Following the highest turnout in the country in decades, it wasn’t immediately clear which party would win a majority in the next parliament: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right Likud, or the more centrist Yashar, led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot. Both parties claimed the advantage last night, with Eisenkot saying, “The public opted for change,” after early results suggested a rebuke to Neanyahu, and Netanyahu later asserting, “We must form a strong right-wing government.” Early this morning, neither party appeared on track to win the 61 parliament seats needed to govern. That means weeks of negotiations, coalition forming—potentially with one of two Arab-led parties or even with each other—and possibly even another election round likely lie ahead.

Older people get real about 

what it’s like to move into

a retirement community

Moving into a retirement community is a major life change, bringing a mix of relief, uncertainty, and sometimes a sense of loss. For older adults, it can mean giving up a familiar home, treasured possessions, and a measure of independence in exchange for convenience, security, and opportunities to socialize. But what is life really like once you make the move? Older people who have experienced it firsthand are opening up about the surprises, challenges, and unexpected benefits of starting a new chapter in a retirement community.

Age estimated by changes to DNA
can help predict health outcomes,
mortality in older adults

Your birth certificate tells you how old you are, but your DNA may reveal something more important: how quickly your body is aging. Scientists are studying changes in DNA to estimate biological age, which may help predict health problems, age-related diseases, and even how long a person is likely to live. For older adults, this research could offer new ways to understand their health risks and identify problems earlier. But how accurate are these tests, and what can they really tell us about our future?

Older adults who can 

really smell the roses

may face lower likelihood 

of dementia

The ability to stop and smell the roses may be more important than we realize, especially as we grow older. Research suggests that a declining sense of smell in older adults may be linked to a higher risk of dementia, making this often-overlooked sense a potential clue to brain health. While losing your sense of smell doesn't necessarily mean dementia is ahead, paying attention to changes could help identify problems earlier. Could something as simple as your nose offer an early warning about the health of your brain?

Why You Feel Stiffer After 60,

and Why It’s Not Just Age

Getting out of bed, bending down to pick something up, or standing after sitting for a while can become more difficult after 60. Many older adults assume stiffness is simply an unavoidable part of aging, but there may be more to it than the passing years. Reduced physical activity, changes in muscles and joints, inflammation, and certain medical conditions can all play a role. The good news is that you don't have to accept every ache and stiff joint as a fact of life. Understanding what's causing the problem may help you move more comfortably and maintain your independence as you age.

Refurbished Tech: 
A Smart Way for Seniors to Save

10 Best Herbs to Grow 
on a Balcony

Reducing poverty among 
older adults A policy brief

America’s Infrastructure 

To Support Older Adults Is In Limbo

- Witches Weren't Always Seen as Evil

In many ancient cultures, people believed witches possessed special knowledge of herbs, healing, and nature. Some were respected as healers and spiritual advisers.

- The Salem Witch Trials Didn't Happen in Salem, Massachusetts, Alone

The infamous Salem witch trials of 1692 began in Salem Village, now Danvers, Massachusetts. More than 200 people were accused of witchcraft, and 20 were executed.

- Witches Were Once Believed to Fly on Broomsticks

The familiar image of a witch flying on a broomstick dates back centuries. Historians have linked the association to European folklore and old beliefs about magical rituals.

- Black Cats Became Associated With Witches

During parts of medieval Europe, black cats were sometimes linked to witchcraft and the supernatural. Today, they remain popular symbols of Halloween, although many people consider them beloved pets and good luck charms.

- Not All Witches Look Like the Ones in Halloween Costumes

The traditional image of a witch with a pointed hat, hooked nose, and broomstick developed through folklore, literature, and popular culture. Modern Wiccans and other people who identify as witches may practice nature-based spirituality and do not necessarily resemble these familiar Halloween characters.

🎃 Halloween trivia: The witch remains one of the most recognizable symbols of Halloween, alongside ghosts, black cats, and jack-o'-lanterns.

Next Daily edition 
THURSDAY, Oct. 29, 2026 
©2026 Bruce Cooper

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Check out our 
WEEKEND EDITION
Saturday and Sunday
Oct. 31- Nov. 1, 2026

The Justice Department has gone to federal court in Alaska to block certification of the 2026 U.S. Senate race if results include a second candidate named Daniel Sullivan, a move aimed at stopping voter confusion on the state’s ranked-choice ballot.

Federal lawyers filed the case on October 22, asking a court to stop Alaska from locking in any Senate outcome they say would be tainted by that inclusion. The suit names the state, Elections Division Director Carol Beecher, the state’s election boards, and the Ballot Counting Review Board as defendants.

How Intimacy and Sexuality 

Can Support Healthy Aging After 60

Getting older doesn't mean giving up intimacy, romance, or sexual pleasure. For adults over 60, maintaining physical and emotional closeness can strengthen relationships, reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and contribute to a greater sense of well-being. Whether through sexual activity, affectionate touch, or simply feeling connected to someone you love, intimacy remains an important part of healthy aging. Here's why keeping that connection alive can make a difference in your later years.

[READ MORE]

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Medical debt is rising for older adults 

— how to push back before you pay

Medical bills can be overwhelming, especially for older adults living on a fixed income. Even with Medicare coverage, unexpected expenses, denied claims, and billing errors can leave seniors facing debts they struggle to pay. But before reaching for your checkbook or credit card, take a closer look. You may be able to challenge incorrect charges, negotiate a lower bill, or qualify for financial assistance. Knowing your rights and your options could save you money and help protect your financial security in retirement.

[READ MORE]

_______________________

Alzheimer’s disease 

and newer treatment options

An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can be frightening for patients and their families, but advances in research are offering new reasons for hope. Newer treatments may help slow the progression of the disease in some people, particularly when it is detected in its early stages. While these therapies are not a cure and are not right for everyone, they represent an important step forward in treating a condition that affects millions of older adults. Understanding the available options, their potential benefits, and their risks can help patients and families make more informed decisions about care.

[READ MORE]

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Holiday airfare is soaring in 2026. 

These travel dates 

could save you hundreds

Planning to visit family or take a holiday getaway this year? Be prepared to pay more for airfare. With holiday travel costs climbing in 2026, the dates you choose to fly could make a big difference in what you spend. For older adults living on a fixed income, saving hundreds of dollars on airline tickets can leave more money for gifts, meals, and other holiday expenses. The secret may be flexibility: shifting your departure or return by just a day or two could help you find a much better fare.

[READ MORE]

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Pets can help older adults’ 

health and well being,

 but may strain budgets too

For many older adults, a pet is more than a companion. Dogs and cats can ease loneliness, provide a sense of purpose, encourage physical activity, and bring joy to everyday life. But pet ownership also comes with costs that can be difficult to manage on a fixed retirement income. Food, routine veterinary visits, medications, and unexpected medical bills can quickly add up. For seniors considering a pet or already sharing their home with one, balancing the emotional and health benefits with the financial responsibilities is an important part of planning for a happy life together.

Can Psychedelics 
Reboot Aging Brains? 
We’re About to Find Out

Why Older Adults 
Are Vulnerable to Abuse
– And Why It Often Goes Undetected

What Are the “Warning Signs” 
of Elder Abuse?

Cardiac Stress Tests 
Can Cost Seniors

 More Than They Gain

- Pumpkins Are Fruits, Not Vegetables 

Although we treat pumpkins as vegetables, they are actually fruits because they develop from a flower and contain seeds. They belong to the same family as cucumbers, melons, and squash.

_ Pumpkins Are Mostly Water

A pumpkin is about 90% water! Despite that, it contains valuable nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

- Pumpkins Have Been Around for Thousands of Years 

Pumpkins originated in the Americas and have been grown for thousands of years. Indigenous peoples used them as an important food source long before European settlers arrived.

- The World's Heaviest Pumpkins Can Weigh More Than a Small Car 

Giant pumpkins can weigh well over 2,000 pounds! Growers carefully select seeds and use special growing techniques to produce these enormous fruits.

- You Can Eat Almost Every Part of a Pumpkin  

Pumpkin flesh can be used in soups, pies, breads, and other dishes. The seeds can be roasted for a crunchy snack, and even the flowers are edible. Pumpkin seeds also provide protein, magnesium, and healthy fats.

Bonus Fall Fact: 

The tradition of carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns originated in Ireland, where people originally carved turnips and other root vegetables. When Irish immigrants arrived in America, they discovered that pumpkins made excellent lanterns! 🎃