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 […]
As parents grow older, their adult children may be called upon to help them make decisions about their future. Those decisions can be complicated with a parent suffers from a disabling health condition. Surveys show that most older Americans want to age in place. Staying in the family home can be challenging when parents can […]
Parents who reach their retirement years often ask their children for advice about the future. Should they remain in the family home or downsize? If they downsize, should they buy or rent? Should they remain in their present community or move to a different city? Would they be happier in a traditional neighborhood or in […]
Businesses need consumers to buy their products. While consumers who have worked their way up the employment ladder might be in the best position to spend money, advertisers have long targeted the youth market — consumers between 18 and 34. They reasoned that older consumers already have what they need and are saving rather than […]
Updated July 2025 During the worst of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, older Americans dramatically slowed the rate at which they moved into senior housing facilities. By the end of 2024, occupancy rates in most facilities approached or exceeded pre-pandemic levels. The industry projects 90% occupancy by 2026, with older adults turning to senior housing […]
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are growing in popularity as a senior housing option. An ADU (also known as a “granny flat” or “granny pod”) is a secondary residence that occupies the same land as a primary home. It may be a free-standing building, such as a detached garage that has been converted into living quarters. […]