior living. Ellen Khalifa shared insights from her solution-focused coaching training using AI. The conversation also covered the importance of end-of-life care, including recognizing signs of impending death and ensuring family members are informed and prepared. We mentioned that The Pitt had a very relevant episode on respecting the wishes of our loved ones avoiding over-intervention, particularly intubation when it would cause more distress than help. We recommended to follow Dr. Kaishauna Guidry for more resources on hospice care. Finally Linda Sherman did one of her Film Corners, introducing her 2026 recommended streaming shows which includes “actors of a certain age and topics relevant to aging” called “Aging Gracefully” as a category. Presented by Benjamin Surmi, Senior Living Expert and Social Gerontologist Benjamin tied two articles together. Article 1: The Care Home Environment 4-2-25 UK adult social care chief regulator Chris Badger gives TCHE editor Mary-Louise Clews insights into thinking behind regulators’ dementia strategy expected later this year.  https://www.thecarehomeenvironment.com/story/51093/exclusive-workforce-dementia-skills-will-be-central-to-new-regulator-approach Article 2: McKnights 3-16-26 Meet AI - Your Newest Team Member by Ron Rajecki https://www.mcknightshomecare.com/news/meet-ai-your-newest-team-member/ Refers to: LeadingAge’s Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) During this discussion Benjamin mentioned these three companies:  August Health is an EHR Safely You - is integratable into August Health  SkyPoint.AI Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan  Verywell Health 1-7-26; 12 Signs That Someone Is Near Death and How to Help by Angela Morrow, Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse, Medically reviewed by Lindsay Cook, PharmD https://www.verywellhealth.com/common-symptoms-at-the-end-of-life-1132515 Linda recommended following Dr. Kaishauna Guidry, MD, HMDC ("Dr. G") Linda’s Film Corner We discussed end of life care advice from The Pitt Patient: S1 Episode 2 - 3 Discussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman and Ray Gordon  BoomerTechTalk.com episode page with additional resource links 4-21-26 LinkedIn Show Post News for the Ages podcasts live on Tuesdays. How to join live. Please follow both of our podcasts including Rethinking Aging Club Podcast. Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman

    49 min
  4. NFC Device for Dementia Safety, Smart Home AI Reboot, Age Worry Study 4-14-26

    Apr 21

    NFC Device for Dementia Safety, Smart Home AI Reboot, Age Worry Study 4-14-26

    Our April 14, 2026 News for Ages episode reviewed an article on innovative devices for dementia patients, including a new NFC tag system in England. We discussed the challenges of setting up smart home devices and the potential still evolving role of AI in simplifying this process. We also discussed a study on aging anxiety and its correlation on biological aging, noting that anxiety about declining health was significant but needed further study. Presented by Benjamin Surmi, Senior Living Expert and Social Gerontologist BBC 3-17-26 'I Created Device to Help People with Dementia Stay Safe' by Isobel Fry https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly0jjn7k60o NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range wireless technology enabling two devices—typically a smartphone and a reader—to communicate when placed within a few centimeters of each other. It is widely used for contactless, secure payments (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay), digital wallet services, and, based on RFID technology, rapid pairing or scanning smart tags. Presented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life's Encore Planning  NY Times 3-5-26 Smart Home Getting a Reboot from AI by Brian X. Chen https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/05/technology/personaltech/ai-smart-home-google-gemini-amazon-alexa.html TP Link Benjamin mentioned Jubilee TV during Elizabeth’s Smart Home article We had Ashish D. Aggarwal, Ph.D., Co-Founder and CEO of JubileeTV on our Rethinking Aging Club Podcast 11-6-25 Linda mentioned a Boomer Tech Talk article she wrote with an illustration back in 2010 to support adult children helping their parents to use a Comcast remote. Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan Psychology Today 3-29-26 New Research Suggests That Age-worry Creates a Self-fulfilling Prophecy by Andrea Bonior, Ph.D. https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/friendship-20/202603/a-surprising-effect-of-worrying-about-aging Study Discussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman, Ray Gordon and Debbie Howard BoomerTechTalk.com episode page with additional resource links 4-14-26 LinkedIn Show Post News for the Ages podcasts live on Tuesdays. How to join live. Please follow both of our podcasts including Rethinking Aging Club Podcast. Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman

    46 min
  5. Early Parkinson’s Predictor, Avoiding My Parents Mistakes, Regenerative Community Co-living 4-7-26

    Apr 10

    Early Parkinson’s Predictor, Avoiding My Parents Mistakes, Regenerative Community Co-living 4-7-26

    Our News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club April 7, 2026 episode falls in the week of World Parkinson’s Day on April 11 and a Rethinking Aging Club Podcast episode on April 9th focused on Parkinson’s solutions. We began with Ray Gordon's article and study about a potential blood test for early Parkinson's detection. Researchers at Chalmers University and Oslo University, identified biological markers in the blood that indicate early stages of the disease - 20 years before symptoms. Their findings may lead to easily applied tests within 5 years.  Elizabeth Magallon Fleury led a discussion of Steven Petrow’s list of aging mistakes to avoid that he made in his 50's and his realization that he needs to use that for himself as he turns 70. Our discussion touches on the importance of accountability, staying active, and maintaining a positive attitude as we age. Fun new phrase from Steven “organ recital”.  Ellen Khalifa shared insights on co-living communities inspired by Chip Conley’s Modern Elder Academy, emphasizing the benefits of shared living for older adults especially in "regenerative communities" rather than retirement communities. Presented by Ray Gordon, Architect, Urban Planner, Futurist and Former Pratt Institute Grad School Professor  Science Daily 1-29-26 Early Parkinsons Predictor https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260129080424.htm Nature 12-5-25 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41531-025-01194-7 Previous Parkinson’s Discussions on Rethinking Aging Club Podcasts Our Parkinson’s Rethinking Aging Club Show planned for Thursday April 9 Presented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life's Encore Planning Washington Post 3-22-26 I Want to Avoid Aging Mistakes My Parents Made by Steven Petrow Article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2026/03/22/aging-mistakes Apple access: https://apple.news/AClWp9uLqQN-iUn8Eht_OBA Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan NY Times 3-30-26  Co-living: The founder of Modern Elder Academy (MEA), Chip Conley is on a mission to make “Golden Girls”-style living mainstream. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/30/realestate/modern-elder-academy-adult-co-living-retirement.html Discussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman and Ray Gordon  BoomerTechTalk.com episode page with additional  resource links 4-7-26 LinkedIn Show Post News for the Ages podcasts live on Tuesdays. How to join live. Please follow both of our podcasts including Rethinking Aging Club Podcast. Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman

    1h 2m
  6. Longevity Tests for Older Women, Work and Housing in the New Longevity Economy 3-31-26

    Apr 8

    Longevity Tests for Older Women, Work and Housing in the New Longevity Economy 3-31-26

    Our News for the Ages March 31, 2026 episode focused on the importance of muscle strength in predicting longevity, citing a study published by JAMA Network that found stronger grip and chair stand performance significantly reduced the risk of death in older women. Ellen Khalifa and Ray Gordon provided insights into how maintaining muscle strength supports mobility, balance, and overall health. Debbie Howard led a discussion on the economic potential of the longevity economy, using a Forbes article by Joseph Antoun, which emphasized the shift from reactive sick care to proactive longevity systems as well as the benefits of multi-generational housing. Commentary from Linda Sherman and Elizabeth Magallon Fleury.  Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan CNN Health 3-23-26 Two Simple Strength Tests Predict Longevity in Older Women by Katia Hetter Article: https://edition.cnn.com/2026/03/23/health/exercise-grip-strength-health-wellness Study: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2845052 Presented by Debbie Howard, Aging Matters International We found on Mary Furlong’s LinkedIn post Forbes Business Council 3-24-26 How the Longevity Economy Could Reshape Work and Growth by Joseph Antoun Joseph Antoun’s company L-Nutra Article: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2026/03/24/how-the-longevity-economy-could-reshape-work-and-growth Vocabulary: anti-senescence Discussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman, Ray Gordon and Debbie Howard BoomerTechTalk.com episode page  3-31-26 LinkedIn Show Post News for the Ages podcasts live on Tuesdays. How to join live. Please follow both of our podcasts including Rethinking Aging Club Podcast. Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman

    55 min
  7. Hydration Tips, Chris Hemsworth Dementia Documentary, Why Improv Skills Help Dementia Care, When Your Parents Should Stop Driving 3-24-26

    Apr 1

    Hydration Tips, Chris Hemsworth Dementia Documentary, Why Improv Skills Help Dementia Care, When Your Parents Should Stop Driving 3-24-26

    Our March 24, 2026 News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club episode began with the importance of hydration, discussing a Today Show article quoting Emily Johnston PhD, who recommends drinking a full glass of water first thing in the morning. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues, including kidney problems and seizures. Ellen: “It's great to see mainstream media making healthspan a part of normal American vocabulary” We covered a gerontology program at Georgia State University Gerontology Institute using improv to train caregivers for dementia patients. Benjamin Surmi is a fan of improv skills especially in memory care to avoid rejecting what residents are saying. We discussed a New York Times Magazine Ethicist column on senior driving emphasizing the need for practical solutions to help older adults transition from driving. A transportation infrastructure should be developed before it is needed.  Linda’s Film Corner today was on Chris Hemsworth: A Roadtrip to Remember. We highly recommend this film with reminiscence therapy tips for dementia. Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan  Today.com Expert Tip of the Day 2-13-26 A Glass of Water on Waking by Caroline Kee https://www.today.com/health/aging/morning-habit-healthy-aging-expert-rcna258744 Presented by Benjamin Surmi, Senior Living Expert and Social Gerontologist CBS News 3-5-26 Improv Comedy for Dementia and Parkinson's Caregivers at Georgia State University Gerontology Institute by Brian Unger https://www.cbsnews.com/atlanta/news/emory-georgia-state-turn-to-improv-comedy-to-help-caregivers-connect-with-people-living-with-dementia/ includes CBS News video clip. Presented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life's Encore Planning NY Times Magazine, The Ethicist column updated 3-4-26 My Aging Mother Won’t Stop Driving by Kwame Anthony Appiah https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/28/magazine/aging-mother-driving-ethics.html Linda Sherman‘s Film Corner Chris Hemsworth: A Road Trip to Remember launched on National Geographic Nov 23, 2025 now streaming on Disney; 52 minutes long. Darren Aronofsky is the same creator as with Chris Hemsworth’s Limitless series  Key words during this film: Reminiscence therapy, Social bridging, Multi sensory experience, Connections  Discussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman and Ray Gordon  BoomerTechTalk.com episode page with additional  resource links and commentary on this episode 3-24-26 LinkedIn Show Post News for the Ages podcasts live on Tuesdays. How to join live. Please follow both of our podcasts including Rethinking Aging Club Podcast. Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman

    56 min
  8. Becca Levy New Study, Oscar Nominee Retirement Plan, Smart Home by Rick Robinson, Older Actor Oscars 2026 Representation 3-17-26

    Mar 28

    Becca Levy New Study, Oscar Nominee Retirement Plan, Smart Home by Rick Robinson, Older Actor Oscars 2026 Representation 3-17-26

    On our March 17, 2026 News for the Ages episode, we discussed a new Yale study by Becca Levy that found nearly half of adults aged 65 and older actually improved in cognitive or physical function over 12 years. As in Levy’s previous work, the study highlighted the importance of positive age beliefs. We explored the potential of smart homes to enhance aging in place, noting advancements in health monitoring, sleep quality, and safety features. Ray Gordon emphasized the role of wireless electricity and embedded sensors in future smart homes. The Oscar nominated animated short “Retirement Plan” is worth a watch. We noted the positive representation of age 60+ actors at the 2026 Oscars.  Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan Yale 3-5-26 Yale Study by Becca Levy Challenges Aging Means Decline by Colin Poitras https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-study-challenges-notion-that-aging-means-decline-finds-many-older-adults-improve-over-time/    Yale Study by Becca Levy in MDPI  Presented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life's Encore Planning The New Yorker 11-13-25 The Dream of Finishing One’s To-Do List in “Retirement Plan” by David Sedaris. https://www.newyorker.com/culture/screening-room/the-dream-of-finishing-ones-to-do-list-in-retirement-plan Watch John Kelly's film at this link, it is well worth 7 minutes of your time. Oscars Discussion Older actors were well represented in nominations, wins and presenting, including in memoriam tributes. Presented by Debbie Howard, Aging Matters International Home Care Magazine 3-3-26 Why Smart Homes are Future Home Care by Rick Robinson. Rick Robinson is the vice president and general manager leading the AgeTech Collaborative from AARP (ATC) https://www.homecaremag.com/aging-place-home-health/march-2026/why-smart-homes-are-future-homecare  Debbie mentioned that Elemind was on our show last week. Here is the March 12 published podcast for CES 2026 Highlights - Longevity with two ATC portfolio companies: Elemind and Sensate.  Discussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman, Ray Gordon and Debbie Howard BoomerTechTalk.com episode page with additional  resource links and commentary on this episode 3-17-26 LinkedIn Show Post News for the Ages podcasts live on Tuesdays. How to join live. Please follow both of our podcasts including Rethinking Aging Club Podcast. Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman

    56 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Stay informed with "News for the Ages," where we explore the latest developments in aging, longevity, and caregiving. Hosted by Linda Sherman and Ray Gordon with regular co-hosting support from Debbie Howard, our show features insights from a diverse group of industry experts. Each week, we delve into journalistic articles from respected publications, bringing you the most current and informative stories. Join our lively discussions as we cover wellness, neuroscience, aging in place, senior fitness, caregiver support and more.Our sister podcast is Rethinking Aging Club Podcast.