As of October 11, 2024, important changes were implemented to create appeals processes for certain Medicare beneficiaries who were admitted to the hospital as inpatients but later reclassified as outpatients receiving observation services during their stay and who meet other eligibility requirements. Below is a clear summary of what these changes mean and how they … Read more

If you are considering continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also known as life plan communities, you have likely encountered entry fees. These fees grant contractual access to a continuum of care services you might need in the future. Nationally, entry fees average over $200,000 but vary widely by region and by the type of contract … Read more

There are many rewarding aspects of retirement: more leisure time, opportunities to relax, moments with friends and family, and time to travel. For some, retirement can feel like a permanent vacation. Increasingly, some retirees are taking that literally — becoming “serial cruisers” who live part or all of the year aboard cruise ships. That lifestyle … Read more

I often cite the AARP finding that about 85 percent of people aged 65 and older prefer to remain in their current home as they age. Common reasons for wanting to “age in place” include the belief that it is the most economical option, a desire to stay near familiar neighbors and local businesses, the … Read more

Feeling more anxious lately is common — you’re not alone. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased stress and anxiety for many people. Anxiety can present in different ways: persistent worry, nervousness, irritability, trouble concentrating, sleep disturbances, or a sense of impending danger. Physical symptoms often accompany anxiety, including: Faster heartbeat Rapid breathing, sweating, or trembling Weakness … Read more

As we’ve explored in earlier posts, many older adults hesitate to move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), also known as a life plan community. Their reasons range from an emotional attachment to a long‑time home to concerns about finances. One of the most common barriers, however, is simply the prospect of moving itself—the … Read more

By Julia Wood The following story is part of a joint project between myLifeSite and Senior Correspondent where we ask people to report on their senior living decision process. When my husband and I retired after forty years in academia, we were in our sixties, healthy, and active. We had no interest in a retirement … Read more

In last week’s blog post, I covered steps families can take before a healthcare emergency to ease stress—what’s often called “pre-crisis planning.” From touring assisted living options nearby to working with a financial advisor to organize assets, there are practical actions seniors can take now to feel more prepared for life’s uncertainties. Another increasingly common … Read more

For retirees in the mid-stages of retirement—often beginning around age 70, depending on health—now is the time to plan for later years while you are still active and able. Postponing important decisions about future needs can leave you and your loved ones facing difficult and costly situations down the road. One of the most important … Read more

A quick look at the Central Intelligence Agency’s World Factbook, which records life expectancy at birth for every country, reveals a surprising fact: in 2016 the United States, with a life expectancy of 79.8 years, ranked only 42nd out of 224 countries. Many might expect the U.S. to be higher. For example, Monaco, the top-ranked … Read more