It has been said that there is a church on every corner in Oklahoma. How are these churches different and the same? On this edition of The Exploring Aging Podcast, hosts Ray Sanders, Dr. Bill Pierce and Greg McNeece take a deeper look at a dynamic and thriving Oklahoma City church full of older adults who are changing the world in their sixties, seventies, eighties and beyond!
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Church at the Village
03:01 Unique Aspects of the Church
05:52 The Community and Its Members
08:32 The Church's Mission and Philosophy
11:42 Worship Experience and Services
14:36 Ministry Opportunities and Outreach
17:25 Impact of Aging Adults in Ministry
20:24 Evangelism and Personal Stories
23:13 Future of Church at the Village
26:30 Closing Thoughts and Prayer Requests
Gain insightful tips for a better way of life.
What are the benefits of taking time to care for your well-being? Would you live longer? Would your quality of life improve? What is self-care? Is it selfish and self-centered, or is it the key to ongoing independence? Why is self-care important for aging adults? From physical health to emotional balance, hosts Ray Sanders, Dr. Bill Pierce, and Greg McNeece dive into practical ideas to help you live not just longer—but better—on this edition of The Exploring Aging Podcast.
Timestamps
00:00:00 - Introduction to Self-Care
00:01:15 - Co-hosts Introduction
00:03:30 - Defining Self-Care
00:07:45 - The Seven Spokes of Self-Care
00:15:00 - Practical Tips for Self-Care
00:22:30 - The Importance of Gratitude
00:28:00 - Conclusion
Discover how poverty is impacting aging adults today.
Poverty is a disturbing word. No one wants to live in poverty, yet nearly 700 million people—8.5 percent of the global population—live in “extreme” poverty, defined as surviving on less than $2.15 per day. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 11.6% of Americans—roughly 38 million people—live at or below the poverty level. What responsibility do we have to help meet the needs of those in poverty? On this edition of The Exploring Aging Podcast, hosts Ray Sanders, Dr. Bill Pierce, and Greg McNeece take a hard look at the state of poverty in the United States, especially among aging adults.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction and overview of poverty among aging adults.
03:00 Discussion on global poverty statistics and their implications.
06:45 Exploring the definition and types of poverty.
11:30 Causes of poverty, focusing on economic and social factors.
16:15 Impact of poverty on seniors, including health and food insecurity.
21:00 Overview of assistance programs for seniors in Oklahoma.
26:30 Community and church roles in addressing poverty.
31:45 Personal stories highlighting resilience and support.
36:30 Encouragement for community involvement and personal action.
41:00 Closing thoughts and call to action for listeners.
Have you given any thought to how long you will live? Will you live into your 80’s or 90’s? Will you be one of the few people who live more than 100 years? How many of those years will be healthy years of life? Most of us are aware of the term lifespan. Have you ever considered your healthspan? Lifespan is the total number of years we live. Health span is how many of those years are healthy and free from disease. Unfortunately, many will spend 20% of their lives unhealthy. Host Ray Sanders, Dr. Bill Pierce and Greg McNeece get honest and upfront about the importance of taking care of ourselves as we do all we can to have as many healthy and vibrant years of life as possible. Learn more about why a healthspan is the key to an excellent lifespan on this edition of The Exploring Aging Podcast.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Lifespan vs. Healthspan
11:21 Practical Tips for Extending Healthspan
30:52 The Importance of Social Connections
Did you know we lose our sense of thirst and hunger as we age? Were you aware that changes in our sense of smell and taste can affect our appetites and food preferences? Are vitamins and supplements really needed as we age? Why is protein so important for seniors? On this episode of The Exploring Aging Podcast, hosts Ray Sanders, Dr. Bill Pierce and Greg McNeece take a closer look at our dietary needs as we grow older. Special guest Holly Stephens, a dietitian responsible for serving nutritious meals to more than hundreds of older adults every day, joins the program to share valuable insights about the nutrition and dietary needs of aging adults.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Aging and Nutrition
02:57 The Role of Taste and Smell in Appetite
05:59 Vitamins and Supplements for Seniors
08:59 The Importance of Protein in Aging
12:04 Dietary Preferences and Individual Needs
15:05 Exploring Dietary Trends and Fads
23:14 The Vegan Journey and Protein Needs
26:07 Navigating Nutrition Resources
28:11 The Importance of Hydration
31:22 Debunking Senior Nutrition Myths
33:14 Weight Loss Considerations for Seniors
35:17 The Role of Exercise in Senior Health
37:48 Confessions of Food Vices
42:23 Final Thoughts on Enjoying Food
What do Christians mean when they use terms like, born again, saved or “Ask Jesus to come into your heart?” So long as you have been a good person and tried your best, why should you be concerned about life after death? On this episode of The Exploring Aging Podcast, hosts Ray Sanders, Dr. Bill Pierce and Greg McNeece unpack the Plan of Salvation and why more and more aging adults are giving greater thought to life after death.
00:00 Introduction to the Exploring Aging Podcast
00:59 Meet the Hosts and New Studio
01:47 Unpacking Salvation and Reaching Older Adults
02:43 Special Guest: Blair Mulholland
03:31 Understanding the International Mission Board
06:42 Challenges in Evangelism Among Older Adults
28:57 The Importance of Reflective Listening
33:37 Statements on Sharing Christ with Senior Adults
34:31 Understanding Older Adults' Needs
35:45 Evangelism as a Process
36:28 Challenges in Reaching Older Adults
38:20 The Power of Love and Community
43:15 Relational vs. Confrontational Evangelism
43:50 The Importance of Listening and Empathy
46:09 Effective Evangelism Strategies
50:49 Discipleship for Older Adults
52:18 Sharing the Gospel: Practical Tips
01:03:09 Invitation to Connect and Learn More
We live in an ever-changing world. Things are changing whether we like it or not. What if you could have a heads up on what is coming down the path? What if you could be more aware of the changes that are about to take place? On this edition of THE EXPLORING AGING PODCAST, hosts Ray Sanders, Dr. Bill Pierce and Greg McNeece take a closer look at what they believe are the Top 5 Trends Among Aging Adults.
Chapters
00:00 Navigating Change in an Evolving World
09:25 Understanding Aging Services and Trends
19:21 The Impact of Caffeine on Aging
24:30 Innovations in Pain Management
30:41 Addressing Mental Health in Aging
36:52 Future Trends: Brain-Chip Interfacing
It has been said that there is never a better time than the present to get things done. Why do it today when you could do it tomorrow?
As the old saying goes, you can pay me now or you can pay me later. What have you been putting off? On this episode of the THE EXPLORING AGING PODCAST, hosts Ray Sanders, Dr. Bill Pierce and Greg McNeese explore Tips for Getting Active and Getting Things Done!
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Taking Action
05:08 Getting Active: Tips and Trends
13:44 The Role of Social Connections
17:27 Physical Activity and Church Involvement
22:47 Staying Active in Scripture
32:22 Hobbies and Lifelong Engagement
39:21 Renewing Old Connections and Activities
Medicare prescription drug expenditures are expected to nearly triple over the next 15 years. What is the difference between a traditional pharmacy and a long-term care at home pharmacy? On this edition of Exploring Aging Podcast hosts Ray Sanders, Dr. Bill Pierce and Greg McNeece quiz Jim Huff, a pharmacist with more than 30 years of experience in the medical field, on how long-term care at home pharmacies provide options for meeting medical needs of aging adults. Jim also shares why he believes long-term care has a clear scriptural mandate.
Chapters
00:00:00: Exploring the rise in Medicare prescription drug expenditures
00:00:07: Introduction to long term care at home pharmacy
00:00:13: Overview of this episode's guest
00:00:42: Introducing the co-hosts and discussion setup
00:01:14: Welcoming back pharmacist Jim Huff
00:02:07: Jim Huff's background and experience
00:02:32: Discussion on long term care at home pharmacy services
00:04:02: Operation and services of Jim's community pharmacy
00:05:10: Locating a long term care at home pharmacy
00:07:08: Understanding the network of independent pharmacists
00:08:24: Jim Huff's personal philosophy and calling
00:09:02: The scriptural mandate for long term care
00:12:49: The connection between pro life values and long term care
00:16:00: What long term care is not
00:17:46: Long term care as an opportunity
00:19:08: Assisting grown children with long term care decisions
00:19:36: Eligibility for long term care at home pharmacy
00:20:03: Introduction to pharmacy's enhanced services
00:20:11: Government-assisted homes and pharmacy services
00:20:27: Considering pharmacy services for paying customers
00:20:42: Motivation for joining pharmacy school
00:20:54: Qualifying for daily living activities support
00:21:13: Assessing independence in daily tasks
00:21:40: Instrumental activities of daily living
00:22:13: Qualifying for long-term care services
00:22:26: Specific qualifications (medications and chronic conditions)
00:22:46: Additional qualifiers for long-term care services
00:23:02: Coordinating long-term care services
00:24:00: Process of qualifying through Medicare
00:24:54: Pharmacist's role in assisting with qualifications
00:25:17: Enhancements and services provided by the pharmacy
00:26:12: Convenience for adult children with pharmacy delivery
00:27:37: Independent pharmacists and community support
00:28:04: Special packaging for medication
00:28:36: Synchronization of medications
00:29:06: Takeaways of the educational podcast
00:29:41: Importance of customer service in healthcare
00:31:34: Impact of grandparents on career choices
00:33:04: Conclusion and wrap-up of the episode
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services predicts that 70% of individuals who reach age 65 will need long-term care services before they die. Long-term care at home services is for patients living in their homes who might otherwise be in an aging services community. Long-term care at home services represents a shifting population of patients preferring to remain in their homes while receiving the same care they would receive living in a long-term care community. Pharmacist Jim Huff joins THE EXPLORING AGING PODCAST as a special guest to discuss how to take advantage of all the long-term care service options available to aging adults.
Chapters
00:00:00: Statistics about aging population in the United States
00:01:04: Introduction to the episode and guest
00:01:28: Meet the hosts of the podcast
00:02:24: Discussion on long term care services
00:02:38: The role of community pharmacies in long term care
00:03:38: Jim Huff’s background and motivation to become a pharmacist
00:06:56: Importance of community pharmacy
00:07:14: Changes in the pharmacy profession over the years
00:08:11: What is working in the pharmacy sector
00:10:17: Balancing patient interaction and business efficiency
00:11:48: Dispensing peace of mind in community pharmacies
00:12:06: What is not working in the pharmacy sector
00:14:14: Challenges faced by rural pharmacies
00:14:54: Role of Prescription Benefit Managers (PBMs)
00:16:17: Impact of PBMs on independent pharmacies
00:18:38: Introduction to cash pricing
00:18:52: The struggle of rural pharmacies
00:19:03: Future trends in pharmacy
00:20:01: The role of independent pharmacists
00:21:11: Problems with mail-order medications
00:22:30: Pharmacy laws in Oklahoma
00:24:19: Small pharmacy struggles with military contracts
00:26:27: Group solutions and long-term care pharmacy
00:27:05: Defining long-term care services
00:29:41: Long-term care at home
00:30:29: How pharmacies support long-term care at home
00:34:10: Experience working with assisted living homes
00:38:16: Target Audience for the Discussion
00:38:35: Clarifying Medicaid and Medicare Eligibility
00:39:12: Benefits for Financially Struggling Individuals
00:40:10: Layman’s Terms: Medicare and Medicaid
00:42:04: Long Term Care (LTC) Pharmacy Services
00:44:16: Future Needs and Training in LTC Pharmacy
00:44:35: Conclusion and Preview of Next Episode
According to the Federal Trade Commission $2.6 million consumers reported losing more than $10 billion to fraud in 2023. Have you ever been scammed? Are you prepared to fight against the criminals that are seeking to steal your hard-earned money? Emory Thomas, a retired financial planner & advisor, with decades of experience, shares how to avoid fraud and financial scams on this edition of THE EXPLORING AGING PODCAST, with your hosts Ray Sanders, Dr. Bill Pierce and Greg McNeece.
00:00:00: Introduction to the podcast and the topic of fraud
00:00:31: Guest introduction: Emory Thomas, retired financial planner
00:00:57: Highlights from the previous podcast episode
00:02:05: Welcoming Emory Thomas and co-hosts
00:02:22: Discussion about Emory's background and character
00:02:47: Importance of transferring values along with valuables
00:04:28: Emory as a marketplace minister
00:05:27: The seriousness of fraud and scams
00:06:29: Statistics on fraud from 2022 and 2023
00:07:09: Introduction to Emory's perspective on scams
00:08:45: Phone scam example involving grandparents
00:11:01: The rise of AI in scams
00:13:13: Realistic fake audio and video used in scams
00:15:08: Ways to verify the identity of financial advisors
00:16:05: Advice on being cautious with unknown contacts
00:17:12: Story of a potential phone scam involving the Oklahoma City Philharmonic
00:18:09: Caller ID manipulation in scams
00:19:01: Spotting and defending against phishing emails
00:19:47: Introduction to phone number verification
00:20:24: Complexity of scams and their dangers
00:21:04: Reporting fraud to the FTC
00:23:09: Importance of secure communication
00:24:00: Awareness and steps to avoid scams
00:25:08: Challenges with AI-generated content
00:27:02: Living in a world where you can't trust what you see
00:28:57: Encouragement to live life despite risks
00:30:13: Emphasis on being careful but active
00:31:17: Closing thoughts on healthy skepticism
In just two decades, more than 84 trillion dollars will move from older Americans to GenX and Millennials. What does the future hold? How will the financial markets be impacted? On this edition of THE EXPLORING AGING PODCAST, Ray Sanders, Dr. Bill Pierce and Greg McNeece discuss what to expect with Emory Thomas, a retired financial planner and advisor, with decades of experience, as he shares valuable insights on THE GREAT WEALTH TRANSFER.
00:00:00: Introduction to the episode
00:00:36: The great wealth transfer
00:01:10: Introducing the hosts and today's topic
00:02:22: Emory Thomas's background and expertise
00:03:52: The significance of baby boomers' wealth
00:04:47: Transferring values along with valuables
00:05:12: Are boomers ready to pass their wealth?
00:06:48: Preparing children and grandchildren for inheritance
00:10:02: Ensuring your wealth goes where you want it
00:11:16: Emory's personal testament of faith and stewardship
00:14:52: Managing clients and building relationships
00:15:19: Legal instruments for managing wealth transfer
00:18:28: The need for wills and trusts
00:20:20: Understanding probate and key terms
00:24:03: Revocable vs. irrevocable trusts
00:25:40: Costs of preparing wills and trusts
00:29:01: Estate planning through charitable organizations
00:30:36: Communicating estate plans with family
00:35:37: Tax implications in estate planning
00:37:42: Introduction to key investing principles
00:38:00: Defining financial goals based on age and needs
00:38:48: The importance of diversification
00:39:55: Types of income-producing investments
00:40:57: Advantages of mutual funds
00:42:28: Advice for young investors
00:43:01: Discussion on cryptocurrency
00:44:02: The risks of cryptocurrency
00:44:29: Closing thoughts and upcoming topics
If you are older than 60 and could ask a doctor anything about aging, what would you ask? What if he told you the top five mistakes he believes adults are making that hinder or hurt their health? Would you listen in? In part two of this series of THE EXPLORING AGING PODCAST, Ray Sanders and his Co-hosts Dr. Bill Pierce and Greg McNeece discover more helpful insights from retired geriatrician, Dr. Frank Davis as he discusses important realities faces aging adults.
00:00:00: Introduction
00:00:30: Importance of Seeking Health Advice
00:00:50: Introduction of Host and Guests
00:01:38: Personal Experiences with Dr. Frank Davis
00:02:12: Discussion on Geriatric Medicine
00:02:28: Advice for people
00:02:43: Talking about Health Supplements
00:03:14: Changes in the body due to aging
00:03:44: Learning new things later in life
00:03:58: Languages and Brain Stimulation
00:04:24: Reflection on Previous Discussion
00:05:17: Introduction of a new topic: Top
00:05:47: Discussion on health mistakes
00:07:26: Tips on better sleep and sleep requirements
00:08:00: Indicators of Sleep Apnea
00:08:25: Personal Experiences with Sleep
00:09:07: Advice on exercises
00:09:31: Importance of Core Strength in Aging Adults
00:10:12: Importance of Applying Sunscreen
00:11:03: Importance of being Hydrated
00:13:01: Need for Elderly to Drink More Water
00:16:01: Personal Anecdote on How to Increase Water Intake
00:17:34: The Importance of Mental Health in Men
00:19:24: The Significance of Mental Health Screenings
00:19:57: Overcoming Loneliness and Cultivating Relationships
00:21:30: Keys to Maximize Your Health
00:24:33: The Importance of Staying Connected with your Children
00:26:49: Realities of Aging
00:29:25: Living Abundantly in Old Age
If you are somewhere around 60 years old and you have a medical issue, what type of doctor will you reach out to? In part one of this series of THE EXPLORING AGING PODCAST, Ray Sanders and his Co-hosts Dr. Bill Pierce and Greg McNeece speak with retired geriatrician, Dr. Frank Davis, about his decades of experience serving aging adults. Listeners will discover innovations in geriatric medicine as well as insightful and practical advice specifically helpful for aging adults.
00:00:00: Introduction and Overview
00:01:02: Characteristics and Responsibilities of a Geriatrician
00:03:13: Transition from Family Practice to Geriatric Medicine
00:04:26: Fulfillments and Challenges in Geriatric Medicine
00:07:36: The Evolution of Geriatric Medicine
00:11:11: The Importance of Geriatric Medicine in an Aging Population
00:13:19: Recognizing Changes and Needing Specialized Care
00:15:38: Geriatric Patient Examinations and Assessments
00:17:57: Changes and Innovations in Geriatric Medicine
00:19:14: Positive and Negative Effects of Changes in Medicine and Aging Population
00:20:29: Discussing Quality of Life and Aging
00:22:06: Personal Experiences from Nursing Home Visits
00:23:25: Contemplation of Life and the Afterlife
00:24:03: Future of the Medical Field
00:25:25: Practical advice on how to improve Health
00:27:26: Discussion on Calcium Intake and its importance
00:28:14: Wrapping up and Invite for the next Episode
In part two of this series of THE EXPLORING AGING PODCAST, Ray Sanders and his Co-hosts Dr. Bill Pierce and Greg McNeece dig in deeper with two special guests who unpack the challenges families face as they seek to meet the growing needs of older parents desiring to age in place. Practical insights and services are discussed to help overcome the financial, emotional and physical challenges required to meet the needs of older parents served by the Sandwich Generation.
00:00:00: Introduction to the podcast
00:00:14: Challenges faced by the sandwich generation
00:01:01: Definition of sandwich generation
00:07:14: How to organize care for elders: The story of the three Marys
00:10:47: The importance of aging in place: Introduction to "Entrusted Hearts"
00:14:59: Rates and cost of caregiving with "Entrusted Hearts"
00:16:54: The value of companionship in caregiving
00:18:46: The approach of "Entrusted Hearts" in caregiving
00:19:08: Costs associated with children and investment in friendships
00:19:43: Story of a lady who loves puzzles and forming relationships
00:21:03: Loneliness and the importance of friendship
00:21:44: Building relationships with caregivers
00:22:46: Interviewing and screening process for home helpers
00:23:45: Costs and availability of in-home service
00:24:15: No long-term contract required for the service
00:25:14: How to approach caring for aging parents
00:25:38: Starting with small commitments and adjusting as needed
00:26:35: Using entrusted hearts as a source of information
00:27:03: How to contact entrusted hearts
00:28:20: Conclusion of the episode
As the population ages, more and more people have a strong desire to age in place without moving away from the homes they have lived in for years. As a result, the so called Sandwiched Generation is being challenged to not only care for their aging parents but for their children as well. On this two part series, of THE EXPLORING AGING PODCAST, two special guests provide insights and perspectives on how they have personally navigated the financial, emotional and physical challenges required to meet the needs of older parents and growing families.
00:00:00: Introduction to the Podcast
00:00:27: Introducing the Concept of Sandwich Generation
00:01:00: Introduction of Guests
00:02:26: Discussion on Aging in Place
00:04:13: Explanation of Sandwich Generation
00:05:35: Sharing of Personal Stories Dealing with Sandwich Generation
00:11:20: Juggling Different Roles within a Family
00:17:45: Communication within a Family Using Technology
00:18:00: Expert's Opinion on Similar Patterns of 'Sandwich Generation'
00:18:36: Discussing challenges with family support and care
00:19:12: Dealing with high-tension situations in family dynamics
00:24:11: Providing dignity and care for the elderly
00:24:33: Services provided by Entrusted Hearts
00:26:14: Concerns by adult children about parents' care
00:27:25: Personal experiences and the appeal of Entrusted Hearts
00:28:52: Contact information for Entrusted Hearts
00:29:56: Conclusion and invitation for further discussion in a follow-up episode
The number of Americans over age 85 is increasing faster than any other age group. If you have found yourself caring for your children and your elderly parents you are part of the “Sandwich Generation.” On this edition of THE EXPLORING AGING PODCAST Ray Sanders and his Co-hosts Dr. Bill Pierce and Greg McNeece take a look at the rapidly changing family dynamics faced by today’s “Sandwich Generation”.
00:05: Introduction to the sandwich generation
00:58: Challenges faced by the sandwich generation
01:09: Understanding the sandwich generation
02:08: Misconceptions about the sandwich generation
03:05: Modern family dynamic challenges
03:22: Unveiling the biggest challenges of the sandwich generation
04:01: Navigating through the unknown territory of aging parents care
06:09: Communication and conflict resolutions
09:02: Empathy towards aging parents
11:16: Dealing with siblings in caregiving
13:56: Seeking help when an only child
16:22: Involving spouse and kids in caregiving
17:14: The importance of planning ahead in caregiving
18:58: Discussing Involvement in Parents' Lives
19:51: Crisis Management: Costs and Solutions
20:38: Concerns about Aging Parents' Driving
20:56: Legal Affairs and Doctor Appointments
21:23: The 'Sandwich Generation' and Managing Multiple Responsibilities
24:27: Frustrations and Limitations of Caregiving
25:08: Respite Care and Support from Local Church
26:00: Outsourcing Care and Support
27:35: Benefits of Companionship and Activities for Older Adults
28:03: Introduction to 'Entrusted Hearts' Services.
According to the National Council on Aging, 95% of adults 60 and older have at least one chronic health condition. On this edition of the Exploring Aging Podcast, Host Ray Sanders and his Co-hosts Dr. Bill Pierce and Greg McNeece discuss 10 common chronic conditions for adults 65 plus and what can be done to face these challenges head on.
00:00:00: Introduction
00:00:17: Common Chronic Conditions in Adults Over
00:00:34: Aim of the Episode
00:00:59: Introduction of Co-hosts
00:01:13: Topic of Myths Related to Aging
00:01:42: Analysis of Myths
00:01:58: Revisiting Previous Myths
00:04:36: Chronic Conditions Statistic Discussion
00:09:55: Myth Number Five: Nothing We Can Do About Chronic Conditions
00:10:28: Positivity in Face of Chronic Conditions
00:12:47: Top Ten Chronic Conditions
00:15:49: Dealing with COPD
00:17:33: Alzheimer's discussion (mention)
00:17:55: Risks and Prevention of Health Conditions
00:19:34: Benefits of Exercise, Particularly Boxing
00:23:46: Coping with Depression
00:23:51: Fighting Heart Failure
00:25:19: Addressing Kidney Disease
00:25:54: Understanding Diabetes
00:30:00: Managing Arthritis
00:35:03: Treating High Cholesterol
00:36:57: Discussing high cholesterol and its effects
00:37:30: Importance of Regular Blood Pressure Testing
00:38:13: Addressing High Blood Pressure in Older Adults
00:38:36: Tips on Lowering Blood Pressure
00:39:34: Overconsumption and its impact on health
00:40:31: Role of Awareness in Maintaining Health
00:41:34: Busting Myths about Chronic Medical Conditions
00:42:11: Encouragement and Resources
