By Sean Williams

- America's top retirement program is facing a funding-obligation shortfall of more than $22 trillion through 2097.

In an op-ed piece, former Fed Chair Janet Yellen suggested a dual approach to resolve Social Security's funding shortfall, which includes adjustments to spending.

- A bipartisan solution would greatly improve Social Security's long-term financial outlook.

Janet Yellen's approach to strengthen Social Security would directly clash with President Biden's proposal.

For most retired Americans, Social Security income is something they couldn't live without. Over two decades of annual surveys from national pollster Gallup have shown that 80% to 90% of then-current retirees rely on their monthly benefit, in some capacity, to cover their expenses. Furthermore, 76% to 88% of non-retirees expect to lean on their payout to offset at least some portion of their retirement costs.

Ensuring the health of America's top retirement program should be at or near the top of the list for lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Yet reports show that Social Security's financial health is worsening.

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By Nicole Griffin

What You Need To Know

Nearly one in four homeless adults are over the age of 55

Homelessness among seniors is estimated to triple by 2030

Nearly a third of senior households are considered cost burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing.

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, nearly one in four homeless adults is over the age of 55. 

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By Dennis Thompson

   

People born in or after 1965 are 17% more likely to be experiencing accelerated aging compared to seniors born between 1950 and 1954, researchers found.

That faster aging is associated with a higher risk of certain cancers among adults younger than 55, also known as early-onset cancers, results show.

"Multiple cancer types are becoming increasingly common among younger adults in the United States and globally," researcher Ruiyi Tian, a doctoral student at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, said in a news release. "Understanding the factors driving this increase will be key to improve the prevention or early detection of cancers in younger and future generations."

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Internet companies with senior discounts

Several companies and government programs offer senior discount internet deals for older adults. Internet service providers (ISPs) like Spectrum, Xfinity and Verizon have plans for qualifying low-income households that can help seniors reduce their internet bills. 

Here, we’ll break down the best providers and plans that offer affordable internet for senior citizens. 

The best internet for seniors....

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By Ishani Dhar Chowdhury

One underrated thing caregivers can come across is speech problems associated with age. A 2023 report suggests that 18.79% of seniors had voice disorders. 

With age, people lose their ability to communicate and speak effectively. While this is a normal aging process, it can be scary for caregivers to see their loved ones slowly deteriorate. Underlying medical conditions can also lead to speech and language problems. 

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BY PATRICK M. SIMASKO, J.D.

It’s been four years since COVID-19 reared its ugly head, yet we’re still dealing with the damage it left behind. Since its start in 2020, the pandemic has thrown our economy into a frenzy, forcing the federal government to try to prevent a recession while combating inflation. .......

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By Kathleen Steele Gaivin

Clif Porter, senior vice president of government relations at the American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living, told the McKnight’s Business Daily that the groups were pleased to see more funding being made available for the program.

“Every day, long-term and post-acute care providers across the country see the vitality of America’s seniors. We know, perhaps more acutely than other professions, the importance of developing a sense of community and belonging in the overall health of seniors,” he said.

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But this issue extends beyond Quebec’s borders; across Canada, these medications are being prescribed at alarming rates.

Benzodiazepines and other sedatives are often prescribed to older adults aged 65 and up for sleep or anxiety problems. However, long-term use poses serious risks for this age group, including memory problems, falls, and even an increased risk of death. When benzodiazepines are taken with other sedating medications, there is also an increased risk of overdose and over-sedation.

Despite these known risks, a 2022 report by the Canadian Institute of Health Information (CIHI) and Choosing Wisely Canada found that one in 12 Canadians over 65 are using these medications regularly.

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By Vawn Himmelsbach

But, as the survey points out, this could be contributing to a larger housing problem in the U.S.

Why older Americans are ‘aging in place’

According to Redfin, more than a quarter (27%) of baby boomers who aren’t planning to sell their home anytime soon said it’s because their home is completely or almost paid off, and roughly one in five (21%) said they are staying put because home prices are now too high.

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BY JULIA HUBBEL

Those in facilities are grotesquely overmedicated, often as a way to control behavior. This has led to some $177 billion in medical costs, much of which is pharma-related accidents, overdoses and interactions.

An article published in The Wall Street Journal claims that one in four women over 40 is on anti-depressants.

We get medicated for everything that ails us, much of which could be better dealt with using traditional medicine: better food choices, more exercise, having a purpose in life and finding happiness and gratitude in our everyday surroundings.

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BY JAZZ SHAW

Sexually transmitted disease rates have risen sharply in a certain age group – and which group it is may surprise you.

The CDC's latest statistics on STDs in the U.S. show that chlamydia, Hepatitis C, and syphilis were among the diseases that have been infecting Americans aged 55 and older at an alarming rate. The statistics, which are as recent as 2022, show how STD rates have skyrocketed since 2000.

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By Caroline Davies

In ancient Rome, the Stoic philosopher Seneca believed “my anger is likely to do me more harm than your wrong” and offered avoidance tips in his AD45 work De Ira (On Anger).

More modern methods include a workout on the gym punchbag or exercise bike. But the humble paper shredder may be a more effective – and accessible – way to decompress, according to research.

A study in Japan has found that writing down your reaction to a negative incident on a piece of paper and then shredding it, or scrunching it into a ball and throwing it in the bin, gets rid of anger.

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As the older generation, we often find ourselves overlooked in the media landscape. It seems like every commercial break is filled with ads featuring youthful faces, promoting products and experiences that are far from our interests. We're left feeling invisible, as if our needs and desires don't matter anymore.

But let's not forget, we are a significant demographic with unique preferences and purchasing power. We have a lifetime of wisdom and experience that should be acknowledged and respected. We may not be the ones attending the latest music festivals or wearing the trendiest clothes, but we still have a desire to be seen and catered to.

Fortunately, there are companies and marketers who recognize the value of the older generation. They understand that we have different priorities and interests, and they are starting to create content and products specifically tailored to us. From travel agencies offering senior-friendly vacation packages to fashion brands designing stylish yet comfortable clothing for mature bodies, there is a growing recognition that we deserve to be included in the media and marketing frenzy.

Moreover, as the population ages, the market potential for products and services targeting older individuals is expanding rapidly. The silver economy is booming, and businesses are beginning to realize the immense opportunities that lie in catering to our needs. From healthcare and financial services to leisure and entertainment, there is a vast untapped market waiting to be explored.

So, while it may sometimes feel like we're being left behind in the media and marketing world, there is hope on the horizon. We are slowly but surely gaining visibility and recognition. It's up to us, as the older generation, to demand representation and make our voices heard. By actively seeking out companies and brands that cater to our needs, we can show the industry that we are a force to be reckoned with.

Age should never be a barrier to receiving the recognition, appreciation, and sense of belonging that we all deserve. We may not be the ones setting the latest trends, but we still have a significant role to play in shaping the economy and society as a whole. ….

This intriguing finding suggests potential protective effects of cannabis on cognition, although the study’s authors emphasize the need for longitudinal research to understand the long-term impacts. Despite its limitations, the study contributes to the evolving conversation around cannabis use and cognitive health, highlighting the importance of differentiating between medical and recreational use in research.

Key Facts:

- Recreational cannabis use was associated with a significantly lower risk of subjective cognitive decline in adults over 45.

- The study is unique in its examination of cannabis use’s type, frequency, and method, focusing on an older population.

- There was no significant difference in the odds of SCD related to cannabis consumption frequency and method, suggesting the potential role of THC content in protective effects against cognitive decline.

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BY KORIN MILLER

Several factors can cause a person to have classic signs of dementia, including a deficiency in vitamin B12. “Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause cognitive impairment, including impairments in thinking,” says Dr. Scott Kaiser, a geriatrician and director of Geriatric Cognitive Health for the Pacific Neuroscience Institute in Santa Monica, CA. “That can definitely mimic signs of dementia.”

Couple that with the fact that older adults are more likely to have trouble fully absorbing vitamin B12, putting them at risk for a deficiency, and doctors say that vitamin B12 deficiency should at least be on the radar of people with older loved ones. Unlike dementia, this is a health issue that can be reversed. 

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By Brian Galindo

However, with some people, as they get older, it goes beyond quirks and stubbornness and to them becoming downright bitter and meaner. Recently, I stumbled upon a thread from a couple of months ago where user StyrkeSkalVandre was interested in just that when they asked millennials: "Has anyone else noticed their parents becoming really nasty people as they age?"

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BY ZACHARY MACK

"In some cases, supplements can cause problems in older adults because they interact with common prescription medications," says Leann Poston, MD, a licensed physician and health advisor for Invigor Medical. "Talk with your doctor before taking supplements to ensure they are safe for you."

Wondering what you should drop from your daily nutrition regimen as a senior? We've asked the experts to weigh in on the most important changes you should consider right now. Read on for the worst supplements to take if you're over 60, according to doctors.

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Englishman John Alfred Tinniswood, 111, was confirmed as the new holder of the title by Guinness World Records.

That followed the death of the Venezuelan record-holder, Juan Vicente Pérez, this month at the age of 114. Gisaburo Sonobe from Japan, who was next longest-lived, died March 31 at 112.

Tinniswood was presented with a certificate by Guinness World Records on Thursday at the care home where he lives in Southport, northwest England.

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By Adam Meyer

Belly fat, or visceral fat, can be particularly stubborn and harmful to your health. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, excess abdominal fat has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. The risk increases with a waist circumference exceeding 35 inches for women or 40 inches for men. The good news is that by incorporating the following exercises into your workout routine, you can slim down your waistline and boost overall health and fitness.

However, MacPherson reminds us that you can't spot target fat loss from one specific area of your body. She says, "While no exercise can target belly fat specifically, there are some that will help burn calories or help strengthen and tighten the abdominal muscles for a more slim appearance."

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BY TED GODBOUT

That's higher than the inflation trends indicated last month based on February’s CPI-W data. Based on this trend, The Senior Citizens League (TSCL) has adjusted its COLA forecast to 2.6% in 2025, up from 2.4% in February and 1.75% in January. Still, that’s a far cry from the 8.7% COLA increase seen in 2023.

TSCL notes that its estimates may change monthly, relying on the latest CPI data. The final COLA for 2025 may differ from these estimates because it's computed based on the average inflation rate during the third quarter (July, August, and September) determined by the percentage of change in the CPI-W and then compared to the same period a year prior. Six months' worth of data still needs to be collected, leaving plenty of room for change, the organization observes.  

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By Andrew Stanton

Hovde is challenging Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin in Wisconsin, a crucial swing state that could determine which party controls the Senate and whether President Joe Biden or former President Donald Trump wins the 2024 presidential race. While Baldwin has easily won reelection in the past, Republicans see the close presidential race as an opportunity to flip the Senate seat, largely rallying around Hovde ahead of the August 13 primary.

Hovde, who is endorsed by Trump, is facing criticism over recent remarks made about nursing home residents voting in the 2020 presidential election during an April 5 interview on the Guy Benson Show.

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Pneumococcus is the main bacterial pathogen involved in ear and sinus infection, but is also a major cause of more severe diseases such as pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis. Pneumococcal infections mainly affect children under two and the elderly, and claim almost two million lives worldwide every year.

The US CDC estimates that pneumococci cause more than half of all cases of bacterial meningitis in the U.S. with around 2,000 cases of pneumococcal meningitis occurring each year. Over 150,000 hospitalizations from pneumococcal pneumonia occur every year in the U.S., and pneumococci is also the most common bacterial cause of childhood pneumonia, especially in children under 5 years. In adults, pneumococci account for 10% to 30% of adult community-acquired pneumonia.

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By Meredith White

It’s that time of year! Spring has sprung and so have allergies for some of us. There is still time to get ready for allergy season to help reduce the symptoms. Preparation for allergy season can make a difference for yourself and loved ones.

While you can get allergies at any age, seniors are particularly apt to develop them or continue to have them if they have any chronic ailments.

Seniors with allergies tend to really feel the impact of symptoms and this can impact their quality of living.

Here are 3 ideas ...

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By Rabia Mazhar

The Retirement Journey: Trends and Tribulations

According to the United States Census Bureau, more than one in five Americans will be over the age of 65 by 2030. With over 20% of a country’s population in the senior citizen category, the obvious question arises - what does retirement in America look like? For many, retirement is a time of financial difficulty. The National Council on Aging estimates that over 17 million American senior citizens are economically insecure - that’s about 1 in 3 older adults. For these 17 million older adults, incomes fall below 200% of the federal poverty level. The National Council on Aging also sheds demographic light on who comprises the 17 million. Here, it comes as no surprise that older women have a greater chance of living in poverty as they are behind on income due to wage discrimination and time spent on unpaid childcare and domestic labor. 

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BY SALLY FOX

When anger threatens to overwhelm your day, here’s a way you can shift your mood and carry on, without telling yourself that you, “shouldn’t feel angry.”

Growing up in the 50s, I heard the subtle – and sometimes not-so-subtle – message: “Nice girls shouldn’t be angry.” I learned to swallow my anger and allow it to rest, like bile, inside of me.

Anger and outrage aren’t bad – in fact, at times, they’re appropriate. Violence against women and girls should make us angry. But let’s use our anger to act, not stockpile it in our guts.

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