local
Aging can feel more mentally exhausting than ever — what you can do about it
By LeAnne Gendreau, Katherine Ambrose , Sondra 'Sam' Cradduck , Amy Amy Cameron O’ at KGNS — Sitewide
· July 8, 2026
· 4 min read
(Aging Untold) — A lot of people assume that aging means life slows down. But for many older adults, the mental load only grows — more appointments, more health decisions, more family worries and the quiet question of what’s next? The Aging Untold experts are sharing practical steps that can help...
Key takeaway ‘Lower your expectations’ — and other surprising advice Amy O’Rourke, an aging expert, recalls asking a 90-year-old the secret to happiness.
Why this matters in Laredo News
In Laredo , where a significant portion of the population is aging, the mental exhaustion that comes with growing older can be particularly pronounced. The city's older adults face unique challenges, from navigating the complexities of healthcare and government services to dealing with the isolation that can come with retirement. As experts like Amy O'Rourke and Sam Cradduck point out, the key to managing this mental load is to be intentional about where one's energy is focused. For Laredo's older adults, this might mean prioritizing time with family and friends, or pursuing hobbies and interests that bring joy and fulfillment. It also highlights the need for local systems and services to be more accommodating and accessible to older adults, recognizing the valuable contributions they make to the community and supporting them as they age. By acknowledging and addressing these challenges, Laredo can work towards creating a more supportive and inclusive environment for its older residents.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 4 min
Get more Laredo News stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (Aging Untold) — A lot of people assume that aging means life slows down. But for many older adults, the mental load only grows — more appointments, more health decisions, more family worries and the quiet question of what’s next? The Aging Untold experts are sharing practical steps that can help...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by LeAnne Gendreau, Katherine Ambrose , Sondra 'Sam' Cradduck , Amy Amy Cameron O’ at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter