Kamen works as a lifestyle management consultant who explores the art and science of happiness as a speaker, author, and positive psychology expert. Through her globally syndicated podcast, books, media appearances, and documentary film, Lisa has impacted millions of people around the world.

LISA CYPERS KAMEN

meet your host

leave a review

When Aging Gets Hard: A Physician’s Guide to Navigating the Journey with Dr. Surah Grumet, MD, MPH

Navigating the changing needs of an aging parent can feel like a sobering wake-up call, especially as you balance respecting their role in their own care decisions with the growing weight of caregiving responsibilities. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but you don’t have to carry the load alone. Palliative care, including hospice, offers essential support to guide families through this journey.

For sound advice on mindful aging–parent care, Harvesting Happiness Podcast host Lisa Cypers Kamen welcomes Dr. Surah Grumet, MD, MPH, the Chief Medical Officer for North Carolina at Eventus WholeHealth, and the founder of Mindful Aging LLC.

In this caregiver support podcast, Dr. Grumet blends compassionate suggestions on relationships and spiritual connections with aging-parent care for the sandwich generation and beyond. She gently touches on end-of-life planning guidance and other caregiver tips taken from her book, Mindful Aging: A Compassionate Guide for Navigating the Journey.

Original Air Date Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Tune in:

Meet Our Guest:

Dr. Surah Grumet, MD, MPH, is a board-certified Family Medicine and Hospice & Palliative Care physician with over 20 years of experience caring for older adults. She serves as Chief Medical Officer of North Carolina for Eventus WholeHealth, a national geriatrics practice, and is the founder of Mindful Aging LLC, where she offers compassionate, practical guidance to individuals, families, and caregivers navigating the aging journey.

Book: Mindful Aging: A Compassionate Guide for Navigating the Journey

Tari Dr. Surah Grumet, MD, MPH—Mindful Aging:

Burdens of modern aging can be a sobering wake-up call. {2:27}
Tender discussions soften end-of-life planning guidance. {4:51}
Tips for the struggling sandwich generation. {8:55}
An aging parent’s role in their own care. {12:25}
During aging, relationships and spiritual connections matter. {21:42}
Palliative care, including Hospice, is free support for families. {27:10}

Like what you’re hearing?

WANT MORE SOUND IDEAS FOR DEEPER THINKING?

Check out the Harvesting Happiness podcast episode library and special More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness bonus content available exclusively on Substack and Medium.

Follow Dr. Surah Grumet, MD, MPH:

Shareables:

“It is important that we tend the relationship like a garden.” @LisaKamen on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Having a living will and a durable power of attorney are so important.” @age.mindfully on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Having strong family relationships is so important when you are trying to take care of both your parents and your kids.” @age.mindfully on @HHTalkRadio Share on X “Patients who have a spiritual connection show improvements in their health outcomes.” @age.mindfully on @HHTalkRadio Share on X

Grab More Joy Below:

Are We Happy Yet? Eight Keys to Unlocking a Joyful Life — A boot camp manual for greater emotional fitness. Happiness waits for no one and sometimes we all need support. What is getting in the way of your happiness right now? Explore lifelong relationships as part of your journey to happiness.

H–Factor: Where is Your Heart? — Lisa’s documentary film explores the journey of human happiness. Emotions are contagious and happiness is a universally desired state. We tend to forget we all have the freedom to be happy or the liberty to be miserable each day. Our lifelong relationships have a big influence on this journey.