We’ve all seen images of loved ones separated by plexiglass or connecting through video calls to share life’s important moments. Whether celebrating a birthday, graduation, or wedding—or mourning a loss—the pandemic has forced us to rethink how we support one another from a distance. This strain is especially acute for those caring for an aging … Read more

Falls pose a serious risk for older adults. The CDC reports that about one in three Americans age 65 and older will fall each year, with injuries ranging from minor bruises to fractures and even death. This makes fall prevention a pressing concern for seniors and the retirement communities where many live. Many falls are … Read more

Choosing the right retirement community is one of the most important decisions you can make. It affects daily life, long-term finances, and overall peace of mind. With many types of communities available, prospective residents often feel overwhelmed. A common question is how nonprofit continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also called life plan communities, differ from … Read more

The COVID-19 pandemic has touched nearly every part of daily life: people have become ill, lost loved ones, faced job loss, and struggled with childcare. Throughout this time I have paid special attention to the pandemic’s mental health effects, particularly for seniors who are among the highest-risk groups. I’ve also been curious about how the … Read more

In last week’s blog post, we examined how deciding whether to age in place or move to a retirement community can trigger strong emotions, including a real fear of the unknown. We offered strategies for older adults to manage those worries and find the option that best meets their goals. It’s also important to recognize … Read more

Immigration has become a major point of discussion across the United States. Whatever your views, few dispute that sensible immigration reform is needed. What is less widely recognized is how tightly linked immigration policy is to another looming national challenge: the long-term care crisis. As the population ages, the demand for caregivers and long-term care … Read more

You may have been postponing a conversation that matters: how to talk with aging parents about their future plans and where they will live. It can be hard to find the right moment or the right words, and many people feel uncomfortable discussing this topic. This article focuses on practical ways to start that dialogue … Read more

(Photo credit: snoezelen.info) Dementia is a broad term covering memory loss and other cognitive declines that interfere with daily life. In the United States, dementia’s impact has grown considerably: deaths from Alzheimer’s disease—the most common form of dementia—increased sharply between 2000 and 2017. Alzheimer’s now ranks among the leading causes of death, and many older … Read more

Research consistently shows that most older adults prefer to stay in their own homes as long as possible. While emotional attachment is a strong factor, cost is frequently cited as a major consideration. Many assume it is cheaper to stay in an existing home than to move to a senior living community, such as a … Read more

In response to growing interest from residents and prospective residents, more senior living communities are adopting sustainable practices. These efforts range from everyday initiatives like recycling, ridesharing, and composting to larger-scale commitments such as environmentally conscious campus design and construction. Green construction practices do more than provide positive marketing messages: they can improve the living … Read more