In this episode, we speak with Fiona Mahoney, founder of Reminiscence Learning, to explore the power of intergenerational influence and inclusive learning.

Fiona shares how “It’s so important that we just accept everybody for who they are… we shouldn’t be prescriptive in life.”

Fiona reflects on her early life experiences growing up across the UK and how her grandparents played a key role in shaping her passion for working with older people. From her career in occupational therapy to setting up her own business, she describes the journey that led to the creation of Reminiscence Learning.

We explore how Fiona developed innovative approaches to dementia care, including creating immersive reminiscence environments and the award-winning Archie Project, which connects schools with care homes. Through storytelling and creative engagement, Fiona highlights how children and older adults can learn from one another, breaking down stereotypes and building empathy.

This episode offers insight into how fun, creativity and real-world experiences can transform learning, support people living with dementia, and strengthen connections across generations.

Interesting Topics

⏱ 35:30 – Intergenerational learning between schools and care homes
⏱ 47:00 – Lessons from working with children vs adults
⏱ 55:30 – Advice for engaging and working with younger generations

Key Takeaways

• Intergenerational experiences can have a profound impact on empathy and understanding.
• Creative approaches like storytelling and reminiscence can transform dementia care.
• Children and adults learn effectively through the same engaging, simplified methods.
• Small environmental and behavioural changes can significantly improve quality of life for people living with dementia.
• Making learning fun, practical and inclusive encourages deeper connection and long-term impact.

You can contact:

Fiona Mahoney at fiona@reminiscencelearning.co.uk

Reminiscence Learning https://reminiscencelearning.co.uk

Dr Carol Sargent at https://sargentgroup.consulting/

Dr Tom Adler at https://getbide.com/

In this episode, Carol Sargent and Tom speak with Professor Lynne Corner, a leading voice in ageing innovation and deputy director of the UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA).

Lynne describes how “Healthy ageing isn’t just about adding years to life – it’s about creating the conditions for people to live well for longer.”

Lynne shares how early experiences with her grandparents inspired a lifelong passion for healthy ageing and shaping environments where people can live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

We explore how collaboration between communities, researchers, social entrepreneurs, carers and businesses can unlock practical solutions for an ageing population. From empowering people living with dementia to re-designing existing product to be age inclusive products, Lynne highlights the importance of innovation.

This episode offers insight into how cross-sector partnerships can drive meaningful change and create products, services and environments that support people throughout the world to live well for longer.

Interesting Topics
⏱ 05:40 – Why innovation and collaboration are essential for supporting longer, healthier lives
⏱ 10:20 – Opportunities for organisations, communities and businesses to co-create solutions for ageing well

Key Takeaways
• Early life experiences often shape our commitment to improving later life.
• Innovation in ageing requires collaboration between science, communities and industry.
• Inclusive design benefits people living with dementia, carers and the wider population.
• Sectors such as travel and tourism have growing opportunities to support healthy ageing through accessible and inclusive experiences.
• Building healthier ageing societies requires curiosity, creativity and cross-sector partnerships.

You can contact:

Dr Lynne Corner at lynne.corner@newcastle.ac.uk

The UK National Innovation Centre for Ageing at https://uknica.co.uk/

Dr Carol Sargent at https://sargentgroup.consulting/

Dr Tom Adler at https://getbide.com/

The Social Care Future movement, born of frustration, is powered by hope and putting power into people’s hands.

Our guest today is Neil Crowther, who joins us to talk about social care solutions. After a varied career in social care and disability rights, Neil founded the #SocialCareFuture movement in 2018.

“Focus your energy on trying to do what you can within the existing limitations and draw on the stories within your communities to power local changes”

Neil’s career has been shaped through growing up in the northwest of England, meeting influential figures, moving to London and his first job working for the Royal National Institute for the Blind.

He believes in the importance of involving people receiving support, while seeking their input in what’s needed and what will make a difference to them.

Listen to our discussion on the importance of changing the way social care is perceived: Changing the narrative from an expensive, broken system to one that is recognised as improving a person’s wellbeing, and that of the people and community around them.

We hope you can come away with some ideas on what you can do to influence social care solutions so we can all feel loved, looked after and welcomed.

If you have any input, ideas, or even questions about our discussion, we encourage you to contact us at the following:

Dr Carol Sargent: https://sargentgroup.consulting/

Dr Tom Adler: https://getbide.com/

Mr Neil Crowther: crowtherconsulting@gmail.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-crowther-19498134/

https://socialcarefuture.org.uk/