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Iowa seniors list the out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications as one of their main health-care concerns, according to AARP Iowa. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 16, 2024

Prescription costs soon to be capped for Iowa seniors

A new report from AARP Iowa predicts thousands of seniors on Medicare Part D in the state will save money on their prescriptions, thanks to a cap on …

The objective of the Health Connector program is to ensure enhanced and equal access to healthcare options for all residents, according to Dallas County officials. (Dallas County Health Department)

Iowa transportation program aims to reduce missed health appointments

County health officials in rural Iowa are using a new app to connect people to their doctors and cut down on missed appointments. The Health …

Researchers have announced a blood test they say can predict with 90% accuracy whether a patient has Alzheimer's disease. (Adobe Stock)

Iowans to benefit from new Alzheimer's blood test

Researchers have announced a new blood test that will predict whether someone has Alzheimer's disease far better than current tests can. A new law in …

Family members often become caregivers overnight and are suddenly responsible for helping with medications, medical care, meals, bathing and dressing, chores, finances, grocery shopping and transportation. AARP is traveling the state of Iowa to help educate caregivers. (AARP Iowa)

AARP 'road trip' educates IA caregivers where they are

AARP Iowa is on a road trip, taking knowledge to family caregivers wherever they are and helping them learn more about the resources that may be …

The Alzheimer's Association is seeking 55,000 volunteers for more than 180 clinical trials to study the disease at younger and younger ages. (Adobe Stock)

IA researchers say brain shows changes 20 years prior to Alzheimer's symptoms

Researchers in Iowa say changes in an Alzheimer's patients' brain can occur at least 20 years before they are diagnosed with the disease and they are …

In Iowa, voters must be registered as Republican, Democrat or Libertarian, and vote on their party's ballot. However, they may change party affiliation at the polls. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa's older voters projected to decide primary election outcome

Advocates for Iowa's older population are calling on seniors to vote in Tuesday's primary election and have identified their priorities for candidates…

Iowa women call Social Security 'critical'

New research released by AARP Iowa shows how important Social Security benefits are to people who receive them - and the numbers reveal women are far …

Gift card scams have been the number one impostor scam in Iowa for nine consecutive years, according to AARP Iowa. (Adobe Stock)

Iowans lose millions in impostor scams

AARP Iowa is calling on lawmakers to help prevent gift-card scams during this year's legislative session. Impostor scams have been the number one …

People suffering from dementia face especially dangerous challenges in winter months, including slips and falls and extended exposure to the cold when

Iowa dementia sufferers at higher risk in winter

People who suffer from dementia face a host of increased risks in winter months and in Iowa, dangers include everything from falls to getting lost…

While still too low for the aging population, the number of geriatric health-care providers was up 19% in Iowa, according to the latest report from the United Health Foundation. (Adobe stock)

Report: Drug deaths up in Iowa, but other signs encouraging

New data from the United Health Foundation show a handful of significant and chronic health conditions on the rise across the U.S., with colorectal …

The Iowa chapter of the Alzheimer's Association offers programs to help families better understand what to expect, including changes in communication and behaviors, discussing dementia as a family and planning ahead for future financial and legal considerations. (Adobe Stock)

Alzheimer's Association warns of 'wandering' adults during holidays

The Iowa chapter of the Alzheimer's Association is raising awareness of adults who get lost during the holidays. The group holds educational …

Alliant Energy Corporation provides regulated energy service to 995,000 electric and 425,000 natural gas retail customers across Iowa and Wisconsin. (Adobe Stock)

Senior advocates push back on Alliant utility increase

The Iowa Utilities Board is taking public input this week on a proposed rate hike by one of the state's biggest gas and electric service providers…

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia in older adults, but there are other causes of dementia. Depending on the cause, some dementia symptoms might be reversible, according to the Mayo Clinic. (Adobe Stock)

Des Moines Alzheimer's walk seeks to raise $500K

The Iowa Alzheimer's Association expects about 2,000 people to gather on the Capitol steps in Des Moines on Saturday, as volunteers seek to create …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity such as brisk walking for seniors, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity such as hiking, jogging or running. (Adobe Stock)

AARP IA Grant Transforms Town's Wellness Plan

A Community Challenge grant from AARP Iowa is making the town of Graettinger more senior friendly. Eight Iowa communities received the grants…

The U.S. population age 65 and older grew nearly five times faster than the total population over the 100 years from 1920 to 2020, according to the 2020 census. The older population reached 55.8 million, or 16.8% of the population of the United States, in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa AARP Calls for Major Shift in Long-Term Health Care Model

As housing prices soar and wages for health care providers lag, advocates for Iowa's aging population are calling for a major change in caring for …

Receiving an early diagnosis may help lessen anxieties about why you are experiencing symptoms, according to the Alzheimer's Association. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa Clinicians Herald New Alzheimer's Treatments

As part of Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, mental-health advocates in Iowa are sharing information about Alzheimer's and say two new drugs …

In 2020, 52% of U.S. homeowners who renovated their home were from the Baby Boomer generation, according to Statista. (Adobe Stock)

USDA Makes Loans, Grants Available for Low-Income Iowans' Home Repair

AARP Iowa is working to raise awareness of loans and grants the U.S. Department of Agriculture is making available to very low-income seniors for …

Members of the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council gather at the Iowa Statehouse in Des Moines in support of House File 264. (Brooke Lovelace/IDDC)

Lawmakers Propose Eliminating Taxes for IA Disability Care Providers

Iowa lawmakers have advanced legislation that would eliminate the income tax for health-care workers who support people with disabilities. Advocates …

Some 37.3 million Americans, or about one in 10 people, have diabetes. About one in five don't know they have it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Insulin Price Cap Doesn't Apply to All Iowans Who Need It

Drug-maker Sanofi has joined two other large manufacturers in capping monthly insulin prices at $35. In Iowa, advocates for more affordable health …

From February 2020 to November 2021, the number of workers in nursing homes and other care facilities dropped by 410,000 nationally, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Adobe Stock)

Critical Number of Rural IA Nursing Homes Close

Health-care professionals say low pay and a worker shortage have led a dramatic number of nursing homes in rural Iowa to close their doors. They hope …

More than 10 million households headed by someone over 65 spend <a href=

more than one-third of their income on housing. Half of these pay more than 50%, according to a Harvard University study. (Adobe Stock).">

More Affordable Housing for Seniors: An AARP Iowa Priority

As housing prices continue to rise, AARP Iowa is asking cities and towns to change their rules to allow more livable space on a home site. The group …

According to the Alzheimer's Association, 6.5 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's in 2022. Around 73% are age 75 or older. (Adobe Stock)

Alzheimer's Treatments on Near Horizon for Iowans

National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month is drawing to a close at the same time the hope of progress on understanding and treating the disease is …

While some Medicare-related provisions under the Inflation Reduction Act are now in play, others are a couple of years off, including caps on out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. (Adobe Stock)

New Tips This Year for Medicare Enrollment in IA

Inflation continues to adversely affect the budgets of many older Iowans, and with Medicare enrollment now open, experts stressed it is a crucial …

The FTC says that in 2021, consumers reported losing a record-breaking $5.8 billion to fraud. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa Fraud Watch Tour to Address 'Scam Culture'

A statewide tour to help Iowans sharpen their fraud protection skills kicks off today. Organizers say perpetrators will never give up in trying to …

Advocates for older Iowans say elder abuse can happen in many forms, including physical assaults, financial exploitation and neglect. (Adobe Stock)

IA Readies Enforcement of New Elder Abuse Law

This Friday, Iowa's new elder abuse law goes into effect. Those who pushed for its passage hope victims are aware of the added protections and will …

Since 2017, Iowa communities have received more than $165,000 in Community Challenge grants. (Adobe Stock)

As Infrastructure Work Ramps Up, IA Communities Can Pitch In

Iowa is poised to receive $5 billion from the new federal infrastructure law. And separate grant opportunities are available to help spur smaller…

A number of law-enforcement groups in Iowa have joined calls for state laws that make it easier for them to investigate cases of financial abuse against older residents. (Adobe Stock)

As IA Session Moves Forward, Elder-Abuse Law Still Pursued

A groundswell of senior advocates and law enforcement say Iowa has gone far too long without an elder-abuse law that has real teeth to it. With the …

Health coverage enrollment under the Affordable Care Act usually runs through mid-December but has been extended to January 15th this year. (Adobe Stock)

ACA Enrollment Deadline and COVID Surge Collide

The deadline to enroll for health coverage under the Affordable Care Act is fast approaching. The latest COVID surge might be interrupting plans to …

According to the World Health Organization, about one in six people age 60 years and older experienced some form of abuse in community settings during the past year. (Adobe Stock)

AARP: Most Iowans Support Tougher Elder-Abuse Law

DES MOINES, Iowa -- There is strong public support in Iowa to enact a state law that criminalizes elder abuse, a topic also being discussed by law …

A new report says family caregivers in the United States spend more than $7,000 a year on average in out-of-pocket expenses. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Out-of-Pocket Expenses Squeezing Family Caregivers

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Providing care for a loved one comes with a lot of stress. A new report said there's financial pressure too, especially when it …

Of the roughly $1.6 trillion worth of student-loan debt in the United States, more than $336 billion belongs to borrowers aged 50 and older. (Adobe Stock)

Student-Loan Debt Not Just an Issue for Younger Adults

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The fastest-growing age group of those carrying student loan debt might surprise you. Amid calls for the Biden administration to …

Last month, Iowa's governor eased public regulations established last year to control the spread of COVID-19. A new survey suggests older Iowans want businesses to maintain their own mandates. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Older Iowans Want COVID Safety Measures to Stay in Place

DES MOINES, Iowa -- States like Iowa have lifted COVID-19 restrictions amid a gradual decline in case activity and promising news on vaccinations…

Among the many forms of elder abuse, advocates for older Iowans say financial exploitation is among the most common, and they don't think Iowa laws are strong enough to help victims. (Adobe Stock)

Carving Out New Path for Stronger Elder-Abuse Protections in IA

DES MOINES, Iowa -- As the new Iowa legislative session kicks off today, advocates for seniors hope lawmakers take another look at elder abuse and do …

According to the most recent data, nearly 65,000 Iowans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. (Adobe Stock)

CDC: Alzheimer's Deaths Rise During Pandemic

SIOUX CITY, Iowa -- A spike in Alzheimer's-related deaths is being viewed as another ripple effect of the pandemic, and the troubling information …

Iowa seniors say the Senate Republicans' coronavirus relief package needs to do more to address safety of nursing home residents and staff. (Adobe stock)

Iowa Seniors Call on Congress to Address Nursing-Home Crisis in HEALS Act

DES MOINES, Iowa - The latest novel coronavirus relief package - also known as the Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection, and Schools (…

State officials say nearly 80% of the votes cast in Iowa's June 2 primary came through absentee ballots. (Adobe Stock)

Bill to Curb Mailing IA Absentee Ballot Forms Raises Concerns

DES MOINES, Iowa - A bill in the Iowa Legislature would restrict the state from mailing out absentee ballot applications to all registered voters…

The Iowa Health Department says more than 10% of the state's novel coronavirus cases are nursing-home residents or staff members who work in the facilities. (Adobe Stock)

Pandemic Presents Growing Problems at Long-Term Care Facilities

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Nearly nearly half of Iowa's COVID-19 deaths have been nursing-home residents, state health officials say. That's prompted more …

One pandemic-related scam that's come to Iowa is the robocall to offer air duct replacement to help keep coronavirus out of your home. (Adobe Stock)

Pandemic Produces Scams Targeting Iowa Seniors

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The health implications of the global coronavirus pandemic are stressful enough for Iowans, and people looking to prey on those …

In addition to restricting visitors, the CDC advises long-term care facilities to limit group activities amid the spread of coronavirus. (Adobe Stock)

IA Families Urged to Follow Nursing-Home Visitation Curbs

DES MOINES, Iowa - As health officials work to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, they're asking that families avoid making any non-essential …

AAA says older drivers often try to avoid driving at night or during rush hours. But experts say new technology is available in many vehicles to help keep them safe and mobile. (NSC.org)<br />

Iowa Seniors Encouraged to Use Safe-Driving Technology

DES MOINES, Iowa -- As the new year takes shape, automakers continue work on getting self-driving cars to the masses. Industry experts say seniors …

Coming up on Feb. 3, the first presidential caucuses in Iowa will reveal the preferences of voters in the heartland and are seen as a strong indicator for how candidates will do in later contests. (npr.org)

Iowans Prep for First-in-Nation Presidential Caucuses

DES MOINES, Iowa - Presidential campaigns have been made or lost in Iowa, and because exit polls show voters age 50 and older play a significant role…

One in three Americans reports not taking a prescribed medication because of the cost. (aarp.org)

Iowans Press for Relief from Skyrocketing Prescription Drug Costs

DES MOINES, Iowa – Advocates for Americans 50 and older want Congress to pass legislation before the end of the year to stop the skyrocketing …

The soaring cost of prescription drug prices and other issues important to older voters will be addressed by 19 of the Democratic Party presidential hopefuls in Iowa forums this week. (insideclimatenews.org)

2020 Democratic Presidential Hopefuls Share Views in 5 Iowa Cities

DES MOINES, Iowa – Iowans in five cities have an opportunity this week to hear 2020 Democratic Party presidential hopefuls make their case on …

The high cost of health care is believed to be one reason the rate of U.S. residents age 65 and older filing for bankruptcy increased more than 200% from 1991 to 2016. (aarp.org)

"Stop Rx Greed" Campaign Stops in Des Moines

DES MOINES, Iowa — Americans pay the highest prescription drug prices in the world, according to AARP, which says it's time for Americans to …

Charles City, Iowa's second livable community as defined by AARP, is home to a vintage movie house with nightly film screenings.(cinematreasures.org)

Charles City Named 2nd Iowa 'Livable Community'

CHARLES CITY, Iowa – Charles City is working to become a "livable community" – a place where extra attention is paid to the environmental…

Strokes are the fifth-leading cause of death for adults in the United States and the number-one cause of disability. (creative commons/c la ms)

Are You Too Young to Have a Stroke?

DES MOINES, Iowa — An Iowa nurse says the recent deaths of two Hollywood celebrities in their 50s from stroke should be a wake-up call for …

A new nationwide AARP campaign encourages lawmakers to adopt legislation allowing states' Attorneys General to crack down on prescription drug price increases. (Pixabay/Bru-nO)

AARP Launches 'Stop Rx Greed' Campaign to Lower Drug Prices

DES MOINES, Iowa – Polls show that reducing the cost of prescription drugs is a very important issue to Americans, and AARP is launching a new …

A majority of Iowa's 317,000 unpaid family caregivers are at least 50 years old and maintain regular working hours while also providing unpaid care to a family member or other patient. (AARP)

Fifth Time the Charm? Iowa CARE Act Advances at State Capitol

DES MOINES, Iowa — Advocates for the Iowa CARE Act want lawmakers to codify what many say are common-sense procedures that would provide unpaid …

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IA: Senior Issues