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
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
Jun 16, 2026
Jun 16, 2026
20 min
In this Season 3 finale, we join the Alzheimer Society of Montreal Walk to hear powerful stories from families, caregivers, volunteers, and community leaders. A moving reminder of the hope, resilience, and connection that help us navigate the dementia journey together.
Checkout the Aging With Dignity website to learn more about this podcast, and to connect with us! https://agingwithdignity.podbean.com
Jun 9, 2026
Jun 9, 2026
47 min
Avi Parmar shares his journey as an only child navigating his mother’s illness and loss, while now caring for his father living with early dementia—revealing the evolving reality of grief, responsibility, and choosing to live fully within caregiving.
Checkout the Aging With Dignity website to learn more about this podcast, and to connect with us! https://agingwithdignity.podbean.com
Jun 2, 2026
Jun 2, 2026
30 min
Charlie Pechousek shares his caregiving journey supporting both parents as their needs evolve into separate living arrangements. A story of difficult decisions, cultural expectations, and carrying responsibility largely alone while balancing work, family dynamics, and identity.
Checkout the Aging With Dignity website to learn more about this podcast, and to connect with us! https://agingwithdignity.podbean.com
May 26, 2026
May 26, 2026
51 min
Three sisters share their family’s caregiving journey: supporting their mother through dementia until her passing, and now caring for their father in early stages. A story of love, loss, cultural expectations, and what it means to show up for family.
Checkout the Aging With Dignity website to learn more about this podcast, and to connect with us! https://agingwithdignity.podbean.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!