Aging Well and Finding the Right Fit: Resources, Resilience and Real Conversations

In this episode of the Living to 100 Club Podcast, Dr. Joe sits down with Deana Liss, Executive Director of Elderwerks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting older adults and their families as they navigate the aging journey. Based in Illinois, Elderwerks has helped thousands through its free counseling, housing guidance, educational programs, and fitness offerings—all designed to empower seniors and caregivers alike.

Joe and Deana explore what it means to age well from both a psychological and practical lens. With over 40 years of experience in senior care, Joe shares insights on maintaining motivation, managing setbacks, and promoting a positive outlook. Deana brings her on-the-ground expertise in memory care, activity programming, and resource navigation, offering listeners a clear picture of how Elderwerks helps seniors live fully and confidently.

Whether you're a caregiver, a solo ager, or a professional in senior services, this episode delivers both inspiration and actionable advice for navigating later life with clarity and purpose.

Mini Bio

Deana Liss brings over twenty years healthcare experience from hospital systems, skilled nursing, assisted living, independent living, and memory care communities. In addition to working in healthcare, she has had the honor of assisting many of her own personal family and friends through healthcare challenges ranging from memory loss, cancer, and auto-immune diseases. Our guest is dedicated to patient advocacy and has a strong commitment to compassionately providing all individuals and their loved ones with education, resources, and support which enables them to make the best decisions to improve their lives. When not working, Deana enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends, working on her family’s farm, camping, gardening, crafting, and constantly coming up with new cooking creations in the kitchen.

For Our Listeners

Deana's website: Elderwerks.org