Aging in Style with Lori Williams

Where do I go for help when applying for social security disability (SSD) benefits?

If you‘re under 65 and become disabled due to a stroke or another setback that prevents you from working, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Today I’m sharing my experience of applying for SSD benefits for my husband, Mark, who had a series of strokes last Christmas.

At first, I felt overwhelmed by the confusing and time-consuming application...

With Christmas just a few days away, it's been nearly a year since my husband Mark’s stroke. We weren't sure he'd make it, but he’s since defied the odds. Needless to say, it’s been a wild year of recovery with no shortage of curveballs!

When I think about what I’ve learned this year, 4 themes come to mind:

1. The importance of my faith. Fear became my normal for a while, and the future felt so uncertain...

What are some best practices to talk to someone with Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia?

Though many people have loved ones with dementia, they don’t always know the best way to communicate with them.

I often relay tips to people whose parents have dementia – and they often realize they’re not putting them into practice.

My 5 tips can help you and your loved one with dementia live more peacefully and stress-free...

What are some lessons from the reality show, The Golden Bachelor?

My social media specialist Sarah Polan rejoins me to discuss "The Golden Bachelor," a spinoff of the dating reality show where a group of women compete to become engaged to a single man. In this version, the bachelor is a 72-year-old widower named Gerry Turner, a man looking for his next great love after the death of his wife Toni...

What items are needed for a senior supply closet?

I'm giving you an update on Emelita's Closet, which we launched back in January. Emelita's Closet is a donation closet where people donate gently used equipment for seniors, like walkers, wheelchairs, and shower chairs.

We've been overwhelmed by the generosity of the community, and we're grateful for all the donations...

How can my community become dementia friendly?

We're back with another round of Ask Lori, where I answer questions from my listeners. If you’re curious about some community dementia resources, I have two great options to discuss. One is for businesses, while the other is for caregivers and their loved ones with dementia.

First is Dementia Friendly, a nationwide initiative offering community education on dementia...

How can you adapt your home and life to caregiving?

Ever since my husband Mark had a stroke over Christmas, life has been one big learning experience. I knew about common caregiving struggles secondhand from my clients, but living it has been more impactful than I could ever imagine.

My podcast producer, Ana Xavier, joins me to discuss life since Mark returned home this summer after 7 months in rehab - and we answer my most common questions about our journey...

It’s common to go home for the holidays, reconnect with parents or older relatives, and notice some worrying changes in their lifestyle or behavior. Maybe your mother is falling more often - or maybe she’s forgetting important information. 

Some of your concerns may have easy fixes -like a walker- while others need a more thoughtful conversation, such as rethinking their living situation...

How’s Mark doing after his stroke?

Christmas will be here before we know it, which will make it one year since my husband Mark’s stroke.

My husband of 33 years had a stroke on Christmas Day 2022 that led to a series of strokes, 4 total. These occurred on the left side of his brain, which affects the right side and communication center. As a result, he has issues with speaking and no movement of his right arm...