What is it about the United States? Older adults in the U.S. are much more likely to live alone than their counterparts elsewhere in the world. In the United States, 27 percent of individuals 60 years of age or older are living alone. So says the Pew Research Center. The figure for the 130 countries and territories that were part of the Pew study was 16%. Worldwide, 38% percent of those 60+ live wide extended family. In the U.S., only 6%.
I keep hearing glowing reports about our economy here in the United States. Our economy is strong. Wages are up. Inflation is decreasing. Everybody is doing well. Yet reports note that the increases in wages have failed to keep up with inflation. Other reports describe how older adults, especially those who are retired or are contemplating retirement, are being hit particularly hard.
Last December, Ron Hicks was in deep trouble. A year earlier, he’d lost his wife, and the radiation and chemotherapy that helped him beat oral cancer had left him weak and bedridden.
Today marks the first day of what is commonly referred to as the Dog Days of Summer. The days from July 3 through Aug. 11 are usually the hottest days of the summer season for those of us living in the northern hemisphere. The reason is that the tilt of the earth at this time of the year causes the rays of the sun to hit us at a more direct angle and for a longer period of time throughout the day. The resulting impact is longer hotter days.
With Heritage Woods of Freeport in the midst of a redecorating project, two residents of the affordable assisted living community located in Stephenson County, Illinois, came up with an idea for adding a special touch. They wanted to brighten up the Activity Room by painting a mural on one the walls.
Over the past couple of weeks, I have come across several social media postings that really reinforced the benefits of the assisted living waiver programs in Illinois and Indiana. The programs are designed to benefit older adults of all incomes, especially low-income older adults, who need some assistance to maintain their independence. They provide a wonderful alternative to a nursing home or to struggling alone at home. At the same time, the states and the federal government save money. It’s smarter Medicaid. The social media postings highlighted recent research studies that focused on older adults in the United States and their ability to survive and thrive in retirement.
May is National Stroke Month. The purpose is to increase awareness of what you can do to reduce your risk of a stroke and what you should do if you suspect someone is having a stroke.
On Saturday, April 22, you have a chance to safely and anonymously dispose of any expired, unneeded or unwanted medications that you have. It is a National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day sponsored by the U.S. Department of Drug Enforcement (DEA). Twice each year, the DEA in partnership with local law enforcement hosts a National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day.
James had been looking for a place to live for a very long time, but could not find housing that was that was suitable and...
In 1987, President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation designating March as National Disability Awareness Month. The proclamation created a special opportunity to raise awareness about the support needed by persons with disabilities as well as their right to enjoy life and to feel productive and secure.
