Aging With Dignity
Hosted by Varsha, this podcast launched in 2025 to fill a critical gap she witnessed in Montreal’s 1st & 2nd generation immigrant communities - a lack of awareness, understanding, access and dialogue around aging and end-of-life support. Inspired by her own journey caring for her parents, Varsha created this space to inform, connect, and empower families navigating these often-overlooked challenges.
This podcast has been produced as a VIDEO podcast. To get the full impact, please find us on YouTube.
On this page, you will find links to AUDIO versions of the podcast.
WELCOME TO THE PODCAST
This podcast is close to Varsha’s heart. It was born from conversations around the kitchen table, during phone calls with loved ones, and in quiet moments when life’s big questions come knocking. What started as a conversation within the South Asian community quickly revealed something universal — the journey of aging, caregiving, end-of-life planning and how we care for each other along the way touches all of us.
Varsha created this space to explore the topics we often don’t talk about enough — how we show up for our elders, how we plan for the hard stuff, and how we care for each other with dignity, love, and a little humor along the way.
She’s not an expert or a professional in the field — just someone walking this path with her own family, asking questions, sharing stories, and building a resource that feels supportive, inclusive, and human.
No matter your background, if you’re here as a caregiver, a concerned family member, or simply curious — you belong here. We're so glad you've joined us.
Together, let’s listen, learn, and lift each other up.
Episodes
5 hours ago
5 hours ago
39 min
Educator and founder Andrew Karesa explores his personal dementia journey and how it led to building BlueBell Village and The Dementia Collective. We discuss purpose, dignity, and how lived experience can reshape dementia care and community support.
Check out the Aging With Dignity website to learn more about this podcast, and to connect with us! https://agingwithdignity.podbean.com/
Download your Aging with Dignity Care Toolkit for this episode: https://shorturl.at/NrPBz
If you're interested in purchasing an "Aging with Dignity" workbook, you can contact me at: varshapodcast@gmail.com
Aug 25, 2026
Aug 25, 2026
36 min
Can aging in place be safer and more affordable than assisted living? Erica Sell shares practical strategies for home safety, accessibility, and planning ahead, helping families make informed decisions that protect independence, dignity, and quality of life.
Check out the Aging With Dignity website to learn more about this podcast, and to connect with us! https://agingwithdignity.podbean.com/
Download your Aging with Dignity Care Toolkit for this episode: https://shorturl.at/T7EOM
If you're interested in purchasing an "Aging with Dignity" workbook, you can contact me at: varshapodcast@gmail.com
Aug 18, 2026
Aug 18, 2026
35 min
Can dementia be prevented? Research suggests many risk factors may be modifiable. Dr. Stéfanie Tremblay shares the latest science on brain health, lifestyle, social determinants, and what individuals and communities can do today to support healthier aging.
Check out the Aging With Dignity website to learn more about this podcast, and to connect with us! https://agingwithdignity.podbean.com/
Download your Aging with Dignity Care Toolkit for this episode: https://shorturl.at/WZoCs
If you're interested in purchasing an "Aging with Dignity" workbook, you can contact me at: varshapodcast@gmail.com
Aug 11, 2026
Aug 11, 2026
41 min
What happens when aging plans fall apart? Litigation attorney Stewart Litvack shares lessons from real-world family disputes involving powers of attorney, capacity, estate planning, caregiving, and end-of-life decisions, and practical steps families can take to avoid preventable conflict.
Check out the Aging With Dignity website to learn more about this podcast, and to connect with us! https://agingwithdignity.podbean.com/
Download your Aging with Dignity Care Toolkit for this episode: https://shorturl.at/MEWsi
If you're interested in purchasing an "Aging with Dignity" workbook, you can contact me at: varshapodcast@gmail.com
Aug 4, 2026
Aug 4, 2026
50 min
How do you care for someone you love while helping them continue to truly live? Colin Acheson shares his deeply personal journey caring for his wife through dementia, offering heartfelt lessons on love, resilience, dignity, adaptation, and knowing when it's time to seek additional support.
Check out the Aging With Dignity website to learn more about this podcast, and to connect with us! https://agingwithdignity.podbean.com/
If you're interested in purchasing an "Aging with Dignity" workbook, you can contact me at: varshapodcast@gmail.com
Jul 28, 2026
Jul 28, 2026
16 min
Celebrating one year of Aging With Dignity, this special anniversary episode reflects on a year of conversations, connections, and lessons about caregiving, aging, and dignity. Join Varsha Bhat as she shares highlights, gratitude, and the vision ahead.
Checkout the Aging With Dignity website to learn more about this podcast, and to connect with us! https://agingwithdignity.podbean.com/
If you're interested in purchasing an "Aging with Dignity" workbook, you can contact me at: varshapodcast@gmail.com
Jul 21, 2026
Jul 21, 2026
27 min
Kevin lived a full and meaningful life with Down syndrome before developing Alzheimer's disease. His sister, Colleen Kelly, shares their family's caregiving journey, the importance of compassionate healthcare, and lessons that inspire families and professionals alike.
Checkout the Aging With Dignity website to learn more about this podcast, and to connect with us! https://agingwithdignity.podbean.com/
Download your Aging with Dignity Care Toolkit for this episode: https://shorturl.at/DcL2S
Jul 14, 2026
Jul 14, 2026
36 min
What does the future hold for Alzheimer's care? Julia Cappelli from the Memory Clinic explores earlier diagnosis, emerging treatments, clinical research, and what today's advances mean for older adults, caregivers, and families seeking answers, support, and hope.
Checkout the Aging With Dignity website to learn more about this podcast, and to connect with us! https://agingwithdignity.podbean.com/
Download your Aging with Dignity Care Toolkit for this episode: https://shorturl.at/AToOk
Jul 7, 2026
Jul 7, 2026
26 min
What happens when retirement plans meet the reality of needing care? In this episode, Raymond Lavine joins Aging With Dignity to discuss family conversations, care planning, financial preparedness, and practical steps that help protect dignity, choice, and peace of mind.
Checkout the Aging With Dignity website to learn more about this podcast, and to connect with us! https://agingwithdignity.podbean.com/
Download your Aging with Dignity Care Toolkit for this episode:
https://shorturl.at/D1pON
Jun 30, 2026
Jun 30, 2026
36 min
In this powerful Season 4 opener, Claire Webster shares her insights on dementia education, caregiver burnout, and the urgent need for stronger community and institutional support for caregivers navigating the emotional realities of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Checkout the Aging With Dignity website to learn more about this podcast, and to connect with us! https://agingwithdignity.podbean.com/
Download your Aging with Dignity Care Toolkit for this episode: https://shorturl.at/S1nIS
Thanks for stopping by and checking out the site! Your support means the world - whether you’re tuning into the podcast or helping spread the word.
Interested in joining the conversation?
We’re always happy to speak with potential guest speakers (professionals, caregivers, community leaders, and individuals with lived experience) who can help inform, inspire, and challenge perceptions around aging. Whether you bring a clinical, cultural, or personal perspective, your voice could empower families to plan proactively and live more fully. Let’s connect live to explore how you can be part of the podcast.
Contact Us
If you’d like to get in touch, feel free to email Varsha directly at varshapodcast@gmail.com
And don't forget to connect with her on LinkedIn , Instagram and YouTube - We’d love to hear from you!