In this episode, Lisa sits down with Curtis Petersen, National Sales Director for the Society of Certified Senior Advisors (CSA), to discuss how the Certified Senior Advisor credential helps professionals better serve older adults and their families.

Curtis shares the history and mission behind CSA, what it takes to earn the certification, and why ethics, continuing education, and third-party oversight are essential in the aging services industry. Together, they explore how families can identify trusted professionals, build a reliable support network, and navigate the complexities of aging with greater confidence.

Whether you're a family caregiver, an older adult planning for the future, or a professional who serves seniors, this conversation offers valuable insights into the resources, education, and guidance available to help make aging decisions less overwhelming.

In this episode, you'll learn:
• What the CSA credential is and why it matters
• How Certified Senior Advisors support older adults and families
• The importance of trust, ethics, and ongoing education
• Resources available for aging adults, caregivers, and professionals
• How open family conversations can lead to better outcomes

As Curtis reminds us, planning for the later chapters of life isn't just about preparation. It's about preserving options, dignity, and peace of mind.

Resources
• CSA Website: https://www.csa.us/
• Find a Certified Senior Advisor: https://www.csa.us/Find-a-Certified-Senior/
• CSA Certification Program: https://www.csa.us/certification/

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, financial expert Heather Clark shares practical insights on one of the biggest retirement impacts many people face: the timing of when to start withdrawals. With more than 20 years of experience helping individuals navigate retirement planning, Heather breaks down how Social Security timing, pensions, taxes, and longevity planning all work together to impact your financial future.

You’ll learn why Social Security should be viewed as a pension, how spouse benefits are affected by timing and work history, and why personalized retirement strategies matter more than one-size-fits-all advice. Heather also shares practical tools, including RMD calculators and online resources, to help you make more confident financial decisions.

Whether you’re approaching retirement, supporting aging parents, or planning for long-term financial independence, this conversation offers valuable guidance to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Key topics include:
• Timing your Social Security benefits
• How pensions impact retirement income
• Tax implications in retirement
• Longevity planning strategies
• Benefit optimization tips
• Using RMD calculators effectively

Resources

Social Security Administration

Schwab RMD Calculator

Next Step Wealth Management

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

In this episode, Heather Clark shares practical, compassionate guidance on how to navigate financial planning for aging parents, without waiting for a crisis. From starting the often-avoided money conversation to building trust across generations, Heather breaks down how families can approach finances with clarity and confidence.

We explore why early planning matters, how to address long-term care considerations, and what it takes to create a strategy that supports both aging parents and the next generation. Whether you're unsure how to begin or looking to strengthen your current plan, this conversation offers actionable insights to help you move forward.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How to start the conversation about money with aging parents
• Why trust and connection are essential in financial planning
• Key considerations for long-term care planning
• Strategies for intergenerational wealth transfer
• How to take a proactive (not reactive) approach to aging finances

This is the conversation every family needs—but few know how to start.

Key Takeaways:
• The best time to talk about money is before it’s urgent
• Trust is the foundation of every successful financial conversation
• Small, consistent conversations are more effective than one big talk
• Planning for long-term care protects both finances and relationships
• A clear plan reduces stress and prevents family conflict
• Financial transparency supports smoother transitions across generations

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Financial Clarity

02:37 Overcoming Financial Overwhelm

05:23 Finding a Trusted Financial Advisor

07:32 The Importance of Relationships in Financial Planning

10:24 Generational Financial Planning

13:08 The Reality of Social Security

15:02 Understanding Family Financial Dynamics

17:15 Simplifying Financial Management

19:36 Quality of Life and Financial Decisions

21:21 Planning for Future Care Needs

23:51 Engaging in Community Living

26:51 Navigating Family Conversations about Finances

33:43 Navigating Caregiver Overwhelm

36:01 The Importance of Open Conversations

37:01 Blind Spots in Aging and Caregiving

41:11 Starting Difficult Family Conversations

42:29 Understanding End-of-Life Wishes

47:25 Planning for Financial Longevity

53:14 The Need for Professional Guidance

Resources

Website: https://www.nextstep4you.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NextStepWealthManagement

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherclarknextstep4you/

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

Many families assume caregiving means doing everything themselves, it doesn't. Sometimes the right support looks like a trusted neighbor showing up.

In this episode, I sit down with Helen Burns from Naborforce to explore how neighborly support helps older adults stay independent, connected, and safe at home. We discuss how community-based assistance can ease the burden on family caregivers while improving quality of life for aging loved ones.

Whether you're caring for aging parents, noticing early signs they may need extra help, or simply planning ahead, this conversation offers practical guidance and reassurance that you don't have to navigate this alone.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The origin story of Naborforce and its mission
• How neighbors are recruited, screened, and vetted
• Services available to support older adults at home
• The critical role of social connection in preventing loneliness
• Signs it may be time to bring in additional support
• How adult children can access and coordinate help for their parents

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Neighbor Force and Its Mission
02:06 Understanding Neighbor Force's Services
04:29 The Origin Story of Neighbor Force
07:22 Becoming a Neighbor: Recruitment and Safety
10:01 Neighbor Force's Geographic Reach
12:04 The Role of Adult Children in Caregiving
17:04 Navigating Caregiving Responsibilities
19:52 Identifying Signs for Extra Support
19:58 Recognizing Signs for Extra Help
22:11 The Loneliness Epidemic
26:29 Understanding Available Resources
29:07 Navigating Aging Conversations
30:58 The Importance of Decluttering

Resources

Naborforce Official Website - https://naborforce.com

Guest Link

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-burns-bb85b448/

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

In this insightful interview, Carly Ebenstein shares her expertise on long-term care insurance, clarifying common misconceptions, discussing optimal timing for purchasing coverage, and emphasizing the importance of planning ahead for aging and caregiving. This conversation provides practical advice for families to make informed decisions and start vital conversations about aging and care.

Key Takeaways

• Timing for long-term care insurance purchase
• Differences between Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance
• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and cognitive health in care needs
• Flexible benefits of hybrid long-term care policies
• Planning conversations and legal documents for aging
• How long-term care insurance can save your family from crisis

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Long-Term Care Insurance

01:43 Carly's Journey into Long-Term Care

03:59 Understanding Medicare vs. Long-Term Care

09:18 The Importance of Planning for Long-Term Care

10:29 When to Consider Long-Term Care Insurance

13:31 Protecting Options for the Future

16:45 The Role of Caregivers in Long-Term Care

19:03 Understanding Long-Term Care Insurance

20:27 The Importance of Home Care Options

21:27 Navigating Benefits and Payment Structures

24:37 The Role of Caregivers in Long-Term Care

25:14 Creating a Plan for Care

26:25 Resources and Educational Offerings

27:40 Challenging Assumptions About Long-Term Care

29:38 Starting the Conversation About Care Plans

Resources

Carly Ebenstein's Website

Long-Term Care Start Here Webinar

San Francisco Library Event

CJB Insurance Services YouTube Channel

Cost of Care Calculator

Printable Plan of Care Document

Carly Ebenstein's LinkedIn Profile

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

In this powerful and practical conversation, Dr. David Ajibade shares a hopeful, prevention-focused approach to brain health and aging. Rather than waiting for symptoms to appear, he encourages individuals and families to take early, proactive steps to support cognitive health through nutrition, lifestyle choices, and targeted medical testing.

Dr. David explains the deep connection between the brain and the rest of the body—highlighting how gut health, vitamin levels, hearing, and social engagement all play a role in maintaining cognitive function. He challenges common myths about aging and dementia, offering science-backed strategies that can help reduce risk and support long-term brain vitality.

Listeners will walk away with actionable guidance on the key tests to request from their doctor, the role of nutrient-dense foods like eggs and red meat, and why addressing issues such as hearing loss and vitamin deficiencies early can make a meaningful difference. Most importantly, this episode reinforces a message of hope: there are steps we can take today to protect brain health and age with intention.

Key Takeaways

• Brain health is deeply connected to overall body health—including nutrition, gut health, and hearing.
• Early testing for vitamin and metabolic levels can help identify risks before symptoms appear.
• Nutrient-dense foods and targeted supplementation may support cognitive function and reduce dementia risk.
• Social engagement, sunlight exposure, and physical activity are essential components of brain health.
• Prevention is possible—and individuals have more influence over their cognitive future than they may realize.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Brain Health and Aging
01:07 Dr. David's Journey into Brain Health
02:51 Understanding Brain Needs and Dementia
03:52 Preventing Dementia: Key Insights
07:50 Framework for Dementia Prevention
13:05 The Importance of Gut Health
17:22 Nutrition and the Laws of Life
19:27 The Nutritional Power of Red Meat
21:55 The Importance of Supplements
25:08 Understanding Nutraceuticals
27:39 The Impact of Hearing on Brain Health
31:06 Hope and Agency in Dementia Care

Resources
Dr. David Ajibade's Website - https://drdavidajibade.com
Brain and Body Foundation - https://brainandbodyfoundation.org

Guest Links
Website - https://drdavidajibade.com
Instagram - https://instagram.com/drdavidajibade
Facebook - https://facebook.com/drdavidajibade

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

Beth Bedore, a Senior Home Coach™ and Occupational Therapist with nearly 30 years of experience, shares insights on how housing decisions impact health and independence as we age. The conversation covers universal design, proactive home modifications, and planning for aging in place to support safe, accessible, and beautiful homes for all ages.

Takeaways

• Universal Design principles for all ages
• Importance of proactive home modifications
• How housing impacts health and independence
• Building and renovating for aging in place
• Multi-generational living and accessibility

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Aging Conversations
01:07 Beth's Journey into Occupational Therapy
02:58 Understanding Occupational Therapy
04:22 Housing Decisions and Health Outcomes
06:59 The Importance of Universal Design
09:30 Building with Universal Design in Mind
12:40 Cost-Effectiveness of Universal Design
14:44 Proactive Planning for Aging
17:23 The Consequences of Waiting
19:08 Market Trends in Accessible Housing
20:26 Innovative Products for Aging in Place
21:52 The Joy of Cooking and Aging in Place
22:13 Technology and Home Safety
23:17 Essential Features for Aging in Place
26:16 Safe Home Checklist for Seniors
29:38 The Impact of Stairs on Aging in Place
30:09 Planning for Aging and Home Modifications
32:50 Lightning Round: Quick Insights on Home and Aging

Resources

Universal Design Principles - https://www.universaldesign.com
CAPS - Certified Aging in Place Specialist - https://www.nahb.org/advocacy/industry-advocacy/certified-aging-in-place-specialist
Occupational Therapy Resources - https://www.aota.org

Guest Resources

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethbedore
Website - https://bethbedore.com

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.

In this episode of Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey, Lisa Harper engages in a profound conversation with Chris Moore, author of Age Out Loud and founder of Senior Remodeling Experts, about challenging the stereotypes associated with aging. Chris shares his journey from building wheelchair ramps to advocating for a new narrative around aging that emphasizes vitality, purpose, and wisdom. The discussion highlights the cultural perceptions of aging, the importance of mindset, and the dynamics of family conversations regarding aging. Chris emphasizes the need for education and open dialogue to empower individuals and families to navigate the aging process positively. In this conversation, Chris Moore and Lisa discuss the importance of finding peace and authenticity in life, the lessons learned from suffering, and the seven pillars of ageless vitality. They emphasize the significance of living life to the fullest, practicing gratitude, and questioning assumptions about aging. The discussion also highlights the power of kindness and community in enhancing our lives.

Takeaways

• Aging is often viewed negatively due to cultural narratives.
• People often say 'I'm not ready yet' when facing aging decisions.
• Changing the perception of aging can lead to better choices.
• Education is critical for making informed decisions about aging.
• Family dynamics play a significant role in aging conversations.
• Expectations shape our experiences and outcomes in aging.
• Time is more valuable than money; we must cherish it.
• Conversations about aging should focus on wisdom and vitality.
• Elders should be seen as sources of wisdom, not burdens.
• Connection and communication are essential in navigating aging. Finding peace and authenticity is essential for personal growth.
• Suffering teaches us valuable lessons about appreciation and resilience.
• Childlike wonder is key to maintaining vitality as we age.
• Living life to the fullest means embracing experiences without fear of failure.
• Gratitude should be a daily practice to enhance happiness.
• Questioning our assumptions can lead to a more fulfilling life.
• Acts of kindness create a ripple effect in the community.
• Nurturing relationships is crucial for personal and communal growth.
• Aging out loud means actively engaging in life rather than fading away.
• Helping others can lead to greater personal satisfaction and joy.

Chapters

00:00 Challenging Aging Stereotypes
07:29 The Cultural Narrative of Aging
14:52 Mindset and Aging
22:30 Family Dynamics in Aging Conversations
29:56 The Value of Time and Connection
30:41 Finding Peace and Authenticity
32:03 The Gift of Suffering
34:51 The Seven Pillars of Ageless Vitality
37:12 Aging Out Loud: Living Life to the Fullest
42:50 The Power of Gratitude
44:56 Questioning Assumptions and Embracing Kindness

Resources

Age Out Loud book website

Home Remodeling in Salem VA | Senior Remodeling Experts

Aging in Place is a Team Sport | Podcast on Spotify

Senior Remodeling Experts - YouTube

CAPS teaching website is Age In Place Specialists - CAPS Classes

© 2025-2026 Lisa M. Harper. All rights reserved. “Not Ready Yet: Curating Conversations for the Aging Journey” is a trademark of Lisa M. Harper.