Living to 100 Club

In this episode of the Living to 100 Club Podcast, Dr. Joe sits down with Deana Liss, Executive Director of Elderwerks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting older adults and their families as they navigate the aging journey. Based in Illinois, Elderwerks has helped thousands through its free counseling, housing guidance, educational programs, and fitness offerings—all designed to empower seniors and caregivers alike. Joe and Deana explore what it means to age well from both a psychological and practical lens. With over 40 years of experience in senior care, Joe shares insights on maintaining motivation, managing setbacks, and promoting a positive outlook. Deana brings her on-the-ground expertise in memory care, activity programming, and resource navigation, offering listeners a clear picture of how Elderwerks helps seniors live fully and confidently. Whether you're a caregiver, a solo ager, or a professional in senior services, this episode delivers both inspiration and actionable advice for navigating later life with clarity and purpose. Mini Bio Deana Liss brings over twenty years healthcare experience from hospital systems, skilled nursing, assisted living, independent living, and memory care communities. In addition to working in healthcare, she has had the honor of assisting many of her own personal family and friends through healthcare challenges ranging from memory loss, cancer, and auto-immune diseases. Our guest is dedicated to patient advocacy and has a strong commitment to compassionately providing all individuals and their loved ones with education, resources, and support which enables them to make the best decisions to improve their lives. When not working, Deana enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends, working on her family’s farm, camping, gardening, crafting, and constantly coming up with new cooking creations in the kitchen. For Our Listeners Deana's website: Elderwerks.org

In this episode of the Living to 100 Club podcast, we learn about the focus on preventive health by Marqi Medical. We explore how it is shifting the focus of healthcare from reactive treatment to proactive prevention. Founder Xavier Serrano shares how his background in health insurance and a personal family crisis inspired him to launch a concierge-style longevity platform. This platform targets high-achieving executives. By integrating advanced diagnostics, genomics, wearable tech, and continuous data monitoring, Marqi Medical helps clients detect risk factors early and make lifestyle changes before symptoms appear. Key Takeaways from this Episode The value of personalized data in motivating behavior change The untapped potential of supplemental insurance for longevity care How psychological resilience and mindset complement biological interventions Why early detection and preventive health -- not crisis response -- are the future of healthcare Opportunities for collaborative models that bring medical and behavioral science together Tune in for a compelling look at how a new model of healthcare may reshape the way we age. Mini Bio Xavier Serrano is CEO of Marqi Medical. He leads the development of AI-driven health solutions focused on personalized, preventative care. With a background in digital health and diagnostics, Xavier works closely with clinicians and technology partners to deliver actionable insights that optimize individual health and longevity. Resources and Links Website of Marqi Medical: https://marqimedical.com/ Visit the Living to 100 Club's Better, Longer & Happier Modules for Senior Living Communities at www.livingto100.solutions

How healthy is your brain—and how do you really know? In this episode, Dr. Joe Casciani and the Living to 100 Club welcome Dr. Mark Tommerdahl, a leading neurophysiologist and co-founder of Cortical Metrics. Together, they explore the science behind the Brain Gauge, a groundbreaking tool for objectively measuring brain health. The Brain Gauge is a cognitive assessment tool that uses touch-based sensory testing to measure mental fitness. Mark shares how this compact device is now being used to track age-related cognitive changes, support autism research, and improve concussion recovery. This device is even capable of guiding lifestyle changes for better mental performance. Listeners will learn about the science of sensory-based neurofunctional testing and the critical role of executive function and cognitive processing. What are the benefits of brain training as a complement to other treatments? We also discuss new sensory-motor exercise technology. How can it improve brain function? And understand the evolution of a 20-year health project that’s now available to professionals and individuals alike. 🧠 Dr. Tommerdahl is offering a $50 discount for podcast listeners.📊 Learn more: www.corticalmetrics.com Mini Bio Dr. Mark Tommerdahl is a neurophysiologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is the co-founder and President of Cortical Metrics, the company behind the Brain Gauge. His research centers on brain health and the cortical-cortical interactions and sensory information processing. In particular, the research examines how sensory information processing relates to neurological conditions such as autism and concussion. Dr. Tommerdahl’s work has advanced the field of neuroscience through the development of practical, objective tools for assessing brain function in both clinical and research settings. For Our Listeners Mark's Website: www.corticalmetrics.com Purchase Discount for Listeners: On checkout, enter Living to 100 for $50 discount

In this episode of The Living to 100 Club Podcast, we welcome back the dynamic and insightful Lynne Bowman. Now celebrating her 80th year, Lynne shares reflections on embracing aging, health trends, and personal reinvention. We discuss her fitness journey, the evolving views on sugar substitutes and healthy eating, and the role of social connection in longevity. We also touch on embracing new passions—whether it's painting, drumming, or exploring AI technology. This conversation is an inspiring reminder that aging is not about slowing down but about evolving, learning, and thriving. Key Takeaways: A New Perspective on Aging: Lynne reflects on turning 80 and how aging brings freedom from societal expectations. Health Trends & Longevity: Insights on sugar substitutes, the Keto and carnivore diets, and the potential longevity benefits of Metformin. The Power of Social Connection: How community and shared meals enhance well-being, especially for those living alone. Reinvention & Lifelong Learning: Joe and Lynne discuss personal growth, staying mentally and physically active, and embracing new hobbies like drumming and painting. AI in Podcasting & Content Creation: Exploring the role of AI in summarizing conversations and content generation. Mini Bio Lynne has been featured at women's expos throughout the country, teaming with actress Deidre Hall to write and publish Deidre Hall's Kitchen Closeup (2010) and Deidre Hall's How Does She Do It? (2012). In previous lives, she won national awards as a creative director for Silicon Valley companies, was Creative Director at E&J Gallo Winery, Advertising Manager at RedKen Laboratories, and freelanced for agencies in San Jose, Los Angeles, and New York. She has also worked as an actress, makeup artist, screenwriter, illustrator, legal journalist, and television Weather Person. Lynne has three grown children, two absolutely perfect grandchildren, and is president of The Pescadero Foundation. She and her husband have a small farm on the coast of Northern California. For Our Listeners Lynne's website: LynneBowman.com Lynne's book: Brownies for Breakfast

Falls are one of the greatest health risks for older adults. And traditional gait training often lacks the cognitive component necessary for reducing fall risks. In this Living to 100 Club episode, Dr. Joe Casciani sits down with Hilik Harari, CEO of GaitBetter. We discuss the intersection of cognitive capacity and mobility. We look at how virtual reality technology is revolutionizing fall prevention. Hilik shares insights into how GaitBetter’s system—an AI-powered, treadmill-based training tool. He describes how it improves walking ability and cognitive function through gamified challenges and real-world simulations. Clinical trials are demonstrating a 70% reduction in fall risk. Clearly, this technology is changing the landscape of rehabilitation, senior living, and preventative care. Join us as we explore:✔️ The science behind cognitive function and motor training for fall prevention✔️ How virtual reality enhances gait training and neuroplasticity✔️ The role of gamification and motivation in rehabilitation✔️ The impact of this technology in clinics, hospitals, and senior communities 🎧 Tune in now and discover how innovative technology is helping older adults stay on their feet—literally! Mini Bio Hilik Harari is the CEO of GaitBetter, a provider of motor-cognitive training solution for gait rehabilitation and falls prevention. With more than 20 years of international experience in early and late-stage technology companies, Hilik holds extensive multidisciplinary experience. These are in the areas of strategy, business development, marketing, product, R&D and professional services. Prior to co-founding GaitBetter, Hilik held different executive and operational positions. This included a position at Kryon (systems) a leader of robotic process automation. There he served as the VP of Product and Marketing. With ClearForest (acquired by Thomson Reuters), a pioneer in text analytics solutions, he served as a director of services. And most recently as the VP of Product for invest.com. Our guest holds a BA in computer science from the Tel Aviv Academic College. He also has an EMBA from Kellogg-Recanati, Northwestern University & Tel-Aviv University. For Our Listeners Our Guest's Website: GaitBetter.com

Dating after 50 comes with unique challenges—but also exciting opportunities for fresh starts and meaningful connections. In this episode of the Living to 100 Club podcast, I sit down with Andrea McGinty, a pioneering dating expert and founder of It's Just Lunch to talk about navigating love. We discuss her new book, 2nd Acts: Winning Strategies for Dating Over 50. Andrea shares practical tips on navigating the modern dating landscape, from choosing the right online platforms to making a strong first impression. She also reveals the biggest mistakes people make when re-entering the dating world. And, importantly, we explore how to build confidence in finding love later in life. We also explore how aging doesn’t mean slowing down—it’s an opportunity to redefine relationships, embrace new adventures, and connect in deeper, more authentic ways. If you or someone you know is single and looking for love, this episode is filled with expert insights and actionable strategies. Join us as we discuss:✅ How dating has changed for those 50+             ✅ Common mistakes to avoid when crafting your profile  ✅ Strategies for confidence, resilience, and successful connections Tune in for a conversation that challenges outdated stereotypes and inspires a bold, fulfilling second act in life and love! Mini Bio Andrea McGinty has been the founder of several other successful businesses. But her passion remains helping people with their dating lives. She has been doing that since she was 14 years old and fixing up friends in high school and college. After selling It's Just Lunch, Andrea began writing dating profiles and coaching others when friends and family began dating online. She would roll her eyes at the photos and descriptions some of them used. As with most successful things, word-of-mouth grew about her practical, winning approach. So, she decided to turn it into a business again! In the 2020’s, Andrea became a firm believer that there is someone for everyone – it just takes the right strategy online with an incredible pool of singles. And she is a firm believer that dating should be fun, not work. In working with Andrea, you will find her enthusiasm is not just about dating but getting to know and help you! For Our Listeners Andrea's Website: 33kdates.com

Join us for an engaging discussion with Lily Iona MacKenzie, author of the hybrid memoir Dreaming Myself into Old Age. In this Living to 100 Club episode, Lily shares her personal journey of aging. We discuss Jungian insights, and the role of dreams in self-discovery. We'll delve into how aging influences relationships, personal growth, and creativity. We explore the importance of embracing the present moment. Lily also reflects on her experiences as a published author later in life, the themes of her memoir, and the mysteries of aging that shape our outlook and resilience. Whether you're navigating your own aging journey or supporting others, this episode offers inspiration and practical wisdom for living a rich, meaningful life. Mini Bio Lily Iona MacKenzie is an accomplished author, poet, and educator. Her creative journey began on a Canadian farm under Alberta's expansive skies. Drawing inspiration from the natural world, her work is infused with elements of magical realism and celebrates the boundless imagination. A high school dropout turned scholar, Lily earned two master’s degrees in Creative Writing and Humanities. She has published widely across genres in over 165 American and Canadian venues. Her novels include Fling!, Curva Peligrosa, Freefall: A Divine Comedy, and The Ripening: A Canadian Girl Grows Up! Her poetry collections, All This and California Dreaming, alongside her hybrid memoir Dreaming Myself into Old Age: One Woman’s Search for Meaning, showcase her profound storytelling. A dedicated educator, Lily taught rhetoric and creative writing at the University of San Francisco for over 30 years. She continues to coach aspiring writers in fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. She lives in California, where she remains guided by the transformative power of stories and the ever-changing skies that inspire her. For Our Listeners Lily's Website: Lily Iona Mackenzie

Aging brings challenges, but the mindset we bring to it can make all the difference. In this episode, Dr. Joe Casciani welcomes David Lereah. David is the founder of United We Age, to explore the power of positive aging, resilience, and community engagement. David shares his remarkable journey surviving stage 3 esophageal cancer and how it transformed his perspective on aging. And how this led him to champion support programs for seniors. Together, they discuss: How mindset and resilience impact aging outcomes The importance of engaging seniors in meaningful activities Support systems for residents in long-term care How volunteers and youth programs can help bridge the generational gap The role of storytelling and shared experiences in positive aging Join us as we explore ways to help seniors find purpose and cope with challenges. And hear more about embracing a mindset of growth and optimism. 🎧 Tune in to discover how a shift in perspective can transform the aging experience! Mini Bio David Lereah, founder and Executive Director of United We Age, is dedicated to supporting senior citizens in need. He gained valuable experience during his three-year volunteer work for the Meals on Wheels program of the Senior Resource Association in Vero Beach, Florida. Dr. Lereah is a renowned economic expert in the financial services and real estate sectors. He served as the Chief Economist for both the National Association of Realtors and the Mortgage Bankers Association. He has made appearances on major national media outlets. Thes einclude CNN, CNBC, The Today Show, NPR, NY Times, Washington Post, and Wall St Journal. Dr. Lereah has also delivered speeches on financial and real estate markets worldwide. He started his career as a faculty member at Rutgers University and the University of Virginia. He holds a BA in Economics from American University and a PhD in Economics from the University of Virginia. For Our Listeners David's website: United We Age

In this episode of The Living to 100 Club Podcast, host Dr. Joe Casciani welcomes Lynn Smargis, an expert in senior home care and transitions. We discuss the challenges families face when making decisions about aging loved ones. Recognizing when an older adult needs additional care is not always easy—many families delay important conversations, struggle with guilt and uncertainty, or don’t fully understand the different types of senior living options available. Lynn shares her insights on key warning signs that indicate a move may be necessary and strategies for having productive and compassionate conversations. Also explored is the topic of how families can navigate the complex world of senior care. Our guest also offers practical advice on finding quality senior living communities, understanding costs, and ensuring that aging parents remain engaged and connected—no matter where they live. If you’re caring for an aging parent or want to plan ahead for senior care decisions, this episode will provide valuable insights to help you make informed choices with confidence. Tune in for expert guidance on navigating the senior care journey with clarity and compassion. Mini Bio Lynn works to assist her clients in facing the many strenuous care decisions. Whether it be exploring senior living options, finding resources to pay for care, directing you to appropriate community services, or assisting your family about the available care choices; she is a wealth of information and resources she is ready to share, including her network of senior care professionals, making your experience more manageable and less stressful. She had the experience of taking care of both of her parents, having been diagnosed with cancer in the same year. With two children 10 and under, Lynn worked to care for her parents for six years successfully - only with enlisting the helping hands of her wonderful group of friends. Without them, her experience would have been unbearable. Lynn is ready to walk with your family down this transitional journey! She understands and is empathetic to your individual family’s preferences and needs. For Our Listeners Our Guest's Website: Pacific Northwest Seniorcare Lynn's Podcast: Caring for Your Aging Parents Lynn's New Book: Sensible Senior Solutions

In this episode, Dr. Joe Casciani is joined by Jennifer Morrison, an expert in vehicle safety at Mazda. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of automotive safety, with a focus on how advanced car technologies can help prolong senior independence. They discuss critical safety features, the importance of behavioral safety, and recommendations for selecting the safest vehicles for older adults. The conversation also touches on car safety ratings, electronic system familiarity, and the potential future of driverless vehicles. Jennifer shares insights on the latest crash avoidance and crash-worthiness features. They also discuss their perspectives on maintaining confidence in driving as we age. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of autonomous vehicle technology and driverless taxi programs. What are their implications for senior mobility? Mini Bio Jennifer Morrison oversees vehicle safety strategy and communications for Mazda North American Operations. She is responsible for compliance with federal safety regulations, crash testing and consumer rating programs, and the thoughtful deployment of advanced driver assistance technologies for all US vehicles. Jennifer started her career in transportation safety in the Office of Defect Investigations at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). She then spent 15 years as a Vehicle Factors Investigator and Investigator-in-Charge at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) where she investigated over 70 major crashes involving trucks, buses, cars, and trains. The experience turned her into a dedicated safety advocate, focusing on collision avoidance, vehicle crashworthiness, and data-driven improvements to transportation safety. Jennifer has degrees in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania and Applied Automotive Technology from Montgomery College. She has held various leadership positions within Washington, DC based automotive industry groups, including the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and the SAE Washington DC Section, where she mentors and connects automotive engineers. For Our Listeners Insurance Institue for Highway Safety: IIHS.org National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: NHTSA.gov Mazda USA