How to Travel Well After 60—Safety, Joy, and Realistic Plans

Send us a textWhat if rehab care didn’t mean waiting hours for help to do the most basic things? We sit down with Sheila Buswell—Army veteran, engineer, and CEO of Buswell Biomedical—to unpack how a life‑altering injury and her mother’s hip fracture exposed a quiet truth: activities of daily living are overdue for a humane upgrade. Sheila shares the origin of Upmo, a patented mobility system that navigates like a Roomba, syncs to a patient’s RFID strap, and uses LIDAR and IMU sensors to support movement, detect instability, and prevent dangerous falls—without replacing caregivers or dignity.We trace her path from Bosnia to biomedical innovation, exploring why many facilities still rely on slow, manual processes that frustrate patients and burn out staff. Sheila explains how machine learning distinguishes a user’s normal gait from a real risk, when to off‑weight for balance, and when a controlled lower to the ground is safest. We also dive into the realities behind the promise: FDA clearance timelines, safety validation, model updates, maintenance, and the business concerns that can stall adoption even when patients say “yes, please.”Along the way, we challenge assumptions about AI in elder care, argue for autonomy as a measurable outcome, and consider why tomorrow’s seniors—more tech‑literate and active—may welcome devices that give them privacy and control. If you care about fall prevention, senior mobility, ADLs, and realistic AI in healthcare, this conversation offers a grounded roadmap from problem to product.Enjoyed the conversation? Follow and share the show, leave a review with your biggest takeaway, and send this episode to someone working in rehab or senior care who’s ready to rethink mobility.Support the show

Send us a textMost bucket lists go quiet after 61—not because the desire fades, but because barriers get louder. We unpack the real reasons older adults stop traveling (no companion, health worries, cost) and replace them with practical steps that make meaningful trips feel possible again. From choosing the right pace and accessible destinations to planning for medical needs without panic, we lay out a clear, repeatable approach families can use to turn “someday” into booked.We dig into smart destination choices—why national parks with shuttles and viewpoints can deliver awe without strain, and how cruises bundle mobility, meals, and onboard medical care while opening the door to Alaska, the Bahamas, and beyond. Then we get hands-on with planning: book early and verify accessibility, layer discounts that add up fast, build Plan B/C options for each day, and treat rest as part of the itinerary. Health prep becomes a bridge, not a barrier—brief doctor consults, carry-on meds with prescriptions, and travel insurance that protects the trip you’ve waited decades to take.Companionship reshapes everything. Whether it’s a friend, adult child, or senior travel group, the right travel partner adds safety, momentum, and shared joy. We also spotlight simple tech that smooths the journey: airline, translation, and rideshare apps; “Find My” check-ins; and offline maps that keep stress down and confidence high. Finally, we talk memory-making—journals, intentional photos, and revisiting old places to honor a life’s map with new pages. Imagine the next decade as ten annual trips, each one a story you’re glad you wrote.If this resonates, hit follow, share with someone who has an aging loved one, and leave a quick review. Tell us where you’d send a parent or grandparent first—we’re collecting ideas to help more families make aging awesome.Support the show

Send us a textLoneliness isn't just an emotional challenge for seniors—it's a serious health crisis that can literally shorten lives. When a spouse passes away after decades of marriage, the surviving partner often follows within a year, not from illness but from losing their reason to live. But it doesn't have to be this way.This eye-opening episode dives deep into how social connection acts as a vital life force for aging adults. You'll hear powerful real-world examples, like a grandfather who survived six years after losing his wife thanks to a fishing buddy, and a 75-year-old woman crushing CrossFit workouts at 5 AM—a hobby she only started at 67. The science backs these stories: socially active seniors are 50% less likely to develop dementia, while isolation can lead to premature death and significantly higher risks of cognitive decline.Despite their desire to stay engaged (over 70% of people over 60 want to continue traveling and trying new experiences), many seniors face barriers that keep them isolated. We explore practical solutions for overcoming social anxiety, health concerns, and other obstacles that prevent older adults from maintaining active social lives. Whether it's attending recurring events, pursuing lifelong learning, or simply finding creative ways to connect with peers, these strategies don't just add years to life—they add life to years. For caregivers and family members, this episode offers concrete steps to help your aging loved ones build meaningful connections that will sustain them physically, emotionally, and mentally through their golden years.Want to transform a senior's life? Reach out to us at Helperly to learn how we can help create special social experiences tailored to your loved one's needs and interests.Support the show

Send us a textAging is a privilege, not a problem. This perspective-shifting conversation with gerontologist Briana Velarde challenges everything you thought you knew about growing older.Drawing from her expertise as coordinator of the Optimal Aging Program at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute, Velarde redefines successful aging as adaptability rather than the avoidance of change. She dismantles harmful stereotypes suggesting that aging inevitably leads to decline and dependency, offering instead a vision of continued growth, purpose, and joy throughout life's later chapters.The science is clear—your mindset about aging significantly impacts your health outcomes. Velarde shares fascinating research showing people with positive outlooks on aging were 13% less likely to have heart attacks than their negative-thinking counterparts, even with family history of heart disease. This compelling evidence underscores why challenging our internal narratives about aging matters so much.For those experiencing changes in physical abilities or health, Velarde offers practical guidance centered on three principles: never stop moving, never stop learning, and never stop connecting. She shares touching stories of patients in their 80s and 90s developing new skills and rekindling passions, proving it's never too late to find fulfillment. Her wisdom extends to younger listeners as well, emphasizing the importance of building identity beyond career achievements to prepare for a meaningful retirement.The conversation tackles the critical distinction between isolation and loneliness, with actionable steps for fostering genuine connection. Velarde envisions ideal communities as intergenerational spaces where older adults are valued for their wisdom and experience. As Mark Twain wisely noted, "Aging is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter." Ready to transform how you think about aging?Support the show

Send us a textWhen a hospital CEO candidly admitted to Dr. Joseph Jarvis that they diverted non-paying patients elsewhere despite having available beds, it crystallized everything wrong with America's healthcare system. In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Jarvis—physician, public health leader, and healthcare reform advocate—shares his groundbreaking vision for transforming healthcare access in Utah and potentially nationwide.The Utah CARES Act represents a radical yet practical approach to healthcare reform that could eliminate the bureaucratic middlemen wasting billions while ensuring every resident receives necessary medical care without financial barriers. Dr. Jarvis artfully dismantles the "socialized medicine" critique by drawing a compelling parallel to our highway system: publicly funded, privately built, and universally accessible without anyone crying "socialism."Perhaps most disturbing is how our current system actively punishes healthcare providers for improving patient outcomes. Dr. Jarvis shares the story of a Utah physician whose protocol dramatically reduced pneumonia hospitalizations and costs—only to see the hospital financially penalized for delivering better care. The Utah CARES Act would flip these perverse incentives, rewarding quality care rather than billable procedures.Despite economic studies confirming the plan's fiscal soundness, political obstacles have temporarily blocked this initiative from reaching voters. But Dr. Jarvis remains undeterred, motivated by his faith and the knowledge that approximately 2,000 Utahns die unnecessarily each year due to healthcare access barriers.Whether you're a healthcare professional frustrated by systemic dysfunction, a patient struggling with medical costs, or simply someone who believes healthcare should serve people rather than profits, this conversation offers both a sobering diagnosis of our current system and a hopeful prescription for meaningful reform. Visit www.utahcares.health to learn more, share your healthcare story, or support this vital initiative.Support the show

Send us a textThe crisis in senior care isn't coming—it's already here. With Utah nursing homes forced to deny 1,200 admissions in 2023 and the state's senior population projected to grow 18% by 2027, we're facing critical questions about how to care for our aging loved ones.Allison Spangler, President and CEO of the Utah Healthcare Association, takes us behind the curtain of healthcare policy and advocacy. Her journey from hands-on caregiver to policy champion offers a unique perspective on the challenges facing senior care today. "I fell in love with helping older adults, being their family," she explains, describing her early days as a CNA that sparked a lifelong mission to serve this often-forgotten population.The conversation reveals startling truths about the regulatory and financial pressures squeezing senior care providers. Nursing homes operate with a staggering $100 per patient per day shortfall in Medicaid reimbursement, while navigating what Spangler describes as "the most regulated industry in the nation outside of NASA." This combination creates an unsustainable model threatening access to care precisely when demographic shifts demand expansion.We explore the crucial distinctions between skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities, the special challenges facing rural providers, and innovative approaches like Utah's quality improvement incentive program. Spangler also shares her exciting "Stories of Caring" initiative designed to change public perceptions of long-term care by showcasing the dedication of caregivers who make these communities home.For anyone concerned about the future of elder care, this conversation offers both sobering realities and hopeful pathways forward. Whether you're a healthcare professional, have aging loved ones, or simply care about this growing societal challenge, you'll gain valuable insights into the complex world of senior care advocacy.Ready to make your voice heard? Connect with the Utah Healthcare Association at www.uthca.org or reach out to Allison at [email protected] and join the movement to ensure quality care for our seniors.Support the show

Send us a textPlanning for long-term care might be the most important conversation your family isn't having. In this eye-opening episode, Raymond Lavine, founder of Lavine LTC Benefits, reveals why waiting to address caregiving needs creates unnecessary financial and emotional burdens for families across America.Drawing from his personal experience caring for both parents, Raymond shares powerful insights that go beyond insurance policies to the heart of what matters: preserving relationships when caregiving becomes necessary. "Wife should always be wife, son should always be son—not caregivers," he emphasizes, highlighting how proper planning maintains the integrity of our most important connections.We explore the three critical questions everyone should answer: Where do you want your care? Who will be responsible for it? And how will you pay for it? Raymond brilliantly reframes long-term care insurance as "a warranty on you," helping listeners understand that humans, like machines, eventually need maintenance—and having a plan for that inevitable reality isn't pessimistic but practical.The conversation tackles common misconceptions about long-term care benefits, explains how modern policies have evolved to be more efficient, and outlines the various options available depending on your specific needs and circumstances. Raymond's empathetic approach to what many consider an uncomfortable topic transforms the discussion from one of fear to one of empowerment.Whether you're in your 30s planning decades ahead, approaching retirement, or concerned about aging parents, this episode provides essential guidance for navigating one of life's most challenging transitions. As Raymond powerfully concludes: "Have the conversation." Your future self—and your loved ones—will thank you.• Long-term care insurance functions as "a warranty on you," protecting your most valuable asset: yourself• Three fundamental questions everyone should address: Where do you want care? Who will provide it? How will you pay for it?• Family relationships suffer when spouses and children become caregivers instead of maintaining their primary roles• Caregiving is a specialized skill that most people haven't been trained to perform• People delay planning because insurance isn't immediately gratifying and forces confrontation with mortality• Benefits activate based on inability to perform daily activities, not specific medical diagnoses• Modern policies have become more efficient with streamlined health assessments and various coverage options• Raymond's personal experience caring for his father through three extended periods shaped his approachHave the conversation about long-term care planning now—whether with Raymond Levine, a financial advisor, or another knowledgeable professional. Contact Raymond through LinkedIn or at https://raymondlavineofficial.com/Support the show

Send us a textThe walls between generations seem to grow taller each year. Teenagers roll their eyes at grandparents who "just don't get it," while seniors shake their heads at youth who "don't care enough." But what if these misconceptions are actually preventing some of life's most enriching relationships?Licensed clinical social worker Danniel Worthen-Cullumber joins us to dismantle these barriers with wisdom gained from decades working with both ends of the age spectrum. Her insights reveal something surprising: our discomfort with older generations often stems from fear of our own aging future. By creating distance through stereotypes, we protect ourselves from confronting our inevitable journey.Danniel shares powerful observations about what each generation truly needs. For seniors, regular interaction combats the growing invisibility they feel as society pushes them to the margins. For younger people, these relationships provide something increasingly rare: adults who genuinely listen without judgment. "Teenagers just want to be heard," Danniel explains, "and I guarantee you that senior is going to listen."The most transformative connections happen in everyday moments, not just holiday gatherings. Whether it's teaching grandma to use a smartphone or learning about historical events from someone who lived through them, these exchanges build bridges across decades of different experiences. Danniel's simple but profound advice—"Ask the question, you'll get the answer"—opens doorways to extraordinary stories and mutual understanding.For families navigating the delicate balance of supporting aging loved ones while preserving their dignity, this episode offers practical guidance on maintaining autonomy while strengthening bonds. You'll discover how to identify what seniors truly want versus what they need, and how asking this simple question transforms relationships.Whether you're caring for aging parents, hoping to connect with grandchildren, or simply wanting to enrich your life through intergenerational friendships, this conversation will forever change how you approach these vital human connections.• Danniel's journey began as a CNA working with seniors, discovering it was "the hardest job she ever loved"• Depression rates among seniors entering care facilities are alarmingly high, particularly for those who lose independence• Misconceptions create barriers - young people often think seniors "don't get them," while seniors believe youth "don't care" or "aren't responsible"• Young people may distance themselves from seniors as a way to avoid confronting their own future aging• Intergenerational programs like those at Neighborhood House demonstrate how seniors' mental capacities "light up" when interacting with children• Communication between generations improves when focused on common interests rather than generational differences• Consistency matters more than grand gestures - regular Tuesday visits mean more than just showing up on holidays• Seniors provide what teenagers crave most: someone who genuinely listens without judgment• The value of older adults' experiences and stories provides perspective that can't be gained elsewhere• Practical advice for families: "Ask the question, you'll get the answer" to discover connections• Maintaining dignity and autonomy for seniors is crucial - avoid taking away rights as abilities changeFor those seeking support as caregivers or those working with aging loved ones, Danniel's practice Willow Medela Wellness offers resources. Caregivers face high burnout rates and often benefit from professional guidance through life transitions and emotional challenges.Support the show

Send us a textRetirement planning has a serious problem: we're living much longer than previous generations, but our financial preparation hasn't kept pace. With many retirees finding themselves 45% short of what they'll need for a comfortable retirement lasting potentially 30+ years, what options do we have?Laura Phillips, a licensed reverse mortgage specialist with over 25 years of experience, joins us to demystify one powerful but often misunderstood financial tool - the modern reverse mortgage. She tackles the elephant in the room immediately, acknowledging the product's controversial reputation while explaining how today's reverse mortgages differ dramatically from their predecessors. "It's not your grandmother's reverse mortgage," Phillips explains, detailing the significant consumer protections now built into these loans.We explore the mechanics of reverse mortgages in straightforward terms, from how they calculate available funds (based on age, equity, and interest rates) to what happens when the homeowner passes away. Phillips brings compassionate insight to the emotional aspects of retirement planning, addressing the delicate balance between using home equity as a financial tool and honoring the sentimental value of the family home.Perhaps most eye-opening is our discussion about financial education and America's retirement readiness gap. Phillips shares personal experiences that highlight how unprepared many of us are for financing decades of retirement, noting that even financial advisors struggle to project 30 years into the future. Her passion for helping seniors find solutions shines through as she encourages earlier, more honest conversations about aging and finances.Whether you're approaching retirement age yourself or helping parents navigate their options, this episode provides valuable perspective on one potential strategy for aging in place with greater financial security. Connect with Laura Phillips to learn if a reverse mortgage might be right for your situation.• Reverse mortgages have evolved substantially with improved consumer protections• Modern reverse mortgages require both spouses on the loan and verify ability to pay taxes/insurance• Homeowner age, available equity, and interest rates determine how much can be accessed (42-75%)• Older borrowers can access higher percentages of their home's value• Reverse mortgages work best when heirs aren't expecting to inherit the physical home• The loan grows over time but has protections against going "underwater"• Heirs can choose to sell the home or purchase it by paying off the loan balance• Financial education about longevity planning should start much earlier in life• A home should be viewed as both an emotional space and a potential financial toolIf you're 62 or approaching that age and thinking about retirement options, reach out to Laura Phillips at [email protected] or call 303-817-4611 to discuss whether a reverse mortgage might be right for your situation.Support the show

Send us a textWhat if we approached aging with the same enthusiasm and preparation as expecting parents planning for a baby? This transformative perspective is just one of the powerful insights Kayla Cook brings to our discussion on navigating senior care with confidence and compassion.Drawing from her psychology background and extensive experience in home health and hospice, Kayla challenges common misconceptions that prevent families from accessing vital resources at the right time. She paints a vivid picture of modern senior living communities that feel more like cruise ships than clinical facilities, with vibrant activities and amenities designed to help residents thrive rather than merely exist.Our conversation tackles the widespread misunderstanding of hospice care, revealing how this Medicare-covered service can actually extend life while dramatically improving its quality when utilized early enough. Yet many families wait until the final days of life, missing months of comprehensive support that could transform their experience.Kayla advocates for proactive planning, suggesting families begin care conversations at milestone moments like a 65th birthday, when everyone is still healthy enough to express their preferences clearly. This approach normalizes aging as another life stage worthy of thoughtful preparation rather than something to be feared or avoided.We explore underutilized resources from specialized fitness training to help maintain crucial muscle mass, to educational programs like Kayla's upcoming "Senior Pathways" course. This monthly program will equip families with practical knowledge about dementia stages, available resources, and financing options without sales pressure.Listen now to reframe your approach to aging and discover how early planning can transform this journey from one of crisis management to meaningful connection. Join Kayla's first Senior Pathways course on May 1st at Abington Senior Living in Murray to take your first step toward confident, compassionate care planning.RSVP here: https://web.facebook.com/SeniorPathwaysUT• Psychology background shapes Kayla's person-centered approach to helping families make difficult care decisions• Modern senior living communities offer vibrant social environments comparable to cruise ships, far from outdated stereotypes• Hospice care is drastically underutilized and misunderstood – studies show it can actually extend life by about 15 days• Families should start care planning conversations at milestone moments like age 65, long before crises occur• Physical fitness and muscle maintenance are critical yet overlooked factors in healthy aging and longevity• Understanding the landscape of Medicare-covered versus private pay options requires early education• Senior Pathways course launches May 1st to help families understand dementia stages, caregiving tips, and available resourcesSupport the show