Category: Aging

Ending Involuntary Commitments Would Shift Burden of Dementia Care to Strapped Communities

Health department officials anticipate having to transfer two dozen patients from the Montana State Hospital to another state-run facility if a bill to end involuntary commitments passes.

Weighing Risks of a Major Surgery: 7 Questions Older Americans Should Ask Their Surgeon

How do older adults know when the potential benefits from surgery are worth the risks? And what questions should they ask as they try to figure this out? Our columnist asks experts for guidance.

A Retiree Returns to Work After a Calamitous Year of Health Emergencies

In 2020, diabetes and covid-19 landed David Zipprich in the hospital three times. Even with insurance, he was inundated with bills, debt notices, and calls from collectors.

Medicare Pay Cuts Will Hurt Seniors’ Care, Doctors Argue

New reductions in Medicare payments in 2023 will drive more doctors away from accepting Medicare patients, physicians say. They are again pushing back on efforts largely designed to control government spending.

Are You an Optimist? Could You Learn to Be? Your Health May Depend on It.

Multiple studies show a strong association between higher levels of optimism and healthy aging. We ask some dedicated optimists what might explain the connection.

To Attract In-Home Caregivers, California Offers Paid Training — And Self-Care

Turnover ails a program that allows low-income people who are older or disabled to age in place. To attract new workers and improve retention, the state is paying caregivers to develop new skills.

A Family Death During the Holidays Prompts Questions and Reflection

The death of a sharp but frail patriarch just days before Thanksgiving casts a shadow on a family’s holiday season.

Assisted Living Facilities Pressed to Address Growing Needs of Older, Sicker Residents

Assisted living was meant to be a home-like setting where older adults could interact with other residents while receiving help with daily tasks such as bathing and dressing. But as the concept has become more popular, residents are now older and sicker than in the past, and a panel of experts is calling for more focus on their medical and mental health needs.

Rural Colorado Tries to Fill Health Worker Gaps With Apprenticeships

A Grand Junction program is training and retaining nurse and personal care aides in areas where the aging population is creating a need for them. But challenges remain for these workers.

Should Older Seniors Risk Major Surgery? New Research Offers Guidance

An important new study offers much-needed data to inform older Americans of the risks and benefits they must weigh when facing major surgery.