60 acast.com How to Age Well with Amy Kaszak https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/how-to-age-well-with-amy-kaszak en Amy Kaszak aging,senior living,memory care,geriatrics,skilled nursing,palliative care,retirement,boomers,gen x,sandwich generation,assisted living,physical therapy,older parents,caregiving,finance Amy Kaszak How to Age Well with Amy Kaszak—the show for Gen Xers and Boomers seeking to navigate real-world aging decisions with clarity and confidence. I’m Amy Kaszak, your host and fellow traveler as we tackle the legal, financial, health, lifestyle, and family dynamics that shape how we age. Each week, you’ll get fact-based, practical takeaways—not theory, not fluff—to help you move from unsure and overwhelmed to prepared, empowered, and connected. Aging isn’t something that happens to you. It’s something you can navigate with a blueprint. Let’s get started.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> How to Age Well with Amy Kaszak—the show for Gen Xers and Boomers seeking to navigate real-world aging decisions with clarity and confidence. I’m Amy Kaszak, your host and fellow traveler as we tackle the legal, financial, health, lifestyle, and family dynamics that shape how we age. Each week, you’ll get fact-based, practical takeaways—not theory, not fluff—to help you move from unsure and overwhelmed to prepared, empowered, and connected. Aging isn’t something that happens to you. It’s something you can navigate with a blueprint. Let’s get started.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> false Amy Kaszak info+69b03e5cfd2a350ef09a62d1@mg-eu.acast.com 69b03e5cfd2a350ef09a62d1 how-to-age-well-with-amy-kaszak https://assets.pippa.io/shows/cover/1773157709582-0bcbcb43-f06e-4e58-a9ad-a43fcc47ef0d.jpeg https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/how-to-age-well-with-amy-kaszak How to Age Well with Amy Kaszak Free Kayaks, Hidden Costs: Medicare Advantage Truths and Trade-Offs Free Kayaks, Hidden Costs: Medicare Advantage Truths and Trade-Offs Mon, 14 Sep 2026 08:02:00 GMT 35:52 6aa7428b1563582c05b6cb57 false https://shows.acast.com/how-to-age-well-with-amy-kaszak/episodes/free-kayaks-hidden-costs-medicare-advantage-truths 6aa7428b1563582c05b6cb57 69b03e5cfd2a350ef09a62d1 free-kayaks-hidden-costs-medicare-advantage-truths Your Medicare Season Survival Guide Part 3 full 1 8 Over half of everyone on Medicare is now enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan — roughly 35 million people. In this third episode of the Medicare Season Survival Guide series, Amy sits down with Medicare policy expert Gretchen Jacobson, PhD (Commonwealth Fund) to cut through the TV ads and "$0 premium" promises and explain what Medicare Advantage actually is, how it works, and the trade-offs involved — from prior authorizations to the truth about extras like dental care, transportation, and in some cases, even kayaks.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Medicare Advantage plans are private insurance plans paid by the federal government — and private plans have been part of Medicare almost since it began in 1965.

• Despite the original promise of cost savings, Medicare Advantage has never cost the federal government less than original Medicare.

• Extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing, transportation, even sports equipment) can be genuinely valuable — but about 1 in 3 people in Medicare Advantage say they didn't use any of their plan's extra benefits last year.

• Medicare Advantage plans use managed care tools — provider networks, referrals, and prior authorization — that original Medicare doesn't require.

• A "$0 premium" plan still means you pay your Part B premium; it just means no additional premium on top of that.

• You cannot pair a Medigap plan with Medicare Advantage.

• Long-term care isn't covered by Medicare Advantage (or original Medicare) — only short-term, rehabilitative nursing home stays are.

• You keep the same rights and appeal protections under Medicare Advantage as under original Medicare.

• Plans and provider networks can change every year — review your plan each Open Enrollment, even if you're happy with it.

• Gretchen's checklist: confirm your doctors/hospitals are covered, check drug coverage and costs, verify the extras are ones you'll use, and look at the out-of-pocket limit.

 

IN THIS EPISODE

00:00 Welcome — why this episode matters before the ads start

00:59 Meet Gretchen Jacobson, PhD

02:44 What is Medicare Advantage, in plain English?

03:38 A brief history: private plans since the 1970s

04:30 Did Medicare Advantage deliver on its cost-control promise?

06:10 The "extras": dental, vision, hearing... and kayaks

08:52 Prior authorizations and referrals: the real trade-off

09:44 Weighing the trade-offs: who is MA right for?

11:32 Why your county matters — plans vary by geography

13:10 Part D and drug coverage inside MA plans

15:49 The truth about "$0 premium" plans

18:36 Surprising stat: 1 in 3 never use their extra benefits

19:33 Can you pair Medigap with Medicare Advantage?

20:33 Hidden costs: long-term care and cost-sharing

22:29 When Medicare Advantage really doesn't make sense

23:35 Where to get unbiased help: your SHIP

25:22 Buyer beware: how brokers get paid

27:56 Can you switch plans if you feel misled?

28:48 Gretchen's pre-enrollment checklist

30:36 The "hustle factor" no one can easily measure

31:18 Why plans and networks change every year

33:53 Gretchen's #1 piece of advice for families

34:59 Amy's closing thoughts: it's a set of trade-offs

 

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Commonwealth Fund: Medicare Advantage Policy Primer — https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/explainer/2024/jan/medicare-advantage-policy-primer

• State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) — https://acl.gov/programs/connecting-people-services/state-health-insurance-assistance-program-ship

• Learn more about Gretchen's work or get in touch — https://www.commonwealthfund.org/person/gretchen-jacobson

 

THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Naborforce — connecting older adults with kind, vetted neighbors who help with rides, errands, companionship, tech help, and more. Learn more at naborforce.com

 

FOLLOW HOW TO AGE WELL WITH AMY KASZAK

Instagram: instagram.com/howtoagewell_podcast/

Amy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amy-kaszak-6702963/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Over half of everyone on Medicare is now enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan — roughly 35 million people. In this third episode of the Medicare Season Survival Guide series, Amy sits down with Medicare policy expert Gretchen Jacobson, PhD (Commonwealth Fund) to cut through the TV ads and "$0 premium" promises and explain what Medicare Advantage actually is, how it works, and the trade-offs involved — from prior authorizations to the truth about extras like dental care, transportation, and in some cases, even kayaks.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Medicare Advantage plans are private insurance plans paid by the federal government — and private plans have been part of Medicare almost since it began in 1965.

• Despite the original promise of cost savings, Medicare Advantage has never cost the federal government less than original Medicare.

• Extra benefits (dental, vision, hearing, transportation, even sports equipment) can be genuinely valuable — but about 1 in 3 people in Medicare Advantage say they didn't use any of their plan's extra benefits last year.

• Medicare Advantage plans use managed care tools — provider networks, referrals, and prior authorization — that original Medicare doesn't require.

• A "$0 premium" plan still means you pay your Part B premium; it just means no additional premium on top of that.

• You cannot pair a Medigap plan with Medicare Advantage.

• Long-term care isn't covered by Medicare Advantage (or original Medicare) — only short-term, rehabilitative nursing home stays are.

• You keep the same rights and appeal protections under Medicare Advantage as under original Medicare.

• Plans and provider networks can change every year — review your plan each Open Enrollment, even if you're happy with it.

• Gretchen's checklist: confirm your doctors/hospitals are covered, check drug coverage and costs, verify the extras are ones you'll use, and look at the out-of-pocket limit.

 

IN THIS EPISODE

00:00 Welcome — why this episode matters before the ads start

00:59 Meet Gretchen Jacobson, PhD

02:44 What is Medicare Advantage, in plain English?

03:38 A brief history: private plans since the 1970s

04:30 Did Medicare Advantage deliver on its cost-control promise?

06:10 The "extras": dental, vision, hearing... and kayaks

08:52 Prior authorizations and referrals: the real trade-off

09:44 Weighing the trade-offs: who is MA right for?

11:32 Why your county matters — plans vary by geography

13:10 Part D and drug coverage inside MA plans

15:49 The truth about "$0 premium" plans

18:36 Surprising stat: 1 in 3 never use their extra benefits

19:33 Can you pair Medigap with Medicare Advantage?

20:33 Hidden costs: long-term care and cost-sharing

22:29 When Medicare Advantage really doesn't make sense

23:35 Where to get unbiased help: your SHIP

25:22 Buyer beware: how brokers get paid

27:56 Can you switch plans if you feel misled?

28:48 Gretchen's pre-enrollment checklist

30:36 The "hustle factor" no one can easily measure

31:18 Why plans and networks change every year

33:53 Gretchen's #1 piece of advice for families

34:59 Amy's closing thoughts: it's a set of trade-offs

 

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Commonwealth Fund: Medicare Advantage Policy Primer — https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/explainer/2024/jan/medicare-advantage-policy-primer

• State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) — https://acl.gov/programs/connecting-people-services/state-health-insurance-assistance-program-ship

• Learn more about Gretchen's work or get in touch — https://www.commonwealthfund.org/person/gretchen-jacobson

 

THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Naborforce — connecting older adults with kind, vetted neighbors who help with rides, errands, companionship, tech help, and more. Learn more at naborforce.com

 

FOLLOW HOW TO AGE WELL WITH AMY KASZAK

Instagram: instagram.com/howtoagewell_podcast/

Amy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amy-kaszak-6702963/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Direct Primary Care--Your Medicare Survival Guide Part 2 Direct Primary Care--Your Medicare Survival Guide Part 2 Mon, 07 Sep 2026 08:01:00 GMT 32:44 6a9dcd5df8f4d42589a63cc2 false https://shows.acast.com/how-to-age-well-with-amy-kaszak/episodes/direct-primary-care-your-medicare-survival-guide-part-2 6a9dcd5df8f4d42589a63cc2 69b03e5cfd2a350ef09a62d1 direct-primary-care-your-medicare-survival-guide-part-2 full 1 7

If you've ever felt rushed through a seven-minute appointment, struggled to find a doctor who accepts Medicare, or waited weeks to be seen, this episode is for you. Part 2 of our Medicare Month series explores direct primary care (DPC), a fast-growing membership model where you pay your doctor directly for unlimited primary care, with no insurance billing, no co-pays, and a real relationship with your physician.

 

Amy's guest is her dad, Dr. Crawford Allison, a family physician with more than 40 years of experience in the U.S. Army, rural Texas, and Waco. After three decades of fee-for-service medicine, he founded Patient First Direct Primary Care in Waco to bring back the personal, relationship-based care he grew up with. Together they break down how DPC works alongside Medicare, what it costs, how to find and vet a practice, and why--in addition to being a great option for Medicare enrollees-- it also can be a fit for early retirees, working adults, and employers too.

 

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN

• What direct primary care is and how it differs from concierge medicine

• How DPC works with Medicare Parts A, B, and D (you keep all of your coverage)

• What a membership typically covers, and what still gets billed to Medicare

• What DPC costs compared with concierge care

• How to find a DPC practice near you and what to look for before you join

• Why DPC pairs well with high-deductible plans and early retirement

• The 2026 change that lets you pay DPC fees with your HSA

• How employers are using DPC as an employee benefit

 

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Why DPC belongs in your Medicare decision

02:26 – What is direct primary care, and where did it start?

04:44 – 3,193 DPC practices and counting

05:52 – The moment Dr. Allison knew there had to be a better way

07:09 – Concierge medicine vs. DPC, and how Medicare direct contracting works

09:25 – A relationship with a doctor, not a health system

10:28 – What DPC costs, and access by phone, text, and video

11:30 – "If I get sick, who's responsible?"

12:29 – Recap: what you keep under Medicare and what the membership covers

15:45 – No visit limits, home visits, and nursing home check-ins

16:40 – Same-day care and what patients say they love most

18:15 – A word from Naborforce

18:50 – Where to start: DPC Frontier and the practice mapper

20:20 – How to vet a DPC practice: credentials, free visits, and money-back trials

23:07 – Ask for the "what's covered" list

24:50 – Early retirees, high-deductible plans, and the uninsured

27:11 – New for 2026: paying your DPC membership with an HSA

28:20 – Employers, DPC benefits, and workers' comp first aid

30:41 – What's next for direct primary care

31:20 – Key takeaways

 

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Patient First Direct Primary Care (Waco, TX) – Dr. Allison's practice: https://www.patientfirstdirect.com

• Meet Dr. Crawford Allison: https://www.patientfirstdirect.com/dr-crawford-allison/

• DPC Frontier – find a direct primary care practice near you: https://www.dpcfrontier.com

• DPC Alliance – standards and information on direct primary care: https://www.dpcalliance.org

 

SPONSOR

This episode is sponsored by Naborforce, connecting older adults with vetted, caring companions for rides, errands, tech help, and more. Learn more at https://naborforce.com

 

FOLLOW HOW TO AGE WELL WITH AMY KASZAK

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/howtoagewell_podcast/

• Amy on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/amy-kaszak-6702963/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>

If you've ever felt rushed through a seven-minute appointment, struggled to find a doctor who accepts Medicare, or waited weeks to be seen, this episode is for you. Part 2 of our Medicare Month series explores direct primary care (DPC), a fast-growing membership model where you pay your doctor directly for unlimited primary care, with no insurance billing, no co-pays, and a real relationship with your physician.

 

Amy's guest is her dad, Dr. Crawford Allison, a family physician with more than 40 years of experience in the U.S. Army, rural Texas, and Waco. After three decades of fee-for-service medicine, he founded Patient First Direct Primary Care in Waco to bring back the personal, relationship-based care he grew up with. Together they break down how DPC works alongside Medicare, what it costs, how to find and vet a practice, and why--in addition to being a great option for Medicare enrollees-- it also can be a fit for early retirees, working adults, and employers too.

 

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN

• What direct primary care is and how it differs from concierge medicine

• How DPC works with Medicare Parts A, B, and D (you keep all of your coverage)

• What a membership typically covers, and what still gets billed to Medicare

• What DPC costs compared with concierge care

• How to find a DPC practice near you and what to look for before you join

• Why DPC pairs well with high-deductible plans and early retirement

• The 2026 change that lets you pay DPC fees with your HSA

• How employers are using DPC as an employee benefit

 

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Why DPC belongs in your Medicare decision

02:26 – What is direct primary care, and where did it start?

04:44 – 3,193 DPC practices and counting

05:52 – The moment Dr. Allison knew there had to be a better way

07:09 – Concierge medicine vs. DPC, and how Medicare direct contracting works

09:25 – A relationship with a doctor, not a health system

10:28 – What DPC costs, and access by phone, text, and video

11:30 – "If I get sick, who's responsible?"

12:29 – Recap: what you keep under Medicare and what the membership covers

15:45 – No visit limits, home visits, and nursing home check-ins

16:40 – Same-day care and what patients say they love most

18:15 – A word from Naborforce

18:50 – Where to start: DPC Frontier and the practice mapper

20:20 – How to vet a DPC practice: credentials, free visits, and money-back trials

23:07 – Ask for the "what's covered" list

24:50 – Early retirees, high-deductible plans, and the uninsured

27:11 – New for 2026: paying your DPC membership with an HSA

28:20 – Employers, DPC benefits, and workers' comp first aid

30:41 – What's next for direct primary care

31:20 – Key takeaways

 

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Patient First Direct Primary Care (Waco, TX) – Dr. Allison's practice: https://www.patientfirstdirect.com

• Meet Dr. Crawford Allison: https://www.patientfirstdirect.com/dr-crawford-allison/

• DPC Frontier – find a direct primary care practice near you: https://www.dpcfrontier.com

• DPC Alliance – standards and information on direct primary care: https://www.dpcalliance.org

 

SPONSOR

This episode is sponsored by Naborforce, connecting older adults with vetted, caring companions for rides, errands, tech help, and more. Learn more at https://naborforce.com

 

FOLLOW HOW TO AGE WELL WITH AMY KASZAK

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/howtoagewell_podcast/

• Amy on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/amy-kaszak-6702963/


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Your Medicare Season Survival Guide Part 1 Your Medicare Season Survival Guide Part 1 Mon, 31 Aug 2026 08:02:00 GMT 35:18 6a935714ee851f3f3193a053 false https://shows.acast.com/how-to-age-well-with-amy-kaszak/episodes/your-medicare-season-survival-guide-part-1 6a935714ee851f3f3193a053 69b03e5cfd2a350ef09a62d1 your-medicare-season-survival-guide-part-1 Original Medicare full 1 6 YOUR MEDICARE SEASON SURVIVAL GUIDE: PART 1 — ORIGINAL MEDICARE


Medicare touches nearly 70 million Americans, but it's shockingly easy to get lost in its rules, deadlines, and penalties. This episode kicks off a 4-part Medicare Month series to help you navigate it with confidence.


Amy sits down with Diane Omdahl, RN, MS — a registered nurse and Medicare expert with more than 30 years of experience, co-founder of 65 Incorporated and creator of the i65 Medicare guidance software. Diane breaks down the basics of Original Medicare: what it covers, who qualifies, the enrollment windows that can make or break your budget, and the penalties that follow you for life if you miss them.


In this episode, you'll learn:

• What Medicare is and how it differs from Medicaid

• Who qualifies for Medicare and at what age

• What Original Medicare covers — and the big things it doesn't

• The ABCs (and D) of Medicare: Parts A, B, C, and D explained

• Why your Initial Enrollment Period matters and how to calculate yours

• The late enrollment penalties that can follow you for life

• What Medicare actually costs — because "zero premium" doesn't mean free

• Where to find free, unbiased help if you get stuck


Timestamps:

00:00 – Why Medicare matters and what this series will cover

02:32 – What is Medicare, and how is it different from Medicaid?

03:33 – Who qualifies for Medicare, and at what age?

04:38 – What Medicare covers — and what it doesn't

05:47 – The ABCs (and D) of Medicare: Parts A, B, C, and D explained

09:08 – How to enroll in Medicare and your additional coverage options

11:08 – Your Initial Enrollment Period and how to calculate it

13:15 – Late enrollment penalties and what triggers them

17:29 – What Medicare actually costs — zero premium doesn't mean free

21:25 – Where to find free, unbiased help (SHIP counselors)

25:18 – The biggest tip Diane gives every new Medicare enrollee

27:02 – Open enrollment: what current beneficiaries need to do every year

34:12 – Key takeaways


Resources mentioned:

• 65 Incorporated — unbiased, expert Medicare guidance from Diane and her team: https://www.65incorporated.com

• Free Medicare Initial Enrollment Period Calculator: https://www.65incorporated.com/when_can_i_sign_up_for_medicare/

• State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) — free, unbiased Medicare counseling in your state: https://acl.gov/programs/connecting-people-services/state-health-insurance-assistance-program-ship


This episode is sponsored by Naborforce, connecting older adults with vetted, caring companions for rides, errands, tech help, and more. Learn more at naborforce.com.


Follow How to Age Well with Amy Kaszak:

Instagram: instagram.com/howtoagewell_podcast/

Amy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amy-kaszak-6702963/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> YOUR MEDICARE SEASON SURVIVAL GUIDE: PART 1 — ORIGINAL MEDICARE


Medicare touches nearly 70 million Americans, but it's shockingly easy to get lost in its rules, deadlines, and penalties. This episode kicks off a 4-part Medicare Month series to help you navigate it with confidence.


Amy sits down with Diane Omdahl, RN, MS — a registered nurse and Medicare expert with more than 30 years of experience, co-founder of 65 Incorporated and creator of the i65 Medicare guidance software. Diane breaks down the basics of Original Medicare: what it covers, who qualifies, the enrollment windows that can make or break your budget, and the penalties that follow you for life if you miss them.


In this episode, you'll learn:

• What Medicare is and how it differs from Medicaid

• Who qualifies for Medicare and at what age

• What Original Medicare covers — and the big things it doesn't

• The ABCs (and D) of Medicare: Parts A, B, C, and D explained

• Why your Initial Enrollment Period matters and how to calculate yours

• The late enrollment penalties that can follow you for life

• What Medicare actually costs — because "zero premium" doesn't mean free

• Where to find free, unbiased help if you get stuck


Timestamps:

00:00 – Why Medicare matters and what this series will cover

02:32 – What is Medicare, and how is it different from Medicaid?

03:33 – Who qualifies for Medicare, and at what age?

04:38 – What Medicare covers — and what it doesn't

05:47 – The ABCs (and D) of Medicare: Parts A, B, C, and D explained

09:08 – How to enroll in Medicare and your additional coverage options

11:08 – Your Initial Enrollment Period and how to calculate it

13:15 – Late enrollment penalties and what triggers them

17:29 – What Medicare actually costs — zero premium doesn't mean free

21:25 – Where to find free, unbiased help (SHIP counselors)

25:18 – The biggest tip Diane gives every new Medicare enrollee

27:02 – Open enrollment: what current beneficiaries need to do every year

34:12 – Key takeaways


Resources mentioned:

• 65 Incorporated — unbiased, expert Medicare guidance from Diane and her team: https://www.65incorporated.com

• Free Medicare Initial Enrollment Period Calculator: https://www.65incorporated.com/when_can_i_sign_up_for_medicare/

• State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) — free, unbiased Medicare counseling in your state: https://acl.gov/programs/connecting-people-services/state-health-insurance-assistance-program-ship


This episode is sponsored by Naborforce, connecting older adults with vetted, caring companions for rides, errands, tech help, and more. Learn more at naborforce.com.


Follow How to Age Well with Amy Kaszak:

Instagram: instagram.com/howtoagewell_podcast/

Amy on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amy-kaszak-6702963/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[The Owner's Manual for Your Brain:]]> Mon, 24 Aug 2026 07:03:00 GMT 32:37 6a8a0037a89d26398e585351 false https://shows.acast.com/how-to-age-well-with-amy-kaszak/episodes/the-owners-manual-for-your-brain 6a8a0037a89d26398e585351 69b03e5cfd2a350ef09a62d1 the-owners-manual-for-your-brain Finding Your Superpower at Any Age full 1 5 What if the key to your next chapter isn't something new you need to learn, but something you were born with and simply forgot to use?


In this episode, Amy sits down with Betsy Wills, co-founder of YouScience and author of Your Hidden Genius, to explore the science of aptitudes: the innate, hardwired abilities that shape how you think, solve problems, connect with others, and find joy. Unlike skills or interests, aptitudes don't change after age 17, which means they're just as relevant at 30 as they are at 60, 70, and beyond.


Betsy breaks down what aptitudes actually are, how they're measured, and why understanding yours can unlock new hobbies, deepen relationships, and give you a fresh sense of purpose in this stage of life.


WHAT WE COVER

- What aptitudes are and how they differ from personality tests like Myers-Briggs or StrengthsFinder

- Why aptitudes are set by age 17 and never change, even as skills and interests do

- The difference between "generalists" and "specialists," and what that means for your relationships and career

- Why so many people mistakenly believe they're "not a numbers person" or "not creative"

- How understanding your aptitudes can point you toward new hobbies in retirement

- Real stories: a bond trader turned volunteer EMT, and a graphic designer turned quilter

- New tools that connect your aptitude results to local classes, clubs, and travel opportunities

- How sharing your results with a spouse, partner, or adult children can build empathy and understanding

- The story of Betsy's daughter, and the danger of pigeonholing kids based on early interests


TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction to aptitudes and why they matter for aging well

02:32 - What aptitudes are (and how they differ from self-reported personality tests)

03:56 - There are 52+ aptitudes, from spatial ability to hue discrimination

08:54 - Generalists vs. specialists: what your score means for work and relationships

11:42 - Numerical reasoning and letting go of "I'm not a math person"

13:37 - Spatial ability, space planning, and matching hobbies to your wiring

14:49 - How Betsy started YouScience and why she wrote Your Hidden Genius

17:22 - Purpose, cognitive health, and why aptitudes matter more as we age

18:12 - Story: a bond trader's forced retirement leads to a new life as a volunteer EMT

20:10 - Story: a graphic designer rediscovers her tactile aptitude through quilting

23:08 - New tools connecting your results to local hobbies, clubs, and travel

25:41 - Using your results to understand your spouse, partner, or adult children

28:23 - Betsy's daughter, the "future orthodontist" who became a linguist at Amazon

31:00 - Final thoughts and how to get started


RESOURCES MENTIONED

- Your Hidden Genius by Betsy Wills: https://www.yourhiddengenius.com

- YouScience aptitude assessment: https://www.youscience.com

- Your Hidden Genius book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Hidden-Genius-Science-Backed-Uncovering/dp/0063289873


THIS EPISODE IS SUPPORTED BY

Naborforce, connecting older adults with compassionate neighbors for rides, errands, companionship, and everyday support.

Learn more at https://www.naborforce.com


CONNECT WITH AMY

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtoagewell_podcast/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-kaszak-6702963/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> What if the key to your next chapter isn't something new you need to learn, but something you were born with and simply forgot to use?


In this episode, Amy sits down with Betsy Wills, co-founder of YouScience and author of Your Hidden Genius, to explore the science of aptitudes: the innate, hardwired abilities that shape how you think, solve problems, connect with others, and find joy. Unlike skills or interests, aptitudes don't change after age 17, which means they're just as relevant at 30 as they are at 60, 70, and beyond.


Betsy breaks down what aptitudes actually are, how they're measured, and why understanding yours can unlock new hobbies, deepen relationships, and give you a fresh sense of purpose in this stage of life.


WHAT WE COVER

- What aptitudes are and how they differ from personality tests like Myers-Briggs or StrengthsFinder

- Why aptitudes are set by age 17 and never change, even as skills and interests do

- The difference between "generalists" and "specialists," and what that means for your relationships and career

- Why so many people mistakenly believe they're "not a numbers person" or "not creative"

- How understanding your aptitudes can point you toward new hobbies in retirement

- Real stories: a bond trader turned volunteer EMT, and a graphic designer turned quilter

- New tools that connect your aptitude results to local classes, clubs, and travel opportunities

- How sharing your results with a spouse, partner, or adult children can build empathy and understanding

- The story of Betsy's daughter, and the danger of pigeonholing kids based on early interests


TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction to aptitudes and why they matter for aging well

02:32 - What aptitudes are (and how they differ from self-reported personality tests)

03:56 - There are 52+ aptitudes, from spatial ability to hue discrimination

08:54 - Generalists vs. specialists: what your score means for work and relationships

11:42 - Numerical reasoning and letting go of "I'm not a math person"

13:37 - Spatial ability, space planning, and matching hobbies to your wiring

14:49 - How Betsy started YouScience and why she wrote Your Hidden Genius

17:22 - Purpose, cognitive health, and why aptitudes matter more as we age

18:12 - Story: a bond trader's forced retirement leads to a new life as a volunteer EMT

20:10 - Story: a graphic designer rediscovers her tactile aptitude through quilting

23:08 - New tools connecting your results to local hobbies, clubs, and travel

25:41 - Using your results to understand your spouse, partner, or adult children

28:23 - Betsy's daughter, the "future orthodontist" who became a linguist at Amazon

31:00 - Final thoughts and how to get started


RESOURCES MENTIONED

- Your Hidden Genius by Betsy Wills: https://www.yourhiddengenius.com

- YouScience aptitude assessment: https://www.youscience.com

- Your Hidden Genius book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Hidden-Genius-Science-Backed-Uncovering/dp/0063289873


THIS EPISODE IS SUPPORTED BY

Naborforce, connecting older adults with compassionate neighbors for rides, errands, companionship, and everyday support.

Learn more at https://www.naborforce.com


CONNECT WITH AMY

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtoagewell_podcast/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-kaszak-6702963/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Dementia Doesn't Wait]]> Mon, 17 Aug 2026 07:10:00 GMT 33:01 6a82221d83128ee3d2047e00 true https://shows.acast.com/how-to-age-well-with-amy-kaszak/episodes/6a82221d83128ee3d2047e00 6a82221d83128ee3d2047e00 69b03e5cfd2a350ef09a62d1 The Conversation Every Family Needs to Have Now full 1 4

Dementia doesn't wait until you're ready. It doesn't show up with a manual, and it doesn't care how busy your life already is. Every family should have this conversation before a crisis, not during one. In this episode, Amy sits down with Dayna Steele, a Hall of Fame rock radio legend turned nationally recognized dementia advocate, for a practical, no-nonsense look at what to do now: the early signs of dementia families often overlook, the questions every family should answer while everyone is still healthy, and simple daily habits that support brain health at any age. Dayna also shares "the Talk," her free 30-question guide built for exactly this, a tool for having the hard conversation early, whether or not dementia has entered the picture yet.

 

Dayna cared for her own mother through Alzheimer's, chronicling the journey in real time on Facebook, then turning that painful, beautiful experience into a book and a stage play, The Woman in the Mirror, now earning glowing reviews at the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Her honesty is startling: the signs she missed, the guilt she carried, the humor that kept her afloat. "Whatever you're doing is right. Period."

 

This is not just a conversation. It's preparation, permission, and power. Above all, Dayna's message is simple: you are not alone.

 

In this episode you'll learn:

[02:32] From Houston rock radio legend to leading dementia advocate, Dayna's unlikely path

[05:21] How Facebook unexpectedly became Dayna's support group

[07:20] The earliest signs of dementia families often overlook

[09:03] The moment in Vegas that revealed her mother couldn't remember their shared past

[11:20] "The Talk," the free 30-question guide every family should have before a crisis hits, not after

[15:50] The guilt of moving a parent, and the messy, unpredictable reality of dementia behavior

[20:03] How her mother's story became the stage play The Woman in the Mirror

[23:48] Understanding dementia as an "umbrella" that covers Alzheimer's, Lewy body, vascular, and more

[27:04] Practical brain-health habits you can start today, no matter your age

 

About Dayna Steele:

Dayna Steele is a Rock Radio Hall of Famer, author, and nationally recognized dementia advocate. After caring for her mother through Alzheimer's, she wrote Surviving Alzheimer's with Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass of Wine and created The Woman in the Mirror, an award-winning stage play based on her family's story, now earning glowing reviews at the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. She's also the host of the #survivingalzheimers podcast.

 

Resources Mentioned:

Dayna's Website: https://www.daynasteele.com

The Talk (free resource): https://www.daynasteele.com/the-talk

Dayna's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Alzheimers-Friends-Facebook-Really/dp/1519370849

The Woman in the Mirror (tickets & info): https://www.daynasteele.com/play

#survivingalzheimers Podcast: https://www.daynasteele.com/survivingalzheimerspodcast

 

Connect with Dayna Steele:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daynasteele/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daynasteele

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daynasteele/

 

This episode is sponsored by Naborforce, connecting older adults with caring, vetted neighbors for rides, company, and everyday help. Learn more at https://www.naborforce.com

 

Connect with Amy Kaszak:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-kaszak-6702963/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amykaszak/

How to Age Well Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtoagewell_podcast/

 

Topics: Alzheimer's, dementia, dementia caregiving, caregiver support, early signs of dementia, family conversations, The Woman in the Mirror, Dayna Steele, brain health, caregiver burnout, memory care, aging well

 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>

Dementia doesn't wait until you're ready. It doesn't show up with a manual, and it doesn't care how busy your life already is. Every family should have this conversation before a crisis, not during one. In this episode, Amy sits down with Dayna Steele, a Hall of Fame rock radio legend turned nationally recognized dementia advocate, for a practical, no-nonsense look at what to do now: the early signs of dementia families often overlook, the questions every family should answer while everyone is still healthy, and simple daily habits that support brain health at any age. Dayna also shares "the Talk," her free 30-question guide built for exactly this, a tool for having the hard conversation early, whether or not dementia has entered the picture yet.

 

Dayna cared for her own mother through Alzheimer's, chronicling the journey in real time on Facebook, then turning that painful, beautiful experience into a book and a stage play, The Woman in the Mirror, now earning glowing reviews at the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Her honesty is startling: the signs she missed, the guilt she carried, the humor that kept her afloat. "Whatever you're doing is right. Period."

 

This is not just a conversation. It's preparation, permission, and power. Above all, Dayna's message is simple: you are not alone.

 

In this episode you'll learn:

[02:32] From Houston rock radio legend to leading dementia advocate, Dayna's unlikely path

[05:21] How Facebook unexpectedly became Dayna's support group

[07:20] The earliest signs of dementia families often overlook

[09:03] The moment in Vegas that revealed her mother couldn't remember their shared past

[11:20] "The Talk," the free 30-question guide every family should have before a crisis hits, not after

[15:50] The guilt of moving a parent, and the messy, unpredictable reality of dementia behavior

[20:03] How her mother's story became the stage play The Woman in the Mirror

[23:48] Understanding dementia as an "umbrella" that covers Alzheimer's, Lewy body, vascular, and more

[27:04] Practical brain-health habits you can start today, no matter your age

 

About Dayna Steele:

Dayna Steele is a Rock Radio Hall of Famer, author, and nationally recognized dementia advocate. After caring for her mother through Alzheimer's, she wrote Surviving Alzheimer's with Friends, Facebook, and a Really Big Glass of Wine and created The Woman in the Mirror, an award-winning stage play based on her family's story, now earning glowing reviews at the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. She's also the host of the #survivingalzheimers podcast.

 

Resources Mentioned:

Dayna's Website: https://www.daynasteele.com

The Talk (free resource): https://www.daynasteele.com/the-talk

Dayna's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Surviving-Alzheimers-Friends-Facebook-Really/dp/1519370849

The Woman in the Mirror (tickets & info): https://www.daynasteele.com/play

#survivingalzheimers Podcast: https://www.daynasteele.com/survivingalzheimerspodcast

 

Connect with Dayna Steele:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daynasteele/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daynasteele

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daynasteele/

 

This episode is sponsored by Naborforce, connecting older adults with caring, vetted neighbors for rides, company, and everyday help. Learn more at https://www.naborforce.com

 

Connect with Amy Kaszak:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-kaszak-6702963/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amykaszak/

How to Age Well Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtoagewell_podcast/

 

Topics: Alzheimer's, dementia, dementia caregiving, caregiver support, early signs of dementia, family conversations, The Woman in the Mirror, Dayna Steele, brain health, caregiver burnout, memory care, aging well

 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The $130,000 Question The $130,000 Question Mon, 10 Aug 2026 07:01:00 GMT 33:16 6a78b6b3e188bf946fec2518 false https://shows.acast.com/how-to-age-well-with-amy-kaszak/episodes/the-130000-question 6a78b6b3e188bf946fec2518 69b03e5cfd2a350ef09a62d1 the-130000-question What Long-Term Care Really Costs, and the Curveballs No One Warns You About full 1 3 More than half of Americans over 85 will need some form of long-term care, and most of us have no idea what that actually costs, who pays for it, or what documents we need before we get there. In this episode, Amy sits down with Harry Margolis, one of the country's most respected elder law attorneys, to unpack what it really takes to plan for the decades after retirement.


Harry has been practicing elder law since 1987, is the founder of Margolis Bloom & D'Agostino, and has spent nearly 40 years helping families navigate long-term care, blended families, incapacity, and estate planning. He and Amy cover the handful of documents every adult should have (regardless of age or net worth), what happens when families skip them, why "estate planning" is not just for the wealthy, what long-term care really costs, why Medicare doesn't cover it, and how trusts can protect you and your family long before anyone passes away.


If you've been telling yourself "I already planned for retirement, I'm good," this episode is your wake-up call.


In this episode you'll learn:

[03:16] What "estate planning" actually means, and why it's not just for the wealthy

[07:02] The must-have legal documents every adult needs, even in your 40s and 50s

[10:19] What happens (and what it costs) if you don't have a power of attorney in place

[15:26] Blended families and remarriage: protecting your kids' inheritance and avoiding conflict

[21:30] What long-term care really costs, and the number every 65-year-old should know

[23:12] Why Medicare does not cover long-term care, a misconception that catches people off guard

[24:50] How Medicaid planning works, and where to start if you're running out of funds

[26:54] How trusts work for incapacity planning, and why nearly everyone should consider one

[30:41] Harry's advice for starting the "hard conversation" with your family


About Harry Margolis:

Harry Margolis is an elder law attorney and founder of Margolis Bloom & D'Agostino, practicing since 1987. He's the author of Get Your Ducks in a Row and The Baby Boomer's Guide to Trusts, founder of ElderLawAnswers.com and SpecialNeedsAnswers.com, and the voice behind the Substack and podcast Risking Old Age in America. He also advises Harvard Law students in the school's legal services clinic.


Resources Mentioned:

Harry's Firm: https://margolisbloom.com/

Ask Harry (free Q&A): https://askharry.info/

Risking Old Age in America (Substack & podcast): https://okayboomer.substack.com/

Harry's Books: Get Your Ducks in a Row and The Baby Boomer's Guide to Trusts (available wherever books are sold)


This episode is sponsored by Naborforce, connecting older adults with caring, vetted neighbors for rides, company, and everyday help. Learn more at https://www.naborforce.com


Connect with Amy Kaszak:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-kaszak-6702963/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amykaszak/

How to Age Well Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtoagewell_podcast/


Topics: estate planning, elder law, long-term care planning, power of attorney, healthcare proxy, HIPAA release, advance directives, trusts, Medicaid planning, Medicare, blended families, prenuptial agreements, incapacity planning, retirement planning, aging well

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> More than half of Americans over 85 will need some form of long-term care, and most of us have no idea what that actually costs, who pays for it, or what documents we need before we get there. In this episode, Amy sits down with Harry Margolis, one of the country's most respected elder law attorneys, to unpack what it really takes to plan for the decades after retirement.


Harry has been practicing elder law since 1987, is the founder of Margolis Bloom & D'Agostino, and has spent nearly 40 years helping families navigate long-term care, blended families, incapacity, and estate planning. He and Amy cover the handful of documents every adult should have (regardless of age or net worth), what happens when families skip them, why "estate planning" is not just for the wealthy, what long-term care really costs, why Medicare doesn't cover it, and how trusts can protect you and your family long before anyone passes away.


If you've been telling yourself "I already planned for retirement, I'm good," this episode is your wake-up call.


In this episode you'll learn:

[03:16] What "estate planning" actually means, and why it's not just for the wealthy

[07:02] The must-have legal documents every adult needs, even in your 40s and 50s

[10:19] What happens (and what it costs) if you don't have a power of attorney in place

[15:26] Blended families and remarriage: protecting your kids' inheritance and avoiding conflict

[21:30] What long-term care really costs, and the number every 65-year-old should know

[23:12] Why Medicare does not cover long-term care, a misconception that catches people off guard

[24:50] How Medicaid planning works, and where to start if you're running out of funds

[26:54] How trusts work for incapacity planning, and why nearly everyone should consider one

[30:41] Harry's advice for starting the "hard conversation" with your family


About Harry Margolis:

Harry Margolis is an elder law attorney and founder of Margolis Bloom & D'Agostino, practicing since 1987. He's the author of Get Your Ducks in a Row and The Baby Boomer's Guide to Trusts, founder of ElderLawAnswers.com and SpecialNeedsAnswers.com, and the voice behind the Substack and podcast Risking Old Age in America. He also advises Harvard Law students in the school's legal services clinic.


Resources Mentioned:

Harry's Firm: https://margolisbloom.com/

Ask Harry (free Q&A): https://askharry.info/

Risking Old Age in America (Substack & podcast): https://okayboomer.substack.com/

Harry's Books: Get Your Ducks in a Row and The Baby Boomer's Guide to Trusts (available wherever books are sold)


This episode is sponsored by Naborforce, connecting older adults with caring, vetted neighbors for rides, company, and everyday help. Learn more at https://www.naborforce.com


Connect with Amy Kaszak:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-kaszak-6702963/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amykaszak/

How to Age Well Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtoagewell_podcast/


Topics: estate planning, elder law, long-term care planning, power of attorney, healthcare proxy, HIPAA release, advance directives, trusts, Medicaid planning, Medicare, blended families, prenuptial agreements, incapacity planning, retirement planning, aging well

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The Forever Home Myth The Forever Home Myth Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:01:00 GMT 36:43 6a6f6786bfc42315fe43bcdd false https://shows.acast.com/how-to-age-well-with-amy-kaszak 6a6f6786bfc42315fe43bcdd 69b03e5cfd2a350ef09a62d1 the-forever-home-myth Want to live longer? You might need to move. full 1 2 Where you live may be one of the biggest levers you have for aging well — bigger than genetics, and bigger than most of us realize. In this episode, Amy sits down with Ryan Frederick, author of Right Place, Right Time and founder of here.life, to break down why "place" shapes health, happiness, and longevity — and why the idea of a "forever home" is often a myth.


Genetics account for only about 20% of how long and how well we live. The rest comes down to lifestyle and environment. Ryan walks through his four-quadrant framework — Environment, Health, Community, and Finances — for evaluating any home, including the one you're in right now. Amy and Ryan also unpack the real differences between aging in place, downsizing, and senior living (active adult, independent living, assisted living, and life plan communities), what those options actually cost, and how to navigate family expectations along the way. They close with a look at where aging-friendly design is headed next, from ADUs to self-driving cars to the rise of "longevity planning."


In this episode you'll learn:

[02:09] Why genetics account for only ~20% of longevity, and what drives the other 80%

[05:53] The Harvard study linking relationship quality in your 50s and 60s to healthy aging at 80

[09:48] How to navigate family expectations around moving closer to (or away from) loved ones

[12:21] Ryan's four-quadrant framework for evaluating any place you might live

[15:59] Why the "forever home" is often a myth, and how to plan for a home that evolves with you

[16:53] Why aging well requires a "place plan," not just a financial plan

[24:00] A plain-English breakdown of senior living options and what they typically cost

[25:27] What NORCs (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities) are

[31:36] Ryan's predictions for the future of aging-friendly living


About Ryan Frederick:

Ryan Frederick is an internationally recognized thought leader, consultant, and author of Right Place, Right Time. He's the founder of here.life and serves on the advisory council for the Stanford Center on Longevity.


Resources Mentioned:

Ryan's Book: Right Place, Right Time (available wherever books are sold)

Ryan's Website: https://www.ryanfrederick.life/

Place Planning Tools & Resources: https://www.here.life/resources


Connect with Ryan Frederick:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanefrederick/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanefrederick/


Connect with Amy Kaszak:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-kaszak-6702963/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amykaszak/

How to Age Well Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtoagewell_podcast/


This episode is sponsored by Naborforce, connecting older adults with caring, vetted neighbors for rides, company, and everyday help. Learn more at https://www.naborforce.com


Topics: longevity, aging in place, place planning, senior living, downsizing, retirement planning, NORC, independent living, assisted living, life plan community, healthy aging, longevity planning


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Where you live may be one of the biggest levers you have for aging well — bigger than genetics, and bigger than most of us realize. In this episode, Amy sits down with Ryan Frederick, author of Right Place, Right Time and founder of here.life, to break down why "place" shapes health, happiness, and longevity — and why the idea of a "forever home" is often a myth.


Genetics account for only about 20% of how long and how well we live. The rest comes down to lifestyle and environment. Ryan walks through his four-quadrant framework — Environment, Health, Community, and Finances — for evaluating any home, including the one you're in right now. Amy and Ryan also unpack the real differences between aging in place, downsizing, and senior living (active adult, independent living, assisted living, and life plan communities), what those options actually cost, and how to navigate family expectations along the way. They close with a look at where aging-friendly design is headed next, from ADUs to self-driving cars to the rise of "longevity planning."


In this episode you'll learn:

[02:09] Why genetics account for only ~20% of longevity, and what drives the other 80%

[05:53] The Harvard study linking relationship quality in your 50s and 60s to healthy aging at 80

[09:48] How to navigate family expectations around moving closer to (or away from) loved ones

[12:21] Ryan's four-quadrant framework for evaluating any place you might live

[15:59] Why the "forever home" is often a myth, and how to plan for a home that evolves with you

[16:53] Why aging well requires a "place plan," not just a financial plan

[24:00] A plain-English breakdown of senior living options and what they typically cost

[25:27] What NORCs (Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities) are

[31:36] Ryan's predictions for the future of aging-friendly living


About Ryan Frederick:

Ryan Frederick is an internationally recognized thought leader, consultant, and author of Right Place, Right Time. He's the founder of here.life and serves on the advisory council for the Stanford Center on Longevity.


Resources Mentioned:

Ryan's Book: Right Place, Right Time (available wherever books are sold)

Ryan's Website: https://www.ryanfrederick.life/

Place Planning Tools & Resources: https://www.here.life/resources


Connect with Ryan Frederick:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanefrederick/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanefrederick/


Connect with Amy Kaszak:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-kaszak-6702963/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amykaszak/

How to Age Well Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtoagewell_podcast/


This episode is sponsored by Naborforce, connecting older adults with caring, vetted neighbors for rides, company, and everyday help. Learn more at https://www.naborforce.com


Topics: longevity, aging in place, place planning, senior living, downsizing, retirement planning, NORC, independent living, assisted living, life plan community, healthy aging, longevity planning


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Hospital 911 Hospital 911 Mon, 27 Jul 2026 07:00:00 GMT 40:28 6a666d67614bacdace0404ed false https://shows.acast.com/how-to-age-well-with-amy-kaszak/episodes/hospital-911 6a666d67614bacdace0404ed 69b03e5cfd2a350ef09a62d1 hospital-911 What no one tells you before a hospital stay full 1 1 This episode is your wake‑up call. If you think a hospital stay is something you’ll figure out when it happens, think again. A hospital can save your life and still leave you weaker, confused, or less independent than when you arrived. And the truth is, most families don’t know the questions to ask, the decisions that matter, or the traps that lead to avoidable complications.

Dr. Antonio “Tony” Gamboa—hospitalist, physician executive, and someone who has lived this journey as both a clinician and a grandson—joins Amy to break down the real hospital playbook. You’ll learn the exact steps to take before, during, and after a hospital stay so you can protect your loved one’s safety, independence, and recovery.

This isn’t just an episode. It’s a roadmap that can change outcomes—and maybe even save a life.



What You'll Learn:

  • Why hospitals are built for acute medical care, not for preserving independence, cognition, or mobility
  • The hidden risks older adults face during hospitalization: delirium, infections, falls, sleep disruption, and rapid muscle loss
  • What post‑hospital syndrome is — and why the days after discharge are the most vulnerable
  • The four things you must prepare before a hospital stay:
  • Advanced directives
  • A complete medication list (including supplements)
  • Your designated medical decision‑maker
  • A basic understanding of your insurance coverage
  • How to identify your hospitalist — the “quarterback” of your care — and why they matter more than any specialist
  • The exact questions to ask on Day One to avoid delays, confusion, and unsafe discharges
  • What to expect after discharge: home health, rehab hospitals, skilled nursing, LTACs, and other post‑acute care options
  • How insurance and medical criteria determine which post‑acute care setting you qualify for
  • Red flags to watch for at home: delirium, weakness, medication issues, and signs of decline
  • How to advocate for yourself or a loved one in a system that moves fast and often feels overwhelming


Thanks to our Episode Sponsor


Naborforce — Human connection that shows up when life changes.

Companionship, errands, help at home, post‑hospital support, and caregiver breathing room.

👉 www.naborforce.com



Chapters & Time Stamps

00:00 — Welcome & Why Hospital 911 Matters

01:01 — Meet Dr. Antonio ‘Tony’ Gamboa

02:13 — The Hidden Risks Inside Hospitals

04:33 — Preparing Before a Hospital Stay

09:35 — Who’s Actually in Charge of Your Care?

12:16 — The Hospitalist as Your Quarterback

17:12 — Why Day One Is the Most Important Day

19:48 — Sponsor Break — Naborforce

20:39 — Post‑Acute Care: The Maze No One Warns You About

27:58 — Tony’s Personal Story: When the Doctor Becomes the Family Member

29:40 — Insurance Realities & Why Coverage Dictates Options

31:00 — Rehab vs. Skilled Nursing: Clearing Up the Confusion

34:06 — Red Flags After Discharge

37:24 — The Non‑Negotiable Questions to Ask Before Leaving the Hospital

39:07 — Final Takeaways: Your Power in the Process




Links and Resources:


Connect with Amy

Connect with Dr. Antonio “Tony” Gamboa

Helpful Links

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This episode is your wake‑up call. If you think a hospital stay is something you’ll figure out when it happens, think again. A hospital can save your life and still leave you weaker, confused, or less independent than when you arrived. And the truth is, most families don’t know the questions to ask, the decisions that matter, or the traps that lead to avoidable complications.

Dr. Antonio “Tony” Gamboa—hospitalist, physician executive, and someone who has lived this journey as both a clinician and a grandson—joins Amy to break down the real hospital playbook. You’ll learn the exact steps to take before, during, and after a hospital stay so you can protect your loved one’s safety, independence, and recovery.

This isn’t just an episode. It’s a roadmap that can change outcomes—and maybe even save a life.



What You'll Learn:

  • Why hospitals are built for acute medical care, not for preserving independence, cognition, or mobility
  • The hidden risks older adults face during hospitalization: delirium, infections, falls, sleep disruption, and rapid muscle loss
  • What post‑hospital syndrome is — and why the days after discharge are the most vulnerable
  • The four things you must prepare before a hospital stay:
  • Advanced directives
  • A complete medication list (including supplements)
  • Your designated medical decision‑maker
  • A basic understanding of your insurance coverage
  • How to identify your hospitalist — the “quarterback” of your care — and why they matter more than any specialist
  • The exact questions to ask on Day One to avoid delays, confusion, and unsafe discharges
  • What to expect after discharge: home health, rehab hospitals, skilled nursing, LTACs, and other post‑acute care options
  • How insurance and medical criteria determine which post‑acute care setting you qualify for
  • Red flags to watch for at home: delirium, weakness, medication issues, and signs of decline
  • How to advocate for yourself or a loved one in a system that moves fast and often feels overwhelming


Thanks to our Episode Sponsor


Naborforce — Human connection that shows up when life changes.

Companionship, errands, help at home, post‑hospital support, and caregiver breathing room.

👉 www.naborforce.com



Chapters & Time Stamps

00:00 — Welcome & Why Hospital 911 Matters

01:01 — Meet Dr. Antonio ‘Tony’ Gamboa

02:13 — The Hidden Risks Inside Hospitals

04:33 — Preparing Before a Hospital Stay

09:35 — Who’s Actually in Charge of Your Care?

12:16 — The Hospitalist as Your Quarterback

17:12 — Why Day One Is the Most Important Day

19:48 — Sponsor Break — Naborforce

20:39 — Post‑Acute Care: The Maze No One Warns You About

27:58 — Tony’s Personal Story: When the Doctor Becomes the Family Member

29:40 — Insurance Realities & Why Coverage Dictates Options

31:00 — Rehab vs. Skilled Nursing: Clearing Up the Confusion

34:06 — Red Flags After Discharge

37:24 — The Non‑Negotiable Questions to Ask Before Leaving the Hospital

39:07 — Final Takeaways: Your Power in the Process




Links and Resources:


Connect with Amy

Connect with Dr. Antonio “Tony” Gamboa

Helpful Links

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Season 1 Trailer Season 1 Trailer Thu, 09 Jul 2026 05:00:00 GMT 2:01 6a4fdf90cf487ba3a99251a7 false https://shows.acast.com/how-to-age-well-with-amy-kaszak/episodes/season-1-trailer 6a4fdf90cf487ba3a99251a7 69b03e5cfd2a350ef09a62d1 season-1-trailer trailer 1

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]>