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AARP says between 3 million and 4 million Medicare enrollees nationwide are estimated to benefit from the new out-of-pocket federal cap every year between 2025 and 2029. Of the total, 40,050 are in Minnesota. (Adobe Stock)

Picture becomes clearer on drug cost savings for older Minnesotans

Consumer advocates have long detailed how older adults struggle to manage the cost of their medications but hope is emerging in Minnesota and elsewher…

Staring July 1, Minnesota drivers 55 and older will only have to take four hours of a driver safety course to get an auto insurance discount, down from the current requirement of eight course hours. (Adobe Stock)

MN finalizes overhaul of driver safety education policy

On average, nearly 40% of traffic-fatality victims in Minnesota are 55 and older. A law change soon goes into effect to help more of these drivers …

United Health Foundation says for older adults, the early death rate has gone down by 8%. Officials say while that's an improvement, the rate is still higher than pre-pandemic levels. (Adobe Stock)

Mixed outlook revealed in new well-being report for older adults

Older adults in Minnesota and across the nation are navigating various challenges that affect their quality of life. An annual report shows progress…

According to national data, traffic deaths increased by 10.5% in 2021 and traffic fatalities rose by<br />14% for drivers 65 and older. (Adobe Stock)

In making MN roads safer, law change sought for safety course

Traffic deaths are trending higher in Minnesota this year after a decline the previous year. Groups pushing for safer roads are convinced a small …

Minnesota is phasing in a host of election policy changes intended to make voting easier. Administrators also remind voters, especially older populations with physical limitations, that they still can take advantage of curbside voting. (Adobe Stock)

Voting-law changes benefit older Minnesotans

Minnesota's presidential primary is one month from today. As voters prepare to cast their ballot, administrators say new policies are in place in …

Minnesota lawmakers, leading a task force on Emergency Medical Services shortages, say they have received some initial reports of 90-minute response times in certain rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

MN takes deep dive into solving ambulance shortages

Efforts to close ambulance service gaps in Minnesota are taking shape. A special legislative task force is gathering findings about the severity of …

Officials with the Aging and Climate Change Clearinghouse contend the baby boomer generation has developed consumption patterns exacerbating climate change. They say changing patterns, such as making homes energy-efficient, can help reduce the climate threats they face. (Adobe Stock)

New project weaves in older populations in responding to climate threats

From prolonged droughts to intense rain and snowstorms, the Midwest is not immune to climate change threats. An emerging resource aims to place more …

If your flight is delayed this holiday travel season, experts recommended people with chronic health conditions pack or seek out airport vendors selling healthy snacks. They said it can help reduce the risk of a health problem during your trip. (Adobe Stock)

Making holiday travel manageable for those with chronic health issues

Holiday stress is a concern for most people, but when you mix in travel plans and chronic health issues, those worries might be elevated. A …

Federal health officials say dementia affects nearly 7 million Americans. That number is projected to double by 2060. (Adobe Stock)

Closing care gaps, finding wellness tools for those with dementia

This fall, a key federal agency is taking applications from providers who want to join a nationwide model to improve Alzheimer's care. Minnesota …

Health coverage aid groups and providers warn if you wait until the last minute and rush your enrollment for an insurance plan, you could end up in the wrong program or with benefits that do not suit your needs. (Adobe Stock)

Health Coverage 101: Early research, expert guidance keep pitfalls at bay

When it comes to open enrollment and navigating health insurance options, experts say starting your research sooner rather than later is the best …

Minnesota is one of only about a dozen states that tax Social Security income. (Adobe Stock)

MN Social Security Tax Debate Comes Into Focus

The current Minnesota legislative session has seen a lot of big policy moves, and Social Security tax relief could be next. A compromise plan is …

AmeriCorps says in its latest report, Minnesotans logged 108 million hours of formal volunteer service. (Adobe Stock)

MN Fares Well in New Volunteer Rankings

New data on volunteering in the U.S. carries good news for Minnesota. Every other year, the independent government agency AmeriCorps works with the …

In recent years, a range of studies and reports show Minnesota has some of the worst racial disparities in the nation, including in the areas of homeownership and education. (Adobe Stock)

MN Groups Brainstorm Ways to Address Poverty Disparities

On the heels of a regional conference, multiple groups are working on new solutions for reducing the poverty gap in Minnesota. Nonprofits, …

In Minnesota, an estimated 64-thousand people care for older parents, spouses, children and adults with disabilities. (Adobe Stock)

Caregivers to Candidates: Don't Forget About Us This Election

Issues such as crime and safety are getting a lot of attention on the campaign trail in Minnesota, but those who have taken on the role of family …

Community housing groups say extreme weather events are one of several reasons aging homes are running into repair backlogs, and that for many homeowners, securing a home-improvement loan is difficult. (Adobe Stock)

Housing Crisis: Government Help for Older Homes Seen as Solution

As the housing market navigates a sea of obstacles, community-level organizations in Minnesota are urging governments to take a closer look at their …

Experts believe the real cost of financial fraud is much higher than what's been reported, because so many people who've been taken advantage of are too ashamed to come forward. (Adobe Stock)

Report Suggests Fraud Descriptions Need a Makeover

Changing how people talk about victims of financial fraud could lead to a shift in how Minnesota and the nation respond to this growing sector of crim…

It's estimated nearly 140,000 Minnesotans aged 62 and older who are receiving Social Security still are working, so they can meet basic needs. (Adobe Stock)

New MN Law Removes Barrier for Older Residents Seeking Jobless Benefits

A new Minnesota law, which goes into effect Sunday, removes requirements restricting Social Security recipients from receiving full jobless benefits …

In a recent survey, 69% of Minnesota nursing homes and 29% of assisted living locations placed limits on new admissions because of staffing shortages. (Adobe Stock)

MN LTC Workers: Hero Checks Help, But More Support Needed

Minnesota officials announced this week that frontline workers can likely start applying for hero checks sometime in June. As those plans take shape…

Early childhood educators in Minnesota say in order for the state's economy to thrive, a robust and accessible childcare system is needed. (Adobe Stock)

Childcare Access Gets Renewed Push at MN Legislature

Minnesota's new legislative session is underway. Even in an off-budget year, spending will be a main focus, thanks to a projected $7 billion surplus…

By 2035, there are projected to be more than 1.2 million older adults living in Minnesota (Adobe Stock)

MN Becomes 10th 'Age-Friendly' State

Minnesota is building on efforts to meet the needs of its growing population of older adults, now becoming the 10th state to join AARP's network of …

Groups that promote legacy letters say they can better inform younger generations of a family about certain values, including charitable giving. (Adobe Stock)

As You Reflect on 2021, What About a Legacy Letter?

The holiday season often includes messages of reflection. Minnesotans who want loved ones to know more about their values and life lessons, are …

Minnesota health officials say roughly 40% of eligible residents have received their COVID booster shot. (Adobe Stock)

Pleas for Booster Shots Ahead of MN Holiday Gatherings

ROCHESTER, Minn. - This year's Christmas holiday might have more of a traditional feel for Minnesota families than 2020 did. But the state's health-…

Groups like the American Heart Association report thar nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, which is a leading cause of heart disease. (Adobe Stock)

New Research Links Pandemic with Higher Blood Pressure

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- High blood pressure among Americans was already a concern before the pandemic. Researchers now say the crisis has created greater …

Analysts say if Congress were to pass an automatic IRA requirement, more than 55 million workers would have an opportunity to save for retirement. (Adobe Stock)

Survey Shows Cross-Generational Concerns about Retirement Savings

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - A new survey underscores calls for laws to make it easier for people to accumulate savings, and Minnesota voices hope to spark …

With census data showing a more diverse population in Minnesota, advocates say it's important to adopt policies that meet the needs of growing racial groups, including older residents. (Adobe Stock)

Setting Fair Policies for Older BIPOC Minnesotans

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The challenges facing older Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Minnesotans will be the focal point of a virtual forum tomorrow…

Public health experts say while the Delta variant is fueling a rise in COVID cases, they don't anticipate dangerous spikes like the ones seen this past winter. (Adobe Stock)

Breaking Down the Facts on Breakthrough COVID Cases

MINNEAPOLIS - As COVID cases trend upward again, public-health experts are setting the record straight on certain storylines about new infections…

According to an AARP survey, an estimated 16% of Minnesotans 62 and older are receiving Social Security are still working. But the group says because of state law, not all will be eligible to receive unemployment if they are laid off. (Adobe Stock)

Repealing MN's Unemployment Provisions for Seniors, Teens Still in Play

ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Minnesota lawmakers are still being pressured to update the state's unemployment laws some have argued discriminate against teens …

Those who back laws permitting medical aid in dying say they would not lead to a

Medical-Aid-in-Dying Bill Reintroduced at MN Capitol

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Minnesota lawmakers soon could revisit debate on whether to allow medically assisted dying for terminally ill patients. …

Senior advocates say prescription-drug costs and challenges in building a robust retirement package are forcing more seniors to work in their golden years. They say this age group needs full access to jobless benefits amid the current crisis. (Adobe Stock)

MN Seniors Want Changes to Unemployment Rules

MINNEAPOLIS -- Studies show more older Americans face economic insecurity, and in Minnesota, some seniors say rules limiting their ability to collect …

The state of Minnesota says so far, more than 400,000 residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccination. As they complete the initial phase of health-care workers and group home residents, officials say more seniors will get their chance. (Adobe Stock)

MN Vaccine Plan Sees New Changes, Seniors Get More Chances

MINNEAPOLIS -- Minnesota health officials said more seniors should have access to the COVID-19 vaccine this week, but noted supplies still are very …

Elaine Rasmussen is one of 50 Minnesotans 50 and older being recognized for their contributions to the state in 2020. (Photo courtesy of Elaine Rasmussen)

What Isolation? Older Minnesotans Pitch In During Crisis

MINNEAPOLIS -- Public health officials have strongly advised older people to stay at home as much as possible to avoid COVID-19 infection, but some …

Developers have added many senior living facilities across Minnesota, but state leaders and senior advocates say communities need to address a variety of issues to make cities more

Push Continues to Make MN "Age-Friendly"

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Minnesota is projected to see a larger population of older adults in the next decade. To coincide with that growth, state leaders …

Minnesota health officials say in early May, an average of 23 long-term care facilities were reporting a new coronavirus per day. That average has now fallen to six per day. (Adobe Stock)

COVID-19: Amid Promising Numbers, Concerns Linger for LTC Residents

DULUTH, Minn. -- Minnesota officials say COVID-19 case numbers for the state's long-term care facilities are trending downward. And senior advocates …

Minnesota health officials say more than 20 long-term care facilities across the state have more than 20 COVID-19 cases each. But a lot more have just one case so far. (Adobe Stock)

LTC Facilities in MN Urge More Help in Fight Against COVID-19

ST. CLOUD, Minn. -- Residents of long-term care facilities in Minnesota make up nearly 80% of the state's COVID-19 fatalities. Staff members are …

Groups such as AARP hope Minnesota seniors can access help if their normal support structure is affected by the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Groundswell of Community Support for MN Seniors During Pandemic

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Senior citizens across Minnesota might find it harder to get access to supplies or crucial information during the pandemic…

Census officials say workers will be knocking on doors this spring and summer. (Adobe Stock)

Census Bureau Still Has Hiring Shortages in MN

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- This spring, census workers will be knocking on doors as the 2020 nationwide count rolls out. But many of these jobs still need …

Since 2017, AARP has awarded 376 grants through its Community Challenge Grant program to nonprofit organizations and government entities in all 50 states and territories. (Adobe Stock)

Grant Program Seeks More Diversity, Inclusion in MN

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. -- Making communities more livable for people of all ages is the goal of a grant program that's looking for Minnesota towns to …

A recent survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation says most older adults find prescription drug costs unreasonable. (Ladyheart/Morguefile)

Rising Drug Costs Force MN Seniors to Make Tough Choices

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The rising cost of prescription drugs continues to grab the attention of lawmakers and advocacy groups. AARP Minnesota says …

Loneliness can be as bad for a person's health as obesity and smoking, according to AARP, and it's a real concern for many adults ages 50 to 80. (deagreez/Adobe Stock)

MN Groups Aim to Reduce Isolation Among Seniors

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Recent studies and surveys indicate that more older adults are struggling with loneliness and isolation. And as winter sets …

Chronic Conditions Cause More Traumatic Falls Among Baby Boomers

ST. PAUL, Minn. — More than 3 million older adults are treated for falls in emergency rooms each year, with 1 in 5 of them suffering serious …

A change in SNAP benefits proposed by the Trump administration would penalize households with savings as minimal as $2,250. (mnhungerinitiative.org)

Anti-Hunger Advocates Warn SNAP Is Under Attack, Again

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesotans fighting hunger say a proposed rule change for those needing help to put food on the table this winter will have …

About 20% of Americans, or 48 million people, report some degree of hearing loss, from mild to profound. (geralt/Pixabay)

Study: Hearing Loss Often Leads to Depression

ST. PAUL, Minn. - People often suffer from hearing loss as they age, and new research says that can lead to depression, especially if they isolate …

Minnesotans age 50-plus are making valuable contributions in communities across the state. (aletia2011/Adobe Stock)

Trailblazing Through the Golden Years

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Trailblazing is not just for the "up and coming," and some Minnesotans are being honored for not letting their golden years …

Minnesota is currently the only state that does not license assisted-living facilities. (Sabinevanerp/Pixabay)

MN Lawmakers Consider New Protections Against Elder Abuse

ST. PAUL, Minn. - As Minnesota lawmakers consider new legislation to help prevent incidents of elder abuse, a new report uncovers the troubling scope …

Advocates of equality in health care services are calling on the U.S. Congress to protect Medicare Part D from changes proposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (aradvocates.org)

Healthcare Advocates Oppose Changes to Medicare Part D

ST. PAUL, Minn. – From coast to coast, people who rely on Medicare Part D could be left without their medications if a proposal by the Centers …

Minnesota lawmakers are considering bills to crack down on prescription drug price gouging. <br />(@RLTheis/Twenty20.com)

Raising the Curtain on Rising Rx Prices

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Some health care groups say it's time to raise the curtain on the escalating cost of prescription drugs. According to AARP…

Federal law allows 60 percent of the U.S. workforce to take unpaid time off to care for a sick family member or new child, but many workers in rural communities can�t afford to skip a paycheck. (smprat90/Pixabay)

Report: Need for Paid Family Leave Greatest for Rural Minnesotans

ST. PAUL, Minn. – As legislators at the Minnesota State Capitol debate a paid family and medical leave policy, a new report from the University …

Neither women nor men in the United States rank among the top three countries where people live the longest lives.

Opioid Deaths, Suicides Reduce Life Expectancy for Americans

ST. PAUL, Minn. – It's no longer a secret that Americans are dying at an alarming rate from a nationwide opioid crisis and increased suicide …

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MN: Senior Issues