Amy Goyer

Biography: As an expert in aging and families, specializing in family caregiving and multigenerational issues, I am a consultant, speaker and writer. I've worked for more than 30 years with older adults, children with special needs and their families.

As AARP's Home & Family Expert, I provide expertise on a variety of issues, including family caregiving and aging in place, livable communities, grandparenting, parenting and other family relationships, multigenerational living and family history.

Right now the most important role I'm playing in life is that of primary caregiver for my parents who are 86 and 89. In 2009 I moved to Arizona to be close to my parents and I return to Washington, DC frequently for business. It's a crazy life but I'm grateful to be able to support my parents and do the work I love at the same time!

My Take Care blog posts are about caregiving for Mom and Dad, and you'll also hear about my partner in caregiving: the adorable Jackson, their service dog, who is a Schnoodle. My All in the Family blog posts are about a variety of family, friendship and other relationship issues. I also write a column on AARP.org, act as a media spokesperson and am a regular guest on AARP radio. Author of "Things to do now you're a Grandparent." Winner of 2012 ALTY Best Blog Award in Caregiving category and Finalist in Seniorhomes.com Social Media Rockstar Award.

My new book, "Juggling Work and Caregiving" will be released in fall of 2013.

Follow me on Twitter @amygoyer and Pinterest! Connect on Facebook www.facebook.com/amygoyer1, LinkedIn or I'm agoyer here in the AARP Online Community.

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Amy Goyer 'sPosts

More Americans Support Aging Parents — And Grown Kids

Posted on 01/30/2013 by Amy Goyer | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | Money & Savings | RelationshipsFor many years, we’ve thought of the “sandwich generation” as people who are taking care of older parents while raising young children of their own. But that seems to be changing. Many people today are taking care of their moms and dads— and, increasingly, their grown kids who still need financial help. So even though their nests are empty, their wallets are quickly emptying too. According to a new Pew Research Center report released today: Nearly half (47%) of adults age 40-59 have a parent 65 or …

A Caregiver’s Tough Lessons Learned

Posted on 01/19/2013 by Amy Goyer | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | RelationshipsA friend recently told me she didn’t understand how I survived 2012. It was a rough year, to say the least, for our family. In retrospect, I know that I do what each of the other 42 million caregivers across this nation do — we just keep going — what else are we to do? The good news is that along with the challenges, there are also many triumphs, blessings and lessons learned. As I look back at the past …

Immunizations: A Family Affair

Posted on 01/16/2013 by Amy Goyer | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | Personal Health | Relationships | Your LifeA visit to the emergency room with my Mom yesterday reminded me that flu season is paying an early, and unwelcome, visit this year. Our hospital, along with so many across the nation, was crowded with those suffering from the flu. We wore masks, offered as we registered in the ER, the entire time we were there … just in case. Last year saw fewer cases of influenza reported than ever before recorded — primarily due to a higher number …

Family-Friendly Apps at CES 2013

Posted on 01/11/2013 by Amy Goyer | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | Relationships | Technology | Your LifeI’m fired up about some of the family-friendly apps I discovered at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES)! My goal was to find tech products that are user-friendly, help us enjoy and manage our lives, enhance our families and connect us. Here are two I’ve fallen in love with: Magisto: If you’re like me, you have a string of videos in your phone, computer, tablet or other device. You love capturing these moments, but once taken they just sit there. Here’s …

The Invisible Grandparent at CES 2013

Posted on 01/10/2013 by Amy Goyer | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Home & Family | Relationships | Technology After a few days at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), I feel like I’ve been virtually dipped in technology. There are 1.9 million net square feet of more than 3,250 exhibitors showing off their new technologies, with some 20,000 new products launched. I’ve seen gadgets, gizmos and robots. Audio, video, cellular, wifi. Cars, games, toys, health supports, exercise equipment, appliances, “connected” homes, cameras and music. Some companies talk about their target audiences, including kids, teens, young adults, moms, men …

Cool New Tech Gifts for Grandkids at CES

Posted on 01/9/2013 by Amy Goyer | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Home & Family | Relationships | TechnologyCalling all grandparents! My first day at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas has proven to be pretty overwhelming but also totally exciting! The most fun I had today was checking out some of the cool tech items geared for kids. There are literally hundreds of toys, learning tools, games and other entertainment for kids on exhibition here. As I went through the exhibit hall, here are just a few items I loved in a variety of price …