Healthcare costs are one of the most significant expenses in retirement. And this trend unlikely to change. Why?

• Longer lifespans of retirees will have higher total healthcare costs.
• Inflation on healthcare has dramatically increased in the last three years.
• Chronic illnesses and age-related health issues have increased.
• The median retirement age is 61, and Medicare starts at age 65.

So, How Much Is Needed for Healthcare Costs in Retirement?

How much you will need for health costs in retirement will depend on when and where you retire, your health, how you will pay for the costs, and how long you live. According to a study by Fidelity, a typical retired couple aged 65 in 2022 will need approximately $315,000 to cover healthcare costs in retirement.

But Medicare will pay for it all, right?

Not quite. Only hospital coverage is free for most people under Medicare. If you want more coverage, you have to pay extra premiums. Even if you pay for additional coverage, it doesn’t mean it will pay for everything.

While many people often worry about medical expenses in retirement, they don’t consider the extra health costs associated with aging, such as hearing aids, prescriptions, and long-term care.

How to Cover Future Healthcare Costs

Since Medicare will not cover all of your Medicare costs, creating a plan to pay for these expenses can make it easier for you. Here are several ways you can save for healthcare costs:

Health Savings Account (HSA)

A Health Savings Account is a great starting point for saving for healthcare expenses if you are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan. An HSA has a triple tax benefit: your contributions are not taxed, invested contributions grow tax-free, and withdrawals are tax-free if used for medical expenses.

You can withdraw HSA funds at any age for health expenses; however, you can only contribute to the HSA until you turn 65. Also, there’s a limit to how much you can contribute to the account per year. So even if you can invest all your contributions, you may need more to support your healthcare needs.

Retirement Savings Accounts

A portion of your retirement savings accounts can be used for healthcare. Contributing to various retirement accounts can help you build enough long-term savings to contribute directly to healthcare costs someday. The key is to increase your retirement savings until you have made the maximum contribution to the account.

If you plan to use your retirement savings to pay for healthcare needs, the challenge is that your investments need to accumulate enough to beat the increase in healthcare costs every year.

For example, if I had $100,000 in an account today, it would have to grow by at least 6% to beat inflation. Unfortunately, investing in the stock market comes with risk. The most significant risk is that the market is down when you need the money.

In addition, remember that if you withdraw money from a traditional retirement account (pre-tax) or a taxable account to pay for healthcare costs, you may have a large tax bill. Therefore, utilizing an emergency fund is a better fit if you expect to have healthcare expenses in the near future.

Emergency Fund

As you get closer to retiring, it’s a good idea to create a substantial emergency fund to cover unexpected medical costs in retirement. Since an emergency fund is more liquid and accessible, it is quicker and easier to utilize your money in a pinch.

This money can be handy if you have an unexpected medical expense, like a broken pair of glasses or an emergency visit. Unfortunately, quick accessibility comes at the cost of a lower interest rate. In addition, keeping too much money in an emergency fund may make it more difficult for you to keep up with inflation.

Bonus: Long-Term Care and Disability Insurance

Since Medicare doesn’t cover long-term care, you may want to consider a long-term care insurance policy if you have not planned ahead of time for your long-term care costs and don’t have enough money to cover the expenses.

Similarly, disability insurance can provide income if you have an illness or injury that prevents you from working. Disability insurance, provided usually at a low cost through your employer, can preserve your savings from health expenses.

It’s Never Too Late to Start Saving

No matter where you are in your retirement journey, creating a fund to prepare for healthcare costs can help you exponentially in your future.

Here are some helpful steps to start the process of saving for your healthcare expenses:

Determine How Much You Spend

Keep track of all your expenses – every time you go out to eat, your household items, and your recurring monthly bills. Record your costs however is easiest for you, such as collecting receipts, keeping a spreadsheet, or a budget app.

Make a Budget

A budget should outline how your income matches your spending to limit overspending.

Determine Your Savings Goals

Analyze what you want to save for the short and long term, then estimate how much you will need and how long you will need to save.

Find Ways to Cut Back on Spending

If you can’t save as much as you would like, it might be time to cut back on your expenses. Start by identifying nonessential expenses, like entertainment and eating out, that you can spend less on.

Automate Your Savings

Select an amount you want to save each month and set up an automatic transaction to money your funds into an allocated account.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you started saving for healthcare expenses in retirement? Which healthcare expense worries you the most?

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

If you’ve never experienced dark circles under your eyes, consider yourself lucky. They can appear across people of all ages due to genetics, allergies, medication or simply not keeping a steady sleep routine. Fortunately, TikTok has got it covered on expert recommendations—no seriously, professionals are giving Ren Skincare’s Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream their stamp of approval on the app.

Skincare expert, who goes by the username @dr.zionko, made a video highlighting the benefits of the cream. “Elderberry flower to brighten, glycogen to hydrate and luminate, use twice a day” blurbs in the video read.

@dr.zionko

check out @rencleanskincare New Brightening Dark Circle #EyeCream #SkinCare #GlowUpChallenge #ad #WinterBeautyTips #TikTokTutorial #SkinCare101

♬ Candy Shop – R n B Allstars

An eye cream version of the brand’s best-selling Overnight Glow Dark Spot Correcting Cream, the targeted treatment brings brightening effects to darkness around the eye area—and fast. Through a user trial on 77 subjects, the eye cream was proven to reduce puffiness by 94 percent and dark circles by 92 percent after four weeks of use. 

That being, you won’t have to necessarily wait a month to see results. Per the brand, the eye cream can visibly lighten dark circles after just a week by delivering “a brightening burst of hydration that instantly revives tired eyes, helps to even skin tone, lifts and improves the appearance of firmness.”

Ren Skincare

Radiance Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream

If you’re interested in scooping the eye treatment (or any of Ren’s products) for less, make sure to use the STYLECASTER exclusive sale code STYLECASTER15 at checkout.

If the shopper reviews are any indication, you’ll want to act fast before this discount code expires.

RELATED: This Is The ‘Only Cream’ That Works on Excessive Redness & Spider Veins, According to Shoppers

One person referred to the eye cream as a “magic potion,” writing “I am in love. IN LOVE. I tried this on a whim and could not be happier. It’s like a mini eye lift every morning. I am close to 50 and deal with the aftermath of weight loss around my eyes. In addition, at my age, my skin is becoming more dry. This is hands down the best eye cream I have found. It brightens my eyes and smooths out the entire area.”

Another person called the Ren product a “winner”: “I’ve seen such an improvement in my skin since starting my skin care journey with REN. The brightening is a winner and has made my skin so smooth and my dark circles are no where to be seen which is amazing.”

Now, hurry!

Do you enjoy reading memoirs? Do you like reading memoirs written by women over 50 or books about women over 50? I love reading memoirs that plunge into women’s lives and their personal unique human experiences. I love that feeling when I am reading a memoir and can feel the vulnerability it took to put those words on paper.

I feel the pages become heavy as I can sometimes relate to the author’s experiences or when she opens up doors to aspects of life that I was unaware of. I particularly relish in the works that are about women’s issues, culture, life, love, and relationships. The following list consists of some of my favorites:

1. Becoming by Michelle Obama – A powerfully intimate look into the former First Lady’s life as a lawyer, mother, wife, and First Lady of the United States of America.
2. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion – A poignant memoir that delves into the experience of grief and how it can affect every aspect of one’s life.
3. The Heart of a Woman by Maya Angelou – A powerful and inspiring portrait of a woman finding her voice and her place in the world.
4. My Life on the Road by Gloria Steinem – A compelling and inspiring memoir that offers a unique perspective on the feminist movement and the experiences of women across the globe.
5. Just Kids by Patti Smith – A memoir tributing the enduring power of friendship and artistic collaboration and the transformative power of creativity and human connection.

What’s the Difference Between a Memoir and a Biography

A memoir is a first-person narrative that focuses on a specific aspect of the author’s life or a particular time period. Memoirs can be written by well-known people or people who are not famous at all. One thing in common is that they all have lived interesting lives or have a unique perspective on a particular experience.

On the other hand, a biography is a written account of someone else’s life. Biographies can be written about famous people, historical figures, or even ordinary people who have lived noteworthy lives. Unlike memoirs, biographies are usually written by someone other than the subject of the book, and they tend to cover the person’s entire life rather than a specific period or event.

Memoirs from Women Over 50

Here are some of my favorite memoirs from inspiring women who open up candidly about their lives, hardships, loves, and losses. Some memoirs cover social unrest, injustice, and the fight women battled for equality and freedom through the years.

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Becoming is a memoir written by former First Lady Michelle Obama. The book was published in November 2018 and quickly became a bestseller, selling millions of copies worldwide. In Becoming, Obama shares her personal journey, from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as a working mother, lawyer, and ultimately as the First Lady of the United States.

The memoir is divided into three sections: “Becoming Me,” “Becoming Us,” and “Becoming More.” In “Becoming Me,” Obama talks about her childhood, education, and early career, including her experiences with racial and gender inequality.

In “Becoming Us,” she details her relationship with Barack Obama, from their early dating years to his political rise and eventual presidency. Finally, in “Becoming More,” she discusses her work as First Lady and her ongoing efforts to promote education and empower young people.

Throughout the book, Obama is candid about the challenges she faced as a woman, mother, and public figure. She discusses the difficulty of balancing career and family, as well as the pressures of being in the public eye. She also shares her insights on the importance of mentorship, community involvement, and personal growth.

Becoming is widely praised for its inspiring and relatable portrayal of Michelle Obama’s journey, and has become a beloved memoir among readers of all ages and backgrounds.

The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion

The Year of Magical Thinking is a memoir by Joan Didion, published in 2005. The book recounts the year following the sudden death of Didion’s husband, writer John Gregory Dunne. In the memoir, Didion grapples with grief and the aftermath of her husband’s passing while also reflecting on the life they shared together.

The book is structured around Didion’s attempt to make sense of her husband’s death and come to terms with her grief. She examines her memories of their life together, as well as her own mortality, in a series of fragmented and nonlinear reflections.

Throughout the memoir, Didion offers insight into the experience of grief and the ways in which it can affect every aspect of one’s life. She also explores the psychological and emotional impact of sudden loss and the difficulty of finding meaning in the face of tragedy.

The Year of Magical Thinking is widely regarded as a masterful work of memoir and a poignant exploration of the human experience. It won numerous awards, including the National Book Award for Nonfiction, and was adapted into a play starring Vanessa Redgrave.

The Heart of a Woman by Maya Angelou

The Heart of a Woman is a memoir by Maya Angelou, published in 1981. It covers the period between 1957 and 1962, during which Angelou lived in New York and became involved in the civil rights movement.

The memoir explores Angelou’s personal and professional life during this period, including her experiences as a single mother, her relationship with her son’s father, and her involvement in the Harlem Writers Guild. She also recounts her friendships with other writers and artists of the era, including James Baldwin and Langston Hughes.

Angelou’s involvement in the civil rights movement is a central theme of the memoir, and she describes attending political rallies and demonstrations, as well as her work with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and other civil rights organizations.

Throughout the book, Angelou reflects on her own identity as a black woman and the challenges of navigating a society that was often hostile to her and her community. She also explores themes of love, loss, and resilience, offering an emphatic and inspiring portrait of a woman finding her voice and her place in the world.

The Heart of a Woman is widely regarded as a groundbreaking work of memoir and a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of black women.

My Life on the Road by Gloria Steinem

My Life on the Road is a memoir by feminist activist Gloria Steinem, published in 2015. In the book, Steinem reflects on her experiences as a feminist organizer and activist over several decades, drawing on her travels across the United States and around the world.

Steinem’s memoir is structured around her many journeys and speaking engagements around the world. Along the way, she shares insights into the feminist movement in the USA and internationally and the struggles of women everywhere. She also delves into her own personal journey and the relationships that have shaped her life.

Throughout the book, Steinem emphasizes the importance of listening to the stories of others, and she weaves together a rich tapestry of voices and experiences, including those of women from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds. She also shares her struggles with personal and professional challenges, including the difficult relationship she had with her mother and the challenges of balancing activism and personal relationships.

My Life on the Road is a compelling and inspiring memoir that offers a unique perspective on the feminist movement and the experiences of women across the globe. Steinem’s writing is insightful and engaging, and her memoir is a testament to the power of personal stories and the importance of community and connection in driving social change.

Just Kids by Patti Smith

Just Kids is a memoir by American singer-songwriter Patti Smith, published in 2010. The book is a vivid and poetic account of Smith’s relationship with the photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, and their experiences together in New York City during the late 1960s and 1970s.

The book follows Smith and Mapplethorpe’s journey as they navigate their way through the art and music scene in New York City, living together in a series of apartments and working on their individual artistic projects. Smith vividly captures the atmosphere of the time, with its heady mix of creativity, experimentation, and personal exploration.

As the two grow and evolve as artists, they face a range of challenges and struggles, including poverty, drug addiction, and the constraints of societal norms. Through it all, Smith and Mapplethorpe remain close, supporting and inspiring each other through their artistic and personal journeys.

Just Kids is a tribute to the enduring power of friendship and artistic collaboration. It is a poetic and moving memoir that captures the spirit of an era and celebrates the transformative power of creativity and human connection.

Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love by Dani Shapiro

Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love is a memoir by Dani Shapiro that was published in 2019. The book chronicles Shapiro’s discovery, through a DNA test, that her biological father was not the man she had always believed him to be. This revelation leads Shapiro on a journey to unravel family secrets and understand her true identity.

The memoir begins with Shapiro’s childhood, where she was raised in an Orthodox Jewish family in New Jersey. She goes on to describe her early adult years, her marriage, and her decision to pursue a career as a writer. It is not until she is in her 50s that she decides to take a DNA test and discovers the truth about her paternity.

The book delves into the complicated emotions and ethical dilemmas that Shapiro faces as she navigates the aftermath of this discovery. She reflects on the meaning of family, the power of secrets, and the ways in which our identities are shaped by the stories we tell ourselves.

Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love is a deeply personal and moving memoir that explores the nature of identity, family, and love. It has been praised for its honesty, insight, and beautifully crafted prose.

The Last Gift of Time: Life Beyond Sixty by Carolyn G. Heilbrun

The Last Gift of Time: Life Beyond Sixty is a memoir by Carolyn G. Heilbrun, published in 1997. Heilbrun, who was a prominent feminist scholar, wrote this book when she was in her 70s and was reflecting on the aging process and what it means to live a fulfilling life beyond the age of 60.

In the book, Heilbrun explores the challenges and joys of aging, drawing on her own experiences as well as those of other women. She discusses the importance of finding new passions and interests, embracing change, and cultivating meaningful relationships with others as one grows older. Heilbrun also reflects on the concept of mortality and the ways in which society views and treats the elderly.

The Last Gift of Time: Life Beyond Sixty is a thought-provoking and insightful memoir that offers a unique perspective on aging and the value of a life well-lived.

The Woman I Wanted to Be by Diane von Fürstenberg

The Woman I Wanted to Be is a memoir by fashion designer and entrepreneur Diane von Fürstenberg. In the book, she shares her life story, from her childhood in Belgium to her success as a fashion designer and businesswoman in New York City.

She also discusses her personal struggles, including failed marriages and battles with addiction, and shares her insights and lessons learned along the way.

The book offers a candid and inspiring look into the life and career of a trailblazing woman who has made a significant impact in the fashion industry and beyond.

My Love Story by Tina Turner

My Love Story is an autobiography by the legendary singer and performer Tina Turner. The book was released in 2018 and covers her life from her childhood in Tennessee to her rise to fame as one of the most successful and influential musicians of all time.

Turner shares her experiences with abuse, overcoming obstacles, and finding strength and happiness through music and spirituality. The book also includes personal photographs and details about her relationships with family, friends, and music industry colleagues. My Love Story is a candid and inspiring account of a truly remarkable life.

My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Although not technically a memoir, My Own Words is an edited collection of writings and speeches by the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg that is well worth a read.

The book is divided into different sections that cover various aspects of Justice Ginsburg’s life and work, including her early legal career, her time on the Supreme Court, her advocacy for gender equality, and her personal life.

My Own Words provides insight into Justice Ginsburg’s legal philosophy, her approach to her work, and her personal experiences as a woman in the legal profession. It includes speeches and writings on a range of issues, such as voting rights, reproductive rights, affirmative action, and the importance of a diverse judiciary.

The book offers readers a deeper understanding of Justice Ginsburg’s contributions to American law and society and serves as a testament to her legacy as a pioneering advocate for equality and justice.

Looking for a few more lists? Read A ROUNDUP OF GREAT BOOKS TO READ.

Also read TWELVE FAVORITE BOOKS IN 2022.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you read any of these fabulous memoirs? Do you have any other memoirs from women over 50 to recommend? I would love to add your suggestions to the list. Tell us about it in the comments below.

You don’t have to be 20-something to enjoy an active holiday, and you don’t have to be super fit either. If you enjoy walking, cycling, or simply prefer to be more active than the traditional by-the-beach break, then I’ve got some ideas that might interest you.

Walking the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is picturesque and walking amongst the hillside towns and alongside lemon groves are experiences not to be missed. Take in the Bay of Naples, Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius, too. Stay at local family-run hotels and enjoy local food and wine.

Snorkeling in Mexico

Turtles, eagle rays, and tropical fish await you in the ocean, but Mexico’s cenotes are truly unforgettable. The stunning sinkholes and turquoise pools are otherworldly; magical limestone formations framed by jungle.

Cycling in Vietnam

From fishing villages, rice terraces, jungle, and white sand beaches, Vietnam has some superb scenery enjoyable from your bike seat – and the roads are great. Rest at a tropical island retreat and sample traditional food along the way. Finish off your tour cruising in Halong Bay.

Sailing in Greece

If life aboard appeals to you, Greece is a great place for a holiday. For beginners, it’s an easy location to sail, and you can join a flotilla, which means you’ll have support as well as guidance. If you’re not quite ready to take the helm, book a cabin instead and see how you fare.

Cycling the Dalmatian Coast

Croatia has thousands of miles of coastline and some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean. If you’re looking for peace, dramatic scenery, and good roads, the Dalmatian Coast could be just what you are looking for. Seaside towns, medieval villages and pebble bays lead you to the walled city of Dubrovnik.

Canal Boat Holiday in England

While this may not be technically classed as active, piloting a canal boat, mooring up, and passing through lock gates require a little more effort than turning a page or lifting a drink! And if you don’t fancy hiking or cycling, messing about on the river is a happy compromise.

Anyone can captain a barge, and England has thousands of miles of rivers and canals to explore, all with towpaths leading to country pubs.

Mont Blanc Highlights

Enjoy the best views in this outstanding area by foot but return to your alpine cabin to relax in your hot tub every night. Schedules include time to explore Chamonix and glimpse the Mer de Glace Glacier from Montenvers.

Hiking the Inca Trail

Yes, you can do this. If you enjoy walking and have a reasonable level of fitness, take some time to put in some extra miles and increase your stamina and endurance. Look for tours designed to take the pace slowly and remember, you only have to carry your daypack. The porters take care of everything else.

Walk the Camino De Santiago

The Camino de Santiago is a pilgrimage dating back to the 10^th century. Today the routes attract pilgrims and adventurers alike with many opting to undertake anything from day walks to 5-week adventures. There are different routes and so many options for you to take part that there will be a section and duration to suit you.

Join a Volunteer Program

Maybe the idea of doing something useful has captured your imagination. Voluntourism allows you to experience local culture and help initiatives that affect it too. If there’s a cause you feel strongly about; there’s very likely to be a program looking for help; you’ll return home not only with some great memories but the feel-good sense that you made a difference.

Tips for Choosing the Right Active Holiday for You

If you do a particular activity regularly, then translating this to a holiday should be relatively easy. Pay attention to length and durations required and ensure that you are capable. You might need to do some extra training to increase your stamina to make your holiday experience more enjoyable.

If you are new to an activity, look for easier itineraries and those aimed at a slower pace. To ensure you are fit to enjoy your holiday, take some time to prepare and train and make sure you get guidance from the operators.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What are your thoughts on the many options of active travel? Have you been on an active trip? What was it like?

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

It turns out our fave squad of celebrities-turned-beauty moguls—Halsey, Selena Gomez, Hailey Bieber and Rihanna—all have one thing in common: They swear by the same innovative, fast-acting hair mask. This isn’t your ordinary conditioning product, though. Shoppers insist K18’s Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask works better than Olaplex’s line of treatments. Gauntlet thrown.

At the core of this hair mask is repair. The formula gets deep into the inner layers of hair to deliver the patented K18Peptide. The secret-weapon ingredient reconnects broken keratin chains to bring back strength, softness, smoothness and bounce to your tresses.

It’s so good that it’s become the No. 1 trending hair product on TikTok, per the brand. @coreyjackhair‘s TikTok shows jaw-dropping results from applying the mask to one of his clients. You can see the client’s frizzy roots at the beginning, but after using the mask, their hair has such a healthy bounce and shine to it. If you still need more convincing, scroll through all of the other incredible K18 hair transformations on TikTok. 

@coreyjackhair

finally got to use @k18hair the best repairing treatment everrrrr!!! 2 years roots to this! Sound on! #k18hair #hair #haircolour #GoingOutOutfit

♬ Call On Me – RAYE

The brand claims that it can reverse damage in just four minutes, whether it’s harm from bleach, color, chemical services or heat. Halsey posted the product on her Instagram stories with the simple caption “best.” That kind of review is all we need to know it’s the real deal. In addition to the chart-topping singer, plenty of shoppers can attest to this product’s hair-restoring powers.

“It definitely reminds me of Olaplex in that you can see it repair your hair in real-time. As someone with curly hair, my hair will become wavy and frizzy over time, but products like Olaplex, and this K18, make the curls come back. It worked fantastically on my natural hair,” wrote one Amazon shopper.

“I didn’t expect to be so impressed with this but… just wow. My hair went from thin, damaged, dry and brittle, to bouncy and silky and strong,” raved another one. “I used to use Olaplex but it made my hair dull… this is my new hair repair for life. I LOVE it.”

Ahead, learn more about this game-changing hair mask and why celebs like Halsey, Selena, Hailey and RiRi hold it near and dear. Get it while it’s still marked down on Amazon.

RELATED: Shoppers Are Ditching Their Flat Irons For This $28 J.Lo-Approved, Anti-Frizz Spray

Photo: K18.

The Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask shows the most dramatic results for chemically processed hair. After using the product, your hair should feel soft, rather than the brittle texture you might experience post-service. Less breakage immediately after coloring is also one of its potential benefits.

For people with heat-damaged hair, say goodbye to all those noticeable split ends. You might also require less heat when straightening and curling your locks, since they’ll be smoother and frizz-free after consistent use of the mask. More manageable hair is definitely in the cards for you.

When using this hair mask, make sure you wait the full four minutes before styling or applying any other products. For frequency, coat your hair in the mask every four to six shampoos consecutively. You can switch to every three to four washes after that to keep your hair healthy.

For hair as silky smooth and shiny as your fave A-listers, start using K18’s Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask.