The Aging Body: Ask the Experts – Course Website
Cohost
Judy Fiterman
Email: judyf20906@gmail.com
SPEAKERS
September 4 – Does a Heart Attack Mean My Heart is Failing?
Presenter: Paul Burns MD
September 11 – How Does the Aging Process Occur?
Presenter: Lisa Yeh, DO
September 18 – Piles of Pills: the Dangers of Polypharmacy
Presenter: Aaron Koch, PharmD, BCPS
September 25 – Sex After 70?
Presenter: Melissa Streeter, MD
Presenter: Melissa Streeter, MD
October 2 – It’s All About the Joints!
Presenter: Lisa Khoury, MD
Presenter: Lisa Khoury, MD
October 9 – Air Moves In and Out: What Happens When It Can’t?
Presenter: Patrick Keaney, MD
Presenter: Patrick Keaney, MD
Class 1 Resources
Does a Heart Attack Mean My Heart is Failing?
- Heart attack vs. heart failure: What to know: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/heart-attack-vs-heart-failure
- What happens during a heart attack? – Krishna Sudhir: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_PYnWVoUzM (4.5 minutes)
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/heart-health/heart-health-and-aging
- Heart Failure Explained: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment: Talking with Docs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_It4SBbx-4 (19.33 minutes)
Class 2 Resources
Lisa Yeh, DO: How Does the Aging Process Occur?
Learning Objectives: At the end of this class, the participants will be able to:
- Discuss the normal aging process of our body’s cells.
- Explore the impact of genetics and environment on the aging process.
- State the three stages of ‘old age’.
- Identify two strategies to influence the stages of aging.
References to help you prepare for class:
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthy-aging-and-longevity/aging-overview-a-to-z
Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School. Aging overview (Feb, 2026). Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD - https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/aging/art-20046070
Mayo Clinic. Aging: What to expect. (Nov, 2024). - https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health
World Health Organization. Ageing and health (Oct, 20250
Videos
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GASaqPv0t0g
Why do our bodies age? – Monica Menesini (5 min 9sec)
Class 3 Resources
Piles of Pills: The Dangers of Polypharmacy
- Aaron Koch, PharmD, BCPS: Aaron is the Clinical Coordinator/PGY1 Pharmacy Residency Program Director for Maine Health. He graduated from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and completed his residency at Maine Health Maine Medical Center. He loves to travel, play golf, and study astronomy. Mid Coast Hospital offers a unique, personal experience in which Aaron can collaborate closely with patients, clinicians, and the community.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this class, the participants will be able to:
- Discuss two variables that lead to polypharmacy
- Identify the impact of polypharmacy on the older adult
- Explore options for non-pharmacological interventions for anxiety and depression
- Discuss the national impact of polypharmacy on the cost of healthcare
References for Class 3: Suggested readings/videos
- https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/dangers-polypharmacy-and-case-deprescribing-older-adults
The dangers of polypharmacy and the case for deprescribing in older adults. National Institute on Aging, (Aug, 2021). - https://www.aamc.org/news/problem-polypharmacy
The problem with polypharmacy; AAMCNews . Bridget Balch, Staff Writer (June 23, 2026).
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8dps72MQwI
Polypharmacy in Older Adults: Identifying and Reducing Risky Medications (2 min 41 sec)