You spent years working hard and saving so you could spend your retirement doing the things you want to do. Now that you're living that dream, you can ensure you'll be able to enjoy many years of retirement by staying healthy and allowing yourself to live independently for as long as you are able.

The financial downturn has affected most Americans in some way, and Asian Americans are no exception, a new survey reveals. In fact, eight out of 10 Asian Americans polled by Prudential Financial, say their savings and investments have been negatively impacted in recent years.

Coming home from the hospital or other care setting after an illness or surgery can be worrisome for both patients and the friends and family members who care for them. Planning ahead can make the process much easier. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has advice that is useful to the millions of Americans who are actively involved in caregiving. Through its caregiver initiative, Ask Medicare, CMS recommends the following steps to prepare for a transition.

By many estimates, two-thirds of older Americans will eventually become dependent on others to complete everyday tasks. But realizing that you need help or convincing someone else that they do is often more difficult than arranging long-term care. Look for these signs to help determine your elderly loved one's needs and the best ways to meet them.

Retirement doesn't have to be a time for rest. It's also a time to try out some fantastic activities you were afraid to venture into because of work. Take advantage of newly found free time and get more socially involved with some of these fun activities.

Although most postmenopausal women have heard of the traditional symptoms related to menopause - like hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings, fewer have heard of vulvar and vaginal pain and physical discomfort during sexual activity which may also occur during menopause. Women should not be embarrassed about talking to their health care professional about these symptoms.

The very qualities that make some seniors feel safe - a tendency to not use credit much, operating on a cash basis and avoiding technology - make identity thieves view seniors as very appealing targets, credit experts warn. Here are some steps seniors can take to protect themselves.

Most of us start life depending on our parents to take care of us. But as they age, chances are the roles will reverse. And, whether you provide additional help in their own homes - or move aging parents into your home - how do you prepare to meet the new needs of aging adults?

If you're older than 65 and take multiple medications, you should be aware of potential interactions between your drugs. These interactions can cause unwanted side effects, reduce the effectiveness of your medicine, or even lead to hospitalization. Studies show that up to 30 percent of hospital admissions of elderly patients are linked to harmful effects of medications and other related problems.

No matter how important we know it is to see our doctor for regular checkups or when we're sick, for many of us the simple act of stepping into a doctor's office is a form of mental torture. Whether you just dread the possibility of a long wait, or have a full-blown anxiety attack with sweaty palms and a racing heart, "white coat syndrome" can be a debilitating problem. The good news is, there's probably someone already there in the doctor's office who can help ease your fears - a medical assistant.