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

MelissaBPhD
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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. 4 DAYS AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. JAN 7

    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

  6. 12/31/2024

    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

  7. 12/24/2024

    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

  8. 12/17/2024

    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
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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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