Mayo Clinic Aging Forward
Aging Forward is a podcast about healthy aging and geriatric medicine. It features expert conversations on the science of aging and offers strategies for healthy habits, preventive care, caregiving, and living a fulfilling life. Each episode aims to help listeners embrace older age with vitality and joy.
Episodes
Lessons on grief: Loss, healing, and moving forward
On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Chen talks about what she's learned from grief after the loss of a loved one.
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How to start your advance care planning
Even when you're in the best shape of your life, it's smart to have a care plan in place for when you may not be.
On this episode of Aging Forward, Jennifer Brull, M.D., of the American Academy of Family Physicians, talks about advance care planning. She breaks down which documents you should have in order, how to have difficult conversations with family members and how planning ahead can give yo
What to know about your "Welcome to Medicare" visit
You just received your “Welcome to Medicare” packet in the mail. But … what exactly is it?
On this episode of Aging Forward, Kisha Davis, M.D., of the American Academy of Family Physicians, explains what the “Welcome to Medicare” visit is, why it matters and how to make the most of it.
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Getting to the root of hair loss
Hair loss — is it simply inevitable as we age?
On this episode of Aging Forward, Saranya P. Wyles, M.D., discusses the various types of hair loss, what the diagnosis process looks like and what we can do to prevent — and, in some cases, even reverse — hair loss.
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Say that again? Understanding hearing loss as we age
Hearing loss is about so much more than merely needing to turn up the volume. It can mean having difficulty hearing sounds at certain frequencies or hearing less clearly, and it can lead to a very isolating experience.
On this episode of Aging Forward, our guest, Dr. Cynthia Hogan, talks about the signs of hearing loss, possible treatment options and the latest technological advances that can hel
What heart failure looks like
Here's a polished version with smoother flow, corrected grammar, and a more engaging, listener-friendly tone:
About 80% of Americans living with heart failure are age 65 or older. As we age, the risk of developing heart failure increases, often due to conditions such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and other cardiovascular risk factors.
On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Omar
Why your sleep is getting worse
As you've gotten older, you might notice that your sleep has changed — maybe it's the amount of sleep, the quality of your sleep or even your ability to fall asleep. But why does this happen?
On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Melissa Bogin talks about why your sleep is getting worse, what everyday medications may be hurting your sleep and what you can do to help reclaim your nights.
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Pill paradox: Reducing medication burden
As we age and develop multiple medical conditions, our medication lists often grow longer. But well-intentioned prescriptions can add up, affecting quality of life — and even causing harm.
On this episode of Aging Forward, Bonnie Sohn, M.D., discusses the complications of prescription cascades, the art of deprescribing, and how to work with your healthcare team to reduce your medication burden.
The science behind Alzheimer’s prevention
Around 7.4 million Americans are living with a clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer’s dementia — and as the population ages, that number is expected to rise.
On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Heather Snyder of the Alzheimer’s Association joins us to discuss the latest advances in Alzheimer’s science, what we know about prevention, and how we can all take steps toward better brain health as we age.
Rethinking Technology and Aging
Technology has allowed us to stay connected more than ever — so why are so many older adults lonelier than ever?
On this episode of Aging Forward, tech expert Scott Lien explains how technology designed by young people for young people can leave older adults behind. He highlights exciting new technologies that help seniors stay independent longer, how to stay safe from scams and when the old-fash
What Role Can GLP-1s Play in Healthy Aging?
GLP-1 medications are transforming weight loss — but what do they mean for healthy aging?
In this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Andres Acosta breaks down the difference between a “hungry gut” and a “hungry brain,” explores the potential risks of weight loss later in life, and shares what the future may hold for GLP-1s.
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How the Eye Changes With Age
How can you tell whether changes in your vision are a normal part of aging or a sign that something’s wrong?
On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. John J. Chen breaks it down. He explains what floaters are, how eye care technology has advanced over the years, and how treating cataracts can offer a new lease on life.
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Redefining Health and Value As We Age
Did you know aging is responsible for only a fraction of the health challenges people face before age 90?
On this episode, Sir Muir Gray — an authority on healthcare systems and longtime NHS leader — shares the five “S’s” of physical health, explains why health systems often function more like “disease services,” and breaks down his formula for the elixir of life.
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Aging in Place: Living Safely at Home
As more Americans age, many face an important question: Where will they choose to grow older? Aging at home can come with risks — but it can also offer comfort, independence, and even help reduce hospitalizations and delay the need for nursing home care.
On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Sarah Nosal explains how staying in a familiar environment can support not only daily function, but also e
Elder Justice: How Society Can Protect Older Adults
About 1 in 10 older U.S. adults experiences some form of abuse or neglect — an issue that’s often hidden in plain sight. Why do these situations happen, and how can our social support systems fall short?
On this episode of Aging Forward, lawyer and elder justice expert M.T. Connolly discusses where and how elder abuse can occur, why society often focuses on preventing aging instead of supporting
Managing Multiple Chronic Conditions
Chronic illnesses don’t always happen one at a time. They often cluster together — leaving older adults juggling medications, appointments and physical limitations in their day-to-day lives.
On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Brent Smith breaks down how we can age well when life feels medically complex. He explains why he recommends an annual medication review, the potential advantages of depr
A Guide to Joint Longevity
About 1 in 4 adults experience some form of arthritis. But when is joint pain a normal part of aging, and when is it something that warrants further evaluation — or may even be reversible?
On this episode of Aging Forward, rheumatologist Dr. Elena Myasoedova discusses three major types of arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and crystalline arthritis. She explains the difference betwee
Support from Within: Pelvic Floor Health and Aging Well
As we get older, many people notice changes in pelvic floor function, which can show up as urinary leakage or difficulty controlling the bladder.
In this episode of Aging Forward, John Occhino, M.D., explains why these issues are common, but not an inevitable part of aging. He discusses pelvic floor disorders, reviews nonsurgical and surgical treatment options, and explains how to perform Kegel e
The Aging Male: Testosterone’s Role in Healthy Aging
What happens when testosterone levels decline with age? And how can you tell the difference between signs of typical aging and true testosterone deficiency?
On this episode of Aging Forward, endocrinologist Dr. C. Scott Collins discusses the symptoms of low testosterone, the connection between sleep apnea and low testosterone, and why testosterone plays an important role beyond sexual function.
Living Well with Diabetes, Part 2: How Lifestyle, Nutrition and Balance can Transform Healthspan
So you have diabetes. Now what?
In this episode of Aging Forward — part two of our series on diabetes — registered dietitian Laura Knudsen returns to discuss eating patterns for nutrition and weight loss, and how to decide whether GLP-1 medications are right for you.
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Living Well with Diabetes, Part 1: How Lifestyle, Nutrition and Balance can Transform Healthspan
Diabetes and prediabetes are increasingly common among older adults, with nearly one-third affected by diabetes and about half living with prediabetes.
This episode of Aging Forward features registered dietitian Laura Knudsen, who shares evidence-based strategies for managing diabetes through nutrition, weight loss, regular physical activity, and long-term lifestyle changes. She explains how susta
SPECIAL EPISODE! Mild Cognitive Impairment, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease
Today we're highlighting another one of Mayo Clinic's podcasts, Mayo Clinic Talks. On this special episode feature, Aging Forward host Dr. Christina Chen discusses Alzheimer's disease and its effect on family dynamics.
Nearly six million people in the United States age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s Disease; of these about 80% are 75 years old and older. It is a devastating disease, not only for th
Beyond the Physical: Spiritual Health and the Aging Journey
When we talk about health, we usually think about physical well-being: scheduling regular checkups and staying fit through exercise. We may also consider mental health and self-care. But how often do we think about spiritual health?
On this episode of Aging Forward, the Rev. BJ Larson discusses her work as a chaplain, the role of spirituality in aging well, and what people most want to hear at the
The Power of Physical Therapy in Healthy Aging
How is physical therapy just for athletes?
On this episode of Aging Forward, physical therapist Josh Millitzer says older adults are athletes too — their sport is staying strong to maintain function and independence. He discusses early warning signs of physical decline, the risks of the “slippery slope of aging,” and how we can stop — and even reverse — decline through targeted interventions and h
Caregiving for a Loved One with Dementia
On this very personal episode of Aging Forward, Kathy Anderson shares her experience caring for her mother, Ronnie, who lives with dementia. From the first signs of her mother’s decline to the ways the two make the most of each day, Kathy offers insights and hope for anyone on a similar path.
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Ageless Aging: Increasing Women’s Healthspan, Brainspan and Lifespan
Women typically live 5 to 6 years longer than men. But that extra time isn’t necessarily spent in good health — on average, women spend the last decade of their lives dealing with a cascade of health issues.
On this episode of Aging Forward, Maddy Dychtwald shares tips for making the most of those later years. She distinguishes between age accelerants and decelerants, and suggests exercises and ha
Maintaining Healthy Joints and Feet from the Ground Up
Joints are more than just bone meeting bone.
They’re made up of the support structures around them: cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles — and even the fluid in between. As we age, wear and tear, stiffness and pain can prevent joints from working the way they used to.
In this episode of Aging Forward, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Pamela Mehta talks shoulders, knees and toes. She breaks down how diet
Home Healthcare and the Future of the Industry
When we or our loved ones are no longer able to care for ourselves independently, what do our options for medical care look like? While 98% of people would prefer to stay in their own homes as they age, changing health needs mean that’s not always possible.
On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Jeffrey Kang makes the case for home health care. He breaks down how we can bring 90% of primary care in
Understanding Alzheimer's Disease: Where are we now and What Does the Future of Dementia Care Look Like?
The Alzheimer's Association estimates there's about 6.9 million Americans living with Alzheimer's disease. And that number— without a more potent intervention— is expected to double every 20 years.
On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Jonathan Graff-Radford talks how to spot the difference between normal aging memory loss and initial signs of dementia, risk factors for the disease, and his new bo
Diet for Longevity: Eating Well to Age Well
1 in 2 older adults are at risk for malnutrition. While our physiology is changing, so are the body's nutritional needs; changing tastes, comorbidities, and financial insecurity can also play a role. So how can we optimize good nutrition as we get older, in order to fuel longevity?
On this episode of Aging Forward, dietician Tara Schmidt talks how dietary needs change post-menopause, the decline o
The Risks of Hospital Stays: A guide to safe recovery and returning home for older adults
Every year there are about 13.2 million hospitalizations for adults 65 years and older in the United States. Hospitalizations save lives, but there are many things that occur during the stay — and other hidden risks that can impact outcomes — especially for the older adult.
On this episode of Aging Forward, hospitalist Dr. Allyson Palmer breaks down the hidden dangers of staying in the hospital, t
Staying Ahead of Aging: The Essentials of Preventive Health and Health Maintenance in Later Life
What screenings matter as we age — and when and how often should we get them?
In this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Daniel Sanchez Pellecer breaks down what preventative health really looks like for older adults, especially those living with chronic conditions. He shares how screening can help us avoid unnecessary hospitalizations, reduce healthcare costs, and advises listeners on which screenings
A Healthy Aging Guide for Prostate Health: Risks, Prevention and Care
For Men's Health Month, we're getting to the bottom of something that many men dread: the prostate exam.
On this episode of Aging Forward, we probe with Dr. Derek Lomas into how diet affects prostate health, innovative approaches to prostate surgery, and how prostate screening might look different than what you think.
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Never Too Late To Heal: Overcoming Past Trauma as an Older Adult
Healing from trauma is difficult—at any age. But when traumatic experiences have remained unresolved for decades, it can be even more difficult to know where to start.
On this episode of Aging Forward, clinical counselor Gracia Do shares what makes someone more vulnerable to mental health struggles, the ways in which trauma changes our brain structure and function, and how to build resilience movi
From Hospital to Home: Mastering Transitions of Care and Preventing Re-hospitalizations
Physically moving from one healthcare setting to another -- whether it be from the hospital to rehab, or rehab to nursing home -- can be a complicated process, both logistically and emotionally. And in the midst of all of that hubbub, it can sometimes be hard for the person in the center of it all to feel like they're properly being heard.
On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Maria De la Garza t
Thriving through Midlife for the Aging Female: Menopause, Sexual Health and Wellness
Women's Health Week falls in May—a perfect time to talk about the menopause experience, and how it affects our bodies and our sexual health.
On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Carol Kuhle talks about how perimenopause can be a confusing time for women, emerging treatments for menopause symptoms, and how vibrators can be a useful tool for vaginal health.
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How to Stay Mentally Sharp: Simple Ways to Improve Your Life with Brain Science From An Expert
Ever feel like your memory's not quite what it used to be? Or that it's more difficult to think on your feet, or to think as creatively?
On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Therese Huston how, even though these deficits are a normal part of the aging process, that doesn't mean you can't fight back. She offers tips and tricks for how to improve memory, creativity, empathy and more.
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3 Early Indicators of Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is the second most common form of neurodegenerative illness, only after Alzheimer's disease. In fact, two percent of the population over age 70 has Parkinson's disease.
This episode, for Parkinson’s Awareness Month, we're talking with expert Dr. Rodolfo Savica. He'll break down the difference between Parkinson's and Parkinsonism; why doctors are seeing a triplication of risk of
A Coach’s Guide to Fitness and Nutrition
How does exercise evolve as we age?
In this episode of Aging Forward, lifestyle coach Matt Arnold explores why finding purpose is the key to staying healthy later in life. He also shares expert tips on essential nutrition and strength training exercises, proving that it’s never too late to boost overall health and enhance body function.
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Skincare Shift: From Anti-Aging to Pro-Longevity
The obsession with anti-aging skincare has many of us searching for the secret to looking younger. But our skin isn’t just about appearance—it’s a vital barrier against infection and plays a key role in regulating body temperature.
In this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Saranya Wyles breaks down the three essential skincare products everyone should use, the science behind skin cycling, and the futu
How Our Social World Shapes Healthy Aging
80 percent of our health is actually determined by social factors -- including access to healthy food, our lived environment, financial security and social networks.
On this episode of Aging Forward, Dr. Amit Shah breaks down how community ties are crucial to our wellbeing, and shares many of the lesser known benefits - from legal resources to transportation aid to respite care - available to olde
How Can We Prevent Falls?
Every year, one in four adults over 65 reports experiencing a fall. In fact, falls are actually the most common cause of injury and injury death for older adults. But why is do they happen more as we get older? And what can we do to prevent these falls and keep ourselves safe?
On this episode of Aging Forward, we talk with Dr. Paul Takahashi about risk factors and warning signs, as well as easy an
Strong Bones, Strong Lives: Osteoporosis
One in three women and one in five men over the age of 50 will experience bone fracture due to osteoporosis. And in the U.S., as our population is aging, the prevalence of the disease is expected to rise.
On this episode of Aging Forward, we talk with Dr. Jad Sfeir about the key components of bone health and the need for a multidisciplinary approach when it comes to musculoskeletal care.
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Living Well With Chronic Pain
In the United States alone, up to 30% of older adults suffer chronic pain. It can be debilitating, impacting function while also increasing social isolation.
On this episode of Aging Forward, we talk with Dr. Jake Strand about how older adults experience chronic pain, misconceptions about pain management, and different approaches to relieving pain and improving quality of life.
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Optimizing Health Through Exercise
We all know our bodies ages — but what if we could potentially halt or reverse that process through exercise? For some people, execise can preserve function, independence, and health span. So what kind of benefits can we expect? And what kind of exercise is best for optimizing health?
On this episode of Aging Forward, we talk with professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation Dr. Edward Laskow
Embracing End of Life
From childhood, we look to our doctors to help us heal when we are sick. But what does care look like when a patient is nearing the end, and doesn't expect to get better?
On this episode of Aging Forward, we talk with Dr. Cory Ingram about how our end-of-life experiences have changed drastically over the last several decades, and his approach to providing hospice and palliative care that preserves
Why is Everyone Talking about Frailty?
After decades of research, frailty is much more than just a physical construct. It's a clinical syndrome that can affect different areas of health and care. But is frailty an inevitable part of aging? Or can we prevent or delay it?
On this episode of Aging Forward, we talk with geriatrician Dr. Brandon Verdoorn about the importance of understanding and recognizing frailty as a geriatric syndrome —
The Scoop on Supplements
With so much information available about supplements, why are they still so confusing? And as older adults, how can we use them to deal with common symptoms of aging and improve our overall quality of life?
On this episode of Aging Forward, we talk with Dr. Brent Bauer about integrating supplements into a holistic health plan. He also gives tips on how to assess if your supplements are working for
Golden Connections: Combating Loneliness and Depression
Almost half of older adults experience loneliness. It can be harder to maintain social connections as we age, especially if we're retired, dealing with illness, or living alone.
On this episode of Aging Forward, we talk with clinical social worker Kileen Smyth about the power of experimentation, and what we can do to stay positive, stay engaged, and make meaning in our golden years.
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Meds, Meds, Meds: Managing Your Medications
Around 20% of adults between ages 40 and 79 are taking five or more prescription drugs—and for older adults, the numbers are likely even higher. Our relationship to medication can change over the years: our bodies take longer to clear them from our system, and in some cases, side affects from medications lead to even more prescriptions!
On this episode of Aging Forward, we talk with clinical pharm
Is Dementia preventable?
Cognitive functioning is a key part of overall health and independence — which is why dementia can be especially challenging for individuals, family, and loved ones. But is dementia preventable? What can we do now to preserve brain health? And how do we distinguish between cognitive changes related to typical aging and symptoms of dementia?
On this episode of Aging Forward, we talk with internist
Heart Smart: Improving Cardiovascular Health
As we age, so do our organs, including our heart. So what can we do to make the most of our heart health as we get older?
On this episode of Aging Forward, we talk with cardiologist Dr. Stephen Kopecky about how it's never too late to improve our heart health, and how even small adjustments to our lifestyle habits—from diet to exercise to sleep—can have a significant impact.
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How Can We Age Forward?
As the population of older adults increases over the next few decades, caring for an aging America is going to be a unique challenge. We'll all be involved in caring for an older adult in some capacity — whether your're a caregiver or caring for yourself. So how can we help each other age healthfully and be proactive about improving our health span?
In this introduction to the show, host Dr. Chris
Aging Forward Trailer
"Aging Forward" brings you expert conversations on healthy aging and geriatric medicine, so you can embrace older age with vitality and joy. Learn about the science of aging and discover strategies for healthy habits, preventive care, caregiving, and living your best life.
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