The Retirement Success in Maine Podcast

Available Episodes

5 of 100

The Realities of Senior Care in Maine with Kaitlyn Cunningham Morse
Ep 111: Today’s episode is focused on one of the most complex and emotional decisions retirees and their families face: senior care. When the time comes to consider assisted living, home care, or long-term care, families often feel overwhelmed by industry jargon, pricing structures, and the uncertainty of choosing the right path. Many seniors accept the pricing presented to them by facilities without knowing there’s room for negotiation or better-suited options available. Others struggle to navigate the differences between private pay and Medicaid-funded communities, unaware of how these choices impact their care and financial future. Our guest today specializes in helping families cut through the confusion and find the best senior care solutions. If you’ve ever wondered when to start planning, how to navigate the system, or what the real differences are between private pay and Medicaid options, stay tuned - this is a conversation you won’t want to miss! Chapters: Welcome, Kaitlyn Cunningham Morse! [2:45] What are the key benefits of having a Buyer’s Agent for senior living? [6:30] What are the differences between private-pay and Medicaid-funded senior care options? [13:44] How can families plan for care in a way that may allow them to stay in their homes? [20:16] What steps can be taken today that would help be proactive and avoid last-minute (costly) decisions when it comes to senior care? [30:28] How will Kaitlyn find her personal Retirement Success? [35:58] Episode Conclusion. [38:48]
--------
41:29
Why You Should Give Bridge a Chance in Retirement with Brian Reynolds
Ep 110: Many retirees are looking for ways to stay mentally engaged, prevent cognitive decline, and find meaningful ways to connect with others, especially during long, isolating winters here in New England. That’s where Bridge comes in. Studies have shown that playing Bridge regularly can improve memory, strengthen problem-solving skills, and even reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s. But it’s not just about brain health; Bridge is also a social game that fosters friendships and community, whether played in person or online. Our guest today is a professional Bridge teacher and co-founder of The Bridge Teachers, a company that helps people of all ages, especially beginners, discover the joy of Bridge. Whether you’ve never picked up a deck of cards or you’re looking for a new way to challenge your mind, today’s episode will show you why Bridge might just be the perfect activity for your retirement. Chapters: Welcome, Brian Reynolds! [2:22] What are the basics of the game? [12:11] Bridge and aging. How can the game contribute positively to the aging population? [24:04] What are some digital opportunities for retirees looking to learn and play Bridge? [33:23] How can Bridge help us grow as people, outside of the game? [37:24] What’s one piece of advice for someone considering trying Bridge for the first time? [49:05] What does Retirement Success look like to Brian? [50:28] Episode Conclusion. [54:10]
--------
55:59
Balancing Medications, Nutrition, and Fitness to Live Healthier and Age Better with Amy Wilson
Ep 109: Today’s episode dives into a topic that is crucial as we age: how to balance medications, nutrition, and fitness to live healthier and age better. As we grow older, medications often become a regular part of our lives, helping us manage chronic conditions and improve our quality of life. But how do we know we’re using medications effectively—and not relying on them at the expense of healthier habits like nutrition and exercise? We’re also witnessing a trend of medications being used as shortcuts for weight loss, raising important questions about their long-term sustainability and effectiveness compared to traditional approaches like proper diet and fitness. Our guest today is uniquely qualified to guide us through this conversation. She’s an expert in pharmacy, nutrition, and fitness, and she’s here to share insights on how we can take control of our health by making smarter choices about the tools we use—whether that’s medications, food, or fitness routines. So, if you’re looking to strike the right balance and live a longer, healthier life, you’re in for a treat! Chapters: Welcome, Amy Wilson! [2:20] What are some of the most common mistakes made when managing medications in older adults? [10:41] What are some pros and cons of using common weight loss medications? [17:31] How can we work with healthcare providers to ensure we’re only taking necessary medications? [24:31] How will Amy Wilson find her personal Retirement Success? [41:12] Episode conclusion. [43:20]
--------
45:39
Battling Loneliness and Building Connection with Brandon Lee
Ep 108: Today’s episode explores one of the most significant challenges we face as we age: loneliness. Loneliness doesn’t always stem from being alone; it often comes from feeling unseen or disconnected, even when surrounded by others. This is a topic that many of us struggle with in silence, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Our guest today, Brandon Lee, is no stranger to this conversation. He’s an entrepreneur, coach, and writer whose work focuses on helping people connect more deeply with themselves and others. Through his own experiences and insights, Brandon has developed tools to help us combat loneliness by fostering meaningful, fulfilling relationships. From finding the courage to share our true selves to learning how to build communities that support us, today’s episode will offer practical tools and strategies to help you feel seen, supported, and connected—no matter where you are in life. So, if you’re ready to take a step toward overcoming loneliness and creating deeper connections, stay tuned. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss! Chapters: Welcome, Brandon Lee! [2:06] Why is feeling ‘seen’ so critical for connection? [10:04] What can retirees do to form deeper connections at this stage of life? [18:24] What are some ways to take “small risks” as a way to deepen conversations? [24:18] How can people stay motivated and patient while trying to build their community? [37:30] What’s one takeaway for overcoming loneliness? [40:33] How will Brandon find his personal Retirement Success? [43:39] Episode Conclusion. [46:59]
--------
49:30
Why Getting Better Sleep is the Key to Aging Better with Barry Krakow, MD
Ep 107: Today’s episode of The Retirement Success in Maine Podcast touches on a topic that impacts every single one of us but often doesn’t get the attention it deserves: sleep. As retirees seek to live healthier, more fulfilling lives, getting good-quality sleep is often overlooked as a critical key to success in aging well. In this episode, we’ll explore why improving sleep quality is one of the most powerful ways to boost physical, emotional, and cognitive health in retirement. We’ll uncover how better sleep helps prevent memory decline, manage stress, and even reduce risks for chronic illnesses like heart disease. From identifying common but overlooked sleep disorders, like sleep apnea, to practical strategies for achieving restorative, high-quality sleep, this episode will provide actionable insights for our listeners. So, if you’re ready to learn how prioritizing sleep can unlock more energy, clearer thinking, and greater vitality in retirement, stay tuned! We’ve got a fantastic expert to guide us through why sleep truly is the key to aging better. Chapters: Welcome, Dr. Barry Krakow! [2:55] What happens to our bodies when we experience bad and broken sleep over time? [11:20] How can we emphasize quality sleep over quantity of sleep? [19:34] What are common disruptions that prevent people from achieving critical sleep stages? [35:49] Where can people start tonight to improve their sleep quality? [42:53] How will Dr. Barry Krakow find his personal Retirement Success? [45:14] Episode conclusion. [47:45]
--------
50:05