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This week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services finalized the calendar year 2025 rate announcement for the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug programs. CMS's final ruling from 2022 will lead to the new Highly Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan in Michigan. (Flamingo Images/Adobe Stock)

MI HealthLink pilot program to transform by 2026

Michigan's HealthLink pilot program is planning to transition into a new Highly Integrated Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan. The new program will …

The funding increase for community health centers also helps alleviate some of the burdens caused by threats to 340B, the low-cost prescription drug program. A Merck study finds 90% of older adults regularly take at least one prescription drug. (220 Selfmade Studio/Adobe Stock)

MI seniors applaud community health center funding increase

Older adults across Michigan and around the country are applauding a boost in funding for community health centers, thanks to Congress passing a …

One fifth of four-year college graduates complete their education later in life, according to a new report by the National Bureau of Economic Research. (moodboard/Adobe Stock)

A surprising number of Michigan college graduates are 'late bloomers'

When you think of college students, you may think of young adults starting out in life but a new report is pointing to a different trend. More older …

A 2017 report in the New England Journal of Medicine found, among participants with coronary artery disease, fluctuation in body weight was associated with higher mortality and a higher rate of cardiovascular events, independent of traditional risk factors. (Karen Roach/Adobe Stock)

Risky post-holiday 'yo-yo' diets can derail heart health

Diet and exercise ads may be all your social media feed is filled with in January, however, resolutions to maintain balance are best for the heart…

By 2030, more than one in five Americans will be at least 65 years old, and by 2050, the number of people age 60 and older globally is expected to double to more than 2 billion. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

Study examines climate advocacy for seniors

While scientists say extreme climate changes are happening more frequently, a new study aims to link aging adults to it's risks and their potential …

In addition to reducing the risk of heart disease, studies have shed light on several other potential health benefits associated with vacationing, including decreased depression, less stress and improved productivity. (aanbetta/Adobe Stock)

Heart-healthy holiday travel tips from a cardiologist

AAA is projecting a record 7.5 million air passengers will travel over the next two weeks. Cardiologists and the American Heart Association suggest …

Stroke is ranked as the second-leading cause of death worldwide, with an annual mortality rate of about 5.5 million people. (elenabsl/Adobe Stock)

Many good reasons to learn how to spot a stroke

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke, so learning how to spot one can be vital in saving your own life, or someone else's…

AARP's Fraud Watch Network has a list of current scams and how to recognize and avoid common scams, including videos breaking down how scams work. (Adobe Stock)

Scams, fraud take mental-health toll, especially on older adults

Scams and fraud have long-lasting effects on a person's mental well-being, but the latest research found the emotional toll is particularly high on …

The AARP's Andrus Awards are held once a year in each participating state, and also nationally.(piter2121/Adobe Stock)

Last Call for Nominations for AARP-Michigan Volunteer Award

Anyone can nominate a Michigan resident over age 50 for one of AARP's most prestigious awards, but it must be done by Friday. The Andrus Awards are …

Some 70% of Michigan residents are either currently providing care or have provided care in the past for an adult relative or friend. (Studio Romantic/Adobe Stock)

Michigan Adults Strive to Stay Mentally Sharp as They Age

AARP Michigan's Vital Voices survey results are in, and more than 700 Michigan adults 45 and older say they are most concerned with staying mentally …

According to the American Heart Association, people feel more confident performing Hands-Only CPR and are more likely to remember the correct chest-compression rate when trained to the beat of a familiar song. (9dreamstudio/Adobe Stock)

From Beyoncé to 'Baby Shark,' the Right Tune Can Save a Life

With popular artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift touring Michigan this summer, the American Heart Association is reminding people that some of …

In 2018, Michigan's Proposal 3 was touted as a

Report Cites 'Flawed' Voter Purges as Unfair

There are many good reasons for states to update their voter rolls in preparation for elections, but a new report contended many are too zealous …

Some 17% of formal complaints made to the Department of Civil Rights are related to housing, according to a legislative analysis of Senate Bill 207. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

MI Bills Could Prohibit Landlords' Source-of-Income Discrimination

People cannot be denied a place to live based on their race or disability in Michigan, but some are being turned down based on where they get the …

An overhaul of Michigan's tax system, signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer this week, will bring savings to thousands of senior and low-income taxpayers. (Adobe Stock)

Governor Signs Overhaul of MI Tax System, Ends 'Retirement Tax'

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed a new law that rolls back Michigan's "Retirement Tax" that was implemented more than a decade ago. The new law…

In a national survey, Michigan was ranked 27th among the 50 states for its cost, access and quality of long-term care supports and services. California was ranked first. (Flickr)

MI State of State: Whitmer Promises Seniors Tax Breaks, Better Care

In her fifth State of the State address this week, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer emphasized policies designed to put more money in Michiganders' pockets…

According to AARP Michigan, six out of 10 senior voters are concerned they may not be able to afford the cost of a needed prescription medication. (Stock Footage Inc./Adobe Stock)

Michigan Seniors Call for More Government Action to Lower Drug Costs

A new report found three of four Michigan voters 50 and older take one or more prescription drugs on a regular basis, but many find it difficult or …

One project in Michigan receiving an AARP Community Challenge grant plans to foster an environment of healthy eating and physical activity through community gardening. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

Grants Awarded to MI Groups to Make Communities More Age-Friendly

Five projects in Michigan have been awarded grants from AARP to make communities more livable, especially for older residents. Types of projects …

Around 38% of Michigan nursing homes are facing staffing shortages. (Dragana Gordic/Adobe Stock)

MI State Budget Includes Funding for Long-Term Care, Direct-Care Workforce

The state budget Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law Wednesday includes funding for bolstering long-term care. It funds a direct-care workforce …

Nearly 40% of Michigan households include at least one member over age 60. (eggeggjiew/Adobe Stock)

Online Platform Helps Older Michiganders Get Connected, Socialize

More than 40% of older Michiganders live alone, and studies show the pandemic has exacerbated loneliness for many. The State of Michigan has renewed …

Voters age 50 and older represent the majority of people who cast absentee ballots, and during the last three elections, this age group made up from 55% to 60% of Michigan voters. (WESTOCK/Adobe Stock)

Senior Advocates: Don't Require Partial Social Security Numbers to Vote

Advocates for older Michiganders are voicing concerns about a petition that could add barriers to voting and even put a voter's personal information a…

Prescription drugs in the United States on average cost 2.5 times as much as medications in other nations. (Gov. Gretchen Whitmer)

MI Groups Support Repealing Pension Tax, Capping Insulin Costs

Groups advocating for seniors are applauding Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's plans to prioritize repealing the pension tax and placing a cap on out-of-pocket …

Around 34% of respondents to an AARP survey have received a fake notification about a shipping issue. (terovesalainin/Adobe Stock)

Groups Warn Michiganders to Beware Possible Holiday Scams

LANSING, Mich. -- Consumer advocates are warning Michigan residents to be on the lookout for possible scams this holiday season. They say some people …

Six in ten Michigan voters age 25 to 64 say they're anxious about having enough money saved for retirement. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: MI Voters Want Policymakers to Make Saving for Retirement Easier

LANSING, Mich. - More than 80% of Michigan voters age 25 to 64 think the state should make it easier for workers to save for retirement, according to …

As of late July, fewer than one in ten Michigan nursing homes had at least 75% of its staff members vaccinated, which is the industry standard for this type of facility. (Tyler Olson/Adobe Stock)

Group Urges MI Nursing-Home Staff, Residents to Get Vaccinated

LANSING, Mich. -- The most recent Michigan data showed 51% of staff and residents of nursing homes have been vaccinated against COVID-19, despite the …

Groups including Caring Across Generations, Michigan Care in Action, the Arc of Michigan, the National Domestic Workers Alliance, SEIU and others held a roundtable this week on the importance of legislation to boost the care sector. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

MI Groups Urge Congress to Invest in Home, Community-Based Services

LANSING, Mich. -- Advocates for home- and community-based services in Michigan urged Congress to build off state efforts and invest in what's become …

Some Michigan counties are able to provide at-home COVID-19 vaccinations for homebound residents. (Adobe Stock)

Help for Michigan's Homebound: COVID Vaccine Outreach Expands

LANSING, Mich. -- More than two million Michiganders are fully vaccinated for COVID-19, and a focus now is to ensure people who are homebound are …

About 30,000 Michiganders are receiving the COVID-19 vaccine each day. (Adobe Stock)

Some Older MI Residents Express Frustration Over Vaccine

LANSING, Mich. - Michigan is ahead of most states in its COVID-19 vaccination work, but there's still a long way to go. More than 1 million doses …

Michigan (red) COVID nursing home resident deaths per 100, compared with national (gray) deaths. (AARP)

Dashboard Shows COVID Exposure Still High in Michigan Nursing Homes

LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan seems to be getting a better handle on the coronavirus as vaccine distribution begins and cases level off. But experts …

Credit cards tend to offer better fraud protections for purchases than do debit cards. (AdobeStock)

COVID and Holidays Create Perfect Storm of Fraudsters

LANSING, Mich. -- With the spike in COVID cases and the upcoming holiday season, consumer groups are warning Michiganders that a proliferation of …

Voters age 50 and older accounted for 56% of the ballots cast in the 2016 election. (Adobe Stock)

Michigan Voters 50+ United on Protecting Social Security, Medicare

LANSING, Mich. -- With the nation heading into an especially divisive election, there are some key matters older Michiganders care about that …

Online platforms are expanding social and learning opportunities for Michiganders of all ages during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Virtual Events Open Up New Worlds for Older MI Adults

LANSING, Mich. -- With COVID-19 unlikely to disappear anytime soon, Michigan's leading advocate for older adults is taking advantage of technology to …

The federal CARES Act provided some additional funding for programs that provide meals for seniors, but it's important that people who need these resources reach out. (congerdesign/Pixabay)

For Hungry Michigan Seniors, Help is a Phone Call Away

LANSING, Mich. -- Organizations throughout the state are trying to ensure no senior goes without food as the world fights the COVID-19 pandemic…

A $28 box of food can provide 22 meals for an older adult in Michigan. (AdobeStock)

Quarantine Food Boxes Ease Hunger Among Older Michiganders

LANSING, Mich. -- The COVID-19 outbreak is amplifying traditional barriers to food access in Michigan, and older residents are especially vulnerable…

The average cost of prescription drugs increased nearly 60% between 2012 and 2017. (AdobeStock)

MI Rx Task Force Rolls Up Its Sleeves

LANSING, Mich. -- High costs are preventing nearly 1 in 3 Michigan adults from taking needed medication. However, solutions to help bring down the …

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide counselors helped 65,000 Michigan tax filers receive $28 million in refunds last year. (Adobe Stock)

Ramping Up for Tax Season with AARP Michigan's Tax-Aide Team

LANSING, Mich. -- Tax season officially starts soon, and hundreds of volunteers are finalizing their training so they can help Michiganders prepare …

It is estimated that one in three people in Michigan is not taking prescribed medications because they can�t afford it. (AdobeStock)

Michiganders Turning Up Heat on Drug Manufacturers

LANSING, Mich. – People in Michigan troubled by the high cost of prescription medications are encouraged to help turn up the heat on drug …

Michiganders Asked to Join Fight Against Drug Price Hikes

LANSING, Mich. – The rising cost of prescription drug prices continues to make headlines, and Michiganders are encouraged to help find …

Age-friendly communities are considerate of residents from all walks of life and of any age. (Adobe Stock)

Advancing Age-Friendly Communities in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. – A growing movement in Michigan and around the world is working to ensure communities are able to serve the needs of people of …

Researchers say understanding a loved one's dementia diagnosis can help preserve family relationships. (Lisa F. Young/Adobe Stock)

Roadmap for Better Approach to Dementia in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. – Dementia has significant impacts on the lives of families, employers, taxpayers and those living with the disease. And …

A majority of Michigan voters age 45-plus are concerned about being able to afford prescription drugs for their families. (David Goehring/Flickr)

Prescription Prices: Older Michiganders Want to Stop the Greed

LANSING, Mich. – Older Michiganders outraged over the soaring cost of prescription medications are turning up the heat on lawmakers and drug …

Whether it's jazz, country or rock and roll, experts say live music improves mental health and could even add years to a person's life. (Free-Photos/Pixabay)

Music as Medicine for a Healthy Brain

LANSING, Mich. – Music is said to be food for the soul, but it also can help nourish the brain. Jennifer Feuerstein, associate state director …

A new bill would make it easier for doctors licensed in other states to practice in Michigan. (Lilijoel/Morguefile)

Bills on Telemedicine, Adult Day Care on Governor’s Desk

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan House of Representatives passed several bills on Wednesday that senior groups say will improve health care across …

Increasing numbers of grandparents are raising grandchildren, due to such factors as parents' job losses and the opioid epidemic. (Pixabay)

Grandparents Day Events Celebrate Special Family Bonds

LANSING, Mich. – As the matriarchs and patriarchs, grandparents have always played important roles in their families, and this weekend …

In non-presidential election years, typically two-thirds of the people who turn out to vote are age 50 or older. (Pixabay)

Mid-term Election 2018 : Can Michigan Voters "Be the Difference?"

LANSING, Mich. — The November election is pivotal for Michigan's future, and a new effort is underway to encourage all Michiganders to make …

Bessemer used grant money from the AARP Community Challenge to install bike racks around the town designed by a local artist. (City of Bessemer)<br />

Michigan Communities Challenged to Improve Livability

LANSING, Mich. – With the nation facing an aging population, many communities are examining ways to become places where people of all ages can …

Grab bars in bathrooms and other accessibility features in homes can help prevent falls, a leading cause of injury for older adults. (Nancy Hugo/Flickr)

MI Tax-Credit Bill Aims to Improve Seniors' Home Safety

LANSING, Mich. – Climbing a staircase or stepping into a bathtub are among the everyday tasks that can become a challenge to folks as they age…

Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States, although doctors say it is largely preventable. (cdc.gov)

Cardiologist Urges Prevention to Fight Heart Disease

DETROIT - Heart disease is the number one health issue for men and women, and a doctor who's been treating people with heart problems for more than …

More than 1,000 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers will help prepare taxes across Michigan this season. (DuBoix/morguefile)

Free Tax Help Available Now Through April

LANSING, Mich. – Tax season is here and so is free help from the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. Last year, the program helped more than 66,…

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MI: Senior Issues