Senior Consumers

Sure, everybody's doing it, but few realize how rapidly the U.S. and the other industrialized nations are graying. It's not just that the baby boomers are hitting their 50s, but also that the fertility rate is low and people are living longer.

These three trends combine to produce a rapid increase in the average age. In fact, those 85 and older are now the fastest-growing group in America.

Aging isn't bad in itself but it creates a lot of potential problems involving health care, employment and personal finance. Also, older people are a prime target of scam artists, which creates yet another set of problems. Check our News for Seniors section. For tips on staying healthy, see Fred Cicetti's Healthy Geezer column.

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In Wake of Recession, Seniors Are Postponing Retirement The bigger their loss, the longer they're waiting, study shows

Seniors Urged to Surf the Web and Exercise Some computer use is good for you, Mayo Clinic study shows

Berries May Reduce Cognitive Decline In Seniors Bulking up on strawberries and blueberries can delay aging process, researchers say

For Seniors, Giving Up Car Keys Can Be Traumatic Families should face it early, and with sensitivity

Social Security, Medicare Deficits Rising Faster Than Expected Trustees annual report may understate the problem

Increase In Memory Loss May Signal Impending Death Researchers say memory decline accelerates a couple of years before death

Single Baby Boomers Face Increased Challenges as They Age Many lack economic resources and good health

Retirement a Frightening Prospect for Vast Majority of Americans The only ones not petrified are those who've already taken the plunge

Many Seniors Are Vague on Social Security Issues AARP survey finds seniors unaware of different "claiming strategies"

New Criteria Identify Drugs Dangerous to Seniors Older adults at higher risk of adverse effects from commonly-used drugs

Why Seniors May Be More Vulnerable to Scams Aging may interfere with critical brain activity

Researchers Link Overeating With Memory Loss The higher the daily calorie count, the higher the dementia risk

Study: Men Begin Memory Loss Earlier Than Women But researchers at the Mayo Clinic aren't sure why

Researchers Say Memory Loss Can Begin As Early As 45 Treatment needs to begin sooner, study suggests

Study: Older Drivers Prefer The Middle Lane Built-in safety mechanism helps seniors feel safer

Brain Size May Predict Early Alzheimer's Disease Finding could aid early detection of the disease

Maryland Takes Action Against Medical-Alert Provider Company allegedly took money but provided no service

Poll Finds Boomers Less Optimistic About Retirement Large number say they'll depend on Social Security

Study: Family Members Most Likely To Commit Financial Elder Abuse Ten tips for avoiding becoming a victim

Older Workers Giving Up on Retirement Many now say they will never be able to retire

Older Floridians Not Planning To Stop Driving Survey finds 13 percent say they will never give up the wheel

Older But Wiser? 65+ Now Biggest Population Group in U.S. 65 and up group growing faster than total U.S. population

90+ Population Expected to Quadruple by 2050 Majority of the current 1.9 million nonagenarians have one or more disabilities

Doctors Face 7% Cut in Medicare Fees Annual exercise in futility begins, thanks to dysfunctional 1990 law

Social Security To Pay 3.6 Percent More In 2012 First increase in two years

Blood Test May Predict Alzheimer's Progression Could provide useful information for families and caregivers

Boomers, Elders Finding Housing Unaffordable American dream getting harder to sustain, AARP study finds

Seniors Suffer in Silence as Economy Stumbles Older adults severely affected by economic downturn

Falls Still a Leading Cause of Fatal Injuries in Seniors Making homes safer, staying in shape can help reduce the risk

AARP: 1 in 11 Older Americans At Risk of Hunger Nearly 9 million 50+ Americans face "food insecurity"

Seniors Warned About Medicare Scams Telemarketers seek seniors' personal data

Seniors Warned About Telephone Scammers Telemarketers pretend to be associated with Medicare

Sodium Linked to Cognitive Decline in Elderly Sodium does more than damage the heart, researchers say

Mississippi Nursing Home Operator Sentenced To Jail Kept 16 residents in three-bedroom home

AARP Marks Social Security's 75th Birthday Earned benefits provide lifelong protection to American workers

Top 10 Places to Retire AARP picks 10 retirement spots that offer a "fabulous lifestyle without outrageous costs"

Hearing Aid Business Booms as Population Ages You can't trust ads or high-pressure salesmen pushing specific brands

Americans Reset Retirement Expectations Recession proves to be sobering experience

Mystery Ingredient In Coffee Protects Against Alzheimer's Coffee has powers other caffeinated beverages don't

Dangerous Alzheimer's Drug Should Be Pulled: Public Citizen Higher dose of Aricept has serious adverse effects, isnt effective

Government Begins Phasing Out Social Security Checks New enrollees must use direct deposit

California Sues Over Pre-Paid Funerals States sues one of the nation's largest funeral trusts over pre-paid funerals

Hearing Loss Rate In Older Adults Tops 60 Percent A new national survey shows whites are at a greater risk than blacks

Continued Use of Osteoporosis Drugs Can Cause Unusual Fractures Hips are safe, but thigh bones could break say researchers

The Good News and Bad News About Older Drivers They tend to be more cautious but have higher crash rates

Higher Percentage of Older Workers In the Labor Force In 2010 Study finds a variety of factors -- including economic uncertainty -- responsible

Tips For New Grandparents First lesson: Learn to bite your lip

Last Chance to Disenroll from Medicare Private Health Plan Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period Ends on February 14

Older Unemployed Have Harder Time Landing New Job Aging groups offer help to those 'senior' workers unable to find employment

Exercise Leads To Bigger Brain In Seniors Stronger muscles isnt the only benefit of working out

Dementia Risk At Your Fingertips An online assessment could help pinpoint older adults with signs of dementia

Weight Loss Plus Walking Essential for Older Obese Adults Research shows community-based program works in improving mobility

To Walk Faster, Keep Achy Knees Active Staying active appears to increase walking speed, research shows.

Your Aging Eyes: How You See As Time Goes By While you may not be able to prevent the changes, there are ways of dealing with them

There are Changes in Social Security This Year Some claiming options are being eliminated

How To Fight Telemarketing Fraud Against Older Consumers Seniors are attractive targets, but there are ways for them to fight back

Ambien Found To Increase Risks of Falls In Seniors Study finds popular sleep medication also slows mental cognition in young adults

Possible Delinquency Disaster in Reverse Mortgage Market Federal government moving in to head off problem

Secondary Market In Life Insurance Policies Sparks Lawsuits The market for the insurance policies died in the economic meltdown

Consumer Groups Oppose Federal Reserve Home Lending Rules Changes Consumer groups coalition says the proposals enable loan scams on senior citizens

The First Wave of Baby Boomers Is Turning 65 in 2011 Is the country ready or will this be a shock to the system?

The Expense of Caring for Elderly Parents Can Be Overwhelming And that doesn't take into consideration the hidden costs

New Tax Deal Could Put Social Security at Risk Former House Aging Committee chief of staff says it will reduce the solvency of the program by 14 years

Study Ties Blood Protein To Alzheimer's Brain Abnormalities Blood test in symptom-free volunteers links levels of specific protein with beta amyloid deposits

Osteoarthritis Has A New, Stinky Enemy: Garlic Study finds compounds in garlic and other allium vegetables protects the joints

Retiring? Here Are the 10 Worst and 10 Best Places In the Country To Do So Would it surprise you to learn most of the worst places for retirees are in the north while the ten best are in the South?

Now May Be the Time to Start Your Own Business Here are some great reasons to have a small business during or just before retirement

Reverse Mortgages Can Carry Big Risks, High Costs Activists call for stricter oversight of growing reverse mortgage market

Cinemark Movie Theaters Accused of Discrimination Chain is unfair to those with hearing disabilities, group claims

Daily Walks Slow Alzheimer's Pace Walking as little as five miles per week protects brain structure, study says

Hormone Therapy in Midlife Could Protect Women From Dementia New research finds brain beneficial qualities to taking hormones earlier, rather than later

Do Trauma Centers Fall Short When Seniors Slip and Fall? Seniors over 70 three times as likely to die from ground-level falls; spend more time in hospital

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Among Seniors is a Growing Problem Loneliness could spur past addictive behavior

Nursing Home Costs a Big Factor in Retirement Adequacy Deficit Adding the cost of assisted care would nearly double the shortfall in retirement savings

Alternatives to Life Alert Smaller companies offer comparable service at less cost

Aging Baby Boomers To Increase Demand For Doctors Fewer doctors entering geriatrics at a time when need is rising

Will Taking Testosterone Bring Back Youthful Virility? Men with normal or near-normal levels may not benefit from supplemental doses

'Senior Moments' Not Normal, Researchers Say Mild memory problems can be sign of something more serious

New Treatment For Gout Approved Targeted at adults who don't respond to traditional treatments.

5 Little-Known Facts about Social Security Will Social Security be around when you're ready to collect it?

How Do You Know When You're Too Old To Drive? Older drivers are often very safe drivers but here are some signs to watch out for.

Suit Filed Against Duo Who Targeted Seniors With Medicaid Ploy Pair preyed on nursing home residents, promising help that never came, officials say.

Medicare In the Black Until 2029 Medicare cuts in health care law credited with entending solvency.

Consumer Reports Picks Best Cars for Teens and Seniors Honda Accord is the right fit for the young, old, tall and small.

Don't Overlook Health Benefits of Sleep Getting enough sleep can improve and lengthen your life.

Washington State Settles 'Trust Mill' Case Seminar speakers weren't qualified to sell estate planning documents.

Seven Tips for Improving Your Boomer Friendships Whether keeping up with old friends or finding new ones, Boomers need these connections.

Pennsylvania Revises Reverse Mortgage Rules Officials feel 'particular responsibility' to older homeowners.

Proper Knee Care May Prevent Surgery Knee replacements on the rise as population ages and packs on pounds.

Five Reasons Knee Replacements Can Fail Most surgeries are successful, but not all are.

How to Avoid Ponzi Schemes Boomers, older seniors don't have time to recover from financial disasters.

Senior Citizens Warned About $250 Medicare Rebate Scam 'Doughnut hole' check doesn't require you to provide financial information.

New Options To Treat Knee Pain Surgery isn't always the best choice.

Blood Test For Alzheimer's On Horizon Researchers near the 'Holy Grail' of Alzheimer's study.

A Boomer Manifesto: 10 Ways to Get Back on Track It's time for Boomers to reinvent, rejuvenate and revolutionize.

Vitamin D May Help Seniors Stay Sharp But people tend to get less Vitamin D as they grow older.

Boomers: Don't Outlive Your Money 7 ways to stretch your assets to match your longevity.

Boomers Come Face to Face With Alzheimer's The latest 'sandwich generation' encounters dementia in loved ones.

Understanding Reverse Mortgage Risks Not always the easy source of money that commercials portray

How to Keep Your Brain in Shape 12 ways Boomers can strengthen our minds to avoid those 'senior moments'.

Study: Cognitive Decline In Old Age Has Biological Cause Study may answer question of why older adults have trouble learning new skills.

11 Travel Tips For Boomers It's important to take a vacation, even when you think you can't afford it.

Cleaning Up the Clutter Time for Boomers to take charge of their possessions and mental 'stuff'.

Getting the Most Out Of Social Security The Boomer's guide to a key retirement income stream.

Michigan Files Charges in $2 Million Ponzi Scheme Broker accused of selling bogus securities to senior citizens.

Boomers Face Challenges Relating to Other Generations 5 rules for improving how we communicate with each other.

Social Security Changes Keep Men Working Longer Trend of earlier retirement ended with 1980s changes to Social Security.

Why Is Depression In Older Adults Harder to Treat? Older adults who become depressed have a harder time 'reading' other people.

Boomers Becoming Their Own Bosses 10 key steps to starting a business.

Role Reversal for Boomers: Caring For Your Aging Parents There comes a time when adult children must be a parent to their parents.

What You Should Know About Hip Replacement Communication with your doctor is key.

Ohio AG Calls for Stronger Protection of Seniors Urges senior citizens to speak out against abuse and financial crimes.

New Medicare Phone Scam Targets Seniors Scam crops up in West Virginia, Kentucky.

Pennsylvania Sues Travel Firms for Deceptive Promotions Companies allegedly offered free gifts with lots of strings attached.

Boomers Ponder Where to Spend the Rest of Their Lives What to consider, as well as some suggestions, in making this important decision.

Seniors In More Severe Auto Crashes Than Younger Drivers Making left turns especially dangerous.

Guideline Issued For Drivers With Alzheimer's When should someone with dementia give up the car keys?

Walking Associated with Lower Stroke Risk in Women The more intense the walk, the better the results, study finds.

Heart Health for Boomers What you can do to prevent, or recover from, the most common heart-related conditions.

Johnson & Johnson Pushed Drugs on Seniors, Suit Alleges Drug company allegedly conspired with pharmaceutical consulting company.

Fatal Injuries Increase in Older Americans More active seniors, and longer lifespans, make injuries an increasing concern.

Simple Test an Early Predictor of Alzheimer's Researchers develop new way to diagnose mild cognitive impairment.

Consumer Reports Examines Anti-Aging Market Products for baldness, gray hair, wrinkles offer spotty results at best.

Avoiding Debt in Retirement Debt in retirement is a growing problem. Watch what's causing it -- and how to avoid it.

Legal Wake-Up Call for Boomers Only as old as you feel? Don't bet your loved ones' financial well-being on it.

Boomer Love: How is the 'Free Love' Generation Doing Now? Boomers' goals may be higher but their methods are more flexible.

Boomers Out of Work How to turn age (experience) and skills (proven accomplishments) to your advantage in your job search.

Digging Out of Debt and Surviving the Downturn How Boomers can turn around the reversals of fortune in time for retirement.

Fixed Income Alternatives for Retirees In this barren environment, retirees must search far and wide to find investments with decent yield.

Some Social Security Is Taxable Don't let your retirement be spoiled by taxes. Know the rules on what benefits are taxable.

Boomerific: How to Live Better and Longer 15 ways Boomers can improve the quality and length of their lives.

Video Games Ease Depression Among Seniors Nintendo Wii games prove effective in California study.

Illinois Steps Up Review of Nursing Homes Concerns mount over health and safety of elderly residents.

A Spouse's Death Often Leaves Tangled Finances Financial therapy helps surviving spouse cope.

Super PoliGrip to Go Zinc-Free Manufacturer spurred by consumer health concerns, lawsuits.

Some Seniors Aren't Required To File Federal Tax Return But filing is the only way to get any refund that's due.

Seniors Looking for Love Online Lifestyles of older people encourage Internet dating.

Tax Help in Caring For an Aging Parent Millions of adult children find themselves looking after aging parents. If you qualify, tax laws offer some help.

3 Ways to Shed Credit Card Debt in Old Age There are few options for lowering credit card debt on a fixed income but these might help.

Medicare Recipients In 'Doughnut Hole' Skip Meds Cost a huge factor for those caught in the gap.

Could You Have Celiac Disease? Overlapping symptoms, lack of expertise makes diagnosis tough.

7 Retirement Investing Mistakes Avoiding these common investing missteps will improve your chances of retiring in the money.

Class Action Suit Filed Against AARP Alleges group misled consumers as to extent of medical insurance coverage.

'High-Return' Investment Schemes Target Affluent Seniors International Banking Group's ultra-high-interest claims can't be verified.

Video: Choosing Your Retirement Community Test drive your retirement community a few times before deciding to make it your home.

Do I Need a Thyroid Check? TSH test can help detect disease.

No Social Security Cost Of Living Increase In 2010 COLA wasn't triggered because prices remained flat.

Minnesota Sues, Says Headhunter Is Bogus Employment agency charged thousands for nothing.

Seniors to Benefit from Health Care Reform Sen. Herb Kohl chats about health reform, long-term care, target-date funds retirement issues.

Fire Safety For Seniors Protecting yourself from blazes if you're elderly.

Is IRA Taxed for Elder Care? You can minimize taxes paid on an IRA if you use the money to pay for a nursing home.

Safety Alert Issued For Lifeline Pendant Personal Help Buttons 'Lifeline' could be deathline.

Home Health Aide Shortage Looms, Experts Warn Job more dangerous than mining coal.

End Of Life Isn't a Disease, It's a Fact of Life 'Death panel' dust-up draws attention to the need for more reasoned discussion.

7 Ways To Stretch Your Retirement Income You don't have to defy the laws of physics to stretch your money so it will last. Just plan wisely.

Building A Medical Family Tree Hereditary health history can help pinpoint and avoid problems.

Mediterranean Diet Linked With Lower Risk Of Alzheimer's Disease Physical activity also tied to lower risk.

10 Top Cars for Older Drivers Facing many challenges, older drivers should consider these 10 models with special design features.

New FHA Reverse Mortgage a Boon to Seniors Seniors can buy a home with a reverse mortgage, keep their existing home and save big bucks.

Researchers Find Caffeine Effective Alzheimers Treatment Morning cup of java may prove beneficial.

Video: Older Americans Becoming 'Prisoners Of Their Stuff' Downsizing requires some rigorous house-cleaning.

Growing Number of Adults in ATV Accidents Seniors account for high percentage of injuries.

More Boomers Losing Health Coverage Older workers losing insurance when they need it most.

Scammers Targeting Social Security Recipients Seniors should be suspicious of any offer of help with stimulus payment.

Artificial Hips Last Twice As Long As Predicted Study finds replacement hips surprisingly durable.

Can Kegel Exercises Stop Incontinence In Women? Simple exercises to prevent pelvic disorders.

Older Drinkers Get Drunk Faster Study finds older adults become impaired without realizing it.

Seniors More Vulnerable to Diarrhea Tips to handle this unpleasant condition.

Congress Takes Up Boomer Retirement Woes Many boomers having second thoughts about retiring.

Drinker's Nose Not Just for Tipplers That red, bumpy nose comes from rosacea, not from over-imbibing.

Good Dental Hygiene Linked to Heart Health Diseased gums can lead to endocarditis, other dangerous infections.

Retirees Get Money Break in 2009 Retirees won't have to take a required mandatory distribution from their accounts during 2009.

Can Pacemakers Hinder Your Sex Life? Only if powerful magnets are involved.

Colonoscopy Is Nothing to Dread The preparation is not much fun, though.