Most caregivers in America are unpaid. They take care of family members, including disabled parents. Many unpaid caregivers forego wages and sacrifice their careers to take care of their parents or other loved ones. They might lack funds to pay a professional caregiver, or they might be unable to find one. The nation is facing […]
The number of Americans who are working two jobs to support their families has been growing steadily. In October 2023, 8.4 million Americans had multiple jobs. By January 2024, that number increased to 8.7 million. The trend to hold multiple jobs does not appear to be abating. About 5.1% of American workers held more than […]
Caregivers help people who have disabling impairments with their activities of daily living. The nation’s shortage of caregivers is tied to rising demand as the population ages. The shortage is exacerbated by the low pay that caregivers have traditionally earned. Most caregivers are unpaid family members. They provide transportation to medical appointments, monitor medications, administer […]
Adult children face difficult decisions when their parents are approaching the end of their lives. An advancing cancer that no longer responds to treatment is one example of a health condition that leaves parents and their children with few options. The family’s primary goal is usually to make the parents’ last days as comfortable as […]
Dementia is both a growing and declining medical condition in the United States. The number of people with dementia is growing because the population of older Americans is increasing. There is evidence, however, that the incidence rate of dementia is declining. About 10% of American adults who are 65 or older suffer from dementia, while […]
The demand for caregivers will continue to grow as the American population continues to age. Baby boomers have been entering their senior years at a time when medical advances have extended lifespans. The expanding population of older adults who are coping with chronic disabling conditions has increased demand for certified nursing assistants in assisted-living facilities […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]