Flu season is reaching its peak, and if you’re among the many (at least 60 percent of Americans, says the CDC) who put off getting vaccinated, you might think it’s too late. But you’d be wrong – and what’s more, unlike last year, this year’s flu vaccine appears to be right on the money. In…
As people plan ahead for retirement, they often think about downsizing – and that often means selling the large, old family home and moving into a low-maintenance condo or a planned senior community. Those can be terrific options for seniors looking for the dream of carefree living. But be careful: that type of home typically…
There are few tasks more demanding than caring for a loved one, especially if that loved one has dementia. Because caregiving in these circumstances is so challenging, it’s easy for a caregiver to overlook the need to take care of themselves. But as everyone knows, self-care is vitally important. How can caregivers look out for…
It may not be a fountain of youth, but it’s a simple prescription from which practically anybody can benefit. New research has shown that physical activity helps keep your thinking sharper, even for those with limited mobility and for those already experiencing some cognitive decline. Activity Keeps Your Brain Sharper We read about this reassuring…
Medicare and Social Security: in the minds of many these twin pillars of retirement seem to go together. Yet in fact, signing up for Medicare and starting Social Security benefits are separate decisions, and if you’re one of the millions who plan to delay beginning Social Security until after age 65, there are some important…
When we’re in our 30s or 40s, a bout with the flu is typically a nuisance and not much more. We usually bounce back after some bed rest and some over the counter medications, and our lives return to normal. However, as we all know, illnesses like the flu can be devastating to an older…
Medicare open enrollment came and went last fall, and now you’re a few weeks into the New Year – and that new Medicare Advantage plan you selected. We hope you’re happy with the coverage you’re getting, but if you’re not, this article from the CNBC website contains some good news: you have a chance to…
Ah, retirement! It’s just one fancy meal and exotic trip after another, right? Well…maybe for a tiny handful of the uber wealthy. For the rest of us, living in retirement means learning to compromise, improvise and economize, since there’s usually a limited amount of resources to spend on things that are purely fun. Live it…
With all the startling advances in digital technology, many experts seem to believe that the tech industry is on the verge of solving all our problems – especially in the realm of health care. But this article we just read from CNBC asks a nagging question: with all the billions being spent on digital health…
Last week here on the AgingOptions blog, we ran this story based on a NextAvenue article describing a damning statistic. According to surveys, roughly 80 percent of Americans say they would prefer to pass away in the familiar comfort of their own home, yet only about 20 percent actually succeed in taking their last breath…