The number of older Americans living alone is on the rise. Nearly 16 million people 65 and older in the U.S. lived solo as recently as 2022, three times as many who lived alone in that age group in the 1960s. And as Baby Boomers age, that number is expected to grow even more, in large part because so-called “gray divorce” is on the rise.

According to the National Center for Family and Marriage Research, between 1990 and 2017, the divorce rate nearly tripled (from 4 to 11 per 1,000 individuals) for women 55 to 64 years old and nearly doubled for men in the same age group. The divorce rate for women 65 and older increased sixfold (1 to 6 per 1,000), and the divorce rate for men almost tripled to 2 to 5 per 1,000.

Jacqueline Newman, a divorce attorney and author of  the book “The New Rules Of Divorce: 12 Secrets to Protecting Your Wealth, Health, and Happiness,” has this advice for older couples facing a “gray divorce:”

The first thing I tell clients is that once you have decided you want to divorce–and that is the very first question you need to answer before moving forward–then the next steps are to become as educated as possible. Having an initial consultation with an attorney may be appropriate because you want to better understand the divorce landscape. 

“Often, I find that once I explain to a client what a divorce looks like and costs, that person may even change their mind and conclude their spouse isn’t that bad.  

“If you are the spouse who has not historically been involved with the family money and are in the financial dark, then it’s important that you learn as much as possible about the family finances–hether this means getting a copy of the tax returns, taking pictures of bank statements or having a frank conversation with your spouse about what your family assets, liabilities, income and expenses are.

“No matter what your age, it’s important to consider the emotional as well as the financial factors to make sure you are making the right decision to split with your spouse.”   

Source: Jacqueline Newman, a New York City-based divorce lawyer who has appeared on television as an expert commentator.

Homeless Pierce County residents, including those who are recovering from surgeries, emergency room stays and other medical care will soon be able to rehabilitate in a former motel. The Low-Income Housing Institute (LIHI), with $10 million provided by the county and the state Department of Commerce, purchased Clarion Inn, located on Tacoma Mall Boulevard near Interstate 5, and renamed it Oasis Inn. The 117 rooms will be used as emergency shelter and supportive housing, with 51 rooms serving as medical respite.  The latter will operate as part of the state’s Apple Health and Homes Program, which matches healthcare services with housing resources. The Oasis facility will have 24-hour staffing, case management, security, and medical services onsite.
“While the need still greatly outpaces available resources, this new shelter will be a welcome addition to the array of homeless services available across our county,” said Heather Moss, director of the county’s Human Services Department.
Ways to make new year healthy and bright

(Pictured: Making and eating healthy food is one of the New Year resolutions recommended by the American Medical Association.)

Looking to improve your health in 2025 and beyond? Check out these recommendations from the American Medical Association.

“The best way to address the post-holiday doldrums is to do something good for your health,” said Dr. Bruce Scott, president of the AMA. “Even small, positive choices you make now can have a big impact on your long-term wellbeing.

Make nutritional tweaks.

          Reduce your intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and processed food, especially those with added sodium and sugar. Drinking sugary beverages, even 100 percent fruit juice, is associated with a higher mortality risk, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. Drink water and choose nutritious whole food, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, low-fat dairy products, and lean meats and poultry.

          Get active.

          A recent study published in JAMA found that putting down the TV remote and going for a walk can improve healthy aging—highlighting the importance of small everyday habits. Adults should get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity.

          Update vaccines.

          Get your vaccines in advance of respiratory virus season—including the annual flu vaccine and the updated 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine for everyone six months and older, as well as pregnant people. People 65 and older and those who are moderately or severely immune-compromised should receive a second dose of the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine six months later.

          RSV can be dangerous for older adults.

           The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that people 75 and older, and 60 and older at high risk for severe RSV, should get vaccinated. Immunizations are also available to protect babies from getting very sick from RSV. This is important because RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization nationwide. If you have questions, speak with your physician and review trusted resources, including GetMyFluShot.org. You can also reduce the spread of respiratory viruses by covering coughs and sneezes, frequently washing your hands, wearing masks, improving air quality, and staying home if you are sick.

          Get screened.

          Make an appointment for preventive care, tests, and screenings to help your doctor spot certain conditions before they become more serious.

          Know your blood pressure.

          Go online at ManageYourBP.org to understand your blood pressure numbers and take necessary steps to get hypertension under control. Doing so will reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. If checking your blood pressure at home, find out at ValidateBP.org if your test device has been tested for accuracy.

          Learn your type 2 diabetes risk.

          Take a two-minute self-screening test at DoIHavePrediabetes.org. Steps you take now can help prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, which carries a higher risk of heart disease, kidney disease, and vision loss.

          Drink only in moderation.

          If consuming alcohol, do so in moderation as defined by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Up to one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.

          Quit tobacco and nicotine.

          Ask your doctor for resources and guidance for quitting. Declare your home and car smoke-free to eliminate secondhand smoke exposure.

          Follow dosage instructions.

          When taking prescription opioids or other medications, store them safely to prevent diversion or misuse, and properly dispose of any leftover medication. If you’re prescribed antibiotics, take the full course to prevent antibiotic resistance—a serious public health problem.

          Manage stress.

          Good mental health is part of good overall health. Get sufficient sleep (at least 7 and a half hours per night), exercise, and ask for help from a mental health professional when you need it.

          More health resources and tips can be found by visiting ama-assn.org, the American Medical Association’s website.

          Source: StatePoint Media

          New life for a Parkland old-timer

          (Pictured: Wooden banisters on upper floors and fir window casings are some of the architectural features of the historic Parkland School building).

          Local residents who formed a non-profit organization to raise money to preserve the 116-year-old Parkland School building near Tacoma are nearing a key deadline. Parkland Community Association is buying the building from its current owner, Pacific Lutheran University. A $750,000 deposit was made last year using funds from donors, the state, Pierce County Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission, Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, and National Trust for Historic Preservation. More fund-raising is underway to cover two more payments of $1.05 million, the first one due this April. The association describes its efforts as a race “against time.” The building and its timeless features, such as wooden banisters on upper floors and fir window casings (pictured), was slated for demolition to make way for new development before the citizens’ group got involved. Tax-deductible donations can be made by mail to Parkland Community Association, c/o Julie Collison, P.O. Box 45355, Parkland, WA 98448, or at saveparklandschool.org