Tommy and Linda
12 images
As her husband slips into dementia, a devoted wife confronts the question: Does love live in the heart or in the head? One thing Linda Rhodes knows: Her husband seems to be happiest when he is at home with her. View the gallery

A Growing Crisis of Care
12 images
Many experts on aging maintain that there are low-cost ways to help seniors stay in their homes. One of those is the Meals-on-Wheels program, funded by the Local Office on Aging, which provides meals to over 600 people in the Roanoke Valley 5 days a week. Not only do recipients benefit from a healthy, daily hot meal, but for many, the volunteer who knocks on the door each day is the only person they see at all. View the gallery

The Home-care Option
9 images
Despite low pay, a home-care aide dedicates herself to giving elderly clients what so many of them want: the chance to live with dignity in a familiar place. View the gallery

Big Mama's Story
7 images
Proud, tender and fiercely independent, an aging matriarch clings to her home via a patchwork arrangement of family and caregivers.View the gallery

Geriatricians at Work
11 images
It is not a glamorous specialty, but the need is enormous. It takes a truly unique doctor to fill that need.View the gallery

Audio essays
3 images with audio
Senior citizens and those who care for them read their thoughts and experiences on being caregivers and getting old.
Listen to the portraits

To Love and Protect
11 images
It is not a glamorous specialty, but the need is enormous. It takes a truly unique doctor to fill that need.View the gallery