What happens when someone you love begins to forget—but the possibility for connection is still there?

In this deeply moving episode of The Art of Ageing Well, Ara and Sara sit down with author, speaker and former caregiver Glenna Hecht, author of How Old Are You Today? Dementia, A Mother, A Daughter, and The Game That Transformed Their Lives.

Glenna shares the very personal story of caring for her mother through nine years of dementia—a journey that began with fear, frustration and an instinct to correct and reason, and ultimately became an unexpected opportunity to reconnect with her mother in an entirely new way.

Early in her caregiving journey, Glenna searched for answers about how to communicate with her mother as dementia progressed. What she discovered was that facts and reasoning weren't necessarily what her mother needed. Glenna began shifting her attention away from what was being lost and toward what was still there: dignity, emotion, humour, love, and the ability to connect.

Then came an accidental question: "How old are you today?"

That simple question became a game—and eventually a doorway into her mother's world. Instead of correcting her mother's reality, Glenna learned to become curious about it. The game allowed her mother to revisit different periods of her life and share memories and stories Glenna had never heard before. Glenna describes the experience as one that ultimately gave her connection, clarity and the opportunity to truly know her mother.

Ara, Sara, and Glenna talk candidly about the mistakes caregivers make when they're desperately trying to help, the exhaustion and grief that accompany dementia, and the profound shift that can happen when we stop trying to bring someone back to our reality and learn instead to meet them in theirs.

They also explore what caregiving taught Glenna about patience, presence, leadership, listening, and showing up—lessons that extend far beyond dementia.

One of the most powerful parts of Glenna's story is that connection continued even when her mother eventually lost the ability to speak. Their game evolved into hand squeezes—one for yes and two for no—allowing mother and daughter to continue communicating almost until the end of her life.

And through it all came five remarkably simple lessons Glenna's mother shared near the end of her life: learn, laugh, live, say I love you, and be grateful.

This is an episode about dementia, but it is also about something much bigger: how we remain connected to the people we love as life changes them—and how sometimes the person we are caring for has just as much to teach us as we have to give them.

In this episode, we explore: Glenna's transition from daughter to caregiver; the early mistakes she made trying to reason with dementia; why correcting someone's reality can create frustration rather than connection; how the How Old Are You Today? game began; what her mother's changing ages revealed about her past; communicating when words are no longer available; caregiver grief, guilt and exhaustion; the importance of dignity and curiosity; what caregiving taught Glenna about leadership and showing up; and the five lessons from her mother that Glenna continues to live by today.

How Old Are You Today? is ultimately a dementia love story—one that asks us to reconsider what remains possible when memory begins to disappear. The book itself describes the game as a way of finding peace, joy and connection even as reality shifts.

Because even when memory fades, connection doesn't necessarily have to.

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info@theartofageingwell.com

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What happens when the person who once cared for you begins to need your care?

In this deeply personal episode of The Art of Ageing Well, co-hosts Ara Wiseman and Sara Stalker share their experiences caring for their mothers while navigating the emotional realities of cognitive decline, dementia, and aging.

Together, they explore the science of brain health, the impact of menopause on cognition, the role of estrogen in healthy aging, and the often-overlooked toll caregiving can take on physical and emotional wellbeing.

This conversation offers both practical insights and compassionate support for anyone caring for a parent, spouse, or loved one experiencing dementia or cognitive decline.

Whether you are currently a caregiver or simply thinking about how to age well, this episode is a powerful reminder that healthy aging is about more than preventing disease—it's about preserving dignity, connection, purpose, and quality of life.

In this episode we discuss:

• Dementia vs. Alzheimer's disease
• Why women are disproportionately affected
• Menopause, estrogen, and brain health
• Memory, mood, and cognitive changes in midlife
• Osteopenia, osteoporosis, and healthy aging
• Blood sugar regulation and cognitive health
• Muscle as an endocrine organ
• Caregiver burnout and chronic stress
• Anticipatory grief and role reversal
• The emotional realities of nursing home care
• Preserving dignity and connection through aging
• Resources and support for caregivers

If you are caring for someone with dementia, please know that you are not alone.

Resources for support:

Alzheimer Society of Canada

https://alzheimer.ca

Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence

https://canadiancaregiving.org

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)

https://cmha.ca/

Ontario Caregiver Organization

https://ontariocaregiver.ca/

ABOUT THE ART OF AGEING WELL

Hosted by nutritionist Ara Wiseman and therapist Sara Stalker, The Art of Ageing Well explores the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of aging with vitality, resilience, and purpose.

CONNECT WITH US

Website: www.theartofageingwell.com

Follow, rate, and review the podcast to help us reach more people navigating midlife, caregiving, and healthy aging.

www.theartofageingwell.com

info@theartofageingwell.com

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GLP-1 medications are everywhere right now, but are we having the right conversations about them?

In this episode of The Art of Ageing Well, Ara Wiseman and Sara Stalker are joined by Dr. Kashif Parvez, family physician, scientist, and medical educator, for a thoughtful discussion about the evolving role of GLP-1 medications in metabolic health, weight management, and healthy aging.

Together, they explore what GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide are actually doing in the body, why obesity is far more complex than a simple lack of willpower, and how these medications may be helping people reduce food noise, cravings, and shame around weight.

The conversation also dives into some of the most important concerns surrounding rapid weight loss, including muscle preservation, metabolic health, and why the goal should be about much more than the number on the scale.

Topics discussed include:

• What GLP-1 medications are and how they work
• The difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide
• Appetite regulation, blood sugar control, and satiety
• Food noise, cravings, and dopamine pathways
• Obesity, stigma, and the emotional impact of weight struggles
• Healthy aging and metabolic health
• Why preserving muscle matters during weight loss
• The future of GLP-1 medications and addiction research

Whether you're considering a GLP-1 medication, currently taking one, or simply want to better understand the science behind these treatments, this episode offers a balanced and compassionate perspective.

About Dr. Kashif Parvez:

Dr. Kashif Parvez is a Toronto-based family physician, scientist, and medical educator with expertise in metabolic health, obesity medicine, and primary care. He currently serves as Associate Lead Physician at the Queens Quay Family Health Organization and has a special interest in helping patients navigate sustainable approaches to weight management and long-term health.

Connect with Us:

The Art of Ageing Well Podcast
Ara Wiseman, Registered Nutritionist
Sara Stalker, Therapist & Coach

www.theartofageingwell.com

info@theartofageingwell.com

@artofageingwell