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.

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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September 28, 2022 11:18 AM

More options for people with hearing loss

The Food and Drug Administration decided in August to allow hearing aids to be sold without an exam or prescription. Over-the counter-hearing-aids could be available as soon as October in Minnesota. On Wednesday, MPR News host Angela Davis talked about how to make hearing aids more affordable, accessible and effective.

by Angela Davis, Maja Beckstrom and Sam Stroozas

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July 7, 2022 4:00 AM

Nursing home robots dance, sing and watch for signs of trouble

The robots can remember faces and names, they can even sense facial cues to react in ways that could help those who become agitated or confused.

by Peter Cox

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June 13, 2022 1:24 PM

State takes control of southeast Minnesota nursing home

The Minnesota Department of Health said a “growing list of unpaid bills and inability to meet payroll threatened staffing levels, critical services and medications for residents" of Pine Haven Care Center in Pine Island.

by Dan Gunderson

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April 7, 2022 5:06 AM

Scans reveal the brain's early growth, late decline and surprising variability

A study of more than 120,000 brain scans shows rapid growth before age 2 and accelerating decline after age 50. The results may one day help pick up abnormalities in the developing brain.

by Jon Hamilton

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March 29, 2022 4:00 AM

Senior services try to build trust in Minnesota communities they had not served before

Organizations that help explain Medicare and find help for caregivers are using speakers in Spanish, Hmong, Somali and other languages more often. The state’s senior population is expected to become more diverse in the coming years.

by Peter Cox