Aging

Authors: Troy Anthony Anderson - Michael Elonge

This fact sheet examines the relationship between housing needs and the family life cycle, highlighting housing as a critical factor in family well-being and social stability. As families move through life stages - from childbearing years to retirement - their housing needs evolve, requiring flexible and affordable living options. Rising housing costs, inflation, and income inequality create significant financial barriers for many households, making it increasingly difficult to secure stable housing. Challenges such as saving for down payments, navigating mortgage rates, and managing property taxes further complicate the path to homeownership. The article also discusses homelessness in Maryland, noting that a shortage of affordable housing contributes significantly to the issue. Strategies for families include financial planning, utilizing housing assistance programs, and exploring alternative housing arrangements. Ultimately, the authors call for a comprehensive, multi-sector approach that combines program support, financial education, and community resources to ensure families have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. Authors: Troy Anthony Anderson & Michael Elonge; Title: The Financial Implications of Housing Needs on the Family Life Cycle (FS-2025-0776).

Authors: Dhruti Patel - Mona Habibi - Cheryl Bush

In this publication, we learn about vision changes that occur due to aging. These changes are slow and often go unnoticed. Learning about these vision-related changes, signs of major eye health issues, and making healthful choices can help prevent and delay vision issues. With age, we start to experience glare issues, a reduction or increase in tear production, a need for brighter lights, presbyopia, and changes in color perception. Work with general healthcare providers, including eye healthcare providers, about your risk of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. However, lifestyle changes such as staying active, wearing sunglasses, and nutrition, can help keep your vision healthy. Authors: Dhruti Patel, Mona Habibi, and Cheryl Bush; Title: Eye Health Issues and How to Manage Them (FS-2023-0667)

Authors: Carrie Sorenson - Lynn Matava

Medication Management: Ways to save money on prescription drugs to help you manage your health. Authors: Carrie Sorenson and Lynn Matava; Saving Money on Prescription Drugs" (FS-2024-0712).

Authors: Mona Habibi - Dhruti Patel - Cheryl Bush

The digestive system naturally changes with age progression. These functional changes impact digestion-related organs such as the mouth, esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines. These can also lead to and/or contribute to some digestive disorders and chronic diseases. This publication explains these age-related physiological changes and strategies for maintaining good gut health. Author's: Mona Habibi, Dhruti Patel, and Cheryl Bush; Title: Keep Your Gut Healthy: A Quick Good Gut Health Guide for Older Adults (FS-2023-0668).

Authors: Dhruti Patel - Cheryl Bush - Mona Habibi

Bones are integral to our health. The earlier you start caring for your bone health, the better your bones will respond to, irrespective of the age progression. In this publication, you will learn about age-related changes and bone diseases, health guidance on preventing such conditions, and risk factors associated with bone health issues. This factsheet also discusses tools of communication with your healthcare professional that can help you optimize your bone health. Authors: Dhruti Patel, Cheryl Bush, and Mona Habibi; Title: Better Bone Health for Older Adults (FS-2023-0669)