Expert Insights
Your go-to resource for expert advice on aging, with insights from local and national professionals. From Aging in Place to getting better Zs at night. We provide practical tips and the latest research to help you or someone your care about make informed decisions. Check back for new updates.
When temperatures are freezing, try to limit how much time you spend outdoors.
If hiring a lawyer is not affordable, the resources on the New York State Bar Association website may offer assistance. You can also contact the NYSBA Lawyer Referral and Information Service at 1-800-342-3661 for additional help.
“To successfully age in place, there are key steps to consider: ensuring safety, maintaining independence, and creating an environment where you feel comfortable. By focusing on these essential elements, you can enhance your ability to live independently and confidently in your own home as you age.”
~ Lauren Harrington, Certified Aging in Place Specialist
This Q&A guide from the National Center on Elder Abuse offers practical information to help family caregivers support both their loved ones and themselves.
The National Institute on Aging offers an online publication on how to best talk to your doctor.
“Designating a Healthcare Agent is crucial as it provides clear, written instructions about healthcare treatment in the event you lose the ability to make decisions for yourself. This includes appointing a Healthcare Proxy (HCP) and creating a Living Will. Having these documents in place helps minimize stress and reduces the likelihood of conflicts, ensuring that your healthcare wishes are respected and followed.”
~ Linda Breslin, Professor at the Alden March Bioethics Institute at Albany Medical College
“Falls are largely preventable, and there are several factors you can address to reduce the risk. By improving physical activity, adjusting your home environment, addressing vision and hearing issues, reviewing medication use, overcoming fear of falling, combating social isolation, strengthening muscle weakness, and ensuring proper use of assisted devices, you can significantly lower the chances of falling and maintain greater safety and independence.”
~ Tom Moran, MA, EMT, CPSTI-STAC Trauma Education, Injury Prevention and Outreach Coordinator
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) shares information on Medicaid for Older Adults.
This information includes an overview on what Medicaid covers, who is eligible, how to apply, and more.
Healthy Capital District facilitated enrollment staff is trained to help seniors, blind, and/or disabled individuals apply for Medicaid programs for free through the Department of Social Services. Call (518) 462-1459 or click on the link below to learn more. Serving Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schoharie Counties
Traveling can be challenging for anyone—but when you’re caring for someone with dementia or memory loss, new difficulties can arise.
That said, having a dementia diagnosis doesn’t automatically mean travel must stop. With the right planning and mindset, travel can still be meaningful.
Community Caregivers shares important information on health screenings for women.
Scams Are on the Rise — Stay Informed View expert tips from the Resource Fair on scams.
Learn how to spot and prevent scams, access trusted resources, and empower yourself with knowledge to avoid scams.
If you’ve noticed shifts in your memory, thinking, or behavior, it’s natural to feel uncertain about what steps to take next.
Acknowledging these changes can be challenging, but it’s an important first step toward understanding and addressing any underlying issues. The Alzheimer’s Association has a guide on how to approach memory concerns.
Noticing shifts in a loved one’s memory, thinking, or behavior can be concerning.
It’s natural to feel uncertain about how to approach the situation. The Alzheimer’ Association has a 10 step guide on what to do when you notice changes in others.
Steps to Avoiding Scams: Savvy Saving Seniors Financial Education Module The Steps to Avoiding Scams toolkit provides an overview of popular scams targeting seniors, tips for avoiding them, and next steps for victims of financial fraud.
New York State Coalition on Elder Abuse works to protect older adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation.
The free and confidential helpline offers a specialized service for individuals who are concerned about someone experiencing elder abuse.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) offers valuable guidance on distinguishing legitimate Medicare communications from junk mail.
Trust mail from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), or the Social Security Administration (SSA). Official envelopes often feature their logos and return addresses. Offers claiming “free” services or equipment are often scams.
New York State has released the final Master Plan for Aging (MPA), a comprehensive blueprint coordinated by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA).
As the summer heat continues, it is important to know how to protect yourself from extreme heat. Albany County Department of Health has shared some important information on how to stay safe in the summer.
Join in the Make-A-Will month movement and make your wishes known!