In the Broadway musical Wicked, Glinda’s upbeat number “Popular” champions being well-liked. While the song is playful, emerging research suggests social popularity and strong friendships really do matter—especially as we grow older. It’s all about popular! It’s not about aptitude It’s the way you’re viewed So it’s very shrewd to be Very, very popular… Like … Read more

Isolation is often called the “silent killer” for older Americans. An estimated 8 million seniors in the U.S. experience significant social isolation, a problem highlighted by experts who testified before the Senate Special Committee on Aging in April. On average, about 40 percent of older adults are affected by isolation that accompanies living alone, and … Read more

Most people understand there are trade-offs between buying and leasing a car. The same is true for retirement communities: entry-fee, equity (ownership), and rental models each carry distinct advantages and disadvantages. Over the next few weeks we will explore these different senior living options in detail to help you decide which might suit your needs. … Read more

In several recent blog posts we explored common fears around moving to a retirement community, including the fear of the unknown in senior living decisions. At the heart of many of these worries is a widespread fear of losing independence as we age. Most retirees express a strong desire to remain in their own homes … Read more

When exploring senior living options, prospective residents often feel overwhelmed. Decisions must account for many factors: location, contract terms and cost, quality, amenities, available care services, and more. The internet has made researching communities—such as continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also known as life plan communities—much easier. Still, it’s common to have unanswered questions that … Read more

I travel across the country frequently, speaking with older adults who are considering a move to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), also called a life plan community. On these trips I meet a wide range of fascinating people who often share insightful stories about their lives and decisions. On a recent flight to Missouri … Read more

If you are an older adult exploring senior living options, you have probably started researching retirement communities. For many, choosing a community is a preference-driven decision and can take months or even years. But if a loved one needs long-term care or memory care and their current home is no longer safe, that decision becomes … Read more

We’ve been hearing more and more about different forms of discrimination in today’s headlines — from pay equity to racial, disability, and LGBTQ+ issues. Yet one group that too often receives little public attention is seniors. Ageism, or discrimination based on age, remains widespread in the United States. Although it doesn’t always make front-page news, … Read more

Many older Americans spent decades working with little time off, so retirement often brings the chance to travel freely. But in light of the ongoing pandemic, seniors and their families are asking: is travel safe right now, or should leisure trips be postponed? Key travel-related considerations Cancelled plans are disappointing, yet it’s understandable that many … Read more

Recently I spoke with a sales counselor at a retirement community who shared a common refrain from prospective residents: “I like what your community has to offer, but I just love my home.” That reaction is easy to understand. Travel and new experiences are enjoyable, but there’s a special comfort in walking through the door … Read more