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In 2022, Tennessee's uninsured rate was 9.3%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. (Annap/Adobe Stock)

'Dual-eligible special needs' coverage may benefit TN seniors

Certain health plans offer benefits for eligible low-income seniors in Tennessee who have special medical needs but not everyone knows they are availa…

The latest KFF survey reveals one in six respondents say they can't afford to take time off work to get a COVID-19 vaccine, including more than one-third of Hispanic adults and one-in-five Black adults. (Lakshmiprasad/Adobe Stock)

COVID vaccine resources for older minorities in Tennessee

A new survey found 59% of Black and Hispanic adults reported they have already received the new COVID-19 vaccine or intend to do so. According to …

The Social Security Administration calculates its annual cost-of-living adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index for urban wage earners and clerical workers, which is published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/AdobeStock)

TN Social Security beneficiaries can expect a 3.2% increase in 2024

Social Security is a critical benefit for older Americans, and recipients in Tennessee and across the country will see an increase in their benefits …

A recent survey found more than one in three older adults lack extra prescription medications they would need in case of an emergency. (MIKHAIL/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Survey: Opportunities for TN Older Adults to Increase Disaster Preparedness

September is National Preparedness Month, when AARP raises awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies. A recent …

When you get SSI, you may also get Medicaid, which helps pay doctor and hospital bills. Your local social services or medical assistance office can give you information about Medicaid. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/AdobeStock)

Feds to Expand Awareness of SSI Benefits to Tennesseans

The Social Security Administration has taken a proactive step to bridge the gap between critical financial assistance and the people who may be eligib…

The America's Health Rankings 2023 Senior Report shows strengths in Tennessee, including a low prevalence of excessive drinking, a high percentage of older adults with a dedicated health care provider, and low prevalence of severe housing problems. (InputUX/AdobeStock)

Report Ranks Tennessee Among Least Healthy States for Older Adults

May is Older Americans Month, and a new report shows the Volunteer State is among the bottom of states when it comes to caring for its most …

Medicare supplement policies are often referred to as Medigap coverage, because they cover expenses in the gap basic Medicare does not. (Hafakot/Adobe Stock)<br />

It’s Medicare Open Enrollment Time for Seniors in Tennessee

Medicare's annual open enrollment period has started this month and continues through Dec. 7. It is the time close to 1.4 million Tennesseans …

In 2020, prescription-drug spending topped $570 billion, a 77% increase from $322 billion a decade prior, according to a report from the financial resource company ValuePenguin. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Inflation, Senate Lawmakers Debate Drug Pricing

A recent report found Tennessee households pay more than $6,000 a year on prescriptions, far more than the national average of around $4,000 dollars…

Older Americans pay for more than half of prescription drug costs out-of-pocket, and many ration their medications or skip prescription refills due to prices. (Adobe Stock)

Older Americans Can Expect Higher Drug Prices in 2022

Older adults will likely shell out more for healthcare costs in 2022. Medicare beneficiaries will see their premiums for 'Part B,' which covers …

Social isolation can worsen cognitive ability and lead to premature death in older adults. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates Push for Rapid Testing in Long-Term Care Facilities

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Advocates are asking Gov. Bill Lee to supply Tennessee's long-term care facilities with rapid coronavirus testing, with the goal …

More than 430,000 Tennesseeans are family caregivers for someone with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. But are they prepared for dealing with their loved one during the pandemic? (Adobe Stock)

Pandemic Prep Critical for Caregivers of People with Alzheimer’s

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- People with Alzheimer's and their caregivers face a unique set of challenges during the coronavirus pandemic. In Tennessee…

Tax-season scammers pretending to be affiliated with government agencies are on the rise, according to the Federal Trade Commission. (Adobe Stock)

Free Tax-Prep Sites Open to Help TN Residents File on Time

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- From now through April 15, Tennessee residents who need help getting their income taxes done can turn to the AARP Foundation's …

Symptoms of Alzheimer's often first appear after age 60, and the risk of developing the disease increases with age. (Adobe Stock)

TN’s New Dementia Advisory Council Wants Input from Residents

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Earlier this year, the Tennessee General Assembly unanimously passed legislation creating the first Alzheimer's Disease and …

Around 10% of children in the United States live in homes where the householders are grandparents or other relatives, according to U.S. American Community Survey data. (Adobe Stock)

Caregivers Month Spotlights Grandparents of Opioid Crisis

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — November is National Family Caregivers Month. And across Tennessee, thousands of grandparents are raising young children - a …

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, DC. According to the National Archives, 58,148 American soldiers were killed and more than 300,000 wounded in the Vietnam War. (Adobe Stock)

A Proper 'Welcome Home' for Vietnam Vets at Ft. Campbell

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — Vietnam veterans will receive a proper "welcome home" this Thursday, in a special ceremony at Fort Campbell Army base…

The Works Inc in Memphis organizes neighborhood bike rides and is a recipient of this year's AARP Community Challenge grant. (The Works Inc.)

Tennesseans Working to Improve Quality of Life for Seniors, Communities

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tennesseans in Nashville, Clarksville, Memphis and McMinn County will receive funding from AARP to improve the quality of life in …

In Tennessee, 60% of people 45 and older currently are providing unpaid care for a loved one, according to Tennessee AARP. (Adobe Stock)

TN Family Caregiver CARE Act Takes Effect This Week

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A new state regulation goes into effect Thursday that aims to help Tennessee's hospitals integrate family caregivers into …

People who eat baked or broiled fish at least once a week may improve their brain health and cut the risk of developing memory problems, according to the Radiological Society of North America. (@ninaidea/Twenty20)

National Nutrition Month: AARP Offers Food for Thought

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – March is National Nutrition Month and for adults age 40 and older staying sharp is food for thought. Rob Naylor, …

The Alzheimer's Association of Tennessee says Alzheimer's disease is the only official cause of death without dedicated research funds for a cure. (phiasinclair/Twenty20)

TN Lawmakers Consider an Alzheimer's Advisory Council

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - More than 120,000 Tennesseans are living with Alzheimer's disease, and this week, state lawmakers are considering bills to create …

Last year, AARP distributed a total of $1.3 million to fund 129

Community Challenge Grants Benefit All Ages

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – AARP Tennessee is accepting applications through April 17 for its 2019 Community Challenge Grant to fund "quick-action" …

The Better Business Bureau estimates there may be more than a million victims of fraudulent online romance scams in the U.S. alone. (AARP)

Seniors: Online Scammers Can Steal Your Heart and Wallet

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – If you're looking for love online, AARP's advice for people over 50 is make sure you guard your wallet and your heart…

The AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide program is the nation�s largest free, volunteer-run income tax preparation service in the nation. (AARP Tennessee)

AARP Foundation Offers Free Tax Prep to Tennesseans

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Despite the government shutdown that kept Internal Revenue Service workers off the job for weeks, the April 15 income tax …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests 150 minutes of moderate endurance activity every week. This can include walking, swimming or cycling. (@kirill4mula/Twenty20)

Regular Exercise Could Be Key to "Younger Brains"

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Researchers have found yet another reason to add exercise to your New Year's resolutions - particularly for seniors…

According to AARP, one reason scammers prey on seniors is that they make twice as many purchases over the phone than other groups. (edemarco5/Twenty20)

Tennesseeans Warned to Beware of Holiday Scams

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As the holidays approach, the Tennessee Department of Commerce warns buyers that if a deal looks too good to be true…

The average Social Security retirement benefit in Tennesee is $1,393.61 per month. (@afishcalledmanda,Twenty/20)

COLA Increase Won't Cover Cost of Living for Most Seniors

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The cost of living increase or COLA that takes effect for people on Social Security next year will be the most generous in …

According to the new AARP poll, 86 percent of Tennesseans age 50 and older think Social Security is important for retirement. (Twenty20)

Poll: Health Care, Social Security Big Concerns for TN Voters 50-Plus

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – With campaign signs dotting the landscape across the state, it's no secret that the midterms are around the corner. But a …

In Tennessee alone, according to the Arthritis Foundation, 1.3 million people, including nearly 6,000 children, have a doctor's diagnosis of arthritis. (Twenty20)

Report Card: Rheumatic Diseases Painful in TN, Literally, Figuratively

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – People in Tennessee with arthritis and other rheumatic conditions confront pain in their body, and in their lifestyle…

There are more than 435,000 caregivers of people with Alzheimer�s and related dementias in Tennessee. (Marianne/Flickr)

TN Lawmakers Consider Declaring Alzheimer's a Public Health Issue

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Thhe Tennessee General Assembly this week is expected to approve a resolution that would declare Alzheimer's disease and other …

Experts say that when touring a nursing home, pay attention to things such as the nurse-to-patient ratio, and the availability of information for residents. (Ulrich Joho/flickr)

TN Nursing Home Suspended: What Should You Look For in Facility?

LIMESTONE, Tenn. – This month, the Tennessee Department of Health suspended new admissions of residents at a Limestone, Tenn., nursing home R…

Experts suggest sharing information on a suspicious call with a friend before you share any financial information. (uncoolbob/flickr)

Immigrant Community at Increased Risk of Scammers

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – New data from the Federal Trade Commission ranks Tennessee number 10 in the country when it comes to reports of fraud…

Tennessee lawmakers are considering legislation that would set up a voluntary retirement savings program for employers and employees. (401kcalculator.org/Flickr)

Pay Yourself First: TN Lawmakers Look at Statewide Retirement Program

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — More than a million Tennesseans don't have access to a retirement savings program through their employer - and AARP's Public …

It's a holiday reality. The more you shop, either online or in-store, the greater your risk of identity theft. (Mike Mozart/flickr)

'Tis the Season When Scammers Go Shopping

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – While Tennesseans are using their hard earned cash to buy presents for loved ones this holiday season, scammers are working …

A higher percentage of people living with a disability live in Tennessee's rural areas, indicating the need for more transit options, according to an analysis by ThinkTennessee. (Steve Johnson, flickr)

Analysis Reveals Insights into Tennessee's Population Makeup

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee skews older than the nation overall, and overall, the state's disability rates are higher in rural communities…

Proposed cuts to Medicaid would largely impact the elderly, people with disabilities, pregnant women and children. (Jessica Lucia/flickr)

CBO: Health Care Bill Makes Healthy Bank Accounts for Rich

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The richest Tennesseans could see a healthy increase in their bank accounts if the GOP health care bill becomes a reality…

A new report says half of Tennessee's rural children are covered by Medicaid for their health needs. (Amber McNamara/flickr)

Medicaid Reductions Could Cut Deep in Rural Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Medicaid is sustaining Tennessee's rural towns in terms of children's health and the economy, according to a report from the …

AARP and other groups call the American Health Care Act's provision that allows people over 50 to be charged more for health coverage an

Tennesseans: Prepare for "Age Tax" Under Health Care Bill, Say Opponents

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Analysts predict insurance premiums could go up by as much as $8,000 for people 50 and older under the American Health Care Act …

The Congressional Budget Office, in its report released Monday, predicts higher premiums for older Americans, and research from AARP supports that finding. (pixxiestails/flickr.com)

CBO Report: Older Tennesseans Have Much to Lose Under Health-Care Bill

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Twenty-four million people by 2026. That's the estimate given by the estimate given by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget …

Legislation in the Tennessee State Assembly would allow trained caregivers to perform simple health-maintenance tasks, such as administering medicine to in-home patients. (A./Flickr)

Efforts Continue to Empower TN Patients, Caregivers

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – As it now stands in Tennessee, only a registered nurse can provide basic health care to in-home patients. While the law may …

The Tennessee Fire Marshal recommends users of medical oxygen place signage in and outside of their homes to prevent accidental exposure to flame or heat. (Jason Eppink/flickr.com)

State Warns of Medical Oxygen Dangers

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- For thousands of Tennesseans with medical issues like COPD or cancer, using a medical oxygen tank is necessary for survival…

AARP Foundation is offering free tax preparation assistance through its Tax-Aide program across Tennessee beginning next week. (Tax/Flickr.com)

The Taxman Cometh: Free Tax Assistance for Tennesseans

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tax season is upon us, and AARP of Tennessee is offering free tax assistance beginning next week as part of its Tax-Aide …

Advocates for public transportation are urging Gov. Bill Haslam to make public transportation funding a part of his infrastructure plan this year. (Tennessee Public Transportation Association)

Public Transport Supporters: Mass Transit Has Mass Appeal for Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Transportation and infrastructure are areas of focus for Gov. Bill Haslam as he enters the new year, with the governor being …

Budget cuts could impact Social Security and Medicare benefits. (BKL/flickr.com)

Thousands of Tennesseans Could See Cuts to Benefits

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The more than 181,000 Tennesseans who receive Social Security benefits and thousands who receive Medicare could see cuts if …

Protect your Medicare number as you would your credit card number to prevent people from securing health care or medicine under your name. That's the advice from consumer advocates. (DarrenHester/morguefile.com)

TN Consumer Advocates: Guard Your Medicare Number

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Treat your Medicare number just like your Social Security number. That's the message from consumer advocates who warn that …

Researchers say detecting Alzheimer's Disease early could come down to testing how well someone smells. Recently, Pat Summitt, pictured here in green, succumbed to the illness. (aaronisnotcool/flickr.com)

Passing the Smell Test: Your Nose May Know Alzheimer's Disease

NASHVILLE, N.C. - Researchers are making progress in their studies of the disease that took the life and mind of famed UT women's basketball coach …

More than a half million people in Tennessee are living with Alzheimer's or caring for someone who is. (Smantha Ing/flickr.com)

Remember: June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - As many as half a million Tennesseans are living with Alzheimer's or caring for someone who is, but advocates say it's been at …

May is Skin Cancer Prevention Month, and Tennesseans are being reminded about the importance of proper skin protection before heading out into the sun. (LetIdeasCompete/Flickr)

Remember that Sunscreen: Friday is Don't Fry Day

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Roughly 2,000 Tennesseans will be diagnosed with melanoma this year, based on the most recent data from the Environmental …

More investors and organizations are looking to invest in socially-conscious and green companies with policies in line with their own values. (OTAPHotos/Flickr)

Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth, and Heart, Are

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Financial adviser Peter Krull has been in the business for 18 years, and for the last 12, he's specialized exclusively in …

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Tennesseans are encouraged to seek professional help if they feel stress, sadness or other emotions they feel unable to cope with. (WanMohd/morguefile)

Better Frame of Mind: Experts Raise Awareness of Mental Health

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - May is Mental Health Awareness Month and experts are reminding Tennesseans about the importance of checking in on the …

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TN: Senior Issues