When people think of family, they often picture spouses, children, siblings and other biological relatives. For many LGBTQ+ older adults, however, the most meaningful sources of support, companionship and care may come from relationships that don’t fit that traditional mold. These intentionally formed support networks—often called “chosen family”—play a central role in daily life and … Read more

When older adults begin exploring senior living options, they often concentrate on obvious considerations: cost, available services, amenities, healthcare access, and location. Those are important factors, but after years of speaking with prospective residents and touring retirement communities across the country, I’ve noticed another element that can be just as meaningful—though harder to quantify. It’s … Read more

We are living in a distinctive technological era where innovations arrive almost daily, many designed to make everyday life simpler. A growing portion of these advances—especially in artificial intelligence (AI), voice control, and connected devices—are focused on helping older adults live more comfortably, safely, and independently. Below is an overview of current “smart aging” technologies … Read more

A special care unit (SCU) is an inpatient area within a healthcare facility that is specifically designed, staffed, and equipped to treat people with particular medical needs. SCUs are typically separated physically from other patient areas to provide focused care and a safer environment. While SCUs have traditionally been found in hospitals, they are increasingly … Read more

With heightened social isolation during the pandemic, technology has become a vital lifeline for many older adults. Missing in-person visits with friends, family gatherings, and celebrations, seniors have relied on tools like Zoom, FaceTime, and social media to maintain connections across distances. These tools do not replace face-to-face contact, but the pandemic accelerated adoption and … Read more

It has been a challenging year for almost everyone. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought anxiety, isolation, and grief, but it has also revealed countless acts of kindness, community, and a renewed focus on what matters most. As we celebrate Thanksgiving, residents from continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs or life plan communities) across the country shared … Read more

In this blog series, we examine the differences between activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and what happens when they become difficult for a person. In part one of our blog series “ADLs vs. IADLs,” we defined activities of daily living (ADLs) as the essential self-care tasks—such as bathing … Read more

“Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time; for that’s the stuff life is made of.” —Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1746 We’ve all experienced it: press the up or down button, wait, listen to pulleys and gears, and then—finally—the doors open. You step in, select your floor, the doors close, and you wait … Read more

The winter holidays bring joy for many—rich traditions, festive meals, and cherished moments with family and friends. But for some older adults, this season can also bring sadness and isolation. Missing distant relatives or grieving those who have passed is common, yet when these feelings return year after year during the colder months, they may … Read more

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives evaluate a company’s environmental practices, ethical conduct, and governance policies. In investing, ESG has become an important criterion for selecting businesses. In senior living, ESG is gaining traction not only because investors and regulators prioritize it, but also because prospective residents expect communities to operate responsibly and sustainably. Giving … Read more