In our first episode of This Is Growing Old: The Check Up, we reflect on our conversation last month with Natalie Kean, Director of Federal Health Advocacy at Justice in Aging. During our chat, Natalie emphasized the serious implications of proposed cuts to Medicaid and SNAP for vulnerable Americans. Around the same time, we also saw reductions in federal funding and staffing at the Department of Health and Human Services, further threatening health security for people living with Alzheimer’s and related diseases, and other chronic conditions.

Today, we're checking in with Adina Lasser, the Alliance’s Director of Public Policy and Government Relations, to get an update on these developments, what the Alliance is doing in response, and why it matters to you, our listeners.

Medicaid and SNAP have long provided essential support for vulnerable adults. However, a recent proposal in Congress to reduce funding for these programs threatens to undermine equitable access to care for millions of older Americans, many of whom are living with Alzheimer’s disease and related conditions.

This week, we're joined by Natalie Kean, Director of Federal Health Advocacy at Justice in Aging, to explore the serious implications these proposed cuts could have on vulnerable adults.

We at the Alliance are deeply grateful for our dedicated Board of Directors, who help amplify our mission. On today’s episode of This is Growing Old, our Board Chair, Michele Markus, joins us to share insights on the year ahead.

It’s Heart Month—a busy and exciting time here at the Alliance as we gear up for Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day on February 22nd. In the spirit of the season, we’re thrilled to be joined by Amy Johnson, President and Director of Rock from the Heart. Amy will share their incredible efforts to educate people about aortic and heart valve disease, support families affected, connect patients with vital resources, and inspire us all through the healing power of music.

Caregiving is a radical act of empathy. To give care is to recognize the needs of another and provide support and companionship. All of us have received care at some point in our lives, and many of us will provide care in one way or another. Yet, the concept of care often goes underexplored, leaving caregivers unrecognized and their contributions undervalued.

In honor of National Caregiver’s Month, we're joined by Stage Director, Playwright, Producer and scholar, Dr. Derek Goldman, to discuss his ground breaking play The Art of Care. This production, developed in part by its ensemble, tells a powerful story made up of real-life narratives. It shines a light on the sacrifice, hardship, and profound beauty that define the caregiving experience

Intergenerational friendships enrich our worldview and create lasting legacies through the exchange of ideas, love, and support between grandparents or grand friends and young adults. Following Healthy Aging Month, we’re joined by Dr. Abigail T. Stephens, Research Assistant Professor of Psychology at Clemson University and faculty affiliate with the Institute for Engaged Aging, to discuss the value of these bonds and share ways to foster them in our own lives.

In June, the Alliance joined policymakers and patient advocates on Capitol Hill to discuss the unintended consequences of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). While the IRA offers benefits like capping out-of-pocket costs and reducing vaccine expenses, it also raises concerns about how plans are incentivized to control costs. These concerns are detailed in a recent report by the Alliance and Manatt.

Joining us today to explore the implications of the IRA for older adults, along with the steps CMS can take to protect beneficiaries, is the Alliance's Public Policy Manager, Adina Lasser.

In an era dominated by digital media, cultivating media literacy skills is essential to navigate the digital landscape safely and confidently.

Joining us to examine the importance or media literacy, the dangers of internet falsehoods, and the unique challenges that older adults face as they navigate web is Dr. Carol Quade, an adjunct professor at Northern Virginia Community College's Annandale Campus, volunteer at the Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia, and expert in communications and media studies.