The death of a spouse or partner is among the hardest life experiences a person can face. It demands profound psychological and behavioral adjustment, and a large body of research confirms its intense impact. The Changing Lives of Older Couples (CLOC) study, conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan, followed 1,532 married men and … Read more

Vacation season is here, and after a year of lockdown many people are ready for a change of scenery. If you are near retirement, this time may prompt you to consider buying a second home — either to split your time between two residences or to make your new home your primary residence in retirement. … Read more

Choosing a retirement community requires careful research. Your decision will hinge on many factors—care services, location, amenities and quality ratings—but price is often one of the most important considerations. When comparing costs side by side, make sure you compare like with like. Understand exactly which services are included in the quoted price so you can … Read more

I recently stayed overnight at a retirement community where I had been invited to give a talk. Early one morning I went to the community library for coffee and to catch up on emails. As I opened my laptop, I overheard a resident in the hallway tell a maintenance staff member that his daily newspaper … Read more

Last week I visited Bishop Spencer Place (BSP), a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Kansas City, Missouri, for a marketing event. Several prospective residents attended, along with a few current residents. After the presentation a longtime resident—let’s call her Mrs. Smith—came over to tell me how much she enjoyed the talk, and we began … Read more

Retirement. It’s often used as a shorthand for the reward after decades of work — the time to focus on family, travel, hobbies, and the things that matter most. But retirement is more than a period to relax; it’s a stage of life many people prepare and save for over decades. Financial planners frequently divide … Read more

I talk regularly with people across the country who are considering a move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), also known as a life plan community. When I present to groups exploring senior living options, I learn a lot about how people evaluate this major decision and the questions that commonly arise. One frequent … Read more

Intergenerational programs, which create opportunities for older and younger people to live, work, learn, and play together, have gained attention recently — and for good reason. Nancy Henkin, Ph.D., founder and executive director of The Intergenerational Center at Temple University, has long emphasized that these programs support the health and happiness of both young and … Read more

Cooking shows and contests have surged in popularity, from The Great British Bake Off to Top Chef and Chopped. Viewers love watching culinary creativity and friendly competition, and that enthusiasm has inspired senior living providers to spotlight the culinary talent within their communities. By showcasing chefs and improving dining experiences, many communities are raising the … Read more

Recently I shared my thoughts on what the continuing care retirement community (CCRC), also known as a life plan community, might look like in the years ahead. While I don’t have a crystal ball, I have offered ideas about community design trends, technology advances, and the industry’s move toward greater environmental sustainability. Those topics only … Read more