Claudia Apfelbaum, licensed clinical social worker and founder of Claudia Listens, joins Honestly Aging for a heartfelt conversation about friendship, loneliness, resilience, and the importance of meaningful connection as we age.

We explore how friendships evolve over time, why social connection is essential for emotional well-being, and the ways older adults can begin building new relationships later in life. From navigating retirement and life transitions to overcoming isolation after loss or during periods of loneliness, this episode offers compassionate insight and practical encouragement for anyone seeking deeper connection.

Claudia shares reflections from her therapy practice and friendship support groups while discussing:

• The difference between solitude and loneliness

• How vulnerability deepens relationships

• Rebuilding social confidence after COVID isolation

• Why volunteering, hobbies, and shared interests can foster connection

• The importance of resilience, self-worth, and "befriending yourself"

• Communication skills that strengthen friendships, including listening and paraphrasing

Whether you are looking to strengthen existing relationships, reconnect with old friends, or build new social connections later in life, this conversation offers hope, wisdom, and practical ideas for cultivating friendship at every age.

#HonestlyAging #FriendsLifeCare #VigR #Podcast #VibrantAging #Friendship #ConnectionMatters #LonelinessAwareness #MentalWellness #PositiveAging

Resources:

https://www.claudialistens.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudia-apfelbaum-35862611/

https://www.bluezones.com/

https://www.idealist.org/volunteermatch

https://www.usa.gov/agencies/americorps-seniors

https://www.unitedway.org/how-you-can-help/why-volunteer

https://pcacares.org/services/community-connection/volunteer/

https://www.philafound.org/engaging-volunteers/individuals/retirees/

Friends Life Care:

https://www.friendslifecare.org/   

https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/   

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/  

https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/

© 2026 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

In this Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR® episode we welcome Mike Liskai, Director of Program Operations at Zemplee and Beth Morley, Care Coordinator at Friends Life Care. This episode explores the impact of Zemplee's passive AI monitoring system in the homes of at-risk Friends Life Care members, highlighting how non-intrusive sensors and data-driven alerts support independence, safety, and peace of mind. Hear firsthand experiences from the Friends Life Care pilot study, learn about the balance between technology and human touch in care coordination, and discover innovations on the horizon for aging in place.

#HonestlyAging #FriendsLifeCare #VigR #Podcast #Zemplee #AgeTech #CareCoordination #HomeSafety

Resources:

https://zemplee.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Zemplee

https://www.instagram.com/zemplee_inc/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/zemplee/

https://www.youtube.com/@zemplee6567

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-liskai/

https://www.friendslifecare.org/about-us/care-coordinators/beth-morley/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-morley-msw-cdp-flc-cca-9749b8109/

Friends Life Care:

https://www.friendslifecare.org/   

https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/   

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/  

https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/

© 2026 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.

In this episode of Honestly Aging by Friends Life Care VigR®, we explore the powerful connection between community engagement and vibrant aging with guests Kerry Roeder, Executive Director of Historic Fair Hill, and Jean Hurd, a Friends Life Care member and dedicated volunteer.

Located in North Philadelphia, Historic Fair Hill is a Quaker burial ground turned community hub, where literacy, green space, and social impact come together. Kerry and Jean share how the organization is addressing a local literacy crisis by reopening school libraries, supporting students through Reading Buddies, and creating meaningful opportunities for volunteers of all ages to make a difference.

Jean offers a firsthand perspective on how volunteering has shaped her own sense of purpose, while Kerry highlights the lasting impact older adults can have as mentors, role models, and advocates for the next generation.

Together, this conversation highlights how staying engaged, giving back, and building intergenerational connections can bring purpose, joy, and momentum to the aging journey.

#HonestlyAging #FriendsLifeCare #VigR #Podcast #HistoricFairHill #Community #EarlyLiteracy #Greening #OlderAdults #Volunteer

Resources:

https://historicfairhill.com/

info@historicfairhill.com

https://www.instagram.com/historic_fh/

https://historicfairhill.com/news/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerry-roeder-8978b71b/

https://www.paliteracy.org/

https://www.readby4th.org/

https://www.restorephillylibrarians.org/

Friends Life Care:

https://www.friendslifecare.org/   

https://www.facebook.com/friendslifecare/   

https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/friends-life-care-/

https://www.instagram.com/friendslifecare/   

© 2026 Friends Life Care. All Rights Reserved.