Lauren Sieben

Alumna Lorna Mahlock becomes the U.S. Marine Corps’ first Black woman to lead as brigadier general

In 2016, a video posted to YouTube showed a routine test of a SpaceX rocket at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. A few seconds into the clip, smoke begins snaking out from the side of the rocket. A minute passes, then boom: An explosion erupts and a mushroom of flames erupts from the structure. Fire engulfs the rocket and the launchpad below.
The stunning footage ran on news broadcasts around the world, and the public immediately started asking: What went wrong?

Many retirees don't have spouses or immediate family members to factor into their end-of-life planning. If this is your situation, it's still vitally important to consider your estate planning, even if you have no beneficiary at the moment.
It's wise to take time now to think about your wishes regarding your health care and the distribution of your financial assets. If you're unsure of where to start, here are a few of the most crucial end-of-life planning considerations for retirees without ...

Serving as a caregiver for a loved one can be both exhausting and rewarding. Over time, though, the stress and demands of this work can lead to caregiver burnout, which impacts both the caregiver and the person receiving care.
One way to stave off burnout and exhaustion is to create a respite caregiver plan. Planning ahead for respite care is an important part of ensuring that you don't lose sight of your own health and needs while you care for others.
What Is Respite Care?
Respite care is an...

In retirement, you might have to add new medicines or vitamins to your routine. The last thing you want is mix-up or a missed dose messing with your health, and that makes medication management crucial.
To make managing your meds easier, follow these best practices for organizing your prescription and non-prescription drugs.
Bring Your Medicines to Your Doctor's Visits
Next time you go to the doctor, bring all your regular medications. This includes inhalers, ointments, vitamins and herbal me...

As you plan for and eventually settle into retirement, you're likely to encounter seemingly endless advice from family, friends and the internet. But when you want to zero in on a particular topic, sometimes the best approach is to pick up a good old-fashioned book.
We've put together a curated list of worthwhile reads covering such topics as finance, physical health and inspiration to support your transition into a retirement lifestyle.
These books for the retirement mindset can help you pla...

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be both challenging and rewarding. As a family caregiver, you need to consider every facet of your parent's care, from home safety to finances. It's equally important to take care of yourself along the way and prevent burnout.
Before you commit to caring for a parent with dementia at home, here are a few tips to help you consider what the duties and experience may entail.
1. Seek Out Education About Dementia
Dementia goes beyond memory loss. The condit...

Maybe you’ve stared into your closet debating which outfit to wear to a routine physical, skin exam, pre-op consult or any other type of doctor’s visit.
Will any doctor, nurse or receptionist judge you for showing up in sweats? Would dressing up be weird? What if you really, really hate the idea of changing into a hospital gown — can you stay in your own clothes?
We talked with several doctors about what to wear to make your next appointment more comfortable and efficient. It turns out sweats...

After what feels like the longest ever stretch of months stuck indoors, summer—glorious summer—is finally upon us. But before you get too comfy and curl up in a hammock with a delicious blended beverage, know that there are a few things you really should check off your to-do list first.
Yes, that’s right: We hate to be a drag, but in between barbecues and beach days, you still need to stay on top of maintenance around the home. Otherwise you might find yourself with big problems down the line...

Heading into the great outdoors isn't just a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. There's a strong link between spending time outdoors and mental health benefits.
As we age, staying active in retirement and spending time outdoors can increase feelings of happiness and well-being, no matter how you choose to enjoy yourself in nature. Heading outdoors can also help lower blood pressure and the stress hormone cortisol. Spending quality time in nature can even boost your vitamin D levels, which ca...

You’re ready to list your house—but are your dated bedrooms a turn-off to prospective buyers?
Today’s buyers are more focused than ever on finding luxe master suites that double as relaxing retreats.
“Pre-pandemic, nobody really cared about the bedroom. Now, people need somewhere to get away,” says Brad Whittaker, an agent with Realty ONE Group Pacifica in Longview, WA. “Bedrooms are really becoming a place of solace for Mom and Dad, because when kids are stuck at home, and they’re working fr...

Nutrition and exercise go hand in hand — to put together the wellness puzzle and embrace a healthy lifestyle, you need to focus on both. By balancing nutrition and exercise, you can set yourself up for a long, healthy retirement.
Even if you've maintained healthy habits over the years, you might need to rethink your old routines when you retire. Our bodies change as we age. You might lose a little strength or flexibility, or you might put on a little weight. These are common signs of aging, b...