In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Lisa Harper speaks with Janet Engel, an expert in Aging in Place and Occupational Therapy. They discuss the importance of home safety modifications, the role of technology in enhancing independence for seniors, and practical tips for families to support their aging loved ones. Janet shares insights on fall prevention, the significance of lighting, and essential home modifications like zero-step entrances. The conversation emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding in addressing the challenges faced by older adults as they navigate aging.

Takeaways

Aging in Place begins at age 40, as vision starts to deteriorate.
Falls are the leading cause of injury and death among older adults.
Increasing lighting in the home can significantly reduce fall risks.
Smart home devices like Alexa can enhance safety and independence.
Creating a zero-step entrance is crucial for Aging in Place.
Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals maintain independence in daily activities.
Bathroom safety modifications are essential for seniors.
Temperature regulation is important for older adults' comfort and safety.
Leg strength is a key determinant of quality of life as we age.
Preventing falls can greatly improve the quality of life for seniors.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Aging Conversations
01:10 Janet Engel's Journey in Aging and Home Safety
02:41 Understanding Occupational Therapy
03:55 The Importance of Fall Prevention
05:07 Lighting Solutions for Aging in Place
07:21 The Role of Technology in Aging
09:34 Home Modifications for Safety
14:27 Bathroom and Kitchen Safety Considerations
19:16 The Importance of Leg Strength
24:42 Creating Zero-Step Entrances
29:37 The Not Ready Yet Conundrum

In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey podcast, Lisa Harper speaks with Ellen Goodwin, co-founder of Artifcts, a platform designed to help individuals and families preserve the stories and significance behind their cherished objects. They discuss the emotional weight of physical items, the importance of storytelling in memory preservation, and the challenges of decluttering and downsizing. Ellen shares the origin story of Artifcts, the process of creating artifacts, and the resources available for families navigating the complexities of managing their belongings. The conversation emphasizes the need for open communication about memories and the value of connecting generations through shared stories. https://artifcts.com/

Takeaways

Artifcts helps preserve memories associated with physical objects.
The origin of Artifcts was inspired by a personal loss.
Storytelling is crucial for memory preservation.
Creating artifacts is a quick and meaningful process.
Artifcts allows for sharing stories across generations.
Emotional connections to objects can lead to grief hoarding.
It's important to start decluttering before a crisis occurs.
Resources are available to assist with decluttering and downsizing.
Valuation and appraisal serve different purposes in managing belongings.
Artifcts encourages users to start where they are and take small steps.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Artifacts and Memory Preservation
01:39 The Origin Story of Artifcts
04:45 The Process of Creating Artifcts
08:01 The Importance of Storytelling in Family History
10:35 Connecting Across Distances with Artifcts
12:27 Sharing Memories and Stories
17:14 The Emotional Weight of Objects and Letting Go
20:11 The Art of Letting Go
22:31 Creating Meaningful Artifcts
25:42 Understanding Value and Worth
27:36 Navigating Family Dynamics
29:27 Advice for Adult Children
33:17 Resources for Decluttering
36:44 The Importance of Memories

In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Lisa Harper and Todd Emrick, Director of Business Development at Wheaton | Bekins discuss the complexities of moving for seniors, emphasizing the importance of communication, preparation, and understanding the moving process. They explore the emotional aspects of downsizing, the significance of handling sentimental items with care, and the necessity of proper insurance coverage. The conversation also highlights best practices for packing, the role of Senior Move Managers, and the importance of planning ahead to ensure a smooth transition for families.

Takeaways

Understanding the emotional challenges of moving for seniors is crucial.
Effective communication is key to a successful moving process.
Preparation before the move can significantly reduce stress.
In-home assessments provide valuable insights for moving logistics.
Handling high-value items requires special attention and care.
Insurance coverage for valuable items is the owner's responsibility.
Downsizing before a move can lead to a smoother transition.
Using smaller boxes can prevent injuries during packing and moving.
Engaging a senior move manager can ease the moving process for families.
Planning ahead is essential to avoid last-minute stress.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Senior Moving Challenges
01:24 Understanding the Moving Process
03:23 Preparing for the Move
06:58 The Importance of Communication
12:21 Virtual vs. In-Home Surveys
20:39 Final Steps and Best Practices
24:00 The Importance of Downsizing Before a Move
26:05 Best Practices for Packing and Moving
30:31 Understanding Packing Materials and Techniques
33:39 Planning for Different Moving Scenarios
39:25 Navigating the Moving Process with Resources