Age Compass Sat, 05 Sep 2026 08:10:22 +1000 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2634998 en-au © 2026 Age Compass yes ad6edb42-1bbf-5f0e-b023-bc1680b5d77f dj.greenwood@outlook.com Deborah Jane episodic false I learned about ageing and dementia the hard way; caring for my mum after her dementia diagnosis and losing both my parents far too young. It literally changed the direction of my life. I went on to study dementia at university and built a career walking alongside people living with the diagnosis.
This podcast is my way of sharing the things I wish someone had told me. 

Bite‑size, light-hearted episodes to give you the right information, support and honest conversations so you don’t have to learn it the hard way too. 

I want to make this journey together lighter, kinder, and far less confusing. 
I’ve lived it, studied it, and now work in it. And I want us to navigate ageing and dementia together, so you know you’re not alone.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) dementia, ageing, carer support, dementia prevention, carer stress, sandwich generation, Alzheimer's disease, vascular, Lewy body, Deborah Jane dj.greenwood@outlook.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/9is6o5zi8ftw5ttsgsexqox9lbxr?.jpg Age Compass https://www.buzzsprout.com/2634998 The Emotions of Caring No One Talks About The Emotions of Caring No One Talks About Caring for someone with dementia can feel like an emotional rollercoaster; love, frustration, grief and exhaustion all in the same day. In this episode we unpack why caring feels so contradictory, the three emotions nobody warned me about, and the hidden health risks many carers face. I share personal reflections from caring for both my mum and dad, along with strategies I wish I’d used. If you’ve ever felt guilty, overwhelmed or unsure whether you’re “doing enough,” this one’s for you.

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]]> Caring for someone with dementia can feel like an emotional rollercoaster; love, frustration, grief and exhaustion all in the same day. In this episode we unpack why caring feels so contradictory, the three emotions nobody warned me about, and the hidden health risks many carers face. I share personal reflections from caring for both my mum and dad, along with strategies I wish I’d used. If you’ve ever felt guilty, overwhelmed or unsure whether you’re “doing enough,” this one’s for you.

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]]> Deborah Jane Buzzsprout-19753076 Fri, 04 Sep 2026 13:00:00 +1000 1211 carer burnout, carer guilt, caregiver stress, sandwich generation, dementia support, dementia caregiver burnout, caregiver mental health, anticipatory grief, compassion fatigue, caregiver resentment, family caregiving, carer wellbeing, care stress 1 10 full false Hang On... Is It Ageing or Dementia? Hang On... Is It Ageing or Dementia? Everyone becomes a little more forgetful with age, but when should memory changes become a concern? In this episode, we explore the differences between normal ageing and dementia, including common signs to watch for, misconceptions that can delay diagnosis, and practical ways to support long-term brain health.

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]]> Everyone becomes a little more forgetful with age, but when should memory changes become a concern? In this episode, we explore the differences between normal ageing and dementia, including common signs to watch for, misconceptions that can delay diagnosis, and practical ways to support long-term brain health.

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]]> Deborah Jane Buzzsprout-19752952 Fri, 04 Sep 2026 13:00:00 +1000 1054 dementia, early signs of dementia, memory loss, ageing or dementia, healthy ageing, Alzheimer's disease, cognitive decline, dementia symptoms, brain health, ageing vs dementia, forgetfulness, dementia awareness, senior health, cognitive health, older adul 1 9 full false What Is Dementia You Ask? What Is Dementia You Ask? In this episode, we break down the basics in plain English; from the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s, to why dementia affects far more than just memory. We explore what’s happening inside the brain, how different diseases cause dementia, and why symptoms can show up in thinking, behaviour, movement, and everyday life.

You’ll learn why dementia isn’t a normal part of ageing, what “probable” diagnoses really mean, and how understanding the condition helps us provide better care, support, and compassion.

Whether you’re supporting someone with dementia or simply want to learn more, this is the perfect place to start.

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]]> In this episode, we break down the basics in plain English; from the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s, to why dementia affects far more than just memory. We explore what’s happening inside the brain, how different diseases cause dementia, and why symptoms can show up in thinking, behaviour, movement, and everyday life.

You’ll learn why dementia isn’t a normal part of ageing, what “probable” diagnoses really mean, and how understanding the condition helps us provide better care, support, and compassion.

Whether you’re supporting someone with dementia or simply want to learn more, this is the perfect place to start.

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]]> Deborah Jane Buzzsprout-19734592 Tue, 01 Sep 2026 15:00:00 +1000 987 dementia, aging, carer support, support, older adult, dementia prevention, Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, lewy body, Alzheimer's, sandwich generation, fronto-temporal, what is dementia 1 8 full false You're Telling Me I Can Grow My Brain? You're Telling Me I Can Grow My Brain? In this episode, we unpack the fascinating science of neuroplasticity and cognitive reserve, exploring how small everyday actions, like learning something new, mixing up your routine, staying social, and even doing things you'd rather avoid, can help strengthen your brain over time. We also dive into why embracing a little discomfort may be one of the most powerful tools for building resilience, protecting cognitive health, and staying mentally sharp as we age.

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]]> In this episode, we unpack the fascinating science of neuroplasticity and cognitive reserve, exploring how small everyday actions, like learning something new, mixing up your routine, staying social, and even doing things you'd rather avoid, can help strengthen your brain over time. We also dive into why embracing a little discomfort may be one of the most powerful tools for building resilience, protecting cognitive health, and staying mentally sharp as we age.

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]]> Deborah Jane Buzzsprout-19709048 Thu, 27 Aug 2026 11:00:00 +1000 999 Brain Health, Neuroplasticity, Healthy Aging, Cognitive Reserve, Brain Training, Dementia Prevention, Mental Fitness, Longevity, Healthy Lifestyle, Neuroscience, Age Well, dementia 1 7 full false What Does it Mean to "Age Well"? What Does it Mean to "Age Well"? What does it really mean to age well? In this episode, we explore how staying active, connected, curious, and healthy can help us maintain our independence and quality of life as we get older. With people living longer than ever and growing pressure on care systems worldwide, we discuss why your 50s can be a pivotal decade for future health, and the simple habits that can make a big difference in helping you stay strong, resilient, and thriving for years to come.

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]]> What does it really mean to age well? In this episode, we explore how staying active, connected, curious, and healthy can help us maintain our independence and quality of life as we get older. With people living longer than ever and growing pressure on care systems worldwide, we discuss why your 50s can be a pivotal decade for future health, and the simple habits that can make a big difference in helping you stay strong, resilient, and thriving for years to come.

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]]> Deborah Jane Buzzsprout-19709028 Thu, 27 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +1000 945 dementia, ageing, age well, over 50's, pro-ageing, active over 50, lifestyle, physical activity, loneliness, older adult 1 6 full false Dementia Prevention: What Future Self Wants You to Know Now Dementia Prevention: What Future Self Wants You to Know Now In this episode, we’re talking about all the things we can do to look after our brain health and lower our dementia risk. Simple, achievable habits that genuinely make a difference from early life right through to late life. 

Think of it as future you saying thank you now. 

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]]> In this episode, we’re talking about all the things we can do to look after our brain health and lower our dementia risk. Simple, achievable habits that genuinely make a difference from early life right through to late life. 

Think of it as future you saying thank you now. 

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]]> Deborah Jane Buzzsprout-19663670 Tue, 18 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +1000 1016 Dementia prevention, Alzheimer's disease, dementia, brain health, ageing, active, pro-ageing, loneliness, heart health, lancet commission 1 5 full false What do you mean, ageism? What's that? What do you mean, ageism? What's that? A breakdown of what ageism actually is, and why older adults experience it the most. From stereotypes and prejudice to real‑world discrimination, I highlight three of my favourite older adults who prove age has nothing to do with strength, independence or courage. They inspire and motivate me every day and remind us that you never really know you’re inspiring just by showing up.

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]]> A breakdown of what ageism actually is, and why older adults experience it the most. From stereotypes and prejudice to real‑world discrimination, I highlight three of my favourite older adults who prove age has nothing to do with strength, independence or courage. They inspire and motivate me every day and remind us that you never really know you’re inspiring just by showing up.

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]]> Deej Buzzsprout-19629825 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +1000 734 ageism, ageing well, positive ageing, older adult strength, lived experience, inspiring older adults, breaking stereotypes, community stories, independence, ageing, motivation 1 4 full false Ok, so tell me more about dementia? Ok, so tell me more about dementia? A down‑to‑earth chat about dementia; what it is, why age increases risk, and why dementia is not a normal part of getting older. We break down the most common types, the global impact, and the surprising fact that up to 40–45% of cases may be preventable. I share my lived experience caring for my mum, and how everything I got wrong along the way pushed me to study dementia and dedicate my work to supporting those living with it; and the people who care for them. 

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]]> A down‑to‑earth chat about dementia; what it is, why age increases risk, and why dementia is not a normal part of getting older. We break down the most common types, the global impact, and the surprising fact that up to 40–45% of cases may be preventable. I share my lived experience caring for my mum, and how everything I got wrong along the way pushed me to study dementia and dedicate my work to supporting those living with it; and the people who care for them. 

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Deej Buzzsprout-19629815 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +1000 1001 Dementia, Lewy body, vascular dementia, Alzheimer's, sandwich generation, dementia awareness, dementia education, Alzheimer’s disease, positive ageing, dementia prevention, lived experience, carers, caregiving, ageing and health, modifiable risk factors 1 3 full false What's the go with aging? What's the go with aging? A light‑hearted look at what ageing actually is, from the science to the everyday reality. I talk about how our idea of “old” changes as we do, the wisdom older adults have shared with me, and why mobility matters more than we think. We also dive into one surprising fact: hearing loss is a major risk factor for dementia. Ageing isn’t something to fight, it’s something to understand, embrace, and prepare for. (Note: Hearing‑aid guidance reflects accessibility in Australia. Other countries may have different processes or costs). 

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]]> A light‑hearted look at what ageing actually is, from the science to the everyday reality. I talk about how our idea of “old” changes as we do, the wisdom older adults have shared with me, and why mobility matters more than we think. We also dive into one surprising fact: hearing loss is a major risk factor for dementia. Ageing isn’t something to fight, it’s something to understand, embrace, and prepare for. (Note: Hearing‑aid guidance reflects accessibility in Australia. Other countries may have different processes or costs). 

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Deej Buzzsprout-19607536 Thu, 06 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +1000 797 aging, dementia, aged care, pro-ageing, carer support, older adult, dementia prevention, hearing loss, support, lived experience 1 2 full false Why should we talk about aging or dementia? Why should we talk about aging or dementia? An intro into why I care so much about ageing and dementia. Losing both parents in their early 70s pushed me to study dementia and eventually work in the field. I figured everything out the hard way first, so now I’m here to make it easier for you. 

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]]> An intro into why I care so much about ageing and dementia. Losing both parents in their early 70s pushed me to study dementia and eventually work in the field. I figured everything out the hard way first, so now I’m here to make it easier for you. 

Send us Fan Mail

]]> Deej Buzzsprout-19607499 Thu, 06 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +1000 734 Age Compass, ageing well, dementia education, lived experience, healthy ageing, dementia, aging, carer support, support, older adult, pro-aging, dementia prevention, physical activity, loneliness 1 1 full false