A look at why preparation is the ultimate gift to yourself or a loved one. In middle school, I loved solving math problems. Quadratic equations were my favorite. There was something deeply satisfying when everything ticked and tied, and you arrived at the answer—especially when it was a nice, round number. Today, I still enjoy solving complex problems. But when it comes to aging, the math often doesn’t resolve so neatly. For many older adults, the outcome isn’t positive. I tr

After years of working with families, one thing has become clear: people approach aging decisions in very different ways. Some have the opportunity to plan ahead, asking questions and exploring options before change arrives. Others find themselves navigating decisions in response to unexpected health events or sudden shifts—even when they thought they had time to prepare. Some make choices for themselves; others are supporting aging parents. Whether you have time to plan or n

The holidays bring something precious: time together as a family. For many, these gatherings also bring moments of awareness. Adult children might notice a parent seeming a bit less steady on their feet, or struggling to follow a conversation. At the same time, aging parents may find themselves thinking about what’s next — whether it’s downsizing, selling the family home, or planning for future care. These conversations aren’t always easy, but they often start here, around th

Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults 65 and older, affecting 1 in 4 Americans, with the risk rising to 1 in 2 for those over 80 (CDC). Most advice focuses on prevention—exercises, vision checks, home modifications—but there's a critical gap: What happens if a fall occurs? Beyond physical injuries, falls can profoundly shake emotional wellbeing. Many seniors experience "post-fall syndrome". It is a loss of confidence that leads to reduced activity, social withdra

Each year, approximately 7,500 older adults are killed in traffic crashes in the United States, with nearly 200,000 more treated in...

Eagles Mural in South Philadelphia On February 4, 2018, with just 38 seconds left in the first half of Super Bowl LII, the Philadelphia...

There’s no shortage of conversation these days about what it means to “age well.” In Western culture especially, aging often gets framed...

Aging well starts with seeing beyond the fairy tale. We all love stories with happy endings. But what those stories never tell us is that...

And...does it even matter? I find the study of aging fascinating, and I don’t mean the search for how to look younger. As Certified...

Sometimes life reinforces its messages through perfectly timed moments. Earlier this week, I ran into a woman I used to volunteer with....

Most families know  they should start planning for the future, especially as loved ones grow older. But knowing doesn’t always lead to...

Did you know that every year since 1963, Older Americans Month celebrates the contributions of older adults and reaffirms our commitment...

Why We Avoid Planning for Aging—and Why That Could Cost Us More Than We Think Are you avoiding planning for aging? What if that decision...

I have the good fortune to teach a small group of senior women through a program called Roots2Rise . They meet every Thursday at 9:30...

Last week, we explored the push-pull factors behind senior housing decisions—what nudges older adults out of their current homes, and...

For many older adults, the decision about where to live in later years is a complex and personal one. It’s rarely based on a single...

Have you ever wondered how caring for an aging parent might shape your own future? I recently came across a 2013 study by Natalie Pope...

Do you remember the feeling? I do. I was deep in the Grand Tetons, surrounded by snow covered towering trees. It was beautiful but...

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation recently taught us a powerful lesson about experience. By awarding $100,000 grants to thirty jazz...

Imagine someone saying, “My daughter calls on Sundays, and that’s the highlight of my whole week. Talking to her gets me through the next...