Lessons in Caregiving
3 tips every new caregiver needs to know, from people who have been through it I became a caregiver to my father, John, in spring 2023 when I moved back to Northwest Indiana following the unexpected death of my mother. I made several trips home from Colorado after Mom died, which helped me realize that […]
A Look Under the Hood
I thought I knew how old I was — until a series of tests told me something different. This past summer, I interviewed Doug Vaughan, MD, a longevity expert who runs the Potocsnak Longevity Institute at Northwestern University. I was writing an article on the possibility of extending the human lifespan. Vaughan measures people’s epigenetic […]
Aging and Caregiving Trivia
We ask a trivia question each week in our newsletter (subscribe here!). Check out our latest question at the top, and scroll down for past weeks’ trivia. ________________________________________________________________ What famous actress took a break from acting to become the primary caregiver for her partner, who was battling ALS? Sandra Bullock stopped acting for several years […]
Toenail Troubles
Why some caregivers should leave nail trimming to podiatrists When my mother was in hospice, home health aides and nurses weren’t allowed to trim her toenails because of the risk of infection or injury. They also advised against my trying; her toenails were too thick, anyway. If you land in a similar situation, here’s why […]
The Art of Aging
Aging, like art, resists a single definition. It is shaped by experience, perspective, and time. It is not always polished or predictable, but its meaning, like beauty, often depends on who is willing to look closely and listen. We talk often about aging gracefully, but what does that really mean? Is it slowing down or […]
Seeking Support
Cancer support groups offer hope and strength, but finding the right fit requires effort So, your diagnosis is in. You have Stage 3 breast cancer, which has metastasized (spread). You undergo a battery of tests and treatments: blood draws, PET scans, radiation, chemotherapy, surgery. And through it all, you’re left feeling anxious, fearful, and alone. […]
Prioritizing Prostate Health
With advanced-stage prostate cancer on the rise, physicians — and patients — urge screening At 68 years old, John Lee noticed he was having trouble urinating. So he scheduled a doctor’s appointment that likely saved his life. The physician ran a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test that revealed elevated levels of the protein in his […]
Our Top 10 Stories of 2025
One of the best parts of a new year is pausing to reflect on the stories that truly connected with readers — the ones they came back to, shared, and remembered. Our most-read stories of 2025 reveal the caregiving, aging, and health topics that mattered most. From everyday challenges to safety, nutrition, and policy, these […]
New Caregiver Helpline
Peer-to-peer service supports family caregivers facing a loved one’s mental illness Jessica Sabatini remembers the emotional upheaval her family faced when her brother was diagnosed with schizophrenia several years ago. Today, she draws on that experience to support others through a new caregiver-to-caregiver helpline specifically for people caring for a loved one with mental illness. […]
Holiday Feasting
Don’t stress out about overeating during the holidays. A dietitian explains how a day of indulgence won’t harm your overall health Above photo: Food is often a centerpiece of holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. filadendron/E+ via Getty Images By Bryn Beeder, Miami University For many, holidays are synonymous with quality time and long-standing traditions. […]