Debra Blackmon (left) was sterilized by court order in 1972, at age 14. With help from her niece, Latoya Adams (right), she's fighting to be included in the state's compensation program. Eric Mennel/WUNC hide caption

James Lee often has to pick up his 100-pound son, Justin. Photographer Andrew Nixon shot this photo in an effort to show how being caregivers affects the aging parents. Andrew Nixon/Capital Public Radio hide caption

Jason DaSilva was on a family vacation in 2006 when he fell and couldn't get up. His multiple sclerosis symptoms have progressed to the point that he can't walk. Factory Release hide caption

Walking: so simple, yet difficult for many people as they age. Justin Horrocks/iStockphoto hide caption

A third of adults who have had a stroke before age 50 have a hard time caring for themselves or living independently. iStockphoto hide caption

Sure, it's relaxing. But all those hours on the sofa may make it hard to actually stand up on your own. iStockphoto hide caption