63: Joyspan: Adding More Joy to Every Year with Dr. Kerry Burnight

63: Joyspan: Adding More Joy to Every Year with Dr. Kerry Burnight

From Caregiver Chats by Home Instead, Inc.

December 31, 2025 · 47 min

About this episode

Dr. Lakelyn and Dr. Kerry Burnight discuss how to cultivate joy in aging through the concept of 'joyspan'.

Dr. Lakelyn welcomes Dr. Kerry Burnight, a nationally recognized gerontologist and bestselling author of Joyspan , for a powerful and uplifting conversation about redefining what it means to grow older. In this episode, they explore how caregivers can cultivate “joyspan”—the quality of life in aging, not just the quantity—and help their loved ones do the same. Together, they challenge ageist myths, highlight the importance of mindset and lifestyle over genetics, and explore four science-backed pillars that support joyful longevity: Give, Connect, Adapt, and Grow. Episode highlights include: -What is Joyspan—and why it matters as much as lifespan -How caregivers can shift from a decline mindset to a growth mindset -Practical ways to spark joy and purpose in your own aging journey -How to support aging loved ones in building more joyful lives -Reframing independence as interdependence Helpful links from the episode: -Dr. Kerry Burnight’s website: drkerryburnight.com -Joyspan: The Book – Available at major retailers To learn more about this podcast and to subscribe to our caregiving newsletters, visit www.homeinstead.com/caregiverchats . Share your thoughts, experiences and ideas by…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Lakelyn

Guest: Dr. Kerry Burnight

Topics covered

  • joyspan
  • aging
  • caregiving
  • mindset
  • longevity

Keywords

  • joyspan
  • aging
  • caregivers
  • mindset
  • longevity
  • interdependence
  • joy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Home Instead, Inc., drkerryburnight.com

Books & works: Joyspan

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