Aging Starts Now

What does it take to stay active, strong, and independent as we age? In this episode of Aging Starts Now, outreach coordinator Dana Hentschel sits down with Dr. Shelby Blankenship, founder of Southern Grit PT and Wellness, to discuss the critical role that strength, balance, mobility, and functional movement play in healthy aging. Many people think physical therapy is only for recovering from injuries, but Dr. Blankenship shares how her innovative approach combines physical therapy, wellness, and strength training to help adults maintain independence, reduce pain, prevent falls, and continue doing the activities they love. In this conversation, you'll learn: • Why strength training becomes increasingly important after age 50 • How balance and mobility impact long-term independence • Common misconceptions about exercise and aging • Signs you may benefit from working with a physical therapist—even without an injury • Practical exercises and habits that support healthy aging • Real-life success stories from clients who have improved their quality of life Whether you're looking to improve your health, maintain your independence, or simply age with greater confidence, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement. To learn more about Southern Grit PT and Wellness, visit the links in our show notes. For more information about elder law, estate planning, and aging resources, visit tn-elderlaw.com.

Speech therapy is about more than words. In this episode, outreach coordinator Dana Hentschel talks with speech-language pathologist Olivia Golchi about how therapy can support memory, communication, attention, and independence for adults experiencing cognitive changes. Learn: - What cognitive decline looks like in real life - When to seek support - How caregivers can be involved - Practical strategies for brain health - A powerful conversation about staying connected, empowered, and supported as we age. 🔊 Listen now and follow Aging Starts Now for more conversations about aging, care, and planning.

Many people don’t learn about Medicaid estate recovery until they’re already facing loss. In this episode, host Aging Starts Now is joined by Barbara McGinnis, Certified Elder Law Attorney, to explain what estate recovery is, how it works, and why it matters for families using Medicaid to pay for care. This episode explores: • Common fears and misconceptions • Assets most often affected • How estate recovery impacts families • Why understanding the rules early can make a difference

An executor plays a critical role in settling an estate—managing assets, paying debts, navigating legal requirements, and serving as the point person during an emotional and often stressful time for families. While many people automatically name a spouse, adult child, or close friend, that decision isn’t always the simplest—or the wisest—choice. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Erin Keogh-Rankin, Elder Care Coordinator at Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, sits down with Mollie Lacher, Founder of Sunny Care Services, to discuss professional executors. Together, they explore what professional executors do, when it makes sense to use one, how fees work, and how a neutral third party can reduce family stress, conflict, and confusion. Whether you’re planning ahead for yourself or helping a loved one navigate estate planning decisions, this conversation offers clarity and confidence around one of the most overlooked—but most important—roles in your estate plan. Key topics include: - What an executor really does (and why it’s more work than most people expect) - When a professional executor may be the best choice - Benefits for complex estates, blended families, or high-conflict situations - How professional executor fees work—and how they compare to the hidden costs of family conflict -Why naming a backup executor matters 🎙 Aging Starts Now is brought to you by Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, a Life Care Planning Law Firm helping families navigate the legal, financial, and healthcare challenges that come with aging and disability.

📂 Organizing Important Papers: Where to Start Most people know organizing important documents is important—but many don’t know where to begin. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel is joined by Josh Hunter, Associate Attorney at Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, to break it down in a practical, approachable way. We discuss: • Essential documents everyone should have • How and where to store them safely • Who should know where they are • Why organizing your paperwork matters at any age Getting your important papers in order isn’t about expecting the worst—it’s about preparation, clarity, and protecting the people you love. 🎧 Listen now and take one small step toward peace of mind.