Tag: roundtable talk

Recently on Varsity’s podcast, Roundtable Talk, we sat down with Dr. Robyn Stone, a nationally recognized expert in aging policy and long-term care. As Senior Vice President of Research at LeadingAge and Co-Director of the LeadingAge LTSS Center, she has spent decades bridging the gap between policy, research, and real-world solutions to improve aging services.

Derek and Dr. Stone discussed the workforce crisis in long-term care, the challenges of educating consumers about aging services, and the role of technology in supporting caregivers. She also reflects on her decades in the field, offering insights on how change happens—slowly, but steadily. 

The conversation was filled with fresh perspectives. Below are just a few of them. 

YOU’VE SAID THAT SENIOR LIVING IS OFTEN AN “ACCIDENTAL CAREER”—A FIELD PEOPLE DON’T SEEK OUT BUT END UP LOVING. HOW CAN WE CHANGE THAT?

I’m actually an exception because I always knew I wanted to work with older adults. But over the years, I found that most people in aging services fell into these jobs by accident. Once they started, they realized they loved it. 

One of my primary focuses has been shifting this from an accidental profession to one that people intentionally pursue. We’ve made some strides, but we still struggle. If you look at the challenges in recruiting nurses, social workers, and even geriatric specialists, it’s clear that aging services is still undervalued. I think that’s tied to fundamental ageism in this country.

WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST GAPS IN EDUCATING CONSUMERS ABOUT LONG-TERM CARE?

There’s still so much misunderstanding. People don’t grasp what long-term services and supports (LTSS) actually are. It’s about helping people function independently for as long as possible, but it intersects with medical care because these individuals also have chronic conditions, acute episodes, and post-acute needs. 

Housing is also critical—if you don’t have a home that allows for mobility, your quality of life suffers. Most people still think Medicare pays for long-term care, which isn’t true. We’ve spent decades trying to educate people, but the reality is that most don’t think about it until they’re in crisis.

WHAT STRATEGIES DO YOU THINK ARE MOST EFFECTIVE FOR RETAINING WORKERS IN AGING SERVICES?

The best recruitment strategy is retention. If you retain staff, you don’t have to recruit as much. Retention is about creating a healthy workplace culture with both monetary and non-monetary investments. Higher wages matter—we still have 40% of this workforce on some form of public assistance, which is unacceptable. 

But it’s also about training, strong supervisory support, and career pathways. Not every aide wants to become an RN, but they might want to specialize in geriatric care, behavioral health, or medication management. High-performing organizations are figuring out ways to create these pathways, which leads to better retention and lower turnover.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED IN YOUR CAREER THAT YOU WISH YOU COULD TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

Change takes a long time. It’s a journey, not a destination. When I started in the federal government in the early ’70s, I was filled with hopes and dreams about making the world a better place. Over time, I’ve learned that progress is incremental. But you have to keep your eye on the prize. It’s easy to get discouraged in policy and advocacy work, but if you focus on long-term goals and stay committed, real change does happen—even if it takes longer than you’d like.

Want to hear more from Dr. Stone? Check out the full episode of Roundtable Talk for more fresh perspectives. Watch new episodes of Roundtable Talk on the Varsity website and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.

Dr. David Katz is one of the most influential voices in preventive medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle medicine. As the founding director of the Yale Prevention Research Center, a past president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and a prolific author, Dr. Katz has spent his career challenging conventional wisdom on aging and health.

On a recent episode of Varsity’s podcast, Roundtable Talk, he shared his thoughts on the pitfalls of “anti-aging,” the power of lifestyle choices, and how we can reshape our relationship with aging and vitality. Here are some of the key takeaways from our conversation.

OUR SOCIETY PROMOTES ‘ANTI-AGING’—WHY DO YOU THINK THIS IS MISGUIDED?

Aging is a biological process. It’s like being anti-breathing—it just doesn’t make sense. Everything ages: rocks, the Earth, the universe. What bothers me most about the “anti-aging” movement is that it invites us to perpetually compare ourselves to a younger version of ourselves.

I’m 62. I practice what I preach—I eat optimally, I work out every day, and I’m extremely fit. But I don’t have the same muscle mass or strength I did at 42 or 22. That’s just reality. The goal shouldn’t be to fight aging, but to optimize vitality at every stage of life.

HOW DOES THE PACE OF CHANGE IN OUR SOCIETY IMPACT HOW WE VIEW OLDER ADULTS?

The world you grew up in gets left behind, and that happens faster now than ever before. My parents, who are 85, are vital and active, but they feel like roadkill on the information superhighway.

When they were kids, there were no televisions. Now, we have devices in our pockets that let us instantly connect with anyone in the world. The speed of technological advancement makes older generations feel obsolete. We’ve gone from a time when older people were venerated for their wisdom to a culture that increasingly views them as out of touch.

WHAT CAN WE DO TO REFRAME AGING AS A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE?

We need to celebrate what aging gives us, not just what it takes away. Yes, physical capabilities change, but you gain something just as valuable—wisdom, experience, perspective.

In many cultures, elders are venerated. But in America, we glorify youth while failing to honor the trade-off. Imagine if we had a magazine dedicated to the reflections and stories of older adults, just like People Magazine does for celebrities. We celebrate youthful beauty, but we don’t celebrate the beauty of experience and wisdom in the same way.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO AS YOU AGE?

I was looking forward to peace—to being able to fully enjoy the bond I have with my wife, to spending more time outdoors, with my dogs and my horses. But life doesn’t always work out as planned.

I unexpectedly became an entrepreneur, founding Diet ID, which was recently acquired. Now, I’m still deeply involved in making diet quality a vital sign, like blood pressure.

That said, I do look forward to a time when I can truly unplug—to go “off the grid” for a weekend (or longer), to not be shackled to my phone, to fully be with the people I love. That’s what I aspire to.

Want to hear more from Dr. Katz? Check out the full episode of Roundtable Talk for more fresh perspectives. Watch new episodes of Roundtable Talk on the Varsity website and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.

As the Senior Director of Lifelong University Engagement at Mirabella at Arizona State University, Lindsey Beagley works at the intersection of higher education and senior living. Mirabella at Arizona State University is a retirement community on ASU’s Tempe campus, offering residents full access to the university’s resources, including classes, cultural events, and facilities. 

Lindsey joined us on an episode of Varsity’s podcast, Roundtable Talk, where Derek and Lindsey talked about lifelong learning, intergenerational connections, life in the Peace Corps and what she’s looking forward to as she ages.

Here are some fresh perspectives from that conversation: 

WHAT MAKES MIRABELLA AT ARIZONA STATE A “UNIVERSITY RETIREMENT COMMUNITY”?

Mirabella at ASU is the first certified university-based retirement community in the country. It’s a continuing care retirement community (CCRC)—mostly independent living, but also offering assisted living, memory support, and skilled nursing. What makes it different is its location right on campus and the deep integration with ASU.

We have three full-time staff dedicated to connecting residents with campus life—helping them enroll in classes, get involved in mentoring, or find whatever opportunities match their interests. They have full student ID cards, meaning they can access any campus facility. And students come into Mirabella all the time—using spaces for club meetings, performances, and study sessions. It’s a true living laboratory for intergenerational engagement.

HOW DO TRADITIONAL STUDENTS REACT TO HAVING OLDER CLASSMATES?

At first, most students assume that older adults in their classes must be faculty or observers. When they realize they’re fellow students, it forces them to rethink what learning looks like beyond the traditional college years.

For many young students, college is a transaction—”I need to get my degree and get a job.” They’re externally motivated. But then they see someone in their 70s or 80s taking a class purely for the love of learning, and it’s eye-opening. It shifts their mindset—they start to think, “Maybe learning isn’t just something I do now. Maybe I’ll come back to this one day.”

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES THAT WANT TO PARTNER WITH UNIVERSITIES?

Flip the paradigm. Don’t just approach a university and say, “What can you do for us?” Instead, ask, “What do your students need?”

You might be surprised. Universities often need mentors, guest speakers, or judges for competitions, but it’s hard to ask working professionals to volunteer their time. Meanwhile, a senior living community is full of people with decades of experience who are looking for meaningful ways to contribute.

This is a huge untapped resource. Older adults don’t just want engagement for their own sake—they want to be needed. That’s the key to meaningful intergenerational partnerships.

Want to hear more from Lindsey? Check out the full episode of Roundtable Talk for more fresh perspectives. Watch new episodes of Roundtable Talk on the Varsity website and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.

Diane Harris is a former editor-in-chief of Money Magazine and a former deputy editor of Newsweek. She’s an award winning journalist, a well-traveled speaker and an expert in personal finance and financial wellness. She also recently wrote an article for the New York Times about solo agers and planning for retirement when you’re on your own.   

On a recent episode of Varsity podcast, Roundtable Talk, Derek and Diane talked about solo aging (and the classic mistake that many solo agers make when choosing a proxy), financial longevity, how retirees can plan for healthcare costs and easing into retirement by keeping a hand in the workforce, not your whole body. 

Here are some fresh perspectives from that conversation: 

WHAT ADVICE FROM EXPERTS SOLO AGING STOOD OUT TO YOU?

It was a fascinating topic. I was really surprised to learn how large a population solo-agers are. What was most valuable in terms of advice was that solo-agers face the same issues as everyone else, but without someone to rely on, they need different solutions. 

The experts stressed to me that solo-agers have to approach planning with an extra layer of intentionality and urgency. That phrase really stuck with me. It’s not that the issues are different—it’s that different circumstances may dictate different solutions.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE UNEXPECTED BENEFITS OF SOLO AGING?

I’m so glad you asked that. A recent AARP study found that when solo-agers were asked about their experience, the top three responses were all positive—independence, satisfaction, and happiness. And the number one benefit? Freedom.

There’s a great advantage to not having to run your decisions by someone else. If you want to travel, you can. You don’t have to compromise. You don’t need permission. There’s a lot of joy in having the freedom to shape your life exactly the way you want.

WHAT STRATEGIES CAN LATE SAVERS USE TO MAXIMIZE THEIR RETIREMENT FUNDS?

Wherever you are, there are steps you can take. The number one regret people have is not saving sooner or saving enough. But even if you got a late start, you can catch up.

If you have a workplace retirement plan with a match, make sure you’re contributing enough to get the full match—it’s free money. If you’re over 50, take advantage of catch-up contributions. And if you’re between 60 and 63, starting next year there’s going to be an even larger catch-up contribution available.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

Be bolder. Every time I’ve taken a big risk, it’s rewarded me. If I could go back, I’d tell myself to take that year abroad, to move to a different part of the country, to not be so bound by golden handcuffs. I’d remind myself that richness in life isn’t just about money—it’s about experiences.

Want to hear more from Diane? Check out the full episode of Roundtable Talk for more fresh perspectives. Watch new episodes of Roundtable Talk on the Varsity website and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.

Some of you may know Mo Rocca from The Daily Show while others know him as a correspondent on CBS Sunday Morning. Mo is also the author of Roctogenarians, a new book that tells the inspiring stories of people who followed their dreams and achieved success later in life. People like Laura Ingalls Wilder, who published her first “Little House” book at 65 and Samuel Whittemore, who fought in the American Revolutionary War at 78. 

Mo sat down to talk with us on an episode of Varsity’s podcast, Roundtable Talk, to discuss how a casual conversation with Chance the Rapper changed Mo’s perspective on aging, the key to longevity, presidential history and what makes 1888 such a great year to be born in. 

During his chat with Roundtable Talk host Derek Dunham, Mo shared some fresh perspectives. Here’s a few: 

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO AS YOU AGE?

I’m looking forward to caring less about what other people think of me. That’s one of the connections among the people in this book—they’re very unfettered. They felt very free to act and to go for it because they weren’t hamstrung by the opinions of other people. 

A lot of young people, in figuring out who they are, to use modern parlance, crowdsource their decisions—seeing what works, what gets a good response, what gets likes on social media. But people at the other end of life aren’t doing that. They’re much more sure of who they are.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT RETIREMENT?

I don’t expect to ever retire. But certainly things will evolve, and what will that look like? All I can say is that I’m driven to make things interesting to people who didn’t expect to be interested in them. That, to me, is very, very satisfying. 

If I say, “I’m going to do a project, a book, a slideshow, a talk about one-term 19th-century presidents”—and there are a lot of those guys, you know, stuffed between Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt, a lot of facial hair, usually from Ohio—I love that someone might say, “Really?” And then by the end of it, they’re into it.

DID ANY STORIES IN ROCTOGENERIANS PARTICULARLY SURPRISE YOU?

I knew vaguely that there were older people on the front lines )of the civil rights movement). What I didn’t know was the story of Mary Church Terrell, who was 86 when she led sit-ins at Washington, D.C., lunch counters in the 1950s to fight segregation. Part of what I found so powerful about her story is that someone of that age wasn’t fighting for a better world for themselves—at best, she would enjoy that world for a couple of years. And indeed, she died at 90 shortly after the Supreme Court conferred victory on her side.

YOU WRITE THAT WHEN SOMETHING ENDS, SOMETHING ELSE MUST BEGIN. HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED THIS IN YOUR OWN LIFE?

A very dramatic example—I’m not sure it quite fits, but I’ll call it my late-in-life triumph—is that my husband and I are now fathers to a baby girl. We’re first-time fathers. So, let’s just say my life as someone without children has ended, and, boy, what a great thing to begin.

Want to hear more from Mo? Check out the full episode of Roundtable Talk for more fresh perspectives. Watch new episodes of Roundtable Talk on the Varsity website and on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.

Dr. Sara Zeff Geber is the nation’s foremost authority on solo aging, specializing in the unique challenges faced by older adults without traditional family support. As a gerontologist and author of Essential Retirement Planning for Solo Agers she empowers those who are aging alone to embrace independence while planning proactively for a fulfilling, secure future.

In a recent episode of Varsity’s podcast, Roundtable Talk, Sara talked about how solo agers can build social networks to provide support later in life and why senior living communities are the best option for solo agers.

Here’s a look at a few of the fresh perspectives Sara shared during her conversation with Roundtable Talk host, Derek Dunham. 

WHAT IS A SOLO AGER, AND HOW DID YOU DEFINE THE TERM?

I define a solo ager as anyone who doesn’t have children, whether married or single, and anyone aging alone without family support nearby. Initially, I intended it to mean just people without children, as adult children typically care for older adults. However, with societal shifts and people moving away from family, solo aging has become more prevalent.

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT STEPS SOLO AGERS SHOULD TAKE WHEN PLANNING FOR RETIREMENT?

It’s crucial to start early, focusing on financial planning, maintaining physical health, and building community. Eating well, staying in shape, and fostering strong relationships are essential steps. Building a supportive community early in life can pay significant dividends as we age.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN AN IDEAL LIFE PLAN COMMUNITY?

For me—and I think for most solo agers—it’s about engagement. I value communities where residents actively participate in governance, activities, and connections with the broader community. This might include partnerships with local universities, intergenerational programs, or volunteer opportunities, such as working at food banks. These aspects provide a sense of meaning and purpose.

HOW CAN SOLO AGERS BUILD NETWORKS FOR SUPPORT WHEN THEY DON’T HAVE FAMILY?

The key is cultivating a community early and getting professional help where needed. This includes working with financial advisors, preparing advanced directives, and enlisting a power of attorney. Many solo agers face challenges when choosing proxies to represent them in legal and medical matters, but these relationships can be nurtured over time.

WHY DO YOU ADVOCATE FOR SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES OVER AGING IN PLACE?

The reality of aging in place is often isolating, especially for solo agers without family nearby. Senior living communities provide a built-in sense of community, structure, and support, which aging in place typically lacks. These communities can help replace the roles traditionally filled by family, ensuring residents have meaningful connections and the care they need.

HOW HAS THE LANDSCAPE OF SOLO AGING CHANGED, AND WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

Solo aging has grown significantly, especially with the baby boomer generation. About 20% of boomers are childless, compared to 10% in previous generations. The trend will likely continue as younger generations also experience high rates of childlessness. This demographic shift means solo aging will increasingly shape how we think about and provide for aging populations.

For Goodwin Living President & CEO Rob Liebreich, the fight against dementia is personal. In 2011, Rob and his family noticed that their mother, Wendy, was experiencing early signs of memory loss. So they decided to do something about it. The result is StrongerMemory, a program that uses reading, writing and math exercises to strengthen the brain and reduce the effects of mild cognitive impairment.

Rob joined us as a guest on Varsity’s aging and longevity podcast, Roundtable Talk to talk about the StrongerMemory program, how it works and some of the amazing success stories behind it.

Here’s a look at a few of the fresh perspectives Rob shared during his conversation with Roundtable Talk host, Derek Dunham. 

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN AGING SERVICES?

I started off in telecommunications, a very different field. But when my grandmother, Grandma Lee, was about to move into a senior living community, I sat by her bedside as she passed away the day before the move. It hit me so strongly that I needed to join this field—to take out the fear and anxiety people experience and replace it with hope and purpose.

WHAT LED TO THE CREATION OF THE STRONGER MEMORY PROGRAM?

In 2011, my mom began showing signs of memory loss—forgetting conversations, getting lost in familiar places. We did testing and discovered she had mild cognitive impairment. I came across research from Japan showing that reading aloud, handwriting, and math could help nursing home residents plateau or even improve cognitively. I thought, what if we could apply this upstream to someone like my mom? Within 30 days of starting these activities, her repetition decreased, her memory improved, and she navigated places better.

WHAT WERE THE INITIAL RESULTS OF THE STRONGER MEMORY PROGRAM?

We saw dramatic improvements in my mom within the first 30 days. Later, when we introduced the program to a group of assisted living residents, it was remarkable. People began recalling loved ones’ names, sleeping better, and eating better. The emotional impact on families was profound.

CAN THE PROGRAM BE USED PROACTIVELY BEFORE MEMORY LOSS OCCURS?

Absolutely. The tools help calibrate focus and brain health. For example, I met a woman who reads the Bible aloud daily. She doesn’t have cognitive challenges, but she told me her focus improved. Even if you’re not diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, engaging your brain in these ways can have real benefits.

IS THE PROGRAM EFFECTIVE FOR PEOPLE WITH ADVANCED DEMENTIA?

We’ve heard incredible stories, including a nursing home resident who had been non-communicative for over a year. After starting Stronger Memory, she began engaging with her husband and others. The program is simple, accessible, and often reconnects individuals to their loved ones in powerful ways.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM THIS JOURNEY THAT YOU WISH YOU COULD TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF?

Believe you can make a difference, find your path, and keep going. I wish I had started sharing Stronger Memory earlier—maybe three years sooner. That weighs on me, but it also motivates me to push forward and help more people. Sometimes you need to listen to those around you and lean into opportunities when they arise.

In our first-ever episode of Roundtable Talk, we welcomed the legendary author, humorist, and radio icon Garrison Keillor. Garrison discusses his book, Serenity at 70, Gaiety at 80, his 23 insightful rules for aging well, the beauty of octogenarianism and what’s on his bucket list. 

Here’s a closer look at some of the fresh perspectives Garrison shared in his episode of Roundtable Talk: 

WHAT KEEPS YOU GOING AT 82?

I lost my ambition, I think is the answer. And I’m doing it for the pleasure of it. I cut back on some things. I no longer go and do lectures to groups… I’ve started this new enterprise as an octogenarian stand-up. I do a solo show…each show is different because I don’t work from a script, and it’s just great fun.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO AS YOU AGE?

I’m hoping to continue to be lucky. People I know who get into the 90s decade run some real risks we all want to avoid. But medicine is marching forward. I had a stroke about five years ago but this anti-seizure medication has come along and it never has happened since.

DO YOU HAVE A BUCKET LIST OR ANY UNFULFILLED GOALS?

No, I think Shakespeare was right: ‘This thou perceivest, which makes thy love more strong, to love that well which thou must leave ere long.’ There’s no time to waste. Each day is sufficient unto itself.

HOW HAS AGING SURPRISED YOU?

The decline of agility is not a problem. I remember what it felt like to be young. I don’t run anymore. I suppose I could, but it doesn’t bother me that I can’t. Life gets smaller, but I accept that as long as I can still do what I need to do.

DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A STAND-UP COMEDIAN?

No, I would never presume. Stand-up comedy is a real art. I admire my niece Erica Rhodes, who’s a fabulous stand-up comic. But the territory between stand-up and storytelling is movable. I don’t want to be stuck in the position of a narrator. I want to speak in my own voice, even as I tell stories about invented characters.

Varsity, is taking its industry-leading expertise to digital audiences with the launch of a new video podcast called Roundtable Talk. 

Roundtable Talk is a podcast about longevity and aging and will explore what it means to age well and endeavoring to reframe perceptions on aging. Each episode features a discussion with an industry expert or thought leader about how to solve the many mature market challenges facing brands today. 

The podcast is hosted by Varsity President Derek Dunham and kicks off with a line-up of high profile guests. 

The premiere episode features an interview with humorist, author and radio legend Garrison Keillor, who discusses his book “Serenity at 70, Gaiety at 80” and his 23 rules for aging. Future guests include Goodwin Living CEO and StrongerMemory program founder Rob Liebreich (November 7) and longevity expert and founding director of the Yale Prevention Research Center, Dr. David Katz.   

Also on the calendar is an interview with humorist, journalist and actor Mo Rocca, who will join the Varsity team for a discussion about people who achieve success and greatness later in life and his book “Roctogenarians.” Dr. Sara Zeff Geber –  the nation’s leading expert on solo aging – and award-winning journalist and New York Times contributor Diane Harris are also on the Roundtable Talk schedule. 

“Fresh perspectives about aging are all around us. Our goal with Roundtable Talk is to shine a spotlight on as many of those perspectives as possible and bring them to life one interview at a time,” said Varsity president and Roundtable Talk host, Derek Dunham. “Along the way, we hope to educate people, dispel a few myths and tell some really engaging and inspiring stories.” 

Roundtable Talk episodes and details about the podcast can be found on the Varsity website at VarsityBranding.com. The podcast is available on various podcast streaming services, including Apple podcasts, Spotify, and I Heart Radio.