Looking for Something to Do? How About Volunteering?

I'm a big believer in volunteering. In fact, my volunteer efforts led me to go back to school and change careers. You just never know where your inspiration will come from.

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Is Your Hospital Overusing Scans?

Patients across the country are being unnecessarily exposed to radiation because of the overuse of scanning technologies, including CT scans, MRIs and X-rays.

This information comes from Hospital Compare, a website from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that tracks data provided by hospitals across the U.S. This data includes how hospitals treat adult patients who have had heart attacks, heart failure, pneumonia, or are having surgery.

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More Help to Protect Yourself from Scams and Fraud

Seniors on Social Security Lost 24 Percent of Their Buying Power Since 2000

Dance, Dance, Dance…but Prepare in Advance

Forest Service Drops Proposed Fee Hike for Older Campers

Bongs for Boomers: Marijuana Use Increasing Among Seniors

Older Adults May Need Higher Doses of Vitamin D

Older Americans Month: This Year, Make It Personal

Don’t Be a Soda Jerk: Phosphates Can Make You Age Faster

Apply for Medicare Online: Cast of The Patty Duke Show Explains How

What Are the Most Common Retirement Planning Mistakes?

CLASS Act: Long Term Care Program Signed Into Law

High Blood Pressure: A Serious and Neglected Disease

How Long You Live is Mostly Up to You

When people think about aging, they often look to their immediate family for clues about their own longevity. But while genes certainly play a role in how we age, they may not be as important as people once thought.

Read more...

How Long You Live is Mostly Up to You originally appeared on About.com Senior Living on Sunday, March 21st, 2010 at 21:42:35.

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Percentage of Older Adults Online is Poised for Record Growth

The news media often report that older Americans are adopting the Internet and broadband faster than any other age group--but it could be they just have farther to go.

According to the latest report from the Pew Internet & American Life Project, 38 percent of U.S. adults age 65 and older are online as of December 2009, compared to 74 percent of the general population and 70 percent of adults in the next oldest age group (50-64 years old). In addition, only 26 percent of adults in the 65-and-older age group have broadband access at home, compared to 60 percent of all adults and 56 percent of adults 50-64 years old.

Read more...

Percentage of Older Adults Online is Poised for Record Growth originally appeared on About.com Senior Living on Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010 at 01:28:30.

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Percentage of Older Adults Online is Poised for Record Growth

The news media often report that older Americans are adopting the Internet and broadband faster than any other age group--but it could be they just have farther to go.

According to the latest report from the Pew Internet & American Life Project, 38 percent of U.S. adults age 65 and older are online as of December 2009, compared to 74 percent of the general population and 70 percent of adults in the next oldest age group (50-64 years old). In addition, only 26 percent of adults in the 65-and-older age group have broadband access at home, compared to 60 percent of all adults and 56 percent of adults 50-64 years old.

Read more...

Percentage of Older Adults Online is Poised for Record Growth originally appeared on About.com Senior Living on Monday, March 1st, 2010 at 18:28:30.

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How Will the New Credit Card Rules Protect You?

In an effort to protect consumers from unfair--and unexpected--credit card practices, President Obama signed a bill into law in May 2009 that sets new regulations for credit card companies and how they do business.

These new credit card rules take effect on February 22, 2010. If you use credit cards, it's important to learn about the new credit card rules and how they will affect you.

While the new credit card rules help to protect consumers against unfair practices by credit card companies, there are still some things we need to do for ourselves: avoid using too much credit, and paying high late fees.

How Will the New Credit Card Rules Protect You? originally appeared on About.com Senior Living on Monday, February 15th, 2010 at 21:48:41.

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Prevent Elder Abuse by Caregivers

Did you know that one in four U.S. households provides caregiver support to someone?

Whether you choose to be a caregiver for a friend or family member--or you are a professional caregiver--you know that caregiving can take a toll on a caregiver's physical and emotional health.

That's why it's so important for caregivers to practice good self-care.

Too often, the wrong people become caregivers, or the stresses of caregiving contribute to an atmosphere in which the caregiver becomes angry or neglectful. In either case, elder abuse can be the result.

To address the issue of caregiver stress and elder abuse, the National Center on Elder Abuse created a report called, "Preventing Elder Abuse by Family Caregivers." It was written in 2002 but contains useful information about how caregiver stress contributes to elder abuse, how to avoid situations that lead to elder abuse, and how to get help if you suspect elder abuse.

Prevent Elder Abuse by Caregivers originally appeared on About.com Senior Living on Thursday, January 28th, 2010 at 19:59:26.

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Exercises That Are Easy on the Knees

A reader asked for advice about the best exercises following knee replacement surgery, and it turns out that the recommended choices are good for every older adult because they provide a combination of fitness and cardio--and they're easy for beginners or people who may not be in good shape.

If you're planning on knee replacement surgery or want to learn more about it, check out these recommended knee exercise and you'll also find a comprehensive overview on knee replacement surgery from About.com's medical expert in orthopedics.

For a few basic exercises to help keep your knees in good working order, try some knee exercises for beginners or older adults. For basic exercises you can do at home, check out the best exercises for older adults.

No matter what your fitness level, it's important to keep moving--take walks or find activities you enjoy doing that work your muscles, improve flexibility and dexterity, and get your heart pumping. Experts say it's never too late to start some sort of fitness program, and if you keep at it you'll experience the benefits of exercise and help yourself feel better.

And as I advised the reader who had knee replacement surgery, it's very important to check with your doctor before you start any exercise program.

Exercises That Are Easy on the Knees originally appeared on About.com Senior Living on Friday, January 22nd, 2010 at 16:01:17.

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Wider at the Waist? Watch Out for Dementia

Is your waistline broader than your hips? Researchers in Sweden think you're more than twice as likely to develop dementia in your later years.

"Anyone carrying a lot of fat around the middle is at greater risk of dying prematurely due to a heart attack or stroke," reports Deborah Gustafson, senior lecturer at the Sahlgrenska Academy of the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. "If they nevertheless manage to live beyond 70, they run a greater risk of dementia."

The Swedish researchers also found that, contrary to other reported studies, a high Body Mass Index (BMI) showed no correlation to developing dementia. They suggest that's because obesity was rare among study participants.

The good news is it's never too late to improve your health. A healthy, balanced diet with no overeating, plus regular exercise will help you trim your middle and feel better, longer.

Wider at the Waist? Watch Out for Dementia originally appeared on About.com Senior Living on Saturday, January 16th, 2010 at 08:22:55.

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Need a Temp Job? Try the U.S. Census

If you could use some extra money, the U.S. Census Bureau could use your help.

Every 10 years, the U.S. Census counts every resident in the United States and Puerto Rico, and in March 2010, census forms containing 10 questions will be mailed to each residence in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

The census form cannot be complete online (you must complete the printed form that will be mailed to your residence), but you can see an online copy of the census questions to find out what will be asked.

And if you'd like to earn some extra money, the Census Bureau will be hiring temporary, part-time workers to help with the 2010 Census.

These 2010 Census jobs offer paid training, flexible hours, and assign people to work in their own communities. Plus, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, these temporary 2010 Census jobs offer good pay.

If you're interested in a 2010 Census job, apply at your local census office or call 1-866-861-2010.

Need a Temp Job? Try the U.S. Census originally appeared on About.com Senior Living on Sunday, January 10th, 2010 at 23:38:51.

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Energy Saving Tips for Your Home

In many areas of the U.S., energy use soars during winter months as we try to keep our homes warm and dry. Even in the Pacific Northwest, where I live, it can go into the 30's at night.

The U.S. Department of Energy now offers a multitude of helpful energy-saving tips in one handy location.

You'll learn how to save energy and money--and help the environment too--through better use of appliances, electricity, insulation, lighting, space heating, water heating and much more.

There are even energy-saving tips for apartment dwellers.

Check out Your Home on the U.S. Department of Energy site.

Energy Saving Tips for Your Home originally appeared on About.com Senior Living on Saturday, January 9th, 2010 at 00:20:44.

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Life Expectancy Reaches All-Time High

Life expectancy is up and the death rate is down, according to recent data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

From data collected in 2007, life expectancy for newborns reached a new high of 77.9, according to the latest mortality figures reported in Deaths: Preliminary Data for 2007. The figures are based on nearly 90 percent of all death certificates in the United States.

The 2007 increase in life expectancy was the continuation of a long trend. Between 1997 and 2007, life expectancy increased by 1.4 years, from 76.5 years to 77.9 years.

Other highlights of the report include:

• The average 65-year-old senior can now expect to live another 19 years or so, to nearly age 84.
• Record high life expectancy was recorded for both males (75.3 years) and females (80.4 years) in 2007. While the gap between male and female life expectancy has narrowed since the peak of in 1979, the 5.1 year difference recorded in 2007 is the same as in 2006.
• For the first time, life expectancy for black males reached 70 years.
• The U.S. death rate fell for the eighth year in a row to an all-time low of 760.3 deaths per 100,000 population in 2007. This is 2.1 percent lower than the 2006 rate of 776.5 and about half of what it was 60 years ago in 1947.
• Heart disease and cancer, the two leading causes of death, accounted for nearly half (48.5 percent) of all deaths in 2007.

Want to improve your longevity? In addition to getting exercise, regular medical checkups, and eating healthy food, researchers say that making new friends and making time to travel help to increase our longevity.
_{Photo: Aurora/Getty}

Life Expectancy Reaches All-Time High originally appeared on About.com Senior Living on Saturday, December 26th, 2009 at 10:12:52.

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Fun Facts About Mistletoe

Everyone knows about the power of mistletoe at Christmas. But there is more to mistletoe than kissing and holiday merriment...

Read more...

Fun Facts About Mistletoe originally appeared on About.com Senior Living on Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 23:23:25.

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Medicare In Worse Shape Than Social Security

Every year, the Trustees of the Social Security and Medicare funds provide an update of how the funds are doing.

Unfortunately, Medicare is in worse shape than Social Security.

In 2008 and 2009, Medicare's Hospital Insurance (HI) Trust Fund is paying out more in hospital benefits and other expenditures than it receives in taxes and other dedicated revenues. Just like the Social Security fund, the shortfall is paid by redeeming trust fund assets. Because Medicare is expected to pay out more than it receives every year, the Trustees report that Medicare funds will be depleted in 2017 (Social Security is expected to be depleted in 2037).

There's more bad news about the Medicare Supplementary Medical Insurance (SMI) Trust Fund, which pays for physician services and the prescription drug benefit: SMI expenses will continue to grow substantially faster than income from the economy and beneficiary payments.

Here's a quote from the Medicare Trustees report of 2009:

"As we reported last year, Medicare's financial difficulties come sooner--and are much more severe--than those confronting Social Security.

"While both programs face demographic challenges, rapidly growing health care costs also affect Medicare. Underlying health care costs per enrollee are projected to rise faster than the earnings per worker on which payroll taxes and Social Security benefits are based."

The Medicare Trustees report that in 2008 Medicare's annual costs were about three quarters of Social Security's, but Medicare costs are expected to surpass Social Security costs by 2028.

As they do every year, the Social Security and Medicare Trustees call on politicians (and citizens, who can put pressure on politicians) to take steps to slow the bankruptcy of the Social Security and Medicare reserves:

"The financial challenges facing Social Security and especially Medicare need to be addressed soon. If action is taken sooner rather than later, more options will be available, with more time to phase in changes and for those affected to plan for changes."

Medicare In Worse Shape Than Social Security originally appeared on About.com Senior Living on Monday, December 14th, 2009 at 23:30:09.

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Protect Your Credit and Identity During the Holidays

Unfortunately, seniors are often the target of scams, so it's especially important for older adults to be aware of consumer protection information that can help them avoid senior scams.

The FBI offers a comprehensive list of the most common senior scams, including insurance, telemarketing, prescription drugs, "anti-aging" products and reverse mortgage scams.

To highlight the need for consumer protection and education, the U.S. government also offers a free fraud information packet of practical tips on a variety of topics to help you minimize your risk of fraud and identity theft.

One way to guard against identity theft is to order free credit reports and review them regularly to watch for any unauthorized activity that may signal identity theft has occurred.

If you feel you have been the victim of fraud or a senior scam, Consumer Fraud Reporting offers information and resources to report it.

Protect Your Credit and Identity During the Holidays originally appeared on About.com Senior Living on Monday, December 7th, 2009 at 21:23:57.

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Food Assistance Programs Help Seniors In Need

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that the number of older adults seeking help from local food pantries increased 81 percent from 2006 to 2008, according to an Associated Press story about how the recession has affected seniors' ability to pay for food.

If you are an older adult who needs help getting food--or you know someone who does--there are federal and state programs that can help you. If you are over age 60 or have a disability, you may qualify for the new federal food stamp program called SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), which replaces the Federal Food Stamp Program.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) provides prepared meals to needy people, including the elderly.

Eldercare Locator is a great resource for senior community services of all kinds, including food.

For a complete list of government-sponsored food assistance programs, see Nutrition Assistance Programs from the USDA.

Food Assistance Programs Help Seniors In Need originally appeared on About.com Senior Living on Saturday, November 28th, 2009 at 23:02:18.

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Remembering JFK

Where were you when Kennedy was shot? People over a certain age can answer that question without missing a beat.

The tragic death of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963--46 years ago this coming Sunday--was a defining moment in the life of every American who was old enough to have even the slightest understanding of what was going on at the time.

JFK was not the first U.S. president to be assassinated, and his violent death was no more tragic than those of his younger brother, Bobby, or Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. just a few years later, yet it shocked and saddened us in a way no other tragedy before or since has ever done.

When Kennedy was inaugurated in January 1961, he was the youngest person ever to hold the office. Brilliant, charismatic and energetic, Kennedy inspired the nation and the world. In his inaugural address, Kennedy spoke the now famous lines:

"And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country.

"My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.

"Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us here the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own."

When he died less than three years later on that street in Dallas, the hope and optimism he inspired died with him--at least for awhile. Other leaders would rise up to carry on the work and the vision. But on that sad day in Dallas, a bright light was extinguished, and those of us who witnessed the descending darkness will never forget.

Where were you when you heard Kennedy was shot? Share your memory with Senior Living readers, below.

_{Photo: National Archives/Getty}

Remembering JFK originally appeared on About.com Senior Living on Friday, November 20th, 2009 at 09:42:51.

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Testosterone Boosters: Big with Boomers

FDA concerns about the safety of two testosterone boosters from Endo Pharmaceuticals may delay their approval, but safety concerns haven't kept testosterone sales from increasing 25 percent in the past year (while Viagra sales have dropped 8 percent), according Business Week.

Despite research studies, including one from the University of North Carolina, which show that testosterone boosters do not slow aging, they are commonly prescribed for older adults. Men use testosterone boosters to treat erectile dysfunction, and women use them hoping to increase sexual satisfaction.

If you use testosterone boosters in gel form, you may have seen packaging with the FDA's black box warning about secondary testosterone exposure. This was ordered after children--who were exposed to testosterone from the hands or clothing of an adult--began showing signs of testosterone exposure, including changes in genital size, development of pubic hair, and increased libido.

The Business Week article also reports that testosterone booster sales are expected to increase as more aging boomers look for their fountain of youth.

Testosterone Boosters: Big with Boomers originally appeared on About.com Senior Living on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 15:36:51.

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Remember Michael Jackson in 1969?

With Michael Jackson's untimely death and the debut of the hit film, This Is It--about preparations for the concert tour he died too soon to make--many people only think of Michael Jackson as an odd but talented adult.

We remember Michael Jackson before he became the King of Pop and a controversial figure.

It was 40 years ago when Michael Jackson made his public debut as the cute 10-year-old prodigy and lead singer of The Jackson 5 (in August 1969), and when he and his brothers released their first single (in October 1969) and their first album (in December 1969).

It doesn't seem like 40 years ago, does it? What other music milestones from 1969 do you remember?

Remember Michael Jackson in 1969? originally appeared on About.com Senior Living on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 20:12:03.

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HHS to Create National Resource Center for LGBT Older Adults

To address a national need for culturally-sensitive community support and services for lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender (LGBT) adults age 60 and older, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced plans to establish the first national resource center.

The new LGBT older adult resource center will help communities and organizations serve their older LGBT populations by providing:

• Education about the special needs of aging LGBT adults
• Connections to mainstream aging services providers
• Support and information for local LGBT communities about planning for long-term care

Estimates place the size of the older LGBT population in the U.S. at 1.5 million to 4 million people, yet HHS notes that many local and national agencies may still be unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the needs of these Americans. I wonder if one reason the estimated population size is so inexact is that many older people still hesitate to self-identify as LGBT due to fear of discrimination.

Creation of the resource center is welcome news for organizations that serve aging LGBT individuals.

"This resource center is a truly historic recognition of the needs of LGBT older adults across the country community and will make a huge difference in the lives of so many seniors," said Michael Adams, Executive Director of Services and Advocacy for SAGE, a non-profit agency dedicated to serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender older people.

"For too long, programs that serve LGBT older people have been ignored and shut out from most public funding, and there has been no federal funding to help mainstream aging services become educated about and sensitive to the unique needs of LGBT older adults...one of the most marginalized older populations and one of the most vulnerable populations in the LGBT community."

Public and private organizations with experience in LGBT issues are invited to apply for the single grant of approximately $250,000 per year. Check the Administration on Aging grant application site, which will post information soon.

HHS to Create National Resource Center for LGBT Older Adults originally appeared on About.com Senior Living on Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 at 16:28:33.

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What Are Your Favorite Free Activities?

With all the belt-tightening that's been going on during the recession, I was surprised to learn that movie attendance has actually increased in 2009. I've heard that in tough times, people tend to favor escapist activities like movie watching and reading.

I enjoy movies too, but even if I can talk my way into the senior discount it still costs close to $10 to see a first-run movie in Portland, OR, where I live. So I'm always looking for free activities that are fun, entertaining, may help me learn something new--and don't require cash or a credit card.

I've compiled some of my favorite free activities for older adults, but I'd like to hear your ideas.

Indoors or out, what are your favorite free activities when you want to have fun, sample a new experience, or just get out of the house for a little while?

What Are Your Favorite Free Activities? originally appeared on About.com Senior Living on Sunday, October 11th, 2009 at 19:36:58.

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Dancing for Health: More Fun Than a Treadmill

Dancing for romance. Dancing for fun. But dancing for health?

Yes, according to an Italian study, which reports what Fred and Ginger knew a long time ago: dancing for health is another great reason to put on those dancing shoes.

The study reports that people who dance regularly can get more heart health benefits than people who practice other forms of exercise. Tango, anyone?

All sorts of experts tell us that regular exercise improves heart health, increases longevity, and helps us enjoy a better quality of life. If you find it hard to get enthused about another mile on the treadmill, why not combine an exercise program with a social activitiy--and start dancing for health?

If your dance shoes are a little dusty (and your joints a little rusty) check out these tips on dance for beginners before you strap on those tap shoes.

Medicare and Medicaid Cuts Threaten Nursing Homes Across the US

State and federal funding cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, on top of the recession, promise a difficult future for nursing homes across the US, including widespread staff layoffs and closings.

Last week, Congress approved a plan to cut an estimated $16 billion in nursing home funding over the next 10 years, as reported by the Associate Press.

Now Congress is discussing additional Medicare funding cuts--potentially $32 billion, according to the Coalition to Protect Senior Care--as part of an overall healthcare reform package.

GET INVOLVED: Make your voice heard. Encourage your representatives in Congress and the Senate to reject proposals that would cut Medicare just as the country is experiencing a senior population boom. The Coalition to Protect Senior Care makes it easy--check out their legislative alert for help with sending letters online and by mail.

When Does Old Age Begin? Readers Respond

Awhile back, I posted an article titled, When Does Old Age Begin?, based on the results of a Pew Research Institute study that asked more than 3,000 adults--of all ages--when they think old age actually starts.

It's no surprise that the survey responses varied according to people's ages and how they felt about their lives. Younger adults tend to think old age starts around 60; older people push that number back...way back.

I put the question, "when does old age begin?" to Senior Living readers, and I was surprised--and very touched--by reader responses. Here's what some people said about when they think old age begins:

• Old age is not a number...Think young, act young, live young, and you'll remain young and probably healthier for a longer period of time.
• Old age begins when you give up! So, don't give up!
• To me age is just a number, and mine is unlisted most of the time.
• I believe "old age" is always 15 years older than you are.
• ...I will always be young enough to explore this world in thought, word, and deed.
• For me it depends on what body part it is. I think I feel fine but sometimes my feet feel 102 and my back around 89.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to "Readers Respond: When Does Old Age Begin?" Your answers were heartwarming, funny, and inspiring.

If you missed this discussion the first time around and have an answer you'd like to share, tell us when you think old age begins.

Over 50? Flu Shots Are Recommended

Flu is a big topic this year, especially with major outbreaks of the H1N1 virus (commonly know as swine flu) across the US and around the world.

While it can be hard to tell the difference between a cold and the flu, don't take chances with your health.

The National Institute on Aging makes a compelling case for why you should get a flu shot every year if you're over age 50, and explains that older adults are more vulnerable to flu because flu symptoms increase the risk of secondary infections like pneumonia.

If you have Medicare Part B, annual flu shots are free. Most health insurance policies cover the cost of flu shots, but if you have to pay out of pocket call around. Many local drug stores, and grocery stores with pharmacies, offer flu shots at a reasonable price.

Check with your doctor if you are interested in getting the H1N1 vaccine, which is different than the seasonal flu shot many of us get each year.
_{Photo: Photonica/Getty Images}

Related:
H1N1 Swine Flu Frequently Asked Questions

Celebrate Grandparents Day

This year marks the 30th anniversary of National Grandparents Day, celebrated on the first Sunday after Labor Day. It's a great time to plan a special day for your grandparents, your grandchildren (if you're a grandparent yourself), or other seniors in your life.

Designated by an act of Congress 1978, Grandparents Day really started eight years earlier with Marian McQuade, a determined West Virginia homemaker and mother of 15.

Grandparents Day honors grandparents for their strength, wisdom, and lasting contributions. This special day is is not well know or widely celebrated, but it should be.

_{Photo by Bianca de Blok}

9/11 Anniversary: Grieving and Healing

With the sad anniversary of 9/11, I thought it would be good to revisit the grieving process, and what helps people heal from grief.

For years after a loved one dies, it's normal for feelings of grief and loss to come flooding back, so don't assume there's something wrong with you if you feel sad for awhile. Actually, denying grief to avoid the pain can keep you from moving on in a healthy way, so it's better to acknowledge those feelings and work through grieving. These 5 steps can help you move through the grieving process and begin to heal.

Sometimes it's hard to let go, and grieving gets in the way of living a normal life. If you feel that you're stuck in grieving, perhaps my advice to a young woman about when to seek help for grieving will help you as well. I offer guidelines to help determine when grieving goes from normal to unhealthy.

When you're in pain, it can help to know that you are not alone. Senior Living readers share their stories of grieving and healing in "Readers Respond: What Helps You Heal From Grieving?"

Do Older Adults Get Happier with Age?

When I was in my 40's, a wise older friend told me that she was happier than ever in her 50's, and she looked forward to turning 60 and beyond. She explained that she had stopped worrying about what other people thought, she had more confidence, and she took more time to savor small everyday pleasures--maybe because she understood that her days won't go on forever.

Now that I'm in my 50's, I have to agree. Annoying things (and people) don't bother me the way they used to, and I make an active effort to do something fun every day, despite the pressures of work.

And here comes professional validation that our "golden years" can be happier than the bloom of youth.

At a meeting of the American Psychological Association in August, 2009, Susan Turk Charles, Ph.D, presented information from several studies--one of them a 23-year study of different age groups--indicating that "emotional happiness" actually improves with age. This applies to older adults who do not have age-related dementia.

Dr. Turk explained that older adults are more likely to appreciate the time they have left, and less likely to let other people's comments or feelings bring them down.

What about you? Are you getting happier as you get older? Share your thoughts with Senior Living readers by leaving a comment below.
_{Photo: Vicky Kasala/Getty}

National Parks Offering Fee-Free Weekend in August

If you're planning a weekend getaway to one of the beautiful US National Parks, save money on entrance fees and enjoy other special offers at these National Parks during a National Parks fee-free weekend, August 15-16, 2009.

In conjuction with the fee-free weekend, more than 100 US National Park vendors have their own special offers, so be sure to stop by the retail stores while you're there.

If you're a frequent visitor to National Parks, consider getting a US National Parks lifetime senior pass, which will get you and your travel companions (no matter what their ages) into National Parks for no entrance fees, ever.
_{Photo of Utah's Bryce Canyon National Park: Brock Hanson/Getty Images}

When Do You Think Old Age Begins?

When I was 20, I thought 40 meant old age. Now 60 looks like middle age and I assume I'll keep pushing it back as I get older. That's why I was curious to find out how adults of all ages define when old age begins. There is an average "old age" number based on a survey. But really, people are all over the map about how they define old age. Even men and women can't quite agree.
_{Photo: George Shelley Productions/Getty Images}

When to Seek Help with Grieving

We grieve the loss of a family member, friend or a beloved pet. In fact, grieving is so normal that when someone doesn't show signs of grieving we may worry that he or she is in denial of grief. The process of working through grieving is different for everyone, but sometimes people get stuck in grieving and it starts to take over their lives. In response to a letter from a woman who is having a hard time recovering from the death of her mother, I offer some advice about when to seek help with grieving.

How have you worked through your own grieving process following the death of a loved one or the loss of a love? Share your grieving advice with Senior Living readers.

Drug Information from A-Z

Many older adults take multiple prescriptions, some of which don't interact well. That's why it's so important to have complete drug information about the medication and supplements you take, including their effectiveness, safety, and possible side effects. Here are two handy guides that provide comprehensive drug information about prescription and over-the-counter drugs as well as herbal supplements. And one will even help you identify that stray pill in the bottom of your suitcase.

On the subject of health, it's unfortunate that 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. Keep yourself safe by keeping up with the latest food recalls, drug recalls and safety alerts.
_{Photo: Don Bishop/Getty}

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If you plan to travel to U.S. National Parks this summer, invest in a Lifetime Senior Pass. For a one-time fee of $10, you'll enjoy lifetime access to most U.S....

Older U.S. Immigrant Population Nearly Doubled Since 1990

The number of immigrants age 65 and older has nearly doubled in the U.S. since 1990, from 2.7 million to 4.5 million people. Migration Information Source, which provided this data,...