Residents in retirement communities — sometimes known as senior living communities — generally live independently. They do not typically require daily help to get dressed, eat, or attend to their personal hygiene. On the other hand, even seniors who enjoy the independent lifestyle provided by a retirement community may need a helping hand. Older adults […]
The last White House Conference on Aging was held in 2015. It commemorated the 80th anniversary of Social Security and the 50th anniversary of Medicare, Medicaid, and the Older Americans Act. Those landmark laws have improved the lives of countless older Americans. At the time the Conference was held, the Older Americans Act (OAA) was […]
Efforts to combat prejudice based on race, sex, gender identity, and national origin have raised awareness of the harm caused by stereotypes. When people are not seen as individuals but are judged because of their immutable characteristics, they are deprived of fair treatment and equal opportunities. Sadly, while America has made progress in educating its […]
September is Healthy Aging Month— a time to focus on wellbeing during the process of aging. Developing habits that promote good health before retirement will maximize the opportunity to thrive after retirement. Maintaining those habits is the key to a healthy senior lifestyle. Physical Health Regardless of age, different people have different capacities for exercise. […]
Assisted-living facilities offer care to residents who need help with their activities of daily living (ADL), such as bathing, dressing, and eating. Care is generally provided by certified nursing assistants (CNAs), a position that is sometimes identified as a care assistant or nurse’s aide. Assisted-living facilities do not provide the same level of healthcare that […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Updated August 2025 Weather-related disasters have increased globally in the last fifty years. Fortunately, weather-related deaths have not increased at the same pace. Scientists have improved their ability to predict extreme weather events and governments have become more adept at issuing warnings while there is time to avoid a catastrophe. Measured by economic loss of […]