The Lifeline Blog

Do you play Ping-Pong? If you’re a senior looking for ways to stay physically and mentally active, it might be the right game for you. A Los Angeles Times report tells the story of a Ping-Pong club at the Langley Senior Center in Monterey Park, California. For the past 25 years, the club has showcased the benefits Read more >>

It’s probably no surprise to you that paying for care can be very expensive. When providing caregiving support, you may even find that you are paying many of your loved one’s medical bills out of your own pocket. A Medicare supplement plan, also known as Medigap insurance, can fill the gaps left by traditional Medicare. Depending on Read more >>

If you’ve been smoking for years but think it’s too late to reap the benefits of quitting, think again. Whether you’re already feeling the effects of long-term smoking or haven’t noticed any yet, it’s never too late to stop smoking and embrace healthy living. If you’re finally ready, here are some tips to stop smoking. Why Should Read more >>

Most US seniors rely on Medicare. As a caregiver, a deeper understanding of this coverage will not only help you save money by eliminating costly surprises, but it will also help you guide your loved one to an informed decision about additional health coverage. Here’s a Look at What You Should Know about Medicare and Read more >>

From the time your child was diagnosed, you’ve probably worried about financially supporting her, ensuring that she gets the assistance she needs, and taking care of her for the rest of her life. Raising children with disabilities requires planning — no one knows that better than you do. Can you successfully raise, care for, and Read more >>

With new gadgets coming out each day, it’s safe to say that technology has infiltrated our lives. While the possibilities are endless, a recent panel brainstormed concrete ideas for new technology for caregivers that might ease the burdens of caring for someone at home. Here are three new technologies you may see soon, and a Read more >>

An estimated 50 percent of family caregivers for seniors work full-time, and another 11 percent are employed part-time, the AARP Public Policy Institute reports. At the same time, according to surveys published by the Family Caregiver Alliance, 76 percent of caregivers do not pay for outside help with their family caregiving duties. This means that a majority of Read more >>

Initiating the Uncomfortable: A Conversation about Aging, End-of-Life, and Future Planning I’m preparing to have a difficult conversation with my husband. We’ve had more than a few in our marriage, but this one has me a little on edge. I’m planning to ask him questions that will make us think of the worst-possible scenario. I’ll Read more >>

Moving your aging loved ones into your home can cost much more than you would expect. More than half of the 34 million Americans caring for aging parents must do without items or services they need in order to handle the financial responsibilities of that care, according to AgingCare.com. In some cases, even grandchildren must Read more >>

If you’re shopping for a medical alert system, you probably have questions like “How does this work?” and “Is it reliable?” If you’re shopping for medical alert bracelets for women, you may also be wondering, “Are they comfortable?” and “Are they stylish?” How Do Medical Alert Bracelets Work? According to the Centers for Disease Control Read more >>