On episode 112, I had the pleasure of speaking with Linda MacDougall, a holistic health practitioner, author, speaker, and lifelong advocate for what she calls “the underdogs”- the developmentally disabled, the mentally ill, and aging adults.

Her perspective offers powerful lessons for all of us.

Why Seniors Become “Underdogs”

When Linda refers to seniors as underdogs, she’s not dismissing the fact that many older adults remain active, independent, and cognitively sharp well into later life. Instead, she’s pointing to what happens when aging begins to shift capability.

As we age, decisions slowly start moving out of our hands. Others may step in to manage finances, household tasks, medical decisions, or mobility needs. Even when well-intentioned, this loss of agency can be deeply unsettling.

Aging doesn’t automatically mean incapacity—but it does mean change. And those changes are often underestimated or ignored until something goes wrong.

The Emotional Side of Care That Gets Overlooked

Linda’s background includes counseling psychology and senior massage therapy, and she shared an insight that really stuck with me.

Unlike traditional massage training—where silence is encouraged—Linda lets seniors talk. Many older adults don’t have anyone who truly listens to them. They’re talked about, talked over, or rushed through appointments, but rarely invited to express what they’re feeling.

Care isn’t just physical. It’s emotional. And giving someone space to be heard can be just as therapeutic as any treatment.

Keeping the Mind Moving as We Age

I shared something personal during our conversation: I talk to myself. In the car. Out loud. And yes—I answer myself too.

It’s intentional. I’m 72, and I want to keep my mind active, engaged, and working. Whether it’s talking through my day, planning conversations, or reflecting on what comes next, I see it as mental exercise.

Linda laughed and admitted she does something similar—mostly while walking her dogs. The takeaway? Staying mentally engaged doesn’t have to look formal or clinical. What matters is continuing to think, speak, process, and connect.

Mobility Devices: A Hidden Risk

One of the most eye-opening parts of our conversation was about mobility devices—canes, walkers, wheelchairs—and how often they’re misused.

Many people pick up a cane from a drugstore or even a thrift shop, never realizing that height, grip, balance, and training all matter. Without proper assessment from a physical or occupational therapist, these devices can actually increase the risk of falls rather than prevent them.

Mobility aids should be fitted, adjusted, and taught—just like ski equipment, eyeglasses, or hearing aids. Unfortunately, shortcuts are common, and the consequences can be serious.

The Home Environment Matters More Than We Think

When assessing a senior’s home, Linda looks beyond the obvious trip hazards like loose rugs. She pays close attention to furniture.

She’s seen small women sitting in oversized recliners with their feet dangling off the floor—creating instability every time they stand. She’s seen pedestal beds that were once easy to climb into become dangerous obstacles with age.

Most people don’t change their environment as their bodies change. And that mismatch often leads to falls, injuries, and preventable crises.

Learning From a Lifetime of Experience

As baby boomers ourselves, Linda and I both bring our personal journeys into the work we do. She’s learned how flat feet, footwear, posture, and long-term body mechanics affect aging. I’ve learned—through hard experience—what happens when families don’t plan ahead.

Here’s what I know for sure:
Caregiving is never easy. But it is always harder when you’re unprepared.

Most people won’t care for four parents for 14 years. But many will care for one parent, for months or years, often starting with an unexpected phone call. Having a plan—talking about aging, understanding what care really looks like, and preparing before crisis hits—makes a profound difference.

Final Thoughts

Aging is not a failure. It’s a privilege. But it comes with changes that deserve attention, respect, and planning.

Linda’s lifelong advocacy reminds us that seniors, like other vulnerable populations, need to be seen, heard, and supported—especially when their voices begin to fade from the conversation.

As always, I encourage you to share this episode and this message. Start the conversation now, not after the phone rings.

Until we talk again, have yourself an awesome day.