Retirement communities (sometimes known as retirement villages) are designed with older residents in mind. The occupancy of housing units is restricted to older adults. A minimum age of 50 or 55 for at least one resident is common. Some communities allow a younger spouse or adult children to live with the senior resident. Gated retirement […]
Weather-related disasters have increased globally by a factor of five 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 […]
Most restrictions that made air travel difficult during the pandemic have been eased. As travelers return to the skies, family members may be concerned about booking flights for older loved ones who are living with disabilities. Fortunately, airlines are required to accommodate most disabled passengers. As passengers grow less wary of flying in the post-pandemic […]
When aging parents need help with their daily activities, their lives become more challenging. Hiring caretakers to help them stay in their homes may be the best option for some families. Adult children might want their parents to move into their homes, but that option works best when a family member is always home to […]
Updated May 2025 Most people prefer to retain their independence as they grow older. Surveys show that 75% of adults who have reached the age of 50 want to age in place. Older people in good health might have many housing options if they decide to downsize. They might move to a less expensive neighborhood, […]
Researchers regularly discover new information about how the brain functions. Still, brain scientists admit that their understanding is limited. The brain is remarkably complex. Neurons — the primary functional brain cell — communicate with other cells by releasing chemicals known as neurotransmitters into synapses. The brain consists of 86 billion neurons and nearly a quadrillion synapses. The […]
Presidential candidate Nikki Haley recently proposed requiring politicians over the age of 75 to undergo a mental competency test as a condition of holding federal office. Had she advocated for such a test for all politicians, regardless of age, older voters might be more receptive to her proposal. Requiring all candidates to demonstrate their competence […]
Subversive behavior may be the key to aging well. A British study published in December 2022, of people born in 1921 found that “subversive tactics,” combined with humor, contribute to a sense of independence and a positive attitude toward life. The study of participants aged 95 years does not suggest that older people should undermine […]
Traditional retirement communities were conceived as places where older people would enjoy the companionship of neighbors who are part of their generation. Some seniors who live in those communities see the absence of children (apart from visitors) as contributing to a restful retirement. Most retirement communities are located in suburbs and small cities, where developers […]