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. 4 DAYS AGO

    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

  2. DEC 10

    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

  3. DEC 3

    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

  4. NOV 26

    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

  5. NOV 19

    EP: 200 - Alzheimer’s Disease: Holiday Tips for a Positive Season | Dementia Caregiving

    In this episode of This is Getting Old: Moving Towards an Age-Friendly World, I’m joined by Nancy (Dangle) and Kat (Dot), two incredible women with valuable insights into dementia care. Together, we explore the emotional challenges of caregiving, particularly how important non-verbal communication can be when building meaningful connections with loved ones living with dementia. Nancy shares her personal experience with Alzheimer’s disease, discussing the power of physical touch, eye contact, and simply being present. We also talk about the importance of inclusion and how small gestures—like inviting someone to a gathering without the pressure to attend—can help combat the isolation often felt by people with dementia. Kat offers advice on how caregivers can create a positive environment by being grounded and aware of their energy. We wrap up with practical tips for caregivers, including how simple, meaningful gifts like shared experiences can make a lasting impact during the holidays. Tune in for heartwarming stories and tips on how to approach dementia care with empathy and connection.

    46 min

  6. NOV 12

    EP : 199 - Dementia Caregiving: Preparing for Your Own Health Crisis

    In "Dementia Caregiving: How to Prepare for Health Crisis (2024)," we provide essential strategies for caregivers managing the complexities of dementia care. Preparing for unexpected health crises can ease the burden on both the caregiver and the person with dementia. This episode covers vital aspects like maintaining caregiver health, emotional preparedness, and practical planning for financial, legal, and care arrangements. Together with Dr. Melissa Batchelor and guest Jacob Kendall, we dive into how caregiving impacts personal health and share insights on managing stress, building a Caregiving Plan B, and finding resources to make tough moments more manageable. Caregiving is a journey, and being prepared can make all the difference. Tune in to gain the knowledge and support you need to navigate caregiving with resilience and confidence.

    30 min

  7. NOV 5

    EP: 198 - Opioid Use Disorder | Impact on Families – Aging Parents to Grandkids | OpiAID

    In this episode, we explore the critical risks of opioid use among seniors, including addiction, overdose, and the dangerous side effects that can worsen existing health conditions. We speak with David Reeser, CEO of OpiAID, to understand the impact of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) on aging parents and their families, highlighting why awareness is essential for everyone. OpiAID is revolutionizing OUD treatment with remote patient monitoring, biometric insights, and personalized care plans that go beyond the clinical setting. As the opioid crisis impacts families nationwide, this episode provides crucial insights for seniors and their loved ones to safely navigate opioid-related challenges.

    27 min

  8. OCT 29

    EP: 197 - Dating After 50: 10 Must-Know Tips for Finding Love Over 50

    Are you navigating the dating scene after 50? Whether you’re newly single or returning to the dating world after years, it can feel daunting, but also exciting! In this episode, I’m joined by Evan Marc Katz, a renowned dating coach with over 13,000 success stories, to explore how to find love and meaningful connections later in life. We discuss the challenges and joys of modern dating over 50, how to overcome fears, present yourself authentically, and stay safe both online and offline.

    34 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

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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