The aftermath of floods, hurricanes and other disasters can be hardest on older rural Americans – here’s how families and neighbors can help

Rural hospitals have been closing, putting emergency care further out of reach, but that’s only one of the heightened challenges aging rural communities face after a disaster.

Lori Hunter, Professor of Sociology, Director of the Institute of Behavioral Science, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
July 8, 2025 • ~8 min

Older adults with dementia misjudge their financial skills – which may make them more vulnerable to fraud, new research finds

Older adults are generally good at judging their capacity for handling their finances, but cognitive impairment degrades that skill. Proactive planning can help protect them from fraud.

Ian McDonough, Associate Professor of Psychology, Binghamton University, State University of New York • conversation
June 12, 2025 • ~5 min

Hurricane disaster planning with aging parents should start now, before the storm: 5 tips

As climate-related disasters grow more frequent and intense, one group remains dangerously underprepared: older adults. Planning should involve the entire family.

Lee Ann Rawlins Williams, Clinical Assistant Professor of Education, Health and Behavior Studies, University of North Dakota • conversation
May 15, 2025 • ~7 min

Simple strategies can boost vaccination rates for adults over 65 − new study

Reading a pamphlet in the doctor’s office about which vaccines to get may help nudge older adults to get vaccinated.

Laurie Archbald-Pannone, Associate Professor of Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Virginia • conversation
March 14, 2025 • ~5 min

Extreme heat silently accelerates aging on a molecular level − new research

People living in locations that experience frequent extreme heat days age faster at the molecular level.

Eunyoung Choi, Postdoctoral Associate in Gerontology, University of Southern California • conversation
March 4, 2025 • ~7 min

Decluttering can be stressful − a clinical psychologist explains how personal values can make it easier

Assessing how well items align with your core beliefs may make it easier to let them go.

Mary E. Dozier, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Mississippi State University • conversation
Feb. 11, 2025 • ~9 min

Coastal cities’ growing hurricane vulnerability is fed by both climate change and unbridled population growth

Fast population growth has left more people in flood-prone areas of Gulf Coast communities, including Houston and New Orleans. Often, those residents at most risk are the most socially vulnerable.

Wanyun Shao, Associate Professor of Geography, University of Alabama • conversation
Sept. 11, 2024 • ~7 min

Biden administration’s negotiated price cuts for 10 common prescription drugs likely to save Medicare billions, beginning in 2026

People ages 65 and up will likely reap significant out-of-pocket savings on prescription drugs when the negotiated prices take effect. But other benefits could pay bigger dividends in the long run.

Simon F. Haeder, Associate Professor of Public Health, Texas A&M University • conversation
Aug. 19, 2024 • ~7 min

Menopause increases your risk of STIs due to how aging changes your body

Older adults are at risk for contracting STDs – not only because of stigma and infrequent condom use, but also because of physical changes due to aging.

Thomas L. Cherpes, Associate Professor of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University • conversation
Aug. 1, 2024 • ~5 min

Extreme heat can be dangerous for runners, cyclists and anyone spending time outdoors: 6 tips for staying safe

The heat comes from everywhere when you’re active outside on hot days – the Sun’s rays, the air around you, the ground and even your own body.

Susan Yeargin, Associate Professor of Athletic Training, University of South Carolina • conversation
June 20, 2024 • ~7 min

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