Caring in America
With Podcast Host: Richard Wexler
Episode 118
How “Senior Spaces” Is Changing the Way America Thinks About Aging
For decades, many families have avoided one of life’s most important conversations: how and where we will age.
On a recent episode of Caring in America, host Richard Wexler sat down with Bryan Devore, a Senior Real Estate Specialist in San Diego and the creator of a groundbreaking new show called Senior Spaces. Together, they discussed how the show—and a growing national network called The Home Team—is helping families start the conversations they often delay until a crisis.
The Idea Behind Senior Spaces
Bryan Devore has spent years helping older adults sell their homes and transition into the next chapter of life—whether that means downsizing, moving to a senior community, or modifying their current home to age in place.
About eight years ago, while walking through a senior living community, he realized something important.
Many people avoid even considering senior living because they imagine outdated stereotypes—nursing homes with bland food and limited independence. But the reality today is often very different.
Bryan wondered:
What if people could actually see what their options look like?
That idea sparked the creation of Senior Spaces, a reality-style show that guides real homeowners through the process of deciding what their next chapter will look like.
Each episode follows a couple as they explore key questions:
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Should they age in place and modify their home?
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Should they downsize into something smaller and easier to manage?
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Or should they move to a senior living community?
The show walks viewers through their decision-making process, introduces resources many families don’t know exist, and ultimately helps the couple determine what path makes the most sense for them.
Rick and Mary’s Story
The first episode features Rick and Mary, a San Diego couple navigating their own aging journey.
Bryan first met Rick during a casting call at San Diego Oasis, an organization known for its extensive programming and classes for older adults.
Rick immediately stood out.
At 77 years old—with a ponytail and a laid-back personality—he loved his home but faced growing physical challenges, including two bad knees and two bad hips. Maintaining the house alone was becoming more difficult, and he began wondering what the next phase of life should look like.
There was just one challenge.
Rick’s wife Mary had no interest in appearing on a television show.
But after a conversation with the producers, she agreed to participate—and ended up enjoying the experience even more than Rick.
Their son Lucas also joined the episode, sharing his perspective about his parents’ future and what the next chapter might mean for their family.
Their story revealed something very common.
Like many families, Rick and Mary had not fully explored the options available to them.
The Knowledge Gap Many Families Face
As the conversations unfolded during filming, Bryan introduced Rick and Mary to resources they hadn’t previously considered.
They discussed:
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Financing options for home renovations
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Estate planning
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Long-term financial considerations
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Care options for the future
The couple quickly realized how much information they didn’t have.
By the end of the process, they shared how grateful they were for participating because it helped open their eyes to possibilities they had never explored before.
And that’s exactly the purpose of the show.
There are millions of families across the country in the same situation—needing information but not knowing where to find it.
The Missing Piece: Connecting People to Local Experts
While Senior Spaces helps spark important conversations, Richard Wexler recognized another challenge.
Education alone isn’t enough.
When families decide they need help, they often struggle to find trusted professionals who can guide them through complex decisions.
That realization led to the creation of The Home Team.
The Home Team is a network of 10–12 professionals in cities across the United States who specialize in different aspects of aging and planning.
A typical Home Team may include:
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Realtors specializing in senior transitions
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Estate planning attorneys
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Financial planners
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Long-term care insurance specialists
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In-home care providers
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Senior living placement advisors
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Care managers
Together, these professionals provide coordinated support for homeowners navigating aging decisions.
The goal is simple:
When someone watches Senior Spaces and realizes they need help, they can connect with a trusted team of experts in their own city.
A National Vision
Bryan’s vision for Senior Spaces has always been bigger than a single TV show.
He hopes the series becomes a nationwide platform that encourages families to start these conversations earlier—and connects them with the resources they need.
More episodes are already part of the plan.
Each new story will highlight different paths people take as they age, from staying in their homes to moving into vibrant senior communities.
And in the future, Bryan hopes to film episodes in cities beyond San Diego, bringing these stories—and the resources behind them—to communities across the country.
Why These Conversations Matter Now
The urgency behind this work is growing.
America is experiencing a major demographic shift.
By 2030, it’s expected that there will be more people over age 65 than under age 18.
That means millions of families will soon face decisions about housing, care, finances, and long-term planning.
Yet most have never had the conversation.
As Richard often tells audiences during his nationwide education events, nearly 99% of families have not discussed their long-term aging plans.
And when the conversation finally happens, it’s often during a crisis.
A New Way to Think About Aging
Bryan Devore and Richard Wexler believe that changing this pattern starts with awareness.
Shows like Senior Spaces make the topic relatable.
The Home Team provides the professional support families need once they begin the process.
Together, they represent a new model for helping Americans plan for the future.
Because one thing is certain:
We are all aging.
And the more we plan for it, the more choices—and peace of mind—we will have along the way.
With Special Guest:
Bryan Devore
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (California Properties)
Creator of Senior Spaces TV
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Our country is entering a new chapter, one we have never seen before… over 100 million people are 50 years of age or older, and the need for care is going to be more and more prevalent. We are dreaming of a nation where aging and care are understood and become part of our normal conversations with family.
To make this a reality, we need your help!