Long ago, before the advent of television, there was radio.  Families would huddle around the radio and listen to shows each week.  News and events were broadcast and it was how we gained information and how we were entertained.  Over the decades things changed and television took over and then the internet.  Now, in 2020, the podcast is the new radio.  But what the heck is a podcast?  How do I get them?  How do I listen?

A podcast is an online show, similar to a radio show, that’s available at all times. A podcast is audio only – no video. You can listen to a podcast as soon as it’s available, or you can listen to it 5 years later. There are podcasts in all genres, from politics to sports to culture to comedy to everything in between.  Typically, podcasts are structured like a typical radio show – there is a host, and that host often interviews people about a specific subject. By the end of a podcast, you generally achieve one of the following:

• Entertainment value
• Valuable insights
• Education 
• A good laugh

A typical podcast is about 30 minutes in length, though there are shows that go for an hour and shows that only go for 15 minutes.

Podcasting started as mostly an independent way for individuals to get their message out there and build a community of people with similar interests. 

That still exists, but today there are podcasts from:

• individuals
• companies (large and small)
• radio networks (like NPR)
• TV networks (CNN, Fox, ESPN, etc.)
• new podcast-only networks 
• comedians
• storytellers 
• churches 

And a whole lot more…

Podcasts can be broken up into “seasons” like a TV show or be episodic and ongoing. A weekly release for new episodes is common, but there are daily podcasts, weekly podcasts, and really any cadence (or lack thereof) the creator desires.

Another great thing about podcasts is that you can subscribe to them, which makes it easy to get notified (via your favorite podcast app) when new episodes come out.

The most convenient way to listen to a podcast is through your smartphone. Practically every device on the market has at least one way to listen, and most phones have many! So, if you have a smartphone in your pocket, you already have an ideal podcast listening platform. 

If you have an iPhone or iPad, you have a head-start because they already come with a podcast app built in. Just look around your apps for one called Apple Podcasts.  It’s a great app for the average listener, allowing you to search the directory, find new shows and subscribe easily. Then, you just have to fire up the app each time you want to listen, and pick an episode for the day!

Podcasts are an excellent way for older adults to continue to learn, be informed, be entertained and just have fun.  

TRU PACE is a unique health care model that looks at the whole person’s intellectual, physical, social, and emotional needs. During this current pandemic, TRU PACE understands the importance of keeping the minds and souls of their participant’s intellectual engaged and vitalized.  All participants can receive technical support from the PACE Recreational Therapy department and volunteers to help them set up systems to open the world of podcasts.  Call TRU PACE at 303.926.4745 and speak to an Enrollment Specialist or visit https://www.pace.trucare.org to determine if you or a loved one can become a TRU PACE participant. TRU PACE TRUly cares about the older adults in our community. 

Isolation during this pandemic is increasingly becoming an issue for all of us.  But for our seniors, especially ones with few family members, this can be a significant challenge as they work to remain independent and in their own homes.  Senior isolation can result in a number of detrimental factors like depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, increased risk of falls, physical health decline, and a higher risk of mortality. In a pandemic, socialization is more important than ever for older adults.

TRU PACE is introducing a new volunteer program designed to offer a fresh, fun socialization option for their older adult participants.  TRU PACE has created an “Adopt-a-Grandparent” program, where members of the community can “adopt” one of the program’s participants to offer enjoyable social engagement every week.  Through this unique program, TRU PACE participants and their volunteers can communicate in a variety of ways, like email, letters, phone calls and Zoom meetings.  Even trading funny cartoons or jokes goes a long way in helping a senior who has become more isolated.  While the Adopt-a-Grandparent program can be satisfying for both the TRU PACE participant and volunteer, it can also positively impact the physical wellbeing of the older adult, which is especially important during times of stress. By becoming an Adopt-a-Grandparent volunteer, community members can make an important difference in the lives of older adults – and create lasting connections of mutual learning and enjoyment.

TRU PACE is a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly.  The program is designed to help seniors age successfully while remaining in their own homes.  The program offers numerous benefits such as coordinated health care, transportation, social services, in-home care and more.  The end result is the program is in constant and regular interaction with their participants. The Adopt-a-Grandparent is another in its portfolio of innovative ways to support seniors.

“We are so excited to kick off this new program for our participants.  We have always offered innovative ways to meet the needs of our participants whether it is daily phone calls, Zoom/Telehealth calls, Zoom group activities, Zoom counseling and now the Adopt a Grandparent program.  Senior isolation during this pandemic can be a real problem and the impacts are substantial and critical.  We are committed to new and creative ways to combat this issue,” said Samantha Black, Executive Director for TRU PACE.

If this is a program you’d like to become involved with, please look for TRU PACE on Facebook or via the following link:  https://www.pace.trucare.org/adopt-a-grandparent/                         

As we age we hope that our lives will become easier and without the stresses our younger years gave us.  In many instances that is exactly how it happens.  However, for many older adults there are specific challenges and concerns that become more immediate and important and finding solutions can be daunting.

The top concerns facing seniors today include:

1. Heath Care Costs – The cost of care is skyrocketing and as we get older, we require more care.  The regular office visits, specialists, procedures and medications – all of these are very costly and they impact the resources of seniors dramatically.  Consistently, this tops every list of senior citizen concerns.

2. Physical Aging – Aging means that we cannot move as well as we used to. We don’t see as clearly and our bones weaken. Nutrition, exercise and physical therapy become all the more important as we age.  

3. Loneliness – As we get older, we may become more isolated.  Friends and family are harder to see and isolation can become an issue.  This is especially true during this pandemic.  Senior isolation can result in a number of detrimental factors such as depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, increased risk of falls, physical health decline and a higher risk of mortality.

4. Transportation – Our reflexes can slow as we age and our eyes can become less clear. This may lead us to give up driving for our safety and the safety of others.  This can limit the freedom a senior has and can make the tasks of doctor’s appointments and social interaction much more difficult.

5. Social Climate – Adjusting to technological changes is the largest social hurdle for older adults.  Smart phones, computers and the internet offer many ways for a senior to stay in communication, but learning how to use these technologies is challenging for many.

For seniors meeting certain eligibility criteria, the TRU PACE program offers solutions for all of these concerns.  PACE stands for Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly.  PACE is a healthcare model centered on the belief that it is better for the well-being of older adults to be served in the community – in their homes – whenever possible.  Anyone 55 years and older who resides in the designated service area, lives safely in the community at the time of enrollment, and needs assistance with at least TWO activities of daily living (certified by the state to need nursing-home-level of care) is eligible for PACE services.

TRU PACE provides an integrated continuum of care to seniors that help maintain their independence in their home for as long as possible. Care and services include:

• The TRU PACE Center which offers access to an adult day program, rehab services, and medical clinic, where care is provided by a TRU PACE physician familiar with the participant’s history, needs and preferences.
• Care coordinated by an interdisciplinary team (IDT) of professionals: Primary care, nursing, rehab therapies, social work, home health, recreation therapy, dietary, and transportation.  PACE becomes the Primary Care Provider and offers an extensive network of specialty providers. This eases the pain and confusion of navigating the health care system.
• Home health and personal care, respite and palliative care.
• All necessary prescribed medications.
• Improvement to participant’s living environment to optimize independence and minimize the risk of illness and/or injury.
• A full network of medical specialists.
• Transportation to/from the TRU PACE Center for medical appointments and other services.
• Hospitalization and skilled nursing care.

Find out how TRU PACE can help you or a loved one remain living successfully in the community you love!  To learn more about the TRU PACE program and eligibility requirements, please visit www.pace.trucare.org or call an enrollment specialist at 303-926-4745.