GSA Momentum Discussions

In this episode of GSA’s Momentum Discussions, sociologist Dr. Mindy Fried shares how caring for her father inspired her memoir Caring for Red and launched her into podcasting about aging and caregiving. She reflects on the emotional realities of caregiving, the complexities of assisted living, and the power of storytelling to build community and drive change. Transcript Speaker Mindy Fried, MSW, PhD Principal, Arbor Consulting Partners Producer, Open Your Heart Creator/Host, The Shape of Care podcast Author, Caring for Red: A Daughter’s Memoir Host Elana Kieffer Blass, MBA, Director of Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America

In this episode of the GSA Momentum Discussions Podcast, titled "Living Well with Dementia," three individuals living with dementia share personal insights into how they continue to lead meaningful, engaged lives after diagnosis. Through heartfelt reflections, they explore what “living well” truly means—from maintaining daily routines and adapting beloved hobbies to the critical role of peer support and the importance of compassionate care partners. Their stories offer valuable guidance for healthcare professionals, families, and communities on how to better support those navigating life with dementia. This podcast episode is supported by Genentech, Lilly, Eisai, and Otsuka, with content developed by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) in collaboration with the National Council of Dementia Minds. Transcript Speakers Scott Guernsey Human Resources Consultant, HR Components, LLC Krissan Moss, RN, BSN, Retired Clinical Education Manager, Genentech Jay Reinstein, Former Assistant City Manager of Fayetteville, NC | Board member, Alliance for Aging Research Host Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE Director, Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America

In this GSA Momentum Discussions Podcast episode, members of the National Council of Dementia Minds reflect on their first year living with a dementia diagnosis. They speak candidly about the moment they received the diagnosis, the support they did—or didn’t—receive from their medical providers, and what has helped them adjust to this new chapter of life. Their lived experiences offer clear, actionable insights for primary care teams on how to better support people living with dementia in the months that follow a dementia diagnosis.  This podcast episode is supported by Genentech, Lilly, Eisai, and Otsuka, with content developed by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) in collaboration with the National Council of Dementia Minds. Transcript Speakers Phyllis Cole Member, National Council of Dementia Minds, Dementia Friendly Services Miriam Owens, Christian Author and Special Education Advocate, Rhema Publishing and Consulting, LLC Seth Stern, MD, Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYC Health and Hospitals - Jacobi Host Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE Director, Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America

This GSA Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, the first of three episodes developed in collaboration with the National Council of Dementia Minds, highlights how receiving a timely diagnosis of dementia can positively impact overall well-being, relationships, and more. Our three guests who live with dementia offer honest reflections and practical advice for healthcare professionals and the public, emphasizing how early recognition opens the door to self-advocacy, planning, and purpose.  This podcast episode is supported by Genentech, Lilly, Eisai, and Otsuka, with content developed by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) in collaboration with the National Council of Dementia Minds. Transcript Speaker Steven Barbieri, President of the National Council of Dementia Minds David Compton, MD, Doctors with Dementia Group, National Council of Dementia Minds Joanna Fix, PhD, Former College Professor and Psychologist Host Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE Director, Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America

During this Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, Jim Mangi reflects on being the loving and selfless caregiver for his wife, Kathleen, whose 17-year journey with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease ended in December 2024. Jim is a Vietnam veteran, author, retired business owner, and an environmental scientist with a PhD in Ecology – none of which prepared him to be a caregiver. Inspired by his wife’s grace during her journey with Alzheimer’s disease, Jim has dedicated himself to dementia activism efforts, including his tireless work in Saline, Michigan, aimed at making it easier for folks living with dementia to enjoy the community with less difficulty and more dignity. This podcast episode is supported by Genentech, Otsuka, Lilly, and Eisai. Content was developed by Gerontological Society of America (GSA). Transcript Speaker Jim Mangi, PhD, Dementia Friendly Services Host Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE Director, Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America

In this Momentum Discussions Podcast episode, Joseph Sapone reflects on his weight journey. He provides us with unique perspectives of an older adult who has lived in a larger body size for most of his adult life. He shares how stigma and bias have affected him in his personal and professional life as well as in healthcare and other settings. Joe discusses how a comprehensive approach to obesity management has helped him to achieve his health and wellness goals, and he offers insights into why it is so important that older adults have access to the full continuum of obesity care.  Transcript Guest Joseph Sapone, MBA Founder and President, P4+ Host Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE Director, Strategic Alliances Gerontological Society of America This podcast episode is supported by Novo Nordisk. Content was developed by Gerontological Society of America (GSA).

In this Momentum Discussions Podcast episode, obesity advocate Ted Kyle shares a bit about his personal history with obesity and how this influenced his vital work as an advocate. He discusses his perspectives on how false beliefs and outdated paradigms, along with stigma and bias, negatively affect individuals living with obesity. Finally, he explains that good obesity care requires access to the full range of obesity care tools, and he offers a message to policymakers about the need to offer older adults access to the full range of obesity care options.  Transcript Guest Ted Kyle, RPh, MBA Founder, ConscienHealth Chair, Obesity Society’s Advocacy Committee  Steering Committee, STOP Obesity Alliance Board of Directors, Obesity Action Coalition Host Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE Director, Strategic Alliances Gerontological Society of America This podcast episode is supported by Novo Nordisk. Content was developed by Gerontological Society of America (GSA).

During this Momentum Discussion podcast episode, GSA VP Lisa McGuire and TIAA Institute Head Surya Kolluri discuss how rapid transformations in our society are impacting trends in higher education. With life expectancy rising by 17 years since the Social Security program debuted in the United States nearly 90 years ago, tremendous opportunities have arisen on many fronts, including in higher education. The podcast also addresses some of the headwinds that come from these changes as they relate to institutions of higher education. Lisa and Surya discuss how, by broadening the scope of educational and recruitment efforts to include learners of all ages, institutions can be transformed and experience an economic lift. Resources Download the Transcript Age Inclusivity in Higher Education Newsletter Learners for Life, Issue 21, Winter 2025 Learners for Life, Issue 20, Fall 2024 Speaker Surya Kolluri, MBA, Head of TIAA Institute Host Lisa C. McGuire, PhD, FGSA, Vice President of Strategic Alliances & Practice Innovation, Gerontological Society of America   This podcast received funding support from TIAA Institute. Content was developed by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA).  

In this Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, Dr. Armen J. Moughamian, a neurologist who cares for people with neurodegenerative brain illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, explains anti-amyloid therapy for Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment. He describes who may benefit from these therapies, discusses their efficacy and safety, and explains the importance of early detection of cognitive impairment. Dr. Moughamian also provides important insights into how primary care teams can help ensure that individuals who might be candidates for anti-amyloid therapies are well prepared for timely referrals to a neurologist. Download the Transcript Speaker Armen J. Moughamian, MD, PhD, Medical Director at the Ray Dolby Brain Health Center, Division Chief of Neurology, Vice Chair of Neuroscience at the California Pacific Medical Center Host Jennifer L. Pettis, MS, RN, CNE, Director, Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America   This podcast episode is supported by Eisai. Content was developed by Gerontological Society of America (GSA).

In this Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, Dr. John A. Batsis, co-convener of the GSA Obesity and Aging Interest Group, describes exciting findings about how obesity management medications positively impact a variety of major medical conditions. He also describes the unique needs of older adults with obesity and highlights the need for evidence-based, team-based care for them.  Download the Transcript Speaker John Batsis, MD, Associate Professor, Division of Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Host Jennifer L. Pettis, MS, RN, CNE, Director, Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America   This podcast episode is supported by Novo Nordisk. Content was developed by the Gerontological Society of America (GSA).

The Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model is a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Innovation demonstration model that launched on July 1, 2024. The model focuses on comprehensive, coordinated dementia care and aims to improve the quality of life for people with dementia, reduce strain on their unpaid caregivers, and enable people with dementia to remain in their homes and communities. During this Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, leaders from Emory Integrated Memory Care discuss the GUIDE Model and their experiences implementing the model. They also share insights on how other organizations can receive support from any of six evidence-based models through the National Dementia Care Collaborative.  Download the Transcript Speakers: Carolyn Clevenger, DNP, GNP-BC, FAANP, FGSA, FAAN, Professor, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University Founder and Director, Emory Integrated Memory Care Laura Medders, LCSW, Administrative Director, Emory Integrated Memory Care Host Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE, Director of Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America (GSA)   This podcast episode is supported by Eisai, Genentech, Lilly, and Otsuka. Content was developed by Gerontological Society of America (GSA).

Younger-onset dementia is diagnosed when a person under 65 develops dementia; some people are diagnosed even as young as their 30s or 40s. People with younger-onset dementia and their families have unique needs, particularly when the family includes children, teens, or young adults. Lorenzo’s House empowers young people and their families walking with younger-onset dementia through an array of holistic support–shifting the narrative from isolation to connection, stigma to strength, and darkness to light. In this Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, Patti LaFleur, the Youth and Lighthouse Outreach Lead for Lorenzo’s House, describes her journey as a care partner to her mom, who she lost to early-onset dementia. She shares how Lorenzo’s House empowers young people and their families walking with younger-onset dementia through an array of holistic support–shifting the narrative from isolation to connection, stigma to strength, and darkness to light.   Download the Transcript Guest: Patti LaFleur, M. ED, CDP, Youth and Lighthouse Outreach Lead, Lorenzo's House Host: Jen Pettis, MS, RN, CNE, Director of Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America    This podcast episode is supported by Eisai, Genentech, Lilly, and Otsuka. Content was developed by Gerontological Society of America (GSA).

During this Momentum Discussion podcast episode, GSA CEO James Appleby and VP for Policy and Professional Affairs, Patricia D’Antonio, discuss the importance of older adults having access to and receiving age-appropriate vaccines. They describe the positive economic impact of being immunized, such as avoiding illness and maintaining work schedules and social engagements, avoiding co-morbid long-term illnesses and hospitalizations, and enjoying all aspects of living. They address topics pending at the upcoming Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, including a discussion on the age when individuals can receive a vaccine to prevent pneumococcal infections. Appleby and D’Antonio also discuss the significant role of all healthcare professionals in championing age-appropriate vaccines.  Download the Transcript Speaker: Patricia M. “Trish” D’Antonio BSPharm, MS, MBA, BCGP, Vice President of Policy and Professional Affairs, Gerontological Society of America Host: James Appleby, BSPharm, MPH, ScD (Hon), Chief Executive Officer, Gerontological Society of America   This podcast episode is supported by Pfizer. Content was developed by Gerontological Society of America (GSA).

During this Momentum Discussion podcast episode, our panelists identify strategies to increase the vaccination rates of older adults in 2024. They address the collaborative efforts healthcare teams can implement to champion adult vaccinations, how to ignite urgency and awareness of the importance of getting age appropriate vaccinations among both the public and healthcare providers, how to break through vaccine misinformation and hesitancy, how to bridge the gap between patient beliefs and evidence-based practice, how can we implement some flexibility in our vaccination schedules without compromising patient adherence or overall acceptance of vaccination, and the importance of catalyzing the whole vaccine neighborhood. Download the Transcript Guests: Barbara Resnick, PhD, RN, CRNP, FAAN, FAANP, FGSA, Distinguished University Professor, Sonya Ziporkin Gershowitz Chair in Gerontology, University of Maryland Julian Ritchey, VP, Head of Public Affairs and Patient Advocacy, US Vaccines at Sanofi Host: Karen K. Tracy, Vice President, Strategic Alliances & Integrated Communications, Gerontological Society of America   This podcast episode is supported by Sanofi. Content was developed by Gerontological Society of America (GSA).

In April 2024, a team of researchers from Albert Einstein College of Medicine led by Dr. Joe Verghese published the results of a randomized controlled trial examining the impact of implementing the 5-Cog Paradigm in primary care. The 5-Cog Paradigm includes a non-literacy biased, culturally fair cognitive detection tool combined with clinical decision support embedded in the electronic medical record. In this Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, Dr. Verghese discusses the unmet needs that led to the development of the 5-Cog, explains the 5-Cog Paradigm, and shares key findings from the team’s research. Download the Transcript Guest: Joe Verghese, MBBS, MS, Professor, Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Murray D. Gross Memorial Faculty Scholar in Gerontology, Chief of the Divisions of Cognitive and Motor Aging, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Attending Physician, Department of Neurology, Chief of the Division of Geriatrics, Montefiore Health System Host: Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE, Director, Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America   This podcast episode is supported by Eisai, Genentech, Lilly, and Otsuka. Content was developed by Gerontological Society of America (GSA).

In this Momentum Discussion podcast, James Appleby, GSA CEO interviews Dr. Debra Whitman, AARP Chief Public Policy Officer about her new book, The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond. Dr. Whitman shares why she authored this book and why the book is organized around seven questions. She provides insights about health and longevity, how we may reduce the risk of developing dementia, and what we should be demanding of our policymakers in this regard. Finally, Deb Whitman provides thoughts on how this country can address the aging population. Download the Transcript Guest: Debra Whitman, PhD, Executive Vice President and Chief Public Policy Officer, AARP Host: James C. Appleby, BSPharm, MPH, ScD (Hon), Chief Executive Officer, Gerontological Society of America   This podcast episode is supported by AARP.

In this Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, our guest shares key insights into the diversity of the Asian American population and why classifying Asian Americans as a single group is problematic for health data, research, and reporting. She discusses Asian Americans’ risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and identifies barriers to Asian Americans receiving early diagnosis of dementia and appropriate care for their condition. Finally, she offers suggestions as to how primary care teams can implement solutions to those barriers.  Download the Transcript Guest: Diane Ty, Managing Director, Milken Institute Future of Aging  Host: Jennifer L. Pettis, MS, RN, CNE, Director, Strategic Alliances, Gerontological Society of America   This podcast episode is supported by Genentech, Lilly, Eisai, and Otsuka.

In this Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, Dr. Frank Lin, co-primary investigator of the Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders, or ACHIEVE, study discusses this landmark study examining the effect of hearing intervention on brain health. ACHIEVE is a multicenter randomized trial to determine if treating hearing loss in older adults reduces cognitive decline that can occur with aging. Dr. Lin and his co-primary investigator first reported in July 2023 that the hearing intervention slowed cognitive decline in older adults with mild to moderate hearing loss by 48% in a pre-specified segment of the study population. This exciting discovery has motivated Dr. Lin and others at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health to develop a broader national campaign to encourage all adults to learn and monitor their own hearing with a free app, Hearing Number. Additional Resources: The Clinical Practice piece Dr. Lin authored for the NEJM "Age-Related Hearing Loss." Download the transcript Guest: Frank R. Lin, MD, PhD Director of the Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health Professor of Otolaryngology, Medicine, Mental Health, and Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health Host: Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE Director, Strategic Alliances Gerontological Society of America Support provided by Genentech, Lilly, Eisai, and Otsuka

The National Caucus and Center on Black Aging (NCBA) developed the report “Stuck in the Middle” to address all aspects of obesity, including but not limited to causes, effects, statistical profiles, myths and misconceptions, public policy, ways to address obesity, resources for managing obesity, barriers to accessing a full continuum of care, and more. In this Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, the report author and NCBA’s Director of Health Programs discuss key points from the report, whose target audience is the African American community, in which obesity occurs at an inordinately high rate.  They share insights from the report that is written in laymen’s language in order to reach as broad an audience as possible, and they highlight why action is urgently needed to support African Americans to access the full spectrum of quality obesity care. Download the transcript Guests: Angie Boddie, MPS Director of Health Programs National Caucus and Center on Black Aging, Inc. Deborah Mathis Consultant/Communications Strategist National Caucus and Center on Black Aging Host: Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE Director, Strategic Alliances Gerontological Society of America Support provided by Novo Nordisk

The Alter program is a nurse-led, dementia-friendly congregation program aimed at empowering African American churches to serve all members, including those living with dementia and their families. Fayron Epps, PhD, RN, FGSA, FAAN, developed the Alter program to increase dementia awareness; develop a supportive, faith-based dementia-friendly infrastructure; and create a community supporting the well-being of African Americans living with dementia and their families. In this Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, Dr. Epps shares insights into the Alter program and what inspired her to found the program. She also describes key components of the program and discusses the result of 10 years of working in the community and creating a faith network committed to developing dementia-friendly congregations. Download the transcript Guest: Fayron Epps, PhD, RN, FGSA, FAAN Associate Professor, tenured Director of Community & Research Engagement    Host: Jennifer Pettis, MS, RN, CNE Director, Strategic Alliances Gerontological Society of America  Support provided by Genentech, Lilly, Eisai, and Otsuka.