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
7 days ago
7 days ago
25 min
Can healthy habits reduce the risk of cognitive decline? Jade Crystal from Women's Brain Health Initiative shares the latest science on brain health, dementia prevention, and free evidence-based resources that empower Canadians to build healthier brains, one habit at a time.
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/DoxNa
If you're interested in purchasing an "Aging with Dignity" workbook, you can contact me at: varshapodcast@gmail.com
Oct 13, 2026
Oct 13, 2026
26 min
What does the future of aging look like? Join Varsha Bhat at AgeTech Discovery Days at McGill and Université de Montréal as she explores emerging technologies, aging at home, independence, and one essential question: Who is the user?
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
Oct 6, 2026
Oct 6, 2026
34 min
What if protecting your brain health starts long before symptoms appear? Dr. Ziad Nasreddine, creator of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), discusses prevention, early detection, digital innovation, and how each of us can take meaningful steps toward lifelong cognitive health.
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/3uekl
If you're interested in purchasing an "Aging with Dignity" workbook, you can contact me at: varshapodcast@gmail.com
Sep 29, 2026
Sep 29, 2026
44 min
How do culture, language, and family values shape the dementia journey? Dr. Navjot Gill-Chawla discusses dementia in South Asian communities, culturally responsive care, and practical resources that help families recognize symptoms, access support, and plan with greater confidence.
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/R8Wqs
If you're interested in purchasing an "Aging with Dignity" workbook, you can contact me at: varshapodcast@gmail.com
Sep 15, 2026
Sep 15, 2026
35 min
Season 4 took Aging With Dignity beyond the podcast studio and into communities, conversations, events and new resources. Join Varsha as she reflects on the season’s memorable moments, introduces new Resources, and looks ahead to Season 5.
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
Sep 8, 2026
Sep 8, 2026
42 min
Exploring aging in place, downsizing, and senior care transitions in Canada with expert Matt Del Vecchio. We discuss home care costs, public vs private options, housing decisions, and practical guidance for families navigating aging and care planning.
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/B2yIT
If you're interested in purchasing an "Aging with Dignity" workbook, you can contact me at: varshapodcast@gmail.com
Sep 1, 2026
Sep 1, 2026
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
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!