Paula Span
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Veteran journalist, chronicler of aging and grandparenting, NYT columnist, Columbia J-School prof. paulaspan.com
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Articles by Paula Span
Common drugs older adults might be overusing
The scenario often unfolds like this: Medical researchers investigate a frequently used drug and report that it’s less effective for older patients than previously thought, or that its risks outweigh its benefits in older adults. More studies follow, confirming those findings. After a few years, medical associations revise their guidelines, warning that the drug in question should be avoided or at least prescribed more selectively.
Aging Life Care Managers Can Be a ‘Godsend’ for Families
Caregiving These professionals, formerly known as geriatric care managers, don't come cheap but they aren't being paid off by senior living communities. By Paula Span, KFF Health News | October 26, 2026 Linkedin X Facebook Email VK Photo by Getty Images for Unsplash+ Kristin Martinelli began her workday at 7:30 a.m. on a recent Monday, completing an online Medicaid recertification form for a client in a nursing home in Austin, Texas.
Aging life care managers can be a ‘godsend’ for families
Kristin Martinelli began her workday at 7:30 a.m. on a recent Monday, completing an online Medicaid recertification form for a client in a nursing home in Austin, Texas. Next, she drove to meet an 85-year-old and her daughter, who had come in from out of town.
Aging life care managers can be a ‘godsend’ for families Original
Kristin Martinelli began her workday at 7:30 a.m. on a recent Monday, completing an online Medicaid recertification form for a client in a nursing home in Austin, Texas. Next, she drove to meet an 85-year-old and her daughter, who had come in from out of town.
Aging life care managers can be a ‘godsend’ for families
Kristin Martinelli began her workday at 7:30 a.m. on a recent Monday, completing an online Medicaid recertification form for a client in a nursing home in Austin, Texas. Next, she drove to meet an 85-year-old and her daughter, who had come in from out of town.
Aging life care managers can be a 'godsend' for families
Kristin Martinelli began her workday at 7:30 a.m. on a recent Monday, completing an online Medicaid recertification form for a client in a nursing home in Austin, Texas. Next, she drove to meet an 85-year-old and her daughter, who had come in from out of town.
Aging life care managers can be a 'godsend' for families
Kristin Martinelli began her workday at 7:30 a.m. on a recent Monday, completing an online Medicaid recertification form for a client in a nursing home in Austin, Texas. Next, she drove to meet an 85-year-old and her daughter, who had come in from out of town.
How aging life care managers can be a 'godsend’ for families
Kristin Martinelli began her workday at 7:30 a.m. on a recent Monday, completing an online Medicaid recertification form for a client in a nursing home in Austin, Texas. kAm}6IE[ D96 5C@G6 E@ >66E 2? gd\J62C\@=5 2?5 96C 52F89E6C[ H9@ 925 4@>6 :? 7C@> @FE @7 E@H?] %96 @=56C H@>2? 925 “AC6EEJ 25G2?465 56>6?E:2” 2?5 H2D D4965F=65 E@ >@G6 :?E@ E96 D64FC6 >6>@CJ 42C6 F?:E @7 2 D6?:@C =:G:?8 724:=:EJ E92E 52J[ D2:5 |2CE:?6==:[ H9@ H@C<D 2D 2? 28:?8 =:76 42C6 >2?286C H:E9 |:C r2C6 r@?DF=E2?ED :?
Senior living: Aging life care managers can be a ‘godsend’ for families Original
Kristin Martinelli began her workday at 7:30 a.m. on a recent Monday, completing an online Medicaid recertification form for a client in a nursing home in Austin, Texas. Next, she drove to meet an 85-year-old and her daughter, who had come in from out of town.
To afford aging in place, older adults turn to ‘Golden Girls’ housing
Shirley Jennett, a retired nurse, loves her spacious ranch-style house in Denver, with its big backyard and gazebo. “I want to stay here,” she vowed. “And die here.” kAm$96 >:89E AF== E92E @77] x? C6=2E:G6=J 8@@5 962=E9[ y6??6EE DE:== 5C:G6D E@ =F?49 H:E9 7C:6?5D[ 5@6D 96C @H? 9@FD6<66A:?8 2?5 8C@46CJ D9@AA:?8[ 2?5 A=@HD E9C@F89 2 3@@< 2 52J[ FDF2==J 2 >JDE6CJ] qFE 96C 49:=5C6? H@CCJ 23@FE 96C =:G:?8 2=@?6 2E gh[ 6DA64:2==J 27E6C D96 92D 925 2 4@FA=6 @7 72==D]k^Am kAmt?E6C 96C ?6H 9@FD6>2E6[ $FD2?
When a Gun Owner Shows Early Signs of Dementia
He was 72, a retired health administrator who lived alone near Seattle. Laura Prater, a firearms researcher at Ohio State, was interviewing him via Zoom. She’d administered a questionnaire that indicated he had mild cognitive impairment, which is often, but not always, a precursor to dementia. His doctor had also diagnosed him with depression. As part of a study of firearm safety for older adults, Dr. Prater asked if he kept a gun in his home. He did.
Aging life care managers can be a ‘Godsend’ for families
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Paula Span Kristin Martinelli began her workday at 7:30 a.m. on a recent Monday, completing an online Medicaid recertification form for a client in a nursing home in Austin, Texas. Next, she drove to meet an 85-year-old and her daughter, who had come in from out of town.
Aging Life Care Managers Can Be a ‘Godsend’ for Families
By Paula Span Oct 14, 2026 Kristin Martinelli began her workday at 7:30 a.m. on a recent Monday, completing an online Medicaid recertification form for a client in a nursing home in Austin, Texas. Next, she drove to meet an 85-year-old and her daughter, who had come in from out of town.
Aging Life Care Managers Can Be a ‘Godsend’ for Families
Kristin Martinelli began her workday at 7:30 a.m. on a recent Monday, completing an online Medicaid recertification form for a client in a nursing home in Austin, Texas. Next, she drove to meet an 85-year-old and her daughter, who had come in from out of town.
Years after he quit smoking, a lung cancer scan saved his life
Dennis Schmidt started smoking as a teenager, when that was so unexceptional that his Catholic high school designated outdoor “senior smoking quarters,” where students in their final year could take cigarette breaks. He smoked a pack of menthols daily for nearly 40 years. As a registered nurse at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center and a former Air Force medic, he knew this was a bad idea. “I made a couple of attempts to quit and they failed miserably,” said Schmidt, now 75.
Aging life care managers can be a ‘godsend’ for families
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Paula Span The New York Times Kristin Martinelli began her workday at 7:30 a.m. on a recent Monday, completing an online Medicaid recertification form for a client in a nursing home in Austin, Texas. Next, she drove to meet an 85-year-old and her daughter, who had come in from out of town.
Common drugs older adults might be overusing
Some frequently used drugs can become less effective for older patients than previously thought, or its risks can outweigh its benefits in older adults. Thomas Barwick/Getty Images The scenario often unfolds like this: Medical researchers investigate a frequently used drug and report that it’s less effective for older patients than previously thought, or that its risks outweigh its benefits in older adults. More studies follow, confirming those findings.
3 common drugs older adults might be overusing
The scenario often unfolds like this: Medical researchers investigate a frequently used drug and report that it’s less effective for older patients than previously thought, or that its risks outweigh its benefits in older adults. More studies follow, confirming those findings. After a few years, medical associations revise their guidelines, warning that the drug in question should be avoided or at least prescribed more selectively.
'Una bendición': el servicio poco conocido que alivia la carga de cuidar a un adulto mayor
Aging life care managers can be a ÒgodsendÓ for families. They can arrange a move to a senior living facility, deal with Medicare and Medicaid, recommend doctors, drive a client to the dentist, and much more. (Bianca Bagnarelli/The New York Times) Ñ FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY WITH NYT STORY SCI CARE MANAGERS BY PAULA SPAN FOR OCT. 4, 2026. ALL OTHER USE PROHIBITED.
‘Una bendición’: el servicio poco conocido que alivia la carga de cuidar a un adulto mayor
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. ‘Una bendición’: el servicio poco conocido que alivia la carga de cuidar a un adulto mayor Los administradores de atención a adultos mayores trabajan para las familias, no para hospitales ni aseguradoras, y coordinan desde una mudanza hasta una visita al dentista.
3 common drugs older adults might be overusing
Benzodiazepines, antibiotics and aspirin remain widely used by older adults despite updated guidance. New research shows where use has declined — and where it has not. "Medications are like barnacles," said Michael Steinman, a geriatrician at the University of California-San Francisco and co-director of the U.S. Deprescribing Research Network.
Doctors Should Keep an Eye on Your Mix of Medication. If They Don't, You Should.
Experts and pharmacists recommend consulting with a doctor to ensure current medications remain suitable. Dr. Sixto Caro speaks with patient Jose Rodriguez at the Medspan Associates clinic on October 3, 2012 in New York. By Paula Span | KFF Health News Medications can snowball as we age. Pill organizers pile up. Prescriptions that are no longer necessary can mix with other drugs to create concerning side effects.
Doctors Should Keep an Eye on Your Mix of Medication. If They Don’t, You Should.
Medications can snowball as we age. Pill organizers pile up. Prescriptions that are no longer necessary can mix with other drugs to create concerning side effects. “Once you get to six or seven prescription medications, you get a nearly 100% chance of some sort of side effect or intolerance,” said physician K. Eric De Jonge, director of geriatrics at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Paula Span writes “The New Old Age” column for The New York Times and KFF Health News.
The latest shortage: Nursing home beds
The San Vicente de Paúl Nursing Home in the South Bronx hasn’t admitted a patient since December 2024. ArchCare, which operates the facility, has reduced its capacity from 120 available beds to 53 and plans to shrink it further. Another ArchCare nursing home, on Staten Island, has shut down a full floor. North of the city, in Dutchess County, its Ferncliff Nursing Home has contracted from 309 available beds to 196.
These Professionals May Be the Best Kept Secret in Elder Care
These Professionals May Be the Best Kept Secret in Elder Care They can arrange a move to a senior living facility, deal with Medicare and Medicaid, recommend doctors, drive a client to the dentist, and much more. Credit...Bianca Bagnarelli Published Oct. 3, 2026Updated Oct. 9, 2026 Kristin Martinelli began her workday at 7:30 a.m. on a recent Monday, completing an online Medicaid re-certification form for a client in a nursing home in Austin, Texas.
Aging Life Care Managers Can Be a ‘Godsend’ for Families
You have a preview view of this article while we are checking your access. When we have confirmed access, the full article content will load. Aging Life Care Managers Can Be a ‘Godsend’ for Families They can arrange a move to a senior living facility, deal with Medicare and Medicaid, recommend doctors, drive a client to the dentist, and much more. Credit...Bianca Bagnarelli Published Oct. 3, 2026Updated Oct.
Tres medicamentos comunes que adultos mayores podrían estar usando en exceso
Los efectos secundarios de los antibióticos representan una cantidad considerable de visitas a las salas de emergencias” por síntomas como náuseas, vómitos y diarrea. El escenario suele desarrollarse de esta manera: investigadores estudian un medicamento de uso frecuente y concluyen que es menos eficaz para los pacientes mayores de lo que se pensaba, o que sus riesgos superan sus beneficios para este grupo. Luego aparecen más estudios que confirman esos hallazgos.
Doctors call it ‘deprescribing’ and older adults taking multiple medications could benefit from it
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3 common drugs older adults might be overusing
The scenario often unfolds like this: Medical researchers investigate a frequently used drug and report that it’s less effective for older patients than previously thought, or that its risks outweigh its benefits in older adults. More studies follow, confirming those findings. After a few years, medical associations revise their guidelines, warning that the drug in question should be avoided or at least prescribed more selectively.
3 common drugs older adults might be overusing
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Paula Span, KFF Health News The scenario often unfolds like this: Medical researchers investigate a frequently used drug and report that it’s less effective for older patients than previously thought, or that its risks outweigh its benefits in older adults. More studies follow, confirming those findings.
3 common drugs older adults might be overusing
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Paula Span, KFF Health News The scenario often unfolds like this: Medical researchers investigate a frequently used drug and report that it’s less effective for older patients than previously thought, or that its risks outweigh its benefits in older adults. More studies follow, confirming those findings.
3 common drugs older adults might be overusing
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Paula Span, KFF Health News The scenario often unfolds like this: Medical researchers investigate a frequently used drug and report that it’s less effective for older patients than previously thought, or that its risks outweigh its benefits in older adults. More studies follow, confirming those findings.
3 common drugs older adults might be overusing
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... By Paula Span, KFF Health News The scenario often unfolds like this: Medical researchers investigate a frequently used drug and report that it’s less effective for older patients than previously thought, or that its risks outweigh its benefits in older adults. More studies follow, confirming those findings.
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