On average, Americans 65 and older spent about $5,100 per month—or more than $61,000 per year, according to the most recent federal data. Housing was retirees’ biggest expense, followed by transportation, food, and healthcare.

To develop your own spending plan for retirement, see how your purchasing habits stack up.

Current projections are calling for a 2027 Social Security COLA in the 3.4% to 3.6% range. But retirees shouldn't necessarily expect that raise to help them maintain their buying power.

By Paula Span

“Medications are like barnacles,” They’re easy to start, but they can be hard to stop.”

The scenario often unfolds like this: Medical researchers investigate a frequently used drug and report that it’s not as effective for older patients as previously thought, or that in older adults, its risks outweigh its benefits. More studies follow, confirming those findings.

Bright light therapy lamps can improve sleep, activity levels and circadian rhythms of older adults in urban areas who have diminished exposure to natural light, a new study from the University of Surrey reports. Scientists believe such methods could provide a non-pharmacological and low-cost way to support healthy aging in urban areas. 

By Sydney Butler

Early smartphones were very fragile, but times have changed, and getting a case for your flagship phone is now truly optional.

I have been caseless for many years—apart from a brief dalliance with leather. I'd love to still be using leather cases for the reasons I listed in that 2023 article, but suddenly real leather doesn't seem to be on the menu anymore.

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Camels evolved their remarkable salt tolerance not to drink from the ocean, but to survive the arid conditions of the desert. In environments where fresh water is scarce, camels frequently rely on brackish oases and saltbushes. Their kidneys feature exceptionally long loops of Henle, the anatomical structures responsible for concentrating urine and recovering water. This allows a camel to safely consume water that is even saltier than seawater when desperate.

Aging in America is often marketed as a golden era of rest, relaxation, and well-earned freedom. But for many older adults, the reality is far less comforting. The dream of retiring at 65 and living comfortably into your 80s is increasingly out of reach, replaced by rising costs, mounting debt, and an unforgiving healthcare system.

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University of Missouri researchers have identified a simple, effective way to improve quality of life. A new study found that maintaining a consistent daily routine can reduce physical pain and ease symptoms of depression, demonstrating how everyday habits can have a meaningful impact on well-being, particularly for older adults with insomnia.

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Last year, the Trump administration resumed garnishing benefits for delinquent student loans and increased the amount withheld from checks to recover past overpayments from 10% to 50%. Who else can take a part of a retiree's Social Security benefits? The answer is complex, as it depends on the nature of the debt and the specific circumstances involved.

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Wondering if snoring is more than just a nuisance? Daybreak's FDA-cleared At-Home Sleep Test helps screen for sleep apnea from the comfort of home. In reality, persistent snoring can be a warning sign of sleep apnea, a condition that may impact sleep quality, energy levels, and overall well-being.

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AI gave me the most amazing baked cabbage recipe. It even suggested several variations based on my seasoning preferences: Mexican, Mediterranean, Italian, Middle Eastern. I chose Middle Eastern seasonings. It was quick, easy, and genuinely delicious. Since then, I’ve used AI for all sorts of things I never expected. Planning trips. Fixing things around the house. And yes, protecting myself and the people I love from something that worries all of us: scams.

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Until a few years ago, China was the world’s most populous country. But as early as 2019, the U.N. predicted that India would assume the top spot by 2027. At the time, India was home to 1.37 billion people and China had a population of 1.43 billion. China’s birth rate has been declining in recent years, however, and India officially surpassed China in terms of population in 2023, earlier than expected. Current data puts the population of India at around 1.43 billion, ahead of China’s 1.41 billion.