The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
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The hidden costs of aging in place and how to afford it The desire to remain in familiar surroundings as you age is natural and personal. For many older adults, aging in place means maintaining independence, cherishing memories and preserving the comfort of home. While this emotional appeal of aging at home is undeniable, the financial reality involves significant costs that often remain hidden until they become urgent necessities. Village Caregiving’s guide will walk you through these o...
How can I encourage my elderly parent to use a medical alert device? If you have an elderly parent, you've probably had some sleepless nights over them living alone. Even if your parent is still active and independent, you worry about them being unable to call for help in an emergency situation. Falls are the leading cause of injury for adults 65 years and older. Medical alert devices quickly connect seniors to emergency services if they fall or need help. They can be life-changing, but many...
Best counties to retire to in Alabama Buyers and sellers of real estate alike—when asked what the three most essential considerations about a property are—will nearly always reply "location, location, location." While this answer is sometimes tongue-in-cheek, it is often quite accurate, and this reply perhaps applies to retirees more than any other demographic. Settling down after a lifetime of working and possibly raising a family calls for the perfect location: a spot where you can enjoy lif...
Cheerful couple walking on pedestrian street. Rido // Shutterstock Best small towns for retirees in every state Many Americans who have bid farewell to the workforce or who are thinking about it are turning to places that offer affordability, a strong economy, quality health care options, less traffic, and overall, more comfort. A 2025 analysis of Census Bureau data by HireAHelper found that more than 258,000 Americans relocated upon retirement in 2024. Just over 32% of those retirees moved...
Can family caregivers get paid through Medicaid? When a relative can no longer shower safely or forgets to take their medications, you may step in to provide care. As a family caregiver, you may assist with bathing, dressing, and eating. These tasks are known as activities of daily living (ADLs). Caregivers may also help with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), such as cooking, cleaning, and shopping. About 1 in 4 Americans serves as a family caregiver. That’s about 63 million p...
Social Security Celebrates 90 Years of Service to the American People President Trump signs proclamation recognizing the enduring strength and importance of Social Security Today, the Social Security Administration (SSA) proudly commemorates its 90th anniversary, marking its unwavering commitment to the financial security and dignity of millions of Americans. Since President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law on August 14, 1935, the program has grown into one of the...
What you need to know about arthritis, from causes and management to emerging treatment Arthritis is a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It is not a single disease but rather an umbrella term that encompasses over 100 types of joint disorders. Each type has unique features, but they all share one common symptom: inflammation in one or more joints, which causes pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. This comprehensive article from...
How to help an elderly person with dementia Older people living with dementia require ongoing support, understanding, and care. For many family members, caring for their loved one brings many responsibilities. Sometimes, it can be overwhelming. If you’re caring for a relative with dementia, remember that it’s OK to ask for help. This guide from Village Caregiving outlines five simple steps to care for your loved one with dementia. Understanding Dementia Dementia is a medical term used to des...
How to help seniors manage allergies If you’re the primary caregiver for an older relative, there’s probably a lot on your mind. You may be completing housework, cooking nutritious meals, driving them to doctor’s appointments, and running errands so they can rest at home. Another important aspect of senior health to consider is allergies. Adults may experience allergies for the first time as they get older, and you may be unsure how to treat the symptoms. Because older adults are often on medic...
How to care for a senior after surgery If you’re a caregiver for an older adult, you may be concerned about postoperative care. Seniors can take a while to heal because their bodies may be frail. Helping a senior navigate healing after a serious medical procedure, like surgery, requires patience and gentleness. Some concerns you may have include managing a senior’s medications post-surgery, helping them rest, and encouraging them to complete exercises that promote healing. Although seniors may...
Where in the US retirees are moving in 2025 Nearly one million people ages 60 and over in the U.S. crossed state lines to make a new home in 2023, according to the latest data from the Census Bureau. With a lower risk tolerance for market fluctuations, retirees may seek other ways to maximize their income and make the most out of life, including moving to places that better suit their budget, tax, and lifestyle needs. In addition to seeking fulfilling and financially secure retirements, wider...
What the U.S. can learn from Japan’s experience with an aging population The U.S. population is older than ever, and that trend is accelerating. As baby boomers age and birth rates decline, the country is heading toward a demographic reality that Japan has been grappling with for decades. In Japan, more than one in 10 people is now over the age of 80, and nearly a third of the population is over 65. This marks a dramatic shift that has reshaped healthcare, the economy, city infrastructure, a...
Use it or lose it: How age affects cognitive skills Conventional wisdom tells us that cognitive skills continue developing until people reach their early 30s and then begin a long fall. However, that conclusion does not come from following individuals as they age. Instead, it comes from comparing the math and reading skills of individuals of different ages at a single point in time. The problem is that people of various ages have different educational experiences, different jobs and different...
One key benefit that many people overlook when trying to maximize their Social Security benefits is the spousal benefit. Under Social Security regulations, an individual may apply for Social Security benefits based on the work history of their spouse. Social Security spousal benefits are granted to individuals who performed the important work of raising families and maintaining the family home, by allowing them to claim benefits based on their spouse's work history, Ryan Bisher Ryan & Simons...
How to protect your assets from nursing home costs As you or your parents get older, it’s natural to start thinking about the future and the financial impact of long-term care. Many people worry that nursing home costs and medical expenses could affect their life savings and the legacy they want to leave for their families. But by familiarizing yourself with the law, you can learn how to protect assets from a nursing home and create a stable future for yourself and your loved ones, LegalZoom s...
Retirement savings can serve as a key indicator of financial stability, reflecting not only a household's ability to set aside money but also shaping retirement timelines and broader workforce and economic dynamics. Across the United States, the average retirement savings per household is estimated to be $114,435—but this figure varies significantly by state, ranging from less than half to double that amount. These disparities can significantly impact when and how comfortably Americans retire. E...
For weeks, headlines centered on the mysterious deaths of 95-year-old Gene Hackman, who had advanced Alzheimer's disease, and his wife and primary caregiver, Betsy Arakawa. They were found days after Arakawa's sudden death from the rare hantavirus; Hackman was left alone without essential care like food and medication. He died of heart disease a few days later. The tragedy cast a harsh spotlight on America's invisible workforce of family caregivers, a vital but often unsupported part of the...
If you are 55 or older, you might not consider yourself a person of advanced age. But your age could help you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if you can no longer work. To receive SSDI benefits, you must show that you have an injury or illness that makes you unable to work for a living. In many cases, an applicant's age of 55 and older is one of the factors considered in a disability claim. As you get older, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is more...
By Kylle’ D. McKinney Alabama Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Some people who receive monthly Social Security benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments may need help managing their money. When we receive information that indicates you need help, we’ll work with you to find the most suitable representative payee to manage your benefits. A representative payee is someone who receives your monthly benefit payment on your behalf and must use the money to pay for your cur...
We tend to think of fat as nothing more than extra baggage, something that slows us down, makes our jeans fit tighter and, if we're being honest, messes with our confidence in the gym and bedroom. At most, we acknowledge that extra weight contributes to heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues, but we take comfort in our plans to lose it 'someday.' The problem is that as we age, "someday" moves further to the horizon and what worked when we were younger—a week on Whole 30 and incline t...
Social Security imposter scams continue to be widespread across the United States. Scammers use tactics to deceive you into providing sensitive information or money. If you receive a suspicious letter, text, email, or call, do not respond. We will NEVER: · Text or email images of an employee’s official government identification. · Suspend your Social Security number. · Threaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine or fee. · Require payment by retail gift card,...
Despite concerns about inflation and overall preparedness, Americans are looking forward to retirement, according to new survey research Wealth Enhancement conducted this year. 77% of Americans expressed positive emotions such as happiness (45%) and gratitude (37%) when asked how they feel when they think about retirement, according to the study of 1,000 U.S. adults. For those already in their golden years, 90% don't regret retiring when they did and 33% say it's even better than expected. Key...
For a variety of reasons, from telomere attrition to epigenetics, our bodies and minds can become less agile over time. This can increase our risk for many diseases and ailments, including Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, cancer, and bone loss, reports SaveHealth, a prescription savings website. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia and results in a continuous decline of cognition, social skills, and behavior. Alzheimer's is associated in part with age, and is much more common...
For older Black people in America, the golden years often come with a harsh reality: They are more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses, be sicker in old age, and die younger than their white counterparts. In 2018, Black Americans' average life expectancy was 74.7 years, four years less than the overall average of 78.7. However, a drop in life expectancy during the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated racial disparities among mortality rates: Black people were expected to live 70.8 years,...
As more people retire in a community, they change the dynamics within those local economies. This can mean that spending shifts: What was once spent on gasoline for the commute, or lunch out near the office may now be spent on more personal interests and expenses. Similarly, retirement trends can open up local jobs for younger generations. It may also shift the tax base, as retirees in some places may receive a break on their property taxes and income may move from earnings to Social Security...
