Strong social ties don’t just feel good, they’re closely associated with leading a longer, healthier life. Whether it’s a weekly walk with a friend or joining a local group, connection plays a powerful role in your quality of life as you age.

Getting regular exercise is an important part of aging well. And even if you don’t currently do much moving, take comfort that the options are many and it’s never too late to start. A little each day goes a long way!

The loss of the structure and purpose that work life often provides can make settling into retirement a challenging transition. With so many years ahead, it makes sense to wonder what will give shape to your life moving forward.

Lifestyle plays a big role in cognitive decline, which means there are real steps you can take now to support your brain health in the future.

If you’re curious about rethinking your living arrangement as you age, you might want to explore the idea of an ADU. These small, individual living spaces can be customized with aging in place in mind, allowing you to stay independent while also living close to caregivers.

As we age, chronic inflammation can sneak up on us, affecting everything from our joints to our brain health. Fortunately, there are simple, actionable steps you can take to reduce inflammation and protect your health.

For most of us, it’s been many years since we took a driving test. But as an older driver, you may find you’re required to take one to renew your license. That can feel intimidating! Luckily, there are resources and professionals who can help you prepare.

A family trip can be a great way to connect with loved ones and explore new destinations together. Thoughtful planning ensures that everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—has a memorable experience.

As we age, our sleep patterns often change, and many of us start to experience things like snoring, restless nights, or waking up tired. We may think it’s just part of getting older, but it could be something more serious: sleep apnea.

Protect your financial future, even when life throws the unexpected your way. Learn more about the importance of a financial power of attorney and how to choose the right person for the job.

Most people are surprised to learn that Medicare pays for only a limited amount of the daily care you are likely to need in your lifetime (about 14%).

Medicare covers only services delivered by medically trained professionals. That means you need to have savings or insurance and rely on a collection of local programs. Or family and friends who may be able to pitch in with labor or funds.

Allowing a stranger into your home can leave you feeling quite vulnerable. It’s important that you trust the individual and the company that does the background checks, verifies training, and puts together the schedule.

You also need to interview each company to find out pricing and minimum number of hours, and to see if they have independent quality ratings.

Choosing an assisted living community, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC), or a memory care facility is a big decision. You want to get unbiased recommendations for a good match from the start.

Your elder care support team will include friends and family, health care providers, and professional advisors. An Aging Life Care Manager can help you select wisely and coordinate these services effectively.

How you pay for care at home depends on whether the service is by medically trained staff or by nonmedical caregivers. Also, what you can mix and match in terms of community programs and help from friends and family.

Medicare pays only for care in the home that requires the skills of a nurse, nursing assistant, physical therapist, or other medically trained professionals.

Accidents by their very nature are unplanned. That doesn’t mean you need to be unprepared for a fall or a serious incident (e.g., a heart attack or stroke).

Those who are prepared and have a professional advocate, such as an Aging Life Care Manager, are more likely to get the care and the outcomes they desire. Plus, they can recuperate in a setting most in line with their personal needs and preferences.

Imagine your life as a movie. If you are the director, an Aging Life Care™ Manager is your production manager.

He or she is a deeply knowledgeable guide (usually a nurse, social worker, or allied professional) who finds you high-quality help, arranges care “locations,” and advises you about needed services.

Aging Life Care Managers are part of a national organization with training requirements, codes of ethics, and a nationwide network of experienced colleagues in case you need to move to a different part of the country.

In your elderhood, it may be that your best, most affordable option is a group care setting. Learn the difference between assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing (rehab), a nursing home, and a continuing care community (aka life plan community).

Support is available for those who wish to stay at home. However, one-on-one care is expensive. And it’s not always easy to find caregivers. Community services can sometimes be patched together.

To stay at home, it helps to have a knowledgeable person check in periodically who knows eligibility requirements and can supervise and coordinate all the players.