A Quarter of Middle-Aged Americans Worry They Can't Afford Health Care

FRIDAY, Feb. 7, 2020 -- A large fraction of Americans nearing retirement age are worried they can't afford health insurance now, much less when they quit working to enjoy the good life, a new survey shows.

One in every four people between 50 and 64 are not confident they'll be able to afford health insurance during the next year, and nearly half worry they won't be able to afford coverage once they retire, researchers report.

Shingles Vaccine Bonus: Reduced Risk of Stroke?

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 12, 2020 -- Seniors who get the shingles vaccine may gain stroke protection as well, a new study suggests.

Shingles is a viral infection tied to heightened risk of stroke. But overall stroke risk dropped 20% among patients under age 80 who got the shingles vaccine. In patients 80 and older, risk was cut by about 10%, said researchers led by Quanhe Yang, a senior scientist at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Life Expectancy in U.S. Increases for First Time in 4 Years

THURSDAY, Jan. 30, 2020 -- After four years of declines, life expectancy in the United States increased in 2018, health officials reported Thursday.

The jump in longevity comes as deaths from opioid overdoses dropped for the first time in 28 years, as did deaths from six of the 10 leading causes.

Love Museums, Theater? The Arts Might Extend Your Life

THURSDAY, Dec. 19, 2019 -- If you're a senior who loves to take in the latest art exhibit or check out a new musical, it might do more than stimulate your senses: New research suggests it could lengthen your life.

Scientists found that among over 6,700 older adults they tracked, patrons of the arts had a markedly better survival rate over the next 14 years.

To Avoid Falls, Check Your Balance

THURSDAY, Dec. 26, 2019 -- Bad balance is a common cause of dangerous falls, especially among older adults. Falls send more than 2 million adults to the emergency room every year and often result in lengthy rehab stays.

Preventing falls is a priority for staying healthy and preventing painful broken bones as you age. Easy strength and balance exercises that you can do anytime, anywhere, such as tai chi and yoga, can help you stay steady on your feet.

Seniors Still Wary of Online Reviews When Picking Doctors

MONDAY, Jan. 6, 2020 -- Most older Americans don't fully rely on or trust online ratings of doctors, a new study finds.

Among men and women between the ages of 50 and 80, only 43% have looked online to see how patients rated a doctor, researchers report.