The Senior Zone

Shawn Perry

  The Senior Zone is the DMV’s #1 weekly radio program dedicated to empowering adults 50+ to live fuller, healthier, and more informed lives — now available on demand as a podcast.  Hosted by Shawn Perry since 2012, The Senior Zone features thoughtful conversations with trusted experts, community leaders, advocates, and everyday people doing extraordinary work in aging, health, finance, caregiving, and purposeful living. From timely resources and consumer protections to inspiration, wisdom, and real talk — this is where experience meets opportunity.  Whether you’re planning your next chapter, supporting a loved one, or simply committed to thriving beyond expectations, The Senior Zone delivers insight, clarity, and encouragement — one meaningful conversation at a time.  🎙️ New episodes weekly 📍 Originally broadcast on WYCB 1340AM (Washington, DC) 

  1. 2d ago

    Ep. 718 | It’s Not Too Late: Resurrecting Your Dreams and Protecting Your Health

    What dream did you once carry—and somewhere along the way, life caused you to put it aside? On this episode of The Senior Zone, Shawn Perry sits down with Pastor Scot Moore, author of Resurrecting Your Dream: “Everyone Had a Dream… What Happened to Yours?”. Together, they explore how responsibilities, setbacks, grief, caregiving and simple survival can cause our dreams to become buried—and why growing older does not mean it is too late to rediscover purpose, possibility and hope. Then, Dr. Eric Wargotz, President of MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society, joins us for an important conversation about colorectal cancer. We discuss why screening matters, the fears and misconceptions that cause people to delay it, the screening choices that may be available and why feeling perfectly healthy does not mean screening can be ignored. Plus, we celebrate our Birthdays of the Week, hear from Joel Simone in Dear Grave Woman and share important resources through the Later Life Lowdown. The Senior Zone is the DMV’s #1 weekly radio program serving the 50+ community since 2012. Follow the podcast, share this episode and send it to someone who may need a reminder that it is not too late to protect their health—or pursue what still lives within them. Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.

    Ep. 718 | It’s Not Too Late: Resurrecting Your Dreams and Protecting Your Health

  2. Aug 3

    Ep. 717 | Listen, Adapt, Live Better: Age-Friendly Communities and New Tools for Managing Pain

    What helps us live better as we grow older? It begins with being heard, having access to trustworthy information, and knowing that support and new possibilities remain available.  In this episode of The Senior Zone, host Shawn Perry welcomes Margaret Foster, Editor of The Beacon Newspapers, for a look inside the August 2026 issue and the stories older adults and caregivers should know.  Next, Shawn Brennan of Age-Friendly Montgomery discusses how Montgomery County is listening to older residents, gathering community input, and working to create communities where people can remain independent, engaged, connected, and supported.  Then, pain-management expert Dr. Ann Aspnes explains how Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help older adults better understand the connection between thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and chronic pain—and develop practical tools for improving daily life.  The program also includes the Weekly Vitamin, Birthdays of the Week, Dear Grave Woman featuring Joel Simone, and the Later Life Lowdown.  The Senior Zone airs Mondays from 10:00–11:00 a.m. Eastern on WYCB 1340 AM and streams live at MySpiritDC.com.  Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.

    Ep. 717 | Listen, Adapt, Live Better: Age-Friendly Communities and New Tools for Managing Pain

  3. Jul 27

    Ep. 716 | Honoring Service, Navigating Grief and Protecting Your Next Chapter

    This week on The Senior Zone, host Shawn Perry brings listeners two compassionate and empowering conversations about receiving the support we deserve during life’s most challenging seasons.  In The Legal Zone, brought to us by Legal Counsel for the Elderly, Veterans Empowerment Specialist Ebonee Avery-Washington explains what’s new with LCE’s Veterans Advocacy Project. She discusses how older veterans and surviving spouses can receive help understanding benefits, addressing claims and navigating an often-confusing system.  Then, author, speaker, grief educator and end-of-life doula Shaleka Smith joins us to discuss the many faces of grief. Drawing from her book and podcast, Grief, I Didn’t Sign Up for This, Shaleka shares how faith, compassion, community and honest conversation can help us move through loss without losing hope.  We’ll also celebrate our Birthdays of the Week, hear from Dear Grave Woman by Joelle Simone, and share useful news and resources in the Later Life Lowdown.  Hosted by Shawn Perry, The Senior Zone is the DMV’s number-one weekly radio program serving the 50-plus community since 2012.  Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.

    Ep. 716 | Honoring Service, Navigating Grief and Protecting Your Next Chapter

  4. Jul 20

    Ep. 715 | Healthy Mouths, Caring Hearts: Dental Wellness and Meaningful Caregiving

    Healthy aging involves more than treating problems after they arise. It also means paying attention to the quieter signals our bodies and emotions may be sending us. On this edition of The Senior Zone, host Shawn Perry begins with a conversation about dental and oral health as we age. Dr. Usman Ahmad, Administrative Dental Director at Mary’s Center, explains what older adults should know about changes involving their teeth and gums, the effects medications and chronic health conditions may have on oral health and the barriers that can make receiving dental care more difficult or expensive. Then, Shawn welcomes Dr. Allison J. Applebaum, caregiving expert and author of Stand By Me: A Guide to Navigating Modern, Meaningful Caregiving. Dr. Applebaum discusses the emotional and psychological realities of caregiving, including stress, guilt, isolation, changing family roles and the importance of caring for yourself while supporting someone you love. The program concludes with Birthdays of the Week, Dear Grave Woman by Joelle Simone, and the Later Life Lowdown, featuring news, resources and announcements for older adults throughout Washington, D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. The Senior Zone is the DMV’s number-one weekly radio program serving the 50-plus community since 2012. Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.

    Ep. 715 | Healthy Mouths, Caring Hearts: Dental Wellness and Meaningful Caregiving

  5. Jul 13

    Ep. 714 | Advocacy in Action: Maryland, DC & What Older Adults Need to Know

    On this episode of The Senior Zone, host Shawn Perry leads an all-AARP conversation focused on advocacy, aging, and the real-life issues affecting older adults across the DMV. In Segment One, Sara Westrick, State Advocacy Director with AARP Maryland, joins the show to discuss AARP Maryland’s 2026 Legislative Wrap-Up — including key takeaways from Annapolis and what older Marylanders, caregivers, and families should know. In Segment Two, Louis Davis, Jr., State Director of AARP DC, returns to The Senior Zone to discuss the District’s recent primary election, AARP DC’s Community Challenge Grants, Social Security, and the ongoing work of helping older adults stay informed, engaged, and empowered. Plus, we close the show with Birthdays of the Week, Dear Grave Woman by Joelle Simone, and the Later Life Lowdown — news and resources for older adults in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. The Senior Zone airs Mondays from 10:00am to 11:00am EST on WYCB 1340AM and streams live at MySpiritDC.com. Listen on demand wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.

    Ep. 714 | Advocacy in Action: Maryland, DC & What Older Adults Need to Know

  6. Jul 6

    Ep. 713 | Living With Grace: Betty Entzminger & RamDev Dale Borglum

    This week on The Senior Zone, Shawn Perry welcomes Ms. District of Columbia Senior America 2026, Betty Entzminger, for a conversation about grace, purpose, confidence, and representation after 50. Then, Dale Borglum, author of How to Live So You Can Die Without Fear, joins the show for a thoughtful conversation about living fully, loving deeply, and finding peace before life’s final chapter.  Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.

    Ep. 713 | Living With Grace: Betty Entzminger & RamDev Dale Borglum

  7. Jun 29

    Ep. 712 | Protecting Choice, Memory & Peace of Mind After 50

    This week on The Senior Zone, Shawn Perry leads two important conversations for older adults, caregivers, and families.  First, attorney Lisa Brown of Legal Counsel for the Elderly explains adult guardianships in Washington, DC — how they work, when they may be needed, and what families should know.  Then, as Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month comes to a close, Dr. Sharon Brangman joins the show to discuss Alzheimer’s blood tests, early detection, brain health, and how to balance hope with caution.  Plus: Birthdays of the Week, Dear Grave Woman by Joelle Simone, and the Later Life Lowdown. Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.

    Ep. 712 | Protecting Choice, Memory & Peace of Mind After 50

  8. Jun 22

    Ep. 711 | Longevity Ready Maryland: Aging with Dignity, Direction & Support

    This week on The Senior Zone, host Shawn Perry welcomes Carmel Roques, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Aging, for a conversation about Longevity Ready Maryland and what it means for older adults, families, caregivers, and communities across the state.  Then, Shawn is joined by Julia Schreiber, SHIP Manager, and Renee Stainrod, MAP Manager, to talk about practical support for Medicare questions, caregiver needs, long-term care planning, and how older Marylanders can find help before a crisis begins.  Plus, we continue with Birthdays of the Week, Dear Grave Woman by Joel Simone, and the Later Life Lowdown.  The Senior Zone airs Mondays from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM EST on WYCB 1340 AM and streams live at www.MySpiritDC.com. Episodes are available after the broadcast wherever you listen to podcasts.  Thank you for listening and until we meet again…keep your head high, your heart full, and always — be someone who makes someone else look forward to their tomorrow.

    Ep. 711 | Longevity Ready Maryland: Aging with Dignity, Direction & Support
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

  The Senior Zone is the DMV’s #1 weekly radio program dedicated to empowering adults 50+ to live fuller, healthier, and more informed lives — now available on demand as a podcast.  Hosted by Shawn Perry since 2012, The Senior Zone features thoughtful conversations with trusted experts, community leaders, advocates, and everyday people doing extraordinary work in aging, health, finance, caregiving, and purposeful living. From timely resources and consumer protections to inspiration, wisdom, and real talk — this is where experience meets opportunity.  Whether you’re planning your next chapter, supporting a loved one, or simply committed to thriving beyond expectations, The Senior Zone delivers insight, clarity, and encouragement — one meaningful conversation at a time.  🎙️ New episodes weekly 📍 Originally broadcast on WYCB 1340AM (Washington, DC) 

Information

  • Creator
    Shawn Perry
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Senior Zone
  • Show Website
    The Senior Zone