The Art of Aging Ruth Frost Parker Center

Dr. Tracy Trothen is an author and faculty member at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.  She researches the ethics of advanced technology such as artificial intelligence and prolonging life.  She joins us to talk about gene editing, mind uploading, restorative technologies such as cochlear implants, and stem cell research.  How can we extend our lives and what questions are raised when we pursue a longer, more perfect life?

What can we learn from talking to a recently retired geriatrician?  In this episode we meet Cynthia Olsen who recently retired from a career in geriatrics medicine.  She talks about how older patients differ from younger patients, issues of ageism among medical students, polypharmacy, new medical innovations that benefit the elderly and much more.

This month we meet another "aging hero."  Mary Tyler has worked with United Way programs all over the United States, been a community activist and social justice researcher, and continues to pursue higher education into her retirement.  Join us to learn more about Mary.

Our co-host Reverend Beth Long-Higgins shares some insights about the non-financial aspects of retirement.  Many people find that after retiring, they have not taken time to reflect on the potential ways their lives will change.  Beth offers her experience and some of the latest research by Ken Dyctwald and Edward Jones Investments.  She also shares insights from Joe Coughlin of the MIT AgeLab and Laura Carstensen of the Stanford Center on Longevity.

Recently, Beth has also participated in teaching the online course NEXTSTEPS: MIDLIFE AND BEYOND.  For more information about this course, click on this link to the Ruth Frost Parker Center website:

https://www.unitedchurchhomes.org/parker-center/seminars-and-conferences/next-steps-prelude/

Rachel Gut, who is the Executive Director of the Dayton and Montgomery County Public Library is our guest for this episode. Rachel shares some of the extraordinary services her library provides older adults.  Listen, and take some time to explore what your own local library offers in terms of movies, audio books, volunteer opportunities, research assistance and services to help those with special needs.

LeadingAge Ohio is a not-for-profit association that represents over 400 long term care organizations who provide hospice, housing, nursing and ancillary services for older adults throughout the state.  Kathryn Brod tells the story of how the approach to this care has evolved to become less restrictive, providing patients with more control over their care.  LeadingAge has helped to lobby for better pay and conditions for employees in response to the staff shortages that face all medical services during the Covid pandemic.  She also shares some strategies for addressing employee shortages.

As a new feature, we are offering a book review of ”Being Mortal”, a must read for anyone who is aging during this era of increased lifespans.  What conversations we must have in a world where the treatment may be worse than the disease.