Rona Barrett's Gray Matters: The Podcast

Can we battle the stereotypes of aging – and keep a sense of humor? Rona was determined to gain some insights when, one day over lunch, even her dear dad chimed in with a doozy. What's really behind these stereotypes? Let's find out in today's Rona Barrett's Gray Matters, "The Old-Age Farce Awakens."

It’s amazing what happens when children and seniors get the chance to interact! This week on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast, Rona shares her discovery of “intergenerational care activities", when her aging father, Harry, met a young boy named Max. And how similar are the activities children need for physical, social and intellectual growth to those that aging seniors need to maintain their cognitive functions!

This month, as we enter the home stretch to open Harry’s House for seniors in need, Rona is dedicating her Gray Matters podcasts to the memory of her dear dad, Harry, and some stories of what she learned from him along the way.

The past serves as a guiding light, marking the trail of our transformation. As we look forward to opening the doors of Harry’s House in August, on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast Rona looks back on key moments that made her who I am today. And then stay tuned throughout July for special stories of life with her father, Harry, that helped shape the vision for a place where even seniors in great need can have the golden years they deserve.

Today, Rock Hudson is remembered not only for his on-screen legacy, but for his courage and dignity. On Rona Barrett's Gray Matters, Rona remembers her major interviews with Hudson, and how the entertainment industry reacted. And more about what dignity meant in her entertainment career, and now as an innovator and advocate for seniors in need.

This week Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast is all about the common good: what it means, its history in our country, and what we can do to regain our ability to contribute to it. And Rona's advice for the one this we can do to make our voices heard! Hint: it starts with a "V."

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, launched in 2006, by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. Because we all need to be aware of this issue, on Rona Barrett's Gray Matters, Rona brings the issue to light with a moment that has stuck with her since 2014. And a surprising fact, that not all Elder Abuse involves another person!

Congratulations, Grads! This week, Rona has some thoughts to share with our high schools' Class of '23. On this episode of  Rona Barrett's Gray Matters, Rona is closing the generation gap with encouragement and some noteworthy observations about Gen Z!

"I find myself thinking of these two remarkably talented women often when I’m pondering how to face a challenging situation with humor and grace." This week on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast, Rona remembers the lives and careers of two shining stars, Cicely Tyson and Cloris Leachman.

We know that those who suffer from advanced dementia are lost in a different realm—one we who care for them can't comprehend. Could creativity be a key to articulating this turmoil and unlocking happy memories? Find out more about how pioneering organizations are building programs around creativitiy and memory, on thisi week's episode of Rona Barrett's Gray Matters.

On this week's episode of Rona Barrett's Gray Matters, Rona shares a personal story about the impact of an Advance Health Care Directive, and where to learn more about creating you own.

Although researchers are working feverishly, at present Alzheimer's is the only disease among the top 10 causes of death in America that cannot be prevented, cured, or even slowed. An astounding 35% of unpaid family caregivers for these loved ones meet diagnostic criteria for major depression. What is being done and what more can be done? Find out more - and tune in for some words of hope from Rona - on this week's episode of Rona Barrett's Gray Matters.

We all know how important it is to get a good night's sleep. And the tolll that lack of sleep can take on our health and brain can be dramatic. But what to do when sleep just isn't happening? On this episode of Rona Barrett's Gray Matters, Rona shares what keeps her up at night and a selection of great advice to get a better night's sleep.

A report by the U.S. Fire Administration that showed the elderly are at a 2.5 higher risk of being victims of a deadly fire than younger generations, and they suffer from a higher number of fire-related injuries. What can we do to help make the home of a senior loved one safer? Find out more on this episode of Rona Barrett's Gray Matters as Rona brings forth important tips to keep your senior loved ones safe in their homes, and what habits may lead to higher risks.

On this episode of Rona Barrett's Gray Matters, Rona looks back at an inkling she had about the future of media, as a young reporter first encountering columnists Hedda Hopper, Louella Parsons and Joyce Haber. Fascinating!

Have you puzzled and struggled with a senior loved one over hairwashing? You're not alone. On Rona Barrett's Gray Matters, Rona explores ways to navigate this caregiving challenge with dignity. This episode of Gray Matters is inspired by the official re-opening of our hair salon at the Golden Inn & Village, on hiatus through these past years of pandemic.

On this week’s episode of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast, Rona contemplates some far out phrases and products that were once household names, but now most likely lost to the younger generations. Tune in for a fun dose of nostalgia! This episode really is the cat’s pajamas!

Grief is a normal response to loss, something that is unavoidable as we get older. This week on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast, Rona remembers friends from the entertainment world who many of us felt were part of our lives, and wisdom from others on how to process grief and honor those we have lost.

Were you one of the 500,000 who experienced Woodstock in 1969? Or wish you had? On this episode of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters, Rona reminisces about the pop culture and top 10s of 1969, and a groovy 2019 Woodstock-inspired event benefitting the Rona Barrett Foundation!

This episode of Rona Barrett's Gray Matters brings out into the light, a dark untold story of Alzheimer's. In 5 to 10 % of cases, Alzheimer's sufferers may suddenly transform from passively distant to unimaginably aggressive. Rona shares a story, why this may be a taboo subject, and a compilation of important tips to de-fuse a potentially dangerous situation. Tips you can use or share to help support others who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s.