Our senior population is growing at a record pace, and with the numbers increasing daily, so are crimes and abuse on our most vulnerable Americans, senior citizens.

With June being World Elder Abuse month, we thought it would be the perfect time to discuss the causes of elder abuse, how to prevent it from occurring and what to do about it should it happen to you.

We have all heard the horror stories about a senior citizen getting fleeced from a home repairman, financial sales person, telemarketer, or funeral scam. We've heard them all or we think we have and that it could never happen to me.  Well, it certainly can happen if we don't stay on the lookout for the slick phone fraudster appearing to be caring and compassionate.  Statistics show that seniors are lonely and can easily fall victim to these scammers appearing to be so trusting.  

In the past several years, there has been a change in attitudes about retirement from people nearing age 65. With the realities of the current economy and longer lifespans, more senior citizens are choosing to continue working.

A most recent study by a group of researchers found that regular exercise could help prevent Alzheimer's.  According to Dr. Nathan Johnson, the leader of the University of Kentucky research study team, said people who exercise frequently often have reduced arterial stiffness, a condition that comes with aging.  It shows being physically active improves blood flow to the brain and helps protect it from dementia and Alzheimer's especially for those who have inactive lifestyles.

Senior Citizens are taking control of their own personal safety with demand for gun sales and firearm training increasing in record numbers. It is apparent that seniors are concerned about their safety and are looking to protect themselves after seeing home invasions and robberies targeting the elderly on the rise.

While many senior citizens are often resistant to new technologies, it’s becoming increasing apparent that technology can be a valuable asset for the elderly and for family members that want to check in on loved ones.  

As the Presidential campaigns of the Republican and Democratic candidates unfold, seniors have growing concerns over why the candidates seem to distance themselves from dealing with the future of Social Security and Medicare.

Last Thursday, seniors across the country got some much needed good news. The Older Americans Re-Authorization Act unanimously passed the Senate.  The bill will provide millions of seniors with access to social and nutrition programs.

A brand new Medicare pilot proposal that tests ways physicians pay for chemotherapy, and other drugs has sparked outrage among cancer doctors who are demanding the Obama Administration reconsider or scrap the plan.

If you’re married and have reached full retirement age, now may be the time to file for Social Security benefits. As of April 30 a popular filing strategy for married couples will be going away. The “file and suspend” strategy was a loophole that allowed married couples to claim more Social Security benefits over their lifetimes.