An 86-year-old sailor and his faithful dog have been rescued after spending more than two months missing in the Pacific Ocean. The pair were aboard the sailboat *Willow Wind*, traveling from Astoria, Oregon, to American Samoa, when contact was lost on August 20.

On October 27, the Coast Guard received an emergency beacon signal that led rescuers to the disabled sailboat, approximately 460 miles off San Diego. Damaged sails and rough seas made the rescue difficult, but the crew of a passing commercial ship, the *Grand Orion*, eventually brought the sailor and his dog aboard.

A Coast Guard helicopter later transported them to safety in San Diego, where the sailor received medical attention. His condition was reported as weak but stable.

The remarkable rescue highlights the importance of emergency communication equipment and the enduring bond between people and their pets. After weeks of uncertainty, both sailor and dog survived to begin a new chapter on dry land.

   

Why the Midterms Matter for Seniors

Every few years, politicians tell us that this election is the most consequential of all. That might be, but one thing is for sure: The midterm elections Tuesday are particularly important for those in or nearing retirement.

Decisions on healthcare, Social Security, Medicare and other issues of importance to seniors will have to be addressed during the next few years. Social Security's trustees have warned that the trust fund supporting retirement benefits will run out of reserves in 2032 unless Congress acts. That means senators elected on Tuesday will be facing some hard choices if the program is to be protected for the future.

[READ MORE]

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Dating again? 
What older adults should know 
about sexual health and protection

Dating again later in life can be exciting, bringing new relationships, companionship, and intimacy. But for older adults, starting over romantically also means paying attention to sexual health and protection. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are not just a concern for younger people, and age does not eliminate the risks. Whether you are returning to dating after years alone, beginning a new relationship, or simply exploring intimacy, knowing how to protect yourself is an important part of staying healthy. Open conversations, regular testing, and using protection can help make dating after 60 safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable.

[READ MORE]

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DNA Testing 
Risks Seniors Should Know Before Spitting

A simple saliva test can reveal fascinating details about your ancestry, family connections, and even potential health risks. But before older adults send off a DNA sample, there are important questions to consider. Who owns your genetic information? How is it stored, and could it be shared with companies, researchers, or others? For seniors, DNA testing may offer valuable insights, but it also comes with privacy concerns, unexpected family discoveries, and possible implications for relatives. Before spitting into that little tube, it pays to understand what you are giving away—and what you might learn.

[READ MORE]

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Is frailty inevitable with age?

Getting older does not automatically mean becoming frail, weak, or dependent on others. While some changes in strength, balance, and endurance are a normal part of aging, frailty is not an inevitable outcome of reaching your senior years. Research suggests that lifestyle choices, physical activity, proper nutrition, and attention to overall health can make a real difference. For older adults, understanding the difference between normal aging and frailty is important—and may offer hope that staying stronger, more active, and independent is possible well into later life.

[READ MORE]

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Social Security Benefits 

for Divorced Spouses

Divorce may end a marriage, but it does not necessarily end your connection to your former spouse’s Social Security benefits. For many older adults, especially those who spent years out of the workforce or earned less than their spouse, divorced-spouse benefits can provide an important source of retirement income. The rules can be confusing, and eligibility depends on factors such as the length of the marriage, your age, and your own work record. Before assuming you must rely solely on your own benefits, it is worth understanding what Social Security may owe you—and how claiming the right benefit could make a difference in your retirement finances.

[READ MORE]

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If Your Computer Is Acting Sluggish, 

This Secret Menu Could Have the Answers

Is your computer taking forever to start up, open programs, or respond to your clicks? Before assuming it is time to buy a new machine, there may be a simple way to find out what is slowing it down. Windows has a built-in tool that many users never discover—a hidden menu that can reveal what is happening behind the scenes. From memory usage to programs hogging your computer’s resources, this little-known feature may help you identify the problem and get your computer running more smoothly again.

[READ MORE]

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American elections have produced some astonishing surprises. Candidates who seemed certain to win have gone down to defeat, while political outsiders have sometimes upset the establishment. Here are five unexpected election results that changed the course of American history.

- Harry Truman Defeats the Experts — 1948

Pollsters and political experts predicted Republican Thomas Dewey would defeat President Harry Truman. The Chicago Tribune even printed the famous headline “Dewey Defeats Truman.” But Truman won, delivering one of the greatest upsets in American political history.

- John F. Kennedy's Narrow Victory — 1960

Richard Nixon entered Election Day as a strong contender to succeed President Eisenhower. Instead, John F. Kennedy won by one of the smallest popular-vote margins of the 20th century. Kennedy became the youngest elected president and the first Roman Catholic to hold the office.

- Ross Perot Shakes Up the Election — 1992

Independent candidate Ross Perot stunned the political establishment by receiving nearly 19% of the popular vote. Although he won no Electoral College votes, his strong showing helped make the election a three-way contest. Bill Clinton defeated incumbent George H.W. Bush.

- George W. Bush Wins Despite Losing the Popular Vote — 2000

Al Gore received more votes nationwide than George W. Bush. But the outcome hinged on Florida, where Bush was ultimately declared the winner by just 537 votes. The Supreme Court's decision to stop the recount helped settle one of the most controversial elections in American history.

- Donald Trump Defeats Hillary Clinton — 2016

Despite widespread expectations that Hillary Clinton would win, Donald Trump captured the Electoral College and the presidency. Clinton received nearly 2.9 million more popular votes, but Trump's victories in key states gave him the electoral advantage. It was another reminder that the Electoral College can produce unexpected results. 

MONDAY
NOVEMBER 2, 2026

Federal court strikes down 
CMS medical frailty "impairment clause"

On October 29, a U.S. District Court struck down the "impairment clause" for Medicaid medical frailty exemptions that was included in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) final rule implementing the Medicaid community engagement and work requirements under H.R. 1. The ruling prevents an administrative burden for county eligibility officers and provides more clarity on eligibility status for chronically ill beneficiaries. Though the ruling exclusively targets the definition of medical frailty, the overall Medicaid work requirements scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, remain intact. 

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4 unusual ways daylight saving time 
ending can harm your health 
— and how to minimize the damage

Daylight saving time ending may give us an extra hour of sleep, but the change isn't necessarily good for our health. Turning the clocks back can disrupt our internal body clocks, interfere with sleep patterns, affect mood, and even increase certain health risks. Older adults may be particularly vulnerable to these changes. Here are four unexpected ways the end of daylight saving time can affect your health and, more importantly, some simple steps you can take to minimize the damage and make the transition easier.

[READ MORE]

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Despite OTC Hearing Aids, 
So Many Still Cannot Hear Well

Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids were introduced as a more affordable and accessible way for people with hearing loss to improve their ability to hear. But despite their growing availability, many people still struggle to hear clearly, even after purchasing and using these devices. For older adults, the problem can affect conversations, social activities, and overall quality of life. Why aren't these hearing aids working for everyone, and what can people with hearing loss do to get the help they need?

[READ MORE]

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Owners who spend more time close to their cats 
tend to have more positive moods

Spending time with a beloved cat may do more than provide companionship. New research suggests that cat owners who spend more time close to their feline friends tend to experience more positive moods. For older adults, who may face loneliness, isolation, or the challenges of living alone, that companionship can be especially meaningful. Whether it's petting a cat, having one curled up nearby, or simply enjoying its company, those everyday moments may offer a surprising emotional boost.

[READ MORE]

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Best Video Doorbell for Seniors in 2026: 
Secure Picks and Tips

A video doorbell can be a valuable addition to a senior's home, offering added security, convenience, and peace of mind. These devices let homeowners see who is at the door without having to get up, walk to the entrance, or open the door to an unexpected visitor. For older adults, especially those with mobility challenges or living alone, that extra protection can make a real difference. Here are some of the best video doorbells for seniors in 2026, along with important features to consider before making a purchase.

[READ MORE]

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Classic Meatloaf

This traditional meatloaf recipe made with sautéed vegetables, spices, and bread crumbs is moist and flavorful and topped with an old-fashioned glaze. Cook time will depend on the size and shape of your loaf, as well as the type of baking pan you use. Serve this hearty meal on cool fall or winter evenings with mashed potatoes and a simple mushroom gravy.

[READ MORE]

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THE MIDTERM ELECTIONS

THIS IS SCARY:

I THINK I UNDERSTAND MAGA'S

Tomorrow is Election Day. If you haven’t voted yet, please make the effort to do so on Tuesday. Voting is one of the few ways we citizens can directly influence what happens in our country. And for those of us who are older, the stakes may be especially high. The people we elect will make decisions that affect Social Security, Medicare, healthcare costs, prescription drug prices, retirement security, and the programs so many seniors depend on. The direction our nation takes over the next two years matters to all of us, but perhaps especially to older Americans.

I have already voted by absentee ballot, as I have every year since moving into the Asylum 13 years ago. And I’ll say this without worrying about being criticized or admonished: I voted straight down the Democratic Party line.

I'll also admit that I voted for some candidates I knew little or nothing about. Other than knowing they were Democrats, I had very little information about their backgrounds or positions. I assumed they would generally vote with other Democrats in Washington and Albany.

In that respect, I have more in common with dyed-in-the-wool MAGA voters than I'd like to admit. They often vote Republican without giving much thought to a candidate's record, outrageous claims, or questionable past. He's a Republican, and that's all that matters. I have to wonder whether I've fallen into the same trap.

Given the circumstances and what I want to see happen in government, I believe I made the right choices. But I'll admit something else: I'm not convinced that voting strictly along party lines is the best way to choose the people who will govern us.

Take the Michigan Senate race as an example. Progressive Democrat Dr. Abdul El-Sayed will face Republican former Representative Mike Rogers. If El-Sayed wins, Democrats will hold on to the seat currently occupied by retiring Democratic Senator Gary Peters. This is an important race to watch.

I'm not a registered voter in Michigan, but if I were, I would probably vote for El-Sayed. However, I wouldn't feel entirely comfortable about that choice.

El-Sayed supports the liberal Democratic principles I believe in, and I expect him to vote with his party on most issues. But his strong support for Palestine and his accusation that Israel has committed "genocide" make me uncomfortable. I agree with much of his politics, but I have serious reservations about his position on an issue that matters deeply to me. In that respect, I'm not so different from my MAGA friends.

Too often, we vote against a candidate rather than for one. We choose the person we believe is the lesser of two evils instead of the person whose positions we fully support.

It’s a hell of a way to elect a government, but it’s all we have.

For seniors, this is more than a political exercise. The decisions made by elected officials can affect our health, our financial security, our independence, and our quality of life. We cannot afford to sit on the sidelines and assume that someone else will protect our interests. Our votes are our voices, and we should use them while we still have the opportunity. ...bwc

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CLICK ON HEADLINE TO VIEW STORy

A PharmD Shares 4 Supplements 
That May Benefit Older Adults

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Are You Much Older Than Your Spouse? 
Your Social Security Decision Isn't About You

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Grab bars can help older adults avoid falls. 
Why won’t Medicare cover them?

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Vanguard warns of
Social Security traps costing retirees.

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“We always want the best man
to win an election.
Unfortunately, he never runs.”

Will Rogers

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FACTS ABOUT U.S. ELECTIONS

- Election Day Has a Fixed Tradition: 
Federal Election Day is held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years. This tradition dates back to a law passed by Congress in 1845.

- The President Is Not Elected Directly: 
Americans vote for presidential candidates, but the final decision is made through the Electoral College, which has 538 electors. A candidate needs at least 270 electoral votes to win.

- Women Didn't Always Have the Right to Vote: 
The 19th Amendment, ratified in 1920, prohibited denying the right to vote on account of sex, granting women nationwide constitutional voting protection.

- The Voting Age Was Once 21: 
Before 1971, most Americans had to be at least 21 to vote. The 26th Amendment lowered the voting age to 18.

- Voting Is Not Mandatory: 
Unlike some countries, the United States does not require citizens to vote. Americans can choose whether to participate in local, state and national elections.

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Next Daily edition 
TUESDAY, Nov. 3, 2026 
©2026 Bruce Cooper

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WEEKEND EDITION
Saturday and Sunday
 Nov. 7,8 2026

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