https://open.video/@proaging/v/when-pets-become-family-a-program-to-keep-older-adults-and-their-companions-together When Pets Become Family: A Program to Keep Older Adults and Their Companions Together A new service addresses a gap many seniors facehow to maintain their bond with beloved pets when health changes demand more support When Jory Bunns father-in-law, whom he affectionately called Pops, was diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer called glioblastoma, one of the greatest sources of comfort through his illness was his Labrador retriever, Diamond. But as Popss condition progressed and he needed additional care support, a painful gap emerged: there was no reliable resource to ensure his beloved companion could stay by his side. Between family obligations and professional healthcare services, no one had the bandwidth to give Diamond the attention she deserved. It was a hard choice when Pops eventually asked Jory and his wife if they would adopt Diamond. They said yesand today, Diamond remains part of their family. But that moment sparked something bigger. We were thinking about our daughter, who had an au pair at the time, Jory recalls. And we realized: Diamond was such a great help to Dad. What if there were pet au pairs? What if somebody could take care of your fur kid just as importantly as a human kid? That question gave birth to Pau Paira pet care service designed specifically for older adults and individuals with physical or personal limitations who want to keep their pets close, even when their circumstances change. More Than Pet Sitting Pau Pair operates with a mission that resonates deeply with the aging community: helping people navigate major life transitions without losing their bond with their pets. The service offers several flexible packages tailored to different needs: Check-in: visits are short in-home visits that range from 15 minutes to an hour, covering essentials like litter box care, feeding & water refreshes, and quick enrichment activitiesperfect for active residents or those needing daily support. Wag & Walk: provides structured exercise for pets whose owners cant manage longer outings, with many residents using this service on a recurring weekly basis. As Jory notes, a https://video-meta.open.video/poster/o9ao_FHztaMb/B67WiVoIJi2_VaMQoL.jpg https://streaming.open.video/contents/o9ao_FHztaMb/1786122326/index.m3u8 https://open.video/embed?contentId=B67WiVoIJi2 674 https://open.video/@proaging/v/when-your-dog-comes-first-how-pet-friendly-senior-living-changed-everything When Your Dog Comes First: How Pet-Friendly Senior Living Changed Everything When Pam and Marc decided to move into a retirement community, they had one non-negotiable requirement: their beloved 12-year-old rescue black lab mix, Toby, had to come with them. In this heartwarming interview, discover how this couple found The Riviera in Alexandria, Virginiaand how partnering with Pau Pair, an innovative pet care organization, transformed their entire retirement experience. Watch as Pam and Marc share: Why finding a truly pet-friendly community was their 1 priority How they made a cross-country move with their furry family member The unexpected benefits of having professional pet care support Why Toby has become their greatest connector in the community How emergency pet care protocols gave them peace of mind What retirement living really looks like when done right Featuring Lana from Pau Pair, whos become so much more than a pet caregivershes part of the family. This interview challenges the stigma around retirement communities and shows how the right support systemincluding your petscan expand your life in your later years. Learn More: The Riviera: www.theriveriadc.com Pau Pair: paupair.com Positive Aging Sourcebook: proaging.com Resources for Pet-Friendly Senior Living: Guide to pet policies in senior communities Emergency pet care planning for aging adults Benefits of rescue pet adoption for older adults Dog-friendly neighborhoods in the DC area More from Positive Aging Community: Subscribe for interviews, guides, and resources that help you navigate aging on your own terms. From solo aging to community living, from financial planning to adventure, were here to help you thrive. RetirementLiving PetCare SeniorLiving DogLover ActiveRetirement Alexandria DCArea RescueAnimals CommunityLiving AgingWell https://video-meta.open.video/poster/m7ecMjuzsuVc/76BriUoJJi2_ppbYRP.jpg https://streaming.open.video/contents/m7ecMjuzsuVc/1786122388/index.m3u8 https://open.video/embed?contentId=76BriUoJJi2 1606 https://open.video/@proaging/v/from-single-family-home-to-cruise-ship-on-land-one-couples-journey From Single-Family Home to Cruise Ship on Land: One Couples Journey For many people, the thought of leaving a longtime family home can feel overwhelming. The memories embedded in its walls, the routines built around its spaces, the very identity tied to homeownershipthese things run deep. But for Kathy Finigan, a retired Pentagon employee in her mid-70s, making the leap to independent senior living wasnt a reluctant concession to aging. It was a choice made with intention, research, and the kind of open-mindedness thats transformed her life in ways she never anticipated. The Catalyst: A Mothers Needs Kathys journey toward this transition began not with her own needs, but with her mothers. A couple of years ago, when Kathy and her three sisters grew concerned about their aging mother still living alone in the family home in New Jerseycomplete with stairs and the isolation of a house that no longer fit her lifestylethe sisters decided to explore senior living options for her. It was very difficult to find something, Kathy recalls. A lot of places are full, you had to get on waiting lists, that kind of thing. That experience proved illuminating. If finding appropriate housing for an aging parent was this challenging, what would the landscape look like when Kathy and her husband needed to make their own decision? Rather than wait until necessity forced the issue, Kathy and her husband adopted a more proactive approach. I told my husband that we really need to be thinking about that now before we need to move, she explains. That gives us more time to think about whats available. The Search Begins With a large house in the Northern Virginia area, multiple sets of stairs, and aging knees that were beginning to protest every climb, Kathy and her husband started exploring alternatives. They considered downsizing to a condominium. They even looked at golf communities in North Carolina. But their roots in the DC area ran deep: they had a son nearby, involvement with their church, volunteer work with the Smithsonian, and a life built around their local community. As they researched independe https://video-meta.open.video/poster/p5uQ7jHaZaSd/BkBXj-VIIj2_KtaClt.jpg https://streaming.open.video/contents/p5uQ7jHaZaSd/1786122355/index.m3u8 https://open.video/embed?contentId=BkBXj-VIIj2 1041 https://open.video/@proaging/v/dont-stereotype-me-how-ageism-shapes-our-society-and-what-we-can-do-about-it Dont Stereotype Me: How Ageism Shapes Our Society and What We Can Do About It When we think about discrimination in America, we often focus on racism, sexism, and other -isms that dominate public discourse. Yet one form of bias remains remarkably invisibleso normalized that most of us dont recognize it even when we perpetrate it: ageism. During a recent livestream conversation hosted by the Positive Aging Community, gerontologist and Aging Life Care manager Rebecca Lippel challenged an audience to examine how ageism infiltrates nearly every corner of our daily livesfrom the language we use to the products we buy to the way we treat older adults in our families and workplaces. What emerged was both eye-opening and unsettling: ageism isnt something we hide. We advertise it, we laugh at it, and we pass it down to our children without a second thought. I think after seeing so many blatant, incorrect perceptions of the aging process, it just fired me up, Lippel explained. Unlike the other isms, sexism, racism, what have you, a lot of times the ageism issues are just, I didnt realize that. I didnt realize that those words were being discriminatory. The Scope of the Problem The context for this conversation is significant. By 2030, every Baby Boomer in America will be 65 or older. By 2040, there will be more than twice as many Americans 65 and older as there were in the year 2000. We are experiencing what researchers call a silver tsunamia massive demographic shift that our society is largely unprepared for. Meanwhile, the face of aging itself is transforming. Life expectancy in 2024 stands at approximately 79 years overall, with women averaging 84 and men 75. More dramatically, were seeing unprecedented growth in the population of centenarians. People are living longer, more active, and more engaged lives than at any point in human history. Yet our cultural narratives about aging havent caught up with this reality. Language as a Gateway to Discrimination The problem begins with languageone of the most insidious vectors for ageism. Lippel pointed to seemingly innocent words that carry weight. Whe https://video-meta.open.video/poster/nDbsNl5GAmoR/YRtziVoYJ52_fcVKpT.jpg https://streaming.open.video/contents/nDbsNl5GAmoR/1786125852/index.m3u8 https://open.video/embed?contentId=YRtziVoYJ52 3577 https://open.video/@proaging/v/before-crisis-calls-a-couples-intentional-move-to-independent-living Before Crisis Calls: A Couples Intentional Move to Independent Living After 41 years in their Centreville home, Phil and Maggie Massey made a decision that many of us put off until we have to: they chose to move to independent livingon their own terms, with professional support, and with a plan. In this episode, Steve Gurney sits down with Phil and Maggie to explore what prompted their transition, how they downsized from 3,000 to 1,400 square feet, and what surprised them most about life in community. But the story doesnt end there. https://video-meta.open.video/poster/RRCgUnzH7yek/YRtzj_UZJ52_OjOURP.jpg https://streaming.open.video/contents/RRCgUnzH7yek/1786125909/index.m3u8 https://open.video/embed?contentId=YRtzj_UZJ52 1880 https://open.video/@proaging/v/landing-on-planet-widow-one-womans-journey-through-grief-and-back-to-life Landing on Planet Widow: One Womans Journey Through Grief and Back to Life When Gwen Suesse woke up one morning about fifteen years after losing her husband Jack, something shifted. A missing piece she hadnt been able to name suddenly came into focus. She grabbed her journal and within a week, she had the outline for Notes From Planet Widow, a deeply personal collection of essays about widowhood, grief, and the slow, difficult process of becoming new. Suesse a choral director, human resources professional, Myers-Briggs trainer, and certified life coach brings a wide range of experience to a subject that touches nearly every family. She recently joined the Positive Aging Community for a conversation about her book and the hard-won wisdom inside it. https://video-meta.open.video/poster/7AyA_Dnj3uDJ/6tZXHhgld52_tiDEEy.jpg https://streaming.open.video/contents/7AyA_Dnj3uDJ/1786133265/index.m3u8 https://open.video/embed?contentId=6tZXHhgld52 1717 https://open.video/@proaging/v/embracing-joy-in-caregiving-insights-from-the-author-of-dont-walk-away-a-care-partners-journey Embracing Joy in Caregiving: Insights from the author of Dont Walk Away: A Care Partners Journey In this inspiring episode of the Positive Aging Community podcast, co-hosts Steve Gurney and Margaret Foster, editor of The Beacon Newspapers, sit down with author Marilyn Raichle to discuss her book Dont Walk Away: A Care Partners Journey. They dive into Marilyns heartfelt story of transforming from a reluctant caregiver to a joyful care partner for her mother, Jean, who lived with dementia until age 96. Key Highlights:The Journey Begins (0:00-5:00): Marilyn shares her Seattle roots and her mothers stark advice: When we get Alzheimers, walk away. But after her fathers passing, a moment of humor sparked a deeper connection, shifting Marilyn from caregiver to care partnerfocusing on building a shared, fulfilling life rather than just providing help.The Power of Art and Community (5:00-15:00): Discover how a simple painting class at Jeans continuing care facility unlocked astonishing creativity. Marilyn founded The Art of Alzheimers to showcase her moms vibrant works, challenging stereotypes: Alzheimers is scary, art isnt. She integrated into the community, gaining six new moms and finding relaxation and joy in visits filled with laughter and Scrabble games.Lessons in Humanity and Growth (15:00-25:00): Marilyn offers wisdom for caregivers: Start with 5 minutes of shared joy, listen without needing to win, and recognize that people with dementia are still fully humanneeding purpose, friends, and love. Her experience made her a happier person, teaching emotional openness despite her Scottish Calvinist upbringing.Looking Ahead (25:00-End): Marilyn now works with Maudes Awards, granting 100,000 annually for Alzheimers innovations (applications open March 13thorganizations, individuals, for-profits, or nonprofits welcome!). She hopes her book shifts societal views, showing dementia as a life worth living.This episode flips the script on caregiving burdens, emphasizing hope, humor, and humanity. As Marilyn says, If theyre gone, whos there? Its somebody well worth getting to know.Get Involved:Buy the Book: Grab Dont Walk https://video-meta.open.video/poster/9oyERjTy3i2G/6ZZbGMNBdO2_vZVeku.jpg https://streaming.open.video/contents/9oyERjTy3i2G/1786133300/index.m3u8 https://open.video/embed?contentId=6ZZbGMNBdO2 1784 https://open.video/@proaging/v/top-10-positive-aging-discussions-of-2025-empowering-strategies-for-a-vibrant-future Top 10 Positive Aging Discussions of 2025: Empowering Strategies for a Vibrant Future In 2025, the Positive Aging Community platform hostedover 50 live and interactive discussions, attractingover 10,000 attendeesandthousands of additional viewers and listenersthrough on-demand recordings and podcasts. As we reflect back from early 2026, these sessionsspanning caregiving, policy, solo aging, health, end-of-life planning, and moreprovided practical tools, expert insights, and community connection for older adults, families, and professionals. The top 10 below, curated from registrations across the full year of discussions (https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com/videos?q=proaging) , highlight the most impactful topics. These sessions collectively reframed aging with optimism, action, and empathy. Now, here are thetop 10 most engaged-with discussionsfrom 2025: Leading the list, this session shared practical strategies to reduce stress for dementia caregivers. Drawing from author Tracy Cram Perkins extensive experience caring for family members, it emphasized self-care, laughter, and preparing for unique journeys of cognitive decline. A must-watch for anyone supporting loved ones with dementia.Watch here (https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com/videos/five-little-known-secrets-to-make-dementia-caregiving-easier?referrer=grok.com) With 25% of U.S. adults remaining childfree, this discussion illuminated the distinct challenges and opportunities for those aging without children. It explored planning for support, finances, and emotional well-being in a society built around traditional family structures.Watch here (https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com/videos/spotlighting-the-unique-needs-of-childfree-solo-agers?referrer=grok.com) Expert Howard Gleckman broke down key updates to these critical programs, offering clarity on how policy shifts affect long-term care, coverage, and costs for older adults. Essential viewing amid evolving healthcare landscapes.Watch here (https://www.retirementlivingsourcebook.com/videos/insights-from-howard-gleckman-on-medicare-and-medicaid-changes?referrer=grok.com) https://video-meta.open.video/poster/BkekIlSisqFQ/6tsaGgMQd42_uTVpBg.jpg https://streaming.open.video/contents/BkekIlSisqFQ/1786133211/index.m3u8 https://open.video/embed?contentId=6tsaGgMQd42 822 https://open.video/@proaging/v/urban-poling-boost-mobility-fitness-for-all-ages Urban Poling: Boost Mobility & Fitness for All Ages! Join Steve Gurney from Positive Aging Community as he chats with experts Lisa Limper, Joy Cochran, and Elexa Waugh about urban poling the game-changing walking tool thats like cross-country skiing without skis! Discover how these specialized poles turn regular walks into full-body workouts, engaging 90% of your muscles. Perfect for rehab, balance, and fitness from Parkinsons patients to post-surgery recovery. Key highlights: What is Urban Poling? (0:00) Lisa explains the basics and two techniques: traditional for propulsion and modified for stability. Real-Life Impact (3:24) Watch a dramatic Parkinsons video transformation! Clinical View (5:41) Joy, a PT, shares why poles beat canes/walkers for posture, symmetry, and independence. Home & Community Use (9:48) Elexa from DCs Safe at Home program on integrating poles with home mods for urban living. Fitness Classes & Certification (11:45) Learn about instructor courses and starting walking clubs. Unique Features (13:42) Patented handles, customizable tips, and why theyre safer than hiking poles. Backed by 300+ studies, urban poles reduce stigma, boost confidence, and promote active aging. Get 20% off Joys January virtual course (https://upi-professional.myshopify.com/PROAGING) with code TLC20! Links: Urban Poling: https://urbanpoling.com (https://upi-activator.com/PROAGING) Safe at Home: https://dcoa.dc.gov/service/safe-home (https://dcoa.dc.gov/service/safe-home?referrer=grok.com) Positive Aging: https://positiveagingcommunity.com (https://positiveagingcommunity.com/?referrer=grok.com) Subscribe for more aging tips! UrbanPoling NordicWalking ActiveAging MobilityTools https://video-meta.open.video/poster/7Ais6BjiteFl/6dsbGhgQdO2_MeaQsg.jpg https://streaming.open.video/contents/7Ais6BjiteFl/1786133389/index.m3u8 https://open.video/embed?contentId=6dsbGhgQdO2 1289 https://open.video/@proaging/v/from-burger-kings-to-bucket-lists-a-sons-journey-through-his-parents-aging-and-unfinished-dreams From Burger Kings to Bucket Lists: A Sons Journey Through His Parents Aging and Unfinished Dreams In the quiet suburbs of Pasadena, California, Jermaine Ee found himself at a crossroadsnot his own, but his parents. As the oldest of four siblings, Jermaine had always admired the grit of his immigrant parents, who in their twenties packed their bags and left their homelands for a new life in Oklahoma of all places. I dont think I fully appreciated how big of a decision that was until I turned 30 myself, Jermaine reflected during a recent conversation on thePositive Aging Communitypodcast, hosted by Steve Gurney. At 30 years old, my parents separately, individually from two different places, decided to pack their bags and move to this country... especially going to a place where nobody looked like them. That sense of bold reinvention would echo through Jermaines family story, shaping not just their past but their approach to aging, loss, and what comes next. What began as casual chats about retirement evolved into profound trips, heartbreaking realizations, and even a new tech startup aimed at helping others plan their legacies. Jermaines tale is a raw reminder: Time is finite, dreams are personal, and the best way to honor our loved ones is to listenreally listenbefore its too late. https://video-meta.open.video/poster/BoC6_nzz3uDH/AdYXa2MQc42_JsuUKl.jpg https://streaming.open.video/contents/BoC6_nzz3uDH/1786133398/index.m3u8 https://open.video/embed?contentId=AdYXa2MQc42 1472 https://open.video/@proaging/v/why-we-moved-before-we-had-toand-why-were-so-glad-we-did Why We Moved Before We Had ToAnd Why Were So Glad We Did Many people put off the senior living decision until they absolutely have to make it. But what if you planned ahead instead? In this episode, we sit down with Kathy Finigan, a retired Pentagon employee in her mid-70s, who made the leap to independent senior living at The Trillium Tysonsand discovered a lifestyle she never expected to love. Kathy shares her candid journey: from her mothers needs lighting a spark, to researching options years in advance, to downsizing from a large single-family home, to settling into a vibrant community where fine dining, theater excursions, and genuine friendships are part of everyday life. In this conversation, youll learn: Why proactive planning changes everything in the senior living decision How to approach downsizing with less stress and more freedom What to look for in independent senior living communities The hidden benefits of month-to-month vs. buy-in models How communities bridge the gap between independence and future care needs Real answers to: What will I actually do all day? Whether youre considering a move yourself or supporting a loved one through this decision, Kathys open-minded approach and honest reflections offer practical insight and genuine hope. About The Trillium Tysons: Located in walkable Tysons Corner, Virginia, The Trillium is an independent senior living community offering month-to-month leasing, dining programs with Michelin-trained executive chef, multiple levels of care (independent living, assisted living, memory care), and extensive resident amenities including lectures, theater excursions, fitness classes, and more. Learn More: Visit The Trillium Tysons online Explore senior living options in the DC, Maryland, Virginia area Listen to more interviews and resources through Positive Aging Community This interview is part of our ongoing series exploring real stories of successful transitions to senior living. If youre considering this move or exploring options for a loved one, we hope Kathys story inspires you to start the conversation sooner rather https://video-meta.open.video/poster/FkuQMFziYCEj/BYtabxgRc52_JwDJAm.jpg https://streaming.open.video/contents/FkuQMFziYCEj/1786133341/index.m3u8 https://open.video/embed?contentId=BYtabxgRc52 1011