Heat Waves May Endanger Older Adults Extreme heat has been sweeping across the United States. The summer of 2023 has been the hottest on record. A recent (2023) study attributed the heat wave to climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions. Since those emissions continue to grow, heat waves will become an expected part of […]
More than 6 million Americans over the age of 65 suffer from dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is most prevalent cause of dementia. About one in ten older Americans have developed Alzheimer’s disease. The National Institute on Aging defines dementia as “the loss of cognitive functioning — thinking, remembering, and reasoning — and behavioral abilities to such […]
The United States, like the rest of the world, will experience an increasing need in the coming decades for senior housing that is safe, affordable, and accessible. The population of Americans who have reached the age of 65 is growing more quickly than any other age group and is expected to double by 2050. Most […]
Older adults are frequent targets of schemes to swindle people out of their money. The FBI reports that 92,371 older adults were victimized by fraud in 2021. They lost $1.7 billion, a 74% increase from 2020. Many older adults have accumulated substantial savings that attract financial scammers. Regardless of their wealth, older adults are seen […]
President Biden took office in 2021 with an ambitious plan to improve the post-pandemic economy and to reduce the level of poverty among older adults. His proposals included increasing Social Security benefits, updating cost-of-living adjustments, reducing drug costs, and expanding Medicare coverage. Unfortunately for seniors, presidential authority to improve their Social Security and Medicare benefits […]
Having nothing but free time after retiring from a stressful job may seem ideal. A few months into retirement, some older adults wonder what to do with themselves. Reentering the work force is one possibility, but full-time work tends to defeat the purpose of retirement. Working part-time or creating a work-from-home job might provide the […]
People who live with disabling conditions often need assistance. They may require help with the activities of daily living, including bathing, eating, and getting dressed. They may also need assistance with the instrumental activities of daily living, including money management and housekeeping. The kinds of help that people need over an extended time to cope […]
Life Plan Communities blend several senior housing options within the same property. Life Plan Communities are also known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities. Many CCRCs decided to rebrand as Life Plan Communities because the phrase “continuing care” places undue emphasis on one component of communities that equally serve residents who are capable of living independently. […]
Updated June 2025 The cost of renting a home continues to rise. Why, the higher rents? Several factors contribute to higher rents, including inflation, a shortage of affordable housing, tenant demand, and the expiration of rent freezes imposed during the pandemic. The lack of affordable housing can be a burden for people who live on a […]
Updated May 2025 Most caregivers are unpaid. They typically assist adult family members or friends who have a health problem or disability. Most are caring for a spouse or parent. About 85% of the adults they help are age 50 or older. Almost half have reached the age of 75. Typical tasks performed by caregivers […]