Explore every episode of the podcast Get Ready for Better Aging

In this eye-opening episode of Get Ready for Better Aging, host Jacqui Clark welcomes Christine Lee, a Certified Senior Advisor and the CEO of Casa Companion Home Care and Transport Solutions. Together, they unpack a critical—but often ignored—pillar of aging well: transportation. Christine shares her inspiring journey from founding a culturally rooted home care company to launching a transport service that empowers seniors, veterans, and adults with disabilities to stay mobile and independent. You’ll learn why lack of transportation is a major reason older adults enter assisted living before they’re ready—and how the right support can change everything. From hospital discharges to life events like weddings, Christine and Jacqui explore the emotional and logistical impact of getting where you need to go, with dignity. Whether you're aging in place or supporting someone who is, this episode delivers powerful insights to help you plan ahead—before a ride becomes a crisis. Links and Resources: Connect with Christine Lee and Casa Companion Home Care and Transportation - https://www.casacompanionhomecare.com Links and Resources: (Jacqui Clark) Connect with a local Aging Parent Tribe FB Group for caregiver support near you:  Aging Parent Tribe SoCal - San Diego : An Info and Support Group | Groups | Facebook- ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/1300623337892805⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠This Is Living Well - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thisislivingwell.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/getreadyforbetteraging⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Aging Well Magazine - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thisislivingwell.com/magazine⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/GetReadyforBetterAging Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if retirement isn’t the end, but the beginning of your most meaningful chapter? In this inspiring episode, Jacqui Clark welcomes Dr. Harry Agress, Jr.—physician, photographer, author, and reinvention enthusiast—to explore how retirement can be a launching pad for creativity, curiosity, and connection. Harry shares the deeply personal story behind his book Next Years, Best Years, and how simple lists of fears, loves, and curiosities led him to improv classes, children’s book illustration, and even background acting in TV shows. Together, they unpack his framework of Purpose, Passion, and Possibility and the “Four Freedoms” that make this life phase so unique. From turning hobbies into joy (not jobs) to embracing curiosity as a compass, this conversation offers a roadmap to vibrant, self-defined living after 60. Whether you're newly retired or just planning ahead, this episode is your reminder: you’re not winding down—you’re just getting started. Links and Resources: Connect with Dr. Harry Agress, Jr. His book Next Years, Best Years is available everywhere books are sold. See his website for his upcoming events - https://nextyearsbestyears.com Subscribe to get your FREE chapter, worksheets, and sample resource Links and Resources: (Jacqui Clark) Connect with a local Aging Parent Tribe FB Group for caregiver support near you:  Aging Parent Tribe SoCal - San Diego : An Info and Support Group | Groups | Facebook- ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/1300623337892805⁠⁠ ⁠⁠This Is Living Well - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thisislivingwell.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/getreadyforbetteraging⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Aging Well Magazine - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thisislivingwell.com/magazine⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook - ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/GetReadyforBetterAging Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jacqui sits down with Linda Jahnke, a board-certified patient advocate and founder of Jahnke Consulting, who specializes in navigating complex long-term care insurance claims. With over three decades of experience, Linda shares how a life-changing event in 2010 inspired her to transition from selling policies to advocating for high-risk patients. They discuss the intricate world of long-term care insurance, covering everything from policy misunderstandings and claim denials to ongoing management challenges. Linda explains her step-by-step process—from reviewing policy contracts and filing claims to ensuring accurate documentation and facilitating reimbursements. Given the increasing hurdles policyholders face despite years of paying premiums, Jacqui highlights how essential Linda's services are. They explore the evolving landscape of long-term care insurance, including issues related to outdated policy language and varying state regulations. Through compelling real-life stories, Linda emphasizes the importance of having a dedicated support system and offers practical tips for those purchasing or managing long-term care insurance. Whether you're a policyholder, caregiver, or senior care professional, this insightful conversation underscores the value of perseverance, proactive advocacy, and assembling a reliable team. Tune in to learn how Linda makes a difference in a challenging industry. Linda Jahnke, Board-Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA) Jahnke Consulting, Inc. - www.jahnkeconsultinginc.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindajahnke Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/JahnkeConsulting Links and Resources: (Jacqui Clark) This Is Living Well - https://www.thisislivingwell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/getreadyforbetteraging Aging Well Magazine - https://www.thisislivingwell.com/magazine Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GetReadyforBetterAging Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jacqui Clark sits down with Scott Fischer of Options For Senior Living, a seasoned nurse and thought leader with 38 years of experience in senior care and mental health. Scott’s career has focused on supporting aging individuals, especially those with dementia. In 2000, he shifted from nursing administration and education to becoming a leader in ethical practices in senior living. Scott co-founded the Professional Association of Senior Referral Specialists and, later, the National Placement and Referral Alliance (NPRA) in 2017, advocating for best practices in senior care. Join Jacqui and Scott as they discuss the importance of personalized guidance, ethical practices, and building strong relationships with care communities. Scott’s compelling stories highlight the benefits of a personalized approach over impersonal, database-driven solutions in senior care. This episode is a must-listen for caregivers, healthcare professionals, and anyone navigating the senior care system. Connect with Scott Fischer, BSN: www.optionsforseniorliving.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/optionsfsl Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/OptionsForSeniorLiving Links and Resources: (Jacqui Clark) This Is Living Well - https://www.thisislivingwell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/getreadyforbetteraging Aging Well Magazine - https://www.thisislivingwell.com/magazine Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GetReadyforBetterAging Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jacqui Clark is a Certified Senior Advisor and aging expert who guides us through the complex topics of aging. Her passion is to help people age well. Get ready to release the dread of aging and embrace this stage of life. She and other industry experts explore senior services, living options, and memory care. She tackles tough conversations like cognitive decline, fear of change, and mobility. Everyone has a story, and from these stories, we learn about resources as well as practical ideas for everyday living, both physically and mentally. Whether it’s for yourself or your loved ones – listen and get ready for better aging. Follow so you never miss an episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if death didn’t have to be lonely, confusing, or feared? In this powerful and deeply human episode, host Jacqui Clark welcomes Dr. Bob Uslander and death doula Lori Krause to explore a compassionate, team-based approach to dying well. Together, they reveal how the partnership between physicians and end-of-life doulas is revolutionizing care—offering emotional, spiritual, and practical support that the traditional healthcare system often misses. From navigating dementia to honoring a loved one’s final wishes, this conversation uncovers what’s possible when people are truly seen, heard, and supported. Whether you’re a caregiver, facing loss, or simply curious, this episode offers hope, tools, and vital insights into an experience we all will face. You’ll come away with a sense of peace—and maybe even inspiration to rethink how we live and die. This is one episode you can’t afford to miss. Links and Resources: (Connect with Dr. Bob Uslander and Lori Krause) https://empoweredendings.com https://www.facebook.com/empowerendings https://www.instagram.com/empowered_endings_ Links and Resources: (Jacqui Clark) Connect with a local Aging Parent Tribe FB Group for caregiver support near you:  Aging Parent Tribe SoCal - San Diego : An Info and Support Group | Groups | Facebook- ⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/1300623337892805⁠ ⁠This Is Living Well - ⁠⁠https://www.thisislivingwell.com⁠ ⁠Instagram - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/getreadyforbetteraging⁠ ⁠Aging Well Magazine - ⁠⁠https://www.thisislivingwell.com/magazine⁠ ⁠Facebook - ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/GetReadyforBetterAging Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this deeply moving episode, Jacqui Clark sits down with June, a devoted wife and caregiver, to share the emotional journey of caring for her husband, Ned, through the challenges of dementia. With raw honesty and tender humor, June recounts the heartbreak, resilience, and soul-deep love that defined their final years together. From the first forgotten memories to the last silent goodbye, her story is a powerful reminder that behind every diagnosis is a love worth honoring. This episode is a lifeline for anyone walking the path of caregiving—an intimate reflection on grief, strength, and the enduring human spirit. Links and Resources: (Jacqui Clark) Connect with a local Aging Parent Tribe FB Group for caregiver support near you:  Aging Parent Tribe SoCal - San Diego : An Info and Support Group | Groups | Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/groups/1300623337892805 This Is Living Well - https://www.thisislivingwell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/getreadyforbetteraging Aging Well Magazine - https://www.thisislivingwell.com/magazine Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GetReadyforBetterAging Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Think reverse mortgages are a last resort or a financial trap? Think again. In this eye-opening episode, Jacqui Clark sits down with Shanne Sleder—a Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional and Certified Liability Advisor—to debunk the myths and break down the real deal on one of the most misunderstood financial tools out there. From panicked adult children to confused homeowners, misinformation runs wild. But with the right knowledge, reverse mortgages can be a lifeline—not a loss. Learn how seniors can tap into home equity safely, use it as a long-term retirement strategy, and even protect themselves in a disaster. Shanne shares real-life examples, red flags to watch for, and key questions to ask before signing anything. Whether you're planning your own retirement or helping a loved one, this conversation will change how you think about homeownership, legacy, and financial freedom. Because sometimes, the smartest move… is in reverse. Connect with Shanne Sleder, Mortgage Advisor, CRMP NMLS# 239958 / DRE# 01346265 www.SanDiegoMortgageNews.com Facebook – www.facebook.com/ShanneSleder LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/shannesleder Links and Resources: (Jacqui Clark) This Is Living Well - https://www.thisislivingwell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/getreadyforbetteraging Aging Well Magazine - https://www.thisislivingwell.com/magazine Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GetReadyforBetterAging Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, host Jacqui Clark sits down with Greg Hahn of Lightbridge Hospice, a dedicated hospice and palliative care nurse with decades of experience. As the hospice chair for the San Diego Regional Home Care Council and a San Diego Coalition for Compassionate Care member, Greg illuminates the crucial distinctions between hospice and palliative care, addressing common misconceptions and fears. Together, they discuss what hospice truly means, the role of hospice workers, and how families can confidently navigate these services. Greg shares powerful patient stories, including a touching tribute to veterans and hospice's impact on patients and their loved ones. He also provides practical insights on Medicare coverage, choosing the right hospice provider, and the importance of early intervention. Join us for an eye-opening conversation about compassionate end-of-life care and the incredible people who make it possible. Connect with Greg Hahn, RN and LightBridge Hospice & Palliative Care - https://lightbridgehospice.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LightBridgeHospice Links and Resources: (Jacqui Clark) This Is Living Well - https://www.thisislivingwell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/getreadyforbetteraging Aging Well Magazine - https://www.thisislivingwell.com/magazine Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GetReadyforBetterAging Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Jacqui Clark sits down with Diana Silva, aka Molé Mama, to explore her incredible journey from a dairy farm childhood to becoming a Silicon Valley executive, Food Network competitor, and passionate advocate for culinary storytelling. Diana shares her rich Mexican-Portuguese heritage, the deep connections created through cooking, and the importance of preserving family recipes. They dive into bold aging, embracing gray hair, navigating health challenges like AFib, and the resilience needed to reinvent oneself at any age. Diana’s story is an inspiring testament to following your passions, staying vibrant, and building a meaningful second act. Tune in for a conversation full of heart, humor, and a dash of spice! You can find Diana at molemama.com  Diana will be at the Tucson Festival of Books on March 15th and 16th and the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on April 26th and 27th.  Upcoming Book Events: https://www.molemama.com/events  Coming soon… You can find a YouTube video covering her whole AFib journey.  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/molemama  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mole_mama/  YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC84wlsY9xuVhRd_CkNdVdqg  Links and Resources: (Jacqui Clark) This Is Living Well - https://www.thisislivingwell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/getreadyforbetteraging Aging Well Magazine - https://www.thisislivingwell.com/magazine Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GetReadyforBetterAging Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Get Ready for Better Aging, host Jacqui Clark welcomes Lindsey Ann Unger, a certified medical speech-language pathologist, to discuss the vital yet often overlooked role of SLPs in neurological diseases like Parkinson’s, ALS, MS, and dementia. With cases of Parkinson’s rising by 50% in a decade, early intervention is more critical than ever—yet only 3–5% of patients see an SLP. Lindsey shares how therapy improves speech, swallowing, cognition, and breath control, ultimately enhancing quality of life. She also dives into the challenges of insurance coverage, the impact of therapy disruptions, and the importance of voice exercises in aging. Tune in to learn practical vocal health tips, the power of neuroplasticity, and how programs like Speak Out! help Parkinson’s patients maintain their voices. Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation! Connect with Lindsey Ann Unger, MS CCC-SLP www.conversewithconfidence.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-unger-26a4ba21b Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/conversewithconfidence Links and Resources: (Jacqui Clark) This Is Living Well - https://www.thisislivingwell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/getreadyforbetteraging Aging Well Magazine - https://www.thisislivingwell.com/magazine Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GetReadyforBetterAging Links to the organization mentioned in the show: Stroke Support: https://www.heart.org/en/stroke-groups/stroke--aphasia-zoom-chats Parkinson Voice Project: https://parkinsonvoiceproject.org/program/find-a-provider/ Parkinsons Support Groups: https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/find-your-chapter ALS Support Groups: https://www.als.org/support/support-groups Tremble Clefs Singing Groups: https://www.trembleclefs.com Glennar Foundation: https://glenner.org/services/caregiver-support-groups/ Multiple Sclerosis Support Groups: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/resources/get- connected/online-communities Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Caring for an aging loved one can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode, Jacqui welcomes Cameron Crawford, founder of the Aging Parent Tribe Facebook group and Next Steps Senior Placement. Inspired by her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Cameron created a judgment-free, supportive community where caregivers can share experiences, ask questions, and find local resources. Jacqui and Cameron discuss the emotional toll of caregiving, the power of shared experiences, and how the group helps members navigate everything from legal documents to daily frustrations. They also explore the importance of local connections, expert advice, and real-life support beyond the internet. Whether you're a hands-on caregiver or managing care from a distance, this episode offers insight, hope, and practical solutions. Tune in to learn how Aging Parent Tribe is making a difference and how you can be part of this growing community. Listen now and find your tribe. Connect with Cameron Crawford, CSA, MBA: Website - www.NextStepsSenior.com LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-crawford-mba-csa-78154943 Facebook - www.facebook.com/nextstepssenior Aging Parent Tribe Colorado - www.facebook.com/groups/agingparenttribesouthdenver Links and Resources: (Jacqui Clark) This Is Living Well - https://www.thisislivingwell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/getreadyforbetteraging Aging Well Magazine - https://www.thisislivingwell.com/magazine Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GetReadyforBetterAging Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Jacqui Clark and Certified Senior Advisor Patti Gerke as they explore the multifaceted world of aging, caregiving, and senior living. Drawing from over 20 years of professional expertise and personal caregiving experiences, Patti shares valuable insights on supporting seniors through estate transitions, downsizing, and healthcare navigation. The conversation highlights key topics such as the importance of professional advocacy, combating isolation through volunteer programs like "You Are Not Alone" (YANA), and addressing senior real estate's emotional and financial complexities. Patti’s personal stories—like overcoming health challenges and maintaining an active, purpose-driven lifestyle—offer inspiration and practical advice. Together, Jacqui and Patti emphasize the significance of empathy, community, and proactive planning in promoting aging well. Whether you're a senior, caregiver, or someone seeking guidance on senior living, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives and actionable strategies to navigate the aging journey with compassion and purpose. Connect with Patti Gerke, MBA, SRES, CSA Website - https://pattigerke.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pattigerke Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Pattigerkerealestate Links and Resources: (Jacqui Clark) This Is Living Well - https://www.thisislivingwell.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/getreadyforbetteraging Aging Well Magazine - https://www.thisislivingwell.com/magazine Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GetReadyforBetterAging Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices