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 sharp as they age.

Lisa Dedden Cooper, manager of advocacy for AARP Michigan, said the Vital Voices survey analyzed health security, financial security and community livability. Although concerns for things such as retirement and access to Social Security are common results, the survey also made new financial findings.

"Being able to afford groceries and other necessities actually was extremely highly rated," she said, adding that "93% of people said that was an important issue that something that was on their mind, that's we think an important issue."

AARP conducts the Vital Voices research every three years. Results for each state are released based on the timing of their survey. Michigan's came out this month.

Cooper said family caregivers are particularly interested in things such as the ability to age in place in their homes, and having access to alternatives to nursing-home care. Dedden Cooper said those issues will shape how they vote in the 2024 elections.

"Ninety percent of the survey respondents support having some sort of a tax credit for family caregivers to help offset the caregiving expenses that they are facing," she said.

AARP's legislative priorities include family caregiving issues at both the state and federal level. About 4 million Michigan residents are age 50 and older, representing 39% of the state's population. In November 2022, voters in this age demographic cast more than 60% of the total ballots in the state's general election.

Indiana's busy holiday roads can put older drivers to the test.

With 2.8 million Hoosiers traveling this season, the AAA Hoosier Motor Club encouraged families to help senior drivers stay safe.

Christina Griffiths, manager of public affairs and communications for the club, highlighted the importance of preparation for older drivers.

"It really isn't about age necessarily," Griffiths explained. "It truly is a case-by-case basis of what am I dealing with physically, mentally, emotionally, and what can I do better to be as safe as possible?"

Griffiths recommended older drivers take simple steps to prepare for challenging conditions. She suggested checking car tires, brakes and visibility aids like wiper blades. For all drivers, she also stressed the value of adjusting travel times to avoid peak traffic and bad weather.

Winter weather raises the stakes for older drivers. Snow and ice create extra challenges, increasing stress and risk on the road. Griffiths pointed out AAA offers free online assessments and refresher courses to help seniors adjust to physical or emotional changes affecting driving.

"It asks a bunch of questions that you can evaluate: Am I checking behind me when I change lanes? Do I have difficulty with merging, or do I just feel that anxiety, I think is a big one too!" Griffiths outlined. "Maybe you have specific things you need to brush up with on your own skills."

Griffiths urged families to talk openly about driving habits. Small adjustments, like shorter trips or avoiding peak travel times, help seniors stay safe without giving up their independence. She added preparation and support help protect everyone on the road.


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Dementia, a disease with profound effects on families, loved ones and caregivers, affects more than 55 million people globally, including 6 million in the U.S.

New research shows people can reduce their risks by making even small changes in their daily routines, for example, through exercise and eating more vegetables.

Sarah Lock, senior vice president for policy at AARP, said there are also important steps policymakers can take to make it easier for people to maintain healthy behaviors.

"When we do that, we can disrupt dementia," Lock asserted. "That's a really exciting possibility, given that so many of us -- as our nation is aging -- are facing that risk."

Dementia is the third-largest cause of death in the nation for people age 70 and older, and two-thirds of Americans have at least one major potential risk factor. People who smoke five cigarettes per day have a 16% higher dementia risk than nonsmokers. People with prediabetes face a 25% increased risk, which rises to 50% with full-blown diabetes. Prolonged exposure to air pollution is also a major dementia risk factor.

Other risk factors include alcohol use, depression, high body mass index, hearing loss, hypertension, low education, physical inactivity, social isolation and traumatic brain injury. Lock pointed out policies to reduce these risks can vary by state. For example, in Colorado, physical inactivity may not be as big of a
problem as in other states, but hearing loss is relatively high.

"We can suggest to policymakers that they focus on ways to help people screen and correct for hearing loss," Lock noted. "In Colorado, that might be a wiser use of public dollars, to go after the problem that seems to be biggest in your state."

Lock added the goal of the research is to offer people pathways to better brain health and to give older Americans more quality time with their loved ones. The findings were released by the new Dementia Risk Reduction Project, a collaboration between AARP, the Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative and the University of Washington.

Changes coming to Medicare in 2025 could be beneficial for Oregon residents who are eligible for the program.

Oregonians who qualify for Medicare are now in the open enrollment period through Dec. 7, which allows them to search for health coverage plans to best suit their needs.

Ryan Kibby, Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance project director for the Oregon Department of Human Services, said there will be expanded care options for dementia patients with the Guiding and Improved Dementia Experience or GUIDE program.

"Some of the resources available through GUIDE would include a 24-hour support line, caregiver training and up to $2,500 a year for respite services," Kibby outlined. "That's really just going to help benefit the people who are providing these family caregiver services."

There will also be expanded mental health benefits for people with Medicare in 2025. In 2023, nearly 920,000 Oregonians were enrolled in Medicare. People can get free help to find coverage through Oregon's SHIBA program, either on its website or at 800-722-4134.

Kibby pointed out another major improvement in 2025 is prescription drug costs will be capped.

"There will be a lower maximum to pay for covered drugs, under both Medicare Part D policies and Medicare Advantage drug coverage," Kibby explained. "The maximum amount that people will pay in 2025 is $2,000, and they won't have to pay anything for covered drugs once they reach that amount."

Prescription payment plans will be an option for people who cannot pay in full up-front. The out-of-pocket cost cap also eliminates a gap in coverage, known as the "donut hole," which some have experienced in the past. While Medicare cannot cover prescriptions specifically for weight loss, people can access these drugs for treatment of conditions like Type 2 diabetes.


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