Human Development

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: Navonne Owen

Anxiety in certain situations is normal. This is true with public speaking. Incorporating these 10 simple techniques into the preparation and presentation of your speech can make you a more confident speaker. Author: Navonne Owen; Title: Ten Ways to Increase Your Public Speaking Confidence (FS-2024-0713).

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: Taryn Devereux

This Fact Sheet highlights how Cooperative Extension at U.S. Land Grant Institutions benefits from and contributes to efforts toward global food security through knowledge and technology transfer, innovative leadership, cultural exchange, and institutional capacity building. Author: Taryn Devereux; Title: Why Extension Abroad Matters at Home- A Fact Sheet for Extension Specialists and Leaders (EBR-61)