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. Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) are the more complex daily tasks that support independent living in the community — activities such as managing … Read more

Our nation has endured a painful nine months as COVID-19 infected millions and claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. So it was an emotional moment when we watched the first Americans receive the long-awaited COVID-19 vaccine. As I wrote recently, it is welcome that healthcare workers and residents of long-term care (LTC) facilities are prioritized … Read more

As Baby Boomers enter retirement, long-term care (LTC) insurance has become an increasingly important topic. One of the biggest concerns when considering LTC coverage is cost, and that cost can be significant. For individuals aged 50 to 54, annual premiums for an individual LTC policy typically range from about $1,400 to $12,000, depending on the … Read more

While writing last week’s post on seniors and happiness, I remembered a conversation with a 68-year-old retiree who splits his time between a Florida senior living community and six months working as a part-time starter at a New England golf course. He retired from teaching nearly a decade ago and laughed that he’s “the happiest … Read more

We receive many questions from myLifeSite users about the financial stability of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also called life plan communities, and how residents can be confident these communities will honor their contractual commitments. Recently, a user shared the upsetting story of a CCRC that went bankrupt, causing many long-term residents to lose a … Read more

When I speak with residents of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also known as life plan communities, I frequently hear how pleased they are with their decision to move. Residents often praise wellness programs, a strong sense of community, helpful amenities that simplify daily life, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing a … Read more

For older adults considering a move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), also called a life plan community, the variety of contract options can be confusing. Many CCRCs offer several contract types, each with different financial structures and implications for long‑term care costs. One notable development is a variation of the traditional Lifecare (Type … Read more

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