Citing the growing cabal of pro-reverse mortgage academics and the story of one Mississippi homeowner, CBS News’ MoneyWatch called Home Equity Conversion Mortgages “a smart way for seniors to tap home equity” in an article published yesterday. MoneyWatch writer Kathy Kristof tells the story of Richard Blackmon, a 70-year-old Magnolia State retiree who initially thought…

Regular exercise is potent medicine for older adults with heart disease, a new American Heart Association scientific statement says. Physical activity should be a key part of care for older adults with heart disease who want to reduce their symptoms and build their stamina, said geriatric cardiologist Dr. Daniel Forman. He’s chair of the panel…

In a nationally syndicated housing advice column, writer Benny L. Kass responded to a question from a couple of 65-year-old homeowners who need “money to pay for some personal matters,” and were curious about whether to take out Home Equity Conversion Mortgage credit line or a traditional “forward” home equity line of credit, or HELOC.…

If you’re over the age of 50, you should start cashing in on the many senior discounts available. Many stores offer their senior shoppers some form of a deal, but it’s often available only on a specific day of the week or during certain times of the day. Here’s a handy list of discounts to…

Drugs that preserve vision in people with the eye disease called age-related macular degeneration might increase the risk of another eye condition — glaucoma, a new study suggests. People who received at least seven eye injections of the drug bevacizumab (Avastin) each year to treat macular degeneration have a higher risk of eventually needing surgery…

Middle-aged adults who get dizzy when they stand due to a temporary drop in blood pressure may be at increased risk for dementia when they’re older, new research suggests. These episodes of sudden low blood pressure — called orthostatic hypotension — may leave lasting damage due to reduced blood flow to the brain, according to…

Summer is upon us and that usually means record-high temperatures. The extreme heat can be especially dangerous to older adults causing sunburn, dehydration and even heat stroke. According to the U.S. Department for Health and Human Services, more than 6,000 Americans are hospitalized for heat exposure every summer. Severe heat exposure occurs when body temperatures…

Chronic pain is an unfortunate reality for many elderly people. As we age, our bodies become more fragile. Osteoarthritic, musculoskeletal, neuropathic, and chronic joint pain are all common and difficult to treat. These issues make everyday activities incredibly challenging, often causing sufferers to withdraw into a sedentary lifestyle. While these issues cannot be completely cured,…

Seniors who want to give their hearts a healthy boost may want to focus on exercise first, a new study suggests. The research found that getting active may do more for cardiovascular health in older adults than losing weight does. “Any physical activity is positive for cardiovascular health, and in elderly people of all weights,…

The minimum age for homeowners to take out a reverse mortgage loan is 62. But what about the maximum age? Is anyone ever too old for this type of home loan? How a reverse mortgage loan works Formally called home equity conversion mortgages, or HECMs, reverse mortgage loans allow borrowers to tap the equity in…