“Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time; for that’s the stuff life is made of.” —Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard’s Almanack, 1746 We’ve all experienced it: press the up or down button, wait, listen to pulleys and gears, and then—finally—the doors open. You step in, select your floor, the doors close, and you wait … Read more

The winter holidays bring joy for many—rich traditions, festive meals, and cherished moments with family and friends. But for some older adults, this season can also bring sadness and isolation. Missing distant relatives or grieving those who have passed is common, yet when these feelings return year after year during the colder months, they may … Read more

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives evaluate a company’s environmental practices, ethical conduct, and governance policies. In investing, ESG has become an important criterion for selecting businesses. In senior living, ESG is gaining traction not only because investors and regulators prioritize it, but also because prospective residents expect communities to operate responsibly and sustainably. Giving … Read more

The start of a new year is a natural moment to look ahead, consider opportunities, and set resolutions for positive change. Some goals are small adjustments to daily routines; others are major life shifts. If you are a senior who is retired or approaching retirement and want to make meaningful changes this year, the following … Read more

Prospective residents considering continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also known as life plan communities, face an important decision. Selecting a community affects long-term quality of life, finances, and healthcare, so it’s essential to be well informed. Asking the right questions helps ensure you choose a CCRC that fits your needs and expectations. 5 key questions … Read more

Although many 55-plus communities operate as distinct micro-villages, they remain interconnected with the towns and neighborhoods around them. This relationship is often mutually beneficial: retirement communities draw employees from nearby areas, while the surrounding community benefits from the jobs, local spending, and services these campuses provide. One particularly effective way senior living communities enhance those … Read more

Many families observed Mother’s Day this past weekend, though celebrations looked different for many because of COVID-19. For people who have lost their mother, have complicated relationships with their mother, or hoped to become a mother but were unable to, the holiday can bring up mixed and sometimes painful emotions. Recent data about the nation’s … Read more

The term “sharing economy” has become commonplace, describing systems where people share resources—cars, workspaces, or crowdfunding platforms. One version of this model that’s gaining traction among older Americans and may help address the nation’s caregiving shortfall is homesharing. What exactly is “homesharing”? Homesharing means renting a room in a home where the homeowner continues to … Read more

I have written before about the value of intergenerational programs at continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs or life plan communities). These programs bring together people of different ages so that younger participants can benefit from seniors’ experience while older adults gain the energy, perspective, and connection that come from engagement with younger generations. Research from … Read more

Money is a topic many people avoid, even within families. But as parents age, it becomes important for adult children or another trusted person to understand their finances—often called financial caregiving. Preparing ahead can prevent emergencies when a senior suddenly can’t manage bills, taxes, or medical payments. Too many families discover this the hard way: … Read more