
The government shutdown’s
Impact on Medicare Advantage:
As clear as mud?

CMS’s work to establish future MA policies and payment rates through rulemaking and notices also could be impeded.
Prices for imported medicines have surged under President Trump's trade policies, and some countries have stalled shipments to the U.S., leaving senior citizens and uninsured Americans without an affordable option for their needs.
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America’s Most Dangerous States
for Senior Drivers, Revealed

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IRS Updates 2026 Tax Deduction
for People Age 65 and Older

Adjustments to the extra standard deduction can impact the tax bills of millions of older adults. Here are some new amounts to know for 2026.
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Low-dose aspirin had an association with reduced cancer risk among older adults with clonal hematopoiesis. “Personalized decision-making is the way forward,”
If life is a game and you’ve solved all the puzzles, completed all the levels, and defeated all the bosses, what do you do next?
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The best cars for retirees combine reliability, comfort and affordability. They should be fun to drive without overkill on power, be modern without overwhelming computer menus and, of course, require minimal maintenance.
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The late 1960s felt heavy. College students like me faced the draft lottery. We could not just sit still. That random number might pull us into the Vietnam War. Fear drove us to action.Young people filled the streets. Tens of thousands marched from Berkeley to Boston. They chanted loudly. Many burned their draft cards right there. Sit-ins often shut down campus buildings. These events quickly turned tense and chaotic.Police often clashed with the crowds. Tear gas filled the air at rallies. The 1969 Moratorium saw two million people protest the war. Teenagers and twenty-somethings stood together. Professors, parents, and veterans joined them. Everyone shouted their anger at Washington D.C.↓
Enhanced shots protect & provide
better protection against
flu-related hospitalizations
in older adults
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Created in 1896, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is one of the world’s oldest and most widely recognized stock indexes—a measure tracking the stock performance of a selected group of companies.Originally designed to track America’s leading industrial firms, the Dow has evolved into a cultural and financial shorthand for the health of the US economy. As of 2025, it measures 30 major companies—like McDonald's, Boeing, and Nike—across sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, and consumer goods.

NEXT EDITION
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025
©2025 Bruce Cooper



In anticipation of the Medicare annual open enrollment period, which runs from October 15 to December 7, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released information about Medicare Advantage plans for the coming year.
The directory, which is meant to display doctors and hospitals that are in-network for a particular plan, often includes duplicative addresses and contradictory information such as providers showing up as both in-network and out-of-network, the publication reported.
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Women’s brains face a higher risk of Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis and researchers have discovered one gene could be to blame.
National Poll on Healthy Aging, which asked adults aged 50 to 80 about their plans. The results were clear: most want to stay home, not move into an institution.
Sundowning, or Sundown Syndrome, is a condition affecting older adults in which they may become agitated, aggressive or confused as natural sunlight starts to fade at the end of the day.
...researchers discovered that a daily dose of fermented soy could sharpen memory in older adults, especially women over 70, hinting at a simple, diet-based way to support brain health with age.
My building sign reads, "The Westchester Center.for Independent and Assisted living.” I moved here in 2013. I came straight from a nursing home. That move felt like a dream come true.
I had been trapped for almost two years. Three different nursing homes held me. Each place felt like a cage. I worked hard in physical therapy. My only goal was to build back strength in my legs. I pushed through exercises every single day. I fought for even small amounts of movement. That time taught me immense patience. Still, I deeply craved just one thing.
I must be honest: I truly needed those nursing homes. My body was broken. Surgery left me stuck in a wheelchair. I could not stand up without help. Walking seemed like a miracle. Staff assisted me with all basic tasks. They bathed me. They dressed me. They gave me meals I barely ate. They changed the sheets and helped me move. This prevented bed sores. I would have failed without their care. They helped me reach independence, or something close to it. They met their goal. But they also took what I valued most. They stole my freedom to act on my own.
No one chooses total dependence. We used to do simple things without a thought. I cooked my eggs just right, sunny-side up on toast. I showered alone in peace. Hot water washed away all my stress. Pulling on pants or tying shoes took seconds. Now imagine needing a stranger's hands for these steps. I stared at the wall. I fought hard not to cry. That loss of control destroys your spirit. This struggle is very common. Health reports show many people face this trap. Over a million Americans live in nursing homes yearly. Specialists agree that losing daily choices hurts. It causes deep pain, even while the body heals. I felt that harsh truth deep inside me.
Doctors finally said I was ready to leave. Joy flooded my whole body. I quickly packed my few items. I rolled right out the door. Freedom was waiting. I quickly learned that change is complex. My new center buzzed with other residents. Some used walkers. Others talked over coffee. I got my own space here. It is a small room with a private bathroom. Yet doubts quickly found me. Mornings felt quiet and lonely. I missed the constant sound of nurses. Simple choices, like getting dressed, felt huge at first. Could I actually shower by myself? These worries spun in my head. For weeks, I thought maybe I left too fast. Leaving that safe support system shook me up. But the need for independence held me. It pushed me to adapt slowly. And I truly did adapt.
The first few months were very hard. Two years of dependence made self-care scary. I did everything alone and unchecked. But I slowly found my confidence. I felt strong enough to change my aids. I graduated from the Rollator to a standard cane. I still use that cane today. It makes a huge difference not pushing a cart with four wheels. My disposition improved greatly. But now I worry that all that strength is fading.
This physical decline worries me deeply. I dread needing that Rollator again. That wheeled walker has brakes and a seat. Or maybe I will need a basic four-legged walker. Either tool marks a turning point. It signals my final loss of freedom. These aids take away simple choices. They push me toward full reliance on help. Many people my age face this decline. Studies show most people over seventy-five need mobility tools. Knowing that fact does not make the fear easier. It just shows me how priceless my solo moments truly are.
I cannot guess where this road ends. But one thing is certain: Old age offers no repair. The body’s power to heal lessens every year. It fades out until nothing can return. I know this for sure: dying scares me less than the journey there….bwc
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The safest method of transportation generally depends on various factors, including location, circumstances, and personal health. However, statistically, air travel is considered one of the safest modes of transportation per mile traveled. Other safe options include trains and buses, especially in regions with well-maintained infrastructure. Walking and cycling are safe in designated areas with proper infrastructure, but they carry higher risks in busy traffic zones. Always consider safety precautions and regional safety records when choosing a mode of transportation.

