The Age of Aging
@ageofaging.bsky.social
A podcast about living well with an aging brain, released every other Tuesday. Hear a wide range of stories from aging experts to patients and caregivers. Listen to The Age of Aging on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
The latest episode of The Age of Aging is all about dogs! From companionship to caregiving support, we look at the many ways our four-legged friends shape healthy aging and dementia care. Check it out now!
Canine Care: Can A Dog Help You Live Well Longer?
YouTube video by Penn Memory Center
youtube.com
When her mom with Alzheimer’s stopped speaking, a therapy dog broke through the silence. Inspired, caregiver Lynn Cronomiz trained her own dog to comfort others. Hear her story on the latest Age of Aging podcast 🎧
Canine Care: Can A Dog Help You Live Well Longer?
YouTube video by Penn Memory Center
youtube.com
A good story can change how people see aging. The Age of Aging podcast brings those stories to life, and ratings and reviews help them reach the people who need them most. Take a minute to rate or review your favorite episode. 🔗Find your platform: linktr.ee/The_Age_of_Aging
Judge Lois Murphy brings the courtroom perspective to elder justice. Hear her stories on guardianship, family dynamics, and protecting autonomy in our new episode of The Age of Aging.
Just Aging
YouTube video by Penn Memory Center
youtube.com
Elder law is about preserving dignity and autonomy. In our new episode of The Age of Aging, Charlie Sabatino shares lessons from 37 years with the ABA Commission on Law and Aging. 🎧 Tune in here: bit.ly/4mgE94s
What does justice look like for older adults? Too often, seniors face stigma, exploitation, and little support. Season 4 of The Age of Aging opens with 3 leading voices on elder justice, unpacking the legal, cultural, and systemic challenges and how to build a more just future.
Just Aging
YouTube video by Penn Memory Center
youtube.com
“The POINTER study shows lifestyle choices like exercise, diet, and social connection can boost brain health.” – Dr. Jason Karlawish Hear more takeaways from AAIC 2025 in our bonus Age of Aging episode. ▶️ Watch the full episode ✅ Subscribe today so you don’t miss Season 4 coming soon
This Moment in Alzheimer's: Taking Stock and Look Forward
Welcome to a mid-year bonus episode of The Age of Aging! While the podcast takes a short break between seasons, we wanted to bring you a special update on the state of Alzheimer’s today. Penn Memory Center Co-Directors Dr. Jason Karlawish and Dr. David Wolk sat down with Terrence Casey to share their reflections from this year’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC), which they attended earlier this summer. They discuss their biggest takeaways, including the impact of NIH funding cuts, the rapid innovations that continue to shape the field, and what they’re keeping their eye on for next year’s conference in London. We hope you enjoy and stay tuned for season 4 of The Age of Aging this fall! If you enjoy the show, leave us a review and share this episode with a friend. If you have any story suggestions for Season 4 and beyond, contact us at ageofaging@pennmedicine.upenn.edu (mailto:ageofaging@pennmedicine.upenn.edu) . Resources • Learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association and AAIC (https://aaic.alz.org/overview.asp) Special thanks to Jason Karlawish, MD and David Wolk, MD. The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and UPenn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, and Meaghan Sharp.
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In our bonus episode of The Age of Aging, Penn Memory Center Co-Director Dr. David Wolk reflects on the momentum in Alzheimer’s research, from blood biomarkers to new therapies that are already shaping care. Listen here: bit.ly/3Jz6W6K
At #AAIC25, PMC Co-Director Dr. Jason Karlawish called out a paradox: “Spectacular progress… but a policy infrastructure that is unscientific and hostile.” In a bonus episode of The Age of Aging, he reflects on funding cuts, biomarkers, and new therapies. 🎧 Listen here: bit.ly/3Jz6W6K
What will shape Alzheimer’s research in the year ahead? In a bonus episode of The Age of Aging, Penn Memory Center’s Dr. Jason Karlawish & Dr. David Wolk share insights from AAIC 2025 on funding, biomarkers, & breakthroughs already changing care.
This Moment in Alzheimer's: Taking Stock and Look Forward
Welcome to a mid-year bonus episode of The Age of Aging! While the podcast takes a short break between seasons, we wanted to bring you a special update on the state of Alzheimer’s today. Penn Memory Center Co-Directors Dr. Jason Karlawish and Dr. David Wolk sat down with Terrence Casey to share their reflections from this year’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC), which they attended earlier this summer. They discuss their biggest takeaways, including the impact of NIH funding cuts, the rapid innovations that continue to shape the field, and what they’re keeping their eye on for next year’s conference in London. We hope you enjoy and stay tuned for season 4 of The Age of Aging this fall! If you enjoy the show, leave us a review and share this episode with a friend. If you have any story suggestions for Season 4 and beyond, contact us at ageofaging@pennmedicine.upenn.edu (mailto:ageofaging@pennmedicine.upenn.edu) . Resources • Learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association and AAIC (https://aaic.alz.org/overview.asp) Special thanks to Jason Karlawish, MD and David Wolk, MD. The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and UPenn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, and Meaghan Sharp.
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A good story can change how people see aging. The Age of Aging podcast brings those stories to life, and ratings and reviews help them reach the people who need them most. Take a minute to rate or review your favorite episode. 🔗 linktr.ee/The_Age_of_Aging
Season 3 of The Age of Aging was our most personal season yet. We talked about caregiving at every age, memory and meaning, creativity and connection, and the future of dementia care. Take a look back in this short video recap and get ready for a brand new season this fall.
In the Season 3 finale of The Age of Aging, Dr. Jason Karlawish, co-director of the Penn Memory Center, highlights the urgent need to better diagnose and understand Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). 🎙️ Full episode: bit.ly/4eY8L8K
“I tried to be strong. I thought I could do it alone. I broke.” In the season finale of the Age of Aging, caregiver Linda Szypula reflects on the emotional toll of caring for a loved one with Lewy Body Dementia, and the power of letting others in. 🎧 Listen now: bit.ly/4eY8L8K
Lewy Body Disease is the second most common cause of dementia, yet it’s often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. In our Season 3 finale, we spotlight this complex condition through film, caregiving stories, and expert insights from Penn Memory Center Co-Director Dr. Jason Karlawish. 🎧 bit.ly/4eY8L8K
Season 3 Finale: Neither Superheroes, Nor Angels
When we talk about dementia on this podcast, we are often talking about its most common cause: Alzheimer's disease. However, dementia has many causes, and among the most prevalent after Alzheimer’s is Lewy Body Disease. Though it can share similarities with Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) has distinct symptoms and challenges that can complicate diagnosis, treatment, and caregiving. On the season 3 finale of the Age of Aging, we explore Lewy Body Disease and its impact on caregivers and families. We begin with a clip from the documentary Facing the Wind, which follows two caregivers as they navigate caring for their husbands with Lewy Body Disease. Then, Co-Host Terrence Casey shares his reflections on a live Q&A following a screening of the film in Philadelphia. Finally, Dr. Jason Karlawish provides a deeper insight into Lewy Body Disease, its significance in the world of aging research, and what it reveals about caregiving today. Resources • Find an upcoming screening (https://facingthewindfilm.com/screenings/) of Facing the Wind • Learn more about Lewy Body Dementia (https://pennmemorycenter.org/education-and-support-resources/understanding-my-diagnosis/ed-lewy-body-dementia-parkinsons-dementia/) • National Institute of Health booklet (https://www.lbda.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/lewy-body-dementia-booklet.pdf) on Lewy Body Dementia • More resources on Lewy Body Dementia Association (https://www.lbda.org/) website Special thanks to Tony Heriza, Deirdra Fishel, and Linda Szypula for sharing their film with us and being a part of this episode. Special thanks as well to ARTZ Philidelphia for presenting the screening and Q&A. The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and UPenn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, and Meaghan Sharp.
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What happens to intimacy when dementia enters a relationship? In the latest Age of Aging episode, Penn Memory Center Director of Social Work Alison Lynn opens up a quiet but common part of caregiving—and gives families permission to talk about it. 🎧 Listen now: bit.ly/3IlJ1Hb
In our latest episode, caregiver and author Lisa Marshall shares the deeply personal story of loving—and letting go of—physical intimacy with her husband, Peter, after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis. 🎧 Listen now → bit.ly/3IlJ1Hb 📘 Explore Lisa’s memoir Oh Hello Alzheimer's → bit.ly/4kDMMFC
💬 “I felt like his wife again—not his caregiver.” In our most vulnerable episode yet, caregiver and author Lisa Marshall opens up about love, grief, and the moment she chose to say goodbye to physical intimacy—with tenderness and intention. Listen now: bit.ly/3IlJ1Hb
“We need to move in the direction of oncology. Early detection matters.” Dr. Kyra O’Brien joined The Age of Aging to talk anti-amyloid therapies, new blood tests for Alzheimer’s, and why the GUIDE program could transform care for both patients and caregivers. 🎧 Listen now: bit.ly/408tb9d
As Chief Medical Officer at Penn Medicine, Dr. PJ Brennan helped lead the health system through the COVID-19 crisis. In our latest episode, he reflects on what the pandemic revealed about how we care for older adults—and where we go from here. 🎧 Listen to the full episode: bit.ly/408tb9d
The Healthcare system is changing. Will dementia care keep up? Dr. PJ Brennan and Dr. Kyra O’Brien talk dementia care, anti-amyloid therapies, and what the new GUIDE program means for patients and caregivers. 🎧 Tune in here: bit.ly/408tb9d
“The story started with love.” After early-onset dementia changed their families, Diana Cose and Patty LaFleur built Lorenzo's House—a lifeline for young caregivers. From peer matches to youth support groups, they’re reshaping dementia care. 🎧 Listen now: bit.ly/3Zr2VGC
At 8, Sierra’s dad was diagnosed with dementia. At 16, she’s stepping into caregiving—and advocacy. In the latest Age of Aging episode, Sierra shares what it’s like to grow up while helping a parent forget less and live more. 🎧 Hear her story on the latest Age of Aging episode: bit.ly/3Zr2VGC
What is something in your home that you treasure? In our latest episode, hosts Jake and Terrence reflect on objects that hold deep meaning, from a champagne cork to a mother’s handwritten diaries. 💬 What’s your answer? 📞 Call 571-449-6474 and leave a voicemail to be featured in a future episode.
“I had to choose—stay home and care for my mom, or take a scholarship to Brown.” Paige’s story is one of grief, courage, and caregiving at 21. Hear how early-onset dementia changed everything—and how support from Lorenzo's House helped her find purpose. Listen here: bit.ly/3Zr2VGC
What happens to your future when your parent is diagnosed with dementia in their 50s? This Age of Aging episode follows Paige and Sierra—two young caregivers balancing school, loss, and early-onset dementia—and the strength and support they found along the way. Listen here: bit.ly/3Zr2VGC
Episode Teaser: Early Onset Caregiving
YouTube video by Penn Memory Center
youtube.com
“Mindset doesn’t just live in the brain—it shapes the brain.” – Dr. Jason Karlawish, Penn Memory Cente Co-Director In our latest episode, Dr. Karlawish and AARP’s Debra Whitman explore how changing the way we think about aging can change everything. Listen now: bit.ly/3Z29HlU
“Change your mindset about aging—and you could gain 7 years of life.”– Debra Whitman, Chief Public Policy Officer, AARP In our newest episode, Debra joins PMC Co-Director Dr. Jason Karlawish to talk about longevity and rethinking what it means to grow older. 🎧 Tune in now: bit.ly/3Z29HlU
What’s something that makes you laugh? We’re collecting real answers to a Beautiful Question from our latest episode. 📞 Call (571) 449-6474 Tell us your name, where you’re calling from, and what cracks you up. Your answer might be featured in a future episode!
