Episodios

  • A Conversation on Longevity and the Habits of Centenarians

    A Conversation on Longevity and the Habits of Centenarians
    Jan 8 2026
    Dr. Joe Casciani in conversation with Pam Fultz, Vi Senior Living Each year, new research sheds light on what helps people live not just longer, but better. In this episode of Senior Living Straight Talk, I was invited by Pam Fultz, from Vi Senior Living, to reflect on longevity, mindset, and the everyday habits commonly seen among centenarians. Drawing on decades of work in aging and senior care, our conversation explored what truly supports resilience, engagement, and purpose across later life. What follows is our discussion, presented largely as it occurred. For those who would like to listen to the full conversation, the complete podcast episode is available here:https://open.acast.com/public/streams/64bacf2677b8c7001140a0a0/episodes/695dbe0c8e6dd12efb2a5695.mp3 And if you would like to watch it on video, tune in here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2mEwytvOUkymDx6bvEeduy?si=qokjAozTT12oHcOPNGybOQ What are some of the most surprising or common lifestyle patterns you notice in people who live to 100 and beyond? Sure. Well, there’s a lot of factors involved. There’s our genes. There’s access to healthcare. There’s our income level that plays a role sometime, but we also know that probably 70% of our longevity is due to our lifestyle, different factors going on in our lifestyle. There was a very interesting study that just came out recently from UnitedHealthcare, and I heard about it on NPR. They did a survey of centenarians. They found 100 centenarians, people who are a hundred or over, and they asked them about their lifestyles and what they attribute their living longer to. It was really interesting. About half of them talked about strength training, weekly physical exercise. A third of them were involved with gardening, some kind of outdoor activity. Another 30% were involved in stress relief, meditation, reflection. The interesting one that I found was that about 80% of them really enjoy humor in their life, and 80% like to laugh. So a good joke or whatever comes along. And of course, the importance of family connection- another 80%. What we’re learning from the centenarians is that it’s really consistency and not intensity, not impulsive decisions. It’s consistency over time, whether it’s diet, whether it’s reaching out to others, whether it’s maintaining some cognitive challenge. It’s that steadiness. We also learned that centenarians let go of grudges. They don’t hold on to a lot of ill will or bad feelings. They don’t spend time ruminating. They wake up with a purpose, a sense of purpose, and something they look forward to, whether it’s a community activity, volunteering, going to school, or teaching. There’s a lot of active thinking, active movement, and continuing to stay involved and engaged. I think that’s a good roadmap for us all to follow. Which is more important: genetics or lifestyle? The controllable or the -uncontrollable? Well, both. It’s hard to start thinking about our medical status when we’re 70 or 80. That really starts in adulthood. We need to maintain good health and avoid chronic conditions—diabetes, obesity, heart disease. That’s hard to start in our seventh or eighth decade. But when I heard that statistic from the National Institute of Health - research from around the world - that about 70% of our longevity is due to lifestyle factors, that really stood out to me. As a psychologist, I think a lot of it is our attitude and our outlook, and being able to get up after we get knocked down. The outlook toward the future is so important. If we have that positive outlook, if we feel like we’re continuing to take steps, I think that’s where the game is played, because we can’t always do a lot about genetics, even though that’s changing too. It’s the psychological outlook - maintaining good health, of course - but also having the idea that my future is important to me. There’s a motivational speaker who once said the future should be bigger than the past. When I say that to seniors, sometimes they don’t agree. A 70- or 90-year-old might say, “No, no, I can’t agree.” But I maintain the future still should be bigger than the past. We have a lot of good memories, but we still have to be open to what’s next. What specific daily habits would you recommend as non-negotiables for a long, vibrant life? Movement is big. We need to move every day, whether it’s walking or running. We’re not talking about marathons or gyms necessarily, but physical movement. Diet is important—mostly whole foods, avoiding processed foods. Sleep is very important. Seven to eight hours of sleep. From the Blue Zones, people invariably had seven to eight hours of sleep. Some people like to think they don’t need that many hours, but we do, especially in our senior years. And lastly, staying mentally engaged every day - staying challenged, continuing to learn. The brain likes novelty. Learning a new language, taking up a musical instrument, ...
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    23 m
  • Optimizing Hormones and Aging Well: A Conversation with Dr. Prudence Hall

    Optimizing Hormones and Aging Well: A Conversation with Dr. Prudence Hall
    Dec 24 2025
    How to balance hormones plays a central role in how we age – influencing energy, mood, sleep, strength, cognitive clarity, and overall vitality. In this Living to 100 Club episode, Dr. Joseph Casciani speaks with Dr. Prudence Hall. Dr. Hall is a gynecologist and pioneer in bioidentical hormone therapy and functional medicine. Dr. Hall shares her four decades of experience helping patients navigate menopause and beyond. Her treatment programs use personalized hormone treatment, nutrition, peptide therapy, and holistic lifestyle approaches. Together they explore the concept of “health age” versus chronological age, and how mindset, purpose, and self-talk shape long-term well-being. This conversation is about aging with agency – not slowing down. It is about supporting our bodies and outlook to remain strong, joyful, and engaged at every stage of life. Key Talking Points Hormones, cognition, and energy Mindset, purpose, and self-talk in aging Menopause and healthy aging Functional and integrative medicine approaches The role of lifestyle strategies vs. hormone therapy Mini Bio Dr. Prudence Hall is passionate about helping women reclaim their health, and their lives. From perimenopause to menopause and the challenges along the way, Dr. Hall uses regenerative and integrated medicine to guide women everywhere in rediscovering their energy, vitality, and joy for life. After years as a traditional gynecological surgeon, it was this passion that led her to create The Hall Center in Santa Monica, California. It also led her to write her book, Radiant Again & Forever. This publication helps women understand what is happening to their bodies, and become empowered as they navigate this transition. With care and compassion, Dr. Hall is here to help you get to the root cause of those frustrating symptoms and reinstate harmony within. For Our Listeners Dr. Hall's Website: The Hall Center A Related Podcast Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy with Dr. Greg Brannon. Listen HERE
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    36 m
  • Supporting Caregivers with Clarity and Connection: A Conversation with Crystal Gallo of Innerhive

    Supporting Caregivers with Clarity and Connection: A Conversation with Crystal Gallo of Innerhive
    Dec 24 2025
    Caring for an aging parent or loved one often brings emotional strain and managing complex medical information. Importantly, we can add the pressure of supporting caregivers and coordinating support across family members. In this episode, Dr. Joseph Casciani, Living to 100 Club Host, speaks with Crystal Gallo, CEO and founder of Innerhive. This is an innovative caregiving support platform designed to bring organization, clarity, and shared responsibility to the caregiving journey. We discuss how Innerhive’s automatic note-scribing app helps families capture and summarize important care conversations. This helps to shift overwhelm into actionable next steps. In addition, Crystal shares how the platform supports caregivers across conditions such as dementia and chronic illness. She goes on to describe how it helps families stay connected without adding technological burden. This conversation explores why caregivers often struggle alone and how to better engage networks of support. Our guest shows how simple systems can reduce stress. It has been shown to prevent crisis and improve well-being for caregivers and the loved ones they support. Mini Bio Our guest spent 15 years building teams and growing high-impact technology companies. Now, Crystal has discovered a deeper purpose in the most unexpected way: through family caregiving. In essence, Innerhive was founded with the vision to transform how we care for one another. It is on a mission to end caregiver burnout. It focuses on serving caregivers who provide and coordinate care at home. We help anyone navigating care find clarity, connection, and wellness on their journey. Main Talking Points The emotional and logistical burden caregivers face How Innerhive's automatic note-scribing captured and organizes conversations The importance of shared responsibility among family and care partners Encouraging caregiver well-being + self-care as part of the care plan Helping families move from reactive to proactive caregiving For Our Listeners Innerhive's Website: Innerhive.com A Related Podcast WellBe Senior Medical: Re-inventing At-home Care -- Listen HERE
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    33 m
  • MindTravel: Silent Concerts, Walking Meditations, and the Science of Musical Healing

    MindTravel: Silent Concerts, Walking Meditations, and the Science of Musical Healing
    Nov 12 2025
    MindTravel founder Murray Hidary joins Living to 100 Club's Dr. Casciani to explore how live, improvisational piano -- delivered through silent concerts on beaches and in parks -- can quiet the noise and open space for reflection, connection, and renewal. We discuss MindTravel’s walking meditation (in-person and virtual). We learn the brain and body benefits of music + movement. Explore what happens when a pianist composes in real time with the ocean, wind, and the spontaneous sounds of life. Murray shares how headphones create an intimate, meditative experience – even in a crowd – and why emotional processing is foundational to health span and lifespan. Plus: program design, community partnerships, and a preview of the Florida beach tour (with Deerfield Beach on the radar). Stay to the end for a short music sample from Murray’s catalog and details on how to experience MindTravel near you. Key Themes & Takeaways Silent Concerts: Headphone-based live piano creates a personal, inward experience in open public spaces. Music + Movement: Walking meditations leverage dual benefits – physiological regulation and emotional processing. Improvisation with Nature: Ambient sounds (waves, wind, even trains) become part of the composition. Well-Being: Connections among emotional health, social engagement, and long-term brain/body benefits. Community Model: 160+ events/year through city and parks partnerships; scalable, low-impact footprint. Technology as Bridge: Headsets, livestreams, and virtual walks expand access without diluting presence. Mini Bio Murray Hidary is a multi-disciplinary artist and tech pioneer. His purpose-driven approach is at the heart of his business success, acclaim as a visual artist and global recognition as a musician. Hidary has brought MindTravel to iconic theaters and spectacular outdoor venues in over 100 cities the world over. From the deserts of the Middle East to the first-ever piano concert on the continent of Antarctica, Hidary seeks to bridge gaps in understanding through the universal language of music. He is particularly interested in the human experience and, through MindTravel, helps people better connect with themselves and one another. For Our Listeners Murray's Website: MindTravel.com Explore upcoming MindTravel events: https://mindtravel.com
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    41 m
  • Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s: Understanding Dementia’s Secret Faces | Caregiver Tips & Behavior Strategies

    Truth, Lies & Alzheimer’s: Understanding Dementia’s Secret Faces | Caregiver Tips & Behavior Strategies
    Oct 9 2025
    What really happens as dementia and Alzheimer's disease progresses? In this Living to 100 Club episode, Dr. Joe sits down with Lisa Skinner, a nationally recognized and published expert on Alzheimer's disease and dementia. We shed light on the misunderstood realities of cognitive decline. Drawing from her acclaimed book, Lisa shares profound insights into how Alzheimer’s alters not just memory – but identity, behavior, and the fabric of family relationships. Listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for a person-centered approach to understanding dementia and dementia care. Why does traditional reality orientation often fail? And what does it really means to support a loved one through confusion, fear, and loss of self. The conversation also explores promising ways to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease - and how to live meaningfully even after a diagnosis. Understanding Dementia: Caregiver Tips and Strategies For ready-to-use activities and lesson plans, explore BLH Module 8: Understanding Depression, Dementia & Delirium. Learn more in Dr. Joe's Blog: Clearing the Fog: Understanding the 3 D's of Aging If you’d like to dive deeper into this topic, take a look at my blog, Clearing the Fog: Understanding the 3 D’s of Aging. Here, I explain how dementia, depression, and delirium overlap yet differ and why recognizing each is critical for caregivers and senior-living professionals. For a ready-to-use resource, explore BLH Module 8: Understanding Depression, Dementia & Delirium. This module includes 60 cards of lesson plans, activities, discussion prompts, and inspirational stories. It is designed to educate staff and support families. 🧠 Key Topics Covered: Why families often underestimate the full cognitive and personality impact of Alzheimer's How the brain’s decline affects perception, memory, behavior, and relationships A shift toward person-centered care: seeing the individual, not just the disease Why forcing someone into our reality is unhelpful—and what reassurance really looks like Lifestyle choices and behaviors that may reduce dementia risk Strategies for creating a supportive environment for those living with dementia Mini Bio Lisa Paglia is a behavioral expert in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. In her 20-year career as a community counselor and regional director of senior care facilities, she has helped thousands of families find the best care options for their loved ones. She holds an Administrator’s License through the California Department of Social Services. As a trainer, adviser and public speaker, Lisa has dedicated her career to teaching people the skills to effectively manage brain disease. Learn more at www.allseniorssafeandsound.com For Our Listeners Lisa's Website: www.allseniorssafeandsound.com Explore BLH Module 8 on understanding dementia, depression and delirium: https://www.livingto100.solutions/products/module-08 Learn more in Dr. Joe's Blog: Clearing the Fog: Understanding the 3 D's of Aging
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    43 m
  • Mental Strength, Self-Healing and the Power of Imagination: A Conversation with Dr. Christine Silverstein

    Mental Strength, Self-Healing and the Power of Imagination: A Conversation with Dr. Christine Silverstein
    Sep 23 2025
    In this inspiring Living to 100 Club episode, Dr. Joe Casciani welcomes Dr. Christine Silverstein, a registered nurse, hypnotherapist, peak performance coach, and noted historian. We discuss her unique blend of clinical experience, mind-body tools, and personal resilience. She is the author of Wrestling Through Adversity: Empowering Children, Teens, & Young Adults to Win in Life. As seen through a historical lens born during the turmoil of 2022, her book is a guide and personal memoir that contains case stories of actual clients. And it offers practical and accessible mental health tools she calls Mindful Toughness® skill sets. Dr. Christine shares her journey from working with elite performers to helping older adults, especially as it relates to successful aging. She shares her thoughts on how aging can be reframed as a new chapter rather than decline. She introduces her “Breathing Easy” technique. This combines physical cues and affirmations to manage stress. Our guest also opens up about her personal transformation following health challenges and vision loss. Listeners will hear how Dr. Christine's work bridges left- and right-brain techniques. It also empowers individuals to reclaim their inner calm and focus in times of stress. Her stories -- from a life-saving moment in the Outer Banks to a heart-shaped scar that became a symbol of healing -- illustrate how imagination and intention can reshape our future. And stay tuned for our guest's comments on trauma recovery and healing. Whether you're a caregiver, a parent, an older adult, a coach or simply navigating life’s challenges, this conversation offers portable tools and deep insights for building resilience at any age. Learn more about Dr. Christine at:www.idealperformance.net Mini Bio Dr. Christine M. Silverstein is a peak performance coach, behavioral health RN, and clinical hypnosis expert at The Summit Center for Ideal Performance. She has assisted clients of all ages for 27 years to reach their best performances in health, athletics, academics, business, and performing arts. She specializes in working with children, teens, and young adults. Her approaches use Mindful Toughness® skillsets, such as self-hypnosis, mental rehearsal, positive self-talk, and feedback loop analysis. As a researcher, historian, and best-selling author, she has presented her works on Hypno-Coaching and history in the US and globally to promote wellness and mental health. She is the author of her book: Wrestling Through Adversity: Empowering Children, Teens, & Young Adults to Win in Life. Explore Better, Longer & Happier A 12-module card deck series to spark conversations, activities, and insights on aging well -- designed for senior living communities and professionals. Learn more →
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    48 m
  • Bringing Compassion to the Table: Senior Meal Delivery with Heart to Home Meals

    Bringing Compassion to the Table: Senior Meal Delivery with Heart to Home Meals
    Sep 9 2025
    How Senior Meal Delivery Supports Aging in Place | Richard Peroe of Heart to Home Meals | Living to 100 Club Podcast How Senior Meal Delivery Supports Aging in Place In this episode of the Living to 100 Club podcast, Dr. Joe Casciani sits down with Richard Peroe, a leader at Heart to Home Meals, a company dedicated to delivering nutritious, home-style meals to older adults. Together, they explore how this service is transforming the aging experience by offering more than just food -- it provides dignity, convenience, and social connection. Richard shares insights about Heart to Home’s community-driven franchise model, the company’s mission of compassionate service, and the importance of personal relationships between delivery drivers and seniors. We also dive into the growing market for senior services, the benefits for franchise owners, and the company’s thoughtful approach to supporting aging in place. This episode offers valuable perspectives for families, senior care professionals, and entrepreneurs interested in making a meaningful impact in the lives of older adults (explore more in our Living to 100 Community.) What You'll Learn in This Episode The Heart to Home Meals story and its community-centered mission How senior meal delivery supports aging in place The critical social role of delivery drivers in seniors’ lives Franchise opportunities and what makes a successful operator Strategic expansion across North America Richard’s vision for growth, innovation, and compassionate service About Richard Peroe Richard Peroe is a seasoned franchise development and operations leader with over 30 years of experience driving growth, profitability, and strategic partnerships across national brands. Since February 2025, he has served as the Senior Director of Franchise Development at Heart to Home Meals. Here he focuses on expanding the brand's reach and supporting franchise success. He is responsible for the brand’s initial launch into the U.S. market. Previously, Richard held multiple executive roles at Jackson Hewitt Tax Service. These included Vice President of Franchise Sales and Vice President of Field Operations, where he spearheaded initiatives that delivered triple-digit sales growth, developed innovative franchisee support models, and secured key partnerships with Walmart, H-E-B, and Family Dollar. His deep expertise in market development, franchisee relations, and operational excellence positions him as a trusted partner for entrepreneurs looking to grow with Heart to Home Meals. For Our Listeners Heart to Home Meals Website: https://www.hearttohomemeals.com/ Heart to Home Meals Franchise: https://hearttohomemealsfranchiseusa.com/ 🌟 Explore our Better, Longer & Happier Card Decks -> https://livingto100.solutions 👉 Want to continue the conversation? Join us in the Living to 100 Community. This is a space for discussing innovations like Heart to Home Meals and sharing new ideas for successful aging.
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    37 m
  • Navigating Senior Living: Life Plan Communities and Informed Choices with Stuart Almer of Gurwin Healthcare

    Navigating Senior Living: Life Plan Communities and Informed Choices with Stuart Almer of Gurwin Healthcare
    Sep 1 2025
    In this episode of the Living to 100 Club podcast, I welcome Stuart B. Almer, FACHE, President and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System on Long Island. We discuss the evolving landscape of senior living options. Stuart shares insights into life plan communities (also known as continuing care retirement communities or CCRCs). During our talk, Stuart highlights the unique features of Gurwin’s Fountaingate Gardens, financial models, and the benefits of maintenance-free, wellness-focused living. The conversation also explores common challenges faced by families making the transition to assisted living. Stuart provides essential tips for consumers navigating these complex decisions. Tune in for valuable advice on planning ahead, redefining retirement, and finding the right fit for aging well. Key Topics Overview of Gurwin Healthcare System and its growth from a nursing home to a life plan community The continuum of care at Fountaingate Gardens and the resident experience Financial predictability and unique life plan models for senior living Challenges in transitioning to assisted living and strategies to support families The importance of active aging, socialization, and purposeful living Consumer education and practical tips for choosing the right senior living option Future trends in senior care on Long Island Mini Bio Stuart B. Almer, FACHE, is the President and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System, which has been serving Long Island seniors for over 35 years. Under his leadership, Gurwin has expanded into one of the few true life plan communities in the region, offering a wide range of care options, vibrant social programming, and a unique financial structure that supports lifetime care. For Our Listeners Website for Fountaingate Gardens: https://www.fountaingateli.org/ Website for Gurwin Healthcare System: www.Gurwin.org
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    35 m