Ep 116: In this episode of The Retirement Success in Maine Podcast, Ben and Curtis welcome Jenna Biehn, Senior Sales Director at Dirigo Pines, to dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of senior living. Jenna shares her path into the industry and the powerful lessons she’s learned helping families make decisions about retirement living. From the growing shortage of units and caregivers to the risks of waiting until a crisis strikes, she explains why early planning and open family conversations are essential to preserving independence and choice.

Jenna offers a candid look at the innovations and advocacy needed to prepare for the baby boomer wave, while sharing her own vision for retirement success. This episode delivers both practical guidance and a broader view of where senior living is headed in the years ahead.

Chapters:

Jenna’s transition into senior living and what makes the work meaningful [03:07–04:32]

The lack of planning and why families often make decisions in crisis [04:45–05:59]

The looming supply-demand gap in senior living and workforce shortages [09:18–12:44]

How lifestyle expectations are reshaping communities (socialization, enrichment, fitness) [22:21–26:26]

Why planning early preserves choice and independence [27:17–32:10]

Innovative models and advocacy needed to meet future demand [34:35–45:38]

Jenna’s personal vision of retirement success [51:23–54:27]

Ep 115: In this episode of The Retirement Success in Maine Podcast, Ben and Curtis sit down with Princella Seymour—known as America’s Solutionist for the Aging Community and CEO of Complete Elder Solutions—to tackle one of the biggest threats facing retirees today: financial scams. Drawing on over 30 years of experience, Princella shares real stories of fraud targeting older adults, why shame often keeps victims silent, and the steps families can take to prevent and recover from scams. From spotting caregiver manipulation to building stronger support systems, this conversation provides essential tools to protect retirement savings and independence.

Chapters:

Princella Seymour’s Journey – Why she’s known as America’s Solutionist for the Aging Community [03:28]

Complete Elder Solutions – Founding the company and addressing retirees’ biggest challenges [04:56]

Princella’s Book: Everything You Need to Know About Me – How documenting wishes helps families and prevents confusion [06:51]

The Rise of Financial Scams – How schemes targeting retirees have evolved [11:41]

Why Older Adults Are Vulnerable – Factors like loneliness, shrinking circles, and trust [16:07]

The Role of Shame – Why embarrassment stops victims from asking for help [20:07]

What To Do If Scammed – Key steps in the first 24–48 hours [26:08]

Aftermath of Fraud – The financial and emotional toll on retirees and families [30:19]

Prevention Strategies – Building support networks and balancing independence with protection [38:30]

Retirement Success – Princella’s personal vision and planning for her future [45:24]

Ep 114: Retirement doesn’t always mean slowing down. For some, it means stepping up to support a loved one with autism. In this episode, Ben and Curtis talk with Dr. Alexandra Rogers, a retired psychologist and autism advocate, about the unique role many grandparents and retirees play as caregivers.

With warmth and deep experience, Dr. Rogers explores how to better understand autism from the perspective of the individual, how to balance love, advocacy, and boundaries, and how to thoughtfully plan for long-term care and housing. She also offers guidance on how caregivers can recognize when they need support for their own mental health and how to care for themselves while caring for others.

Whether you're helping a grandchild, adult child, or extended family member, this conversation offers practical strategies and heartfelt encouragement for finding purpose and peace in a complex role.

Chapters:

How did Dr. Alexandra Rogers begin working with autism in her career? [04:21]

What does autism look like in everyday life? [11:46]

Why do retirees often become caregivers for family members with autism? [14:19]

What are the emotional challenges of caregiving? [16:09]

What should families know about group homes and other housing options? [20:15]

How can caregivers advocate effectively? [26:52]

How can grandparents support from a distance or without overstepping? [28:31]

What are signs caregivers need mental health support? [32:49]

What does Retirement Success look like for Dr. Alexandra Rogers? [36:24]