In this insightful interview, Carly Ebenstein shares her expertise on long-term care insurance, clarifying common misconceptions, discussing optimal timing for purchasing coverage, and emphasizing the importance of planning ahead for aging and caregiving. This conversation provides practical advice for families to make informed decisions and start vital conversations about aging and care.

Key Takeaways

• Timing for long-term care insurance purchase
• Differences between Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance
• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and cognitive health in care needs
• Flexible benefits of hybrid long-term care policies
• Planning conversations and legal documents for aging
• How long-term care insurance can save your family from crisis

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Long-Term Care Insurance

01:43 Carly's Journey into Long-Term Care

03:59 Understanding Medicare vs. Long-Term Care

09:18 The Importance of Planning for Long-Term Care

10:29 When to Consider Long-Term Care Insurance

13:31 Protecting Options for the Future

16:45 The Role of Caregivers in Long-Term Care

19:03 Understanding Long-Term Care Insurance

20:27 The Importance of Home Care Options

21:27 Navigating Benefits and Payment Structures

24:37 The Role of Caregivers in Long-Term Care

25:14 Creating a Plan for Care

26:25 Resources and Educational Offerings

27:40 Challenging Assumptions About Long-Term Care

29:38 Starting the Conversation About Care Plans

Resources

Carly Ebenstein's Website

Long-Term Care Start Here Webinar

San Francisco Library Event

CJB Insurance Services YouTube Channel

Cost of Care Calculator

Printable Plan of Care Document

Carly Ebenstein's LinkedIn Profile

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

In this powerful and practical conversation, Dr. David Ajibade shares a hopeful, prevention-focused approach to brain health and aging. Rather than waiting for symptoms to appear, he encourages individuals and families to take early, proactive steps to support cognitive health through nutrition, lifestyle choices, and targeted medical testing.

Dr. David explains the deep connection between the brain and the rest of the body—highlighting how gut health, vitamin levels, hearing, and social engagement all play a role in maintaining cognitive function. He challenges common myths about aging and dementia, offering science-backed strategies that can help reduce risk and support long-term brain vitality.

Listeners will walk away with actionable guidance on the key tests to request from their doctor, the role of nutrient-dense foods like eggs and red meat, and why addressing issues such as hearing loss and vitamin deficiencies early can make a meaningful difference. Most importantly, this episode reinforces a message of hope: there are steps we can take today to protect brain health and age with intention.

Key Takeaways

• Brain health is deeply connected to overall body health—including nutrition, gut health, and hearing.
• Early testing for vitamin and metabolic levels can help identify risks before symptoms appear.
• Nutrient-dense foods and targeted supplementation may support cognitive function and reduce dementia risk.
• Social engagement, sunlight exposure, and physical activity are essential components of brain health.
• Prevention is possible—and individuals have more influence over their cognitive future than they may realize.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Brain Health and Aging
01:07 Dr. David's Journey into Brain Health
02:51 Understanding Brain Needs and Dementia
03:52 Preventing Dementia: Key Insights
07:50 Framework for Dementia Prevention
13:05 The Importance of Gut Health
17:22 Nutrition and the Laws of Life
19:27 The Nutritional Power of Red Meat
21:55 The Importance of Supplements
25:08 Understanding Nutraceuticals
27:39 The Impact of Hearing on Brain Health
31:06 Hope and Agency in Dementia Care

Resources
Dr. David Ajibade's Website - https://drdavidajibade.com
Brain and Body Foundation - https://brainandbodyfoundation.org

Guest Links
Website - https://drdavidajibade.com
Instagram - https://instagram.com/drdavidajibade
Facebook - https://facebook.com/drdavidajibade

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

Beth Bedore, a Senior Home Coach™ and Occupational Therapist with nearly 30 years of experience, shares insights on how housing decisions impact health and independence as we age. The conversation covers universal design, proactive home modifications, and planning for aging in place to support safe, accessible, and beautiful homes for all ages.

Takeaways

• Universal Design principles for all ages
• Importance of proactive home modifications
• How housing impacts health and independence
• Building and renovating for aging in place
• Multi-generational living and accessibility

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Aging Conversations
01:07 Beth's Journey into Occupational Therapy
02:58 Understanding Occupational Therapy
04:22 Housing Decisions and Health Outcomes
06:59 The Importance of Universal Design
09:30 Building with Universal Design in Mind
12:40 Cost-Effectiveness of Universal Design
14:44 Proactive Planning for Aging
17:23 The Consequences of Waiting
19:08 Market Trends in Accessible Housing
20:26 Innovative Products for Aging in Place
21:52 The Joy of Cooking and Aging in Place
22:13 Technology and Home Safety
23:17 Essential Features for Aging in Place
26:16 Safe Home Checklist for Seniors
29:38 The Impact of Stairs on Aging in Place
30:09 Planning for Aging and Home Modifications
32:50 Lightning Round: Quick Insights on Home and Aging

Resources

Universal Design Principles - https://www.universaldesign.com
CAPS - Certified Aging in Place Specialist - https://www.nahb.org/advocacy/industry-advocacy/certified-aging-in-place-specialist
Occupational Therapy Resources - https://www.aota.org

Guest Resources

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethbedore
Website - https://bethbedore.com

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Lisa Harper engages in a profound conversation with Chris Moore, author of Age Out Loud and founder of Senior Remodeling Experts, about challenging the stereotypes associated with aging. Chris shares his journey from building wheelchair ramps to advocating for a new narrative around aging that emphasizes vitality, purpose, and wisdom. The discussion highlights the cultural perceptions of aging, the importance of mindset, and the dynamics of family conversations regarding aging. Chris emphasizes the need for education and open dialogue to empower individuals and families to navigate the aging process positively. In this conversation, Chris Moore and Lisa discuss the importance of finding peace and authenticity in life, the lessons learned from suffering, and the seven pillars of ageless vitality. They emphasize the significance of living life to the fullest, practicing gratitude, and questioning assumptions about aging. The discussion also highlights the power of kindness and community in enhancing our lives.

Takeaways

• Aging is often viewed negatively due to cultural narratives.
• People often say 'I'm not ready yet' when facing aging decisions.
• Changing the perception of aging can lead to better choices.
• Education is critical for making informed decisions about aging.
• Family dynamics play a significant role in aging conversations.
• Expectations shape our experiences and outcomes in aging.
• Time is more valuable than money; we must cherish it.
• Conversations about aging should focus on wisdom and vitality.
• Elders should be seen as sources of wisdom, not burdens.
• Connection and communication are essential in navigating aging. Finding peace and authenticity is essential for personal growth.
• Suffering teaches us valuable lessons about appreciation and resilience.
• Childlike wonder is key to maintaining vitality as we age.
• Living life to the fullest means embracing experiences without fear of failure.
• Gratitude should be a daily practice to enhance happiness.
• Questioning our assumptions can lead to a more fulfilling life.
• Acts of kindness create a ripple effect in the community.
• Nurturing relationships is crucial for personal and communal growth.
• Aging out loud means actively engaging in life rather than fading away.
• Helping others can lead to greater personal satisfaction and joy.

Chapters

00:00 Challenging Aging Stereotypes
07:29 The Cultural Narrative of Aging
14:52 Mindset and Aging
22:30 Family Dynamics in Aging Conversations
29:56 The Value of Time and Connection
30:41 Finding Peace and Authenticity
32:03 The Gift of Suffering
34:51 The Seven Pillars of Ageless Vitality
37:12 Aging Out Loud: Living Life to the Fullest
42:50 The Power of Gratitude
44:56 Questioning Assumptions and Embracing Kindness

Resources

Age Out Loud book website

Home Remodeling in Salem VA | Senior Remodeling Experts

Aging in Place is a Team Sport | Podcast on Spotify

Senior Remodeling Experts - YouTube

CAPS teaching website is Age In Place Specialists - CAPS Classes

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Lisa Harper engages in a heartfelt conversation with Nicole Ramer, a Senior Home Coach™, Certified Professional Organizer®, Certified Senior Move Manager® & Chronic Disorganization Specialist®. They discuss the emotional and physical challenges of aging, clutter management, and the importance of supportive family dynamics during transitions. Nicole shares her insights on the role of a Senior Move Manager®, the significance of space planning, and the complexities of chronic disorganization and hoarding. The conversation emphasizes the need for compassion, understanding, and proactive planning in the aging journey, encouraging families to have open discussions about their loved ones' needs and desires.

Takeaways

• Space planning is crucial for a successful transition to a new home.
• What the role of a Senior Move Manager® is.
• Clutter often represents deeper emotional issues for seniors.
• Family dynamics can complicate the process of aging and moving.
• It's essential to ask seniors what they want for their next chapter.
• Emotional attachments to belongings can hinder the decluttering process.
• Chronic disorganization is often misunderstood and requires specialized support.
• Hoarding behaviors can stem from cognitive decline and should be approached with care.
• Education and support are vital for families navigating aging challenges.
• Proactive planning can alleviate stress and create a smoother transition for seniors.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Aging Conversations
01:30 The Role of a Senior Move Manager
04:11 Understanding Clutter and Safety
07:14 Navigating Family Dynamics in Aging
10:42 Planning for the Next Chapter
14:35 The Importance of Space Planning
17:29 Emotional Attachments and Letting Go
21:10 Chronic Disorganization and Its Challenges
24:14 The Misunderstanding of Hoarding
27:44 The Need for Support and Education
30:05 Personal Stories and Lessons Learned
34:40 Final Thoughts and Advice

Resources

https://organizedhaven.com/

https://www.challengingdisorganization.org/

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

https://www.safemovesforseniors.org/lakeland

Keywords

aging, senior move management, clutter, family dynamics, emotional support, space planning, chronic disorganization, hoarding, caregiving, transitions

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Lisa Harper engages with estate planning attorney Nicole Johnson to discuss the critical aspects of estate planning, including the importance of powers of attorney, wills, and trusts. They explore the emotional dynamics of family discussions around these topics, the implications of cognitive decline, and the necessity of having essential documents in place to ensure that individuals' wishes are honored. The conversation emphasizes the need for proactive planning and open communication within families to navigate the complexities of aging and legacy management.

Takeaways

• Estate planning is about honoring people's wishes and legacies.
• Powers of attorney are crucial for managing affairs while alive.
• Having essential documents in place prevents others from controlling your assets.
• Probate serves as an oversight to ensure proper handling of estates.
• Trusts provide privacy and can help avoid probate.
• Planning ahead can save families from emotional and financial strain.
• Legal capacity is essential for making decisions about estate planning.
• Open conversations about estate planning can ease family tensions.
• Understanding the tax implications of estate planning is vital.
• Proactive planning is better than waiting for a crisis.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Estate Planning and Its Importance
02:32 Understanding Powers of Attorney
04:54 The Role of Wills and Probate
06:56 Exploring Trusts and Their Benefits
09:41 The Importance of Pre-Planning
11:28 Navigating Family Dynamics in Decision Making
13:57 Addressing Cognitive Decline and Planning Ahead
16:08 The Role of HIPAA in Estate Planning
18:00 Cost Considerations for Estate Planning
18:35 Understanding Estate Planning Essentials
21:04 Navigating Property and Financial Decisions
25:07 Legal Capacity and Dementia
26:58 The Importance of Proactive Planning
29:17 Myths and Misconceptions in Estate Planning

Keywords

estate planning, powers of attorney, wills, trusts, healthcare decisions, cognitive decline, family dynamics, legal capacity, estate attorney, planning for aging

Resources

Garrity & Gossage, LLP

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey podcast, Lisa Harper engages in a heartfelt conversation with Kathy Vines, a Certified Professional Organizer®, the owner of Clever Girl Organizing®, and author of “Clever Girl's Guide to Living with Less: Break Free from Your Stuff, Even When Your Head and Heart Get in the Way.” They discuss the emotional complexities of letting go of belongings. They explore the psychological barriers that prevent individuals from decluttering, the significance of memorabilia, and the importance of purposeful possession. Kathy shares insights on how to navigate conversations with parents about inherited items, the necessity of having exit strategies for decluttering, and creative ways to make the process enjoyable. The discussion emphasizes the need for kindness towards oneself during the decluttering journey and the value of sharing stories behind cherished items.

Takeaways

• Letting go can feel emotional, especially during life transitions.
• Understanding our attachments to belongings is crucial for decluttering.
• Memorabilia often holds emotional weight that can be overwhelming.
• Photos should be evaluated for their current significance, not just nostalgia.
• Purposeful possession means understanding why we keep certain items.
• Future fear can prevent us from letting go of items we no longer need.
• Conversations with parents about inherited items should focus on their emotional value.
• Having an exit strategy is essential for effective decluttering.
• Making decluttering fun can help ease the emotional burden.
• Sharing stories behind items can enhance their value and connection.

Resources

Order Kathy's book, Clever Girl's Guide to Living with Less: Break Free from Your Stuff, Even When Your Head and Heart Get in the Way

https://www.clevergirlorganizing.com/living-with-less-book/

https://www.quicksandpod.com

@quicksandpod on FB and IG and YT

https://www.clevergirlorganizing.com

@kathyvinessays on IG

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

In this episode of the Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey podcast, host Lisa Harper speaks with Veteran Advocate, Toni Moses about the complexities of navigating VA benefits for veterans and their families. Toni shares her personal journey as a Service-Disabled Veteran and emphasizes the importance of understanding available resources, including the role of Veteran Service Officers. The conversation covers essential documentation needed for claims, recent legislative changes affecting veterans, and the significance of support for caregivers. Toni provides valuable insights and case studies to illustrate the impact of advocacy on veterans' lives.

Takeaways

• Toni Moses is a Service-Disabled Veteran and advocate for veterans.
• Navigating the VA benefits system can be complex and overwhelming.
• Veteran Service Officers are crucial for assisting with claims.
• Documentation like the DD214 is essential for filing claims.
• Recent legislation has expanded benefits for veterans and their families.
• The VA has expedited processes for elderly or terminally ill veterans.
• Caregivers can access benefits for in-home care assistance.
• Many veterans may not know they are eligible for service-connected benefits.
• Disabled American Veterans provide comprehensive support for veterans.
• It's important for families to stay informed about changes in veteran benefits.

Resources

Disabled American Veterans - Office Locator

https://www.dav.org/find-your-local-office/

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.