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.

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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

☻

Check out our 
WEEKEND EDITION
Saturday and Sunday
 Nov. 7,8 2026

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The beloved English actor, best known for his roles as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Professor Charles Xavier in the X-Men film franchise, died after a battle with Alzheimer’s and Lewy body dementia, his family announced. His six-decade career included two Olivier Awards (the awards for top London theatre), a Grammy (for his narration of Peter and the Wolf), and four Emmy nominations. “Like me, Jean-Luc has lived an unusual life that has taken him far beyond the bounds of normal human experience,” Stewart wrote in his 2023 memoir. “In the end, he feels the call of home, as do I.” 

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Barbara Barrie

Acclaimed actress Barbara Barrie passed away on October 28, 2026, at the age of 95 in her New York City home. Her death was a medically assisted suicide following a diagnosis of terminal cancer and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, in accordance with New York State law.

She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 1979 film 'Breaking Away'.

The actress earned a Tony nomination for her role as the original Sarah in the Broadway musical 'Company'.

<<<<>>>>

Elke Sommer

Elke Sommer, the glamorous German-born actress who became an international star during the 1960s and 1970s, died on October 28, 2026, at her home in Bel Air, Los Angeles. She was 85, just days before her 86th birthday. Her death was reported as heart failure.

Born Elke Schletz in Berlin on November 5, 1940, Sommer rose to fame with her beauty, charm and comedic talent. Her big Hollywood breakthrough came in the 1963 film *The Prize*, starring Paul Newman, for which she won a Golden Globe as Most Promising Newcomer.

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- The Original Distance:

A modern marathon is 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers) long. The distance became official at the 1908 London Olympics.

- An Ancient Inspiration: 

The marathon was inspired by a story from ancient Greece about a messenger who ran from Marathon to Athens to announce a military victory.

- The First Olympic Marathon: 

The first modern Olympic marathon took place in Athens, Greece, in 1896. Greek runner Spyridon Louis won the race.

- You Don't Have to Be Young:

People of all ages participate in marathons. Many runners in their 60s, 70s, and beyond continue to compete, demonstrating that endurance sports aren't just for the young.

- Millions Participate: 

Marathons and other distance-running events attract millions of participants worldwide. Some runners compete for speed, while others participate to support charities, improve their fitness, or achieve a personal goal.