Season 4: Healthy aging
Stronger communities begin with good health—for everyone
From the moment we are born, we begin to age. And what we need to maintain good health can evolve over our lifespans—whether it’s medical or technological interventions, health-related programs and policies, social support, or positive lifestyle behaviors.
In this season of “Good Health, Better World,” we’re exploring the joys, challenges, and opportunities associated with healthy aging. We talk about what it means to age well; how to care for body, mind, and spirit as we get older; and the tools and programs available to ensure a good life, throughout life.
You’ll hear from experts in gerontology, pharmacy, neuroscience, social work, public policy, bone and joint health, and more. Tune in to this season and join us as we work toward good health and a better world.
"Good Health, Better World" is available wherever you enjoy podcasts.
Episodes
The joys of aging
Many aspects of society and culture can lead us to negative feelings about aging—but there’s a lot to celebrate. In this episode, we connect with Lisa Sharfstein, director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Pittsburgh, to discuss many of the wonderful aspects of getting older, and the opportunities that arise as we rea...
How biology and lifestyle affect our brains and bodies as we age
In this episode, Dr. Aditi Gurkar and Dr. Howard Aizenstein join us to discuss the biological indicators of aging, and the changes that can take place in cognitive function as we age. Listen to learn more about factors related to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, along with practical steps each of us can take to support our cognitive health.
What it means to age in place—for the individual and for caregivers
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Pamela Toto and Dr. Beth Fields to explore the experience of both caregivers and those who are aging in place. We discuss what it means to age in place, the impact on aging adults and their caregivers, and new resources and technology that can offer support.
How Medicare Advantage plans support our seniors
Tune in to this episode of “Good Health, Better World” to learn more about the origins of Medicare, the types of benefits and services available through Medicare Advantage plans, and what is on the horizon for these plans in 2025. Hear perspectives from UPMC Health Plan and the Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP).
The challenges of polypharmacy
This episode of “Good Health, Better World” is all about polypharmacy, or more than one medication at the same time. Tune in to understand some of the considerations for chronic medications as we age, and hear about how insurance plans and pharmacies work together to help members and patients manage their medications as prescribed.
About the host
Dr. Ellen Beckjord
Vice President, Clinical Strategy and Program Optimization
UPMC Health Plan
Dr. Ellen Beckjord, MPH, is host of the “Good Health, Better World” podcast.
Ellen is a behavioral scientist, epidemiologist, and licensed clinical psychologist working at the intersection of population and digital health.
Her work focuses on promoting health, wellness, and health behavior change. She is vice president of clinical strategy and program optimization for UPMC Health Plan based in Pittsburgh.
Ellen trained at the University of Vermont, where she worked with cancer survivors and their families, at Vanderbilt University, and at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
She completed post-doctoral research at the National Cancer Institute in the Health Communication and Informatics Research Branch within the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences. She spent nearly five years in academic medicine at the University of Pittsburgh and Hillman Cancer Center.
Ellen also is the co-author of “Porchtraits” in which she interviewed people in Pittsburgh during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic about what they were learning, missing, enjoying, what surprised them, and what they felt hopeful about. A long-time member of the Society of Behavioral Medicine, Ellen currently serves on the Board of Directors as President-Elect.
Ellen’s guiding principle: “Lead with love.”