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
Feb 24, 2026
Feb 24, 2026
38 min
A moving conversation with Naomi and Matt, creators of Big Stuff, on grief, marriage, and using comedy to survive loss. A tender exploration of death, love, and how laughter can coexist with deep sorrow.
Checkout the Aging With Dignity website to learn more about this podcast, and to connect with us!https://agingwithdignity.podbean.com/
Download your Episode Care Toolkit here!
Feb 17, 2026
Feb 17, 2026
46 min
Women are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s and mental health conditions, yet often overlooked in research and care. Neuroscientist Dr. Antonella Santuccione Chadha explains why women’s brains age differently and what caregivers and families need to know now.
Checkout the Aging With Dignity website to learn more about this podcast, and to connect with us!https://agingwithdignity.podbean.com/
Download your Episode Care Toolkit here!
Feb 10, 2026
Feb 10, 2026
35 min
As our population ages, how do we design care that truly supports older adults and caregivers? In this episode, Dr. Julia Chabot explores innovation, system navigation, caregiver inclusion, and why geriatric care must function as a connected continuum.
Checkout the Aging With Dignity website to learn more about this podcast, and to connect with us! https://agingwithdignity.podbean.com/
Download your Episode Care Toolkit here!
Feb 3, 2026
Feb 3, 2026
8 min
We close Alzheimer’s Month by reflecting on dementia, caregiving, and community - through January’s guests and my mother’s rare corticobasal degeneration. If you’re walking this road, you’re not alone. Plus, a preview of what’s next for caregivers everywhere and families.
Jan 27, 2026
Jan 27, 2026
35 min
What if care didn’t end at the hospital door?
In this episode, we explore Compassionate Communities with Cynthia Lapointe, examining how culture, community, and shared responsibility can transform caregiving, end-of-life support, and aging – all with dignity.
Download your Episode Care Toolkit here!
Jan 20, 2026
Jan 20, 2026
29 min
Why does dementia care feel so hard to navigate? In this episode of Aging With Dignity, Dr. Saskia Sivananthan breaks down the Mind the Gap report and explains where Canada’s dementia system falls short—and how families can advocate for better care.
Download your Episode Care Toolkit here!
Jan 13, 2026
Jan 13, 2026
34 min
Caregiver guilt is real, heavy, and rarely talked about. Ron Beleno joins us to unpack why guilt shows up, how it affects our decisions, and what practical steps can help us move toward compassion and clarity.
Download your Episode Care Toolkit here!
Jan 6, 2026
Jan 6, 2026
38 min
January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. If Alzheimer’s has touched your life, this is a key episode. Jeane Day and Anouk Coxon of the Alzheimer Society of Montreal discuss early signs, diagnosis in Quebec, caregiver support, stigma, and how the community can get involved.
Download your Episode Care Toolkit here!
Dec 23, 2025
Dec 23, 2025
7 min
As the calendar year comes to a close, Varsha shares a moment of reflection with the Aging With Dignity community. We’re taking a short holiday break to rest, recharge, and plan new conversations and offering… returning in the new year with fresh episodes and renewed purpose.
Click here to watch the episode!
Dec 16, 2025
Dec 16, 2025
46 min
In many families, talking about death or legal planning feels uncomfortable, even taboo. But as Varsha learned in her own family, planning ahead isn’t about fearing the future; it’s about protecting the people you love. In this episode of Aging With Dignity, Varsha sits down with Anna Kamateros, a Montreal notary with over 20 years of experience at KRB Law, to unpack the essentials of legal planning for aging in Quebec.
Download your Episode 11 Care Toolkit here!
Click here to watch the episode!
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!