Episodes
Scams are everywhere these days, and unfortunately seniors are often targeted. On this week’s Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters, Rona shares the story of how her friend nearly got scammed of thousands of dollars. Tune in and get tips to share - on how to avoid this happening to your loved ones.
Published 02/17/23
With more than 5 million in the U.S. afflicted with Alzheimer's, support for seniors and their dedicated caregivers are frequent topics of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters podcast. The stakes are high when, across the nation, 6 out of 10 Alzheimer's family caregivers say a loved one has wandered. Join Rona to find out find out how some communities are responding!
Published 02/10/23
In honor of awards season, this episode of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters finds Rona dreaming up some movie awards of her own. Just what is “The Emulsion Immersion Award?” Listen now to find out.
Published 02/03/23
This week on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast, Rona revisits a prediction about longevity. While we are living longer, new challenges are emerging. Tune in to hear what we can do to support our aging population.
Published 01/27/23
There can never be too much awareness or dialog around Alzheimer’s. Particularly for its most affected group: women. On this week’s Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters, Rona shares pointers to information and emerging treatments, inspiring words from women about their own brains, and invites you to join the conversation.
Published 01/20/23
We’ve all heard, “Celebrities: they’re just like us!” Turns out, that’s true for senior moments, too. This week on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters podcast, Rona shares the stories of some golden oldies and how they turned some senior moments into memorable moments!
Published 01/13/23
This week, on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters podcast, Rona follows a lifelong theme - of listening - from childhood, through her entertainment industry career, to one of her most gratifying moments, now as an advocate for seniors in need: the first Christmas Eve at the Rona Barrett Foundation Golden Inn & Village.
Published 01/06/23
On this week’s Gray Matters, a healthy Rona Barrett looks back at a past New Year’s Eve spent battling pneumonia. She hopes others can learn from her story, some surprising symptoms to watch out for, and how to protect yourself from this season’s health risks.
Published 12/30/22
Listen to this week’s episode of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast to hear Rona's letter to Santa "SC" Claus this year, on behalf of those who work tirelessly all year round: our heroic Senior Caregivers!
Published 12/23/22
On this week's episode of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast, Rona shares her vision of a world that actually looks forward to growing older. Listen in to learn about a fascinating culture with some of the healthiest seniors in the world.
Published 12/16/22
The holiday season is upon us, and that may mean you’re preparing to host a senior loved one or two this year. Delivered with a dash of good humor, Rona shares practical tips on how to make this season merry and bright – and safe – for holiday visits to your home. On this episode of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters.
Published 12/09/22
Have you ever wondered if your occasional forgetfulness is something to be concerned about? On this week’s Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast, Rona talks about how doctors determine if it’s a result the normal aging process, or something more. And some of the surprising, but treatable, factors that can mimic the symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Published 12/02/22
This Thanksgiving holiday, I’d like to share a little story about my dad. It taught me a small but lasting lesson about respecting, honoring and caring for our elders every day. I hope you will welcome a story and a few more words about thankfulness in this week’s Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters podcast. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Published 11/25/22
Like soldiers on the battlefield, senior caregivers are fighting their own silent war and experiencing PTSD symptoms like fear and anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of isolation. Listen to this week’s episode of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast to learn more about what caregivers are going through, and what we can all do to support them.
Published 11/18/22
What is our country’s greatest public health crises - affecting 40% of our country’s seniors? And is more serious than cancer of heart disease? The sad truth is that it is senior loneliness. But what if the cure were easy, what if *you* were the cure? Join Rona for this week’s Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters and find out how you can be the cure to this deadly, preventable crisis by simply connecting with the seniors in our lives.
Published 11/11/22
We seniors know all too well that the decisions we make in our lives have consequences. It might seem easier to just give up and not vote, or that one voice doesn’t matter so why bother. How we vote will determine not only our own future, but the future of our loved ones, and even our world. If you need some motivation to get out and vote on November 8th, this week’s episode of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast is just for you!
Published 11/03/22
If you’re a senior or have a senior loved one, you’ve probably noticed a particular fascination that seniors have with obituaries. Why is it that for us seniors, the first section we turn to in the newspaper is the obits? It turns out, this later-life habit runs deeper than mere curiosity. Find out why, with a touch of levity, on this week's Rona Barrett's Gray Matters.
Published 10/28/22
A pop-quiz like this can be a fun ice-breaker when getting together with family and friends across generations. This week on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast, I reveal which song best describes me - according to an online quiz. What country music song are you?
Published 10/21/22
This month we focus on raising awareness about breast cancer, a topic that is especially on the minds of those of us in our golden years – 80% percent of all breast cancer occurs in women over 50. Knowledge is power. This week on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast, Rona sheds some light on resources, so we can all care for our health in the best way possible.
Published 10/14/22
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the 2020 presidential election had the highest voter turnout of the 21st century, and voter turnout was highest among those ages 65 to 74. In fact, voters over 45 tend to significantly outpace younger voters. In this episode of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters, Rona probes for the reasons behind the numbers, and shares some powerful words to inspire seniors to keep showing up at the polls.
Published 10/07/22
Bette Davis said it best when she cracked: “Getting old ain’t for sissies.” During her Hollywood career, Rona Barrett interviewed the elusive Ms. Davis. Now, as a senior advocate and innovator, Rona is well acquainted with the challenges of aging. In this week’s Gray Matters podcast, those timeless words ring true as Rona tries out a new take on life’s inevitable aches and pains.
Published 09/30/22
The passing of Queen Elizabeth reverberates around the globe, as we hear about every facet of her final arrangements. Most of us would rather not think about death — let alone plan for it. But whether we’re 35 or 95, it’s never too early to plan for our inevitable end. On this week’s Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters, Rona shares the experience that changed her own thinking and a round up of online resources to guide us toward making it easier on those we will someday leave behind.
Published 09/23/22
Nightmares are described as messages from our subconscious that we’re feeling anxiety and stress in our everyday life. In this episode of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters, Rona rounds up some expert advice about how to tame these beasts she calls her “Lions, and tigers, and bears!”
Published 09/14/22
Of the 5.8 million who are living in America with Alzheimer’s, two-thirds are women. This week on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast, Rona delves into this shocking statistic, and what women can do about it.
Published 09/09/22
Life is full of changes. Minor ones are easy to adjust to, while major changes have to the potential to to paralyze our thinking, feeling, or acting. Rona runs through her secrets to finding balance, and shares helpful tips and inspirations from experts, in Episode 55 of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters.
Published 09/02/22