Description

While most families measure successful outcomes purely in years, gerontologist Dr. Kerry Burnight offers a refreshing perspective on a recent episode of ComForCare. Joining host Tiffany Robinson, she reveals why overall quality of life is a far better benchmark for aging well and provides practical, research-backed strategies that families and professional caregivers can use to foster joy and fulfillment, even during caregiving's most demanding moments.

• The difference between living longer, living healthier, and living well
• Why a decline mindset can shape aging outcomes without anyone noticing it's happening
• How the joyspan framework applies to a new diagnosis or a move out of a longtime home
• How professional caregivers can help older adults live independently for longer
• What helps counter isolation for family caregivers specifically

Additional resources:

• Dr. Kerry Burnight - UChicago – Background on Dr. Kerry's academic and clinical career. 
• Joyspan by Dr. Kerry Burnight, Ph.D – Publisher page for Dr. Kerry's book, with details on where to buy it and what it covers.
• Dr. Kerry Burnight on Instagram — As @the_gerentologist on Instagram, Dr. Kerry shares ongoing content related to her joyspan philosophy and aging well.

Dr. Kerry Burnight is a nationally-recognized gerontologist and the New York Times bestselling author of Joyspan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life's Second Half. She spent nearly two decades teaching geriatric medicine at UC Irvine and co-founded the nation's first Elder Abuse Forensic Center. Her work focuses on the science of quality of life in aging. Joyspan has since been published in 22 languages.

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Tiffany Robinson is a passionate advocate for caregiver education. As the host of ComForConnections, she brings warmth, insight, and a deep understanding of the caregiving experience to every episode.