Latest KFF Health News Stories
Learning To Advance The Positives Of Aging
Stereotypes often undermine older adults, eroding their confidence, elevating their stress and harming their health.
Medicare Vs. Medicare Advantage: How To Choose
Despite Medicare Advantage plans’ increasing popularity, several key features remain poorly understood. Here is what you need to know.
Despite Boost In Social Security, Rising Medicare Part B Costs Leave Seniors In Bind
With higher premiums on tap for many Medicare enrollees, here’s help figuring out the particulars of the Part B puzzle and how it affects you.
Caregivers Draw Support By Mapping Their Relationships
Innovative CareMaps tool helps caregivers understand their roles and take steps to improve their lives.
Shedding New Light On Hospice Care: No Need To Wait For The ‘Brink Of Death’
Hospice care often prompts fear and misunderstanding, but the services provided can lead to less pain and trauma at the end of life.
Soul Purpose: Seniors With Strong Reasons To Live Often Live Stronger
New research bolsters evidence that older adults with a sense of purpose are less likely to see their health decline with age. The question is: How does one cultivate more meaning and motivation in life?
Asthma, More Deadly With Age, Takes Heavy Toll On Older Adults
Death rates for older adults with asthma run five times higher than younger people, and serious complications are far more common.
How To Get Long-Term Care At Home Without Busting The Bank
The majority of older adults receive long-term care at home and need help covering these services with affordable insurance policies. The long-term insurance industry needs to focus on home care.
These Preventive Measures Might Help Delay Dementia Or Cognitive Decline
Recent research shows that controlling blood pressure, exercising and cognitive training around middle age could help prevent cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s disease.
Seniors Miss Out On Clinical Trials
Among hurdles: Older adults may have multiple illnesses that could complicate research or they might be unable to manage the commute.
Leaving Hospital, Older Patients Resist Home Help At Their Peril
Almost 30 percent of patients leaving the hospital don’t want home health care services, which often leads to readmissions and other health issues.
Putting In Place An A-Team Of Allies
Older adults who face an uncertain future reach out to trusted friends to guide them.
Like Hunger Or Thirst, Loneliness In Seniors Can Be Eased
About a third of older adults feel lonely, but learning better ways to engage with others and improve relationships can help them avoid such feelings.
Louisiana Proposes Tapping A Federal Law To Slash Hepatitis C Drug Prices
Several public health officials endorse using a federal law to slash hepatitis C drug prices in Louisiana and avoid drug bills that could cripple the state budget.
Drug Coverage Denied By Medicare? How Seniors Can Fight Back
Senior citizens have to be patient and keep close records to appeal when Medicare plans refuse to cover their medicines.
How To Help Alzheimer’s Patients Enjoy Life, Not Just ‘Fade Away’
Research shows that people with dementia can benefit significantly from efforts to ease communication, improve overall health and other key measures.
To Help Ward Off Alzheimer’s, Think Before You Eat
Good nutrition has been linked to a boost in senior citizens’ cognitive skills.
Video Help Is On Way For Family Caregivers Who Must Draw Blood Or Give Injections
Medical experts around the country are rolling out instructional videos for family caregivers who need help with challenging medical tasks.
A Playbook For Managing Problems In The Last Chapter Of Your Life
Many people age 75 or older can take steps to avoid a crisis in the remaining years of their lives.
Geriatricians Can Help Aging Patients Navigate Multiple Ailments
Aging adults with complex needs can get special assistance from doctors trained as geriatricians.