Abundant Aging

United Church Homes
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

Abundant Aging seeks to provide information and inspiration on improving our lives as we grow older. This podcast is produced by United Church Homes, where senior living becomes abundant life. To learn more and subscribe to the show visit abundantagingpodcast.com.

  1. Art of Aging: From Fear to Support: Ending Dementia Stigma in America

    May 28

    Art of Aging: From Fear to Support: Ending Dementia Stigma in America

    This week on the Art of Aging, Rev. Beth Long-Higgins talks with Amy Kotterman of United Church Homes about the CMS GUIDE model, an innovative Medicare program designed to improve life for people living with dementia and support their unpaid caregivers. They explain what CMS and the GUIDE model are, who is eligible (including the need for a formal dementia diagnosis and traditional Medicare), and how care navigators provide ongoing education, care coordination, and essential respite services. The conversation tackles caregiver stress, loneliness, stigma around dementia, and the importance of early diagnosis and proactive health, including often-overlooked factors like hearing loss and social isolation. Amy also outlines how to find GUIDE providers nationwide, where United Church Homes currently serves (primarily in Ohio), and closes with personal reflections on aging well, lifelong learning, and examples of abundant aging in her own life and work. Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode with Amy Kotterman (0:26) What CMS Is and Meaning of the GUIDE Model (1:14) Amy’s Passion for Dementia Care and Culture Change (2:30) Comfort Matters, Music and Memory, and Creative Dementia Programs (3:42) Why GUIDE Focuses on Caregivers and Home-Based Support (5:10) Eligibility Requirements and How GUIDE Enrollment Works (7:44) Role Of Care Navigators and Building Ongoing Support Plans (9:29) What Respite is and Why Caregivers and People With Dementia Need It (11:48) Alignment, Re-Application, and Importance of Early Diagnosis (15:08) Dementia vs Alzheimer’s and Diagnosis Codes That Qualify (17:27) Lifestyle, Hearing Loss, and Social Isolation Links to Dementia (29:39) How To Find GUIDE Providers Through CMS Website (36:10) How To Contact United Church Homes and Its GUIDE Program (37:31) Amy’s Reflections on Her Own Aging and Health Habits (38:42) Lifelong Learning, New Roles, and Abundant Aging Inspirations (40:16) Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    44 min
  2. Art of Aging: The Lightbulb Moment: When People Finally ‘Get’ Reframing Ageism

    May 14

    Art of Aging: The Lightbulb Moment: When People Finally ‘Get’ Reframing Ageism

    This week on the Art of Aging, Rev. Beth Long-Higgins talks with Hannah Albers, Director of Program Development at the National Center to Reframe Aging, about how language shapes our understanding of aging and drives policy, programs, and everyday interactions. Hannah shares her journey into aging services, the impact of mentors and age-diverse teams, and her own experiences with internalized ageism and “owning” her age. They trace how the reframing aging movement has evolved since 2015, moving from marketing and communications into direct practice and cross-sector work, and discuss the tension between using common search terms like “senior citizen” and striving to change the broader culture. Key takeaways include the power of small shifts in language, the importance of inviting people into the work rather than calling them out, the need to engage sectors beyond traditional aging services, and the value of personal reflection in confronting ageism at every stage of life. Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode with Janice Hannah Albers (0:26) What the National Center to Reframe Aging Is and What It Does (2:35) Learning Patience in Systems Change (4:29) Working on Age Diverse Teams and Confronting Internalized Ageism (7:18) How Reframing Aging Research and Language Have Evolved Since 2015 (11:39) Balancing Culture Change With SEO and Public Messaging on Aging (15:40) Moving Beyond Aging Services to Engage Age Adjacent Sectors (19:23) Light Bulb Moments, Personal Reflection, and Small Shifts With Big Impact (24:00) Hope for the Future of Aging, Longer Lives, and Practical First Steps (32:47) Hannah’s Personal Reflections on Her Own Aging and Inspiring Role Models (36:50) How to Access Reframing Aging Resources and Stay Connected (39:23) Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    40 min
  3. Art of Aging: Brains, Balance, and Belonging: The New Science of Aging Well

    Mar 26

    Art of Aging: Brains, Balance, and Belonging: The New Science of Aging Well

    This week on the Art of Aging, Rev. Beth Long-Higgins speaks with psychologist and author Dr. Janis Clark Johnston about redefining retirement as a time of growth, creativity, and purpose rather than decline. They discuss how major life transitions like moving or leaving a career can stimulate the brain, the role of daily mindfulness and meditation in emotional resilience, and Dr. Johnston’s concept of a “psychological portfolio” that includes personality, reflection, exercise, and creativity. The conversation explores grief over the loss of professional identity, differences in how men and women experience retirement, and the importance of asking, “What would you do if you knew you could not fail?” Key takeaways include embracing a growth and grit mindset, letting go of old roles, staying socially connected, and seeing later life as a season for reinvention, learning, and contributing in new ways. Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode with Janice Clark Johnston (0:36) Moving, Transitions, and Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone (3:26)   Mindful Reflection Group and Daily Meditation Practice (6:36)   Psychological Portfolio and Personality in Later Life (10:16)   Grieving the Loss of Professional Identity in Retirement (13:43)   How Men and Women Experience Retirement Differently (17:01)   “What Would You Do if You Knew You Could Not Fail?” and New Pursuits (20:58)   Letting Go, Mindset, and Growth in Retirement (24:28)   Grit, Health Challenges, and Physical Therapy (28:25)   Shifting from Psychologist to Author and Writing What You Know (31:45)   Aging, Falls, Balance, and Crystallized Intelligence (35:16)   Creativity, Poetry, and Her Mother’s Legacy of Abundant Aging (37:18)   Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    40 min
  4. Art of Aging: Gratitude, Lament, and Calling: the Spiritual Work of Growing Older

    Mar 12

    Art of Aging: Gratitude, Lament, and Calling: the Spiritual Work of Growing Older

    This week on the Art of Aging, Rev. Beth Long-Higgins welcomes Elizabeth (Beth) Boyd, PhD. and Rev. Susan Walker, co-creators of the Path Ahead: Spirituality and Purpose in Later Life, a curriculum that helps older adults explore the emotional and spiritual dimensions of aging. They share how the program grew from concerns that older church members felt invisible, into a facilitator training now used across the U.S. and beyond. The conversation covers ageism in congregations, reframing retirement and later life as a season of calling and legacy, and the importance of practices like contemplation, gratitude, resilience, and lament. Listeners are invited to see aging as a spiritually rich, ongoing journey where both serving others and learning to receive care are meaningful callings. Don’t miss this great conversation! Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode with Beth and Susan (0:36) How the Path Ahead Curriculum First Emerged (2:22) From Local Trainings To Online International Reach (4:00) Naming Ageism Older Adults Feeling Invisible in Church (5:22) Spirituality Versus Ageism the Inner Life of Aging (7:55) Slowing Down, Anxiety, Learning to Breathe, Be Present (11:01) Gratitude, Resilience, Reframing Daily Attitudes (12:49) Discovering Lament as a Personal Communal Prayer Practice (14:14) Calling, Retirement Language, “What Is Mine To Do” Now (16:31) Purpose of the Oldest Old Receiving Care as a Sacred Calling (19:17) Legacy, Harvest Years, the Quiet Power of Older Elders (21:53) Contemplative Practices as the Backbone of the Path Ahead (23:28) How Groups Continue After the Course (27:05) Personal Freedom, Second Naivete, Spiritual Maturity in Aging (30:51) Role Models, Inspirations, Aging Abundantly By Example (35:55) Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    39 min
  5. Art of Aging: 10 Million Moments of Joy: Transforming Elder Care with TimeSlips

    Feb 5

    Art of Aging: 10 Million Moments of Joy: Transforming Elder Care with TimeSlips

    This week on the Art of Aging, Rev. Beth Long-Higgins welcomes Anne Basting, writer, artist, and founder of TimeSlips, to discuss the transformative power of creativity and storytelling in dementia and elder care. Topics include the development and impact of TimeSlips, the emotional and social importance of creative engagement for both caregivers and those living with dementia, how Memory Cafes build supportive communities, and the launch of the inspiring “10 Million Moments of Connection” initiative. Listeners will gain key insights into fostering dignity and connection, imaginative and community-based approaches, and so much more.  Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Welcome to Today’s Episode with Anne Basting (0:36)Anne Shares What Inspired Her Creative Path (3:02)How TimeSlips Emerged in Dementia Care (6:13)Shifting Caregivers’ Mindsets on Identity (9:51)The Ongoing Growth Possible in Later Life (13:04)The Power of Creativity for Caregivers (15:27)Creativity and Spirituality in Caregiving (17:30)Practicing Curiosity, Humility, and Awe (18:21)Challenging Assumptions in Dementia Care (21:59)Being Present and Letting Go of Rigid Patterns (22:38)The Role and Setup of Memory Cafes (24:33)The Concept of Respite Together at Memory Cafes (28:01)10 Million Moments of Connection Initiative (30:17)Key Practices for Caregivers: Asking Beautiful Questions (35:28)Anne’s Personal Reflections on Her Own Aging (37:01)Anne’s Inspirations from Others Aging Abundantly (40:00)Conclusion and Where to Connect with Anne (42:22)Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com. . Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    44 min
  6. Art of Aging: Living Lessons from 2025: Abundant Aging, Resilience, and Joy

    12/30/2025

    Art of Aging: Living Lessons from 2025: Abundant Aging, Resilience, and Joy

    This week on the Art of Aging, Rev. Beth Long-Higgins and Ashley Bills highlight lessons learned from a year of podcasts with guests who share unique perspectives on dementia, inclusivity, faith, community involvement, and overcoming fears. Listeners will discover inspiring stories of personal growth, the importance of compassionate support for all older adults, and key takeaways on embracing change, staying curious, and fostering purposeful connections as we age. Don’t miss this look back at some of the top moments from the year of the podcast. Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Introduction and setting the theme of aging conversations (0:00)Metaphor of older adults as resilient weeds (3:02)The idea of being master climbers and challenging "over the hill" (6:06)Turning fear into curiosity: approaching dementia and death (9:00)Personalized approaches to aging, “walking span,” and generational myths (12:46)Challenging generational assumptions and early life choices about aging (15:14)Creativity and Constraints: Green Eggs and Ham Hypothesis (18:06)Guests’ surprises about their own aging and creative new beginnings (21:14)LGBTQ+ elders and meaningful inclusivity in later life (24:46)Embracing physical changes and self-acceptance with age (27:14)Generational connections and finding purpose while aging (30:03)Shifting from consumer to citizen and increasing life engagement (33:08)The power of faith, community, and unexpected achievements as we age (36:00)Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    39 min
  7. Art of Aging: From Hospice to Hope: Transforming End-of-Life Care with Susan Wallace of LeadingAge Ohio

    12/04/2025

    Art of Aging: From Hospice to Hope: Transforming End-of-Life Care with Susan Wallace of LeadingAge Ohio

    This week on the Art of Aging, Rev. Beth Long-Higgins welcomes Susan Wallace, President and CEO of LeadingAge Ohio, for an insightful discussion on aging in the 21st century. Topics include the evolution and importance of hospice and palliative care, differences between for-profit and nonprofit care providers, the risks of fraud in hospice services, and the innovative PACE program for comprehensive elder care. Susan also shares personal stories and reflections on caregiving, the value of social connection, and her own journey with aging. Key takeaways for listeners include understanding care options, the importance of informed choices, the power of relationships in aging abundantly, and so much more.  Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Susan’s Background and Role at Leading Age Ohio (0:40)What is LeadingAge Ohio and Its Connection to National Organization (1:28)How Hospice Has Changed and What to Expect Today (6:05)For-Profit vs. Nonprofit Hospice Care (9:44)What to Look for When Choosing a Hospice Provider (12:18)Quality Measures and Medicare’s Care Compare (14:44)The Role of Community and Spiritual Care in Hospice (15:46)Fraud and Trends in Hospice Care (17:12)Palliative Care vs. Hospice Care (0:20:26)The PACE Program: All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (24:20)Expansion and Education about PACE in Ohio (26:43)The Importance of Caregiving and Social Connection in Aging (29:29)Challenges and Opportunities in Aging Services (30:23)Reflections on Aging: Personal Growth and Surprises (32:18)How to Connect with Susan and Parting Thoughts (36:20)Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    38 min
  8. Art of Aging: From Fear to Flourishing: How Art Connects Hearts and Minds with Dr. Elizabeth “Like” Lokon

    11/20/2025

    Art of Aging: From Fear to Flourishing: How Art Connects Hearts and Minds with Dr. Elizabeth “Like” Lokon

    This week on the Art of Aging, Dr. Like Lokon, artist, educator, and founder of Opening Minds Through Art (OMA), discusses her journey from confronting a fear of dementia to developing an innovative, evidence-based art program that empowers older adults and bridges generations. The conversation explores international insights, the therapeutic power of creativity, breaking down power dynamics in care settings, and the value of intergenerational relationships. Key takeaways include the transformative impact of art and social connection for people living with dementia, the importance of experiential learning, how programs like OMA foster dignity, agency, and lasting human connections, and so much more. Highlights from this week’s conversation include: Confronting Fear Of Dementia and Its Impact on Dr. Lokon's Path (1:53)International Experiences and Learning About Dementia Care (3:42)Lessons From Time Slips and The Development of OMA’s Philosophy (4:30)Power Dynamics In Memory Care and OMA’s Approach (7:12)The Impact of OMA On Students and Fostering Human Connection (12:44)Intergenerational Dynamics and Social Connection Through OMA (16:45)Processes Within OMA To Equalize Power Across Generations (20:13)Personal Evolution and Dr. Lokon's Decision To Study Gerontology (21:55)Public Art Shows and Recognizing Older Adults (23:53)Expanding OMA Into Affordable Housing and Social Engagement (26:23)Art Versus Social Engagement and Breaking Intimidating Expectations (27:51)Benefits of Group Art Classes For Aging and Fighting Ageism (29:54)The Value of Social Connection and Health Outcomes (32:04)Death Doula Training and Connecting With End-Of-Life Care (33:01)Reflections On Aging and Personal Growth (36:07)Closing Remarks, Upcoming Symposium, And How To Learn About OMA (41:12)Abundant Aging is a podcast series presented by United Church Homes. These shows offer ideas, information, and inspiration on how to improve our lives as we grow older. To learn more and to subscribe to the show, visit abundantagingpodcast.com.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    44 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Abundant Aging seeks to provide information and inspiration on improving our lives as we grow older. This podcast is produced by United Church Homes, where senior living becomes abundant life. To learn more and subscribe to the show visit abundantagingpodcast.com.

Information

  • Creator
    United Church Homes
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    121
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Abundant Aging

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