Senior Issues / Public News Service

Monmouth and another Oregon city received AARP Livable Cities designations last year. (Publichall/Wikimedia Commons)

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Seven OR projects receive AARP livable community grants

Seven projects have been chosen in Oregon to receive grants from AARP. The projects were selected for the Community Challenge grant program…

People living with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. (Lightfield Studios/Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

MI Alzheimer's Association urges continued efforts beyond awareness month

June was Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, but the Michigan Alzheimer's Association says these should be year-round priorities. More than 200,0…

With the End-of-Life Options Act, Delaware would join ten other states and Washington, D.C., that have authorized medical aid in dying. (Adobe Stock)

DE Legislature approves End-of-Life Options Act for terminally ill patients

The Delaware General Assembly has approved legislation to allow terminally ill adults access to prescription drugs so if they are suffering, they can …

The Gettysburg-Whitlock Bay Development Corporation, a grant recipient, will help gardeners make use of an empty lot. (Adobe Stock)

Five SD communities receive Community Challenge grants

AARP has announced its 2024 Community Challenge grant recipients this week, including several in South Dakota. Nearly $4 million is going to about 35…

In 2023, the riskiest scams for people over the age of 65 involved investment, romance, and home improvement, according to the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio. (Adobe Stock)<br />

More older Ohioans are falling prey to financial fraud

More people over the age of 64 are being targeted by scams through social media and are more likely to lose money. According to AARP, around half of …

One in five Americans is expected to be age 65 or older by 2030. (Melanie/Adobe Stock)

WA joins age, dementia-friendly networks

Washington has received designations highlighting the state's efforts to become more age and dementia-friendly. Washington is the 12th state to join …

The living wage for a person in Maine who lives alone with no dependents is $22.04, or $4.65 more than the median wage for a home health aide, according the MIT Living Wage Calculator. (Adobe Stock)

Low wages, burnout cited for ME direct-care worker shortage

A critical shortage of direct care workers in Maine is leaving residents without needed health services, according to a new report. It showed more …

The World Health Organization says globally, one in two people can be considered

America's 'Radical Elders' continue their work for fairness, justice

Members of the group Radical Elders are participating in a Chicago tech conference this weekend to explain the impact of technology on older Americans…

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 …

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 …

Participating in the arts may improve older adults' health, well-being and independence, according to the National Institute on Aging. (Adobe Stock)

WY grant supports creative aging through arts

Teaching artists can now apply for grant funding centered on programs for older Wyomingites. The Creative Aging Project Grant, from the Wyoming Arts …

The Proposition 479 investment plan is projected to create $2.4 billion in net new economic activity per year. (Eduardo Barraza / Adobe Stock)

AARP AZ endorses Prop 479 to strengthen public transit for older adults

An Arizona organization said Proposition 479, which will be put to voters in November, is essential for the growth of the greater Phoenix area and …

The number of Maryland seniors reporting insufficient sleep increased to 29%, according to the American's Health Rankings Senior Report from the United Health Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Report: MD senior health ranks 10th in nation; challenges remain

A new report found Maryland's older residents face worsening physical and behavioral health and looks at the possible reasons. The America's Health …

More than 80% of 65-to-69-year-olds are internet users, and two-thirds say they have broadband internet connections at home, according to data from The Pew Research Center. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY to use $12M to boost internet access in underserved communities

Kentucky is set to spend $12 million over the next three years to boost internet access in communities across the state. The funding will go toward …

Over the past two decades, 5,329 patients in the United States have utilized medical aid-in-dying laws, while at least 8,451 patients received a prescription, according to the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. (Adobe Stock)

MA could become 11th state with medical aid-in-dying law

Lawmakers in Massachusetts are considering legislation to allow medical aid in dying as an option for mentally capable, terminally ill adults…

Legislative reforms to Maine's Medicare Savings Plans expand eligibility to residents age 65 and older earning 250% of the poverty level, or $33,975 for an individual. (Adobe Stock)

ME health advocates tout benefits of expanded Medicare Savings Plans

Maine lawmakers have approved a full expansion of the state's Medicare Savings Plans, ensuring continued eligibility for some 45,000 low-income …

The FBI last year received more than 200 complaints of the

Elder financial abuse highlighted during AARP PROTECT Week

Saturday is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and AARP Maryland is observing its annual PROTECT Week to highlight elder financial abuse. FBI data from …

Stealing from Medicare leaves fewer available funds for those who need medical services now, as well as those who will need them in the future. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week aims to protect MI seniors

In Michigan, 22% of people are enrolled in Medicare for their health coverage, and scams are on the rise. Nationally, Medicare loses about $60 …

An AARP survey found only 9% of adults age 50 and older would not consider a telehealth visit over an in-person one under any circumstance. (Adobe Stock)

CT telehealth law made permanent, helps senior health access

Newly signed Connecticut laws can improve access and the quality of health care for seniors. One significant change is extending a pandemic-era …

Upon release from prison, Section 1115 waivers would offer individuals reentry services, case management, medication-assisted treatment and a minimum 30-day medication supply. (AliFuat/Adobe Stock)

PA aims to simplify health coverage for kids with Medicaid waiver

A proposed waiver would eliminate Medicaid issues by ensuring uninterrupted coverage for qualified children until they turn 6. If approved by the …

The approval of Indiana's PathWays for Aging Program followed two public comment periods, in 2023 and early 2024. (Adobe Stock)

IN Medicaid launches PathWays Program for Aging

The federal agency overseeing state entitlement programs, including Medicaid, has approved Indiana's proposed waivers and amendments for managed care …

The average 65-year-old in the U.S. should expect to live another 18.9 years. However, many older adults do not live to see their 75th birthday. (Lumos sp/Adobe Stock)<br />

New report shows progress, challenges in MI senior health

Michigan ranks 18th among states for the well-being of its older residents, according to a new report. The "America's Health Rankings Senior Report" …

Report: Nebraska ranks 14th in nation for seniors' well-being

A new report on the status of U.S. seniors ranks Nebraska 14th among the states, moving down one spot from 2023. Nationally, the "America's Health …

The number of geriatric clinicians increased 4% nationwide, according to a new report from the United Health Foundation. (Chinnapong/Adobe Stock)

Report: WA ranks in top 10 for older Americans' well-being

A new report looks at the well-being of older Americans. The America's Health Ranking Senior Report shows a mixed bag for the living conditions of …

Report: VA seniors’ physical, behavioral health declines

A new report showed Virginia's older residents face worsening physical and behavioral health and looks at the possible reasons. The America's Health …

the United Health Foundation says that 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)

Some well-being metrics improve for seniors, but troubling trends loom large

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

About one-in-ten 911 calls result in a nearly 30-minute wait time for emergency medical services. (Adobe Stock)

New SD program trains communities to be cardiac-ready

It's National CardioPulmonary Resuscitation and Automated External Defibrillator Awareness Week, and a new South Dakota program has helped several …

The uninsured rate for New Hampshire residents age 65 and older fell 22% - from 6.3% to 4.9% of the population - between 2019 and 2022. But a lack of providers and high-speed internet access has kept many rural seniors from accessing basic care, according to a new report. (Adobe Stock)<br />

NH senior health ranks high, community health workers may improve it

A new report ranked New Hampshire as the fourth-healthiest state in the nation for seniors but a lack of home health workers and high-speed internet a…

Economic factors often influence access to health care. In Massachusetts, adults age 65 and older with less than a high school education are more than 11 times as likely to have teeth extracted than those with a college degree, according to United Health Foundation's 2024 Senior Report. (Adobe Stock)

Housing, transportation limit MA seniors' access to quality health care

High housing and transportation costs are preventing some Massachusetts seniors from seeing their health care providers, according to a new report…

Insufficient sleep is up 21% for Connecticut seniors aged 64, at 30.5%, slightly higher than the national average. (Adobe Stock)

Report: CT seniors gain access to care but health outcomes worsen

Connecticut ranks high for helping seniors access care in a new report. The America's Health Ranking Senior report found Connecticut lost ground in …

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…

On the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's 2022 Rural Poll, nearly 40% of rural Nebraskans reported they had volunteered at least a few times a month over the previous year. (Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock)

AARP Nebraska seeks nominees for highest state volunteer award

AARP Nebraska is looking for nominations for the 2024 Andrus Award for Community Service. The award honors an individual or couple over age 50 …

Early deaths for older adults decreased from their peak during the start of the pandemic in 2020, a new report from the United Health Foundation showed. (bobex73/Adobe Stock)

OR ranks 16th in report on older adults' well-being

A new report looks at the well-being of older Americans. The America's Health Ranking Senior Report showed a mixed bag for the living conditions of …

Ohio's Area Agency on Aging District 5 helps older adults by providing clients with transportation, helping them get caregivers and encouraging them to get out of the house more often. (Nattakorn/Adobe Stock)

Experts say Ohio’s older adults need mental health support

By Mara O'Malley for Kent State News Lab.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. …

A $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs under Medicare Part D will be implemented Jan. 1, 2025. (Sherry Young/Adobe Stock)

$35 monthly insulin cap under IRA aids retired nurse's budget

The Inflation Reduction Act has brought tangible improvements to Pennsylvanians' lives. Health care premiums are declining, monthly insulin costs …

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…

Among people aged 70, 61% of those with Alzheimer's dementia are expected to die before age 80 compared with 30% of people without Alzheimer's dementia. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Brain health experts seek solutions for Alzheimer's crisis in Georgia

Brain-health experts are working to improve detection and care for Alzheimer's disease as new data reveal an increasing Alzheimer's population in Geor…

SEIU 775 workers at Aegis Living gathered for a rally at the company's new facility earlier this month. (SEIU 775)

Assisted living workers at WA facility call for higher wages

Workers for an assisted living facility are calling for higher wages in their union contract negotiations. Aegis Living is a Seattle-based company …

Studies show volunteering can significantly improve mental and physical health, life satisfaction and self-esteem and decrease depressive symptoms. (Adobe Stock)

Andrus Award honors older volunteers enriching ME communities

AARP Maine is seeking nominations for its 2024 Andrus Award for Community Service. The award honors individuals or couples over age fifty, who …

The Mississippi Access to Care Network assists seniors, people with disabilities and their loved ones in finding the care and support they need to live independently for as long as possible. (wavebreak3/Adobe Stock)

Working to create connections, age-friendly communities in MS

May is Older Americans Month, a time to recognize Mississippians over 50 and their contributions, and reaffirm commitments to serving older adults in …

Filmmaker documents parents' last moments as they use medical aid in dying

A new documentary series looks at medical aid in dying through the eyes of terminally ill people advocating for a peaceful passing on their own terms…

CA filmmaker follows her parents as they choose medical aid in dying

A new documentary series looks at medical aid in dying through the eyes of terminally ill people advocating for a peaceful passing on their own terms…

More than 80,000 people in Connecticut have Alzheimer's disease and research shows the number will grow 14% by 2025. (Adobe Stock)

Summer safety tips for CT people with dementia, Alzheimer’s

This Memorial Day, Connecticut health experts are guiding caregivers on how to keep people with Alzheimer's safe. People with the various forms of …

Despite recent increases, Wyomingites pay some of the lowest property taxes in the country. (Christopher Boswell/Adobe Stock)

WY governor to talk property tax shifts at 'TeleTown Hall'

Gov. Mark Gordon will address Wyomingites this week to detail new avenues for property tax relief. Following the pandemic, property values in …

Oregonians contributed more than 88 million hours of volunteering in 2021. (lovelyday12/Adobe Stock)

Nominations open for OR volunteer making impact in their community

AARP Oregon has opened up nominations for its prestigious award for volunteerism. For the Andrus Award for Community Service, the organization will …

Unpaid family caregivers provided more than 920 million hours of care to senior family members. (Adobe Stock)

Event cites VA family caregivers’ work, reviews supports

For Older Americans Month, AARP Virginia is hosting an event today about family caregivers. Virginia caregivers provided $14 billion of unpaid care …

A 2023 survey by AARP found 92% of Ohio business owners support legislation creating a public-private retirement savings option for workers. (Adobe Stock/AI-generated)

Ohio lawmakers ponder committee to address ‘looming retirement crisis’

Ohio lawmakers are exploring ways to address the state's looming retirement crisis. According to The Pew Charitable Trusts, if the personal …

AARP polling data show nationwide, most 50+ voters said candidates' stances on Social Security and Medicare are very important factors affecting their vote in November. (Adobe Stock)

Kentuckians 50+ expected to head to polls for early voting on May 16

Early voting begins on Thursday for Kentucky's Primary Election and runs through May 18. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day…

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Senior Issues

Seven OR projects receive AARP livable community grants

MI Alzheimer's Association urges continued efforts beyond awareness month

DE Legislature approves End-of-Life Options Act for terminally ill patients

Five SD communities receive Community Challenge grants

More older Ohioans are falling prey to financial fraud

WA joins age, dementia-friendly networks

Low wages, burnout cited for ME direct-care worker shortage

America's 'Radical Elders' continue their work for fairness, justice

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

MN finalizes overhaul of driver safety education policy

WY grant supports creative aging through arts

AARP AZ endorses Prop 479 to strengthen public transit for older adults

Report: MD senior health ranks 10th in nation; challenges remain

KY to use $12M to boost internet access in underserved communities

MA could become 11th state with medical aid-in-dying law

ME health advocates tout benefits of expanded Medicare Savings Plans

Elder financial abuse highlighted during AARP PROTECT Week

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week aims to protect MI seniors

CT telehealth law made permanent, helps senior health access

PA aims to simplify health coverage for kids with Medicaid waiver

IN Medicaid launches PathWays Program for Aging

New report shows progress, challenges in MI senior health

Report: Nebraska ranks 14th in nation for seniors' well-being

Report: WA ranks in top 10 for older Americans' well-being

Report: VA seniors’ physical, behavioral health declines

Some well-being metrics improve for seniors, but troubling trends loom large

New SD program trains communities to be cardiac-ready

NH senior health ranks high, community health workers may improve it

Housing, transportation limit MA seniors' access to quality health care

Report: CT seniors gain access to care but health outcomes worsen

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

AARP Nebraska seeks nominees for highest state volunteer award

OR ranks 16th in report on older adults' well-being

Experts say Ohio’s older adults need mental health support

$35 monthly insulin cap under IRA aids retired nurse's budget

Iowa's older voters projected to decide primary election outcome

Brain health experts seek solutions for Alzheimer's crisis in Georgia

Assisted living workers at WA facility call for higher wages

Andrus Award honors older volunteers enriching ME communities

Working to create connections, age-friendly communities in MS

Filmmaker documents parents' last moments as they use medical aid in dying

CA filmmaker follows her parents as they choose medical aid in dying

Summer safety tips for CT people with dementia, Alzheimer’s

WY governor to talk property tax shifts at 'TeleTown Hall'

Nominations open for OR volunteer making impact in their community

Event cites VA family caregivers’ work, reviews supports

Ohio lawmakers ponder committee to address ‘looming retirement crisis’

Kentuckians 50+ expected to head to polls for early voting on May 16