Seniors Junction Podcast

Episode 55 - The Future of Seniors Living

Scott McCorvie is the CEO of Vita Senior Living. He brings two decades of experience in senior living investment and operations and is extremely passionate about enhancing the senior living industry. More info - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottmccorvie/ Seniors Junction is a Burlington, Ontario based startup, formed to prevent seniors isolation, mainly by offering 8-week (one session a week) hybrid courses, taught live, by experts. We believe in purposeful and learning-oriented retirement...

Episode 54 - Recreation, purpose and camaraderie

Lewis (Lou) Poloniatio is a retired businessman in GTA. His serious leisure pursuits include biking, bridge and tennis. Seniors Junction is a Burlington, Ontario based startup, formed to prevent seniors isolation, mainly by offering 8-week (one session a week) online courses, taught live, by experts. We believe in purposeful and learning-oriented retirement! More info - https://seniorsjunction.com Host Paul Merkley is the co-founder & COO of Seniors Junction. He is a Professor Emeritus fro...

Episode 53 - Meaningful and purposeful social activities

Paula Banno is an innovative leader and Director of Lifestyle at a large senior community in the US. We discuss with her how meaning and purpose need to be incorporated in the recreation activities in senior living. Seniors Junction is a Burlington, Ontario-based startup, formed to prevent retirement isolation and loneliness, mainly by offering lectures and excursions. We believe in purposeful and learning-oriented retirement! More info - https://seniorsjunction.com Host Paul Merkley is th...

Episode 52 - Aging, arthritis and social isolation

Jaya Sonkar MD MPH is a rheumatologist, geriatrician, and internist based in Cypress Texas. She is the founder and president of JSR Heath (http://jsrhealth.com/). She is UTMB Galveston Alumna, New York Medical College Alumna and Harvard Alumna. Link for today's discussion - https://drive.google.com/file/d/17DXjEequHfhljelyeMCnVVQbvaj_2F8y/view?usp=sharing Seniors Junction is a Burlington, Ontario based startup, formed to prevent retirement isolation and loneliness, mainly by offering lectu...

Episode 51 - Social activities in retirement

Kathleen Vipond is a retired music teacher. After teaching high school, she has directed choirs, worked with charities, and participated in clubs. She teaches a low-impact aerobics class and she plays bridge seriously. Seniors Junction is a Burlington, Ontario based startup, formed to prevent seniors isolation, mainly by offering 8-week (one session a week) online courses, taught live, by experts. We believe in purposeful and learning-oriented retirement! More info - https://seniorsjunction....

Episode 50 - Ageing Safely in the Home of Your Choice

Jean-François Pinsonnault lives in Maxville, Ontario. He is an Organizational Development practitioner, mediator, consultant, and coach with 45+ years of experience. The horrific impact of COVID-19 on residents of long-term care and assisted living facilities in Canada prompted Jean-François Pinsonnault to do something tangible to help. His new book "Ageing Safely in the Home of Your Choice" offers hundreds of ideas and tips to maximize safety and comfort. It builds on Jean-François' experien...

Episode 49 - Social isolation and spirituality

Our guest today is Jane Kuepfer, Schlegel Specialist in Spirituality and Aging, Spiritual Care Provider and Registered Psychotherapist. Her research areas are: Spirituality & Aging, spiritual care in residential care, spiritual resources, baby boomers More info - https://uwaterloo.ca/grebel/people-profiles/jane-kuepfer To get latest podcast updates subscribe to our newsletter - https://seniorsjunction.com Hosts - Namrata Bagaria, Paul Merkley Music - Aaron Shandilya Video Production - Namrat...

Episode 48 - Social isolation and technology research

Ron Baecker is Professor Emeritus in Computer Science from University of Toronto. He is the founder of Technologies for Aging Gracefully lab (TAG Lab), a world-class laboratory dedicated toward research for the journey through life. TAGlab works at the intersection of aging and technology, seeking to identify and address common issues of aging where technology can provide some benefit. At present he is the Founder and Chairman of https://computers-society.org/ To get latest podcast updates s...

Episode 47 - Social isolation and the purpose equation

Our guest today is Anna Hall, Founder of The Purpose Equation®. She believes that purpose is your reason to rise. Older adults are her purpose teachers. 20+ years in the senior living world, plus lots of research and experimentation with engagement frameworks, has gifted her perspectives on time and meaning. This is what inspired creation of the Purpose Equation®. More info -https://thepurposeequation.com/. To get latest podcast updates subscribe to our newsletter - https://seniorsjunction.c...

Episode 46 - Social isolation in New York City seniors

Elana Kieffer is the Acting Director, Center for Healthy Aging at The New York Academy of Medicine. She is a values-driven professional with content expertise in aging services and nearly 15 years of experience in policymaking, healthcare innovation, affordable housing, database management, strategic planning, and operations management. She oversees updates and trainings for IMAGE:NYC, the Interactive Map of Aging, in partnership with the CUNY Mapping Service at the Center for Urban Research/...

Episode 45 - Making seniors tech savvy

Abbie Richie is Tech Guru & CEO of Senior Savvy, Host of Tech Tuesday on Foresight TV. Senior Savvy specializes in providing one-on-one technical support and workshops for seniors. They relieve tech stress for seniors, so they can excel in today’s world. More info - https://www.seniorsavvy.net/ About Us Seniors Junction is a lifelong learning company offering music and arts education to retirees. Many retirees seek ways to use their time meaningfully and intellectually challenge themselves. ...

Episode 44 - Social isolation and loneliness in later life

Dr. Deborah Morgan is a senior research officer in the Centre for Innovative Ageing. Her main research interests are loneliness and social isolation in later life. She sits on the Welsh Government Loneliness and Social Isolation Strategy Board, and is an advisory board member for the Public health Network Cymru. Deborah’s research has led to several invited national and international presentations, and she has made several appearances on radio and television. She is also a Tedx Swansea speak...

Episode 43 - How to engage seniors after two years of COVID-19 restrictions

Ruta Pai is Engagement Director at Providence House Senior Living. She has a masters in clinical mental health therapy with dance/movement therapy. She shares with us how they are using engagement strategies to involve shut-in seniors after two years of COVID-19 restrictions. More info - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruta-pai-37788a97/ To get latest podcast updates subscribe to our newsletter - https://seniorsjunction.com Hosts - Namrata Bagaria, Paul Merkley Music - Aaron Shandilya Video Prod...

Episode 42 - Social isolation and digital programming

Our guest today is Scott Smith, National Director of Resident Programming at Five Star Senior Living. He is passionate about engaging older adults and doing things differently in senior living. He is a thought leader and advocate for older adults and for the use of technology in providing a person directed engagement experience. He has worked with with 16 communities across the US to ensure that the residents of the communities are receiving the best experience possible. More info - https://...

Episode 41 - Social Isolation and learning a musical instrument

Our guest today is Shana Anderson. She is a piano teacher based in Ottawa and has a Masters in Musicology from uOttawa. To get latest podcast updates subscribe to our newsletter - https://seniorsjunction.com Hosts - Namrata Bagaria, Paul Merkley Music - Aaron Shandilya Video Production - Namrata Bagaria About Us Seniors Junction is a lifelong learning company offering music and arts education to retirees. Many retirees seek ways to use their time meaningfully and intellectually challenge th...

Episode 40 - Social isolation and fitness coaching

Deepak Saini is a performance coach. He helps busy executives and entrepreneurs become high performers and maximize health, longevity and performance. He also offers a year long master class to help individuals create their personal Bluezone and be the best version of themselves. More info - https://www.deepaksainihealth.com/ To get latest podcast updates subscribe to our newsletter - https://seniorsjunction.com Hosts - Namrata Bagaria, Paul Merkley Music - Aaron Shandilya Video Production -...

Episode 39 - Social isolation & elder abuse

Our guests today are John E. Johnson, a retired lawyer, and Sabby Duthie, a former retirement-home owner. Their book, "Elder Abuse: You Have a Role to Play" is first-of-its-kind book undertakes the uncomfortable conversation that so many are unwilling to have — that elder abuse is widespread and very real. More info - https://www.amazon.ca/Elder-Abuse-Have-Role-Play/dp/1988925738 Hosts: Namrata Bagaria & Paul Merkley. Subscribe for latest podcasts on https://seniorsjunction.com Credits: Int...

Episode 38 - Seniors's & caregivers' isolation

Debbie Howard is Author, Speaker, Podcaster, Founder of Aging Matters International & TheCaregivingJourney.com. She is a former long distance and live-in family caregiver, who moved back to South Carolina when her Mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer, from Tokyo (where she had been living and working). About Us Seniors Junction is a lifelong learning company offering music and arts education to retirees. Many retirees seek ways to use their time meaningfully and intellectually challeng...

Episode 37 - Social isolation, affordability and involving seniors in assisted living

Joe Pohlen, Founder and Partner of Cardinal Senior Management has prospected and built a portfolio of multifamily, student housing and self-storage in West Michigan for the last 9 years. Cardinal Senior Management (CSM) is a regional operator of assisted living and personal care communities on the east coast. More info - https://cardinalseniormgmt.com/ Get the latest podcast updates by subscribing to our newsletter on https://seniorsjunction.com Credits: Hosts: Namrata Bagaria, Paul Merkl...

Episode 36 - Role of families and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) in supporting seniors in Long Term Care (LTC)

Our guest today is Professor Denise Connelly, BScPT, MSc, PhD. She is Associate Dean (Graduate and Postdoctoral Programs), Faculty of Health Sciences. We discuss how COVID-19 has impacted the way we address care teams for older adults and how family members and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) have a vital role to play. Read more - https://ltccovid.org/project/implementation-of-virtual-p-i-e-c-e-s-for-resident-care-planning-with-family-to-build-and-sustain-team-collaboration-and-resilience...

Episode 35 - Impact of physical separation in COVID on seniors and caregivers

Dr. Anna Garnett is an Assistant Professor at the Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing at Western University, Ontario. She is a registered nurse and her research interests include, older adults and their caregivers, Chronic disease management, Physical activity and aging, interdisciplinary approaches to chronic disease management, digital health applications within older adult care, and health services research. We discuss findings from her recent publication "Garnett, A., & Northwood, M. ...

Episode 34 - Social isolation and arts

Our guest today is Dr. Kate Dupuis. Kate received her Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Toronto. She completed her postdoctoral fellowship in the Neuropsychology and Cognitive Health and Hearing Services programs at Baycrest, and is a registered Clinical Neuropsychologist with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. In January 2017, Kate began her position as the Schlegel Innovation Leader in Arts and Aging at the Centre for Elder Research at Sheridan College. She is also a professo...

Episode 33 - Thanksgiving special with Atria Senior Living

Episode 32 - Social isolation and loneliness as risk factors for early mortality

Julianne Holt-Lunstad is Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Brigham Young University. Her research is focused on the long-term health effects of social connection. Her work has been seminal in the recognition of social isolation and loneliness as risk factors for early mortality and has worked with government organizations aimed at addressing this issue. Read more - https://julianneholtlunstad.byu.edu/julianne-holt-lunstad To learn more visit our website https://seniorsjunction.com C...

Episode 31 - Special Episode with Meals on Wheels America

Our guest today is Laura Belazis, Senior Director, Strategy and Impact at Meals on Wheels America. Meals on Wheels America is the oldest and largest national organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based senior nutrition programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. This network exists in virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety chec...

Episode 30 - Social isolation and motivation for physical activity

Our guest today is Dan McEwen, Director of Market Development at Motitech Canada. After completing his PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Ottawa, Dan joined a multi-site research project focused on the use of Motiview, a motivational technology to increase physical activity for elders and individuals living with dementia. After seeing the positive benefits on not just the main user but the environment around them, he decided to join Motitech Canada full time to spread this kn...

Episode 29 - Social isolation from a veteran media expert's perspective

Our guest today is Anthony Cirillo, founder of SAGE network, president of the aging experience and a regular contributor to US News and World Report, Sixty and Me and other publications. Quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today and more, he is a veteran media expert who appears monthly on The Charlotte Today program talking about aging issues. More info - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonycirillo/ To learn more about Seniors Junction and our podcast visit our website https://sen...

Episode 28 - Social isolation and serious leisure

Robert Stebbins is Professor Emeritus in Sociology from University of Calgary. He coined the term "serious leisure" on which Seniors Junction has based its services. He has taught in the departments of sociology at Presbyterian College (1964-65), Memorial Univ. of Newfoundland (1965-73), the Univ. of Texas at Arlington (1973-76), and the Univ. of Calgary (1976 to the present). He is now appointed as Faculty Professor in the Faculty of Social Sciences. He was also head of department at Calgary...

Episode 27 - Social isolation and entrepreneurship

Our guest today is Jake Rothstein. He is the founder and CEO of UpsideHom. UpsideHōM was founded on a simple premise; to enhance the quality of life for older adults everywhere. They are doing so by creating a new category of Senior Living using technology, and building the first and only fully managed living option for senior citizens in the nation. Learn more at www.upsidehom.com. To learn more visit our website https://seniorsjunction.com Credits: Hosts: Namrata Bagaria, Paul Merkley In...

Episode 26 - Loss, grief and isolation from a thanatologist's perspective

Our special guest today is Karen Omand who is a grief counsellor and thanatologist. Thanatology is the study of death and the losses brought about as a result. Thanatologists do not try to fix or take away the pain that is associated with death or non-death losses but bear witness to the pain with true empathy, building a safe and trusting relationship, validating, educating and helping the person learn to integrate their grief into their lives and to find meaning again. More info - https://g...

Episode 25 - Social isolation as explained by a psychiatrist

Dan G. Blazer II, M.D., M.P.H., Ph.D., is the J. P. Gibbons Professor of Psychiatry Emeritus and a professor of community and family medicine at Duke University as well as adjunct professor in the Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Carolina. He has been studying isolation since the '70s and he also chaired the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report on "Social Isolation and Loneliness in Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care Syst...

Episode 24 - Special episode with former and present director of Centre for Elder Research, Sheridan College

Our guests today are Pat Spadafora, founder and former Director of the Sheridan College Centre for Elder Research and Lia Tsotsos, present Director at Sheridan Centre for Elder Research who share a multi-pronged research based solutions to tackle senior isolation. More about the centre - https://www.sheridancollege.ca/research/centres/elder-research About Us Seniors Junction is a lifelong learning company offering music and arts education to retirees. Many retirees seek ways to use their ti...

Episode 23 - Special Episode on Government of Ontario's work on senior isolation

Our guest today is Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, MPP Daisy Wai. She represents the riding of Richmond Hill. She discusses with us in detail the various initiatives the provincial government has taken to address isolation in seniors. More info - https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-seniors-accessibility Get the latest podcast updates by subscribing to our newsletter on https://seniorsjunction.com Credits: Hosts: Namrata Bagaria, Paul Merkley Intro & ...

Episode 22 - Senior isolation and intergenerational friendships

Our guests today are founding members of the Wisdom Exchange Project - Lauren Bechard and Danielle D'Amico who are doctoral candidates at Waterloo and Ryerson University respectively. The Wisdom Exchange Project was founded in 2020 to address social isolation and loneliness by creating a community committed to promoting brain health through mutually-beneficial intergenerational relationships. More info - https://www.wisdomexchangeproject.com/ Get the latest podcast updates by subscribing to ...

Episode 21 - Senior isolation, grief and active listening

Our guest today is Robert Mundle. He is a spiritual health practitioner. He provides education and training on listening and communication skills for health care professionals and volunteers based on original qualitative research. His work explores the spirituality of listening - in theory and stories - to enhance the quality of hospice & palliative care. More info- https://robertmundle.com Get the latest podcast updates by subscribing to our newsletter on https://seniorsjunction.com Credit...

Episode 20 - Special episode on retirement life with Professor Emeritus Fraser Code

Dr. Fraser Code is Professor Emeritus in Department of Physics at University of Toronto. He lives an active retirement volunteering, writing, being active and following his curiosity. His personal website - https://frasercode.ca/ Get the latest podcast updates by subscribing to our newsletter on https://seniorsjunction.com Credits: Hosts: Namrata Bagaria, Paul Merkley Intro & Outro Music: Aaron Shandilya Video Production: Aaryaman Chandgothia Image: Namrata Bagaria & Vivek Agarwal Abou...

Episode 19 - Senior isolation and technology training

Our guest today is Daniel Marrello, co-founder of UpTOSpeed and TechServeTO. UpTOSpeed is a marketplace for universal education and technical support tailored for older adults and TechServeTO is an organization which provides free tech support to older-adults who have difficulty using online platforms. More info - https://www.uptospeedyou.com/ and https://www.techserveto.com/ Get the latest podcast updates by subscribing to our newsletter on https://seniorsjunction.com Credits: Hosts: Namrat...

Episode 18 - Senior isolation and virtual reality

Our guest today is Dr. Munira Sultana, MBBS, MPH, PhD. She is a postdoctoral fellow at Gait and Brain Lab, Parkwood Institute. Her research focuses on using immersive experiences such as virtual reality for patients with dementia and she shares how this can be applied to senior isolation. More info - https://www.linkedin.com/in/munirasultana/ Get the latest podcast updates by subscribing to our newsletter on https://seniorsjunction.com Credits: Hosts: Namrata Bagaria, Paul Merkley Intro & O...

Episode 17 - Senior isolation and narrative gerontology

Our guest today is Professor William (Bill) Randall from St. Thomas University, New Brunswick. With colleagues worldwide, he has been developing an approach to aging called "Narrative Gerontology"​, which proposes that, at bottom, we are storytelling creatures, and consciously or otherwise, are continually composing "the story of my life"​, a complex text that aging itself nudges us to read. He has recently published a book - "In Our Stories Lies Our Strength: Aging, Spirituality, and Narrati...

Episode 16 - Senior isolation and dementia

Our guest today is occupational therapist, Dean Henderson, Director of Client Experience, Education and Innovation at The Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County. Through the society, a Dementia Care Coach provides expert support to improve the quality of life of caregivers, families and people living with dementia. More info - https://dementiahelp.ca/ Get the latest podcast updates by subscribing to our newsletter on https://seniorsjunction.com Credits: Hosts: Namrata Bagaria, Paul ...

Episode 15 - Senior isolation and empathy

In today's episode we interview Bill Dai, CEO and Nicole Shute, Seniors Client Success Specialist of CareStory. CareStory provides non-medical digital solution where each long term care resident’s profile has a quick fact page, personalized music, life stories, and video messages that can greatly facilitate caregivers’ daily jobs. More info - https://carestory.ca/ Get the latest podcast updates by subscribing to our newsletter on https://seniorsjunction.com Credits: Hosts: Namrata Bagaria,...

Episode 14 - Senior isolation & importance of friendships

Episode 13 - Special episode with residents of Silvera Aspen Lodge

Episode 12 - Senior isolation and solo aging

Sara Zeff Geber, PhD is thought leader, professional speaker and author on Solo Aging. Twenty percent of baby boomers don't have children, in addition to that the growing number of people aging alone for other reasons and we have a critical mass of SOLO AGERS! More info - https://sarazeffgeber.com/ Get the latest podcast updates by subscribing to our newsletter on https://seniorsjunction.com Credits: Hosts: Namrata Bagaria, Paul Merkley Intro & Outro Music: Aaron Shandilya Video Produc...

Episode 11 - Senior isolation and culturally appropriate senior living

Episode 10 - Senior isolation and physical activity

In today's episode we interview Emily Johnson, Founder of StrongerU Senior Fitness, Canada’s first pre-choreographed Senior Fitness series offering online education and certification in four program types. More info - https://www.strongeruseniorfitness.com/ Get the latest podcast updates by subscribing to our newsletter on https://seniorsjunction.com Credits: Hosts: Namrata Bagaria, Paul Merkley Intro & Outro Music: Aaron Shandilya Video Production: Aaryaman Chandgothia Image: Namrata B...

Episode 9 - Senior isolation, retirement living and vaccination

In today's episode we interview Dr. Neel Chadha, President and Co-Founder at Lanark Lifestyles Retirement Residence. Dr. Neel Chadha is a dedicated family physician who specializes in senior care. He discovered his passion for senior care in medical school and has developed extensive knowledge of ailments affecting the senior population. More info - https://lanarklifestyles.ca/ Get the latest podcast updates by subscribing to our newsletter on https://seniorsjunction.com Credits: Hosts: N...

Episode 8 - Senior isolation and purpose

In today's episode we interview Vlad Volodarski, CEO of Chartwell Retirement Residences. Vlad was appointed Chartwell’s Chief Executive Officer effective March 16, 2020, Vlad has held progressive roles within Chartwell since 2003, when he joined the company as Vice President Finance. In 2005, he was appointed Chief Financial Officer and in 2011 he also assumed the duties of Chief Investment Officer. Chartwell is a listed company and a market leader in retirement residences. More info: https:/...

Episode 7 - Senior isolation and community interventions

In today's episode we interview Anthony Kupferschmidt, Executive Director at West End Seniors' Network Society. West End Seniors’ Network become an incorporated society in BC in October 1982, and has been a registered charity since July 1984. Currently, there are over 950 members of the Network, 15 paid staff members and more than 250 active volunteers who contribute over 20,000 hours a year (as on Aug 2020). More info https://http://wesn.ca/ Get the latest podcast updates by subscribing to ...

Episode 6 - Senior isolation and social robots

In today's episode we interview Lee St. James and her social robot Mindy. Social Robots helps families and seniors who are in assisted living/ retirement homes stay connected when they can’t visit in person as often as they would like. Mindy, their friendly robot (always accompanied by a Social Robot expert), will visit weekly or bi-weekly to share your messages, photos, videos and music. More info https://socialrobots.ca Get the latest podcast updates by subscribing to our newsletter on ht...