Whether you were able to attend our first 2026 Outlive Series webinar or not, I wanted to share a recap of what was an incredibly meaningful conversation on healthy aging, cognitive longevity, and maintaining independence.
We were fortunate to be joined by Geri Kanne and Loretta Matters, who shared thoughtful, practical guidance for individuals and families navigating the realities of aging. Their wisdom gave us not just information, but a better framework for thinking about how to live well, adapt wisely, and support the people we love.
One of the most memorable lines of the evening came from Geri:
“The best at aging well adapt to aging well.”
That quote really captured the spirit of the discussion. Aging well does not mean stubbornly refusing support like hearing aids, walkers, wheelchairs, or other helpful tools. It also does not mean withdrawing from life, skipping meaningful experiences, or becoming reclusive because you do not want to inconvenience others. Aging well means adapting wisely so you can continue to live fully, safely, and with dignity.
We discussed four foundational lifestyle practices for aging well:
Exercise – Aim for 150 minutes per week, with a focus on balance, strength, flexibility, and endurance.
Cognitive Stimulation – Continue learning, exploring, and engaging in novel activities that challenge the mind. If you love to cook, change up the recipe on a weekly basis. Mentor youth. Learn a new language.
Socialization – Staying connected matters more than ever, especially as hearing loss and other barriers can quietly lead to isolation. It is even more effective if you can combine socialization with exercising with others or sharing meals.
Healthy Diet – We were introduced to the MIND Diet, which combines elements of the Mediterranean and DASH diets and is designed to support brain health.
There were also several practical takeaways that stood out:
- Speaking in a lower tone can help someone with hearing loss hear you more clearly, as high-pitched voices are often harder to process.
- Lowering your chin slightly can naturally add more bass to your voice to help someone hear you better.
- Hearing loss affects more than conversation. Because our sensory system is closely tied to our ears, hearing challenges can also contribute to falls.
- Hearing aids are now more affordable and attainable than many people realize.
- Changes in lighting can affect depth perception and increase fall risk. Walking out of a dark restaurant into the sunlight can throw off your balance.
- Floor colors and patterns matter more than most people think. Solid surfaces are generally safer than checkerboards or busy designs.
- Carpet on stairs can help, and it is especially helpful to have a differentiated bottom step before the floor transition so the body can better sense that final step.
Loretta also shared an especially powerful perspective on caring for those experiencing dementia. She reminded us that slower interaction matters because processing speed changes with cognitive decline. As she put it, “You have to think of it like the brain is broken. If someone had a broken leg, you wouldn’t ask them to climb stairs.” That analogy really resonated. It was such a helpful reminder that we need to slow conversations down, adjust expectations, and meet people where they are with patience and understanding.
She also explained that the fight-or-flight part of the brain is often one of the least affected areas in cognitive decline. That is why startling someone can create an immediate and distressing response. Approaching from the front is especially important, particularly since peripheral vision can decline more quickly in those with dementia.
More broadly, the evening reinforced something we believe deeply at Capitol Financial Solutions: planning well for the future is about more than finances, alone. It is also about preparing for the health, lifestyle, caregiving, and independence-related realities that shape the quality of our lives and the lives of those we love.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, please feel free to contact your advisor and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Stay tuned for our upcoming webinars, which will continue to provide insights into living a longer, healthier, and more fulfilled life.
Thank you once again for being a part of the Capitol Financial Solutions family.
Warmly,
Will Smith
Capitol Financial Solutions