Americans Struggling Paycheck to Paycheck Living Fewer Years in Retirement

The financial and health prospects for Americans nearing retirement remain bleak, especially for those in the lower economic bracket, a study finds. Dubbed the “forgotten middle,” these individuals fall between low-income and middle-class thresholds, missing both government support and the ability to comfortably manage rising expenses. While the affluent saw increased life expectancies, those less privileged either stagnated or declined. The widening gap in homeownership and diminishing health insurance underscore the growing inequalities. Experts warn of the looming strain on healthcare and family caregivers.