The Story

 

After the passing of his wife in 2019, Tom Rose, the founder and host of “Senior Talk Michiana,” was inspired to write a poignant book titled “Balloon in a Box: Coping with Grief.” This heartfelt work not only aided his healing process but also opened the doors to numerous speaking engagements—now nearing 200 appearances, primarily at senior organizations throughout the region.

 

As he embarked on this journey, Tom discovered a vast array of organizations dedicated to supporting seniors as they navigate the complexities of aging. With over 250,000 seniors living in the Michiana area, he recognized the significant challenge of sharing vital information with this population.

 

Motivated by this realization, Tom felt compelled to create and host a podcast specifically designed to address the myriad resources available to seniors and their families as they transition into their golden years. Partnering with Pastor Chris Knight and utilizing the facilities of Wakarusa Missionary Church, Tom brought this vision to life in March 2024

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One notable organization, Aging Connections of Michiana, comprises over 250 senior service providers and excels in hosting resource fairs and various events that help seniors connect directly with essential services. Complementing these efforts, Senior Talk Michiana serves as a valuable platform where seniors can hear directly from these providers about the services they offer. The podcast also tackles crucial issues relevant to seniors, including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, fraud awareness, health concerns, and other significant topics. This led Tom to formally establish Senior Talk as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.