Talking Aging

Dear Audrey is an award-winning documentary about the life of Martin Duckworth as he cares for his wife Audrey Schirmer in the final stages of Alzheimer's. This episode of Talking Aging is my conversation with the filmmaker, Jeremiah Hayes and Martin Duckworth himself - now 88 years old.  Listen to our episode before or after you see Dear Audrey (or both!).  For info about the film and where to see Dear Audrey, visit: www.dearaudrey.ca

This episode we go down under and speak to Mr. Joe Wright about diet and aging. Listen and learn about how dietary requirements change as we age and why it doesn't matter how much you invest in chefs for long term care if nobody is eating the meals. 

Palliative Care has many definitions and I speak to Karim Chagani about how Palliative Care benefits patients in Canada. Karim is an active participant and advocate for older adults in anticipating and preparing for this change so that older adults can age in the environment of their choice with respect and dignity. Karim has developed this experience by working in the technology and healthcare space with public, private, and not for profit organizations.

Tia Kozar took part in the Student-in-Residence program where she lived for an entire year in an assisted living community. From that experience, Tia met one of her best friends Beth, who recently turned 95!    Tia is a second year medical student hoping to pursue a career in geriatric psychiatry. She is currently researching about the extent of loneliness, and resilience experienced by older people throughout COVID-19. 

Sarah Muxlow is Co-Founder of the End of Life Doula Association of Canada, Social Worker, Educator and End of Life Doula. Sarah is also the Founder & Owner of Live Purposefully with a mission of improving quality of life by improving end of life quality. 

The Conversation Project wants you to have the conversation with your loved ones! It is a public engagement initiative with a goal that is both simple and transformative: to help everyone talk about their wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. I speak to Kate DeBartolo from The Conversation Project about end of life wishes, using the Conversation Starter Guide and more!

Listen as I discuss the benefits of home sharing and companion housing with Amanda from Happipad!  Happipad is a leader in providing companion housing solutions that help people live in a way that is more sustainable, resilient, and socially conscious.  Part of their mission is to create affordable housing opportunities, promote social inclusion, and support healthy aging in place.

Let's talk Aging with Pride!! Queer older adults have so much to be proud about. I talk to Courtney, Specialist in Seniors Programs at QMUNITY in Vancouver, BC about the importance of community for older adults and seniors programs offered during Pride Weekend and all year long! 

I speak to Dr. Atiya Mahmood, Thomas Jenkins and Holly Lemme from SFU about the SWAN Tool and accessibility including walkability/wheelability. Listen to the conversation and become a voice in creating an age friendly community wherever you live! 

I speak to Dan Levitt about the opportunities presented by the global pandemic to improve long term care. The problems with long term care have always been here and we've been shown them loud and clear this past year. Listen as we discuss the issues facing long term care and the strength and resilience of those in the industry, along with how we can make living better for everyone involved. 

The internet has the power to connect, educate and empower. The importance of digital literacy among older adults is so important. Karen Wong is a Registered social worker, registered therapeutic counselor,  qualified mediator, researcher/policy analyst; translator/interpreter; group facilitator and reviewer currently working on a project with Simon Fraser University and 411 Seniors Centre Society.