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 …

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.Di Rona Barrett

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…

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."Di Rona Barrett

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 s…

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!Di Rona Barrett

"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.Di Rona Barrett

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 Barre…

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.Di Rona Barrett

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 …

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 br…

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!Di Rona Barrett

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 pan…

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!Di Rona Barrett

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!Di Rona Barrett

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…

One in five seniors in California fall victim to scams. Nationwide, seniors are conned out of more than $3 billion a year. On this episode of Rona Barrett's Gray Matters, Rona shares her stories of a close call and worse, and the tips she has rounded up to help us protect our loved against the many scams out there targeting seniors.…

Sixty-five million Americans are rising to the challenges of caregiving in some way, with 42 million caring for someone 50 or older. In honor of National Caregiver Appreciation Day, on this episode of Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters, Rona has some special words for our country’s caregivers plus ways for you to appreciate and celebrate the compassionate…

This week on Rona Barrett's Gray Matters, Rona counts down the reasons why about 25% of Americans in a relationship sleep apart most every night — and 95% of those are 60 and older. With her outspoken take on this taboo topic, tune in and share a laugh while learning ways to keep relationships healthy - at every age!…

Today's special bonus episode of Rona Barrett's Gray Matters celebrates the one year anniversary of the groundbreaking for Harry’s House, the newest project of the Rona Barrett Foundation that will help us to care for even more vulnerable seniors. Harry’s House is on track to open this summer and will complete our first Golden Inn and Village commu…

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.Di Rona Barrett

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 r…

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.Di Rona Barrett

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.Di Rona Barrett

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.…

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!Di Rona Barrett

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.…

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.Di Rona Barrett

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!Di Rona Barrett

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.Di Rona Barrett

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.…

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.…

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!…

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…

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…

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 Novemb…

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 B…

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?Di Rona Barrett

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 w…

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 shar…

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 li…

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 chan…

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!”Di Rona Barrett

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.Di Rona Barrett

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.Di Rona Barrett

Sometimes you have to bring some levity to the adventure of aging. Other times, it’s not so funny. This week on Rona Barrett’s Gray Matters Podcast, Rona talks about her experience with C. diff, a very serious bacterial infection that disproportionately affects seniors.Di Rona Barrett