Geriatric-Friendly ERs, Ageism, and Elder Fraud.

In this episode of Longevity Out Loud, hosts Kristoffer Kelly and Paul Downey sit down with Dr. Ted Chan, chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine at UC San Diego Health and a national leader in aging and emergency medicine. Dr. Chan shares his vision for the Longevity Club and how preventive, community-based support can ease pressure on hospitals and emergency care, explaining how his medical background shapes the program from a physician's point of view.

Dr. Chan was recently named inaugural executive director of the new West Health Accelerator, a six-year, $40 million initiative to improve coordinated patient care. As board chair of San Diego Seniors Community Foundation, he also shares how his work has driven San Diego to become the first region in the nation with all hospitals accredited for geriatric emergency care, improving outcomes for older patients when they need it most.

The conversation turns to some of today's biggest challenges facing older adults: fears around AI and automation, age discrimination in the workplace, and the ongoing reality of ageism. Plus, what it really costs individuals and society when older adults are pushed aside.

The hosts are also joined by Junne Esguerra of San Diego Seniors Community Foundation, who leads elder fraud prevention seminars nationwide. Junne breaks down the latest elder fraud trends and the most common scams targeting older adults today, along with practical tips to stay protected.

This episode is brought to you by San Diego Seniors Community Foundation and US Longevity Foundation.