Senior Issues / Public News Service

Much of the town of Phoenix, Oregon. was destroyed in the 2020 wildfire season. (Oregon Department of Transportation/Wikimedia Commons)

Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Grants Support 2020 Fire Recovery for Southern Oregonians

Southern Oregon continues to recover from the fires of 2020 and grants are helping residents in the region. The Almeda Fire in Jackson County …

The City of College Place, Wash., received a grant to improve wireless internet connection in the community. (City of College Place)

Monday, January 30, 2023

Community Challenge Grant Provides Unique Opportunity for WA Cities

A grant program to improve communities is open for applications. Started in 2017, the AARP Community Challenge program provides grants to …

South Dakotans logged nearly 14 million hours of formal volunteer service, according to AmeriCorps in its latest report. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 30, 2023

SD Among Top States for Volunteer Work

New data about volunteering in the U.S. is good news for South Dakota. Every other year, the independent government agency AmeriCorps works with the …

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

Monday, January 30, 2023

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 …

From February 2020 to November 2021, the number of workers in nursing homes and other care facilities dropped by 410,000 nationally, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Adobe Stock)

Critical Number of Rural IA Nursing Homes Close

Health-care professionals say low pay and a worker shortage have led a dramatic number of nursing homes in rural Iowa to close their doors. They hope …

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…

In the past year, consumers saw the biggest inflation hike in 40 years, which took a bite out of grocery budgets. (Adobe Stock)

SD Enters Debate Mode on Grocery Tax Repeal

A South Dakota legislative committee has begun discussions on a plan to repeal the state's grocery tax. It has been a politically divisive issue …

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes provisions to lower prescription drug costs for people with Medicare coverage, including those who take insulin, which went into effect this month. (Sebra/Adobe Stock)

New Changes to Medicare Set to Benefit Georgia Seniors

Big changes are underway for Medicare participants, after historic legislation put them in motion this month. More than 1.8 million Georgians who …

DTPlays, an electric cargo bike that carried outdoor games, a shade tent and water around downtown Boise in 2022, received a Community Challenge grant. (AARP Idaho)

Grant Program to Improve Communities Open for Applications

A grant program that helps with projects that benefit local communities is back. The AARP Community Challenge program selects projects for small…

Unlike other states, which decided on this issue through ballot initiatives, medical aid in dying was legalized through the state Supreme Court in Montana. (CameraCraft/Adobe Stock)

MT Bill Aims to End Medical Aid-in-Dying Options

A bill in the Montana Legislature would roll back access to medical aid-in-dying options at the end of someone's life - access that has been guarantee…

Maine's biennial budget proposal recommends $169 million in state funds to strengthen care for older Mainers and expand services to help them age in their homes, including increased support for home-delivered meals and programs that reduce senior neglect and exploitation. (Adobe Stock)

Supporters of Paid Family, Medical Leave in ME Hopeful This Legislative Session

AARP Maine said it is hopeful lawmakers will find common ground on issues to support older Mainers this legislative session, including establishing a …

The requirement for the state to maintain continuous Medi-Cal health insurance coverage regardless of eligibility will end March 31. (Lordn/Adobestock)

State Projects Millions Could Lose Medi-Cal as Renewals Start Back Up

Starting in April, an estimated 2-3 million people could be dropped from Medi-Cal, the state's health insurance program for low-income people…

In addition to an aging population, 11% of Mainers have serious mobility impairments requiring targeted and inclusive long-term planning to ensure accessibility to public spaces across the state. (Adobe Stock)

Livable, Healthy Communities: Goal of AARP Planning Event

AARP Maine will sponsor an online workshop this week on long-range planning for health equity, with a focus on housing, community services and safe …

Currently, six states have prescription drug affordability boards, while states like Massachusetts and New York have similar arrangements. Other states, including Connecticut, are considering legislation. (Adobe Stock)

Nursing Homes, Prescription Prices Top Concerns for AARP Virginia

Nursing home staff shortages and rising prescription drug prices are two of the big legislative priorities this year for AARP Virginia. The group …

Rep. Steve Tharinger, D-Dungeness, spoke to the Age Wave Coalition on Thursday. (Christina Clem/AARP Washington)

Groups Gather in Olympia to Discuss WA 'Age Wave'

With the state legislative session underway, a coalition advocating for older Washingtonians gathered on Thursday to discuss priorities for 2023…

According to a report from AARP New York, one solution to lack of accessible rural homes for seniors would be to create a tax credit of up to $2,750. It would be available to homeowners who retrofit their homes to make them more accessible to those who use walkers or wheelchairs or have trouble with steps. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Senior Rural NYers Face Housing, Transportation Disparities

A recent report from AARP New York finds older rural New Yorkers are struggling to age in place due to a wealth of disparities. The two biggest …

Senior advocates point out that family caregivers perform a range of tasks such as shopping, transportation, meal preparation, medication management, wound care and home updates, ultimately saving the state money. (Adobe Stock)

WI Sees Renewed Calls for Caregiver Tax Credit

Wisconsin lawmakers are back in session and have a large budget surplus to work with. Advocates for the state's older residents hope any spending …

The demand for in-home caregivers is growing as the population rapidly ages. (pikselstock/Adobe Stock)

WA Caregivers Look to Lawmakers for Help with Worker Shortage

There is a shortage of in-home caregivers in Washington state, but a union representing workers hopes state lawmakers will be able to make changes …

The 2021 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey found the number of Maine high school students who identify as transgender <a href=

more than doubled from 2019 to 2021. (Adobe Stock)">

Intergenerational Groups Strengthen Maine’s LGBTQ Community

Intergenerational connections can be powerful tools to help improve overall quality of life for both young and old. It can be especially true in the …

According to financial website Bankrate, Connecticut is one of the <a href=

worst states in which to retire, with the biggest reason being its lack of affordability. (Adobe Stock)">

AARP Connecticut Outlines 2023 Legislative Goals

As the Connecticut General Assembly's 2023 legislative session begins, AARP Connecticut is eager to dive into key issues for seniors and consumers…

More than 10 million households headed by someone over 65 spend <a href=

more than one-third of their income on housing. Half of these pay more than 50%, according to a Harvard University study. (Adobe Stock).">

More Affordable Housing for Seniors: An AARP Iowa Priority

As housing prices continue to rise, AARP Iowa is asking cities and towns to change their rules to allow more livable space on a home site. The group …

Medicaid home- and community-based services in New Hampshire were a smaller portion of all Medicaid long-term services and supports expenditures than nationally, totaling 47.2% in 2019, which was also lower than all other New England states. (Adobe Stock)

Creating a System of Healthy Aging in the Granite State

An alliance of health and consumer advocacy groups in the Granite State is working to create a coordinated system of long-term care for healthy aging…

Most glaucoma cases occur in adults, but children can also get the disease. (Adobe Stock)

Glaucoma Awareness Month Brings Attention to Preventable Vision Loss

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, and with no symptoms, experts say it's important for Missourians to get regular eye exams. Glaucoma is the …

5.2 million older Americans were considered food-insecure in 2020, according to the nonprofit Feeding America. That's about one in 15 people. (Adobe Stock)">

AARP Maryland Sets 2023 Legislative Priorities

AARP Maryland has just released its legislative priority list for the coming year, with health and consumer protection issues topping the list…

On January 24th, AARP will lead advocacy day at North Dakota's state capitol, in hopes of getting more focus on issues such as prescription drug costs. (Adobe Stock)

ND Lawmakers Urged to Look at Drug Costs, Fraud Restitution

North Dakota lawmakers are scheduled to return to Bismarck early next month. They'll hear calls to help older residents, with the cost of …

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 …

Two-thirds of people surveyed by the AARP Fraud Watch Network said they shopped online last year, and 21% said they planned to shop online again this holiday season. (Shintartanya/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

AARP Has Tips to Avoid Latest Holiday Scams, Fraud

The holiday shopping season is already in full swing, and AARP Arkansas has some tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft…

Kathy Goeddel won the 2022 Andrus Award for Community Service for her work with an annual Tax-Aide program. (AARP Oregon)

Award Highlights Important Role of Volunteering in OR

An Oregon woman who helps people with their taxes has won a prestigious award for volunteers. AARP Oregon has awarded the 2022 Andrus Award for …

In the last General Assembly session, AARP Colorado advocates tracked 119 bills, testified for 17 of the measures and sent more than 900 emails to legislators. (Adobe Stock)

Pandemic-Related Rules Create Opening for Rural Voices in CO Legislature

With the new General Assembly session just around the corner, AARP Colorado is stepping up recruitment efforts for its legislative advocacy team…

The AARP Fraud Watch Network is a free resource that equips consumers with up-to-date knowledge to spot and avoid scams, and connects those targeted by scams with fraud helpline specialists who provide support and guidance on what to do next. (Adobe Stock)

Ways to Avoid Scammers During Holiday Shopping Season

A new AARP Fraud Watch Network report is putting a spotlight on how criminals are targeting holiday shoppers this year in hopes of separating them fr…

Military veterans make up 9% of Nevada's population. (AARP)

Updated Online Tool Connects NV Veterans with Benefits

Only about 40% of Nevada's 226,000 military veterans actually use their government benefits, so AARP has just revamped its online tool to help people …

Experts advise Nebraskans to review their credit card, banking and other accounts at least once a month. If you notice charges that could be fraudulent, file a dispute before protections expire, generally 60 days after your statement drops. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for Avoiding Holiday Season Scams

Three out of four U.S. consumers have experienced or been targeted by at least one form of fraud that can be tied to the holidays, according to new …

A number of arts programs for seniors involve painting on canvas. But community outreach leaders say something even simpler, such as doodling on a notepad, can help an older adult exercise the creative parts of their brain. (Adobe Stock)

Getting Crafty to Inspire Healthy Aging in SD

Winter is here, leaving many older South Dakotans vulnerable to social isolation. But a growing body of research, as well as opportunities, shows …

Nationwide, more than 700 nursing home residents died from COVID-19 during the four-week period ending on Oct. 23, and more than 35,000 were infected, according to <a href=

AARP. (Adobe Stock)">

AZ Nursing Homes Rank Poorly on COVID Boosters

Arizona is currently in last place nationwide in terms of nursing home residents and staff being up-to-date on their COVID-19 boosters. That's …

Tom Oliver, center, receives the 2022 Washington Andrus Award for Community Service. (Bruce Carlson/AARP Washington)

Washingtonian Helping People with Dementia Receives Volunteer Award

A Bellingham man who supports people with dementia has received one of the most prestigious awards for volunteerism in Washington state. The …

According to the Alzheimer's Association, 6.5 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's in 2022. Around 73% are age 75 or older. (Adobe Stock)

Alzheimer's Treatments on Near Horizon for Iowans

National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month is drawing to a close at the same time the hope of progress on understanding and treating the disease is …

AARP Maine provides an online caregiver resource guide, which includes health and community resource listings, and a toll-free AARP Family Caregiving Resource Line at 877-333-5885. (Adobe Photo)

Maine Advocates: Paid Family Medical Leave Possible in 2023

Not everybody gets a holiday break, especially caregivers, but advocates of paid family medical leave in Maine say momentum is building for a plan to …

Numerous utility companies in New York such as Con-Edison, NYSEG and RG&E are expecting to see higher bill prices, as energy costs have increased. Specifically, Con Edison is expecting a 32% increase from the previous year in bills for natural-gas users, and NYSEG's natural gas customers might see a 47% increase in their bills. (Adobe Stock)

NYS Legislation Gives Ratepayers Voice in Utility Increases

A bill passed by the New York State Legislature would provide ratepayers with a voice in utility rate increases. The utility intervenor bill would …

More than 25% of Missourians will be older than 60 by 2040. (Adobe Stock)

HCBS Cuts Threaten Services for Aging Population in Missouri

November is National Family Caregivers Month, which focuses attention on the unpaid care work of family members. The care provided by families …

Medicare supplement policies are often referred to as MediGap coverage, because they cover expenses in the gap basic Medicare does not. (Japhoto/Adobe Stock)

PA Seniors Urged to Enroll in Medicare Before Deadline

Medicare's annual open enrollment period ends Dec. 7, so if you're one of the 2.8 million Pennsylvanians eligible for Medicare, decisions need to be …

AARP Texas State Director Tina Tran presents Charles Ray Guidry, Jr. with the Andrus Award. (AARP)

AARP Texas Honors Champion for the Homeless

Charles Ray Guidry Jr. spent years being homeless, often sleeping on cardboard in church parking lots. Now, he's a champion for others struggling to …

More than 40 million Americans provide unpaid caregiving work to a loved one. (Chinnapong/Adobe Stock)

Giving Thanks in OR During Family Caregivers Month

It's National Family Caregivers Month, a time of year to underscore the important work these folks do. Family caregivers provide unpaid aid to the …

If you or a loved one has been targeted by a scam or fraud, help is available via the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360. Help is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time (Adobe Stock)

Lonely NH Elders More Vulnerable to Holiday Scams

Crime experts say the holidays offer scam artists another opportunity to prey upon people's giving nature, especially older adults living alone…

Western Nebraska is home to food deserts, where there is no easy way to get good, healthy food regularly, which disproportionately impact seniors in rural areas. (Adobe Stock)

Reimagining Ways to Get Struggling Nebraska Families Back on Track

With a new legislative session on the horizon and new legislators after the November elections, the Coalition for a Strong Nebraska is bringing …

Of all the fraud cases reported last year, the Federal Trade Commission reports nearly 1 million involved someone being taken advantage of by an imposter. (Adobe Stock)

Experts Hope to Stall Record Growth in Scams

Law enforcement and consumer advocates hope 2022 doesn't end with another record year of financial losses from scams. As part of the fight against …

More than 34 million Americans have provided unpaid care to an adult age 50 or older in the last 12 months, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (Adobe Stock)

November Events Highlight Resources for Ohio Family Caregivers

The spotlight is on family caregivers during November, National Family Caregivers Month. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in Ohio…

More than 130,000 Oregonians are providing caregiving to someone with Alzheimer's, according to the Alzheimer's association. (Waseem Ali Khan/Adobe Stock)

Praise for Caregivers During Alzheimer's Awareness Month

November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month and, importantly, it also coincides with National Family Caregivers Month. The progressive …

1st Lieutenant Joe Mondello, U.S. Army (Retired), at Fort Sill Artillery and Guided Missile Center in Oklahoma, 1956. President Joe Biden declared July 16 as National Atomic Veterans Day to remember the service and sacrifices of America's atomic veterans. (Photo courtesy Joe Mondello)

Atomic Veterans in Massachusetts Seek Greater Recognition

The majority of atomic veterans who participated in America's nuclear bomb testing program between 1945 and 1962 are now gone, but one from …

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Senior

Grants Support 2020 Fire Recovery for Southern Oregonians

Community Challenge Grant Provides Unique Opportunity for WA Cities

SD Among Top States for Volunteer Work

MN Fares Well in New Volunteer Rankings

Critical Number of Rural IA Nursing Homes Close

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

SD Enters Debate Mode on Grocery Tax Repeal

New Changes to Medicare Set to Benefit Georgia Seniors

Grant Program to Improve Communities Open for Applications

MT Bill Aims to End Medical Aid-in-Dying Options

Supporters of Paid Family, Medical Leave in ME Hopeful This Legislative Session

State Projects Millions Could Lose Medi-Cal as Renewals Start Back Up

Livable, Healthy Communities: Goal of AARP Planning Event

Nursing Homes, Prescription Prices Top Concerns for AARP Virginia

Groups Gather in Olympia to Discuss WA 'Age Wave'

Report: Senior Rural NYers Face Housing, Transportation Disparities

WI Sees Renewed Calls for Caregiver Tax Credit

WA Caregivers Look to Lawmakers for Help with Worker Shortage

Intergenerational Groups Strengthen Maine’s LGBTQ Community

AARP Connecticut Outlines 2023 Legislative Goals

More Affordable Housing for Seniors: An AARP Iowa Priority

Creating a System of Healthy Aging in the Granite State

Glaucoma Awareness Month Brings Attention to Preventable Vision Loss

AARP Maryland Sets 2023 Legislative Priorities

ND Lawmakers Urged to Look at Drug Costs, Fraud Restitution

Michigan Seniors Call for More Government Action to Lower Drug Costs

AARP Has Tips to Avoid Latest Holiday Scams, Fraud

Award Highlights Important Role of Volunteering in OR

Pandemic-Related Rules Create Opening for Rural Voices in CO Legislature

Ways to Avoid Scammers During Holiday Shopping Season

Updated Online Tool Connects NV Veterans with Benefits

Tips for Avoiding Holiday Season Scams

Getting Crafty to Inspire Healthy Aging in SD

AZ Nursing Homes Rank Poorly on COVID Boosters

Washingtonian Helping People with Dementia Receives Volunteer Award

Alzheimer's Treatments on Near Horizon for Iowans

Maine Advocates: Paid Family Medical Leave Possible in 2023

NYS Legislation Gives Ratepayers Voice in Utility Increases

HCBS Cuts Threaten Services for Aging Population in Missouri

PA Seniors Urged to Enroll in Medicare Before Deadline

AARP Texas Honors Champion for the Homeless

Giving Thanks in OR During Family Caregivers Month

Lonely NH Elders More Vulnerable to Holiday Scams

Reimagining Ways to Get Struggling Nebraska Families Back on Track

Experts Hope to Stall Record Growth in Scams

November Events Highlight Resources for Ohio Family Caregivers

Praise for Caregivers During Alzheimer's Awareness Month

Atomic Veterans in Massachusetts Seek Greater Recognition