Award-Winning Health Journalism

A Day Away

Seniors participate in adult day programs

How adult day programs support seniors and their caregivers Fact checked by Shannon Sparks When Jack Sullivan, an 80-year-old Andersonville resident and father of 12, first visited CJE SeniorLife’s Adult Day Services program, he wasn’t sure what to expect. “I was wary at first,” he says. “But before I knew it, I was here five […]

Walgreens Goes Private

A Walgreens sign, surrounded by greenery, outside a store in Chicago

What private equity ownership means for healthcare access and pharmacy services Fact checked by Ros Lederman In a landmark shift for the retail pharmacy industry, New York-based private equity firm Sycamore Partners will finalize a purchase of Walgreens Boots Alliance for $10 billion later this year, with potential to pay as much as $23.7 billion […]

Redefining Menopause

Actress Halle Berry takes the stage at UIC's menopause seminar

UIC menopause seminar featuring actress Halle Berry works to transform the conversation about women’s “personal summers” In a bold move to reshape the conversation around menopause, actress and advocate Halle Berry took center stage at the University Club of Chicago this past week, joining forces with 12 influential medical and research experts. The University of […]

Our Top 10 Stories of 2024

The number 10 in tan color set against a red background

We’re always curious at the end of the year to see which stories most resonated with our readers. Our top 10 of 2024 covers everything from menopause to older adults and homelessness. As we move into 2025, we’re excited to bring you even more stories to enhance your caregiving and aging experience. As always, thanks […]

Elder Emergencies

Elder emergencies. Senior in a hospital bed

Emergency departments (EDs) are no longer one-size-fits-all. Many find value in modifying to meet older adults’ broader challenges. This shift has led to the growth of geriatric-certified EDs — specialized units that provide tailored care to the aging population. “Older patients come to the [ED] not just with one big issue but often with multiple, interconnected […]

Care Refusal

Son cares for resistant father, showing noncompliant care recipient

The caregiver’s challenge in approaching care with noncompliant family members  Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter said, “There are only four kinds of people in the world: Those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.” Her point: Caregiving is a nearly universal experience. […]

Waiting Patiently

Senior woman waiting on the phone to make a doctors appointment. Appointment availability shortage

Lengthy appointment wait times pose challenges for people seeking care Fact checked by Shannon Sparks   In Buffalo Grove, a 66-year-old man desperately seeking a neuropsychological evaluation for suspected dementia must wait until after the new year. In Pilsen, a 57-year-old woman faces a four-month delay for follow-up tests after a suspicious mammogram. In Portage Park, the earliest appointment a […]

The Cost of Care

Illustration of a senior with a walker and his caregiver showing the cost of care concept

Fact checked by Shannon Sparks   As you plan for aging, make sure to budget for potential caregiving needs. You may need help managing complex medical conditions or support for daily activities. Costs for different levels vary widely. Mark Segal, founder and president of Arciera Home Care in Buffalo Grove, says there are three types […]

Elder Emergencies

Older man with an oxygen mask over his mouth and nose stares into the distance

Geriatric-certified emergency departments aim to improve care for aging population Have you ever had to take a a parent or other older adult to the emergency department? It can be complicated, as you struggle to remember their medications and health conditions. But emergency departments across the country are recognizing that as the U.S. population ages, […]

Shouldering the Burden

Woman with shoulder pain. Shoulder arthritis

How shoulder arthritis impacts quality of life for older adults Fact checked by Derick Wilder   Shoulder arthritis affects an estimated 1 in 3 Americans over age 60, causing pain that robs them of sleep and impacts their ability to function. But now more than ever, people have promising possibilities to reduce their pain and increase […]