This Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD

Melissa B PhD
This Is Getting Old Podcast with Melissa B PhD

In today's busy society, people aren't typically thinking about aging or elder care. By 2030, there will be more older adults than children under age 5 for the first time in human history. Here's a fantastic podcast with different topics ranging from clinical care of older adults to things that family caregivers need to know. Hosted by Dr. Melissa Batchelor (MelissaBPhD) 'This Is Getting Old' highlights all of the things we need to do to create an age-friendly world - because when things are age-friendly, they are friendly for everyone.

  1. HACE 6 DÍAS

    EP: 208 - Walking Together: Exercise for Dementia and Caregivers

    Are you caring for a loved one with dementia and wondering how to make the most of your time together? Walking can be a great way to spend quality time with your loved one while also promoting their physical and mental well-being. In this episode, we'll explore 3 tips for walking together. Tune in to learn how you can make walking with your loved one a positive and enjoyable experience for both of you and why benefits you both!

    3 min

  2. 7 ENE

    EP: 207 - What to do when a person with Alzheimer’s Disease stops eating

    When Dementia Patients Stop Eating: A Caregiver’s Guide to Support and Comfort Caring for a loved one with dementia is an emotional journey, and one of the most difficult challenges is when they stop eating or drinking. This heartbreaking transition often signals the later stages of the disease, leaving caregivers feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. In this blog post, we’ll explore: Why people with dementia stop eating and drinking: From loss of appetite to difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), there are several physical and neurological reasons behind this change. How to provide comfort and care: Practical tips like offering liquids with straws to trigger reflexes, using calorie-dense drinks, and maintaining oral hygiene to prevent discomfort. Ways to maintain connection: Mealtimes can still be meaningful moments to share love and presence, even when food is no longer a focus. Grief, loss, and bereavement: The emotional toll of caregiving, especially during end-stage dementia, can be overwhelming. Recognizing anticipatory grief and seeking support can make a difference. This journey isn’t one you have to face alone. Hospice care, palliative specialists, and local dementia organizations are invaluable resources that can guide and support you every step of the way. For more personalized help, explore my new ebook and online course, Managing Meals and Eating Challenges. Designed for family and professional caregivers, these resources include expert strategies, video demonstrations, and skills checklists to help you navigate eating challenges with confidence and compassion. Visit MelissaBPhD.com to learn more and take the first step toward making mealtimes less stressful and more meaningful.

    11 min

  3. 31/12/2024

    EP: 206 - Feng Shui for Health and Longevity

    In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, I sit down with Brittany Olson, an expert in Feng Shui and interior design. Brittany shares her insights on creating spaces that promote harmony and balance, highlighting how Feng Shui can be a powerful tool for enhancing well-being. We explore practical tips for arranging furniture, selecting colors, and using natural elements to transform any environment into a more inviting and peaceful place. Whether you're new to Feng Shui or looking for ways to refresh your space, Brittany offers valuable advice that can make a real difference in your home. Brittany also discusses her approach to working with clients and how she tailors her recommendations to suit individual needs and preferences. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the personal energy in a space and how it can influence one's life. From small adjustments to larger transformations, Brittany's expertise helps people create spaces that nurture both mind and body. Tune in to hear more about how Feng Shui can guide you in making intentional choices for your home, and learn how to bring more balance and positivity into your living environment.

    51 min

  4. 24/12/2024

    EP: 205 - How Changes in Touch Impact Eating

    As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, changes in touch—like the return of the palmar reflex and loss of fine motor skills—can make eating difficult for individuals with dementia. In this video, I share two key sensory changes that impact mealtimes and four practical strategies to help your loved one eat more easily and comfortably. From the overhand and underhand techniques to introducing finger foods and adaptive utensils, these tips are designed to improve both the caregiver’s experience and the individual’s independence. Looking for more support? Check out my new course, Managing Meals and Eating Challenges, or grab the ebook for quick solutions at melissabphd.com/courses.

    10 min

  5. 17/12/2024

    EP: 204 - How Changes in Taste and Smell Impact Eating

    Caring for a loved one with dementia who struggles with eating can be challenging, as sensory changes in taste and smell often lead to a loss of interest in food. These changes occur because dementia damages brain areas responsible for processing smell and taste, such as the olfactory bulb and hippocampus, and is further impacted by protein buildups like amyloid plaques. To address these challenges, caregivers can enhance flavors with spices or sweeteners, experiment with textures and temperatures, and use visually appealing presentations to make meals more enjoyable. Safety considerations, such as preventing spoiled food consumption and ensuring visibility of meals, are equally essential to improving the dining experience. Remaining flexible and patient is key, as what works one day may not work the next. For more guidance, caregivers can explore the course Managing Meals and Eating Challenges at melissabphd.com/courses, which offers expert strategies and practical tools. Additional resources are available on the YouTube channel This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World and in the private Facebook community. These platforms provide valuable insights and support to help caregivers create less stressful and more enjoyable mealtimes for their loved ones.

    12 min

  6. 10/12/2024

    EP: 203 - 3 Changes in Hearing and Language that Impact Eating

    How Hearing and Language Changes in Dementia Impact Eating | Tips for Caregivers Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias impact every aspect of life, including how a person hears and understands language. In this episode, Dr. Melissa Batchelor explores how these changes can make eating independently a challenge—and shares practical strategies to help. ✨ Topics Covered: How hearing loss and auditory processing difficulties affect mealtimes. Tips to improve communication with nonverbal cues and visual aids. Breaking down multi-step tasks into simple, manageable steps. 🍴 Caregiving isn’t easy, but small adjustments can make a big difference. Watch now and learn how to create a more supportive mealtime environment! 💡 Want more in-depth guidance? Check out the online course, Alzheimer's Disease: Managing Meals and Eating Challenges, at melissabphd.com/courses.

    10 min

  7. 03/12/2024

    EP: 202 - 5 Ways to Reduce Loneliness in Aging

    In this episode of This is Getting Old, Dr. Melissa sits down with David Burke, the founder of NxtGen Care, to discuss how social engagement and movement are vital for healthy aging. David highlights how staying connected with others and maintaining regular physical activity are key factors in promoting cognitive health, emotional well-being, and overall longevity. He shares a touching story of a retired World War II pilot who, despite no longer being able to fly, built a flight simulator to stay socially engaged with others and keep his passion alive. David also discusses his work at NxtGen Care, where the company’s innovative software platform helps monitor and enhance the social engagement and well-being of residents in assisted living communities. This technology enables caregivers and families to track the quality of social interactions, ensuring that elderly individuals receive the emotional support they need. Through this platform, NxtGen Care is improving the standard of elder care, helping families stay connected with their loved ones, and reducing the risk of loneliness and isolation in senior care settings.

    55 min

  8. 26/11/2024

    EP 201 : Dementia Care: How Changes in Vision Impact Eating

    One of the most concerning and puzzling symptoms of Alzheimer's is when a person stops being able to eat independently. Without adequate support, this could lead to malnutrition, weight loss, and a decline in overall health.In this video, you will learn how changes in vision impact a person living with dementia’s ability to feed themselves. As Alzheimer's disease progresses, changes in vision can significantly impact a person's daily life, including their eating habits. In this video, I will share how Alzheimer's impacts a persons’ vision including difficulties with peripheral vision, color and contrast detection, depth perception, and others - and how these changes may lead to reduced food intake.  If you're a caregiver or healthcare professional supporting someone with Alzheimer's, this video is for you. Learn how to identify the signs of vision-related eating challenges and discover practical strategies to encourage eating for a person living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia by optimizing cues.Discover how to make mealtime easier and more enjoyable for people with dementia. This video explores innovative strategies and practical tips to simplify the eating process, promoting independence and dignity for individuals with dementia. Learn how to create a supportive environment, adapt meal presentation, and encourage self-feeding to improve their overall dining experience.From understanding the physical and emotional changes that occur in Alzheimer's patients to practical tips for mealtime assistance, we'll delve into the complexities of this often-overlooked aspect of the disease.

    21 min
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In today's busy society, people aren't typically thinking about aging or elder care. By 2030, there will be more older adults than children under age 5 for the first time in human history. Here's a fantastic podcast with different topics ranging from clinical care of older adults to things that family caregivers need to know. Hosted by Dr. Melissa Batchelor (MelissaBPhD) 'This Is Getting Old' highlights all of the things we need to do to create an age-friendly world - because when things are age-friendly, they are friendly for everyone.

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