Aging, Healthcare & Everything In Between

Stephanie Pogue

 Hosted by Medicare specialist Stephanie Pogue, Aging, Healthcare, and Everything in Between helps retirees, caregivers, and those approaching Medicare age navigate healthcare, retirement planning, aging, caregiving, and life's important transitions with practical advice and expert guests.

  1. Sep 18

    Is Hearing Loss Affecting Memory? Signs, Solutions & Hearing Aid Advice

    Send us Fan Mail Could untreated hearing loss be mistaken for forgetfulness or cognitive decline? Dr. Kate Sinks, Director of Audiology at the Center for Hearing & Speech Powered by Easterseals, joins Stephanie Pogue to explain how hearing affects memory, relationships, communication and our ability to remain engaged as we age. In this episode, you’ll learn: • The early warning signs of hearing loss • Why background noise makes conversations difficult • The connection between hearing loss and cognitive health • When it’s time to consider hearing aids • How over-the-counter hearing aids differ from prescription devices • Why some hearing aids end up unused in a drawer • Simple ways families can communicate more effectively • How to approach a parent about getting a hearing test • Where financial assistance may be available Hearing loss is common, but it shouldn’t simply be dismissed as a normal part of aging. Early testing and treatment can help people stay connected to their families, communities and everyday lives. Learn more or request an appointment with the Center for Hearing & Speech Powered by Easterseals: https://chsstl.org/ Meet Dr. Kate Sinks: https://chsstl.org/bio/dr-kate-sinks/ Listen to more episodes of Aging, Healthcare & Everything in Between: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-aging-healthcare-everythin-295055286/ Have an idea for a future episode? Email Stephanie at [s.pogue@stlouisinsurancegroup.com](mailto:s.pogue@stlouisinsurancegroup.com). Please like, subscribe and share this episode with someone who could benefit from the conversation. This program is for educational purposes and should not replace individualized medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. #HearingLoss #HearingAids #HealthyAging #CognitiveHealth #SeniorHealth 00:00 Introduction 01:45 What everyone should know about hearing loss 03:31 Early signs of hearing loss 05:21 Why background noise makes hearing harder 07:33 Why women and children may be harder to hear 08:26 Why people delay getting tested 10:57 Hearing loss, memory and cognitive health 14:36 Why early intervention matters 15:11 When is it time for hearing aids? 15:44 Over-the-counter vs. prescription hearing aids 17:36 Why hearing aids end up in a drawer 20:22 Better communication strategies for families 22:38 Why auditory training matters 23:26 Adjusting to new hearing aids 24:38 How to discuss hearing loss with a parent 25:07 Finding an audiologist and using insurance 26:46 When hearing loss looks like memory loss 28:23 Financial assistance for hearing devices 28:53 Final thoughts Support the show

  2. Aug 21

    Is It Aging—or Your Medications? A Geriatric Pharmacist Explains

    Send us Fan Mail Is it really “just getting older”—or could a medication be contributing to fatigue, dizziness, falls, poor balance, confusion, or memory problems? Stephanie Pogue sits down with geriatric pharmacist Dr. Hedva Barenholtz Levy, PharmD, author of “Maybe It’s Your Medications,” to explain how prescription medications, over-the-counter products, and supplements can affect older adults. They discuss polypharmacy, medication side effects, prescribing cascades, drug interactions, medication-management mistakes, and the questions every patient or caregiver should ask before starting another prescription. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why medication side effects can be mistaken for normal aging • How medications may contribute to falls, dizziness, fatigue, and memory problems • Why taking a medication incorrectly can make it appear ineffective • What “polypharmacy” means and why it matters after age 65 • How over-the-counter sleep aids and supplements can create problems • What happens when one medication is prescribed to treat another medication’s side effect • Which questions to ask before beginning a new medication • How pharmacists can help patients and caregivers review medications • What “deprescribing” means—and why medications aren’t always for life Learn more about Dr. Hedva Barenholtz Levy: https://www.barenholtzlevy.com/ Find “Maybe It’s Your Medications”: https://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/9781510774834/maybe-its-your-medications/ This conversation is for educational purposes only and is not individualized medical advice. Never stop, reduce, or otherwise change a medication without consulting the prescribing healthcare professional. If this episode helped you, please share it with an older adult, spouse, caregiver, or family member who manages medications. Subscribe for more conversations with Stephanie Pogue about aging, Medicare, healthcare, caregiving, and living well throughout retirement. #MedicationSafety #HealthyAging #caregiving  00:00 Is It Aging—or the Medications? 01:25 Meet Dr. Hedva Barenholtz Levy 03:34 The Biggest Misconception About Medications 06:41 Are You Taking Your Medication Correctly? 08:54 Helping Aging Parents Manage Their Medications 12:01 Normal Aging vs. Medication Side Effects 17:35 Why Your Pharmacist Belongs on Your Healthcare Team 19:25 Over-the-Counter Drugs and Supplements Count Too 20:35 What Is Polypharmacy? 22:43 Why Medications Affect Older Adults Differently 26:29 How a Prescribing Cascade Happens 28:43 Questions to Ask Before Starting a New Medication 32:17 Drug Advertising and Non-Medication Options 34:00 Medications That May Affect Falls and Memory 40:18 When to Request a Medication Review 42:51 What Is Deprescribing? 46:03 The Most Important Takeaway Support the show

  3. Jul 17

    Downsizing & Decluttering for Seniors: How to Simplify Life Without Regret

    Send us Fan Mail Downsizing and decluttering isn’t just about cleaning out your home—it’s about maintaining independence, reducing stress, and planning your next chapter with intention. In this episode of Aging, Healthcare, and Everything in Between, Stephanie Pogue sits down with Carolyn Palmer of Goldilocks Solutions to break down how seniors and families can simplify their lives without feeling overwhelmed. They cover: Why letting go of belongings is emotionally difficult The difference between downsizing and decluttering How clutter impacts safety, mobility, and mental health Step-by-step strategies to start the process Why planning early gives you more control and better options What to do with furniture, keepsakes, and “stuff” If you or your parents are thinking about downsizing, moving, or aging in place, this conversation will help you take the first step with confidence. #Downsizing #Decluttering #SeniorLiving #AgingInPlace #RetirementPlanning #OrganizingTips #SeniorCare #StLouis #GoldilocksSolutions #AgingHealthcarePodcast 0:00 Intro: Downsizing & Decluttering 1:06 What Downsizing Really Means 2:05 Decluttering vs Letting Go 3:27 Safety & Mobility Risks of Clutter 4:46 Why It’s So Hard to Let Go 6:38 What Services Help Seniors Move 9:06 Real-Life Downsizing Example 10:31 How to Start Decluttering 12:27 Planning Ahead vs Crisis Moves 15:28 Why Timing Matters 16:21 Talking to Parents About Downsizing 19:26 Common Family Regrets 22:26 How to Stop Over-Accumulating 23:51 What to Do With Your Stuff 26:24 Furniture & Generational Shifts 27:17 How to Get Help Support the show

  4. Jun 19

    Senior Scam Prevention Tips: Police Officer Explains Red Flags Every Family Should Know

    Send us Fan Mail Scams targeting seniors are becoming more sophisticated, and families need to know the warning signs. In this episode of Aging, Healthcare, and Everything in Between, Stephanie Pogue talks with Sergeant Robert Powell of the Chesterfield Police Department about common scams affecting older adults, including IRS scams, fake police calls, grandchild scams, romance scams, Medicare scams, gift card scams, fake emails, and online shopping fraud. You’ll learn why scammers often use urgency and emotion, why seniors are frequently targeted, and what simple steps can help protect your parents, grandparents, clients, or loved ones. Most important tip: hang up, slow down, verify, and never give personal information or payment over the phone unless you initiated the call. #SeniorScams #ScamPrevention #MedicareScams #ElderFraud #SeniorSafety #ChesterfieldMO #AgingHealthcareAndEverythingInBetween #RetirementPlanning #ProtectSeniors #StLouisInsuranceGroup 0:00 Intro: Protecting Seniors from Scams 0:50 Why Scams Are Getting More Sophisticated 1:37 How Scammers Use Urgency and Emotion 2:01 Why Seniors Are Often Targeted 3:07 Common Phone Scams: IRS, Police & Grandchild Scams 4:44 What to Do When a Scam Call Comes In 5:49 Online Romance Scam Red Flags 8:54 Medicare Scams and Protecting Your Medicare Number 10:25 Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams 11:23 Basic Rules to Protect Yourself 12:42 Why Gift Cards Are Always a Red Flag 13:58 Email Scam Warning Signs 15:21 What Scammers Want from Your Computer 15:50 Online Shopping Safety Tips 17:51 Why You Should Review Bank and Medicare Statements 19:01 In-Person Safety Tips While Shopping 20:58 Final Advice: Slow Down and Verify 22:04 Closing Thoughts Support the show

  5. May 15

    Most People Think They’re Organized… Until This Happens | Estate Planning Reality Check

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when a loved one passes away—and you realize nothing is actually organized? In this episode of Aging, Healthcare, and Everything in Between with Stephanie Pogue, Adam Zuckerman (founder of Buried in Work) shares a powerful personal story that led him to build a system helping families navigate estate planning, organization, and end-of-life decisions. After losing his father unexpectedly, Adam discovered a hard truth: having documents isn’t the same as being organized. This conversation breaks down the critical difference between estate planning and estate organization—and why that gap creates stress, confusion, and hundreds of hours of extra work for families. 👉 In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why estate planning alone isn’t enough • The biggest mistakes families make after a loss • How disorganization can cost time, money, and peace of mind • The 10 essential items everyone should have in place • How to start the conversation with parents (without it feeling uncomfortable) • Simple steps to get organized starting today With over 570 hours spent on average managing an estate, preparation isn’t optional—it’s a gift to your family. If you want to reduce stress, avoid common mistakes, and make life easier for your loved ones, this is a must-watch conversation. https://buriedinwork.com/ #EstatePlanning #AgingWell #EndOfLifePlanning #FinancialPlanning #FamilyPlanning #RetirementPlanning #LegacyPlanning #PersonalFinance #LifePlanning #Organization #Adulting #PodcastClips #WealthPlanning #AgingParents #SmartPlanning Watch the full version here.  https://youtu.be/_067WpzJEDc Support the show

  6. Apr 17

    10 Estate Planning Myths That Could Cost You Thousands (Most People Get This Wrong)

    Send us Fan Mail Think you understand estate planning? You might be making costly mistakes without even realizing it. In this episode of Aging, Healthcare, and Everything in Between, Stephanie Pogue sits down with estate planning attorney Court Smith to break down the 10 biggest misconceptions people have about wills, trusts, probate, and powers of attorney—and what you actually need to know. From the truth about probate to why a will doesn’t avoid it, this conversation clears up the confusion that causes families unnecessary stress, delays, and expenses. 👉 In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why probate isn’t what most people think it is • The truth about wills vs. trusts (and which you really need) • How to actually avoid probate the right way • Why just having beneficiaries isn’t enough • The most overlooked document that can create major problems • Common mistakes that lead to family conflict and legal issues Many people believe estate planning is only for the wealthy—but in reality, it’s for anyone who wants to protect their family and make things easier when it matters most. If you want to avoid confusion, reduce costs, and make smarter decisions for your future, this is a must-watch. https://smithtrusts.com/ #EstatePlanning #FinancialPlanning #RetirementPlanning #WillsAndTrusts #Probate #PersonalFinance #AgingWell #LegacyPlanning #WealthPlanning #FamilyPlanning #EndOfLifePlanning #MoneyTips #SmartPlanning #PodcastClips #adulting  00:00 Podcast intro & guest introduction 00:30 Why estate planning misconceptions matter 01:05 Overview: 10 common estate planning myths 01:30 What probate actually is (and isn’t) 02:30 Myth #1: “Probate means the government takes your money” 03:40 Why people try to avoid probate 04:27 Myth #2: A will avoids probate 05:15 How to actually avoid probate (beneficiaries, TOD, POD) 06:50 Myth #3: You don’t need a will if everything has beneficiaries 08:15 Why a will is still important 09:50 Myth #4: You need a trust to avoid probate 11:30 Myth #5: A trust automatically avoids probate 12:58 Funding your trust properly 13:15 Myth #6: A trust is always better than a will 15:30 When you actually need a trust 16:03 Myth #7: Trusts help you qualify for Medicaid 17:38 Myth #8: Trusts protect your assets from creditors 18:52 Why powers of attorney are critical 19:15 Financial power of attorney explained 22:14 Risks of not having a power of attorney 22:38 Guardianship vs. power of attorney 23:30 Healthcare power of attorney explained 24:30 Common misconception about spouses making medical decisions 26:00 Healthcare directive (living will) explained 26:48 Myth #10: Estate planning is only for the rich 27:59 Key takeaways & summary 28:56 Final advice: start asking questions 29:20 Outro & how to connect Watch the video version here:  https://youtu.be/5chq0_MQH0U Support the show

  7. Mar 20

    Starting a Conversation and Navigating Long Term Care Planning

    Send us Fan Mail One of the hardest parts of Long Term Care Planning is starting that conversation.  Lindsay Friedman of LTCareNav discusses that and the process of choosing the best plan in this interview with Stephanie Pogue. Watch the video version here. https://youtu.be/hPlLtMjPoXY #stephaniepogue #ltcarenav #lindsayfriedman #longtermcare #retirementplanning Support the show

  8. Feb 20

    Preserving Memories Now!

    Send us Fan Mail You should never wait until someone is gone to preserve memories.  The time to start is now. Stephanie sits down with John Doherty of The Family Album Company to discuss in this episode of the Aging, Healthcare and Everything In Between Podcast. Watch the video version here. https://youtu.be/N9TCrLZvIMc #stephaniepogue #craignash #familyalbumcompany #johndoherty #preservingmemories #grandfamily Support the show

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 Hosted by Medicare specialist Stephanie Pogue, Aging, Healthcare, and Everything in Between helps retirees, caregivers, and those approaching Medicare age navigate healthcare, retirement planning, aging, caregiving, and life's important transitions with practical advice and expert guests.

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