Just in time for the holidays, some free advice on aging and enjoying life with family & friends from Dr. Erlene Rosowsky. She is a clinical psychologist at Harvard specializing in the field of "geropsychology." Her research and writings spring from a deep sense of empathy for seniors and their families. In this encore episode, she talks about "the stories we tell ourselves" and the importance of humor. "Dr. R" also has plenty to say about ageism and forming friendships later in life. A must-listen for seniors --- and their loved ones! Check out her blog, "The Older Self," at https://erlenepsyd.com/category/blog.html

More of us will be living to 100 and beyond, says Bill Kole, author of "The Big 100." But do we want to? And how will we pay the bills for all those extra decades? What is the impact of "super aging" on Social Security? Bill paints a picture of the coming centenarian boom and all of its implications - good & bad - in this lively and surprisingly fun episode! After all, where else can you hear a 120-year old woman doing hip-hop? Bill's book, "The Big 100: The New World of Super Aging," is available at billkolebooks.com and through fine booksellers everywhere!

Meals on Wheels not only delivers hot, nutritious food to seniors --- it provides an important social connection to people who may be lonely or disconnected. Meals on Wheels even makes older people safer! Meals on Wheels America's chief policy offer, Josh Protas, tells us all about this amazing program that, unfortunately, faces possible funding cuts. As a historian, he also answers the question: do our current leaders have a 'compassion deficit?'

11-term congresswoman from Florida and member of House Democratic Leadership, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, takes Trump and the GOP to task for making health coverage unaffordable. "Not having health insurance... kills people," she says. Wasserman Schultz rails against the Big Ugly Bill's cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, and the Republicans' refusal to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies. Clinics and hospitals in her district are cutting back services or outright closing because of Trump's Medicaid cuts. She also pushed back on the administration for trying to make it harder for workers to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance - leading Trump to reverse course.

You may find yourself as the "financial caregiver" for an aging parent. Most people are thrust into this role with little preparation or warning. Certified Financial Planner Beth Pinsker has written a new book, "My Mother's Money," bursting with great advice for adult children who --- sooner or later --- may need to take responsibility for their parents' finances. She was inspired to write the book after serving as financial caregiver for her own mother, who passed away in 2021. In this episode, Beth reveals strategies for dealing with powers of attorney, banking, Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security and end of life planning. A must listen! The book is available at https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/774403/my-mothers-money-by-beth-pinsker-cfp/.

The Trump administration tried to make it harder for older workers to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), but backed down under public pressure. Kathleen Romig of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says this mean-spirited policy would have stripped coverage from 1.5 million disabled workers over 10 years. She also explains why the 2026 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) comes up short. (Note: This episode was recorded & posted shortly before the Trump administration abruptly withdrew the restrictive new SSDI rules.)

They say not to pay too much attention to off-year elections. But our political director, Luke Warren, says that 2025 might have been different. He tells us what last week's results portend for 2026. Luke also explains what we look for when our PAC endorses candidates for Congress. Hint: It has something to do with an unflinching committment to Social Security & Medicare that does not involve benefit cuts. To see which candidates we support, visit www.ncpssm.org/pac!

Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) tells us that Trump and congressional Republicans are leaving people of modest means "in the dust" --- by jacking up health insurance costs while showering the wealthy with huge tax cuts. He's also worried about the future Medicare, as the disadvantages of Medicare Advantage become increasingly apparent and the Trump administration meddles with traditional Medicare in disturbing ways. Don't miss our visit with one of the most fervent advodates for Americans' health care in the U.S. Senate.