Benjamin Surmi presented a Stanford report on robots for aging and disabilities, highlighting projects like Rosie, an outdoor guide dog, and an exoskeleton for better walking. Co-host Linda Sherman went deep on companion robotics by country. Elizabeth Magallon Fleury presented on innovative urban planning for aging populations, emphasizing Singapore's Age Well SG program and the importance of universal design. Debbie Howard concluded with tools for traveling with disabilities, including Google Maps, and apps like Aviv ScoutRoute, RollMobility and Be My Eyes. It was a lively discussion with contributions from co-host Ray Gordon.

Presented by Benjamin Surmi, Senior Living Expert and Social Gerontologist
Stanford Report 4-1-26 Researchers Prepare Robots for an Aging Society
https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2026/04/domestic-robots-support-aging-population

Linda Sherman’s chart of companion robots by country

Presented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life's Encore Planning
Men's Health 4-14-26 Innovative Urban Planners Are Transforming the Spaces Older People Will Thrive In by Michael Clinton
https://www.menshealth.com/health/a70895368/future-of-aging-spaces/

We referred to:
Michael Clinton talking about his Longevity Nation book on LinkedIn
Our latest episode with Eric Levitan CEO of Vivo on the Rethinking Aging Club Podcast
Singapore’s Active Aging Program

Presented by Debbie Howard, Aging Matters International
NY Times 3-13-26 Traveling With Disabilities Is Often Hard. These Tools Can Help by Liza Weisstuch
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/13/travel/disabled-travelers-apps-accessibility.html

We referred to:
Our Rethinking Aging Club Podcast 4-24-25 featuring TRAVELSIST
Magazine Travel Without Limits

Discussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman and Ray Gordon

Please see our BoomerTechTalk.com episode page for additional resource links

5-5-26 LinkedIn Show Post

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Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman

In our News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club episode recorded on April 21, 2026, Benjamin Surmi highlighted focus in the UK on training caregivers in dementia care, emphasizing the need for effective training evaluation. Benjamin also covered AI's role in automating documentation, staffing analysis, and onboarding in senior living. Ellen Khalifa shared insights from her solution-focused coaching training using AI.

The conversation also covered the importance of end-of-life care, including recognizing signs of impending death and ensuring family members are informed and prepared. We mentioned that The Pitt had a very relevant episode on respecting the wishes of our loved ones avoiding over-intervention, particularly intubation when it would cause more distress than help. We recommended to follow Dr. Kaishauna Guidry for more resources on hospice care.

Finally Linda Sherman did one of her Film Corners, introducing her 2026 recommended streaming shows which includes “actors of a certain age and topics relevant to aging” called “Aging Gracefully” as a category.

Presented by Benjamin Surmi, Senior Living Expert and Social Gerontologist
Benjamin tied two articles together.
Article 1:
The Care Home Environment 4-2-25 UK adult social care chief regulator Chris Badger gives TCHE editor Mary-Louise Clews insights into thinking behind regulators’ dementia strategy expected later this year.
https://www.thecarehomeenvironment.com/story/51093/exclusive-workforce-dementia-skills-will-be-central-to-new-regulator-approach

Article 2:
McKnights 3-16-26 Meet AI - Your Newest Team Member by Ron Rajecki
https://www.mcknightshomecare.com/news/meet-ai-your-newest-team-member/
Refers to:
LeadingAge’s Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST)

During this discussion Benjamin mentioned these three companies:
August Health is an EHR
Safely You - is integratable into August Health
SkyPoint.AI

Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan
Verywell Health 1-7-26; 12 Signs That Someone Is Near Death and How to Help by Angela Morrow, Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse, Medically reviewed by Lindsay Cook, PharmD
https://www.verywellhealth.com/common-symptoms-at-the-end-of-life-1132515

Linda recommended following Dr. Kaishauna Guidry, MD, HMDC ("Dr. G")

Linda’s Film Corner
We discussed end of life care advice from The Pitt
Patient: S1 Episode 2 - 3

Discussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman and Ray Gordon

BoomerTechTalk.com episode page with additional resource links

4-21-26 LinkedIn Show Post

News for the Ages podcasts live on Tuesdays. How to join live.

Please follow both of our podcasts including Rethinking Aging Club Podcast.

Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman

Our April 14, 2026 News for Ages episode reviewed an article on innovative devices for dementia patients, including a new NFC tag system in England. We discussed the challenges of setting up smart home devices and the potential still evolving role of AI in simplifying this process. We also discussed a study on aging anxiety and its correlation on biological aging, noting that anxiety about declining health was significant but needed further study.

Presented by Benjamin Surmi, Senior Living Expert and Social Gerontologist
BBC 3-17-26 'I Created Device to Help People with Dementia Stay Safe' by Isobel Fry
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly0jjn7k60o

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range wireless technology enabling two devices—typically a smartphone and a reader—to communicate when placed within a few centimeters of each other. It is widely used for contactless, secure payments (e.g., Apple Pay, Google Pay), digital wallet services, and, based on RFID technology, rapid pairing or scanning smart tags.

Presented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life's Encore Planning
NY Times 3-5-26 Smart Home Getting a Reboot from AI by Brian X. Chen
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/05/technology/personaltech/ai-smart-home-google-gemini-amazon-alexa.html
TP Link

Benjamin mentioned Jubilee TV during Elizabeth’s Smart Home article
We had Ashish D. Aggarwal, Ph.D., Co-Founder and CEO of JubileeTV on our Rethinking Aging Club Podcast 11-6-25

Linda mentioned a Boomer Tech Talk article she wrote with an illustration back in 2010 to support adult children helping their parents to use a Comcast remote.

Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan
Psychology Today 3-29-26 New Research Suggests That Age-worry Creates a Self-fulfilling Prophecy by Andrea Bonior, Ph.D.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/friendship-20/202603/a-surprising-effect-of-worrying-about-aging
Study

Discussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman, Ray Gordon and Debbie Howard

BoomerTechTalk.com episode page with additional resource links

4-14-26 LinkedIn Show Post

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Please follow both of our podcasts including Rethinking Aging Club Podcast.

Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman

Our News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club April 7, 2026 episode falls in the week of World Parkinson’s Day on April 11 and a Rethinking Aging Club Podcast episode on April 9th focused on Parkinson’s solutions. We began with Ray Gordon's article and study about a potential blood test for early Parkinson's detection. Researchers at Chalmers University and Oslo University, identified biological markers in the blood that indicate early stages of the disease - 20 years before symptoms. Their findings may lead to easily applied tests within 5 years.

Elizabeth Magallon Fleury led a discussion of Steven Petrow’s list of aging mistakes to avoid that he made in his 50's and his realization that he needs to use that for himself as he turns 70. Our discussion touches on the importance of accountability, staying active, and maintaining a positive attitude as we age. Fun new phrase from Steven “organ recital”.

Ellen Khalifa shared insights on co-living communities inspired by Chip Conley’s Modern Elder Academy, emphasizing the benefits of shared living for older adults especially in "regenerative communities" rather than retirement communities.

Presented by Ray Gordon, Architect, Urban Planner, Futurist and Former Pratt Institute Grad School Professor
Science Daily 1-29-26 Early Parkinsons Predictor
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260129080424.htm
Nature 12-5-25
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41531-025-01194-7

Previous Parkinson’s Discussions on Rethinking Aging Club Podcasts
Our Parkinson’s Rethinking Aging Club Show planned for Thursday April 9

Presented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life's Encore Planning
Washington Post 3-22-26 I Want to Avoid Aging Mistakes My Parents Made by Steven Petrow
Article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2026/03/22/aging-mistakes
Apple access: https://apple.news/AClWp9uLqQN-iUn8Eht_OBA

Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan
NY Times 3-30-26 Co-living: The founder of Modern Elder Academy (MEA), Chip Conley is on a mission to make “Golden Girls”-style living mainstream.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/30/realestate/modern-elder-academy-adult-co-living-retirement.html

Discussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman and Ray Gordon

BoomerTechTalk.com episode page with additional resource links

4-7-26 LinkedIn Show Post

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Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman

Our News for the Ages March 31, 2026 episode focused on the importance of muscle strength in predicting longevity, citing a study published by JAMA Network that found stronger grip and chair stand performance significantly reduced the risk of death in older women. Ellen Khalifa and Ray Gordon provided insights into how maintaining muscle strength supports mobility, balance, and overall health. Debbie Howard led a discussion on the economic potential of the longevity economy, using a Forbes article by Joseph Antoun, which emphasized the shift from reactive sick care to proactive longevity systems as well as the benefits of multi-generational housing. Commentary from Linda Sherman and Elizabeth Magallon Fleury.

Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan
CNN Health 3-23-26 Two Simple Strength Tests Predict Longevity in Older Women by Katia Hetter
Article: https://edition.cnn.com/2026/03/23/health/exercise-grip-strength-health-wellness
Study: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2845052

Presented by Debbie Howard, Aging Matters International
We found on Mary Furlong’s LinkedIn post
Forbes Business Council 3-24-26 How the Longevity Economy Could Reshape Work and Growth by Joseph Antoun
Joseph Antoun’s company L-Nutra
Article:
https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2026/03/24/how-the-longevity-economy-could-reshape-work-and-growth

Vocabulary: anti-senescence

Discussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman, Ray Gordon and Debbie Howard

BoomerTechTalk.com episode page

3-31-26 LinkedIn Show Post

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Please follow both of our podcasts including Rethinking Aging Club Podcast.

Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman

Our March 24, 2026 News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club episode began with the importance of hydration, discussing a Today Show article quoting Emily Johnston PhD, who recommends drinking a full glass of water first thing in the morning. Dehydration can lead to serious health issues, including kidney problems and seizures. Ellen: “It's great to see mainstream media making healthspan a part of normal American vocabulary”

We covered a gerontology program at Georgia State University Gerontology Institute using improv to train caregivers for dementia patients. Benjamin Surmi is a fan of improv skills especially in memory care to avoid rejecting what residents are saying.

We discussed a New York Times Magazine Ethicist column on senior driving emphasizing the need for practical solutions to help older adults transition from driving. A transportation infrastructure should be developed before it is needed.

Linda’s Film Corner today was on Chris Hemsworth: A Roadtrip to Remember. We highly recommend this film with reminiscence therapy tips for dementia.

Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan
Today.com Expert Tip of the Day 2-13-26 A Glass of Water on Waking by Caroline Kee
https://www.today.com/health/aging/morning-habit-healthy-aging-expert-rcna258744

Presented by Benjamin Surmi, Senior Living Expert and Social Gerontologist
CBS News 3-5-26 Improv Comedy for Dementia and Parkinson's Caregivers at Georgia State University Gerontology Institute by Brian Unger
https://www.cbsnews.com/atlanta/news/emory-georgia-state-turn-to-improv-comedy-to-help-caregivers-connect-with-people-living-with-dementia/ includes CBS News video clip.

Presented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life's Encore Planning
NY Times Magazine, The Ethicist column updated 3-4-26 My Aging Mother Won’t Stop Driving by Kwame Anthony Appiah
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/28/magazine/aging-mother-driving-ethics.html

Linda Sherman‘s Film Corner
Chris Hemsworth: A Road Trip to Remember launched on National Geographic Nov 23, 2025 now streaming on Disney; 52 minutes long. Darren Aronofsky is the same creator as with Chris Hemsworth’s Limitless series

Key words during this film: Reminiscence therapy, Social bridging, Multi sensory experience, Connections

Discussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman and Ray Gordon

BoomerTechTalk.com episode page with additional resource links and commentary on this episode

3-24-26 LinkedIn Show Post

News for the Ages podcasts live on Tuesdays. How to join live.

Please follow both of our podcasts including Rethinking Aging Club Podcast.

Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman

On our March 17, 2026 News for the Ages episode, we discussed a new Yale study by Becca Levy that found nearly half of adults aged 65 and older actually improved in cognitive or physical function over 12 years. As in Levy’s previous work, the study highlighted the importance of positive age beliefs. We explored the potential of smart homes to enhance aging in place, noting advancements in health monitoring, sleep quality, and safety features. Ray Gordon emphasized the role of wireless electricity and embedded sensors in future smart homes. The Oscar nominated animated short “Retirement Plan” is worth a watch. We noted the positive representation of age 60+ actors at the 2026 Oscars.

Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan
Yale 3-5-26 Yale Study by Becca Levy Challenges Aging Means Decline by Colin Poitras
https://ysph.yale.edu/news-article/yale-study-challenges-notion-that-aging-means-decline-finds-many-older-adults-improve-over-time/
Yale Study by Becca Levy in MDPI

Presented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life's Encore Planning
The New Yorker 11-13-25 The Dream of Finishing One’s To-Do List in “Retirement Plan” by David Sedaris.
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/screening-room/the-dream-of-finishing-ones-to-do-list-in-retirement-plan
Watch John Kelly's film at this link, it is well worth 7 minutes of your time.

Oscars Discussion
Older actors were well represented in nominations, wins and presenting, including in memoriam tributes.

Presented by Debbie Howard, Aging Matters International
Home Care Magazine 3-3-26 Why Smart Homes are Future Home Care by Rick Robinson. Rick Robinson is the vice president and general manager leading the AgeTech Collaborative from AARP (ATC)
https://www.homecaremag.com/aging-place-home-health/march-2026/why-smart-homes-are-future-homecare

Debbie mentioned that Elemind was on our show last week. Here is the March 12 published podcast for CES 2026 Highlights - Longevity with two ATC portfolio companies: Elemind and Sensate.

Discussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman, Ray Gordon and Debbie Howard

BoomerTechTalk.com episode page with additional resource links and commentary on this episode

3-17-26 LinkedIn Show Post

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Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman

This episode of News for the Ages by Rethinking Aging Club was recorded on March 10, 2026.

Today we had three articles from the NY Times, two on sexual health. One reported on by Linda, was specifically on things men should know about their own sexual health. Ellen reported on Sex Span, in this article sex after 80. We were all pleased to see these topics being addressed by respected press and encouraging open dialogue in society.

Additionally, Elizabeth Magallon Fleury shared insights on conversations to have with aging parents, emphasizing the need for medical history, living environment discussions, and designating a point person for medical decisions. The importance of HIPAA and health care proxy forms was noted.

Benjamin Surmi, Senior Living Expert and Social Gerontologist, announced joining Arvo while continuing to support Koelsch Communities. Arvo.Care (website is not up yet) is a startup developing a whole new way of training caregivers, nurses, housekeepers, servers, every employee who works in assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and eventually hospitals. Right now, we have really bad online training options for our whole industry.

Presented by Linda Sherman, Founder Rethinking Aging Club Podcasts, Managing Editor Boomer Tech Talk
NY Times 1-23-26 Mens Sexual Health by David Robson
UK based Author of The Laws of Connection, The Expectation Effect, and The Intelligence Trap
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/21/well/live/mens-sexual-urologists-advice.html

Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan
NY Times 3-5-26 How Older Adults Are Improving Their "Sex Span" by Catherine Pearson
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/05/well/family/sex-span-longevity-health.html

Related to Ellen's article:

5 Sex Exercises NY Times 4-27-24

Our December podcast with Maddy Dychtwald, author of Ageless Aging talked about Sex Over 70

Presented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life's Encore Planning
NY Times 2-8-26 Five Conversations to Have with Your Aging Parents by Simar Bajaj
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/08/well/aging-parents.html

Discussion hosted with commentary by: Linda Sherman and Ray Gordon

BoomerTechTalk.com episode page

3-10-26 LinkedIn Show Post

News for the Ages podcasts live on Tuesdays. How to join live.

Please follow both of our podcasts including Rethinking Aging Club Podcast.

Nickie’s Tune written and performed by Richard Sherman