Living to 100 Club

What if our assumptions about aging—and even about the limits of the human lifespan—are more restrictive than they need to be? In this episode of the Living to 100 Club, Dr. Joe Casciani welcomes James Strole, founder of the Coalition for Radical Life Extension and co-founder of RAADfest, the annual gathering devoted to advances in longevity science. James has spent decades exploring the possibilities of extending human life and challenging conventional beliefs about aging, decline, and mortality. The conversation examines the rapidly evolving field of longevity science, including research into gene therapy and other approaches aimed at slowing or pote...

Most of us expect some hearing loss as we get older. But what if changes in hearing have implications that extend well beyond our ears? In this episode of the Living to 100 Club, Dr. Joe Casciani welcomes Dr. Bob Keefer, Alzheimer’s prevention advocate. Bob is the author of Hear Better, Live Longer, so tune in for a conversation about the connection between hearing loss, brain health, and healthy aging. What are facts around hearing loss in older adults? We explore what the research tells us—and what it doesn’t—about hearing loss as a modifiable risk factor for dementia...

What Makes Life Worth Extending? What does it really mean to live longer—and live better? In this episode of the Living to 100 Club, Dr. Joe Casciani speaks with Leslie Kenny, Member of the Board of Directors, Oxford Longevity Project, about the psychological, biological, and lifestyle factors shaping longevity around the world. Leslie shares surprising findings from a global longevity study involving 25 countries, including striking attitudes toward aging among younger generations. Together, Joe and Leslie explore how purpose, mindset, social connection, and healthy lifestyle habits can influence not only lifespan, but quality of life along the way. The conversation also ex...

Strength, Sugar, and Small Habits: Practical Strategies for Healthy Aging In this Living to 100 Club episode, Dr. Joe Casciani speaks with Kristin Oja, nurse practitioner and founder of a rapidly growing healthcare practice focused on lifestyle medicine, movement, and patient empowerment. Together, they explore the powerful role of strength training, metabolic health, and small daily habits in shaping long-term well-being. Kristin shares insights from working with over 10,000 patients, highlighting how incremental changes—like improving balance, building muscle, and managing glucose levels—can significantly reduce the risk of chronic conditions, including dementia. The conversation also challenges common assumptions about “healthy” habits, particul...

In this episode of the Living to 100 Club podcast, Dr. Joseph Casciani speaks with cardiologist and preventive healthcare expert Dr. Pratiksha Gandhi. We discuss heart health, aging, and the growing importance of prevention and lifestyle-based care. Dr. Gandhi is the Founder and CEO of CoCardio™ Inc and has spent nearly three decades helping individuals improve cardiovascular health through holistic and preventive approaches used alongside traditional medical care. Over the course of her career, she has worked with more than 100,000 clients internationally. She has written five books on heart health and wellness. The discussion explores how lifestyle, stress, behavior, mindset, nutrition, ex...

In this episode of the Living to 100 Club, Dr. Joe Casciani speaks with Amanda Montague of Carleton University about her innovative, community-based research on social isolation and loneliness among older adults. Also on the program is Anna Cuylits, Chair of the Senior Watch Old Ottawa South (SWOOS). Working closely with Anna's group in Ottawa, Amanda used participatory methods—including workshops, digital storytelling, and social network mapping—to better understand how older adults experience connection in everyday life. Rather than focusing only on isolation, the project explored what helps people feel connected, revealing an important insight: loneliness may be more prevalent—and mo...

What if improving blood flow—and potentially enhancing heart health, energy, and even cognitive function—didn’t require surgery? In this Living to 100 Club episode, we explore EECP therapy, a non-invasive treatment designed to improve circulation and support cardiovascular health. I speak with Jack Clifford about his personal experience with Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP). EECP is a non-invasive therapy designed to increase circulation and support cardiovascular function. Originally developed as a treatment for patients with severe angina, EECP remains relatively underutilized in the United States. This is despite FDA clearance and Medicare coverage in certain cases. Jack shares his journey with E...

What if one of the most overlooked indicators of brain health is something we rarely think about—our sense of smell? In this Living to 100 Club episode, Dr. Joe Casciani speaks with Jonathan Askholm about the emerging science of olfactory health. We spotlight its surprising connection to cognitive function, mood, and overall well-being. While vision and hearing loss receive widespread attention, smell loss often goes unnoticed—even as it may signal deeper neurological changes. Jonathan shares insights from recent research showing how olfactory training—simple, daily exposure to specific scents—has surprising benefits. It may help strengthen neural pathways, support memory...

Planning for later life often begins later than we expect. Many families find themselves making important decisions under pressure, rather than with clarity and intention. In this episode of the Living to 100 Club, Nancy Cogar shares practical strategies to help individuals and families think ahead—before a crisis occurs. Drawing on her legal expertise and experience, she outlines thoughtful approaches to planning, decision-making, and navigating the complexities that often come with aging. In this encore episode of the Living to 100 Club, Dr. Joseph Casciani welcomes back Nancy Cogar, author of Boomertime Blueprint, to explore why so many individuals and families de...

In this episode of the Living to 100 Club, Dr. Joseph Casciani speaks with Angela Peterson, DNP, a nurse practitioner and author of The Wellness Glitch. We discuss the gaps in today’s healthcare system—and what individuals, especially older adults, can do to take greater control of their health. Dr. Peterson shares her perspective on how traditional healthcare often focuses on managing symptoms rather than promoting long-term wellness. Drawing from her clinical experience, she introduces the idea of a “wellness glitch.” This refers to systemic patterns in medicine, pharmaceuticals, and lifestyle that can unintentionally work against optimal health. The conversation explores...

In this episode of Living to 100, host Dr. Joseph Casciani speaks with Fred Ford, author of the international bestselling book Think and Grow Thin. Fred shares the remarkable story of how he lost 135 pounds. This was done not through dieting alone, but by transforming his mindset and identity. Fred explains how shifting from “trying to lose weight” to becoming the kind of person who naturally lives a healthy lifestyle changed everything. The conversation explores the psychology behind identity change, visualization, and daily habits. He stresses the importance of rewriting the internal story we tell ourselves. Drawing on his background in stan...

What can the rainforest teach us about living well? About aging well? In this episode of the Living to 100 Club, Joe Casciani reflects on a journey into the Ecuadorian rainforest. This trip was colored with hiking muddy jungle trails and sharing lunch with a Kichwa family living in harmony with the forest. Standing on the equator with one foot in each hemisphere was a highlight. Along the way, a simple bracelet made of San Pedro wood beads offered an unexpected lesson. In Amazonian cosmology, the beads symbolize the continuity and flow of water. This is a reminder to move with...

In this episode of the Living to 100 Club, we explore how to age well. The focus is on staying engaged, purposeful, and connected in later life. Drawing on over four decades of experience, Dr. Joe Casciani shares practical insights and tools. These are designed to help individuals and families navigate aging with intention. This program includes a format twist. Dr. Hugh Pates steps into the interviewer’s role. He explores the work and philosophy of Living to 100 Club host, Dr. Joe Casciani. With more than four decades of experience working with older adults, Joe reflects on what first drew him to...

What happens when a former U.S. diplomat turns his attention to purpose in later life? In this episode, John Graham shares why meaning doesn’t fade with age—it sharpens. John helps us better understand it means to live a meaningful life—especially as we grow older? In this Living to 100 Club episode, I’m joined by John Graham, an 83-year-old former diplomat, co-founder of the Giraffe Heroes Project, and creator of the popular “Badass Granddad” video series, reaching over 120,000 followers across social platforms. John has spent decades telling stories of individuals who “stick their necks out” to solve real-world probl...

In this episode of the Living to 100 Club, Dr. Joseph Casciani speaks with Angela Peterson, DNP, a nurse practitioner and author of The Wellness Glitch, about the gaps in today’s healthcare system—and what individuals, especially older adults, can do to take greater control of their health. Dr. Peterson shares her perspective on how traditional healthcare often focuses on managing symptoms rather than promoting long-term wellness. Drawing from her clinical experience, she introduces the idea of a “wellness glitch”—systemic patterns in medicine, pharmaceuticals, and lifestyle that can unintentionally work against optimal health. The conversation explores practical ways to improve vi...

Building healthy habits for older adults isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about mindset, consistency, and making small changes that last. In this episode of the Living to 100 Club podcast, I speak with Fred Ford, author of Think and Grow Thin, who shares a practical and refreshingly honest approach to weight management and sustainable lifestyle change. If you’ve ever struggled with making healthy changes stick, Fred’s approach offers a refreshingly practical path forward. Our guest explains how shifting from “trying to lose weight” to becoming the kind of person who naturally lives a healthy lifestyle changed everything. The conversati...

How ADHD Shapes Decision-making, Organization, and Life Transitions in Later Years ADHD is often seen as a childhood condition. But for many, it quietly continues into adulthood and later life, shaping how they organize, decide, and navigate major transitions. In this episode, I speak with Jami Shapiro, founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Jami began noticing a pattern in her work with older adults. Chronic disorganization wasn’t always about being overwhelmed—it was often undiagnosed ADHD. We explore how ADHD shows up later in life, including challenges with planning, emotional regulation, and follow-through. Our conversation also looks at why many peop...

In this episode of the Living to 100 Club Podcast, Dr. Joe Casciani speaks with Drs. Jenny Hledik and Thomas Andriacchi. Our guests are co-creators of KneeMo, an innovative smart knee wearable designed to reduce pain and improve muscle function during movement. Knee osteoarthritis affects millions of adults and often begins silently decades before symptoms appear. As cartilage deteriorates and pain flares, many people reduce activity — accelerating quadriceps weakness and joint instability. The result is a cycle that threatens mobility and independence. Jenny is a biomechanical engineer and former instructor in orthopedic surgery with research experience at Stanford and the VA sy...

In this episode, Dr. Joseph M. Casciani speaks with Angie Dortch, creator of Learning HOW to Age. HOW refers to Honor the Past, Open to the Present, and Welcome to the Future. It is a research-informed, arts-based training program designed to help older adults strengthen mental flexibility, physical awareness, and confidence as they age. Angie explains how HOW blends principles from different perspectives. These include neuroplasticity research, movement and performing arts, and practical, measurable exercises that can be adapted for different abilities and living situations. Angie describes that her program, Learning HOW to Age is "The convergence of  science and p...

In this episode of the Living to 100 Club Podcast, host Dr. Joseph M. Casciani speaks with J.J. Caruncho, founder of Sanctavia, an innovative longevity training system designed to help people move, think, and age more powerfully. Drawing from a background that spans dance, martial arts, and healthcare, J.J. explains how a prevention-focused upbringing shaped his approach to aging well. This approach centered on anti-frailty, functional movement, joint protection, and the brain-body connection. Rather than chasing intensity or exhaustion, Sanctavia emphasizes intelligent mechanics, visual cue training, stress resilience, and lifelong adaptability. The conversation explores how older adults can build...

Dr. Joe Casciani in conversation with Pam Fultz, Vi Senior Living Each year, new research sheds light on what helps people live not just longer, but better. In this episode of Senior Living Straight Talk, I was invited by Pam Fultz, from Vi Senior Living, to reflect on longevity, mindset, and the everyday habits commonly seen among centenarians. Drawing on decades of work in aging and senior care, our conversation explored what truly supports resilience, engagement, and purpose across later life. What follows is our discussion, presented largely as it occurred. For those who would like to listen to the...

How to balance hormones plays a central role in how we age – influencing energy, mood, sleep, strength, cognitive clarity, and overall vitality. In this Living to 100 Club episode, Dr. Joseph Casciani speaks with Dr. Prudence Hall. Dr. Hall is a gynecologist and pioneer in bioidentical hormone therapy and functional medicine. Dr. Hall shares her four decades of experience helping patients navigate menopause and beyond. Her treatment programs use personalized hormone treatment, nutrition, peptide therapy, and holistic lifestyle approaches. Together they explore the concept of “health age” versus chronological age, and how mindset, purpose, and self-talk shape long-term well-being. This conversation is abo...

Caring for an aging parent or loved one often brings emotional strain and managing complex medical information. Importantly, we can add the pressure of supporting caregivers and coordinating support across family members. In this episode, Dr. Joseph Casciani, Living to 100 Club Host, speaks with Crystal Gallo, CEO and founder of Innerhive. This is an innovative caregiving support platform designed to bring organization, clarity, and shared responsibility to the caregiving journey. We discuss how Innerhive’s automatic note-scribing app helps families capture and summarize important care conversations. This helps to shift overwhelm into actionable next steps. In addition, Crystal shares how th...

MindTravel founder Murray Hidary joins Living to 100 Club's Dr. Casciani to explore how live, improvisational piano -- delivered through silent concerts on beaches and in parks -- can quiet the noise and open space for reflection, connection, and renewal. We discuss MindTravel’s walking meditation (in-person and virtual). We learn the brain and body benefits of music + movement. Explore what happens when a pianist composes in real time with the ocean, wind, and the spontaneous sounds of life. Murray shares how headphones create an intimate, meditative experience – even in a crowd – and why emotional processing is foundational to health span and li...

What really happens as dementia and Alzheimer's disease progresses? In this Living to 100 Club episode, Dr. Joe sits down with Lisa Skinner, a nationally recognized and published expert on Alzheimer's disease and dementia. We shed light on the misunderstood realities of cognitive decline. Drawing from her acclaimed book, Lisa shares profound insights into how Alzheimer’s alters not just memory – but identity, behavior, and the fabric of family relationships. Listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for a person-centered approach to understanding dementia and dementia care. Why does traditional reality orientation often fail? And what does it really means to support a lo...

In this inspiring Living to 100 Club episode, Dr. Joe Casciani welcomes Dr. Christine Silverstein, a registered nurse, hypnotherapist, peak performance coach, and noted historian. We discuss her unique blend of clinical experience, mind-body tools, and personal resilience. She is the author of Wrestling Through Adversity: Empowering Children, Teens, & Young Adults to Win in Life. As seen through a historical lens born during the turmoil of 2022, her book is a guide and personal memoir that contains case stories of actual clients. And it offers practical and accessible mental health tools she calls Mindful Toughness® skill sets. Dr. Christine shares her journey f...

How Senior Meal Delivery Supports Aging in Place | Richard Peroe of Heart to Home Meals | Living to 100 Club Podcast How Senior Meal Delivery Supports Aging in Place In this episode of the Living to 100 Club podcast, Dr. Joe Casciani sits down with Richard Peroe, a leader at Heart to Home Meals, a company dedicated to delivering nutritious, home-style meals to older adults. Together, they explore how this service is transforming the aging experience by offering more than just food -- it provides dignity, convenience, and social connection. Richard shares insights about Heart to Home’s community-driven franchise model, the company’s mi...

In this episode of the Living to 100 Club podcast, I welcome Stuart B. Almer, FACHE, President and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System on Long Island. We discuss the evolving landscape of senior living options. Stuart shares insights into life plan communities (also known as continuing care retirement communities or CCRCs). During our talk, Stuart highlights the unique features of Gurwin’s Fountaingate Gardens, financial models, and the benefits of maintenance-free, wellness-focused living. The conversation also explores common challenges faced by families making the transition to assisted living. Stuart provides essential tips for consumers navigating these complex decisions. Tune in for va...

In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Joe Casciani is joined by Annie Guest, counselor, writer, and author of Design for Your Mind. Together, they explore how aging can become a journey of self-reinvention, resilience, and creative renewal. Annie shares personal stories from her transition to graduate school in her 50s. She also discusses her equine-assisted counseling work and the courageous steps she took to shift careers and challenge internal doubts. The conversation highlights the importance of stepping outside comfort zones and confronting cultural stereotypes about aging. Together, these lead us toward finding growth in life's uncertain moments. Joe and Annie reflect...

In this enlightening episode of the Living to 100 Club Podcast, Dr. Joseph Casciani welcomes Dr. Whitney Deitz, National Clinical Director of Aspen Dental. Together, they explore the powerful connection between oral health and cognitive decline. Dr. Deitz shares insights into how periodontal disease may increase the risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia. Also discussed are the challenges of maintaining dental hygiene in individuals with reduced dexterity and the critical role of prevention throughout the lifespan. Listeners will learn about: The role of bacteria like P. gingivalis in periodontal disease and its potential link to dementia. The importance of maintaining oral he...

Can tapping into the non-dominant side of your body improve brain health, enhance coordination, and even contribute to longevity? In this thought-provoking Living to 100 Club episode, Dr. Joseph Casciani is joined by Jim Houliston, creator of the Mirror Movement Development (MMD) method and advocate for dual dominance. This is the practice of engaging both sides of the body and brain for lifelong function and flexibility. Together, they explore how mirror reading, cross-lateral movement, and even brushing your teeth with the “wrong” hand can open new neural pathways. And learn how it can energize cognitive function. Jim shares compelling stories of athl...

In this Living to 100 Club episode, Dr. Joe Casciani welcomes Alban Maino, filmmaker, diplomat, and founder of Memory Lane TV. This is a groundbreaking platform delivering adaptive, multi-sensory television programming designed specifically for individuals living with dementia. Alban shares the personal story that inspired the platform and explains how this extensive series combines evidence-based science with soothing visuals and sounds. He then reflects on the company’s pivot from consumer sales to partnerships with senior care communities. Together, Joe and Alban explore their mutual challenges in reaching senior audiences, generating awareness, and finding meaningful engagement strategies in a crowded and of...

In this episode of the Living to 100 Club podcast, Dr. Joe Casciani welcomes Andy Brown. Andy is the co-founder of War Horses for Veterans, a transformative equine experience that has helped hundreds of veterans heal from the invisible wounds of war. Andy shares his personal journey—from his days as a Princeton athlete to recovering from a near-fatal riding accident—and how his life experience shaped the founding of this remarkable organization. We explore the power of animal-assisted therapy in helping veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress conditions (PTS). Andy shares how this program helps paticipants regain conf...

In this episode, Dr. Joe Casciani welcomes Nancy Cogar. Nancy is an elder law and estate planning attorney, speaker, and host of the Boomer Time podcast. Together, they explore how legal planning can support a fulfilling life in later years and provide a sense of control in uncertain times. With decades of experience advising older adults and families, Nancy offers practical, empowering guidance on topics like long-term care, financial decision-making, and how to prepare for life's transitions—before a crisis hits. Listeners will hear why estate planning isn’t just about wills and documents. It's about peace of mind, protecting inde...

In this episode of the Living to 100 Club Podcast, Dr. Joe sits down with Deana Liss, Executive Director of Elderwerks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting older adults and their families as they navigate the aging journey. Based in Illinois, Elderwerks has helped thousands through its free counseling, housing guidance, educational programs, and fitness offerings—all designed to empower seniors and caregivers alike. Joe and Deana explore what it means to age well from both a psychological and practical lens. With over 40 years of experience in senior care, Joe shares insights on maintaining motivation, managing setbacks, and promoting a positive ou...

In this episode of the Living to 100 Club podcast, we learn about the focus on preventive health by Marqi Medical. We explore how it is shifting the focus of healthcare from reactive treatment to proactive prevention. Founder Xavier Serrano shares how his background in health insurance and a personal family crisis inspired him to launch a concierge-style longevity platform. This platform targets high-achieving executives. By integrating advanced diagnostics, genomics, wearable tech, and continuous data monitoring, Marqi Medical helps clients detect risk factors early and make lifestyle changes before symptoms appear. Key Takeaways from this Episode The value of personalized data...

How healthy is your brain—and how do you really know? In this episode, Dr. Joe Casciani and the Living to 100 Club welcome Dr. Mark Tommerdahl, a leading neurophysiologist and co-founder of Cortical Metrics. Together, they explore the science behind the Brain Gauge, a groundbreaking tool for objectively measuring brain health. The Brain Gauge is a cognitive assessment tool that uses touch-based sensory testing to measure mental fitness. Mark shares how this compact device is now being used to track age-related cognitive changes, support autism research, and improve concussion recovery. This device is even capable of guiding lifestyle changes for be...

In this episode of The Living to 100 Club Podcast, we welcome back the dynamic and insightful Lynne Bowman. Now celebrating her 80th year, Lynne shares reflections on embracing aging, health trends, and personal reinvention. We discuss her fitness journey, the evolving views on sugar substitutes and healthy eating, and the role of social connection in longevity. We also touch on embracing new passions—whether it's painting, drumming, or exploring AI technology. This conversation is an inspiring reminder that aging is not about slowing down but about evolving, learning, and thriving. Key Takeaways: A New Perspective on Aging: Lynne reflects on tu...

Falls are one of the greatest health risks for older adults. And traditional gait training often lacks the cognitive component necessary for reducing fall risks. In this Living to 100 Club episode, Dr. Joe Casciani sits down with Hilik Harari, CEO of GaitBetter. We discuss the intersection of cognitive capacity and mobility. We look at how virtual reality technology is revolutionizing fall prevention. Hilik shares insights into how GaitBetter’s system—an AI-powered, treadmill-based training tool. He describes how it improves walking ability and cognitive function through gamified challenges and real-world simulations. Clinical trials are demonstrating a 70% reduction in fall risk. Clea...

Dating after 50 comes with unique challenges—but also exciting opportunities for fresh starts and meaningful connections. In this episode of the Living to 100 Club podcast, I sit down with Andrea McGinty, a pioneering dating expert and founder of It's Just Lunch to talk about navigating love. We discuss her new book, 2nd Acts: Winning Strategies for Dating Over 50. Andrea shares practical tips on navigating the modern dating landscape, from choosing the right online platforms to making a strong first impression. She also reveals the biggest mistakes people make when re-entering the dating world. And, importantly, we explore how to build co...