By 2030, one in five Americans will be at least 65. The Wall Street Journal reports that 40+ million American households pay more than a third of their income on rent. This is particularly upsetting given that the number had been trending downward in recent years, which infers a continuing rental affordability crisis. This situation is largely due to the deepening income … [Read more...]

Sad but true, according to the National Center on Elder Abuse, approximately 1 in 10 Americans aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse. One study estimated that only 1 in 14 cases of abuse are reported to authorities. Estimates range as high as 5 million elders abused each year. Even though a growing number of older adults are increasingly vulnerable to exploitation … [Read more...]

Among the many influences the contribute to the quality of life in a community, consider two impactful ones which are often taken for granted, under-appreciated, or not fully understood. "This is particularly true in smaller communities with sparse options for public engagement. Services sponsored by parks, recreation departments, and public libraries play an important … [Read more...]

“Connections between generations are essential for the mental health and stability of the nation.” - Margaret Mead “It all starts in the family!” is a favorite phrase of my dear, spry friend Rae, who turned 99 years young on March 8th.  She observes that all of society’s ills are rooted in early childhood, a thought echoed by mental health and social … [Read more...]

“Never brag about your dog.”  - Bella, Age 7 "Don’t go faster than the speed limit.”  - Anderson, Age 6 “Never mess with a girl that is sassy.”  - Jace, Age 7  “Don't get bored more than once a month.”  - Aiden, Age 11 "Do your homework even though you don’t want to.”  - Isabella, Age 11 “Don’t drink, don’t do drugs, don’t drive your parents’ truck into a tree.”  (P.S. I … [Read more...]