Practical guides for the decisions that matter

You do not need to solve everything at once. Start with the part of daily life that feels uncertain, then use the linked guides to connect the pieces.

Home and independence

Aging in place: build a plan around the life you want

A room-by-room checklist is useful, but a living plan goes further. Map an ordinary week, identify the support you can actually count on and agree when the plan should change.

Read the aging-in-place guide

Make the home easier and safer to use

Follow the routes you use most: bed to bathroom, chair to kitchen, front door to vehicle. Separate small obstacles from changes that require professional assessment.

Read the home guide

Getting around and getting to care

Transportation that supports a full life

Create a mix of options for appointments, shopping and social activities. Compare assistance, predictability and the complete journey—not simply the fare.

Build a transportation plan

Healthcare access when you no longer drive

Plan around appointment times, return-trip uncertainty and the help you need at both ends. Includes a script for calling a clinic and a transport provider.

Plan access to healthcare

A medical ride checklist

A print-friendly page for recording trip details, mobility needs, handoffs, costs and the return plan. Complete it privately and share only what the people helping you need.

Open the checklist

From hospital to home

Ask the questions that connect discharge instructions to the first day back: who will be there, what is ready and whom to contact if something is unclear.

Prepare the handover

People, support and belonging

Villages and NORC programs

Understand the models, then assess an actual program: membership, boundaries, volunteer help, professional services and what happens when requests cannot be filled.

Compare community support models

Stay connected in a way that suits you

Start with the relationships and activities you miss. Look for the barrier before adding another commitment to the calendar.

Make a connection plan

Share caregiving more clearly

List responsibilities, protect the older adult’s choices and make room for the caregiver’s limits. Includes a support table and a conversation guide.

Create a shared support plan

Use research without overstating it

Learn the difference between a preference, an association and an intervention result. Understand what percentages can—and cannot—tell you.

How to read aging research · Browse study findings