On the latest episode of Health Futures – Taking Stock in You, host Bob Roth welcomed Jaime Roberts, CEO of Arizona LeadingAge and founder of The Help Project, for an inspiring discussion on the future of aging and caregiving in America.
For the full episode, CLICK HERE.
At Cypress HomeCare Solutions, we believe aging well isn’t just about medical care, it’s about community, support and access to the right resources at the right time. The latest episode of our radio show Health Futures – Taking Stock in You dives into these vital topics with Jaime Roberts, CEO of Arizona LeadingAge and founder of The Help Project.
In this powerful conversation, host Bob Roth and Jaime explore the future of aging in Arizona, from workforce burnout and caregiving challenges to the power of policy, innovation and collaboration in shaping better outcomes for older adults. Whether you’re a family caregiver, healthcare provider, or employer, this episode offers practical solutions to help us all navigate the aging journey with more confidence and compassion.
The Aging Revolution Is Here
Arizona is experiencing a seismic demographic shift. The population of adults over 65 is projected to grow by 41% by 2030. Roberts and her team at Arizona LeadingAge are on the front lines, helping to prepare providers, policymakers, and families for what this means.
“This thing called aging is moving rapidly,” Roth observed. “And we’re all getting there.”
“It’s the one thing we’re all going to be, if we’re lucky enough,” Roberts said. “So let’s start paying attention and start talking about it in a way that’s meaningful.”
From Crisis to Care: Helping Families Navigate the Unknown
The Help Project was founded in response to the overwhelming number of families struggling to navigate the caregiving system. Roberts saw firsthand how even well-resourced individuals were left confused and unsupported.
“They’d say, ‘Why is this so hard? I feel like it shouldn’t be this hard,'” she said. “And it just isn’t a system that’s easy to understand.”
The Help Project offers online tools and coaching packages to support families through caregiving crises and long-term planning. From holistic assessments to proactive decision-making, it empowers families to face aging with clarity, not fear.
The Silent Struggle: Caregiving in the Workplace
Balancing work and caregiving responsibilities is a growing challenge for millions of Americans. Roberts emphasized that one in six employees is also a caregiver, often keeping it hidden until burnout sets in.
“They’re reducing hours, they’re quitting, they’re burning out,” she explained. “And it’s costing businesses billions.”
Through The Help Project’s corporate services, companies can now offer benefits that support caregiving employees, improve retention, and foster a more compassionate workplace culture.
To Innovate, You Must Collaborate
The future of aging care depends on partnerships across industries. Roberts stressed that no one organization can meet all the needs of aging individuals and families.
“The world is too big. The needs are too varied. You can’t be everything to everyone,” Roberts said. “To be successful, you have to partner.”
She emphasized how partnerships across policy, home care, behavioral health, tech, and education are reshaping aging services to be more dynamic and effective.
The Next 10,000 Days: Redefining What Aging Looks Like
As life expectancy increases, the opportunity to redefine the aging experience becomes more pressing. Roberts and Roth reflected on the evolving perception of aging as a time of potential rather than decline.
“People have lived these extra 10,000 days, and we don’t really know what we’re doing yet,” Roberts said. “But that means we get to define it.”
Roth added: “I understand now, more than ever, that aging is a privilege. And I have more gratitude today than I did yesterday.”
