When finding suitable senior housing for yourself or a loved one, the journey can seem daunting and filled with unknowns. But if you're in the state of Texas, recent legislative changes promise a safer and more transparent path forward. With the enactment of Senate Bill 1383, the senior placement industry is set to undergo significant shifts towards enhanced oversight and accountability, bringing peace of mind to families navigating these critical life decisions. As a senior living expert who's ...
Jun 27, 2025•17 min
Have you ever pondered the challenges faced by LGBT seniors when searching for welcoming communities and services? Imagine walking into a new environment with the fear that being true to yourself might not be met with understanding or tolerance. As someone who values inclusivity and acceptance, I've been moved by the stories and efforts to create culturally competent spaces for aging adults in the LGBT community. I had the pleasure of discussing this very topic with Founding Board Member, Treasu...
Jun 20, 2025•30 min
What does the real estate market look like in 2025 for seniors who want to sell their homes? As more senior homeowners consider downsizing or relocating to be closer to family, the real estate market presents both opportunities and challenges. Navigating this transition requires careful planning, a trusted realtor, and a strategy tailored to meet individual needs. Whether you're contemplating selling your lifetime residence or simply curious about current trends, understanding what lies ahead in...
Jun 13, 2025•30 min
What if a dog could break through silence, spark healing, and bring peace to the most vulnerable people—just by showing up? In this episode of Aging in Style with Lori Williams , you’ll hear the incredible story of a nonverbal woman in a senior facility who spoke and sang for the first time after petting a therapy dog. This is just one of many emotional, real-life moments shared by Debbie Piland and Kelly Ray from Canines for Christ Therapy Dog Ministry. Chapters: 00:01:00- Introduction to Canin...
Jun 06, 2025•40 min
On the last week of Stroke Awareness Month, we're diving deep into the emotional journey that families experience when a loved one suffers a stroke. Throughout May, I've been sharing about the profound impact that strokes have had on my family, especially on me as a caregiver to my husband, Mark, who is a four-time stroke survivor. To start with, let me transport you back to that chilling Christmas night in 2022. I remember driving to the hospital, it was freezing cold, and I was in complete sho...
May 30, 2025•38 min
When my husband had his first stroke on Christmas Day 2022, I wasn’t prepared for how much our lives would change. One moment, we were preparing a late dinner; the next, I was rushing him to the hospital. That night marked the beginning of a series of events that would redefine our family's routine and my role as a caregiver. Since then, I’ve learned a lot about strokes, from prevention to recovery, and how crucial it is to be stroke-smart. Through my personal journey, I hope to share what I’ve ...
May 23, 2025•30 min
In the midst of a crisis, words can be powerful. They can uplift and support, or they can unintentionally wound. After experiencing a medical emergency with my husband, Mark, I've come to appreciate the importance of words. People often want to help but can end up saying the wrong thing, leaving the person in crisis feeling more stressed and alone. Today, I want to share some things you should avoid saying to someone in a crisis based on my own experiences, because sometimes the most supportive ...
May 16, 2025•13 min
Life as we knew it completely transformed on Christmas Day, 2022, at precisely 7:00 PM. It was a day that started normally, with my husband Mark about to say the blessing at dinner. Suddenly, he couldn’t speak, and our world exploded into chaos. That evening marked the beginning of an unexpected journey after Mark suffered four strokes. As I reflect this May, Stroke Awareness Month, I am inspired to share our experiences over the past two and a half years. Our journey has been overwhelming, but ...
May 09, 2025•30 min
The month of May holds special importance for me, as it is Stroke Awareness Month – a cause that has touched my life profoundly. My husband, Mark, had his first of four strokes on Christmas Day 2022, a moment that changed everything overnight and set me on a mission: to educate and advocate so others might avoid a similar path or, at the very least, navigate it with more clarity. Stroke Symptoms in Women Though both men and women can experience these classic stroke symptoms, women may also show ...
May 02, 2025•13 min
Have you ever received a phone call saying there’s a warrant out for your arrest? That’s exactly what happened to my brother. The jury duty scam is making waves across the U.S., and it’s not just targeting older adults. It sounds legitimate, it’s terrifying, and it’s catching even the most skeptical people off guard. In today’s episode, we break down this sophisticated scam that uses fear, authority, and just enough truth to reel in victims. It’s a growing problem with real consequences—and bein...
Apr 25, 2025•17 min
Let's be honest: the thought of exercising often brings up a sense of dread. Many of us create countless excuses, with "lack of time" being the most popular. But let’s be real — we all know how essential it is. Exercise is not about achieving that six-pack or preparing for marathons; it’s about maintaining independence, preventing falls, and keeping our strength for those who depend on us. Like many, my priorities regarding exercise have changed over the years. In my twenties, it was all about a...
Apr 18, 2025•20 min
Have you ever wondered how Tai Chi might help aging seniors remain vibrant and active? As an advocate for senior wellness and living, I was eager to explore this topic with my Aunt Edna Silva. Edna is a remarkable woman—a retired registered nurse with six decades of experience and a Tai Chi expert with a passion for helping others. Together, we're uncovering the rich history of Tai Chi and its invaluable contributions to senior health. Discovering Tai Chi’s Benefits Our conversation revealed so ...
Apr 11, 2025•45 min
Dementia is not just an individual’s disease. In fact, it’s estimated that it requires two-and-a-half loved ones to care for someone with dementia. And caregiving is a 24/7 job. Unfortunately, caregivers often neglect their own needs to care for a loved one with dementia. They will delay their own appointments and engagements while enduring the mental, emotional and physical toll of caregiving – which can even leave them in a worse state than those with dementia! Strategies to manage stress are ...
Apr 04, 2025•31 min
In the ever-changing landscape of senior living, I’ve found that choosing the right community for a loved one is both daunting and crucial. The process becomes even more challenging when the community you carefully selected undergoes unexpected changes. Based on my recent experiences, I wanted to share some insights and tips on how to navigate these complexities effectively. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Team Efforts 01:02 A Facebook Post That Inspired This Episode 03:19 Five Practical Tips f...
Mar 28, 2025•17 min
Should I move an elderly family member in with me? Or should we look into senior living? This is a question I receive a lot. Before I dive in, it’s important to remember that every situation is different. Be sure to do what’s best for you and your family. But to gauge what’s right, I have a list of pros and cons for you to consider. Pros: · Living with your loved one can help connect the family. Some of my fondest memories are of my grandmother Emelita living with us. Multiple generations living...
Mar 21, 2025•13 min
As life throws inevitable challenges our way, caregiving for a loved one—especially during a medical crisis—can test our resilience and resourcefulness. In this episode, I share my personal experiences as a caregiver and senior living expert. From unexpected medical emergencies to the necessity of being a strong advocate, I offer practical insights and compassionate advice for anyone navigating a similar journey. Chapters: 00:00 Preparing for the ER: Essential Tips 00:49 My Personal Journey: Nav...
Mar 14, 2025•33 min
So, you decided your loved one needs a caregiver…what’s next? Where do you find one? How do you choose the right fit? I'm not only a senior living expert with 17+ years of experience in the industry, but I am also the primary caregiver for my husband who is a stroke survivor. I have the perspective of helping others find the right resources while navigating this reality for my own family. With this unique position, I have gathered 7 tips for choosing a caregiver: 1. Understand the needs of your ...
Mar 07, 2025•18 min
In life, as in everything else, preparation can be the key to gracefully overcoming challenges. Understanding and planning for our loved ones’ aging years not only mitigates stress but ensures decisions reflect their wishes—before difficult moments arrive. As a senior living expert, author, educator, and caregiver, I know it's key to explore essential strategies to navigate your parents’ aging years with empathy and foresight. In this episode, we'll discuss the importance of open discussions, un...
Feb 28, 2025•29 min
After years of helping families, I've come across a myriad of myths about assisted living that are nothing short of fiction. Today, we’re setting the record straight and exploring why assisted living can be a fantastic choice for many. Busting Common Myths About Assisted Living Assisted living often brings up images of sterile, institutional environments, stuck in a time warp of outdated care practices. But as Theresa Williams, a sales director at Rambling Oaks, and I discussed, the reality is f...
Feb 21, 2025•30 min
Different ways to pay for senior living: So you’ve decided you or your loved one needs senior living - how much is it going to cost? A 2020 study by Genworth determined that the U.S. average for assisted living is $4,429 a month, though it could be less (or even more) depending on where you live! Budget is a huge factor in determining what’s available to you. Unfortunately, there’s also a huge misconception that Medicare will cover the cost. That is simply not the case. With that in mind, as a S...
Feb 14, 2025•14 min
Life is a journey, and as we move forward, our needs and desires evolve. When it comes to senior living, many people are daunted by the myths and misconceptions that surround it. But I believe it’s time to look at senior living communities with an open mind. These communities aren’t just about change—they’re about enhancing one’s quality of life with confidence. Understanding Senior Living Options When it comes to senior housing, it's essential to choose options that foster independence and enri...
Feb 07, 2025•16 min
As someone who has been deeply immersed in the world of aging and senior care, I've noticed that there’s a significant aspect of aging that often goes unspoken: menopause and perimenopause. Despite the numerous conversations about other transitional stages in life, this particular journey at the end of our reproductive cycles is seldom discussed openly. What is even more puzzling is that so many of us experience it, yet it remains a taboo subject. Menopause and Perimenopause: The Unspoken Journe...
Jan 31, 2025•31 min
The Everyday Challenges Last night was a typical scene in my life, one almost like running a residential care home. Between managing the needs of my husband, Mark, who requires constant care after suffering multiple strokes, and my son, Chris, who recently injured his ankle, it felt as though I couldn’t catch a break. Even our dog joined in the drama with a limp, compounding the chaos! Understanding Caregiver Stress Being a caregiver is far from easy. Stress manifests in numerous ways, from phys...
Jan 24, 2025•32 min
Have you ever felt too old to chase a dream or explore a new path? As someone who's walked alongside many seniors through their journeys of transitioning into new phases of life, I've heard countless people second-guess themselves, thinking they’ve missed their chance to pursue something different simply because of their age. Yet, time and time again, I've witnessed the magic that unfolds when they let go of these fears and embrace new opportunities. In this week's episode of "Aging in Style," I...
Jan 17, 2025•31 min
Today, the rise of online dating apps is something that has been both amusing and bewildering to navigate, especially for the younger generation like my daughter, Abby. Remember those stories of endless swiping on apps like Bumble? Each generation finds its own unique—and sometimes hilarious—path to love. Redefining Love in Later Years As I reflect on the Netflix show " Later Daters ," it's evident that finding love at an older age requires a deep understanding of oneself and a redefinition of r...
Jan 10, 2025•35 min
As the clock ticks into 2025, it's hard to believe how quickly time flies. Reflecting on the past few years, I realize that 2022, 2023, and 2024 have been challenging and transformative. As I look ahead, like many of you, I find myself setting goals—some ambitious, some simple—but all important for leading a rewarding life as we age. I’ve come to understand that the key isn't merely surviving but thriving, and much of that involves staying active and involved. This topic struck me profoundly dur...
Jan 03, 2025•12 min
After 17 years in senior living, I've witnessed thousands of families navigating the emotional rollercoaster of finding the right care for their loved ones. Through it all, I’ve come to identify the 4 types of families: the deniers, the always-yes, the dysfunctional family, and the guilt-ridden family. And believe me, just about everybody fits into one category! · The family in denial: This family doesn’t want to admit their loved one needs help or makes excuses for their behavior. They’ll often...
Dec 27, 2024•27 min
Picture this: a sweet lady, one of my dear clients, called me in a complete tizzy last week. Her phone and email were overwhelmed with messages from senior living communities she had no interest in. Rightfully, she was frustrated and initially thought I had inadvertently shared her contact information with these communities. Fortunately, after clarifying, we discovered the true culprit: a classic case of accidental online misdirection. My client had been researching a senior living option—a comm...
Dec 20, 2024•11 min
Have you ever paused to reflect on the idea of the "golden years"? It's a phrase we encounter often, mapping out an idyllic picture of our later years full of leisure and happiness. But is that glittering image truly reflective of reality? In this week's episode, I invite you to join me to uncover into this concept that has intrigued me—and many others—over time. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Aging in Style 00:49 The Origin of 'Golden Years' 03:48 Challenges in the Golden Years 06:08 Making th...
Dec 13, 2024•12 min
How can my community become dementia friendly? We're back with another round of Ask Lori, where I answer questions from my listeners. If you’re curious about some community dementia resources, I have two great options to discuss. One is for businesses, while the other is for caregivers and their loved ones with dementia. First is Dementia Friendly, a nationwide initiative offering community education on dementia. This nonprofit trains businesses free of charge so they can be more inclusive and l...
Dec 06, 2024•14 min
