The National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago is a respected, nonpartisan research organization that examines social and economic trends. In 2019 NORC released the original “Forgotten Middle” study, which projected how the number, demographics, health status, and financial resources of middle-income seniors would change over the following decade. NORC recently published … Read more

As more older adults look for 55+ housing that balances independence, community, and affordability, senior living cooperatives—often called senior co-ops—have grown in popularity. What are these communities, and how do they differ from other senior housing options? Below is a clear look at senior living cooperatives, how they work, and the main advantages and disadvantages … Read more

I hope you have enjoyed our new audio podcast, “Aging is a Trip,” which takes a candid yet lighthearted look at many aspects of aging and retirement. Dr. Karen Wilson In a recent two-part interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Keren Wilson, a gerontologist who played a pivotal role in shaping assisted … Read more

Last week we discussed how essential it is for retirement communities—and the senior living industry overall—to listen to the voice of the resident. People who choose to move into a retirement community should feel comfortable, respected, and heard by management. Administrators must therefore put effective processes in place to receive, evaluate, and act on resident … Read more

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