If you asked most caregivers, they would probably say there’s nothing funny about caring for someone with dementia. The stress, grief, and frustration can feel overwhelming. But what if the principles of improv comedy — being present, saying “yes,” and working together — could make caregiving easier and more joyful?

In this episode of the Age of Aging, we explore the surprising connection between improv and dementia care. You’ll hear how techniques from the stage are helping caregivers reduce stress, improve communication, and find moments of joy.

What’s inside:

• A peek inside the Penn Memory Center’s Cognitive Comedy class, where caregivers and people living with dementia learn improv basics.

• Dr. Anne Basting on why asking questions and staying present matters in tough caregiving moments.

• Improv teacher and elder care educator Karen Stobbe shares her personal story of using improv to care for her mother with Alzheimer’s.

• Researchers Dr. Candace Kemp, Dr. Jennifer Craft Morgan, and Amanda Lee Williams discuss the science behind improv’s benefits for caregivers.

• Leah Lawler, creator of Cognitive Comedy, explains why teaching improv to older adults is her passion.

Whether you’re a caregiver, a healthcare professional, or simply curious about creative approaches to aging, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring stories that will change the way you think about care.

Resources available on the episode webpage linked below

• Check out the Penn Memory Center’s Cognitive Comedy class

• Learn more about improv (UChicago News)

• Explore Timeslips’ website

• Learn more about Anne Basting

• Check out Karen Stobbe’s “In the Moment”

• Listen to Karen and Mondy’s story in This American Life

• Read Dr. Kemp and Dr. Morgan’s study on improv and dementia care (The Gerontologist)

• Watch more of Leah Lawler talking about Cognitive Comedy

• A list of improv games/exercises (improvencylcopedia.org)

Special thanks this episode to Jean Haskell and her Cognitive Comedy participants, Barry and Ray, as well as Anne Basting, PhD, Karen Stobbe, Candace Kemp, PhD, Jennifer Craft Morgan, PhD, and Amanda Lee Williams.

T Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and Penn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, and Meaghan Sharp.

The Age of Aging is made possible by generous support from the Michael Naidoff Communications Hub fund and our sponsors, the TIAA Institute and Rothkoff Law Group. The TIAA Institute is a think tank committed to building knowledge that advances lifelong financial security and well-being while considering the intersections of health and wealth. Their cutting-edge research provides actionable financial and longevity insights that help individuals and employers navigate the complex journey of aging.

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