In this episode of Aging Well, Bob Blancato, national advocate for older adults and expert in nutrition and aging policy, explores the critical role nutrition plays in supporting healthy aging and strengthening communities.

This episode examines how nutrition intersects healthcare, social services, and public policy, and why improving access to healthy food is essential for preventing chronic disease and promoting well-being among older adults. Listeners will gain insight into the growing “Food as Medicine” movement, the importance of nutrition security, and how programs like the Older Americans Act nutrition services help address both health and social isolation for older adults.

Bob also shares perspectives on current policy developments, including efforts to expand medical nutrition therapy, strengthen community nutrition programs, and integrate social care services into healthcare systems. Throughout the conversation, he highlights how advocacy, education, and community engagement can help shape stronger nutrition policies and better outcomes for older adults.

This conversation offers a thoughtful look at how better nutrition, stronger policy, and community advocacy can help ensure older adults have the support they need to age well.

Resources:

National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs - PODCAST

Blog: Nutrition and Healthy Aging Featuring Bob Blancato - Alliance for Aging Research

Basics of Congregate Nutrition Programs | acl.gov

Basics of Home Delivered Meal Program | acl.gov

Food Is Medicine | odphp.health.gov

Food and Nutrition Security

Food Assistance - SNAP Benefits for Older Adults

Food Paradigm

Older Americans Act Nutrition Programs

Older Americans Act: Summary in Brief | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030

Innovation Insight: RFI Now Open for Comments on Potential Improvements to Medicare Advantage | CMS

Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) | HHS.gov

Medical Nutrition Therapy Act of 2025 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

Treat and Reduce Obesity Act of 2025 | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

Find a Federally Qualified Health Center

Adult Obesity Facts | Obesity | CDC

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Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast
Website: ageguide.org

In this episode of Aging Well, Ryann Hill, Aging Policy and Advocacy Expert, shares the realities facing older adults and caregivers today and offers guidance on how listeners can take meaningful action.

This episode explores how aging policy brings people together across party lines, how to effectively and confidently engage your legislators, and why the Older Americans Act continues to serve as the backbone of community-based supports for older adults. Participants will also gain a clear understanding of the difference between authorization and funding, and why both matter, along with practical, real-world strategies for advocating locally, sharing impactful stories, and strengthening support for aging services.

This conversation offers a grounded and hopeful look at what it takes for communities to ensure that people can age with dignity, stability, and support.

Resources:

Older Americans Act: Overview and Funding | Congress.gov | Library of Congress

Administration for Community Living - Older Americans Act

USAging - Older Americans Act

Indigo Hill Strategies

Mic’d Up podcast

Eldercare Locator

Find and contact elected officials | USAGov

Best-Practices-Meeting-with-a-Congressional-Office-February-2025.pdf

Here’s a look at federal agencies’ shutdown contingency plans | Federal News Network

U.S. House of Representatives

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Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast
Website: ageguide.org

In this episode of Aging Well, we talk with advocate and researcher Kris Geerken about how ageism and ableism shape the way we experience aging and healthcare. Drawing on her hospice work, her research at Virginia Commonwealth University, and advocacy with Changing the Narrative, Kris explores how age bias often goes unnoticed in medical settings and why stronger gerontology training is essential to improving care. She highlights the impact of unacknowledged grief, the high-cost ageism has on our society, and the need for person‑centered systems that honor the values and goals of people at every age.

Also, Alaine makes her Medicare Minute debut to explain that Illinois allows self‑referral to physical therapy without a physician’s prescription.

This conversation offers practical insights and encouragement for navigating care, challenging age bias, and aging well at every stage of life.

Resources:

Reach out to Kris: geerkenk@vcu.edu

Disrupting Ageism | ScienceDirect

Antidotes for Ageism - Changing the Narrative

Age-Friendly Healthcare – Changing the Narrative

Ageism in health care found to cost $63 billion annually | Yale Daily News

The Conversation Project - Have You Had The Conversation?

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

Aging Unfiltered: Flipping the Script on Ageism

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Twitter: twitter.com/AgeGuide
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Podcast: ageguide.org/the-age-guide-podcast
Website: ageguide.org