Judith Graham

Judith Graham was a contributing columnist for KFF Health News until January 2025.

A Centenarian Thrives Living Alone, Active and Engaged

KFF Health News Original

Many older adults living alone, isolated and vulnerable, struggle with health issues. But a noteworthy slice of this growing group of seniors maintain a high degree of well-being. Meet Hilda Jaffe, age 102.

Centenaria vive sola en Nueva York, y se mantiene comprometida y activa con su comunidad

KFF Health News Original

Entre las cualidades asociadas a la resiliencia en los mayores se incluyen el optimismo y la esperanza, la capacidad de adaptarse a circunstancias cambiantes, las relaciones personales relevantes, las conexiones con la comunidad y la actividad física.

Resources Are Expanding for Older Adults on Their Own

KFF Health News Original

Aging alone, without a spouse, a partner, or children, requires careful planning. New programs for this growing population offer much-needed help.

Expanden los recursos para las personas mayores que viven solas

KFF Health News Original

Todos estos recursos abordan la necesidad de estos adultos mayores de relacionarse con otras personas, evitar el aislamiento y prepararse para un futuro en el que podrían tener menos energía, más problemas de salud y necesitar más ayuda.

Older Americans Living Alone Often Rely on Neighbors or Others Willing To Help

KFF Health News Original

Diverse networks of friends, former co-workers, neighbors, and extended family are often essential sources of support for older adults living alone. Often it is the elderly caring for the elderly.

Older Men’s Connections Often Wither When They’re on Their Own

KFF Health News Original

Older men who find themselves living alone tend to have fewer close personal relationships than older women. They’re vulnerable, physically and emotionally, but often reluctant to ask for help.

Historic Numbers of Americans Live by Themselves as They Age

KFF Health News Original

Longer life spans, rising rates of divorce, widowhood, and childlessness, and smaller, far-flung families are fueling a “gray revolution” in older adults’ living arrangements. It can have profound health consequences.

New Help for Dealing With Aggression in People With Dementia

KFF Health News Original

A sedative shouldn’t be the first thing tried to help people with dementia who exhibit distressing behaviors. A new website is a comprehensive, free resource that offers guidance to caregivers.

Stranded in the ER, Seniors Await Hospital Care and Suffer Avoidable Harm

KFF Health News Original

Many older adults who need hospital care are getting stuck in emergency room limbo — sometimes for more than a day. The long ER waits for seniors who are frail, with multiple medical issues, lead to a host of additional medical problems.

The Burden of Getting Medical Care Can Exhaust Older Patients

KFF Health News Original

It’s estimated that an older patient can spend three weeks of the year getting care — and that doesn’t count the time it takes to arrange appointments or deal with insurance companies.

Adultos mayores, agotados por tener que organizar tanta atención médica

KFF Health News Original

Un nuevo estudio revela que los pacientes de Medicare dedican aproximadamente tres semanas al año a hacerse pruebas médicas, ver a doctores, someterse a tratamientos o procedimientos médicos, o pasar tiempo en el hospital o en centros de rehabilitación.

Do We Simply Not Care About Old People?

KFF Health News Original

Recently, thousands of older Americans have been dying weekly of covid. But most Americans aren’t wearing masks in public, a move that could prevent infections. Many at-risk seniors aren’t getting antiviral therapies, and older adults in nursing homes aren’t getting vaccines. Why?