The Aging Unscripted Podcast From CLC

Self-care at 25 isn’t necessarily self-care at 85. So, what does it really mean to take care of ourselves as we age?
In this episode of Aging Unscripted, hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan are joined by Licensed Professional Counselor Danica Denton of Grace Counseling to explore how self-care evolves throughout our lives. From setting boundaries and asking for help to nurturing relationships, finding purpose and navigating major life transitions, they look beyond the bubble baths to the practices that truly support emotional well-being.
Whether you’re 25, 55 or 85, discover practical ways to rethink self-care and make it meaningful for the season of life you’re in.
 
Resources:
Grace Counseling: https://gracecounseling.net/

What if storytelling and play could change the way we experience aging?
In this episode of Aging Unscripted, hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan welcome father-son innovators Jack York and JP York to explore how stories, creativity, and connection help people live with greater purpose and belonging.
Jack shares lessons from collecting stories from older adults across the country, while JP explains how LEGOs are creating meaningful moments with people living with dementia. Together, they discuss how being truly known can improve well-being, strengthen relationships, and challenge the stereotypes surrounding aging. Join us for a conversation that will leave you thinking differently about what's possible as we grow older.
Resource Links:
Tale Gate website: https://talegate4joy.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPv18I4BfZg
2054 Institute website: https://www.2054institute.org/
2054 Lego Program at Immanuel: https://immanuel.com/blog/lego-therapy-memory-care-immanuel
2054 Lego Program at AG Rhodes: https://youtu.be/xROlNOt0EGU?feature=shared
Loretta Aveney’s Website – JP credits her as the “real” pioneer: https://lorettaveney.com/

On this episode of Aging Unscripted, we explore a powerful question: What if retirement isn’t the end of your purpose, but the beginning of your most meaningful chapter yet?
Host Jill Vitale-Aussem and co-host Pam Sullivan sit down with Kristi Doan, a Community Builder with The Eden Alternative to challenge outdated ideas about aging, retirement, and community life.
Together, they unpack the difference between simply staying busy and living with true purpose. From resident-directed living and meaningful engagement to creating cultures of contribution, citizenship, and connection, this conversation explores how older adults can continue to grow, lead, and thrive in every season of life.
Sounds great! But how does this approach impact senior living – the results may surprise you. If you’ve ever wondered how we can move beyond “aging safely” toward aging fully, this episode is for you.
Resource Links:
The Eden Alternative Website
The Eden Alternatives 2024 Whitepaper 
Time Magazine Article, People Age Better If They Have a Purpose in Life
CLC Blog by Jill Vitale-Aussem, Reimagining Senior Living: Citizenship Model Life Plan Communities

Technology is changing the aging experience faster than ever before; but is it truly empowering older adults or creating new barriers along the way?
In this episode of Aging Unscripted, Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan sit down with Matt Reiners, Chief Growth Officer at Parasol Alliance and host of the “Connecting the Dots” Senior Living Success podcast, for an honest conversation about aging, technology, and what it means to stay connected in a rapidly evolving digital world.
From smartphones and social media to artificial intelligence, smart home technology, and wearable health tools, older adults are embracing technology at record rates. But adoption is only part of the story. How do we move from simply “using” technology to leveraging it for greater independence, confidence, well-being, and quality of life?
Whether you’re an older adult, family member, senior living professional, or simply curious about the future of aging, this episode offers thoughtful insights and practical perspectives on navigating technology with confidence and purpose.
Resource Links:
AARP Technology Study Article

What happens when best intentions cross the line into being too controlling?
In this episode of Aging Unscripted, we explore the powerful, and sometimes uncomfortable, truth behind the phrase: “You’re Not the Boss of Me.”
As we age, autonomy isn’t just a preference; it’s deeply tied to identity, dignity, and overall well-being. Yet families, caregivers, and even professionals often step in with the best intentions when supporting an older adult and unintentionally take over. Our guests for this enlightening discussion are Clinical Dietician, Clint Rasti and long-time nurse and clinical leader Angela Allen, two people dedicated to well-being, but their perspectives may surprise you when it comes to retaining autonomy for older adults. Tune in for the lively and insightful chat.
Resource Links:
CLC’s Citizenship Model of Community Living

Healthy aging isn’t about perfect nutrition—it’s about nourishment, joy, and balance.
Eating For Life: Health & Happiness As We Age
In this episode of Aging Unscripted, Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan sit down with clinical dietitian Clint Rasti to explore a more sustainable approach to nutrition. From changing nutritional needs to navigating diet culture and misinformation, Clint shares how food can support not just health—but happiness and autonomy—as we age. It’s National Nutrition Month, tune in to separate fact from fiction and “real life” tips for better nutrition on your aging journey.
Resource Links:
Nourishing Body and Mind: How Nutrition Improves Resident Wellbeing in Senior Living

Staying One Step Ahead of Scams is an episode of Aging Unscripted focused on protecting older adults from the growing threat of fraud.
From online, phone, and mail fraud to retail crime, crypto, gold scams, and even financial exploitation by trusted family members, this conversation shares practical warning signs, prevention tips, and clear steps to take if you or a loved one may be a victim—helping listeners stay informed and one step ahead.
Listen in as host Jill Vitale-Aussem and co-host Pam Sullivan as they talk with Jamie Sorrells from Colorado’s 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office to discuss why older adults are targeted and the most common scams affecting them today.
Resources:
District Attorney, 18th Judicial District’s  Senior Safety Saturday Fraud Presentation
District Attorney 18th Judicial District Consumer Fraud Page
Colorado Attorney General Consumer Protection

Colorado is in the middle of a demographic shift unlike anything we’ve seen before. Birth rates are falling, migration has slowed, and the fastest-growing age group is adults 75–84—with more people living into their 90s and beyond.
In this episode of Aging Unscripted, hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan are joined by former Colorado State Demographer Elizabeth Garner to explore what this population pivot means for our state’s future.
We’ll explore:
Why Colorado’s growth is slowing
What an aging population means for communities, housing, and healthcare
The workforce challenges ahead—and how the state can prepare
Watch now and be prepared for Colorado’s population pivot.
 
Guest:  Elizabeth Garner, Demographer
Resources:
Colorado State Demography Office website
United States Census Bureau website

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, “The Fight for Funding: Seniors, Medicaid, and the Road Ahead,” we break down the complex world of Medicaid funding — what it means for older adults, senior living organizations, and all of us who care about the future of aging services. Hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan sit down with Doug Farmer, President & CEO of the Colorado Healthcare Association to make sense of a challenging funding landscape in clear, everyday terms and share what each of us can do to advocate for change before the next legislative session. Join us for an empowering discussion about understanding the issues, taking action, and protecting the dignity and care of older adults.
 
The Empathy Project: Seniors in Crisis – Video explaining the real impact of Medicaid Cuts, please copy and share with friends, family, lawmakers – https://youtu.be/qK6uugKAk_g?si=taRG3fC7q7UrwrfN
Find & Contact Your Lawmaker - https://leg.colorado.gov/find-my-legislator
Medicaid Counseling from the Colorado Gerontological Society - https://www.senioranswers.org/counseling/medicaid-counseling/
Colorado Healthcare Association – https://www.cohca.org/
When Care Is on the Line: The Human Impact of Medicaid Cuts in Colorado - https://christianlivingcommunities.org/blog/the-human-impact-of-medicaid-cuts-in-colorado/ 

In this episode of Aging Unscripted, “Seasons of Grief: Finding Meaning in Life’s Transitions,” we explore how grief weaves through every stage of life — not only after loss, but during moments of change and growth.
With the holidays approaching, hosts Jill Vitale-Aussem and Pam Sullivan sit down with Chaplain Robert Smith and Jenn Flaum from the HeartLight Foundation to discuss how to honor old traditions, create new ones, and find meaning amid both grief and gratitude.
Join us for an honest, compassionate conversation about how aging invites us to hold joy and sorrow side by side.
 
Heartlight Center: www.heartlightcenter.org
Grief Support During the Holidays: https://heartlightcenter.org/grief-support-during-the-holidays/
Creating a Better Experience when Dementia is Involved: https://christianlivingcommunities.org/blog/creating-a-better-holiday-experience-when-dementia-is-involved/
The Immense Value of Holidays and Traditions to Your Well-being: https://christianlivingcommunities.org/blog/the-immense-value-of-holidays-and-traditions-to-your-well-being/