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Some Older Adults May Qualify for a New $6,000 Tax Break
As of the 2025 tax year, many older Americans may realize a new tax benefit thanks to a provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The law, signed in July 2025, created a new annual tax deduction of up to $6,000 for taxpayers age 65 and older. Though the deduction is currently scheduled to expire at the end of 2028, it could provide some tax relief for millions of seniors while it is in effect. Understanding how this deduction works, who qualifies, and how it fits into the broader tax landscape can help older adults plan ahead and avoid surprises
New Research on Dementia Risk Factors, Screenings
With an estimated one in 10 older adults in the United States living with dementia, there is a growing focus on early detection and prevention. Dementia encompasses diseases that impair memory and cause cognitive decline. Common types of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease (the leading cause), Lewy Body dementia, and vascular dementia. Most forms of dementia worsen over time, with a period of cognitive impairment preceding a formal diagnosis. When cognitive decline causes a loss of sense of self and limits one’s independence, dementia can significantly reduce quality of life. Dementia is not a normal part of aging, despite what many people may assume.
Looking for Long-Term Care? See the 2026 Best Nursing Homes
Realizing that you or a loved one needs to move into a nursing home can be stressful. Just the process of looking for the right facility can seem daunting. You want to make sure the facility you choose is a good place and will offer the necessary care, safety, and comfort. Many factors come into play when searching for the right nursing home, such as staffing, quality of care, cost, and location. With all the factors to consider and all the options, it can be hard to choose. However, there are resources available, one of which is U.S. News & World
How Higher Medicare Costs Will Affect Older Adults in 2026
At a time when we are frequently confronting the rising cost of living, Medicare enrollees will soon see a rise in their premiums and deductibles. In mid-November 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the Medicare Parts A and B premiums and deductibles for 2026. What’s Changing in 2026 Perhaps the most notable change is the increase in what Medicare beneficiaries will have to pay. In short, both the recurring costs (premiums) and up-front costs (deductibles) for key parts of Medicare are increasing. Why the Increase? According to the CMS, the increases stem from projected price changes and assumed increases in
Overcoming Challenges in Guardianship Cases for Older Adults
When an older adult with dementia or another cognitive disability can no longer make important decisions for themselves, such as how to manage their money or what kind of care they need, a trusted person may have to step in and make these decisions for them. If the incapacitated older adult has a valid health care and financial power of attorney in place, they have already nominated someone they trust. This person has the legal authority to make decisions for them. However, sometimes there is no valid power of attorney. The older adult may not have executed one, no one can find the
Medicare Open Enrollment Scams: How to Protect Yourself
Medicare’s open enrollment period, which runs from October 15 through December 7, is the time for millions of Americans to review their health coverage, compare plans, and make changes for the upcoming year. A second open enrollment period for Medicare Advantage plans will follow from January 1 through March 31. Unfortunately, these times also bring a surge in Medicare-related scams, as fraudsters exploit a confusing health insurance system and the flood of legitimate marketing to trick beneficiaries into giving up personal information or switching to fake plans. How Scammers Target Medicare Recipients During open enrollment periods, beneficiaries are bombarded with advertisements for