As you grow older, is it your desire to age in place in your own home? As much as you might be tempted to answer that question with a resounding yes, the actual real-life issues that aging in place raises can be more complex, and require more thought and preparation, than many of us realize. … Read more

Anyone who has ever sailed in open water understands the idea of a safe harbor. When the weather threatens and the sea becomes turbulent, even the largest ships head for the calm, protective waters of a port where they can ride out the storm in safety – a “safe harbor.” In a metaphorical way, a … Read more

For many Americans, the idea of retiring early continues to hold a special allure. Many of us heard tales of the “Microsoft millionaires” who joined that company early on, rode the wave of skyrocketing stock prices, and retired in their forties or early fifties with seven-figure nest eggs. There’s something enticing about the notion of … Read more

They’re tasty, convenient, quick to prepare, and cheap. We’re talking about a category of food items referred to as “ultraprocessed,” the kind young people (and some not-so-young) love to grab for a quick meal or snack. Well over half the calories consumed here in the U.S. come from ultraprocessed foods, and no wonder: thanks to … Read more

Medicare Advantage plans continue to gain in popularity as a growing number of seniors choose them over basic Medicare (or Medicare with supplemental coverage). They’re often touted as the best value in senior health care, with a wide range of services all covered under a single premium. But does the reality match the hype? For … Read more

Old people in America have long been the butt of jokes and the victims of derogatory and even demeaning treatment. This pattern of discrimination based on age has a name: ageism. What’s more, ageism has a cost, one that can literally shorten the lives of those affected by it. That was the unsettling conclusion in … Read more

When we picture a caregiver, the first image that comes to mind might be that of a bedside nurse, or a hospital orderly. The role of caregiving seems to include either direct medical care – injections, prescriptions, blood pressure cuffs – or the less-pleasant demands of keeping the person needing care clean, dressed, and fed … Read more

Frequently here on the Blog, we publish articles that are aimed at those already retired, or close to it. But for those whose retirement date is a bit farther in the future – say, a decade or more – it’s helpful to stop every now to offer some general guidance. Think of it as a … Read more

Aging in place has been the preferred plan for the vast majority of seniors for several decades now. Survey after survey has revealed that, when asked where they want to grow old, practically every American adult has a three-word reply: “my own home.” That’s an admirable goal, since living at home can be – for … Read more

James Taylor once sang, “The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.” That great song (and profound concept) occurred to us as we read an encouraging article about some of the happy surprises that can accompany aging. We all know about the stereotypes and the jokes, but as 77-year-old author Elizabeth Roper Marcus … Read more