On May 14 we’ll host the community for a talk by Andrea Pezel of Artichokes and Aging. "Layers of Aging: Myth vs. Reality" challenges common assumptions about aging and shows that many negative outcomes are preventable with the right planning. It debunks myths around dementia, hospitalizations, falls, aging at home, and legal preparedness, emphasizing that these risks are often manageable rather than inevitable. The talk highlights practical steps like routine health screenings, medication reviews, home safety modifications, and completing legal documents. It also underscores the high cost of care and the importance of early planning. Overall, the message is that aging well requires proactive decisions rather than luck, and small actions today can greatly improve independence and quality of life.