In this heartfelt episode of Seniors and the People Who Love Them, hosts Cookie and Wendy are joined by special guest Brad Brown to explore the experiences of LGBTQIA+ seniors. Together, they discuss the unique challenges faced by older adults in the LGBTQIA+ community, from overcoming isolation and discrimination to ensuring access to affirming care and support. Brad shares his expertise and personal insights on how to create inclusive environments for LGBTQIA+ seniors, and how those who love and care for them can make a difference in their lives. Throughout the episode, the hosts and Brad highlight the importance of fostering understanding, compassion, and advocacy in order to ensure that seniors of all identities are seen, heard, and valued. Listeners will also learn about valuable resources for LGBTQIA+ seniors, including: The L.E.I. (LGBTQ+ Elder Initiative): https://thelei.org/ The Goldsen Institute's National Health and Aging Study: https://goldseninstitute.org/health/nhas/ The National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging: https://lgbtagingcenter.org/ Tune in for an inspiring and enlightening conversation on how we can all work together to create a more inclusive and supportive world for seniors of every identity.

Welcome to Seniors and the People Who Love Them, the podcast where we dive into the issues that matter most to seniors and those who care for them. In today’s episode, we’re exploring a powerful force in American politics—the senior vote. With millions of seniors across the country heading to the polls, their voices have the potential to shape elections, influence policies, and advocate for the issues that directly impact their lives. Join the ladies today as we discuss the importance of the senior vote, how to get reliable information in this age of AI and social media and what to do to ensure your vote counts. Don't let November 5th go bye without having your vote counted! Here are some additional resources about voting: AARP: https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/government-elections/ How to Vote in Maryland’s 2024 Elections: https://states.aarp.org/maryland/election-voting-guide American Bar Association: Making it Easier for Seniors to Register and Vote: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/senior_lawyers/resources/voice-of-experience/2024-february/making-it-easier-for-seniors-to-register-and-vote/ Administration for Community Living puts out a great resource called Voting Resources for Older Adults and People with Disabilities. This resource covers all of the very important bills both Federal and by State that pertain to Seniors and people with Disabilities. https://acl.gov/news-and-events/announcements/voting-resources-older-americans-and-people-disabilities

Today, we're excited to welcome Fred Trenkle as our guest host. Fred is a dedicated volunteer with the Baltimore County Department of Aging's State Health Insurance Program, also known as SHIP. He's here to help us navigate the often confusing world of Medicare Advantage and break down its complexities. If you or a loved one is approaching Medicare age or has questions about Medicare and Medicare Advantage, reach out to your local SHIP agency. SHIP agencies are available nationwide to provide support. For those in Maryland, here’s a list of where you can find assistance in your area. https://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/state-health-insurance-program.aspx Counselors Throughout Maryland Call for FREE and Confidential Assistance ​ Allegany County: 301-783-1710 Anne Arundel County: 410-222-4077 Baltimore City: 410-396-2273 Baltimore County: 410-887-2059 Calvert County: 410-535-4606 Caroline County: 410-479-2535 Carroll County: 410-386-3800 Cecil County: 410-996-8174 Charles County: 301-934-9305 Dorchester County: 410-376-3662 Frederick County: 301-600-1234 Garrett County: 301-334-9431 Harford County: 410-638-3025 Howard County: 410-313-7392 Kent County: 410-778-2564 Montgomery County: 301-255-4250 Prince George's County: 301-265-8471 Queen Anne's County: 410-758-0848 Option 3 Somerset County: 410-742-0505 St. Mary's County: 301-475-4200 ext. 1064 Talbot County: 410-822-2869 ext. 231 Washington County: 301-790-0275 Wicomico County: 410-742-0505 Worcester County: 410-742-0505

In this episode of "Seniors and the People Who Love Them," the ladies explore the fascinating world of virtual reality (VR) and its transformative impact on the lives of older adults. Join us as we dive into the innovative work of Thrive Pavilion, a pioneering community that leverages VR to create immersive social experiences for seniors. Discover how VR is breaking down barriers of isolation, fostering connections, and enhancing the well-being of seniors in surprising ways. Listen in as we are joined by Robert Signore from Thrive Pavilion. Thrive is a community for older adults located in the Metaverse that provides group-based activities and events designed to improve all aspects of wellness and overcome social isolation. Thrive is located in Horizon Worlds. You can find Thrive on your Oculus Quest using this link https://oculus.com/vr/4747479848684024/, or by searching for "Thrive" in Horizon Worlds Please join this group and be part of their active community of older adults, and the people that care about them. Thrive has many activities every week that focuses on physical, social, spiritual, intellectual, and emotional wellness.

Today, the ladies are discussing brain health for seniors. Join us as we explore the fascinating world of cognitive well-being as we age. Get tips and stories aimed at helping seniors optimize their mental fitness and live their best lives. A couple of the resources we discuss: National Institute on aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults Maintaining a Healthy Mind as You Age https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/maintaining-a-healthy-mind-as-you-age

This week, the ladies welcome very special guest Tracy Jacobs, Director of the Osher Institute at Towson University in Maryland. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Towson University provides learning opportunities to expand knowledge, gain insights into current events, and access social and cultural activities in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. There are no entrance requirements, just bring your curiosity and love of learning. If you or a Senior you love are interested in this program please see additional information here: https://www.towson.edu/campus/partnerships-research/osher/

Today, Cookie, Pinky and Wendy talk about hearing loss. About 1/3 of older adults will face hearing loss, a staggering number that is under discussed. For follow up please see these resources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20373072 https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-and-hearing-loss/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults#:~:text=About%20one%2Dthird%20of%20older,and%20hearing%20doorbells%20and%20alarms. https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/hearing-aids/hearing-loss-america/

Wendy, Pinky & Cookie have a repeat guest on this week. Alison Vogrin returns with guest Michael Grafton both with the Baltimore County Department of Aging in Maryland. They are here to discuss volunteerism within and for the Senior community. Please let us know what you think, For more information, please contact: https://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/departments/volunteers/ 410-887-2715 volunteers@baltimorecountymd.gov

Today, the ladies are joined by Erin Logan, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Regional Operations Director for a company based in Dallas, Texas and runs her own company as a mobile physical therapist. Dr. Logan gives us invaluable information about physical therapy, this is one you don't want to miss. Some additional resources about this important topic: https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/physical-therapy-benefits-for-seniors The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Older Adults https://ncoa.org/article/the-role-of-a-physical-therapist-in-healthy-aging National council on aging You can contact Dr. Logan for your mobile physical therapy needs in Maryland here: On Track Rehabilliation LLC Dr. Erin Logan 443-415-0004 Elogan702@icloud.com

Today the ladies are joined by Jill Brooks, staff development and infectious disease coordinator preventionist. You can contact Jill at jem_brooks@yahoo.com You can continue your research on this important topic here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3061471/ Infection Control Issues in Older Adults Lona Mody, MD, MSc https://www.cdc.gov/longtermcare/prevention/index.html Infection Prevention Tools Top of Form Bottom of Form Nursing Homes and Assisted Living (Long-term Care Facilities [LTCFs])

Hope your Holidays and New Year were fantastic! The ladies are back with guest Jason Thomas from American Medical Equipment. If you are in need of equipment in the Maryland area please find all of thier contact information below: 733 Frederick Road Catonsville, MD 21228 Phone: 410-719-1222 Fax: 410-719-6676 https://amedeq.com/ Here is a trusted source for further information on available equipment: http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/ssact/title18/1861.htmn

Happy Halloween! Today, the ladies have special guests from the company Moyer Move Management, Charna Kinneberg, Executive Vice President Business Development and Lisa Mark, RN, BSN, Sales and Account Coordinator. Charna and Lisa give invaluable information regarding a Senior relocation, space planning and design, downsizing and organizing, and professional moving and storage. If you are interested in utilizing their services, please contact them at the phone #s and website below: Baltimore 410-515-1199 National 301-869-3896 DC 703-740-9912 Maryland 301-685-7900 www.moyermovemanagement.com

Today, the ladies discuss the very important topic of mental health in seniors. Other mental health resources out there. Call 988 for Suicide and Crisis Lifeline U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Older Adults and Mental Health: /a Report of the Surgeon General 1999- http://www.sugeongeneral.gov/library/metalhealth/chapyer5seclhtml. January 2009 Geriatric Mental Health Foundation- http://www.gmhfonline.org/gmhf/consumer/depression.html American Psychological Association’s Depression and Suicide in Older Adults Resource Guide:http://www.apa.org/pi/aging/depression.html

This week the ladies tackle caregiver burnout, a very important topic. A few good resources for follow up on this topic: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/about/community-health/johns-hopkins-bayview/services/called-to-care/causes-symptoms-caregiver-burnout https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/caregiver-stress/art-20044784

This week, the ladies are joined by Barry Rosenberg. Barry discusses the Widows or Widowers of Howard County (WOW) located in Ellicott City, Maryland. This group has tons of activities and support for people who have lost their partners. They also have traveled all over the world. Please tune in and if you are in the area you can become a part of this group by contacting Barry here. https://www.meetup.com/widow-or-widowers-of-howard-county/ Email: bdrfromec@verizon.net

This episode brings information about a very current topic: Social Isolation in Seniors. Seniors are at risk for social isolation due to a myriad of factors but the pandemic only made this issue worsened. This is a great article on the topic to continue your research from the National Council on Aging. https://ncoa.org/article/covid-driven-isolation-can-be-dangerous-for-older-adults

An incredibly sensitive yet important topic is discussed today by Pinky, Wendy and Cookie this week. Elder Abuse. The ladies discuss the different types of abuse, where abuse can happen and who is typically the abuser, signs of abuse and what to do if you suspect a loved one is being abused. Just a few of the resources we found: The Maryland – Long-term Care Ombudsman program – through the Baltimore County Department of Aging – 410-887-4200 - If you are outside of Maryland please google the Ombudsman in your state. Safe Helpline – 410- 843-7571 Senior Legal Services – 410 - 396-1322

Yes! Some doctors still make house calls. Dr. Elizabeth Akano of the Nova Family Clinic comes on this week to talk to Cookie, Pinky and Wendy. If you or a senior you love is in need of a provider who comes to your home in the Maryland area, please contact Dr. Akano. Nova Family Clinic 6018 Harford Rd Baltimore, MD 21214 (phone) 443-985-6011 (fax) 877-712-5810 https://www.medstarfamilychoice.com/maryland-members/provider/elizabeth-c-akano

This week the ladies have a very special guest, Shannon Harris. Shannon has been in healthcare for over a decade. She is a Certified Medical Assistant in internal Medicine and previously served as a Certified Nursing Assistant and a Patient Care Assistant with Division of Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities. Shannon is also the Administrator for a very large support group on Facebook that serves as a support for Caregivers. If you are interested in joining the group, here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/103001490399094

Today is a fun one. The ladies bring in two very special guests to talk about hobbies for Seniors. We talk about lots of different hobbies from gardening, crocheting, hand dancing, and a favorite of yours and ours, podcasting. We extend a big thank you to Tina Wilkerson and Patel for coming on and sharing your pastimes with us.