Episode Details

For our 8-4-26 News for the Ages episode, we discussed the use of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss in older adults, noting that over 12% of Americans are on these drugs, with potential side effects like muscle loss and dehydration. The Trump administration's new Medicare program sets the cost of three weight loss drugs at $50 a month, affecting 38.9% of older adults. Older adults are underrepresented in clinical trials for GLP-1 drugs, which affects the evidence available for their use. Ellen suggests that lifestyle interventions should be the first line of obesity management for older adults and personalized approaches are important.

We covered a study on the financial benefits of dementia-competent hospitals. Benjamin Surmi explained that many training programs are constrained by hospital systems and lack follow-up and mentoring. He suggested that organizational changes are necessary for training programs to be effective and emphasized the importance of embedding training into the workday and providing ongoing support for staff.

Lastly, the benefits of bidets for hygiene and health were discussed, emphasizing their role in reducing UTIs and environmental impact.

Presented by Ellen Khalifa, Habits Coach for Healthspan and Wellspan
Scientific American: America is embarking on a risky experiment with GLP-1s and aging 7-19-26  by Liz Seegert (edited by Claire Cameron) https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/america-is-embarking-on-a-risky-experiment-with-glp-1s-and-aging/
Apple News Plus access: https://apple.news/AaOlllpklR-uq1Nmnu9RK2w

Liz Seegert was a guest on our August 6, 2026 Rethinking Aging Club podcast honoring National Wellness Month
"Hypotension" is low blood pressure.

Presented by Benjamin Surmi, Social Gerontologist and Senior Living Expert, VP Arvo.care, Advisor to Koelsch Communities   
Global Journal of Medical Research (GJMR Volume 26 issue K2) 2026
M. Ellenbogen, P. K. Beville, S. W. Grande, J. Hobday, P. Logan, M. Minor, T. Snow  "The Business Case for Dementia-Competent Hospitals: Analyzing the Financial Return on Investment of Specialized Staff Training and Care Models"

Benjamin’s second article
WCSJ News 7-24-26 Legislation to Improve Resources for Health Care Providers Treating Dementia
by Tina Morrison 
The Accelerating Access to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Provider Training Act, known as the AADAPT Act, was co-led by Rep. Darin LaHood of Illinois and lawmakers from Ohio, California and New York.

Presented by Elizabeth Magallon Fleury, CAPS, Life's Encore Planning
Washingto Post 6-29-26 What You Should Know About Bidets by Trisha Pasricha, MD
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2026/06/29/gastroenterologist-heres-what-you-should-know-about-bidets/
Apple News Plus access: https://apple.news/AkmydMQHaQJa04qffUyRJsQ
Linda Sherman mention