Preparing for Longevity in Retirement

Here is something worth celebrating: humans are living longer. That means you may have more years in retirement than any previous generation.

Preparing for those years ahead is one of the best investments you can make in yourself. And it puts you in good company: according to the 2026 Retirement Confidence Survey published by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) and Greenwald Research, 61 percent of workers feel confident they will have enough to live comfortably throughout retirement. With the right strategy, your confidence can grow alongside your savings.1

A longer retirement opens the door to more of what matters to you, whether that is pursuing passions, spending time with family, or simply savoring the everyday adventures that come with a life well lived. Getting ahead of costs like health care is part of building a plan that goes the distance. The EBRI survey highlights this as a real concern for workers and retirees alike, making it a great reason to start preparing with purpose.1

While Social Security and Medicare are important pieces of the puzzle, your opportunity is to build a retirement income strategy that does not rely on any single piece. Diversifying your income streams puts you in a position of strength, no matter how the landscape shifts.1

The best part? Some smart moves now can set you up for decades of confidence.

• Think long term. Strategize for a retirement that stretches 25 to 30 years or more, and all the possibilities that come with it.
• Get ahead of health care costs. Exploring best- and worst-case scenarios now means fewer surprises later.
• Explore your income options. Always a smart move.

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Staying Fit in Retirement: Creative Ways to Stay Active

Staying active now is one of the smartest investments you can make for your future. The good news? Getting fit does not have to mean grinding it out at the gym. Here are three creative, enjoyable ways to keep your body moving and your spirits high.

Water Aerobics. Ready to take your workout to the next level? Water aerobics is not just for those dealing with aches and pains; it is a challenging, full-body workout that athletes and fitness enthusiasts have embraced for years. The water's natural resistance forces muscles to work harder with every movement, building real strength and endurance without the wear and tear of high-impact exercise. An aquatic exercise program can help you experience greater improvements in muscle mass and functional fitness. Classes are widely available at community centers and YMCAs. If you’re looking to push yourself, programs like U.S. Masters Swimming offer a competitive community of nearly 65,000 adults training for fun and performance.2

Pickleball. This wildly popular blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong played on a smaller court has taken the world by storm. It is easy to learn and delivers real cardiovascular benefits. Adults who played pickleball for 1 hour, 3 days a week, for just 6 weeks showed meaningful improvements in blood pressure, cholesterol, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Beyond the physical perks, the pickleball social scene is second to none. Courts are welcoming, friendships form fast, and the competitive element keeps things exciting.3

Chair Yoga. Yoga sitting down? Sounds too easy, right? Think again! Chair yoga is a deceptively powerful practice that can help you build strength, flexibility, balance and coordination, which translate directly into every other physical activity you love. Studies confirm that chair yoga helps develop and maintain muscle strength, improving both upper- and lower-body function, making it a smart complement to higher-intensity workouts. The mindful breathing component also helps your body recover faster, manage stress more effectively, and sleep more deeply. Whether you weave it into your morning routine or use it to cool down after a bigger workout, chair yoga delivers more than you might expect.4

Whatever activity appeals to you, the most important thing is to just keep moving. Your future self will be so grateful you did.

By July 4, 1776, America had already declared independence. The Second Continental Congress voted to secede from the Kingdom of Great Britain on July 2, 1776. 5

Madyson Silvagnoli, owner of Maddy's Ice Cream and More in Gardner, Massachusetts, went viral after a video showed her giving a free scoop to a young boy who couldn't afford one, topping it with whipped cream and sprinkles and telling him he could always come to her truck. Posted with the caption "No money, no problem. Kindness is always free," the clip drew over 8.6 million views and prompted an outpouring of donations from supporters across the United States and internationally, including from Denmark and Australia. Thanks to those contributions, Silvagnoli now gives a free scoop to every child she sees, saying she empathizes with each one and hopes her small act of kindness will inspire others to pay it forward.6

One day, Jill celebrated her birthday. A day later, her older twin brother Greg celebrated his birthday. How is that possible?