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Gut Health Basics: Probiotics, Prebiotics, and More
Trivia: Which animal cannot walk backward?
RetireHub
January 23, 2026
Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Friday newsletter is here!
Today we have an exciting announcement. RetireHub Premium officially has a new look and TONS of new features. A few of our favorites?
Daily games (like Solitaire, Snake, Tetris, and more!)
More trivia! (See how you stack up against other RH members)
Medicare Classes!
Personal Finance Classes!
More daily deals!
Daily free e-books!
A job board (with jobs tailored for 50+ year olds)
And we’re building more weekly! We’re really excited about this, and would love for you to test it out risk-free, so we’re giving everyone a free 7-day trial that signs up at the link below:
Top Deals From Around The Web
We find the best daily online deals so you don’t have to!
🧼 32% OFF – COSY HOMEER Non-Slip Stair Treads (28" x 9")
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Soothe sore muscles and melt away tension with this weighted electric heating pad designed to drape comfortably over the neck, shoulders, and upper back. It offers nine heat settings and four auto-off timer options, so you can customize warmth for quick relief or longer relaxation sessions. A thoughtful gift for anyone dealing with stiffness, stress, or everyday aches—perfect for cozy evenings, recovery days, or winding down before bed.
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What We’re Reading
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 | By: Mike Faricy Beautiful Kerri left Dev a note. She just needs a little help finding her sister. Unfortunately, both women are involved with Russian mob boss, Bracko the Whacko. In short order Dev finds himself at odds with the local police & an FBI task force. He's got a gunshot wound & shrapnel in his rear, ouch! Not to mention he's on the run from a mob boss. |
 | By: Dale Mayer Welcome to Hathaway House, a heartwarming series from USA Today best-selling author Dale Mayer. Here you’ll meet wounded warriors as they’re given a second chance at happiness and love at a special physical rehab facility, including heroes from Dale’s other books as they continue on their journeys. Magic happens here! |
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On this day in 1957, the Wham-O Company produced its first Frisbee, helping turn a simple flying disc into a worldwide recreational favorite enjoyed by families, athletes, and park-goers of all ages.
Gut Health Basics: Probiotics, Prebiotics, and More
Gut health has become a popular topic—and for good reason. Inside your digestive system lives a vast community of bacteria, fungi, and microorganisms known as the gut microbiome. These tiny helpers play a surprisingly big role in digestion, immune function, inflammation, and even mood. As we age, supporting gut health can become especially important for overall well-being.
One of the most talked-about gut helpers is probiotics. Probiotics are live “good” bacteria that help maintain balance in the digestive system. They can be found naturally in fermented foods such as yogurt with live cultures, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso, or taken as dietary supplements. For many people, probiotics may help reduce bloating, improve regularity, and support immune health—especially after taking antibiotics.
Just as important, though less well known, are prebiotics. Prebiotics are a type of fiber that feed the beneficial bacteria already living in your gut. Think of them as fertilizer for your microbiome. Foods rich in prebiotics include onions, garlic, leeks, asparagus, bananas, oats, and beans. Without enough prebiotics, probiotics can’t thrive, so the two work best as a team.
Beyond probiotics and prebiotics, everyday habits matter. Fiber is a gut health cornerstone, helping move food through the digestive tract while supporting healthy bacteria. Staying hydrated helps digestion run smoothly, and regular movement, such as walking, can encourage healthy bowel function. Managing stress is also key—your gut and brain are closely connected, which is why stress can sometimes lead to stomach upset.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s gut is different. What works well for one person may not work the same for another. If digestive issues are persistent or severe, it’s wise to talk with a healthcare provider before starting new supplements or making major diet changes.
Supporting gut health doesn’t require drastic changes. Small, consistent steps—adding fermented foods, eating more fiber-rich plants, and listening to your body—can help create a healthier digestive system and, in turn, support overall vitality.
What Do You Do Most to Support Your Gut Health? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: Which European spa experience appeals to you most?
These results show a strong sense of curiosity and wanderlust: nearly half of respondents haven’t visited a European spa town yet—but would love to experience one. Among those who have preferences, natural hot springs in scenic settings clearly steal the spotlight, suggesting that nature and relaxation go hand in hand for many readers. Traditional thermal baths and elegant historic spa towns still hold appeal, but overall, the poll reveals a community that’s dreaming of future travel and new ways to unwind.
TOP COMMENTS
“Would love to experience a historic spa town.”
“I would enjoy any of these. I've never been able to afford to visit other countries (I admit that I didn't mind that in my younger years). In recent years, I wish I had though, since I'm retired and less likely to be able to afford it.”
“I’ve visited several spa towns in the past couple years. My favorite was in Budapest.”
“Actually heading to Budapest this summer & planning a spa visit.”
“Living in an area that has many natural Hot Springs that are readily available. Some have facilities and some are out in nature. So it's the best of both worlds, although I do prefer to be somewhere where I can see nature, rather than inside a building.”
“Switzerland is another country that creates that same environment, just by their landscape. the Swiss sit during a cold winters and just soak up the sun facing the mountains/Alps- now that I’ve done and it is very amazing!”
What Our 16-Year-Old Self Can Teach Us About Freedom in Our 60s
Reflecting on the freedom of being 16—when getting a driver’s license first opened up the world—reminds us that the sense of possibility we felt back then can reappear in later life when responsibilities ease and new space for choice emerges. Instead of trying to relive youth, we can reconnect with the feeling of openness, playfulness, and curiosity, using the wisdom we’ve gained over the years to explore what brings us joy now. By remembering what once made life feel wide open and trying small, meaningful activities that echo those moments, we can rediscover freedom in our 60s without giving up the experience that has shaped us.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: Prime time
Meaning: The period when something is at its best, most active, or most important; often used for television to describe the hours when the largest audience is watching.
In a sentence: “Retirement is your prime time to explore hobbies, travel, and enjoy the activities you never had time for before.”
Good News of the Day
U.S. Cancer Survival Rates Hit Historic High — 7 in 10 Now Live 5+ Years After Diagnosis
For the first time in history, the overall five‑year survival rate for cancer patients in the United States has reached 70%, according to the latest annual report from the American Cancer Society—a significant rise from about 50% decades ago and the highest level recorded. This milestone reflects decades of progress in cancer detection, treatments, and prevention, with major gains seen even in cancers once considered especially deadly, such as myeloma, liver, and lung cancers. Experts say continued advances in early diagnosis, medical therapies, and public health efforts have turned many cancers into manageable conditions rather than immediate life‑threatening diseases, highlighting hope and progress in the fight against cancer.
Other Publications We Like
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RetireHub Trivia
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Want more trivia? Play our “Nostalgia Trivia Game” on our site! We add fresh questions daily, so there’s always something new to test your knowledge.
Not into trivia? No worries! We’ve got plenty of other fun games to enjoy, like:
Which animal cannot walk backward? |
A single day on which planet is longer than its entire year? |
What was the world’s first public museum, opened in 1683? |
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- Jay
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