Health systems rethink 

primary care for 

older adults

By Paige Twenter

As the older adult population grows, health systems are expanding community care, virtual visits and home-based models to better meet their evolving needs. 

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How to Build 

a Strong Mentality 

After 60: 

Try These 5 Powerful Rituals

By Joan Frances Moran 

It is a myth that you are born with characteristics that make you mentally strong throughout your life. The truth is, you can develop strong mentality with practice, fortitude, and intention as you grow and develop your personality.

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Prostate cancer diagnosis 

is not a death sentence, 

study says

Prostate cancer statistics can look scary: 34,250 U.S. deaths in 2024. 1.4 million new cases worldwide in 2022.

Dr. Bruce Montgomery, a UW Medicine oncologist, hopes that patients won't see these numbers and just throw up their hands in fear or resignation.

*

Getting Too Much 

of Vitamins And Minerals

By Cari Nierenberg

While most people aren't getting megadoses, if you eat a fortified cereal at breakfast, grab an energy bar between meals, have enriched pasta for dinner, and take a daily supplement, you could easily be over the recommended daily intake of a host of nutrients.

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What My Mother's Alzheimer's 

Taught Me About Preparing f

or My Own Aging

By Leslie Vooris

As I watched her decline, I began to see the consequences of a life lived without envisioning a "future self," and aging isn't just something that happens — it's something we must prepare for.

Other Stories of Interest 

When You Will Die (Calculator)

Adjust the settings to 

match your age and sex.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The 'magic number' 

for retirement 

is down to $1.3M, 

but Americans are 

still concerned

 By Leo Almazora

Most blogs aimed at older Americans stick to non-political topics. For the first 12 years this blog has been active, I stayed with that approach. I believed that the concerns and hopes of seniors are shared by everyone. Whether someone votes Democrat or Republican, many issues are the same. Seniors worry about money, housing, long-term care, nutrition, Social Security, Medicare, and the changes that come with aging. These worries cross party lines and unite us.

But everything changed in 2016. That year, voters chose a self-centered person to be president. I immediately saw it as a mistake. I knew that decision could lead to trouble for our country. When the COVID pandemic hit, I saw just how dangerous that mistake was. Trump's opposition to vaccines and masks created big risks for seniors. Many of us are more vulnerable to the virus and needed those protections. Trump's refusal to support public health measures left many seniors more exposed to illness. It was clear to me then, and it still is now. Trump doesn’t really care about us. As long as I have a way to speak out, I will call out this fraud.

I have often wondered if I should avoid politics on this blog. After all, I thought, seniors might prefer to read about health, retirement, or hobbies. But then I realized something important. Just because we are older doesn’t mean we should ignore politics. We are still citizens with rights and responsibilities. We vote. We pay taxes. We have a stake in how the country is run. Many of us fought for the rights and freedoms we enjoy today. We fought for civil liberties, the rule of law, and a fair justice system. Now those very things are under attack.

Today, our nation faces threats to the rights we fought so hard for. Civil liberties are slipping away. The legal system that protects our freedoms is being challenged. Our electoral processes are under pressure. This is not just a political game. It directly impacts our lives. If we lose the right to vote, to speak freely, or to get a fair trial, it could change everything.

Having lived through times of great change, I know how vital it is for seniors to stay involved. We are not just bystanders. We are stakeholders in the future of our nation. We have a right, and even a duty, to voice our opinions. We need to stand up for what’s right, especially now. We should be concerned with what decisions are made in Washington because those decisions shape our health, our safety, and our families’ futures. Our voice counts. Our vote matters. Our actions can help protect the country we love and the freedoms we cherish. Therefore, I will continue to add politics to this blog as is my right. And you have the right to agree or disagree with anything I say. You can comment in the space provided or you can email me. I promise I will not censure your ideas and you can remain anonymous if you so desire. ...

- Medicaid is a jointly funded program by the federal and state governments that provides health coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families. It was established in 1965 under the Social Security Amendment and is a crucial part of the U.S. social safety net.

- Eligibility for Medicaid varies by state, but it generally covers low-income individuals, families, pregnant women, elderly individuals, and people with disabilities. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), many states expanded Medicaid to include more low-income adults.

-  Medicaid covers a wide array of health services, including hospital stays, outpatient care, long-term care, preventive services, and mental health services. States have flexibility in determining additional services, which may vary.

-  Medicaid is funded through both federal and state resources. The federal government matches state spending on Medicaid at a varying rate, usually between 50% to 75%, depending on the state’s income level.

-  Medicaid is one of the largest health insurance programs in the U.S., covering over 75 million individuals. It plays a critical role in reducing the uninsured rate and providing essential health care services to vulnerable populations, particularly in times of economic downturn or public health crises. 

Immigrants 

Contribute Greatly

to the Social Security

Trust Fund’s Solvency

Without immigrants and their U.S.-born children, the prime working-age population (ages 25–54) would have shrunk by more than 8 million people between 2000 and 2023. 

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19 "Hard Truths" About Aging

That Younger People

Shouldn't Take For Granted,

According To Older Adults

By Dannica Ramirez

Though getting older is certainly a privilege in life, it doesn't mean it's always easy. Recently, older adults of the BuzzFeed Community shared with us the hard truths about aging that no one really talks about, and they're extremely candid and insightful:

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“But They Are Dying.”

By Charlotte Grinberg

Hospice physicians like me can’t usually offer patients the care they need.

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At 77, 

she’s as fit 

as a 25-year-old.

What her body 

tells us about aging.

By Marlene Cimons

Most runners see substantial performance losses after they turn 70. Not Jeannie Rice, who just turned 77 and ran the Boston Marathon on Monday.

Other Stories of Interest 

Nearly 50% of older adults carry credit card debt. 

Here's how to get rid of yours now.

By Angelica Leicht

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

At-home saliva test for prostate cancer 

better than blood test, study suggests

By Hannah Devlin 

Lesson's Learned?

Donald Trump is gaining an important insight, one he should have grasped during his first term and certainly failed to understand throughout his time leading Trump enterprises. You cannot BS your way through life without consequences. While he managed to deceive his way into the presidency by making unrealistic promises, he is now facing the realities of global economics, where theories must be applied in practice. He has discovered that his careless words and misguided thoughts are taken seriously by those who trade stocks and bonds based on daily news. When he announced a staggering 145% tariff increase on Chinese goods, the market reacted negatively. It required pushback from CEOs like David Solomon of Goldman Sachs to bring him back to reality, leading him to retract his tariff plans. Trump will say it’s his great deal-making that caused China to capitulate, but it actually positions China as the victor and Trump as the fool. Lesson number 1: you cannot outsmart world leaders who are far more astute than you when it comes to trade, unlike the poor schnooks who were fooled into engaging in business with you.

Lesson number two focuses on moral strength. You cannot intimidate someone whose principles are based on ethics, not wealth or power. This lesson is clear when looking at Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump and his hillbilly vice president, JD Vance, tried to embarrass Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. They attempted to shame him publicly for resisting certain policies or decisions they wanted. But Zelenskyy refused to be bullied. He knows his country’s future depends on standing firm. Zelenskyy understands that giving in to Russia’s demands could mean the end of Ukraine as a nation. He receives support from his people, who see him as a leader fighting for their survival. Many Ukrainians trust him because he always puts their interests first. Unlike Trump and Vance, who are willing to use shame as a tool, Zelenskyy bases his actions on ethic and duty. His moral stance makes him immune to threats or insults. That’s why Trump’s mockery only falls flat. Zelenskyy’s firm resolve and moral clarity show that true strength comes from principles, not fear or greed.

Trump’s failed attempts to humiliate Zelenskyy reveal another reason he struggles on the international stage. He underestimates leaders who rely on national pride and moral conviction. These leaders are tough because their actions come from conviction, not from a desire for wealth or fame. Trump’s tactics, by contrast, often come from ego and a need to be dominant. That approach loses ground when facing someone like Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian leader’s support from his people gives him a shield Trump cannot break.

Both lessons show how important it is to understand your limits. Fake promises and threats only work temporarily. Real power comes from understanding the game and sticking to your principles. Leaders who grasp this always have the upper hand. Those who don’t end up looking foolish, or worse. Trump’s recent experiences show that ignoring these lessons leads to failure. Whether in trade, politics, or international relations, honesty, and principle always matter more than bluster. The world rewards those who know their strength and act ethically. It punishes those who rely on deception and intimidation. This is a truth Trump seems to be learning now. It’s a lesson that history will remember.  ...

-  Pigs are known for their intelligence and problem-solving abilities. They are considered one of the smartest animals, often ranking on par with dogs and some primates in terms of cognitive capabilities.

- Pigs are highly social animals and often form close bonds with each other. They communicate using a variety of sounds, including grunts, squeals, and barks, to convey different messages and emotions.

- Pigs have an exceptional sense of smell, which is around 2,000 to 3,000 times more powerful than that of humans. This keen sense allows them to locate food underground, making them valuable in truffle hunting.

- Pigs are omnivores, which means they eat both plant and animal matter. Their diet can include fruits, vegetables, grains, and even small animals or insects. In agricultural settings, they are often fed a balanced diet that helps them grow and thrive.

- Pigs have a unique physiology, including a complex digestive system that allows them to break down a variety of foods. They also have a notable lack of sweat glands, meaning they can easily overheat, which is why they often wallow in mud to cool off and protect their skin from sunburn.

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 2025

EMAIL:

THESENIORLOG-USA@HOTMAIL.COM

news for you

Prescription Revolution:

Trump’s Bold Move

to Slash Drug Prices

By Lauren DeMoss, John Lanier, Mitchell Surface

On April 15, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order aimed at reducing prescription drug prices in the United States. 

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Hearing loss linked

to nearly one-third

of dementia cases

in older adults

By Donna Shryer

Researchers found that up to 32% of dementia cases over an eight-year period could be attributed to clinically significant hearing loss, suggesting potential benefits from hearing interventions.

*

Aging men

and social connection.

Is there a disconnect?

By Ashley Milne-Tyte

A mental health initiative in Maine is helping older men find community and make friends. 

*

Foot Pain?

These 5 Home Remedies

Bring Fast Relief

By Melissa Gotthardt

... a survey conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association found that 72 percent of people with painful feet were sidelined from exercising. Keep reading to discover how to relieve foot pain using a few simple strategies—no over-the-counter pain relievers required. 

Other Stories Of Interest 

Is It Time for Your Loved One to Retire From Driving?

By Stacey Colino & Deirdre van Dyk

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I’ve been studying the brain for 20 years. 

People who stay sharp throughout life do these 5 things

By Drew Ramsey, Contributor

quote_______________________

“Idealism is the noble toga that political 

gentlemen drape over their will to power.”

Aldous Huxley

____________________________

**

When I moved to assisted living, I no longer felt as anxious about what the future holds. I used to worry about finding the right care as I aged, but I believed I was in a safe place where I would be looked after. I would never had to worry about daily needs because everything I required, like meals, health checkups, and help with daily chores, was covered by programs funded by the government. During my career, I paid into these programs—Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid—hoping they would support me when I needed them most. It felt reassuring to think that I had contributed to these systems and that they would be there for me in my later years.

I also trusted that if my health worsened or I needed more complex care, the process to move into a nursing home or long-term care facility would be straightforward. I assumed that these transitions would be handled smoothly and without much hassle, and that I could rely on the existing network of services and support. After all, many of my friends and family members had gone through similar steps and found them manageable. These safety nets seemed solid, sturdy, and dependable because they had been designed to support seniors like me.

However, in recent months, my confidence has started to waver. The political climate has shifted, and discussions about cutting back on these vital benefits have become more frequent. Politicians often refer to these programs as “entitlements,” and lately there’s been talk of reducing or changing the rules around them. News reports highlight proposals to cut spending on Social Security, or to tighten the eligibility or coverage limits on Medicare and Medicaid. Such debates make me deeply worried, not just for myself but for countless other seniors who depend heavily on these programs to maintain their health and independence.

I worry about the impact of these potential cuts. Losing even a small part of these benefits could force many seniors to lower their standards of living. It might mean fewer health services, longer waits for care, or even having to move to more restrictive or less supportive facilities. The thought of navigating a complex, uncertain process—possibly under strained or uncertain healthcare systems—causes real concern. I wonder what will happen if the promises I relied on are altered or taken away. Will I be able to stay in assisted living? Will I need to relocate to a nursing home sooner than expected? 

This instability leaves me feeling uneasy. If policies change suddenly or benefits are reduced, I worry about how many seniors will be caught unprepared. We have paid into these programs for years, believing they would give us some peace of mind in old age. Now, those beliefs are being challenged. We can’t be sure whether the safety net that once seemed secure will stay intact. My hope is that these programs will remain reliable, but recent discussions fill me with doubt. As I watch the news and hear lawmakers debate, I can’t ignore the growing fear that the future for many seniors will become less certain, less protected, and far more difficult than I had ever imagined.  …

in case you missed it

Articles from our archives

Not just a normal part of aging: Dizziness in older adults 

is linked to higher risk of future falls

Can You Delay a Knee Replacement? 

New Treatment Approach May Eliminate Pain

By Abby Reinhard

Want To Lower Your Dementia Risk? Don’t Skip This Vaccine

By Emily Laurence

Avoid Fighting Over Estate Issues

By Sam Thompson

↓

Did People in Ancient Rome 

Really Wear Togas? 

Yes, people in Ancient Rome did wear togas, and they were an essential part of Roman attire and culture. The toga was a distinctive garment associated primarily with Roman citizens and served as a symbol of Roman citizenship. Here are some key facts about togas in Ancient Rome:

The toga was a large, semi-circular piece of cloth, usually made from wool, that was draped over the body. Togas typically ranged from about 12 to 20 feet in length. The way the toga was worn could vary based on occasion and the status of the wearer.

Wearing a toga could be cumbersome and required skill to drape correctly. It was not practical for labor or certain activities, which is why many people opted for simpler garments like the tunic for everyday wear.

Only free male citizens were allowed to wear togas, and they were often associated with public life and ceremonial occasions.

By the late Roman Empire, the toga began to fall out of fashion. By the 5th century AD, it was largely replaced by other forms of dress, such as tunics, which were more practical for daily life.

NEXT ISSUE

FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2025

©2025 Bruce Cooper

-30-

At times we may use artificial intelligence (AI) to simplify, clarify or condense certain material

Is Social Security 

Going to Blow Up?

The Answer 

Might Surprise You.

By Sean Williams

Decades of annual Trustees Reports have pointed to a worsening long-term outlook for Social Security.

*

Wide Awake at 3:07 AM?

Here’s How to Sleep

Like a (Very Good) Baby

After 60

By Shirley Piccarreto

There are gentle, natural ways to reclaim the deep, delicious sleep your body still craves. Sleep that repairs, restores, and revitalizes you – so you wake up refreshed and ready to live fully.

*

Dozens 

of Generic Medications

Recalled Due to 

Quality Issues

Affected drugs treat common conditions, including heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes

*

CDC Panel Votes

to Expand RSV Vaccine

Use in Older Adults

A key group of government advisers voted to expand the use of vaccines for a common respiratory illness, providing a boost to manufacturers whose sales fell sharply last year.

*

How Digital Tools

May Protect the

Aging Mind

A study finds that using digital tech may cut cognitive decline by more than half.

Other Articles of Interest:

Study: environment impacts aging more than genetics

By Naomi Kresge

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Weight Loss Tips for Seniors

By Adam Sands 

Moving To Assisted Living?

Moving to an assisted living facility (ALF) can be a significant life change, and it's crucial to consider the quality of life beyond the facility's walls. While ALFs provide essential care and support, residents often crave opportunities to engage in activities outside the facility. This is where outside activities and transportation options become critical factors.

Why Outside Activities Matter:

Participating in activities outside the ALF allows residents to connect with the wider community, fostering social interaction and preventing isolation.

Engaging in activities like volunteering, attending cultural events, or visiting parks can provide mental stimulation and physical activity, contributing to overall well-being.

Having the opportunity to participate in activities outside the ALF can empower residents, giving them a sense of purpose and independence.

As always, when considering an ALF, it's crucial to ask specific questions about outside activities and transportation:

- What types of outside activities are available to residents?

- What transportation options are provided by the facility?

- Are there partnerships with local transportation providers?

- What is the cost of transportation services?

- Are there any volunteer driver programs available in the community?

By understanding the available options and asking the right questions, you can ensure that your loved one has access to a fulfilling and enriching life beyond the walls of the ALF. ...  

When our fingers are immersed in water for an extended period, they wrinkle or prune due to a response by the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic nervous system. Here's a simplified explanation of the process:

 

- When your fingers are submerged, water enters the sweat ducts in your skin, altering the salt concentration inside the skin.

Blood Vessel Response: This change triggers nerve fibers to send a message to the brain, which activates the sympathetic nervous system.

- The sympathetic nervous system then signals the blood vessels in your fingertips to constrict, meaning they get narrower.

Volume Reduction: This constriction reduces the volume of the soft tissues beneath the skin.

- The skin, which is tethered to the underlying tissue, folds inwards to compensate for the reduced volume, resulting in the appearance of wrinkles. 

Scientists believe this wrinkling is an evolutionary adaptation to improve our grip on wet or submerged objects. The wrinkles create channels that channel water away from the fingertips similar to the treads on a tire, they help to wick water away, improving contact with surfaces. 

The wrinkles create a textured surface that helps maintain a firm grip. Also, when grasping an object, the wrinkled skin can spread slightly, increasing the contact area and improving grip. 

History Repeats?

Faced With Medicaid Cuts,

States Reduced Support

For Older Adults

And Disabled People

By Jessica Schubel Alison Barkoff H. Stephen Kaye 

Marc A. Cohen Jane Tavares

As Republicans in Congress continue to flesh out their plan to cut $880 billion in health care spending – most of it from Medicaid – two things are clear: historic cuts to Medicaid are looming...

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Amid Some Confusion,

Social Security Begins

Use of New

Anti-Fraud Measures

By Remy Samuels

Social Security will now conduct an anti-fraud check on all phone applications by analyzing “patterns and anomalies within a person’s account.” 

*

Why It’s Smart

To (Exclusively) Consume

Lab Certified Cannabis

Though it may be safe to consume cannabis that your neighbor carefully cultivated in their backyard, it’s a smart (and safer) idea to focus your cannabis exploration within the realm of products that have been tested and certified by an independent laboratory. 

*

Pets help older adults

age well through physical,

emotional, social benefits:

Mather study

By Kimberly Bonvissuto

Mather Institute researchers explored how pet ownership influences happiness, life satisfaction and loneliness in older adults, emphasizing the role of social cohesion, or how connected and supported individuals feel within their community.

Seven Sentences That Succinctly Make Your Point.> 

By Patricia Corrigan

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Travel Tours for Seniors with Limited Walking.> 

Democrats and Republican voters share a common sentiment: confusion. This is precisely the way the Trump administration wants it. An uncertain citizenry is one that can be easily molded and shaped to fit their agenda. In times of chaos and uncertainty, many believe that maintaining the current path is the safest option.

Creating Confusion…

The Trump administration has made it a point to sow confusion and uncertainty among Americans. While it may seem chaotic, this approach is a calculated move to sway public opinion and push their agenda forward.

By constantly emphasizing threats—whether they are real or imagined—the administration stirs up anxiety and insecurity. This can include exaggerating immigration dangers or spreading conspiracy theories about the media and political rivals.

The administration thrives on divisive language, polarizing issues, and deepening societal rifts. This fosters an "us vs. them" mentality, making it tough for people to find common ground. By undermining the credibility of institutions like the judiciary, the media, and the intelligence community, they erode public trust in these essential components of democracy, leaving individuals feeling lost and unsure of whom to trust.

The strategy of fostering confusion is a perilous one for the Trump administration. It weakens democracy, deepens divisions, and threatens the very institutions designed to safeguard our rights and freedoms. It's vital to recognize this tactic and actively counter it by seeking trustworthy information, engaging in critical thinking, and holding our leaders accountable. …

- Bats belong to the order Chiroptera and are the second-largest order of mammals, with over 1,400 species worldwide. They come in various sizes, from the tiny bumblebee bat (weighing around 2 grams) to larger species like the flying fox, which can have a wingspan of up to 6 feet.

- Bats have a remarkable ability to navigate and hunt in the dark using echolocation. They emit high-frequency sound waves that bounce off objects in their environment. By interpreting the returning echoes, bats can determine the distance, size, and shape of obstacles or prey.

- While many people associate bats with consuming insects, their diets are quite diverse. Some species are frugivorous (fruit-eating), while others are nectarivorous (nectar-eating), and a few species, like the vampire bat, feed on blood. 

- Bats play a crucial role in ecosystems as pollinators and seed dispersers. They help pollinate various plants, including fruits like bananas and avocados, and disperse seeds, contributing to forest regeneration and biodiversity.

- Many bat species exhibit complex social behaviors. They often roost in large colonies that can range from a few individuals to millions, facilitating social interactions. Some bats engage in cooperative behaviors like grooming, sharing food, and even helping each other raise young.

No Bones About It:

New Details About

Skeletal Cell Aging

Revealed

It's no coincidence that our bodies feel a little creakier as we age. The trillions of cells that make up our skeleton age too, and some change in ways that weaken the very structure of our bones.

Exposure to air pollution

may harm brain health

of older adults, study suggests

The research, published in The Journals of Gerontology, Series A, found that exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to lower scores in key cognitive abilities, particularly language skills.

Strong social connections

improve older adults’

well-being regardless

of setting, study finds

By Donna Shryer

Social connections, trust in others in their community and community cohesion significantly improve elderly well-being whether seniors live at home or in nursing facilities...

When and Where

You Drink Your Coffee

Could Affect 

Heart Health

and Longevity, 

New Studies Find

For optimal health, you may want to drink your coffee at home and in the morning.

aging well

Is Human Aging Reversible?

By Eric Verdin, Gordon Lithgow 

"...new research from the emerging field of geroscience is modifying this narrative. If this new research bears fruit, it would mean progress toward a goal that’s as old as humanity: to add years to people’s lives, and ensure that those years are filled with vitality and independence."

^^^^^^^^^^^^

4 Qualities That Help You to Embrace Aging

By Stephanie Raffelock 

Aging. It’s happening and it’s weird. Some days I am relaxed in the process of it. Other days I am Don Friggin’ Quixote, battling the windmills with Pilates classes, hiking, and an overabundance of green salads and coconut water.

Is our democracy broken?

Do you recall the days when we truly had a democracy? Back when we elected representatives who genuinely served their constituents? It was straightforward. To secure re-election, all a representative needed to do was deliver benefits to the people in their district or state. If a community wanted a new interstate highway exit, their representative would negotiate with the right individuals, regardless of party affiliation. For instance, “If you ensure I-95 runs through my town in Georgia, I’ll support that farm bill for your constituents in Idaho.” Presidential candidates would also strive to create platforms that appealed to various groups, even if it required some compromises on their core beliefs. If they managed to do this without alienating too many people, they could potentially win another four years in office. This is how democracy is meant to function. The challenge, however, is that this system relies on leaders who possess goodwill and a commitment to the Constitution. Nowadays, with the rise of MAGA and Trump’s influence, many of those cherished values seem to have vanished. Today, if you want to get re-elected or move up in your party you have to kiss the asses of the right people like never before. And, by the right people, I mean Donald Trump and his band of cronies who can, in just a few words, ruin your career if not your entire life. The way to make it in politics (at least Republican politics), I to give fealty to the supreme leader.

This has resulted in a political system that is increasingly unresponsive to the needs of the people, as politicians are more concerned with maintaining their position within the Trumpian hierarchy than with addressing the challenges facing their communities. 

Furthermore, the rise of Trumpism has fostered a culture of division and polarization, as politicians are incentivized to appeal to the most extreme elements of their base rather than seeking common ground. This has made it increasingly difficult to find solutions to complex problems, as political discourse is dominated by partisan bickering and ideological warfare. 

The erosion of democracy in the United States is a serious threat to the nation's future. To restore the principles of democracy, it is essential to reject the cult of personality and return to a system where elected officials are accountable to their constituents and prioritize the common good over personal gain. This will require a fundamental shift in the way we think about politics, moving away from a system based on loyalty to a single figure and towards a system based on principled representation and a commitment to the common good. This will only happen if we elect, and hold accountable, men of goodwill. And there’s not too many of those left.   ...

When George Washington died in 1799, Congress could think of no better way to honor the first president than by laying him to rest in the U.S. Capitol. The building had been under construction since Washington himself laid the cornerstone in 1793, and plans were quickly approved to add a burial chamber two stories below the rotunda with a 10-foot marble statue of Washington above the tomb. Visitors would be able to view the grave via a circular opening in the center of the rotunda floor. There was just one problem: Washington had already designated his Mount Vernon estate to be his final resting place, meaning neither he nor anyone else is actually buried in what’s still called the Capitol Crypt.