Senior Living Blog

In an effort to recoup lost revenue from the federally-imposed limit on revenue from retailers, Bank of American and other large banks will start charging customers to use their own debit cards.

Rick Perry, Texan Governer or presidential candidate, says that Social Security is a "monstrous lie" and a "Ponzi scheme." Find out why Social Security was established, and what Social Security benefits mean to many working Americans.

Let's say you're nearing retirement, or you're already retired. You have an aging parent who now requires costly care, and you also have an adult child who lives with you or still needs your help to pay for college or an apartment. Are you feeling a financial or emotional squeeze? If so, you're in what's called the sandwich generation--a trend that threatens to undermine the retirement plans of many boomers and seniors.

But don't despair. If you find yourself caretaking your aging parents and adult children, there are ways to cope with or avoid sandwich generation problems.
_{Photo courtesy of A.J. Smith}

Last week's CNN-Tea Party Express Republican debate included a discussion about health insurance--and whether the government should provide health insurance and healthcare benefits to citizens.

U.S. Rep Ron Paul promoted the ideal of communities caring for people who need help--but is that realistic? A vast majority of people who don't have health insurance are children, the poor and older adults--who simply cannot afford to buy health insurance policies.

Read about the politics of health insurance, and how privatizing Medicare, Social Security and other government programs could hurt the people who most need help. Then let us know where you stand on this issue by leaving a comment below.

When a serious car accident happens, the first hour is the most important time for rescue workers to provide care that can mean the difference between life and death.

That's why the Yellow Dot Program is expected to reduce the number of traffic-accident fatalities across the United States. By putting your important medical records in a yellow folder--and displaying a yellow dot on your car--rescue workers will have access to your important medical information even if you are unconscious or unable to speak.

Learn more about the Yellow Dot Program and how it could help you in an auto emergency.

Unfortunately, older adults are more vulnerable to problems caused by tainted food and unsafe medications because chronic illness, other medications and the aging process can weaken the immune system. It's important to keep yourself safe by keeping up with the latest food recalls, drug recalls and safety alerts, and this information from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration will keep you informed. You can also sign up for free email alerts.
_{Photo by KoichiKamoshida/Getty Images}

Jane writes from Indianapolis: "I have been diagnosed with macular degeneration and I'm being treated for it, but my limited sight makes it hard to enjoy one of my favorite activities--reading. Is there a book service that caters to people with vision problems?"

Happily, the answer to Jane's question is yes. There's a free talking book program for U.S. residents--or American citizens living abroad--who have low vision, blindness, or a physical disability that makes reading a standard printed page difficult. And there are also talking book clubs!

Through a national network of libraries, this talking book program mails books and magazines in Braille and on cassette, along with audio playback equipment, directly to you for free. If you have low vision like Jane, or know someone who does, learn more about the talking book program, and how to join a talking book club.

_{Photo by Anissa Thompson}

When children are in a car accident, their risk of injury is lower when a grandparent is driving, compared to a parent.

This news comes from a study of nearly 12,000 children who were in accidents from 2003 to 2007, conducted by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Even though grandparents were a bit more inclined to improperly restrain their grandchildren than parents were (26 vs. 19 percent), kids involved in accidents with their grandparents were half as likely to be injured in a crash than they would with parent drivers.

Are grandparents safer drivers? Or are older adults in general less likely to be distracted when they drive? Many people think older drivers are safer drivers--tell us what you think by leaving a comment below.

Related:
Most Older Drivers Recognize Vision Problems and Put Down the Keys

Adults over age 65 report that having a fall or worrying about the possibility of falling affects their mental and physical well-being more than some chronic diseases.

This news comes from a UnitedHealthcare survey of 15,000 people who were 65 years or older.

Of the survey respondents, 21 percent had experienced a fall in the past year, and an additional 17 percent reported concerns that balance and walking problems increased their risk of falling. Overall, it was clear to researchers that experiencing a fall or being at risk for a fall had a greater effect on a person's quality of life than high blood pressure, arthritis or diabetes.

Are you at risk for falling? Researchers say yes, especially if you're getting on in years, are female, or have experienced a stroke, arthritis, sciatica, or vision problems. Learn more about the increase in falling injuries among older adults and protect yourself with tips to prevent falling. A little peace of mind can be a good thing.