"Retirement Realities: Navigating the Income Gap on a Social Security Budget"

A study in the journal Health Affairs reveals a widening financial gap between the lower and upper middle classes among Americans nearing retirement age. The lower middle class has seen a decline in homeownership, earnings, and financial resources, while facing more chronic health conditions and a smaller increase in life expectancy compared to the upper middle class. The study suggests that the disparity could lead to insecure retirements and highlights the need for policy measures to support financial stability for lower earners and those in physically demanding jobs.