In this episode of Aging Well With VNA, host Kersten Rettig is joined by John W. Burruss, M.D., Psychiatrist and CEO of Metrocare, for a thoughtful and timely conversation on the powerful connection between mental health and aging well.

Dr. Burruss and Kersten explore how mental and emotional health influence both chronological age and biological age, shaping how we feel, function, and thrive as we grow older. The discussion takes a closer look at the often‑overlooked mental health challenges faced by caregivers, including stress, burnout, and emotional fatigue, and how these experiences can affect long‑term health.

The conversation also addresses the profound impact of grief on mental well‑being—how loss changes the brain, the body, and our sense of self, and why acknowledging and supporting mental health during grief is essential at any age.

Listeners will walk away with practical, actionable advice for aging well, including strategies to support brain health, build emotional resilience, and protect mental wellness through life’s transitions. This episode offers compassionate insight, medical expertise, and hopeful guidance for individuals, caregivers, and families navigating the journey of aging.

Helpful resources:

Metrocare: https://www.metrocareservices.org/

Center for Brain Health: https://centerforbrainhealth.org/

National Alliance for Caregiving: https://www.caregiving.org/

In this episode of Aging Well with VNA, host Kersten Rettig sits down with retired cardiologist Melissa Carry, MD, for an informative and engaging conversation about heart health at every stage of life. Dr. Carry breaks down the most common types of heart disease, explains today’s available treatment options in plain language, and offers practical insights on how individuals can reduce their risk through prevention and lifestyle choices.

Whether you’re managing a heart condition, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to take a proactive approach to your cardiovascular health, this episode delivers expert guidance you can trust—straight from decades of clinical experience.

Helpful Resource:

• American College of Cardiology – ASCVD Risk Estimator Plus
  https://tools.acc.org/ascvd-risk-estimator-plus/#!/calculate/estimate/

Join host, Kersten Rettig, in a poignant conversation with author Josh Hickman. His new book, Forgetting, chronicles the unexpected life circumstances of his three-plus year journey of solo caregiving for a mother with whom he had a very difficult relationship.