How to Age Well: Mental Flexibility, Movement, and a Wellness Model of Aging

In this episode, Dr. Joseph M. Casciani speaks with Angie Dortch, creator of Learning HOW to Age. HOW refers to Honor the Past, Open to the Present, and Welcome to the Future. It is a research-informed, arts-based training program designed to help older adults strengthen mental flexibility, physical awareness, and confidence as they age. Angie explains how HOW blends principles from different perspectives. These include neuroplasticity research, movement and performing arts, and practical, measurable exercises that can be adapted for different abilities and living situations. Angie describes that her program, Learning HOW to Age is "The convergence of  science and performing arts, Learning HOW to Age® is the best of  both worlds." It represents cutting edge research about the brain and awareness together with engaging and thoughtful skill-developing games from acting, dance, and voice. Together, Joe and Angie explore a crucial shift in aging. It covers moving from a model focused on decline and illness to a wellness model that emphasizes capability, autonomy, and continued growth. They discuss the delicate balance between providing support and reinforcing independence. This spotlights how structured, skill-based practice can help older adults maintain balance, coordination, attention, and self-trust. Angie also shares a formative personal story about her mother’s long-term success managing type 1 diabetes. This was decades before “preventive health” became mainstream. It is an early example of listening to the body. It also involves making proactive choices that shaped Angie’s philosophy of aging well. This conversation is especially relevant for older adults, caregivers, wellness professionals, and program directors looking for practical, engaging approaches to support healthy aging without overprotecting or underestimating people. Mini Bio Angie Dortch is the content producer of Expressive Avenues Wellness on YouTube. She spent two years facilitating a psychosocial wellness practice with independently living older adults. This practice produced a 45% improvement in mental flexibility, physical perception, and kinesthetic awareness—key capacities for aging autonomously. Angie holds an MFA from the University of Louisville and brings decades of experience in education, directing, and media production. For Our Listeners Our Guest's Book: Learning H.O.W. to Age: Philosophy and Assessment Tool: Fine tuning mental flexibility, physical perception and kinesthetic awareness