The Retirement Navigator

Kwame Kuadey
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Retirement Navigator is the podcast for adults 55 and above who are ready to make their next chapter their best one. Hosted by Kwame Kuadey — co-founder of Benefits Insider and Adjunct Professor of Finance at Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School — each episode delivers the clarity and guidance you need to navigate retirement with confidence. We cover Social Security, Medicare, retirement planning, purpose, finances, community, and everything that makes for a retirement well lived. Because a 60-year-old today may have 35 years ahead of them — and that kind of chapter deserves more than guesswork. No panic. No politics. Just clarity. New episodes every week. Subscribe and never miss a step.

  1. Aug 28

    Episode 15: Caregiving Divide: Why Where You Live Determines the Care You Get (Medicare Won't Save)

    Send us Fan Mail Most people plan carefully for retirement income, but very few plan for the cost of long-term care — and that gap can catch even well-prepared families by surprise. In this episode, Kwame speaks with Robert, a long-term care policy expert, about why the system is often confusing, expensive, and difficult to navigate, even for people who have saved responsibly. This conversation covers what long-term care actually costs, how Medicaid and Medicare really work (and don't), and why so many families find themselves caught in the middle — with too much savings to qualify for help, but not enough to comfortably afford care on their own. Robert also shares practical, grounded guidance on where to start if a loved one suddenly needs care. This episode matters because long-term care is one of the most overlooked parts of retirement planning. Understanding the real costs and options now — before a crisis hits — can make a meaningful difference in the choices available to you and your family later. Key Topics Covered - Why the cost of long-term care is often left out of retirement planning conversations - The real dollar range for home care and nursing home care, and how quickly savings can be affected - The difference between what Medicare covers and what many people assume it covers - How Medicaid eligibility works, and why many middle-income retirees fall into a difficult in-between space - Practical first steps for families facing a sudden care need, including where to find local support - The emotional side of caregiving, including terms like anticipatory grief and caregiver hypervigilance - How workforce shortages among caregivers are affecting access to care nationwide - Where technology, including AI, may help support caregiving in the years ahead Who This Episode Is For This episode is for retirees and pre-retirees who want a clearer picture of long-term care costs and options, as well as adult children who may be helping a parent navigate a care decision. It's especially helpful if you've saved for retirement but haven't yet factored long-term care into your overall plan. Why This Matters Now As more people move into retirement age, long-term care costs continue to be one of the least understood and least planned-for parts of a retirement budget. Learning about the realistic costs and available resources ahead of time can help families make more informed, less rushed decisions if care becomes necessary. Robert Espinoza is the Founder and CEO of The CareWorkx Project, an advisory and innovation firm helping nonprofits, government leaders, businesses, and investors rethink and strengthen long-term care and caregiving systems. A nationally recognized strategist, Robert has spent his career working at the intersection of aging, caregiving, and workforce policy — including as CEO of the National Skills Coalition and Executive Vice President of Policy at PHI, where he helped lead national efforts on behalf of direct care workers. Robert began his career in aging and long-term care as head of policy at SAGE, building the organization's national advocacy work for LGBTQ older adults — an experience that continues to shape his understanding of how caregiving challenges disproportionately affect different communities. A former journalism and English major, Robert brings a writer's eye to policy work, coining terms like the "caregiving divide" and creating "The Hidden Vocabulary of Long-Term Care," a series exploring the emotional realities of caregiving, including concepts like anticipatory grief and caregiver hypervigilance. He is currently a Leadership & Society Fellow at the University of Chicago and is writing a forthcoming book, The Caregiving Divide. Robert is a widely published author, speaker, and advisor, and shares ongoing insights through his Substack, Care Actually. Connect with Robert: - LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robertespinoza1 - Company: careworksproject.co - Substack: substack.com/@careactually - Facebook: facebook.com/61572135560902 - Instagram: instagram.com/care_actually If this episode gave you a clearer picture of what to expect with long-term care planning, we'd love for you to subscribe and share it with someone who might find it helpful. Understanding these options ahead of time is one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself and your family. #retirementplanning #benefits #medicare #medicaideligibility  #fixedincome  #aginginplace  #homecare  #caregiving   ______________________________ Support the show

  2. Aug 21

    Episode 14: The Aging Industry's Missing Middle—An Alzheimer's Researcher On The Future of #aging

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really take to age well — not just live longer, but live better? In this episode, Kwame sits down with Ariana Myers, whose career has taken her from investment banking to running a home care agency to conducting Alzheimer's research at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. Few guests bring this range of hands-on experience across the entire caregiving and longevity landscape. Ariana shares what she's learned about the real gaps in senior care — including a surprising shortage in housing options for the "middle" of the market — and why community and purpose matter just as much as a safe place to live. She also breaks down the science behind healthy aging, including a landmark study on brain health that shaped her latest work, and offers reassuring, practical guidance for anyone who feels like it's "too late" to make healthy changes. If you've ever wondered whether it's worth starting a new habit later in life, or you're trying to understand your options for care — for yourself or a loved one — this conversation offers clarity without overwhelm. Key Topics Covered: - Why finding compassionate, reliable caregivers has become one of the biggest challenges in home care today - The often-overlooked "middle" gap in senior housing — and what it means for aging in place - Why community and connection matter as much as physical safety when planning for the future - What the landmark FINGER brain health study revealed about lifestyle and cognitive resilience - Why exercise is considered the single most powerful lever for long-term brain health - Reassurance for anyone who feels it's "too late" to improve their health, at any age - How to recognize early signs that a memory concern may need a proper diagnosis - Where caregivers can turn for support, including free, 24/7 resources Who This Episode Is For: - Adults 55+ thinking about their own long-term health and independence - Anyone currently caring for a spouse or aging parent - Adult children trying to understand care options for a parent - Listeners curious about how technology may support aging in the years ahead - Anyone who has felt discouraged about starting new health habits later in life Why This Matters Now: As more people reach retirement age, questions about long-term care, caregiving, and cognitive health are becoming part of everyday planning — not just a future concern. Understanding your options now, while you're able to plan calmly, can make a meaningful difference later. About Ariana Myers: Ariana Myers is a healthtech strategist and aging innovation expert focused on cognitive health, longevity, and the future of aging. She is the Founder and Managing Director of Vershina Consulting, where she advises mission-driven organizations and startups at the intersection of aging, healthcare, and technology. Ariana is Co-Founder and Strategic Advisor at Mindr, an evidence-based digital platform focused on brain health, dementia prevention, and healthy aging. She also serves as CEO of AgeTech Connect San Francisco, helping connect founders, healthcare leaders, and innovators building solutions for older adults. Her background spans more than 25 years across international finance, entrepreneurship, healthtech, senior care, and scientific research. Ariana’s work today centers on helping people and systems prepare for longer lives through healthier aging, cognitive wellness, and thoughtful use of technology. - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arianamyers/   - Company Website: https://vershinaconsulting.com/ - Minder (mindr.us) — a digital brain-health program based on the FINGER and U.S. POINTER clinical trials - Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline — 1-800-272-3900 If this conversation gave you something to think about — for yourself or someone you're caring for — we'd love for you to subscribe and share it with someone who might find it helpful too. We're grateful to have you as part of this community. _______________________________ STAY ENCOURAGED, FOLLOW AND SUBSCRIBE TO: The Retirement Navigator: https://linktr.ee/retirementnavigator The Morning Step:  https://linktr.ee/themorningstep Support the show

  3. Jul 23

    Episode 13: Living Alone, Staying Safe: How the Snug App Offers Peace of Mind for Many

    Send us Fan Mail What happens if you live alone and something goes wrong while you're asleep? That's the question that changed everything for Jan Van Vlack, a retired nurse who woke up after a seizure with no memory of what had happened. Her experience led to the creation of Snug, a free safety app now used by thousands of older adults across the country. In this episode, host Kwame Kuadey sits down with Jan Van Vlack, the inspiration behind Snug, and Preet Anand, the app's CEO and co-founder, to talk about how the tool works, why it's different from other alert systems, and how it's already helped save lives. Unlike traditional medical alert devices that require you to press a button during an emergency, Snug flips the process: you simply check in once a day to say you're okay. If you don't, your emergency contacts are notified right away. For the one in three older adults who live alone, and the nearly half of seniors 75 and older doing the same, this conversation offers a simple, low-cost way to add an extra layer of protection, without new equipment, batteries, or complicated setup. KEY TOPICS COVERED How Snug works: a daily check-in that alerts loved ones automatically if you miss itThe real-life story behind Snug's creation, including Jen's own health scareThe difference between the free plan and the paid dispatch planHow Snug complements devices you may already use, like an Apple Watch or medical alert necklaceReal stories of people whose lives were affected by using Snug, including a young man with type 1 diabetesWhy daily check-ins can also ease loneliness and provide a sense of connectionHow Snug helps ensure pets are cared for if something happens to youSimple steps to download and set up the app in under two minutesWHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR Seniors living alone or with a spouse who may not be able to call for helpAdult children who want peace of mind about a parent's safetyAnyone managing a chronic health condition, such as diabetesPet owners who worry about who would care for their animals in an emergencyAnyone looking for an easy, low-cost way to stay connected and safe WHY THIS MATTERS NOW More older adults are living alone than ever before, and many worry about what would happen if they became unresponsive with no one nearby to notice. Simple daily check-in tools like Snug offer a practical way to close that gap without adding cost or complexity to daily life. ABOUT THE GUESTS Preet Anand Founder and CEO of Snug Safety — a free daily check-in app for older adults living alone that alerts emergency contacts within 15 minutes of a missed check-in, with over 20 million check-ins completedPreviously founded Patronus, a personal safety and 911 improvement company — sold to RapidSOS, which now powers emergency calling for both Apple and Uber and has saved an estimated 11,000+ livesFormer product leader at Lyft and ClassDojo — contributing to safety systems used by millions of riders and classrooms worldwideDriven by a personal mantra of "perpetuating free will and joy" — building technology that gives communities new choices in how they live their livesPassionate about the intersection of digital technology and fundamental human services — safety, transportation, housing, energy, and financeA builder at heart who measures success not by revenue, but by whether the people he serves gain new freedom, safety, and dignity in their daily lives Jan Van Vlack Customer Champion at Snug Safety — the daily check-in app for people living alone that she personally inspired over 10 years ago, making her one of the original reasons the app existsRetired Registered Nurse with extensive hands-on clinical experience and healthcare executive leadership across multiple organizationsFormer Study Manager at Health Care Excel — Kentucky's Quality Improvement Organization for CMS — overseeing the national Surgical Care Improvement Project focused on reducing postoperative complicationsFormer Clinical Data Analyst at the Indiana Health Information Exchange — supporting community-wide quality reporting and chronic disease management programsActive community volunteer and handler of Linnéa, her Certified Therapy toy poodle — bringing comfort and connection to people in her communityDriven by creativity, positivity, and genuine care for others — a living example of the senior independence and purposeful living that Snug was built to protect RESOURCES MENTIONED Snug Safety app (available on the Apple App Store and Google Play)Snug YouTube channel, featuring user stories including Mike's story If this episode resonated with you, we'd love for you to subscribe and share it with someone who might benefit, especially if they live alone or care for someone who does. Join our community for more conversations on aging well, staying safe, and making the most of retirement. Support the show

  4. Jul 9

    Episode 12: Being Lonely Is as Deadly as Smoking 15 Cigarettes a Day (And No One Talks About It)

    Send us Fan Mail If you think retirement is the finish line — this conversation will completely change how you see what comes next. Most of us planned for retirement with one question: "Do I have enough money?" Nobody told us that was the wrong question. You're trying to balance: Wondering why retirement feels emptier than you expected. Feeling more isolated than you ever imagined you would. Watching your social circle quietly shrink year by year. Trying to stay healthy without really knowing what "healthy aging" means. Figuring out what purpose even looks like when the career is over. 🚨 CRITICAL QUESTION: If being lonely is clinically equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day — what is your plan for staying connected? THE TRUTH: The longest-lived people on earth — in Japan, Italy, Spain, Singapore — don't live longer because of better doctors or better gyms. They live longer because they never stopped being needed. They work longer, live with family, and stay woven into their communities. Meanwhile, the US separated its generations, invented the retirement community in 1959, and called it progress. We're now paying for that with our health. DON'T WAIT: Japan's median life expectancy for women is now 90. Ours isn't close. And the gap isn't genetics — it's how we've designed our lives. The decisions you make about connection, purpose, and community in the next few years will matter more than any supplement or doctor's visit. ✅ WHAT TO DO: Watch this full episode — Ken Stern's research across 5 countries reveals what actually drives a long, healthy life, and it will change how you think about your next chapter Ask yourself one honest question today: "Who actually needs me right now — and how am I showing up for them?" You don't age faster from working too long. You age faster from stopping too soon. Watch the full conversation with Ken Stern, author of Healthy to 100, on the Retirement Navigator Podcast — and subscribe so you never miss an episode that could add years to your life. About Ken Stern Founder and Chair of the Longevity Project, an organization exploring how longer lives are reshaping individuals, communities, and society.Host of the award-winning podcast Century Lives, where he explores the opportunities and challenges of living longer lives.Author of the nationally best-selling book Healthy to 100: How Strong Social Ties Lead To Long Lives, which examines the connection between relationships, community, and longevity.CEO of Palisades Media Ventures, helping organizations shape conversations around important social issues.Former CEO of NPR, where he led major expansions in podcasting, digital media, and global news reach.A lawyer by training and a longtime media leader, Ken brings decades of experience connecting research, storytelling, and public conversations about how we live and thrive. Connect with Ken Stern: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sternken/ Website: https://www.longevity-project.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grand.people.longevity/ Century Lives podcast: https://longevity.stanford.edu/century-lives/ Healthy to 100 newsletter: https://healthy-to-100-newsletter.beehiiv.com/  #HealthyAging #Longevity #RetirementLife #SeniorWellness #AgingWell #SocialConnection  Support the show

  5. Jun 5

    Episode 11: Work Longer, Live Better: Career Reinvention and Retirement (Income After 55)

    Send us Fan Mail You may have more working years ahead of you than you think — and that can be a good thing. In this episode, personal finance expert and author Kerry Hannon joins the Retirement Navigator Podcast to talk about what she calls the longevity economy: the growing reality that many people retiring today could have 25 to 30 years of life ahead of them, often without enough savings to cover it. Kerry walks us through what that means for your retirement income, your career options, and your sense of purpose. Whether you are still in the workforce and want to stay there, looking to start something new, or trying to figure out how to stretch a fixed income, this conversation offers clear, practical guidance you can act on. This episode is especially helpful if you have ever felt behind on retirement planning or wondered whether it is too late to make a change. Kerry's message is clear: it is not too late, and you have more to offer than you may realize. Key Topics Covered The longevity economy explained — why longer lifespans are changing the way we think about retirement income, work, and financial planning Starting a second-act career — how people 55 and older are launching new careers, small businesses, and meaningful work they love Three pillars of a successful career transition — financial fitness, physical health, and inner soul-searching, and how each one supports the others Staying relevant in the workplace — practical ways to fight ageism, embrace new technology including AI, and keep your skills current How to use AI tools as an older worker — simple, low-pressure ways to start exploring tools like ChatGPT without feeling overwhelmed Remote work and flexible jobs — where to find legitimate work-from-home opportunities and how the remote work landscape has settled since the pandemic How to find a financial advisor you can trust — what a fee-only CFP is, why fiduciary responsibility matters, and free tools to get started on your own LinkedIn for seniors and job seekers — why your LinkedIn profile matters even if you are not actively job hunting, and simple ways to stay visible Physical health as a financial strategy — why staying healthy is one of the most important things you can do to protect your retirement savings and reduce future medical costs Who This Episode Is For This episode is a good fit for you if you are: Approaching retirement and realizing your savings may not stretch as far as you hoped.In your 50s or 60s and wondering whether a career change is still realistic.Currently working and noticing signs of age discrimination or being passed over.Out of the workforce — due to caregiving, health, or a layoff — and thinking about re-entering.Living on a fixed income or Social Security and looking for ways to supplement it.Simply curious about what a fulfilling second chapter could look like for you.Why This Matters Now Social Security was never designed to fund a 30-year retirement. With the full retirement age at 66 or 67, and many people living well into their 80s and 90s, the financial math has changed — even if the planning conversations have not caught up. Out-of-pocket medical costs in retirement can reach six figures, and that number does not include assisted care. The earlier you start thinking about income, skills, and health, the more options you will have. If this episode got you thinking, we would love to have you along for more. Subscribe to the Retirement Navigator Podcast so you never miss an episode, and if you found this helpful, consider sharing it with a friend or family member who might need to hear it. And remember what Kerry said at the end: Just take that first step. There is no perfect path, and there is no right or wrong way to do this. You have more time, more skills, and more options than you may think. About Kerry Hannon Kerry Hannon is a leading expert on careers, entrepreneurship, personal finance, and retirement, with more than three decades of experience covering the changing world of work.  She is a senior columnist and on-air expert for Yahoo Finance and has written for major outlets including Forbes, The New York Times, Money, and USA Today.Kerry is the bestselling author of 14 books, including In Control at 50+, Great Jobs for Everyone 50+, and Never Too Old to Get Rich. Her work focuses on helping adults 50+ navigate career transitions, retirement, financial security, entrepreneurship, and finding meaningful work later in life.Kerry has testified before the U.S. Senate on older workers and the future of retirement work, and she is widely recognized as a trusted voice on the realities of working longer.Through her writing, speaking, and media appearances, Kerry helps people rethink aging, retirement, and what’s possible in the second half of life.  Connect with Kerry: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerryhannon/ Website: KerryHannon.com Yahoo Finance: search "Kerry Hannon" on Yahoo Finance for articles on retirement, Social Security, Medicare, and more Support the show

  6. May 14

    Episode 10: Americans Will Struggle in Retirement: Are You Prepared? (A Hard Truth)

    Send us Fan Mail If you've been worried about Social Security's future, confused about caregiving costs, or wondering whether your retirement savings will last — this episode was made for you. Kwame sits down with Andy Eschtruth, Director of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College, for an honest, clear-headed conversation about the real state of retirement in America today. Andy has spent three decades studying how people plan for — and live through — retirement. In this episode, he breaks down the Social Security funding shortfall in plain language, explains what it actually means for people already receiving benefits, and shares what Congress is likely to do about it. He also opens up about his own parents' caregiving journey and what it taught him about the non-financial side of retirement. This conversation goes beyond money. It covers social isolation, the caregiving workforce crisis, emergency savings gaps, and the surprising truth about what actually determines happiness in retirement. If you're living on a fixed income or approaching retirement, this episode gives you the kind of grounded, practical insight that's hard to find anywhere else. Key Topics Covered The Social Security shortfall explained simply — what it means, how serious it is, and what the realistic outcomes are for current and future beneficiariesWhat Congress is likely to do — and why history suggests action will come late but will comeHow raising the retirement age is actually a benefit cut — and what that means if you claim earlyThe caregiving crisis — workforce shortages, affordability, and what options exist for middle-income familiesSocial isolation in retirement — why your social life may matter more than your bank accountEmergency savings in retirement — why 2 in 5 retired households can't cover unexpected expenses, and what that means for your daily decisionsThe National Retirement Risk Index — the sobering statistic that 40–50% of American workers are not on track to maintain their standard of living in retirementWorkplace retirement savings access — why only 1 in 2 private sector workers participates in a retirement plan, and what's being done about it Who This Episode Is For This episode is especially valuable if you are: Already retired or within 10 years of retirementReceiving or planning to receive Social Security benefitsCaring for an aging parent or concerned about your own future care needsLiving on a fixed income and trying to make your savings lastSomeone who wants clear, research-backed information — not opinion or alarmWhy This Matters Now Social Security's trust fund is projected to face a shortfall within six years under current conditions. At the same time, caregiving costs are rising, the caregiver workforce is shrinking, and many retirees are facing unexpected expenses with little cushion. Understanding where things stand — and what options exist — helps you make more informed decisions about your own retirement security, right now. About Andrew Eschtruth Andrew Eschtruth is the director of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College.  He joined the Center in 1999 and served as associate director for external relations and then deputy director until assuming the director role in 2025.  His interests include Social Security program design and finances, expanding access to workplace-based retirement plans, and improving the nation’s long-term care system.  In his previous roles, he oversaw the Center’s communication activities and managed relationships with the government, foundation, and corporate communities.  Eschtruth is the co-author (with Charles D. Ellis and Alicia H. Munnell) of Falling Short: The Coming Retirement Crisis and What to Do About It (Oxford University Press, 2014). Before joining the Center, Eschtruth was a senior research analyst with the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) specializing in Social Security, federal fiscal policy, and the economic implications of an aging population.  While at the GAO, he served on a special assignment as an aide to the Chair of the Senate Finance Committee.  Eschtruth earned his B.A. from the University of Michigan and an M.A. in public policy from Duke University.  Connect with Andrew LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-eschtruth-b3a1745/ Center for Retirement Research at Boston College Website: https://crr.bc.edu/  Support the show

  7. May 8

    Episode 9: Warning Signs We Miss — And What to Do Next (Practitioner's Guide to Dementia)

    Send us Fan Mail For adults on a fixed income or navigating retirement, understanding the healthcare system for aging loved ones can feel confusing and costly. This conversation helps cut through that — with honest, experience-based advice on what steps to take, when to bring in help, and how to ask the right questions. Key Topics Covered What dementia really is — and why it's much more than memory loss (it affects safety, judgment, finances, and daily independence)The most common types of dementia explained simply: Alzheimer's, vascular, Lewy body, frontotemporal, and mixedRisk factors you can actually influence — blood pressure, diet, physical activity, social connection, and family historyEarly warning signs to look for when you visit a parent or older loved one, especially around Mother's Day or Father's DayHow to start a conversation with a resistant parent about getting helpWhat a care manager actually does — and how they coordinate doctors, medications, home safety, and family decisionsSpecial guidance for "solo agers" — older adults living alone without close family nearbyHow AI monitoring tools can support seniors living at home without replacing human careWho This Episode Is For This episode is for adults in their 50s, 60s, and beyond who are caring for an aging parent or loved one — or starting to wonder if they should be. It's also for anyone planning ahead for their own aging who wants to understand what a care manager does and when to call one. If you have a neighbor, aunt, or family friend living alone, the segment on solo agers is especially worth your attention. Why This Matters Now Dementia affects an estimated 6 to 7 million people in the United States, and that number is growing as the population ages. Many families don't seek guidance until a crisis hits, which often leads to rushed decisions and higher long-term care costs. Getting informed early — even if nothing seems wrong yet — helps protect your loved one's independence and gives you the legal and financial groundwork you need if things do change. If this episode gave you something to think about, consider sharing it with a sibling, adult child, or friend who is also navigating care for an older loved one. Subscribing to the Retirement Navigator Podcast means you'll always have a calm, trustworthy voice in your corner as you plan for the years ahead. Every episode is made with one goal: helping you feel more prepared and less alone. About Gina Negri Gina brings more than 30 years of hands-on experience — from hospital bedside nursing to long-term care, home care agency ownership, and now care management. She walks through the different types of dementia, early warning signs families often miss, and why getting guidance early makes a real difference in quality of life for both the person with dementia and their caregivers. Gina is a clinician and trained Nurse Practitioner specializing in eldercare, with more than three decades of experience supporting older adults across the continuum of care. Her background spans direct patient care, clinical leadership, and quality-focused operations, and she now advises and advocates for families navigating the day-to-day realities of dementia care. She is also a: Bedside NurseNurse Practitioner (NP)Director of Nursing (Long-Term Care)Utilization Management / Quality Management ProfessionalHome Care Agency ManagerDementia Care Advisor and Family AdvocateResources Guidance Care Management — gcmfix.com (launching soon) Service area: Remote consultations available nationally. In-person preferred in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and compact nursing states. Connect with Gina Contact Gina directly: gina@gcmfix.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginadnegri/ Website: http://www.primacarecom.com/ Support the show

  8. Apr 30

    Episode 8: The Senior Living Myths That Are Costing Your Family Time, Money, and Peace of Mind

    Send us Fan Mail Many people believe senior living only becomes relevant after a health crisis—but that’s often too late to make the best decisions. In this episode, Kwame sits down with Michelle, a senior living executive, to explore how planning earlier can open up more choices, better outcomes, and greater peace of mind. You’ll learn how today’s senior living communities are very different from the outdated “nursing home” image. From independent living to full continuum care, modern options focus on lifestyle, connection, and purpose—not just safety. Michelle also explains how families—especially those in the “sandwich generation”—can start thoughtful, low-pressure conversations that lead to better long-term decisions. If you’re living on a fixed income or thinking about future care needs, this episode offers clear, practical insights to help you plan with confidence and avoid costly surprises down the road. Key Topics Covered: Why senior living is more than just nursing homesThe benefits of starting your research earlyHow independent living and rental communities workUnderstanding the full range of care options (independent, assisted, memory care, skilled nursing)The real cost comparison: aging at home vs. community livingHow the “sandwich generation” can support aging parentsWhy connection, purpose, and daily engagement matter for healthy agingHow technology is improving safety and quality of life for older adultsWho This Episode Is For: Adults age 55+ planning their next stage of retirementSeniors living on a fixed income who want to understand future care costsAdult children helping aging parents explore care optionsAnyone curious about independent living, assisted living, or continuing care communitiesWhy This Matters Now: People are living longer, and the cost of care—whether at home or in a community—continues to rise. Starting the conversation early gives you more control, more options, and a better chance to align your choices with your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals. You might also share this episode with a family member or friend who is starting to think about senior living options—it could help make an important conversation a little easier. About Michelle Curnow Michelle Curnow is a dynamic sales and brand leader with over two decades of experience driving growth, leading high-performing teams, and building strategic pathways for operational excellence. As the Senior Vice President of Sales and Brand for Asbury Communities, Michelle oversees the full spectrum of sales process leadership, performance analytics, CRM strategy, and integrated branding initiatives across the organization. Michelle brings a proven track record of elevating team capability, developing sales playbooks, and fostering a data-informed, customer-centric culture. Her leadership in brand strategy and public relations has fueled occupancy and revenue gains, while positioning Asbury as a mission-driven market leader. Michelle began her career with the New Jersey Sharing Network, where she spent over a decade developing hospital partnerships, advancing public health education, and supporting patient and family experience initiatives across the transplant continuum before transitioning into senior living sales and marketing in community based and regional roles supporting all levels of senior living throughout the eastern United States. Michelle is dedicated to shaping the next generation of leaders and nurturing a culture of excellence that fuels momentum toward 100% occupancy and beyond. Connect with Michelle LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellecurnow/ Website: https://www.asbury.org/  Support the show

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About

Retirement Navigator is the podcast for adults 55 and above who are ready to make their next chapter their best one. Hosted by Kwame Kuadey — co-founder of Benefits Insider and Adjunct Professor of Finance at Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School — each episode delivers the clarity and guidance you need to navigate retirement with confidence. We cover Social Security, Medicare, retirement planning, purpose, finances, community, and everything that makes for a retirement well lived. Because a 60-year-old today may have 35 years ahead of them — and that kind of chapter deserves more than guesswork. No panic. No politics. Just clarity. New episodes every week. Subscribe and never miss a step.

Information

  • Creator
    Kwame Kuadey
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Retirement Navigator
  • Show Website
    The Retirement Navigator