Though the crisis of rising health care costs touches Americans of all ages, older adults face a particularly difficult set of challenges. They tend to need more medical care, yet many live on fixed incomes that haven’t kept pace with rising costs.

For many older adults, taking prescription medications keeps them healthy and independent. But sometimes patients discover that their prescription cannot be refilled, even when their doctor says they need the medication. Often the culprit is something called prior authorization.

Many free online tools can be a good starting point for researching possible retirement locations and helping you to reflect on your preferences or needs.

Socially assistive, AI-powered companion robots are being tested to help older adults who prefer to remain in their homes rather than enter institutional care.

Aging in place and safety are not mutually exclusive. Many practical steps can reduce risks and provide reassurance to concerned family members.

Making a home safer for an older adult is doable without embarking on a major renovation project and shelling out thousands of dollars.

New rules are changing who must meet work requirements in order to receive SNAP benefits. Changes include moving the age requirement to 64 years old (up from 54 years old), which means many older adults may now have to work or volunteer to remain eligible for these benefits. 

Across the country, libraries are working to expand support, inclusion, and resources for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

To stay eligible for Medicaid, most adult Medicaid enrollees who are between the ages of 19 and 64 and who do not meet work requirement exemptions will need to document that they meet a minimum of 80 hours per month of qualifying activities, such as community service or enrollment in school.

Trained volunteers play a crucial role in the program, working under and alongside paid staff to visit facilities and investigate and resolve complaints, protecting the health, safety, welfare, and rights of nursing home residents and others relying on long-term care.