Zoomer Week in Review

Ontario residents were shocked rocked by Patrick Brown’s resignation as head of the Ontario PC party after receiving allegations of sexual misconduct. He’s just one of the politicians forced out for that reason. Libby talks to crisis communications expert Allan Bonner to get his take. Plus – It’s been recognized as an epidemic as real as diabetes or opioid addiction. Recently, British Prime Minister Teresa May appointed a Minister for Loneliness to tackle the scourge of social isolation. Libby talks to CARP’s VP advocacy Wanda Morris to get her perspective.

Three years ago, author John Leland started following the lives of 6 New Yorkers over 85. What emerged were stories focusing NOT on declining health, but rather on the things they can still do that are rewarding. He has put what he learned into his new book “Happiness Is a Choice You Make” and he joined Libby to talk about it. Plus – Are you ready for self driving cars? Or looking to buy the latest luxury vehicle on the market? With the Detroit Auto Show underway, Libby talks to car consultant Denis Desrosiers about the latest automotive trends for the Zoomer demographic.

Bob Komsic fills in for Libby Znaimer. The number of divorces among baby boomers in long term marriages represented close to half of all divorces in Canada ten years ago. Bob talks to Toronto lawyer Rick Pettica, to learn more about the so-called “Grey Divorce” and why the number tends to rise in January. Plus – Like something from science fiction, inventors are creating robots to be partnered with seniors to help improve social and physical well being. US based science writer Gene Demaitre has just returned from the annual electronics show in Las Vegas and joins Bob to share what he’s seen.

Bob Komsic fills in for Libby Znaimer. Do you plan to downsize and sell your home this year? Bob talks to Royal LePage real estate specialist Rick Pecman to get some tips on the current housing and condo market. Plus – It’s Alzheimer’s awareness month. And a staggering half-million Canadians are currently living with dementia and that number is expected to soar with an aging population. Bob talks to Baycrest’s Head of Neurology, Dr. Morris Freedman to get an update about the disease, and to find about his recent research project.

It’s time again for New Years resolutions and 96 year old Hazel Mccallion, former Mayor of Mississauga, recommends thinking BIG when setting goals. Plus, we wrap up 2017 with our year end Zoomer Panel.

The holiday season is meant to be an uplifting time of year surrounded by family and friends. But it can be emotionally challenging and lonely for seniors, especially those with specialized and complex needs. Toronto home care agency Circle of Care, part of Sinai Health System provides support for people who are isolated. To find out how to make a difference, not just at Christmas but year round, Libby speaks with Carey Lucki, the CEO of the Circle of Care. Plus – What will you serve at your Christmas holiday feast? As consumers, we are apparently becoming increasingly mindful about our food choices. Libby talks to nutrition expert Shannon Crocker about our changing eating habits and emerging trends

The new documentary “Dreaming of a Jewish Christmas” explores the ultimate yuletide irony – that many of most iconic Christmas songs were written by Jews. From White Christmas to Winter Wonderland to the Christmas Song – the film explores the reasons behind the phenomenon. Libby sat down with the man behind the documentary, veteran filmmaker Larry Weinstein. Plus – How long have you had to wait for medical treatment that you needed? The Fraser Institute is out with its annual report called “Waiting Your Turn” and it shows wait times going up! You can expect to wait more than 41 weeks for a hip replacement but if you need cancer treatment you will access it in just three weeks. Libby speaks with the report’s author, Bacchus Barua, in Vancouver.

The numbers confirm a trend we’ve been telling you about for awhile. Zoomers are working well past the traditional retirement age! Libby talks to Halifax resident, and CARP board member, Bill VanGorder about how he makes it all work. Plus – He’s not retiring, but the man who launched the first billion dollar fundraising campaign in Canadian healthcare is leaving his job – Libby talks Paul Alofs, the outgoing President and CEO of the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

It could be the end of seniors’ discounts in the public sector. The City of Kingston is looking at eliminating discounts on services like bus rides and recreation programs, and London will definitely scrap its seniors price break on transit come the new year. Libby talks with Kenneth Wong, Professor of Marketing and Business Strategy at Queens University to get his take. Plus – The prestigious C.D. Howe Institute recently called on the government to revisit a policy it reversed after the last election: raising the age of eligibility for old age security to 67 from 65. CD Howe says it’s necessary because aging Boomers are breaking the bank. Intergenerational expert David Cravit disagrees and joins Libby to explain.

Authorities in the United States have lowered the guidelines for diagnosing hypertension. It means that another 30 million Americans will be considered to have high blood pressure, which already afflicts half of U.S. adults. Libby talks with Dr. Chi-Ming Chow, staff cardiologist at St. Michael’s hospital to find out what it means for Canadians. Plus – Orhan Pamuk, the Nobel-prize winning Turkish writer, collected objects to showcase the events in his novel “The Museum of Innocence” while he was writing the book. Two years later, he opened a physical museum of the same name, in a 19th century building in Istanbul. Libby talks with him to learn more about it.

This week marked both Remembrance Day and Holocaust Education Week. As we get further away from the two World Wars, the question of how to pass on this history becomes more urgent. Scott Masters, a teacher at Toronto’s Crestwood Preparatory College devised a unique solution. He is behind a widely acclaimed oral history project that pairs veterans with students who interview them and then edit, digitize and post the material. Arielle Meyer, the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor interviewed 94-year-old Charles Scot-Brown, a Captain with the 51st highland division who landed on the beach at Normandy on D-Day. Plus – With all hoopla around the legalization of recreational marijuana, it’s still not easy to get medical cannabis. Libby talks with Brent Zettl, CEO of Cannimed Therapeutics about the impact on patients.

It sounds like something out of a novel. Controversial writer and broadcaster Tarek Fatah is well known as a passionate secularist who takes on radical Islam. While visiting India, he started hosting a TV show. It became a huge hit, but that led to a plot to assassinate him, and Indian police have recently arrested a second suspect associated with this plot. Libby talks with Tarek about the whole strange saga. Plus – What can we learn from the happiest places on earth? Explorer and educator Dan Buettner shares some lessons from two years of research.

It’s become something of a tradition: newly minted federal party leaders coming to speak to the CARP AGM. After all, the older demographic votes in overwhelming numbers. At 38, Conservative Party of Canada leader, Andrew Scheer is the youngest of the three. He dropped by the studio to talk with Libby before addressing the group. Plus – How to get the government working for Zoomers! Libby talks to CARP’s VP Advocacy Wanda Morris about the organization’s priorities for the coming year.

One of the NHL’s top players of all time, Ken Dryden takes on a new challenge with the release his book “Game Change: The Life and Death of Steve Montador” by advocating to make Canada’s favourite sport safer and reduce brain injuries. He joins Libby to talk about it. Plus – The explosive allegations against Harvey Weinstein sparked an online movement with tens of thousands of women coming forward with their stories of harassment. But does the #MeToo mark a watershed moment or a celebration of victimhood? Libby talks to British academic and author Dr Joanna Williams.

Gordon Lightfoot helped define the folk-pop sound of the ‘60s and ‘70s, but he’s not known for being an open book when it comes to talking about his personal life, until now. Libby speaks with Nicholas Jennings, the author of Lightfoot. The first biography of the legendary troubadour. Plus…. This year’s flu vaccine is now available, Libby talks to Dr. Bryna Warshawsky, Medical Director at Public Health Ontario, about why it is especially critical for Zoomers.

Genetic testing has opened vast new possibilities for curing disease, but it has also raised ethical questions and started to be used as a kind of entertainment with mail-order tests. Libby continues her conversation with health professor Timothy Caulfield on his new tv series “A User’s Guide to Cheating Death.” You can watch it on Monday nights at 9pm on VisionTV. Plus – She’s enjoyed huge success and faced daunting challenges. That’s why at just 40 years of age, Canadian Opera Singer Measha Brueggergosman – a has penned a memoir, called “Something is Always on Fire.” She joins Libby to share some of her life stories.

Bob Komsic fills in for Libby Znaimer. The Iconic founder of Playboy, Hugh Hefner has passed away. Suffice it to say, Hugh Hefner changed the way society thought about sex, but, you may be surprised to learn how he influenced Zoomer Media founder, Moses Znaimer! Plus – As the Province of Ontario looks to resolve its hospital bed shortage, which some say have reached crisis levels, Bob talks with Natalie Mehra, the Executive Director of the Ontario Health Coalition, to get her insight.

He’s famous for taking on the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, to debunk faddish and sometimes dangerous health trends promoted by celebrity culture. Health law professor Timothy Caulfield is investigating everything from ancient therapies to the latest in plastic surgery in his new series airing on our sister station VisionTV. He dropped by our studios to talk to Libby about A User’s Guide to Cheating Death. Plus – He’s a true, Canadian hero – Libby catches up with the man in motion himself, Rick Hansen, as he hits the town for the Invictus Games, the commonwealth competition for wounded soldiers.

Dr. Vivien Brown, author of A Woman’s Guide to Healthy Aging: 7 Proven Ways to Keep You Vibrant, Happy and Strong joins Libby to share her best tips for healthy aging. Plus – There’s both good and bad news about Zoomers’ financial health. Libby talks to Nora Spinks, CEO of the Vanier Institute of the Family, to get a snapshot of the latest census on money, work and wellbeing for the demographic.

When a debilitating condition prevented her from playing the complex pieces she is famous for, Canada’s First Lady of Guitar, Liona Boyd, opted to reinvent herself rather than give up music. Now she has a new memoir “No Remedy for Love.” Libby talks to her about how she turned adversity into a new opportunity. Plus – The economy is going gangbusters, but when it comes to personal finances…not so much. Nearly half of Canadians live paycheque to paycheque and many who no longer collect that paycheque are still in debt. Libby talks to Laurie Campbell, the CEO of Credit Canada Debt Solutions.

What is happening to the family silver? Prized possessions used to be a precious legacy. Now many younger people are just saying no to what they consider unwanted stuff. Libby talks with the Downsizing Diva, Karen Shinn, about this avalanche of heirlooms. Plus – A new major study finds the conventional wisdom about dietary fat is wrong. Fat is fine and low-fat diets may actually raise your risk of early death. Libby talks to Researcher Dr. Andrew Mente, from McMaster University to get all the details.

Bob Komsic fills in for Libby Znaimer. How can University music students and retirement home residents live a mutually beneficial, harmonious life together? Bob finds out from Heather Gingerich, the designer of an exciting, new program that aims to do just that! And – The criteria required for Doctors to help their suffering patients end their lives was questioned in court recently. Bob talks with Shanaaz Gokool, CEO of Dying with Dignity, about this landmark case, and how it will affect future decisions.

Bob Komsic fills in for Libby Znaimer. The Royal family continues to be a source of fascination and fodder, which is part of the reason why Queen Elizabeth and her newly retired husband, Prince Philip grace the current cover of Zoomer magazine. Bob talks with Deputy Editor of Zoomer Magazine, Kim Izzo to get the inside scoop about the Royals. And – A Solar eclipse came to North America, where for a short time the sun will disappear. In fact, all of North America will be able to see a partial eclipse! Bob talks to astronomer and York University professor Paul Delaney to learn some fascinating facts about this phenomenon.

Does your waist measure more than half your height? A new study says this measure is more important than what the scale says and they’ve coined a new word to describe it: “overfat.” To find out what it means for us, Libby talked to obesity specialist Dr. Sean Wharton, Medical Director of the Wharton Medical Clinic in Burlington, Ontario. And – Jack Rabinovitch, businessman, philanthropist, founder of the Giller Prize, passed away recently. Libby talked about him and his legacy with his long-time friend, cartoonist Terry Mosher, who draws under the pen name Aislin.

A recent State Farm survey singling out older drivers as a danger has sparked a storm of criticism. Libby is joined by CARP’s VP Advocacy Wanda Morris to talk about it. And – A recently released 2016 StatsCan census revealed that for the first time in Canada, single-person households have become the most common living arrangement. The trend, like all the other key changes in the way we live was driven by Zoomers. Libby talks to Laurent Martel, Director of the demography division at Statistics Canada.

Ontario’s College of Nurses has just revoked Elizabeth Wettlaufer’s license even though she is already serving a life sentence for murdering eight patients. But could they have acted sooner to prevent the tragedy? Libby talks to Jane Meadus of the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly. And – 35% of all dementia cases can be prevented by following some simple rules about the way we live. That was a headline in a recent landmark study in The Lancet. But neurologist Dr. Antoine Hakim was ahead of the curve. He joins Libby to talk about his new book Save Your Mind.

What does it mean to be Black in the GTA? The answers are in a new landmark survey called the Black Experience Project. Libby talks to the project’s Director of Outreach and Engagement, Marva Wisdom. Plus – Are you trying to watch your weight by drinking diet drinks or using a sugar substitute in your coffee? A new study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal finds that it may actually lead to weight gain! Libby is joined by Dr. Meghan Azad from the University of Manitoba.

Are you being sent for an ECG heart test as part of your annual physical? A new study says many of these tests are completely unnecessary. Libby gets all the details from the study’s lead author Sacha Bhatia, Director of the Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care (WIHV) at Women’s College Hospital. And – The Bank of Canada has raised interest rates for the first time in 7 years. Does that mean we should make changes in our portfolios? Author and Investment Advisor Gordon Pape joins Libby to talk about how this will affect you.

Bob Komsic fills in for Libby Znaimer. Ontario’s assisted dying law is supposed to improve access for grievously ill patients while easing the moral burden on physicians who object to referring patients for assisted death. But is it working? Dr. James Downar, from Dying with Dignity Canada, the University Health Network, and Sinai Health System, joins Bob to talk about it. And – Libby has talked about home co-ownership on this show before, but what if there was an easier way to find someone to co-own your home with? Bob talks to Lesli Gaynor, a real estate agent who has a unique way to make that happen.

Is there a connection between grilling meat on the barbecue and cancer? Dr. Vikki Ho from the Université de Montréal joins Libby to talk about it. And – How much did that Canada Day party you threw set you back? That’s the starting point for a TD study that compares Canada 150 to our centennial back in 1967. TD Senior Economist Brian DePratto joins Libby to explain.

In this episode of The Zoomer Week in Review, host Libby Znaimer talks about the shocking statistic – 1 in every 2 Canadians will get cancer in their lifetime.

Bob Komsic fills in for Libby Znaimer While banks may be telling us that they have our best interests in mind, their employees are spinning a different tune. Bob talks about it with Wanda Morris, the VP Advocacy of CARP, and member of the Ontario Securities Commission Seniors Expert Advisory Committee. And – June is World Elder Abuse Awareness month. Bob talks with Rochella Vassell from Elder Abuse Ontario, about what they’re doing to recognize this very important issue.

What would the Canadian National Anthem sound like in Yiddish? We made it a sesquicentennial project to find out. And – The author of an unexpected best-selling book about your stomach is coming to ideacity this year. Giulia Enders joins Libby to give a sneak preview of her talk about gut health and awareness.

What is the future of food? Libby talks with Dr. Irwin Adam ahead of his ideacity appearance to find out.

He’s best known for his iconic role in MASH. But Actor Alan Alda’s lifework is communicating science! Libby talks to him about his new book “If I Understood you, would I have this look on my face?” ahead of his ideacity appearance in mid-June.

It’s difficult to diagnose and can be hard to treat. Libby talks to Dr. Vett Lloyd of Mt Allison University about how you can protect yourself from Lyme Disease this season. And – What is the future of food? Libby talks with Dr. Irwin Adam ahead of his ideacity appearance to find out.

It’s not rare to see patients lying on gurneys in hallways and closets, waiting to be seen by hospital physicians. In fact, it’s become the norm. Libby talks to Ontario Medical Association President Elect Nadia Alam to get her take on the matter. And – He’s best known for his iconic role in MASH. But Actor Alan Alda’s lifework is communicating science! Libby talks to him about his new book “If I Understood you, would I have this look on my face?” ahead of his ideacity appearance in mid-June.

Libby continues her interview from last episode with Toronto City Councillor Norm Kelly. He’s had a very successful career, but why has his popularity soared now that he’s in his 70’s? Libby finds out. And – Globe and Mail columnist Andre Picard has released a new book on the state of health care in this country – It’s called “Matters of Life and Death: Public Health Issues in Canada”. Libby sat down with him to find out all about it.

City Councillor Norm Kelly is likely best known for his reputation as the ‘six dad’ for his fervent advocacy on behalf of the city of Toronto, both on social media, and in real life…and he’s lending his credibility to promote the upcoming Becel Ride for Heart. Libby talks with him to find out more. And – May marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Lusitania. Kim Izzo has written the historical fiction, 7 Days in May, that follows the lives of four people, all of whom have connections to the fateful trip of the RMS Lusitania in 1917. Libby talks to her about her personal connection to the tragedy, and about her inspiration to write the book.

Bob Komsic fills in for Libby Znaimer. Stats Canada released new statistics this week, showing that there are more adults 65-plus in this country, than there are children under the age of 16. Bob talks with generational author Peter Shurman to learn more. And – The Alzheimer’s Society of Toronto is gearing up for its annual fundraising walk. Bob is joined by CEO, Cathy Barrick, to find out all the details.

New information has come to light about what the allies knew regarding Nazi Death Camps and when they knew it. Libby finds out all the details for Dan Plesch, the British historian who unearthed the information. And – In a world full of distractions, have we lost the ability to be alone? Libby talks with award winning author Michael Harris about his new book, “Solitude A Singular Life in a Crowded World.

It’s a huge problem for families – to make sure that elder loved ones take their medications. Libby talks with Victor Lesau about his new invention that makes monitoring easy. And – “Muhi – Generally Temporary” is the story of a Palestinian boy with a life threatening illness, who has lived in an Israeli hospital since he was a baby. Libby talks with director Rina Castelnuovo about this HotDocs feature.

CARP – a new vision of aging – is expanding to open an office in British Columbia to better serve Western Canada. CARP VP of Advocacy Wanda Morris will be going west to head up this new office, and she joins Libby to talk about it. And – What is the senior boomerang generation? Libby talks with author, and VP of ZoomerLive and Zoomer U, David Cravit, to learn more.

This week marked National Caregiver Day, and the honours were handed out in Toronto this week. Libby speaks to one of the winners, Karen Gillespie, who has a remarkable story. And – Just in time for Easter, a new documentary offers a completely different theory about Jesus’ last days. Libby is joined by filmmaker Simcha Jacobovici to learn all about it.

This year is 100th Anniversary of the battle at Vimy Ridge. Libby talks with Christopher Sweeney, the President of the Vimy Ridge Foundation, about what it was, and why it was such an important event in Canadian history. And – The Ontario government is taking steps to protect your savings from unscrupulous advisors and it’s the result of a CARP initiative. Libby is joined by CARP’s VP of Advocacy Wanda Morris to talk about it.

Bob Komsic fills in for Libby Znaimer. Could hockey save the health care system? Bob talks to the former head of orthopedic surgery at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, Dr. Steven Pinney, about his new book How Hockey Can Save Health Care to find out more. And – The entertainment world mourned the loss of legendary guitarist Chuck Berry. Bob talks about it with Zoomer Radio’s own legendary musician Robbie Lane.

Bob Komsic fills in for Libby Znaimer. Did you know that March is Pharmacist Awareness Month? Bob talks to Sean Simpson, Chair of the Board of Directors at the Ontario Pharmacists Association to find out all the details. And – No one likes to clean their home, but is there a quicker, more efficient way to do it? Bob talks with author Melissa Maker about her new book CLEAN MY SPACE: The Secret to Cleaning Better, Faster – And Loving Your Home Every Day.

Bob Komsic fills in for Libby Znaimer. It’s that time again. Spring ahead! But what effect does Daylight Savings Time have on your sleep? Bob talks with lifestyle expert Jennifer Pike to find out. And – Does Canada have its own food identity, or national dish? Is it poutine? Beaver tails? Or maybe Nanaimo bars? Author and BC professor Lenore Newman set out across the country to answer that very question. She joins Bob to talk about it.

March is colon cancer awreness month, and while more and more Zoomers are beating the disease there’s been an un3explained increase in the number of young people who get it. Libby talks to Dr. Shady Ashamalla to learn more. And – A critically acclaimed filmmaker who investigates the distant past is getting the prestigious Gordon Sinclair Award for Broadcast Journalism. Libby speaks with Simcha Jacobovic about his work.

The Oscars have come and gone, and there’s one group you won’t have seen much: older actors. Libby talks to study authors, Dr. Katherine Pieper and researcher Mark Choueiti, who say this year’s Academy Awards should be dubbed “Oscars So Young”. And – Have you noticed that you get less sleep now than you did when you were younger? If you think it’s just a normal part of the ageing process, think again! Libby talks to sleep doctor, Dr. Ariel Green from Johns Hopkins University to find out more.