This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World Podcast with Dr. MELISSA BATCHELOR

Dr. MELISSA BATCHELOR
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This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World Podcast with Dr. MELISSA BATCHELOR

Getting older? Guess what - so is everyone else! But aging doesn’t have to mean slowing down or settling for less. Because aging isn’t a problem to fix - it’s an adventure to embrace! 🎙️ Welcome to This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, the podcast that flips the script on what it means to grow older - and let’s be real, this show is for ANYONE BORN BEFORE 1997 (yes, that’s you, Millennials!). Hosted by Dr. Melissa Batchelor, nurse, nurse practitioner, educator, and aging expert, this show dives into the latest innovations, inspiring stories, and real-world solutions that are transforming how we age. We cover everything from aging and age-friendly initiatives to brain health, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia care - because staying sharp and thriving as we age is the real goal. Whether you’re caring for a loved one, thinking about your future, or just curious about how to age well—this is the place to be. Expect candid conversations, expert guests, and practical tips—all served up with a dose of humor and heart. New episodes drop every week on Tuesdays at 11am ET - so tune in and join the movement towards a better, age-friendly world - if we’re all getting older, et’s get better at it - TOGETHER! 👉 And please don't forget to support the podcast by SUBSCRIBING today - and if you find value in the content, please LIKE the episode and SHARE with others who could benefit from the information you learn while you're here! Don't forget to swing by MelissaBPhD to discover new resources designed to support you on your own aging and caregiving journey! See YOU there!

  1. MAR 19

    EP: 215 - The Teaching Nursing Home Collaborative

    The Future of Nursing Homes: Smarter Training & Stronger Partnerships For decades, nursing homes have struggled with staffing shortages and outdated training models. But what if we could change that? The Teaching Nursing Home Collaborative is an innovative program connecting schools of nursing with nursing homes to provide better training, improve workforce development, and enhance residents' quality of life. This initiative, which started in Pennsylvania, is now expanding nationwide. According to Nancy Zients, Chief Program & Strategy Officer at the Jewish Healthcare Foundation, the project was born out of the devastation of COVID-19 in nursing homes. "We knew there had to be a better way," she explains. Rather than simply increasing staff numbers, the program focuses on smarter training, interdisciplinary teamwork, and student engagement—bringing a fresh perspective to long-term care. Kim Ratliff, Director of Nursing at Wesleyan Hans Living Main Line, highlights the program’s resident-centered focus. "We’re improving quality of life by paying attention to what matters most—mentality, mobility, medications, and personal interests." Traditionally, nursing students get little exposure to nursing homes. Taylor McMahon, Director of Nursing at The Willows, notes that many students enter the program with misconceptions. "Once they experience long-term care firsthand, they see the depth of the work and the relationships they can build." The program has already led to new hires, with students choosing to stay in long-term care after graduation. With successful pilot programs in Pennsylvania, the Teaching Nursing Home Collaborative is now expanding. The goal? Transform nursing homes across the country into centers of learning, quality care, and professional development.

    37 min

  2. MAR 4

    EP: 214 - Protecting Your Money: How to Stop Financial Exploitation

    In this episode, I speak with Cameron Huddleston, a financial expert specializing in protecting older adults from financial exploitation. Cameron explains the two primary types of financial abuse—scams from strangers and exploitation by people the victim knows—and discusses how quickly financial abuse can happen, particularly in caregiving situations. She offers practical advice for families transitioning a loved one into assisted living, such as removing financial documents, limiting access to money, and automating bill payments to reduce the risk of exploitation. We also talk about how to approach the sensitive topic of financial planning with aging parents, focusing on empowering them to remain in control while setting up safeguards like powers of attorney and estate planning documents. Cameron shares resources available on her website, including an emergency organizer and scam red flag sheet, along with information about her book Mom and Dad, We Need to Talk, which provides more tips on navigating these important conversations and protecting loved ones' finances.

    27 min

  3. FEB 25

    EP: 213 - Scams: Protecting Yourself and Your Loved Ones

    In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, financial expert Cameron Huddleston shares essential tips for recognizing and preventing scams targeting older adults. Scammers have become more sophisticated, using fear, urgency, and emotional manipulation to steal personal information, drain bank accounts, and isolate victims. From tech support and romance scams to investment schemes, these fraudsters take advantage of vulnerabilities, often leaving their victims financially and emotionally devastated. To protect yourself, watch out for red flags such as unusual payment requests (gift cards, wire transfers), pressure to act immediately, or isolation tactics. If you suspect a scam, cut off contact with the fraudster, consult someone you trust, and report it to authorities like the Federal Trade Commission or the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging’s Fraud Hotline. Education and awareness are key to preventing these scams—talking to your loved ones about these tactics can help them stay safe.

    33 min

  4. FEB 18

    EP: 212 - Finding Love in Dementia with Dangle and Dot

    Finding Love in Dementia with Dangle & Dot | This is Getting Old Podcast Can people with dementia form new romantic relationships? What about caregivers—how do they navigate love while supporting a loved one? In this episode, I’m joined by Dangle & Dot to explore love, companionship, and relationships in the context of cognitive decline. We’ll discuss key ethical issues like consent, dignity, and autonomy, plus how caregivers can practice self-love. If you’re caring for someone with dementia or just curious about love in later life, this episode is for you! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more content on aging, dementia, and caregiving.

    23 min

  5. FEB 11

    EP: 211 - Dementia Care: Rediscovering Love When Words Fail with Dangle & Dot

    When words fail, love still remains. In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, I sit down with Dangle & Dot to explore the power of love and connection in dementia care. We discuss how small moments—a smile, a touch, or a favorite song—help maintain deep relationships even when words become difficult. Learn how caregivers can adapt love languages, practice patience, and nurture emotional bonds as relationships evolve.

    43 min

  6. FEB 4

    EP: 210 - Brain Health and Longevity

    In this episode, I talk with Brandon Davis about the Davis Focus Project, an innovative mental health program using neurofeedback to help veterans overcome challenges like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Brandon explains how neurofeedback works by mapping the brain, identifying dysregulated areas, and providing real-time feedback to help the brain self-correct. This non-invasive approach allows individuals to heal while doing everyday activities, like watching TV, with many seeing significant improvements after just a few sessions. Remarkably, not a single person who’s completed their program remains on medication, highlighting its transformative impact. Brandon also shares how neurofeedback compares to years of meditation in helping the brain achieve mental clarity and self-regulation. The Davis Focus Project offers personalized care, regularly updating brain maps to track progress and target the most pressing issues. Even if veterans aren’t local to Tennessee, Brandon promises to connect them with resources nationwide. To support their mission, listeners can donate—just $60 a month can fully fund a veteran’s treatment and potentially save a life. Learn more at thedavisfocusproject.com.

    53 min

  7. JAN 28

    EP: 209 - Future of Assisted Living

    In this episode, Dr. Melissa Batchelor dives into the future of assisted living with Shaun Toomey of Inspir Embassy Row, a premier luxury senior living and memory care community. Discover how cutting-edge technology and personalized care are setting a new standard for older adults. Learn about the innovative services offered by Inspir and the role of age-friendly initiatives in shaping a more inclusive world. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation! Stay Connected 🌐 Website: MelissaBPhD.com  🎙 Podcast: TIGO - Topics in Gerontology 📍 Join our private Facebook Group: Building Age-Friendly Ecosystems

    23 min

  8. JAN 14

    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
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    Ratings & Reviews

    5
    out of 5
    11 Ratings

    About

    Getting older? Guess what - so is everyone else! But aging doesn’t have to mean slowing down or settling for less. Because aging isn’t a problem to fix - it’s an adventure to embrace! 🎙️ Welcome to This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, the podcast that flips the script on what it means to grow older - and let’s be real, this show is for ANYONE BORN BEFORE 1997 (yes, that’s you, Millennials!). Hosted by Dr. Melissa Batchelor, nurse, nurse practitioner, educator, and aging expert, this show dives into the latest innovations, inspiring stories, and real-world solutions that are transforming how we age. We cover everything from aging and age-friendly initiatives to brain health, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia care - because staying sharp and thriving as we age is the real goal. Whether you’re caring for a loved one, thinking about your future, or just curious about how to age well—this is the place to be. Expect candid conversations, expert guests, and practical tips—all served up with a dose of humor and heart. New episodes drop every week on Tuesdays at 11am ET - so tune in and join the movement towards a better, age-friendly world - if we’re all getting older, et’s get better at it - TOGETHER! 👉 And please don't forget to support the podcast by SUBSCRIBING today - and if you find value in the content, please LIKE the episode and SHARE with others who could benefit from the information you learn while you're here! Don't forget to swing by MelissaBPhD to discover new resources designed to support you on your own aging and caregiving journey! See YOU there!

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