On Aging

For a rat, "metamemory" is about knowing whether you remember that predator in the distance, researchers say. For people, knowing what we don't know can be especially useful in navigating social interactions.

From Rats To Humans, A Brain Knows When It Can't Remember

4:40pm July 28, 2017

by Jon Hamilton

When we see a familiar face, we know instantly if we can remember that person's name. That's because the human brain has an ability called metamemory. Looks like rats may have that higher power, too.

The debate over health care overhaul continues in the Senate.

The Senate Health Care Vote, Simplified

9:15pm July 24, 2017

by Gisele Grayson

President Trump is pushing the Senate to repeal and replace Obamacare this week. But with multiple bills in play, it's far from clear what the Senate would vote on. Here's a recap of the options.

Researchers find that dementia patients who engage in activities such as gathering photographs and talking about family see improvements in their quality of life and are less agitated.

Social Interaction Improves Quality Of Life For People With Dementia

6:29am July 19, 2017

by Shirley S. Wang

Patients with memory loss and other cognitive problems responded well to one-on-one conversations aimed at increasing their sense of control and independence.

New research finds that African-Americans who grow up in harsh environments and endure stressful experiences are much more likely to develop Alzheimer's or some other form of dementia.

Stress And Poverty May Explain High Rates Of Dementia In African-Americans

2:05am July 16, 2017

by Jon Hamilton

New research finds that African-Americans who grow up in harsh environments and have many stressful experiences are much more likely to develop Alzheimer's or some other form of dementia.

Overlapping cards representing the various health laws and proposals -- ACA, AHCA and BCRA

Who's In, Who's Left Out With The Latest Senate Health Care Bill

6:35pm July 13, 2017

Tax breaks for the wealthy would be trimmed, and people would get the option to buy bare-bones plans. But big cuts in Medicaid and changes to coverage for pre-existing conditions remain.

The HHS inspector general found that some 22,000 Medicare Part D beneficiaries seem to be doctor shopping for opioids — obtaining large amounts prescribed by four or more doctors and filled at four or more pharmacies.

'Extreme' Opioid Use And Doctor Shopping Still Plague Medicare

11:10am July 13, 2017

by Charles Ornstein

One-third of all Medicare recipients were prescribed opioids last year, the HHS inspector general says, with more than half a million getting high doses for at least three months.

Video: Japan Created Easy-To-Swallow Foods To Prevent Senior Choking Deaths

12:57pm July 12, 2017

by Elise Hu

In NPR's Elise Tries series, correspondent Elise Hu tries out different experiences in East Asia. In rapidly aging Japan, an edible innovation is helping seniors enjoy meals without fear of choking.

Queue Listen Now

FAQ: How Would The Senate Health Care Bill Affect You?

FAQ: How Would The Republican Health Care Bills Affect You?

3:38pm July 10, 2017

The bills under consideration in Congress would make big changes in health care coverage and costs for millions of people. Our searchable FAQ provides answers to key questions on where, how and why.

Some states seek to require Medicaid participants to work, get drug-tested or recertify their eligibility more frequently.

States Move To Tighten Medicaid Enrollment, Even Without A New Health Law

7:17pm July 06, 2017

by Charles Ornstein

Some states are seeking to make major changes in their Medicaid programs that would end coverage for millions of people, even if the Affordable Care Act isn't repealed.

A GAO report questions the quality of a number of Medicare Advantage plans after large numbers of sicker enrollees dropped them.

As Seniors Get Sicker, They're More Likely To Drop Medicare Advantage Plans

5:10pm July 05, 2017

by Fred Schulte

Medicare Advantage plans say they offer good value and aim to keep patients healthy, but sicker people are far more likely than others to drop out because of lack of access to specific doctors.