Democrats will flip control of both the House and Senate in the 2026 midterm elections in a resounding and historic victory, CNN’s Decision Desk projects.

Democrats capitalized on President Donald Trump’s historic unpopularity to win a major victory and significant power to check a previously untethered Trump and his administration over the final two years of his presidency.

To win the majorities, Democrats swept through even starkly red territory and won races that haven’t gone Democratic in decades. That included winning a Senate seat in South Carolina, which Trump won by 18 points in 2024, and another in Texas, which hadn’t voted for a statewide Democrat since 1994 and even breaking through in Kansas, which hasn’t elected a Democratic senator since 1932.

Millions Of Americans Have Prediabetes; 

What Older Adults Need To Know

Prediabetes is a growing health concern for millions of Americans, particularly older adults. The condition often develops without noticeable symptoms, yet it can significantly increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other serious health problems. The good news is that prediabetes does not have to become diabetes. Understanding the warning signs, knowing your risk factors, and making changes to diet and physical activity can make a meaningful difference. For seniors, knowing what to look for and when to talk with a doctor could be an important step toward protecting their health and maintaining their quality of life.

The Dos and Don’ts of 

Medication Management for Older Adults

As we get older, managing medications can become more complicated. Many seniors take several prescription drugs along with over-the-counter medications and supplements, increasing the risk of side effects, dangerous interactions, and missed doses. Taking medications correctly is essential to maintaining good health, but it is not always easy to keep track of what to take, when to take it, and why. Knowing the dos and don’ts of medication management can help older adults avoid common mistakes, stay safer, and get the most benefit from the medicines they rely on.

What to look for in a clinical trial 

and why older adults should be included

Clinical trials play an essential role in developing new treatments and improving medical care, but older adults have often been underrepresented in research. That can leave seniors with unanswered questions about how new medications and therapies will affect them. For older adults considering participation in a clinical trial, understanding its purpose, potential benefits, risks, and requirements is critical. Equally important is recognizing why including seniors in medical research matters. As our population ages, clinical trials must reflect the people who will ultimately depend on the treatments being developed.

New Blood Pressure Rule: 

What Seniors Should Know

Blood pressure guidelines can change, and for older adults, knowing what those changes mean is important. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems, but treating it too aggressively can also create concerns, including dizziness and falls. A new blood pressure rule may have seniors wondering whether their current numbers are healthy and if their treatment needs to change. Understanding the latest recommendations—and discussing them with your doctor—can help older adults make informed decisions about protecting their health.

5 Foods a Heart-Health Dietitian 

Eats Every Single Week

Eating well is one of the most important ways older adults can protect their heart and maintain good health as they age. But a heart-healthy diet doesn't have to mean giving up foods you enjoy or following complicated meal plans. Sometimes, the best advice comes from the people who understand nutrition best. A dietitian's weekly food choices can offer practical ideas for adding more nutritious, heart-friendly options to our everyday meals. Here are five foods a heart-health dietitian makes a point of eating every week—and why they may deserve a place on your table, too.

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- One in four seniors falls each year. 

More than 14 million Americans age 65 and older report falling annually. Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults. 

- Nearly half of seniors have arthritis. 

In 2024, 47.8% of American adults age 65 and older reported diagnosed arthritis. 

- Seniors are living longer. 

At age 65, Americans have an average remaining life expectancy of 19.7 years—18.4 years for men and 20.8 years for women. 

- Physical activity can help seniors stay healthier.

 Adults 65 and older are advised to get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, along with muscle-strengthening and balance exercises.&#x2

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.