Shaping The Future of Aging

Recognizing Your Essence: The Elderwise Way

What does it mean to age well? This is a question that Sandy Sabersky has explored in her own life. Then she asked herself, “What does it mean to age well and be living with dementia?” That started her on the path to creating Elderwise, a day program in the Seattle, Washington area. Elderwise focuses on the whole person and helping them to grow inwardly and outwardly. Cognitive loss does not change the essence of the person. In her journey with Elderwise, she has learned much about spirit-centered care and how to bring well-being into people’s lives. That experience has shaped how the day program flows in the Elderwise time zone. If you want to learn more, check out their website, Elderwise.org, or email Sandy at info@elderwise.org. Sandy has also co-written a book, The Elderwise Way. 

Person-Directed End-of-Life Care: What Does a Death Doula Do?

What is an End-of-Life Doula and why is their work important? Join us for a conversation with Sandy Place, an End-of-Life Doula. Sandy brough these skills into the Eden community where she was the administrator. She shares stories about the difference this work made in the lives of Elders, their families, and the employees. She is now taking that experience and helping other organizations replicate these important efforts. During the conversation she will talk about INELDA, the International End-of-Life Doula Association (www.inelda.org), as the organization she received training through. If you would like to learn more after listening, you can contact Sandy at: sandy@asandyplace.com. 

The Power of Growing from Within: The Denali Center Story

The Denali Center has been committed to the Eden Approach® for over two decades now. What inspired them to get started? What has sustained them in continuing to grow? How has the Eden Approach evolved for them over the years? How has the Eden Approach shaped their culture and community? You will be amazed to hear the answers as Tina Whetstine and Jessica Aldabe share Denali Center’s story. Their story aligns perfectly with Eden Alternative Principle Nine: Building a collaborative and resilient culture is a never-ending process. We need to keep learning, developing, and adapting. Spoiler alert … they are doing all of this and more. Tune in to learn more! If you want to reach out and connect with the community, email Tina Whetstine at: tina.whetstine@foundationhealth.org. 

Respite for All Creates a Community of Joy

This conversation with Daphne Johnston and Alison Smith will bring a smile to your face and joy to your heart. The name of the organization tells the story: Respite for All. Everyone is together and there is no differentiation. Through the podcast you will learn about the Respite for All model and their resources to help support and guide anyone who chooses to implement one in their community. Respite for All is about reclaiming joy. It is a 4-hour engagement opportunity that fills people’s hearts and provides them with purpose. The stories you will hear from Daphne and Alison are inspiring! The goal is to spread Respite for All across the country. Will you be a part of their efforts? 

Celebrating Aging Makes a Difference

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines ageism as the stereotypes (what we think), prejudice (what we feel), and discrimination (how we act) based on age, which can be directed towards oneself or others. Ageism is not just a US issue; it is a global issue. Ageism affects everyone's health and well-being. The first step to start combatting ageism is to be aware of when it shows up and get curious. Kyrie provides insights and examples that help us increase our awareness. And once you are aware, you need resources. Visit the Old School Age Equity hub (OldSchool.info) to equip yourself to combat ageism whenever it shows up!

Herbs Have a Role in a Caring, Inclusive and Vibrant Community

Lori Seiders developed an interest in herbology as a part of her second wind in life. In this podcast she shares how her knowledge of herbs, and their varied uses, has evolved. As Lori says in the podcast, “Each herb is unique in how it nurtures the body, and it nurtures a body in different ways.” Herbology is also about more than how the herb affects the body. Herbology can be about the process of growing and harvesting the plants, alleviating helplessness. Herbology can be out the fragrances and flavors that they add to the environment and foods. Herbology can be about sharing stories of how people and culture have used herbs for various purposes, and in different ways, in their lives. Herbology is about strengthening physical health and well-being for all of us.

Honoring Lives & Transforming Grief

In this episode of Shaping the Future of Aging, Emily Connors sits down with Hannah and Tonja to explore how nursing homes can transform the way we honor elders at the end of life. Beyond routine rituals, their team has found meaningful ways to celebrate each person’s uniqueness, create space for shared grief, and strengthen community bonds. Listen in as they share practical strategies for involving residents, families, and care partners in remembrance, reflect on lessons learned, and discuss how small, thoughtful acts can make the end of life a time of love, connection, and celebration. Whether you work in long-term care or simply care about compassionate approaches to aging, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about grief, memory, and community. 

Volunteerism Has Far-Reaching Benefits

Volunteerism is not a ‘nice to have,’ it is essential! Listen in to this podcast to hear from Dr. Paul Falkowski, Founder and President of the National Association of Long-Term Care Volunteers (NALTCV). Learn how he got started as a volunteer, what he has learned in the last 30 years in that role, and how it has inspired him to grow volunteerism all across the country. You will hear anecdotal stories and research that demonstrate the emotional and physical benefits that volunteering brings to residents, their families, the volunteer, the employees and leaders of long-term care settings. The NALTCV has the resources you need to become a volunteer or to lay the foundation for a “wow” volunteer experience in your community.  

Magic Moments: Why Spontaneity Matters

What happens when care teams let go of rigid routines and start saying “yes” to the moment? In this episode of the Eden Alternative podcast, we sit down with Gail Lancaster, who shares how bringing spontaneity into daily life has sparked connection, laughter, and renewed purpose in their community. From impromptu celebrations to unexpected acts of kindness, discover how creating space for the unplanned can lead to deeper relationships and a more vibrant care culture. Whether you're a leader, caregiver, or culture change advocate, this episode will inspire you to make room for the magic of the moment. 
 

Beyond the Playlist: The Power of Personalized Music in Dementia Care

Description: What if a simple song could unlock a person’s identity, joy, and connection to the world around them? In this episode, we explore the origin story of Music & Memory, a groundbreaking organization that has been reshaping dementia care since 2010. Justin shares how personalized music goes far beyond just entertainment—it's a powerful, evidence-based tool that helps reduce distress, boost mood, and spark meaningful engagement. We’ll dive into how care partners can uncover each person's musical history, why personalization matters so deeply, and what happens when someone living with dementia hears “their song” again. This episode will open your heart—and your mind. Looking to create a personalized music playlist for someone at home? Visit musicandmemory.org to get started with a helpful tool.