Aging

Minnesotans are living longer and that trend is expected to continue. According to Minnesota State Demographic Center projections, the number of adults 65 years and older is anticipated to double between 2010 and 2030. That means 1 in 5 Minnesotans will be an older adult.

MPR News is looking at this shift and what it means to all of us.

Related: End in Mind delves into how our culture engages with loss, dying and death and offers resources to live more and fear less.

May 1, 2023 4:00 AM

Proposed shift in funding for older adult services worries rural providers

Rural Minnesota agencies that serve seniors are concerned a revised funding formula will mean fewer dollars to serve growing demand. The Minnesota Board on Aging says the update reflects changing demographics.

by Dan Gunderson

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April 13, 2023 4:00 AM

‘It’s a struggle right now’: Nursing homes press Minnesota lawmakers for help

The pandemic, inflation and the state’s broader workforce shortage have caused a unique strain for nursing homes around the state. And they say they need urgent financial help from the state to stay afloat.

by Dana Ferguson

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March 26, 2023 9:12 AM

'Live free and die'? The sad state of U.S. life expectancy

A decade after a landmark report on Americans' shorter lives, the problem has only gotten worse. Unlike other wealthy nations, U.S. life expectancy has not bounced back from the pandemic.

by Selena Simmons-Duffin

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January 17, 2023 1:01 PM

Social isolation linked to an increased risk of dementia, new study finds

Socially isolated older adults have a 27% higher chance of developing dementia, according to researchers from Johns Hopkins. The findings suggest that simple interventions could be meaningful.

by Kaitlyn Radde

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December 27, 2022 1:36 PM

What to do if you notice signs of memory loss in your older relatives

As families gather for the holidays, you may notice worrying signs of memory problems in your older relatives. Karla Hult, the founder of So Many Goodbyes, joined host Cathy Wurzer this time last year with advice on how to take action to support the older adults in your family.

by Cathy Wurzer, Lindsay Guentzel and Alex Cheng

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December 4, 2022 9:34 AM

FDA change ushers in cheaper, easier-to-get hearing aids

It's now a lot easier and cheaper for Americans to get hearing aids. The government recently began allowing the sale of hearing aids without a prescription.

by The Associated Press

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November 21, 2022 4:01 AM

Hidden audits reveal millions in overcharges by Medicare Advantage plans

Taxpayers footed the bill for care that should have cost far less, according to records released under the Freedom of Information Act. The U.S. government may charge insurers $650 million as a result.

by Fred Schulte and Holly K. Hacker

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November 19, 2022 10:20 AM

'Your whole life is gone': Elderly retirees in Florida struggle to rebuild after Ian

Florida is a magnet for retirees — not just for those who can afford exclusive gated communities, but also for those on fixed incomes. Now, many face a wrenching reality: rebuilding is not an option.

by Danielle Kaye and Marisa Peñaloza

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November 6, 2022 6:00 AM

A SCOTUS nursing home case could limit the rights of millions of patients

An Indiana man's family sued a state-owned nursing home for alleged mistreatment. A U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case could determine the right of many Americans to sue government agencies.

by Farah Yousry

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October 5, 2022 4:00 AM

Fears, frustration mount as Minnesota’s long-term care staffing crisis deepens

Staff counts are down 20 percent, 18 homes have closed and violation complaints around resident health and safety have doubled since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Observers warn care quality is in jeopardy with no easy fix.

by Peter Cox

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