Tag: roundtable talk

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.