Category: Aging

What Long-Term Care Looks Like Around the World

Most countries spend more than the United States on care, but middle-class and affluent people still bear a substantial portion of the costs.

Adult Children Discuss the Trials of Caring for Their Aging Parents

The financial and emotional toll of providing and paying for long-term care is wreaking havoc on the lives of millions of Americans. Read about how a few families are navigating the challenges, in their own words.

Facing Financial Ruin as Costs Soar for Elder Care

The United States has no coherent system of long-term care, leading many to struggle to stay independent or rely on a patchwork of solutions.

Who Will Care for Older Adults? We’ve Plenty of Know-How but Too Few Specialists

The principles and practices of geriatrics are being widely disseminated. And we understand much more now about how to improve older adults’ care. Yet we don’t have enough geriatricians to meet the growing demand.

US to Cover HIV Prevention Drugs for Older Americans to Stem Spread of the Virus

The government has proposed that Medicare fully cover preexposure prophylaxis drugs that prevent HIV, a change that could help America catch up with nations in Europe and Africa that are on track to end new infections decades before the U.S. under its current approach.

Medicare Expands the Roster of Available Mental Health Professionals

Medicare is expanding access to mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists come Jan. 1. But the belief that seniors who suffer from mental health problems should just grin and bear it remains a troubling barrier to care.

Biden Pick to Lead Social Security Pledges Action on ‘Heartbreaking’ Clawbacks

At a Senate confirmation hearing, former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley said he would address hardships the Social Security agency has caused by demanding money back from beneficiaries.

A New Era of Vaccines Leaves Old Questions About Prices Unanswered

The CDC’s RSV vaccination recommendations beg the question: How much should an immunization that will possibly be given to millions of Americans cost to be truly valuable?

Doubts Abound About a New Alzheimer’s Blood Test

Quest Diagnostics is selling a blood test online to consumers. But results may not be reliable or easy to interpret. And it isn’t covered by insurance.

Let’s Have an Honest Conversation About What to Expect as You Age

A leading geriatrician says a lot of health information for older adults isn’t as useful as it should be. No person’s aging process looks exactly like another’s. So she’s written a guidebook.