A lot of people went into retirement with pension funds and stock market investments that they thought would serve them toward the end. They've been in for some pretty rude awakenings.

A lot of people thought they were secure. Then, lo and behold, the pension plans go under, the market takes a downturn, and they're forced to look at their house as a more liquid asset.

We used to joke that more stories were written about reverse mortgages than loans originated.

It can cost over $15,000 to take out one of these loans.

The financial model is now secure. For many seniors, it's the only way they can tap equity in their homes.

It is no longer my moral duty as a human being to achieve an integrated and unitary set of explanations for my thoughts and feelings.