This is Growing Old

Latest Episodes:

Looking Beyond the Label with U.S. Pharmacopeia Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

From multivitamins to protein powders, thousands of supplements crowd drugstore shelves offering over-the-counter answers to our nutritional needs. Yet with so many options out there, how do we know which ones to trust?
Joining us is US Pharmacopeia (USP), an organization focused on building trust in the supply of safe, trusted quality medicine. USP, is an independent, scientific nonprofit organization focused on building trust in the supply of safe medicines. Through rigorous science and the public quality standards they set, USP helps protect patient safety and improve the health of people around the world.

(Bonus) The Check Up: Why is ACIP Reversing Course on Childhood Vaccines Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

2025 has been a challenging year for advocates fighting for equitable access to care, as the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has upended a legacy of science-based recommendations supported by the research community. In a particularly concerning move, ACIP removed its decades-long recommendation for the proven pediatric hepatitis B vaccine—a decision that puts millions of children at risk of long-term complications from this infectious disease.

Joining us to discuss the implications of ACIP’s latest action, and how advocacy organizations across the country are responding, is Scott Frey, Senior VP of Public Policy and Relations here at the Alliance.

Improving Access to Patient-Centered Care With Chad Worz and Dr. Amita Patel Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

Equitable access to treatment is vital for older adults with Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, especially in long-term care. CMS’s Long-Stay Antipsychotic Medication quality measure aimed to curb inappropriate use in nursing homes, but it has also led to unintended consequences, limiting safe, effective treatment options for more than 3 million residents.

A new Manatt Health report, supported by the Alliance’s Project PAUSE Coalition, explores these impacts and offers recommendations to restore equitable care. Joining us to discuss the findings are Chad Worz, CEO of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists and Project PAUSE convener, and geriatric psychiatrist Dr. Amita Patel.

(Bonus) What You Need to Know This Medicare Open Enrollment Period Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

Open Enrollment season is here, and millions of Americans are hoping the latest formulary changes will help ease costs at the pharmacy counter. This month, the Alliance released several new resources, including an educational film, to help Medicare Part D beneficiaries make informed decisions for 2026.

Today, I’m joined by Adina Lasser, the Alliance’s Director of Public Policy and Government Relations, to discuss these new resources and break down what you need to know for this fall’s Medicare Open Enrollment, which runs from October 15 through December 7.

(Bonus) The Check-Up: Health Policy is Shifting Rapidly. What's at Stake? Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

With health policy shifting so quickly, it can be hard to keep track of what’s at stake.
Today, we're joined by Alliance Senior VP of Public Policy and Government Relations, Scott Frey, to break down the latest on health access and equity, and what the Alliance is doing to defend it.

Why Immunization Matters With Dr. Kawsar Talaat Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

With respiratory season approaching, it’s vital to protect against preventable illnesses like COVID-19, flu, RSV, and pneumonia. As debates over vaccination grow, hearing directly from experts is more important than ever.

Joining us today is Dr. Kawsar Talaat, Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins, WHO advisor, and Alliance Research Advisory Council member, to discuss why immunization matters, how to address hesitancy, and what to know this season.

(Bonus) The Check Up: Peeking Behind the Scenes of Our Heroes in Health Celebration Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

Each year, the Alliance honors advocates and changemakers who set the standard in research, innovation, and advocacy for older adults. We’re thrilled to continue that tradition at our annual Heroes in Health Awards Dinner on September 30 in Washington, DC.

Today, we’re taking a peek behind the curtain with the producers of this year’s event: Sarah Delgado, our VP of Development, and Lauren Belsky, our Development Coordinator.

How to Live Longer and Stronger with Dr. Stuart Phillips Jul 24, 2025

Show notes

Starting around age 30, we all begin to lose muscle mass and strength. For some, this progresses into sarcopenia, a condition that can reduce independence, increase disability, and heighten risks of falls, hospitalizations, and other health complications.Joining us to discuss how to prevent muscle loss with age is Dr. Stuart Phillips, muscle health expert and professor at McMaster University.This episode is brought you in part by Nestle.

(Bonus) The Check Up: What Are Neuropsychiatric Symptoms? Jun 20, 2025

Show notes

are you familiar with the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease? Neuropsychiatric symptoms, or NPS, are emotional and behavioral symptoms that often go overlooked and under-treated in people with Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.

This month, the Alliance released a six-part educational series that breaks down these symptoms, explores treatment options, and empowers caregivers with tools to better navigate NPS.

Today, we unpack these new resources and discussing why they matter to you, our listeners. Joining me is Katrin Werner-Perez, Director of Health Education and Programming here at the Alliance and producer of the series.

Demystifying Intellectual Property with David Kappos Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

Intellectual property may not be the first thing we think of when it comes to equitable care, but it’s what drives the innovation that saves lives.

Joining us to discuss IP’s vital role is David Kappos, co-founder of the Council for Innovation Promotion and a leading voice in health innovation policy.

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