Floridian Bob Becker, 76, participates in Death Valley's Badwater 135 ultramarathon, known as one of the world's most grueling foot races. He says he uses "age-appropriate" methods to prepare, including cross-training, core strengthening and getting his body used to the foods and drinks he will consume during the race.

Determining net worth can help people evaluate finances and make goals for retirement. Updating net-worth calculations periodically can help track progress toward these objectives and might lead to new targets.

A survey by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found disparities in how people of different ethnicities view their communities' efforts to provide care and services for older adults. White Americans generally gave more positive answers than people of color to questions about older adults' access to health care, grocery shopping, libraries, outdoor recreation and other services.

A study in the journal Neurology found that adults who ate at least half a serving of foods rich in flavonoids every day had a 20% reduced risk for cognitive decline, compared with those who ate fewer foods rich in flavonoids. The findings, based on data from 49,493 women and 27,842 men, also revealed that flavones, commonly found in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables -- and anthocyanins, commonly found in blackberries, blueberries and cherries -- had the most protective effect against cognitive decline among individual flavonoids.

An individually tailored program focused on problem-solving and independence called Care of Persons with Dementia in Their Environments is equally effective when delivered by telehealth or in person, according to a study published last year in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. Study leader Kate Laver says it's important to provide a tablet computer and stand, an illustrated user guide and on-site training and assessments, and to have an IT support person on call.

Research presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference suggests that learning Latin dance techniques like salsa may be beneficial for older adults' brain health and social interaction. Study lead Susan Aguinaga said dancing places "high demand" on a person's memory and attention skills, and the process of perfecting steps may improve working memory.

US lawmakers reintroduced legislation to allow Medicare beneficiaries greater access to chronic care management, including care plans and medication provisions. "It's unfortunate so few seniors access this benefit, and I believe dropping the cost-sharing requirements will change that," said Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., a lead sponsor of the Seniors' Chronic Care Management Improvement Act.

The $550 billion bipartisan infrastructure bill includes an extension to the Medicare sequester as a source of funding. A 2% annual Medicare payment cut is planned to run from fiscal year 2022 to 2030.

What should you know about diverse family caregivers? Download the Diverse Elder Coalition's "Resources for Providers: Meeting the Needs of Diverse Family Caregivers" Toolkit today. Learn more.

On Aging 2022's Call for Proposals is open through August 15. Submit your proposal now to present and join us in New Orleans next spring for our annual conference. Learn more.