It might be to save money or to take care of an ailing loved one; it may be family tradition. Whatever the reason, multigenerational living and care planning are back on the rise in the U.S. Multigenerational living is three or more generations residing under the same roof. Although it is considered a standard living Read More
Mother-in-law unit. Granny flat. Cottage house. Laneway home. Whatever you call them, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) have become increasingly popular with both families and real estate developers. And with good reason! They’re affordable, a potential source of income, provide togetherness balanced with privacy, and flexible. The California Department of Housing and Community Development (CA HCD) Read More
People who enjoy pets such as cats and dogs know the special bond and warm feelings of interacting with them. So it’s no wonder that pet therapy is popular, including among older adults. Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy (AAT), involves the use of trained animals to help improve the physical and emotional well-being Read More
How’d you sleep last night? It’s an innocent question, but, unfortunately, it’s also a sore subject for some older adults. While the lack of quality sleep plagues people of all ages, natural changes in our bodies and other factors affect sleep as we age. The month of March, with the change from standard time to Read More
Telemedicine, age-friendly communities and gene editing for disease treatment: When we look at the many things helping us age well today, it almost sounds like an episode of The Jetsons, circa 1962. The Jetsons was an animated kids’ show about a futuristic family. While everyday use of jetpacks and flying cars may still be a Read More
One of the most challenging times for an older adult is when they start realizing they might need to give up driving. Driving is a big part of our sense of independence. But, realistically, everyone loses physical and/or cognitive function over time, to the point where they are no longer safe behind the wheel. If Read More
With so many seniors opting to live at home, and frequently alone without family nearby, it’s crucial that they prepare for wildfires. It’s summer right now, but, as Lou Paulson, former chair of the California Fire Foundation and a fire captain, notes, “In California, fire season lasts the entire year.” Potential challenges If you are Read More
Whether you’re downsizing your own home or expecting to take care of an older loved one’s estate, selling possessions can be both emotionally and physically taxing. Many people turn to estate sale companies (also called estate appraisers or liquidators) to orchestrate the process. If you take this route, educate yourself in advance. The business of Read More
Choosing a senior living community can be challenging in the best of times. A lot of factors come into play. Which is the ideal location? What services and level of care does the senior need? How much does it cost? These and many other questions can cause a fair amount of stress. The COVID-19 pandemic Read More
Moving yourself or an aging parent to an assisted living facility is a decision filled with uncertainty. After the decision is made, many people experience feelings of worry, fear, and even guilt. Perhaps you or your loved one don’t want to move away from the place they currently live. Maybe you promised a loved one Read More