Senior Issues / Public News Service

Meals on Wheels of Northern Illinois has community cafés in Cook, Grundy, Kendall and Will counties, providing home-delivered meals to older residents of these areas. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Facing funding hurdles, IL 'March for Meals' event moves forward

A local "Meals on Wheels" organization is forging ahead with an event to provide meals and personal care items to seniors in four Illinois counties…

In a new AARP survey, 37% of older adults with credit card debt report their debt level is higher now than it was a year ago. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Older Ohioans struggle with rising credit card debt

Nearly half of Americans age 50 and older are using credit cards to pay for basic living expenses, according to a new AARP survey but experts said …

A new poll found large majorities of Americans, across party lines, see Medicaid as

WA caregivers rally against Medicaid cuts

This week, workers who provide in-home and nursing home care rallied against cuts to Medicaid. Washington's Medicaid, known as Apple Health…

Among older borrowers, 28% regularly provide unpaid help or care for an adult relative or friend, according to New America. (Adobe Stock)

Education department layoffs could leave NV older borrowers in limbo

Policy analysts have been sounding the alarm on the Department of Education's ability to reach and engage with low-income, disadvantaged and older …

More than one in three older Americans who still owe debt from college live with a child or parent, according to New America. (Adobe Stock)

Dept. of Education cuts could spell trouble for UT's older student loan borrowers

Policy analysts have been sounding the alarm about the Department of Education's ability to reach and engage with low-income, disadvantaged and older …

Nationally, veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than are nonveteran adults, with an average of almost 18 veteran suicides per day in 2021. (flysnow/Adobe Stock)

MI war veteran helps fellow vets access lifesaving resources

Michigan is home to more than 470,000 veterans, yet many have never accessed the military benefits to which they are entitled. The gap in support …

Oregon's older population is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse, with more than 45% of older adults projected to be people of color by 2050. (moodboard/Adobe Stock)

Bill would offer a blueprint for an aging Oregon

Oregon's population, along with the rest of the country, is getting older. Within 10 years there will be more Oregonians age 65 and older than …

In a new AARP survey, 37% of older adults with credit card debt report their debt level is higher than it was a year ago. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Older Americans lean more on credit cards for basic needs

Nearly half of Americans age 50 and older are using credit cards to pay for basic living expenses, according to a new AARP survey, and a Minnesota …

Missoula has a younger population compared with the rest of Montana. Mayor Andrea Davis says the average age in Missoula is 35 but 40 elsewhere. (Kirk Fisher/Adobe Stock)

Local economic partnership helps MT town embrace new work sectors

By Laura Aka for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Kathleen Shannon for Big Sky Connection reporting for the WorkingNation-Public News Service Collab…

Family caregivers spend on average more than $7,200 annually - 26% of their income - on out-of-pocket expenses. (Adobe Stock)

Doubling down on care: Ohio’s push for caregiver tax relief

In a significant development for family caregivers across America, AARP is spearheading initiatives at both federal and state levels to provide tax …

Every year AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide volunteers take appointments at more than 3,600 locations in libraries, malls, banks and community centers in all 50 states. (RomanR/AdobeStock)

Free tax prep available across Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania residents who need assistance filing their income tax returns can use the free services of the AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide program…

According to AARP, about 112,000 Montanans were caregivers in 2023. As nursing homes continue to close, experts predict the number will grow. (Adobe Stock)

Nursing homes close as Montanans age

The Montana governor's proposed budget includes cuts to funding for senior long-term care. Those in the already-struggling industry said as more …

In 2024, Tennessee approved more than 1,350 Summer Food Service Program meal sites across the state and served approximately 3.4 million meals to children. (Kirsten D/peopleimages.com/AdobeStock)

TN nonprofits plan ahead for end of Summer EBT food program

Gov. Bill Lee has opted Tennessee out of the federal Summer EBT program and nonprofit groups in the state said they will work to fill the gap for …

The senior population is projected to exceed 95 million by 2060, indicating a growing demand for senior housing and related services. (WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

Cities in MI take action to become age-friendly

As Michigan's senior population steadily increases, the need for communities that prioritize their well-being becomes more critical. With nearly 2 …

According to the Prison Policy Initiative, in 2023, 12% of people in West Virginia prisons were over age 55, and the average age of state prisoners was 39. (Adobe Stock/AI)

Bill to increase penalties could overpopulate WV prisons

A bill pending in the West Virginia Legislature would increase the length of penalties for "serious" felony convictions, but critics have said it …

Cryptocurrency scams are on the rise through the use of electronic kiosks. The Nebraska Legislature just passed a measure to tighten regulations on the machines, which are similar to ATMs. (Adobe Stock)

AARP Nebraska ups focus on crypto currency scams

AARP Nebraska has increased its focus on educating people about cryptocurrency scams. A measure tightening restrictions on crypto kiosks, often used …

Notably, one poll found nearly half of people who hold anti-abortion views are supportive of medical aid-in-dying legislation. (Adobe Stock)

Maryland medical aid-in-dying bill may pass after a decade

Advocates are urging Maryland lawmakers to support a bill that would approve medical aid in dying for people who are terminally ill. A poll last …

A 2023 study by the Pew Charitable Trusts found states with retirement savings programs for private-sector workers saw increased participation rates and higher savings balances among low- and moderate-income workers. (Adobe Stock)

MS workers face retirement gap as state considers savings plan

For many Mississippians, saving for retirement feels out of reach. Nearly 48% of private-sector workers in the state lack access to employer-…

The bill to establish the Prescription Drug Affordability Board received the support of all Democrats and seven Republicans in the General Assembly. (Adobe Stock)

Youngkin to decide fate of prescription drug cost watchdog

Two-thirds of Virginians over the age of 18 regularly take prescription medication, and - according to ARRP - support establishing maximum prices for …

Transportation is the most common expense Connecticut family caregivers incur, with 88% noting it has happened to them. (Adobe Stock)

Report: CT supports tax credit for unpaid family caregivers

New research found most Connecticut residents support creating a family caregiver tax credit. The state has 420,000 family caregivers, providing a …

Chronic pain costs Americans billions of dollars in missed work and loss of productivity. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for Marylanders suffering from chronic pain

Just a few weeks ago, the Food and Drug Administration approved Journavix, a new non-opioid painkiller. It's seen as good news for the nearly one …

More than 20% of Washington state's population gets health coverage through Medicaid. (winnievinzence/Adobe Stock)

Nurse practitioner: Medicaid cuts could 'devastate' WA patients, providers

Proposed Medicaid cuts could seriously affect Washington hospitals and health care workers. President Donald Trump and House Republicans are …

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program currently helps feed more than 40 million low-income Americans. (New Mexico Association of FoodBanks)

NM's anti-hunger advocates make case for funding at Roundhouse

Antihunger advocates and relief organizations are gathering at New Mexico's State Capitol today as part of "Hunger Action Day." Advocates will urge l…

According to a 2024 report, 74% of Montana families who received one form of income-based public assistance between 2016 and 2022 were single, aging or disabled adults with kids. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Most Montanans receiving public assistance are caregivers

Today is National Caregivers Day, recognizing those who help friends or family members who are living with an illness, injury or disability. A 2024 …

By 2050, the number of people in Washington state who are 75 and older will nearly double. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

Affordable health insurance could ease WA caregiver shortage

Worker's rights advocates and nursing home providers say Washington has a long-term care workforce crisis, and that inadequate benefits in the …

AARP Community Challenge grants have helped launch community gardens, which help improve livability for residents in a number of ways. (Adobe Stock)

Grants available to make Colorado communities more livable

AARP Colorado is accepting applications from nonprofits and local governments across the state for this year's Community Challenge grant program…

Data from Penn Medicine finds as of January 2024, more than 30,000 people in the U.S. have received CAR T-cell therapy since it was approved for use in 2017. (Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center)

NY doctors work to develop advanced blood cancer treatments

Some New York doctors are working on new ways to treat advanced cancers. Chimeric Antigen Receptor, or CAR, T-cell therapy treats certain blood …

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, between 1992 and 2021, 64% of public pension revenues came from investment earnings and 25% from employer contributions. Employee contributions accounted for about 11%. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Most Americans want pension-driven retirement plans

Whether it's pressure from inflation or health-care costs eating away at savings, a reliable "nest-egg" is still hard to reach for many Americans…

Overall, 12% of U.S. adults have either married or settled down with someone they met online.<br />(frank/Adobe Stock)

Valentine's Day in Michigan: Romance or rip-off?

It is Valentine's Day and romance is in the air, but so is deception. Cybercrime experts warn online scammers are lurking, ready to exploit hopeful …

According to the research arm USA Facts, personal saving has become more of the norm as employers shift away from defined benefit plans or pensions. (Adobe Stock)

A possible shift seen in America's troubled retirement savings landscape

Whether it's pressure from inflation or health-care costs eating away at savings, a reliable "nest egg" is still up in the air for many Americans…

A new ordinance allows Accessory Dwelling Units, often called

La Crosse uses AARP grant to inspire housing solutions

The city of La Crosse is hoping a new online design library of Accessory Dwelling Units will help inspire residents to build one. The units have …

Volunteers with AARP's Fraud Watch Network can help people identify scams, develop steps to avoid fraud as well as come up with an action plan if you have experienced fraud. (Adobe Stock)

AARP AZ cautions people about romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is this Friday and AARP Arizona wants to caution Arizonans to be careful with who they are talking to online. The National Retail …

In the first three quarters of 2024, the Federal Trade Commission received more than 22,000 fraud reports from Minnesota consumers, with losses totaling nearly $103 million. (Adobe Stock)

As consumer fraud hits crisis mode, MN advocates want state action

This session, Minnesota lawmakers are expected to take a strong look at preventing more fraud attempts against state government. Meanwhile, consumer …

The AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide program is able to help a person with their past three years' returns. (RomanR/Adobe Stock)

Tax assistance available at sites across ID

Tax season is in full swing and locations are available across Idaho to assist people with preparing their returns. The AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide …

Family caregivers on average are spending 26% of their income on caregiving activities, according to a 2021 AARP survey. (Adobe Stock)

WY AARP hosts tele-townhall on expected caregivers tax credit

Advocates for family caregivers are expecting federal lawmakers to propose a tax credit for the group, after President Donald Trump said on the …

Seniors on fixed incomes are more at risk of homelessness compared to other age groups. (and.one/Adobe Stock)

WA rent stabilization bills have huge public support

New legislation in Olympia aims to ease the burden of skyrocketing rental rates by limiting yearly rent increases to 7%. Chris Walker lives in a …

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's 2026 budget proposal calls for $53 million in new funding to provide minimum wage increases for state-licensed mental health care providers, disability service providers, and addiction services providers. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: NY lawmakers must do more for disability-rights issues

New York disability rights advocates want state lawmakers to focus on issues such as housing and health care. In the budget, they want more funding …

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, nearly 48 million Americans provide care to an adult family member or friend, with 61% also holding jobs. (ChayTee/Adobe Stock)

Push for caregiver tax relief gains momentum in Ohio, nationally

During his campaign, President Donald Trump promised tax credits for family caregivers. With Trump now in office, advocates in Ohio and across the …

Americans lost more than $5.6 billion to cryptocurrency scams in 2023, the most recent FBI data available. (Adobe Stock)

NE lawmakers look at tougher regulation of 'crypto kiosks'

Nebraska lawmakers are considering a bill to implement consumer protections and license requirements for the cryptocurrency industry, and they're …

The Trump administration's funding freeze prevented multiple states, including Florida, from accessing federal Medicaid payments, leaving health-care providers unpaid. (vjohns1580/Pixabay)

Proposed Medicaid cuts could leave Florida’s most vulnerable without care

Florida residents who depend on Medicaid said they fear for their futures as lawmakers consider $2.3 trillion in federal cuts, which could force …

Rural Iowans face more challenges than urban residents when it comes to diagnosis of dementia, medical and long term care as well as support services for caregivers, according to the Alzheimer's Association. (Adobe Stock)

Rural Iowa 'critically short' of dementia services

Families of rural Iowans with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia face a crucial lack of mental health services and advocates are meeting …

Across the United States, more than 2 million older adults are served by Meals on Wheels programs annually. It's one of the many programs nonprofits say is threatened by a Trump administration effort to pause federal grants as agencies examine their budgets and ideologies. (Adobe Stock)

Nonprofits: Federal grant pause toys with emotions of vulnerable people

Confusion and worry quickly spread Tuesday among charitable groups and state and local governments as the Trump administration put a freeze on federal…

AARP Community Challenge grants will be capped at $25,000 nationwide this year, although the group said it might award higher amounts for compelling projects. (Patrick/Adobe Stock)

AARP Pennsylvania seeks ideas for grants to boost 'livability'

Pennsylvania cities or civic groups with ideas for improving their communities have a new chance to make them a reality. Grants from the AARP …

A Virginia Healthcare Association survey found that burnout and stress are major reasons for staff members leaving their jobs. (Adobe Stock)

Nursing home staffing shortages key focus for VA senior advocates

What is the quality of Virginia's nursing homes? If you ask one advocate, he says "bad." Jared Calfee, state advocacy director for AARP Virginia…

According to the health care advocacy group KKF, there were 9,422 people living in certified nursing home facilities in West Virginia in 2024. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Lawsuit alleges unsafe conditions in West Virginia nursing homes

Rural West Virginia counties are already facing shortages of home health care services and nursing home workers. Now, they are facing accusations of …

The COVID-19 pandemic increased backlogs in nursing home inspections and created further staffing shortages, according to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (Adobe Stock)

Assisted living facility oversight major focus for MD senior advocates

A number of bills in the Maryland legislature are looking to increase the quality and accountability of the state's nursing homes and assisted living …

Accessory Dwelling Units are seen as a solution to affordable housing shortages in many places across the country. In Iowa, permitting for such units is often mired in bureaucracy, an impediment a bill supported by AARP Iowa seeks to eliminate. (Adobe Stock)

AARP Iowa focuses on housing options for seniors

Increasing housing options for the state's seniors is at the top of AARP Iowa's priority list for the new legislative session and the group is pushing…

More than 400,000 people are enrolled in MaineCare, the state's Medicaid program, according to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. At least 40,000 recipients continue in an

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Rural ME braces for Medicaid cuts as lawmakers eye corporate tax breaks

Children and families in rural Maine would face the greatest harm should proposed funding cuts to the federal Medicaid program be implemented…

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Senior Issues