News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club

Linda Sherman opened the meeting by discussing the recent passing of Dolly Parton at age 80.

The group reflected on how Parton spent her final years as a full-time caregiver for her husband, Carl Dean. Participants noted the "three hard truths" of caregiving: chronic physical decline, the widowhood effect, and loss of purpose after the caregiving recipient passes. Debbie Howard highlighted that caregiving is difficult even for those with significant financial resources. Ray Gordon emphasized the need for caregivers to prioritize their own health and seek help to avoid burnout.

Debbie Howard presented six essential exercises...

On our August 18, 2026 News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club podcast episode, Elizabeth Magallon Fleury presented an article regarding "heirs' property," where real estate passed down without clear titles can lead to legal complications and forced sales. Related to this, partition sales allow speculators to buy fractional ownership and trigger court-ordered sales at low prices. The Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act legislation in many states aims to protect these rights. Ray Gordon noted that large landholdings often face issues when multiple descendants cannot agree on how to dispose of the property.

Benjamin Surmi discovered an...

Linda Sherman began our August 11, 2026 News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club podcast episode with a discussion of the Global Wellness Institute's report on advertising to older adults, highlighting the industry's failure to effectively target the 60+ demographic. In our discussion we mentioned that perhaps there is ageism in the advertising agencies, even at the top. One key finding of the report is the suggestion for brands to focus on experiences rather than aging issues.
Interesting thought from Ellen Khalifa suggesting that a surge of input from those of us over 55 putting content into the reach of AI...

For our 8-4-26 News for the Ages episode, we discussed the use of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss in older adults, noting that over 12% of Americans are on these drugs, with potential side effects like muscle loss and dehydration. The Trump administration's new Medicare program sets the cost of three weight loss drugs at $50 a month, affecting 38.9% of older adults. Older adults are underrepresented in clinical trials for GLP-1 drugs, which affects the evidence available for their use. Ellen suggests that lifestyle interventions should be the first line of obesity management for older adults and personalized approaches are...

In our July 28, 2026 News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club podcast episode Elizabeth Magallon Fleury shared insights from a New York Times article on the emotional and financial toll of family caregiving, highlighting the need for better planning and communication. “Millions of Americans are stepping into one of the hardest roles they'll ever take on, caring for their aging parents. Times Opinion interviewed dozens of family caregivers across the country to paint a portrait of the American elder care crisis.”

Ellen Khalifa presented a Medical News Today article on the benefits of strength training for women, noti...

In our July 21, 2026 News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club podcast episode, Benjamin Surmi talked about the challenges faced by assisted living residents when facilities drop Medicaid when an acquisition happens. The gap between Medicaid coverage and costs borne by the facility is a factor, forcing skilled nursing facilities (Nursing Homes) to be the choice when a move must be made.  

Ellen Khalifa presented the new Medicare-covered BCT test for bone health, which evaluates bone quality and fracture risk.

Elizabeth Magallon Fleury addressed the financial and inheritance complications arising from baby boomer divorces, noting t...

For our July 14, 2026, News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club, we were particularly interested in Ellen Khalifa’s white paper article on barriers to geriatric oral health such as cognitive impairments, financial constraints, and lack of transportation. Oral health is something we don’t cover often, but it is very important. Ellen wanted Dr. Zalan Alam, a speaker we have on occasion, to join us for this and “Dr. Zalam” kindly joined us at his 11pm in the UK. Dr. Zalan Alam emphasized the link between oral hygiene and cardiovascular health. 

Benjamin Surmi shared an article on ethica...

The News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging club episode recorded June 30, 2026 tackled a heavy topic first. Debbie Howard presented an article by Katie Engelhart, which highlighted the challenges faced by caregivers who were abused by the parents they cared for, particularly those with dementia. The article revealed that at least 20% of U.S. caregivers have been physically, mentally, or sexually abused by their parents. Debbie emphasized the complexities of dementia, including the difficulty of distinguishing between past abuse and new behaviors. Our discussion also touched on the financial and emotional burdens of caregiving, the importance of planning, and...

This News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club episode was recorded in June, which is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. We were glad to be able to include this important article from the Guardian about people living with dementia in early stages rallying to get better media representations and treatment. They have formed or become active in organizations like the Young Dementia Network, Dementia Alliance International, Deep (the Dementia Engagement and Empowerment Project). All of them are “experts by experience," and many are actively involved in research projects such as Living Well With Dementia. Benjamin Surmi, who has...

Our June 16, 2026 episode covered innovative housing options as we age; how ageism in the workplace is sabotaging corporate America and sleep health focused on preparing to sleep. Elizabeth Magallon Fleury took us through Architectural Digest's article on senior citizens living in cruise ship condos, co-housing communities, and Florida's retirement wonderland. Linda Sherman pointed out the New York Foundation for Senior Citizens free Home Sharing Program. We were glad to discover the Furnished Finder site. Ellen Khalifa commented on the Modern Elder Academy's Golden Girls housing models, designed for women on moderate incomes. 

We discussed Elizabeth White's article o...

Hosted by Linda Sherman and Ray Gordon this was News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club recorded on June 2, 2026. Debbie Howard reported on the importance of glute strength to longevity and ran through exercises like glute bridges and squats to strengthen different sets of glute muscles. Elizabeth Magallon Fleury reported on seniors seeking roommates due to rising housing costs, noting a 300% increase in older adults using the Spare Room service. Benjamin Surmi discussed a year-long study on humanoid robots in dementia care at UC Davis. Ellen Khalifa shared insights from a Swiss study on centenarians, revealing key biological...

We admired a creative solution to Japan's nursing home crisis with the recruitment of bodybuilders, MMA fighters, and sumo wrestlers as caregivers. Ginger Griggs joined us from Japan with a New York Times article detailing how these athletes, despite being a small portion of the workforce, can positively impact care centers. We expressed hope that publicity of this idea might bring athletic men into caregiving, especially as AI impacts various job categories.

Elizabeth Magallon Fleury brought us an article on the benefits of AgeTech in enabling older adults to age in place, mentioning Laurie Orlov’s reports, th...

Benjamin Surmi walked us through the Senior Living Transformation Company (SLTC)'s efforts to modernize assisted living operations by integrating information technology, aiming to improve efficiency and resident care. Debbie Howard shared an article from Newsweek about the proposed CMS Medicare and Medicaid reforms to speed up drug approvals, emphasizing the need for public comments by June 15 and giving specific how to’s for submitting comments. Ellen Khalifa brought us a CBS News investigation revealing widespread hospice fraud in Los Angeles County, where fraudulent operators used fake names to bill for unnecessary end-of-life care, very negatively affecting the individuals th...

We covered financial exploitation of seniors, with Elizabeth highlighting a New York Times article on banks training staff to spot scams, noting annual losses of $28 billion. Ellen shared a study on a receptor crucial for bone strength, which could lead to new treatments for osteoporosis. She listed what you should be eating and drinking to improve bone health.

Benjamin explained a Canadian hospital's efforts to become elder-friendly by training 129 senior care advocates across the organization as well as creating a specialized unit called McKenzie Health Behavioral Acute Care for the Elderly unit and implementing an EHR integrated...

Benjamin Surmi presented a Stanford report on robots for aging and disabilities, highlighting projects like Rosie, an outdoor guide dog, and an exoskeleton for better walking. Co-host Linda Sherman went deep on companion robotics by country. Elizabeth Magallon Fleury presented on innovative urban planning for aging populations, emphasizing Singapore's Age Well SG program and the importance of universal design. Debbie Howard concluded with tools for traveling with disabilities, including Google Maps, and apps like Aviv ScoutRoute, RollMobility and Be My Eyes. It was a lively discussion with contributions from co-host Ray Gordon.

Presented by Benjamin Surmi, Senior...

In our News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club episode recorded on April 21, 2026, Benjamin Surmi highlighted focus in the UK on training caregivers in dementia care, emphasizing the need for effective training evaluation. Benjamin also covered AI's role in automating documentation, staffing analysis, and onboarding in senior living. Ellen Khalifa shared insights from her solution-focused coaching training using AI.

The conversation also covered the importance of end-of-life care, including recognizing signs of impending death and ensuring family members are informed and prepared. We mentioned that The Pitt had a very relevant episode on respecting the wishes...

Our April 14, 2026 News for Ages episode reviewed an article on innovative devices for dementia patients, including a new NFC tag system in England. We discussed the challenges of setting up smart home devices and the potential still evolving role of AI in simplifying this process. We also discussed a study on aging anxiety and its correlation on biological aging, noting that anxiety about declining health was significant but needed further study.

Presented by Benjamin Surmi, Senior Living Expert and Social Gerontologist
BBC 3-17-26 'I Created Device to Help People with Dementia Stay Safe' by Isobel...

Our News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club April 7, 2026 episode falls in the week of World Parkinson’s Day on April 11 and a Rethinking Aging Club Podcast episode on April 9th focused on Parkinson’s solutions. We began with Ray Gordon's article and study about a potential blood test for early Parkinson's detection. Researchers at Chalmers University and Oslo University, identified biological markers in the blood that indicate early stages of the disease - 20 years before symptoms. Their findings may lead to easily applied tests within 5 years. 

Elizabeth Magallon Fleury led a discussion of Steven Petrow’s list...

Our News for the Ages March 31, 2026 episode focused on the importance of muscle strength in predicting longevity, citing a study published by JAMA Network that found stronger grip and chair stand performance significantly reduced the risk of death in older women. Ellen Khalifa and Ray Gordon provided insights into how maintaining muscle strength supports mobility, balance, and overall health. Debbie Howard led a discussion on the economic potential of the longevity economy, using a Forbes article by Joseph Antoun, which emphasized the shift from reactive sick care to proactive longevity systems as well as the benefits of multi-generational housing...

Our March 24, 2026 News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club episode began with the importance of hydration, discussing a Today Show article quoting Emily Johnston PhD, who recommends drinking a full glass of water first thing in the morning. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues, including kidney problems and seizures. Ellen: “It's great to see mainstream media making healthspan a part of normal American vocabulary”

We covered a gerontology program at Georgia State University Gerontology Institute using improv to train caregivers for dementia patients. Benjamin Surmi is a fan of improv skills especially in memory care to a...

On our March 17, 2026 News for the Ages episode, we discussed a new Yale study by Becca Levy that found nearly half of adults aged 65 and older actually improved in cognitive or physical function over 12 years. As in Levy’s previous work, the study highlighted the importance of positive age beliefs. We explored the potential of smart homes to enhance aging in place, noting advancements in health monitoring, sleep quality, and safety features. Ray Gordon emphasized the role of wireless electricity and embedded sensors in future smart homes. The Oscar nominated animated short “Retirement Plan” is worth a watch. We noted...

This episode of News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club was recorded on March 10, 2026.

Today we had three articles from the NY Times, two on sexual health. One reported on by Linda, was specifically on things men should know about their own sexual health. Ellen reported on Sex Span, in this article sex after 80. We were all pleased to see these topics being addressed by respected press and encouraging open dialogue in society.

Additionally, Elizabeth Magallon Fleury shared insights on conversations to have with aging parents, emphasizing the need for medical history, living environment...

Our News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club March 3, 2026 podcast episode. Elizabeth Magallon Fleury shared an article by author Ken Stern highlighting the outdated notion of old age at 65, given the increasing life expectancy and physical capabilities of older adults. Benjamin Surmi presented a report on community service projects by Koelsch Communities, showcasing diverse initiatives by residents supported by staff to serve their communities, such as food drives and pen pal programs. A great idea for many reasons including marketing and recruiting. Debbie Howard reported on an article from Forbes emphasizing the value of older workers, arguing that...

Our News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club, February 24, 2026 episode.  Ellen Khalifa discussed the potential of GLP-1 drugs as longevity drugs. Benjamin Surmi addressed the shift of 401(k) investments into private equity, emphasizing the complexities and regulatory changes involved. Elizabeth Magallon Fleury shared practical aging-in-place modifications, such as better lighting, staircase rails, and raised toilet seats, costing under $1,500. The importance of proactive measures and mindfulness in preventing falls was also emphasized.

Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan 
Nature Biotechnology 11-12-25 Are GLP-1s the First Longevity Drugs?
https://www.na...

In our 2-17-26 News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club episode we discussed the benefits of sports for older adults, emphasizing the importance of gradual participation and touched on updating equipment. The conversation also covered the use of AI in healthcare, with examples of AI outperforming human doctors in diagnoses and the potential of AI to reduce social isolation. 

Presented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life's Encore Planning
Washington Post 8-13-25 Older Athletes Sports Health by Bob Brody
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/08/13/older-athletes-sports-health
Apple News Plus access

We r...

Our News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club, Feb 10, 2026 episode discussed the FDA's approval of a study on reprogramming genes to reverse eye damage in glaucoma patients using viruses carrying three reprogramming genes. The study aims to regenerate blood flow to the optic nerve. 

Concerns were raised about muscle loss and functional strength reduction in GLP-1 drug users, with 47% of users discontinuing within a year due to side effects and cost. The Biden administration's efforts to cap out-of-pocket costs for Medicare beneficiaries were noted, but Medicare's current regulations prohibit coverage for weight loss drugs.

P...

In this News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club podcast episode recorded with a live audience on February 3rd, 2026, Elizabeth shared an article on Dick Van Dyke's secrets to living to 100, emphasizing physical activity, playfulness, and maintaining social connections. Ellen reported on the U.S. withdrawal from the WHO, noting its potential impact on global health. Benjamin presented on healthcare innovations for senior housing, focusing on wellness programs, precision medicine, and CMS initiatives like the Access, Team, and Elevate models. Our discussion underscored the importance of personal responsibility in health and the potential benefits of integrated healthcare services...

Benjamin Surmi reported on the American Seniors Housing Association's report, "Surviving to Thriving" for our discussion. The report outlines key principles for senior living: value, inclusion, trust, agency, longevity, and systems (VI-LTS), emphasizing the need for affordable housing, outcome-based metrics, and innovative living formats like modular designs and multi-generational layouts. It highlights the importance of data intelligence and the potential of virtual reality in enhancing social connections and cognitive functions among older adults. The discussion also touched on the challenges of integrating Medicaid into senior living.

Debbie Howard reported on an article featuring Rendever and we discussed...

In this episode we discussed three Best of CES 2026 articles in the wellness, mobility and healthtech categories. 

Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan
PC Mag 1-13-26 Top 10 Wellness Gadgets CES 2026 by Angela Moscaritolo
https://www.pcmag.com/news/fit-for-the-future-top-wellness-gadgets-to-recharge-your-routine-ces-2026   

Linda mentioned our 9-28-23 podcast with Phoenix Hipwear offering benefits similar to Smart Hip Guardian product in this article. 

Included in this article, Sensate will be featured on our March 12 CES 2026 Highlights Longevity episode.  

Presented by Benjamin Surmi, Senior Living Expert, Social Gerontologist
Mobil...

In this 12-30-25 News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club episode, Ellen Khalifa presented an article from New York Magazine on elder millennials, highlighting the concept of "the cliff" at ages 44 and 60, and the importance of self-acceptance and adaptability. 

Elizabeth Magallon Fleury presented the second part of her smart home products for aging in place, covering Wirecutter recommendations including the Amazon Echo Show 3, Apple iPad 11th generation, and smart locks for enhanced security and convenience. The discussion also covered the benefits of intergenerational activities and the importance of staying active to combat sedentarism. 

Co...

In our December 23, 2025 News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club episode Dr. Zalan Alam explained the British approach to longevity, emphasizing lifestyle interventions and social prescribing over supplements. 

Ray Gordon presented an article from New Scientist, explaining how exercise shifts metabolism to favor muscle cells over cancer cells. A new animal study confirms the continuing theory that muscle cells are more greedy for energy than cancer cells, potentially slowing cancer growth. Earlier related studies are included in our show notes.

Elizabeth Magallon Fleury presented the first half of her Wirecutter article on smart home d...

Debbie Howard presented two articles: one on the caregiving crisis, highlighting  increasing stress and financial strain on caregivers, with average caregiving duration at 4.5 years. Her second article focuses on questions to ask elders over the holidays to capture their life stories. 

Benjamin Surmi shared insights on memory care marketing tactics, emphasizing the importance of authentic representation and community engagement. 

Ellen Khalifa presented an article about the stigma around disability labels, noting that older adults often resist identifying as disabled despite needing accommodations.

Presented by Debbie Howard, Aging Matters International
NY Times Opinion 11/24/25 We...

In this episode we discussed health span and intrinsic capacity, with Ellen Khalifa highlighting a New Scientist article. The article noted that by 2029, 1.4 billion people will be aged 60 or over, but health expectancy hasn't kept pace with life expectancy. Intrinsic capacity shows improvements in cohorts born in the 1950s compared to earlier generations. 

Elizabeth Magallon Fleury presented a New York Times article on fun retirement communities, showcasing various niche living options for baby boomers, including university-affiliated communities and those focused on specific interests like art, religion, and outdoor activities.   

Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for...

In this News for the Ages episode we discussed the issue of older adults being lured into unlicensed adult family homes also known as small group care homes in Maryland, where they are charged significantly less but receive substandard care. Despite hundreds of complaints since 2023, only one referral for prosecution has been made. The conversation covered why enforcement of regulations is difficult.

Ray Gordon reported on advancements in osteoarthritis research, including early detection methods and potential treatments to prevent or delay the need for surgery. The importance of maintaining joint health through exercise and physical therapy was...

Live from Japan, Ginger Griggs presented the critical challenge of maintaining adequate transportation services due to the convergence of the aging and declining population, along with depopulation in rural areas (which can leave residents stuck in a “ transportation desert”). With about 1/3 of our population in Japan 65+ years old, and a huge percent of them living alone, the ability to get out to reach necessary services, or to have them come to you, is of huge concern.

Ellen Khalifa share the IMF report that found a 70-year-old in 2022 has the cognitive ability of a 53-year-old in 2000 and the phys...

In this News for the Ages episode Benjamin Surmi highlighted the trend of senior living communities on college campuses, noting the financial benefits to colleges but warned of the challenges of integrating seniors into campus life. Buyer beware.

Elizabeth Magallon Fleury discussed the hidden costs of downsizing, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and adaptive design. 

Ellen Khalifa shared a study linking multilingualism to slower brain aging. 

Debbie Howard warned of the impact of Medicaid cuts on older adults, predicting increased strain on emergency rooms, caregiver shortages, and rural health delivery.

Pr...

November is National Family Caregiver Month. November 11 is Veteran’s Day.

We discussed the McKinsey Health Institute's report on investing in healthy aging in the USA, which projects that $1 invested in healthy aging interventions could yield $3 in economic and healthcare benefits. Key interventions include transportation, housing, and public safety. The report highlights a median ROI of 3.0 times, with specific interventions showing up to 224 times ROI. The discussion also covered the worsening caregiving crisis in America, with 63 million caregivers providing $600 billion in economic value. Solutions proposed include expanding paid family leave, strengthening Medicare, and establishing federal tax credits fo...

Benjamin Surmi highlighted three election day ballot items: a $3 billion dementia research center in Texas, a proposal to invest Washington's payroll taxes into the stock market, and a change in Maine regarding absentee voting for older adults. Debbie Howard shared insights from GetSetUp's 2025 Active Aging Report, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy and health literacy for older adults. Elizabeth Magallon Fleury led the discussion on the complexities of relocating after retirement, including considerations for living abroad. Co-hosts Linda Sherman and Ray Gordon added commentary.

Presented by Benjamin Surmi, Koelsch Communities
Three Aging-related Issues on the Ballot...

We discussed key trends in senior living, including building in last frontier markets, combating obsolescence, incorporating biophilia and sustainability, and local inspiration in this episode of News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club podcast. Senior Living faces a shortage of new units, with occupancy expected to reach 90% by 2026. We also covered retirement concerns, highlighting that only 37% of Americans expect to retire within a realistic timeframe. Gen Xers were advised to build emergency funds, tackle debt, and consider long-term care insurance. The importance of home ownership and aggressive investment strategies was emphasized, along with the potential benefits of Roth...

October 20, 2025 was World Osteoporosis Day and October is Menopause Awareness Month. Ellen Khalifa highlighted a New York Times article on osteoporosis in men, noting that one in five men over 50 face fractures, with higher mortality rates than women. 

Elizabeth Magallon Fleury shared a Huffington Post article on menopause's impact on eye health, emphasizing dry eyes and the need for regular eye checks. 

Debbie Howard announced a free Discover Live virtual tour for caregivers on November 4. The discussion also covered the SF AgeTech hackathon, where teams developed solutions for remote caregivers and sandwich caregivers. Ellen and El...