How Retirement Communities Promote Active, Social Aging

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The rise of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu has made binge-watching easier than ever. While an occasional “Netflix and chill” session is enjoyable, mounting research links prolonged sitting to serious health risks. These risks can be especially pronounced in older adults, though younger people are affected too. The encouraging news is that small, practical … Read more

Why Social Life Is Now the Biggest Draw for CCRCs Post-Pandemic

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The senior living industry is seeing a steady occupancy rebound after two difficult pandemic years, but the factors behind that recovery are not all what people might expect. Assisted living sees a solid occupancy boost Recent quarterly data from the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing and Care (NIC) shows that average occupancy across senior … Read more

Why Walkability Matters When Choosing Senior Living Locations

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This past week I outlined five key factors to consider when choosing a retirement location: cost of living, accessibility, access to care, lifestyle, and a support system. One crucial aspect of accessibility is walkability. Many older adults value being able to move around their community on foot, and several people who responded to our recent … Read more

How a Positive Mindset Can Slow or Reverse Aging

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“Age is just a number.” “You’re only as old as you feel.” “Age is a state of mind.” These phrases can sound like clichés, yet growing evidence suggests they hold real truth: how we think about aging affects how we age. A man-made time warp Ellen Langer, a Harvard social psychologist, has studied the mind-body … Read more

How Long Will You Need Long-Term Care? Practical Timeframes and Costs

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In a recent post I reviewed the likelihood of needing assisted living and cited several statistics. My conclusion: roughly 50–70% of people aged 65 and older will need significant long-term care at some point. That typically means assistance with multiple activities of daily living—such as eating, dressing, or bathing—or possibly even higher-level care. Knowing the … Read more

New Data Redefines Aging in Place: What Seniors Need to Know

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Many Americans want to remain in their homes as they age. In fact, surveys show that roughly 77% of people aged 50 and older prefer to “age in place” — to stay in their current home for as long as possible. For most, this choice reflects a desire to retain autonomy and control over daily … Read more

Senior Loneliness Crisis Persists After the Pandemic: What’s Next

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Although COVID may never be completely gone, many aspects of life have returned to pre-pandemic routines. A recent poll indicates that seniors’ feelings of loneliness have also eased compared with the pandemic peak, but experts say the current levels remain concerning. Quantifying senior loneliness The January 2023 National Poll on Healthy Aging (NPHA), conducted by … Read more

Continuing Care at Home: Senior Support with Independence and Comfort

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While research shows up to 90% of older adults want to remain in their own homes as they age, “aging in place” can create challenges for seniors and their families. That is why one of the most significant innovations in senior living over recent decades has been the continuing care at home (CCAH) model. CCAH … Read more

Volunteering and Senior Health: How Kindness Improves Well-being

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“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” — Fred Rogers (a.k.a., Mr. Rogers) There is no shortage of distressing headlines today, from pandemic updates to natural disasters and political unrest. … Read more