Rock and roll was once the music of rebellious teenagers, but times have changed. Today, many of the original rock and roll fans are senior citizens, and they're still turning up the volume. From Elvis and the Beatles to the Rolling Stones, the music that defined a generation is now the soundtrack of retirement. Who says you have to grow old and give up rock and roll?

You don't need a fortune to make your home feel luxurious. Sometimes, it's the little things that make the biggest difference. From soft bedding and cozy lighting to fresh flowers and a favorite chair, small touches can make everyday living more comfortable, enjoyable, and a little more special. Here are some simple ways to bring a touch of luxury into your home without spending a lot of money.

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7 Things 

Getting More Expensive

 in 2026

Prices keep climbing, and for many older Americans living on a fixed income, every extra dollar counts. From everyday groceries to housing and healthcare, some of the things we depend on are becoming more expensive in 2026. Here are seven costs that are putting more pressure on household budgets this year—and what you need to know.

As we get older, our hands begin to show signs of aging, just like our faces. You may notice more wrinkles, prominent veins, stiff fingers, or a weaker grip. Everyday tasks such as opening jars, turning doorknobs, or buttoning a shirt may also become more difficult. These changes are a normal part of aging, but understanding what's happening can help you protect your hands and maintain your independence.

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 Paint Like Picasso

Watch an artist explain how to paint in Pablo Picasso's cubist style, which flattens images and turns complex figures into geometric shapes.

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Have you ever wondered how much money exists in the entire world? The answer is surprisingly complicated. It depends on what we count as money: physical cash, money in bank accounts, or the value of investments, property, and other assets.

Here are some fascinating figures:

1. Physical cash

There are roughly $8 trillion to $10 trillion in physical currency (banknotes and coins) circulating worldwide, depending on how currencies are counted.

2. Money in bank accounts

When bank deposits and other readily accessible money are included, estimates of the world's broad money supply reach approximately $100 trillion to $130 trillion.

3. The world's wealth

If we include stocks, bonds, real estate, and other financial and nonfinancial assets, global wealth is worth hundreds of trillions of dollars, with some estimates exceeding $450 trillion.

The bottom line

There isn't one official figure for all the money in the world. A reasonable estimate for the broad money supply is around $100 trillion or more, while the total value of global assets is several times that amount.

And here's the interesting part: most of the world's money isn't sitting in bank vaults or printed on paper. It exists as digital records in bank accounts and financial systems.

In other words, the world's money is largely numbers on computer screens.

Here's something you might find surprising: The average human body temperature has been steadily declining over the past 150 years. Once considered a normal 98.6°F, our average temperature today appears to be lower. Scientists have been studying this change and what it might tell us about how our bodies, lifestyles, and overall health have changed over time. Why are we getting cooler, and what does it mean for our health as we age?

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As we get older, looking and feeling our best becomes important to many of us. Med spas offer a growing range of treatments promising to reduce wrinkles, tighten skin, and restore a more youthful appearance. But before older adults book an appointment, there are some important things to consider, including safety, potential side effects, and whether these treatments are worth the cost.

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As the number of older Americans continues to grow, so does the need for better, more personalized healthcare. A new framework for improving care of older adults focuses on understanding the unique needs of seniors, from managing chronic conditions to maintaining independence and quality of life. Here's what this approach could mean for older adults and their families.

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Your Social Security number is one of the most valuable pieces of personal information you have. If it falls into the wrong hands, criminals can use it to steal your identity, open fraudulent accounts, or even claim benefits in your name. For older adults, protecting this important number is essential. Here are some simple, practical steps you can take to keep your Social Security number safe and out of the hands of scammers

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As America’s homeless population grows older, cities are facing a new and increasingly urgent challenge. More seniors are finding themselves without stable housing, often struggling with health problems, limited incomes, and the rising cost of living. For older adults, homelessness can be especially difficult, and cities must find new ways to provide housing, healthcare, and support for this growing population.

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What Americans Don't Know 

About the Israel-Gaza Conflict

An Informative Essay

By  Binyamin Ben Shmuel

The Israel-Gaza conflict is one of the most complicated and emotionally charged issues in the world today. For Americans, much of what we know comes from television news, social media, and political commentary. But behind the daily headlines lies a history, a human tragedy, and a set of circumstances that are often overlooked.

Understanding the conflict requires looking beyond the latest fighting and recognizing the experiences, fears, and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.

The History Is Longer Than Most Headlines

The conflict did not begin on October 7, 2023. Israelis and Palestinians have been fighting over land, security, national identity, and the right to establish independent states for generations. The creation of Israel in 1948 brought independence for Jews but also the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. Palestinians refer to this event as the Nakba, or catastrophe.

Gaza's situation also has a history. Israel withdrew its settlements and permanent military presence from Gaza in 2005. Hamas took control in 2007, and Israel imposed a blockade, citing security concerns and attacks by Palestinian armed groups. The blockade, along with restrictions imposed by Egypt, severely affected Gaza's economy and daily life.

Two Peoples, Two Different Fears

On October 7, 2023, Hamas-led militants killed approximately 1,200 people in Israel and took about 250 hostages. Israelis have legitimate concerns about terrorism, security, and the safe return of hostages.

But Palestinians have their own history of displacement, occupation, restricted movement, and the struggle for self-determination. Recognizing Palestinian suffering does not mean supporting Hamas. Likewise, recognizing Israeli suffering does not mean endorsing every action of the Israeli government.

The Human Cost Goes Beyond the Numbers

By April 2026, a joint assessment by the United Nations, European Union, and World Bank reported more than 71,000 Palestinian deaths and over 171,000 injuries in Gaza since the war began. Millions of people have experienced displacement, and homes, hospitals, schools, and essential infrastructure have been devastated.

Question of Palestine

The consequences extend far beyond immediate casualties. Children have lost years of education, families have been separated, and many survivors face lasting physical and psychological injuries.

What Would Peace Actually Require?

A lasting solution cannot be achieved through military force alone. It would require addressing Israeli security, Palestinian self-determination, the future of Gaza, the status of Jerusalem, and the rights of displaced Palestinians.

Americans should understand that this is not simply a contest between two political sides. It is a conflict involving millions of ordinary people who want safety, dignity, and a future for their children.

The challenge is not deciding whose suffering matters more. It is recognizing that both peoples have legitimate human needs and that any lasting peace must take those needs seriously.  ples have legitimate human needs and that any lasting peace must take those needs seriously.... בנימין בן שמואל (Binyamin Ben Shmuel)

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 Some people genuinely feel better when it rains. While rainy weather can make others feel gloomy or tired, it can have a calming, uplifting effect on certain people. And there are some interesting reasons why.

- Rain can reduce stress. The steady sound of rainfall can be soothing. Much like gentle music, it may help quiet the mind, reduce tension, and make it easier to relax.

- The smell of rain can improve your mood. That fresh, earthy smell after rainfall is called petrichor. It comes partly from compounds released by soil and plants. Many people find the scent pleasant and associate it with comfort, nature, and happy memories.

- Rain gives people permission to slow down. On a rainy day, there's often less pressure to go out, run errands, or stay busy. For some people, that means an opportunity to enjoy a book, watch television, take a nap, or simply relax.

- Rain can bring back pleasant memories. The sound of rain against a window or roof may remind people of childhood, home, family, or peaceful afternoons. Those positive associations can influence how they feel.

- . Some people enjoy the cooler temperatures. After several hot, humid days, a rainy day can bring welcome relief. Cooler air and reduced sunlight may feel especially comfortable to people who dislike heat.