Senior Issues / Public News Service

Many Fargo residents want to stay in their communities but are struggling to maintain their properties as they age. (FiledIMAGE/Adobe Stock)

Friday, July 26, 2024

ND seeks better housing for older population

A new design competition is looking to find better housing for Fargo's aging population. Like many other states, North Dakota has a growing number …

Brian Burton with the Arkansas Food Bank said children experiencing malnourishment have a tougher time learning in the classroom. (fotokitas/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Hunger is another struggle for Arkansas 'ALICE' residents

By Mary Hennigan for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop Rock…

SEIU members from the across the country met with the Biden-Harris administration at the White House. (Vacclav/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, July 24, 2024

WA nursing home workers get White House boost in union struggle

Nursing home workers in Washington state have come back from the White House with renewed resolve to fight for their union contract. A delegation of …

The AARP Community Challenge grant program funds projects through three different grant opportunities: flagship grants, capacity-building microgrants and demonstration grants. (pressmaster/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

AARP awards grants to help four MS communities boost 'livability'

Civic organizations with ideas for improving their communities have a new opportunity to turn their ideas into reality, thanks to recently awarded …

The United States has 403 centers for independent living, according to the National Council on Independent Living. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Disability advocates call for more independent living in Nevada

Advocates for individuals with disabilities want the state of Nevada to further embrace what is known as the "independent living" model. Dawn Lyons…

A mural mock-up by artist Lacy Hale is seen in Jenkins, Ky. (Adobe Stock)

Eastern KY town plans mural to commemorate 2022 flood

A $20,000 grant from AARP Kentucky will help rebuild sidewalks in Jenkins damaged by the deadly 2022 flood that took the lives of 45 residents…

Health experts recommend people age 50 and older get a hearing test every five years. (Adobe Stock)

Hearing-aid use could reduce risks of dementia

Correcting hearing loss by using hearing aids is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia during aging…

About 25% of people covered by Medicare in 2023 used a telehealth service that year, according to data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (Jeff Bergen/Adobe Stock)

Clock ticking on Medicare telehealth provisions

Telehealth has been key to health care in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic but some of the flexibilities for this type of care for Medicare patients …

Family members often become caregivers overnight and are suddenly responsible for helping with medications, medical care, meals, bathing and dressing, chores, finances, grocery shopping and transportation. AARP is traveling the state of Iowa to help educate caregivers. (AARP Iowa)

AARP 'road trip' educates IA caregivers where they are

AARP Iowa is on a road trip, taking knowledge to family caregivers wherever they are and helping them learn more about the resources that may be …

Mental health professionals said therapy can play a crucial role in helping ALICE populations cope with mental health issues. (ibreakstock/Adobe Stock)

Financial strains create mental-health issues for AR ALICE population

By LaGanzie Kale for KLEK-FM.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for the KLEK-FM-Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation-Publi…

Nearly 60% of Kentucky Medicaid beneficiaries reported a lack of reliable and affordable transportation as a barrier to receiving health care services, according to data from the University of Kentucky. (Adobe Stock)

New KY Medicaid changes expand medical transportation access

Kentucky has made some changes to expand access to free transportation for people who need help getting to medical, dental and mental health …

Washington state lawmakers approved the long-term care program, WA Cares, in 2019. (wladimir1804/Adobe Stock)

Analysis: Costs high for making WA long-term care program optional

A new analysis from Washington state shows passing an initiative making a long-term care benefit program optional could cost taxpayers millions…

Washington state legislators passed a law in 2018 allowing voters to register up to and on Election Day. (SeanPavonePhoto/Adobe Stock)

30-day residency requirement for WA voter registration struck down

A 30-day residency requirement to register to vote in Washington state will not go into effect, after a federal judge struck it down. Under the …

Telehealth was expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic when Americans were under lockdown orders. (supamotion/Adobe Stock)

Report: Congress needs to act quickly, wisely on Medicare teleheath provisions

Telehealth has been key to health care in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, but some of the flexibilities for this type of care for Medicare …

Telehealth can cut down on the miles that folks in rural communities have to travel to see a doctor. (kalinichenkod/Adobe Stock)

Medicare telehealth policies need updating, reapproval, report says

Telehealth has been key to health care in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, but some of the flexibilities for this type of care for Medicare …

Nearly 60% of people who borrowed medical equipment from Owen's Outfitters in June were enrolled in Medicaid or Medicare, according to data from the organization. Roughly 9% of clients were uninsured. (Eleanor Turner, The Legacy Foundation)

SD medical supply library prepares to go mobile

A lending library for medical and mobility supplies opened in Sioux Falls just last fall and now its parent nonprofit is making moves to go mobile…

In a new AARP survey of Wisconsin voters, nearly two-thirds of older voters say Social Security is or will be a major source of their income. Pollsters said it underscores how big an issue the safety net program will be in the 2024 election. (Adobe Stock)

WI voters share election views in new post-debate poll

After the much-talked-about presidential debate, pollsters have a fresh snapshot of how Wisconsin voters feel about the leading candidates. Older …

The Federal Transit Administration's Innovative Coordinated Access and Mobility Pilot Program has supported access to health with $24 million over five years, according to the agency. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Federal grant will upgrade SD rural transit system

The Biden administration announced nearly $8 million in grants to improve public transportation, including a large and rural system in South Dakota…

AARP awarded the city of Marsing, on the Snake River, $15,000 to install an outdoor fitness court. (Cameron/Adobe Stock)

AARP grants of $49,000 support rural ID communities, housing

AARP has selected four projects in Idaho to receive $49,000 in grants. The projects were chosen by the organization's annual Community Challenge …

The National Retirement Risk Index finds half of U.S. households will not be able to maintain their standard of living when they retire, even if they were to work until age 65 and annuitize all financial assets. (Adobe Stock)<br />

ME worker retirement program hits major savings milestone

Supporters of a new state-sponsored retirement savings program in Maine are celebrating a significant milestone. More than six months after the …

According to America's Health Rankings, Illinois ranks 42nd among states for fruit and vegetable consumption among people over age 60, but the same group lags in terms of getting healthy sleep and sufficient physical activity. (Adobe Stock)

IL organization seeks extra hands to serve older adults

Isolation and a lack of regular nutritious meals are circumstances many older adults find themselves in. One organization is working to remedy this - …

Around 68% of Arizona residents ages 50 and older think the country is headed in the wrong direction, according to AARP Arizona. (Adobe Stock)

AARP AZ Poll: Women 50+ could tip the scale in November

Arizona's 50+ voters will be key in determining who wins the presidential election in November. A new AARP Arizona poll, which was commissioned …

Four projects across Washington were chosen to receive AARP Community Challenge grants this year. (AARP Washington)

WA projects receive $68,000 for community project upgrades

Four projects in Washington state were selected to receive grants from the AARP Community Challenge program. Combined, the organizations will …

Around 67% of Nevada residents ages 50 and older think the country is headed in the wrong direction, according to AARP Nevada. (Adobe Stock)

AARP NV Poll: Older Nevada voters show stronger support for Trump

Former President Donald Trump leads President Joe Biden by 12 points among Nevada's older voters, according to a new AARP poll. Erin Neff, …

In North Dakota and elsewhere, various nonprofits are trying to take block parties and similar events to another level with activities that emphasize physical movement and other forms of engagement, so that all community members have access to a healthier lifestyle. (Adobe Stock)

Not your average block party: ND project aims to inspire 'active' city planning

Community developers are tasked with balancing infrastructure needs - like roads, with amenities for the public to enjoy. Organizers behind an …

Since 2018, AARP Connecticut's Livable Communities grant program has funded 38 projects across the state. (Adobe Stock)

AARP seeks ideas to make CT communities more 'livable'

AARP Connecticut is accepting applications for grants for community improvement projects across the state. The "Livable Communities" program awards …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of emergency room visits related to heat-induced illnesses increased from an average of 151 per 100,000 visits in 2018-2022 to 180 per 100,000 in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Ways to stay safe as heat-related illness ticks up

As the calendar turns to summer, emergency rooms start seeing more patients due to seasonal injuries and illnesses and expanded virtual health care …

Wyomingites aged 70-79 had the highest voter turnout rates in every general election from 2008 to 2022, according to data from the Secretary of State. (Adobe Stock)

WY candidates address older voters in online videos

Data show older voters are an influential demographic in Wyoming elections and a new series of videos asks candidates questions specific to the group…

Utilities are shutting off power in an effort to keep downed and damaged power lines from sparking blazes and fueling the West's more frequent and intense wildfires. (Adobe Stock)

CO Nursing homes left in dark as utilities cut power to prevent wildfires

By Kate Ruder for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Service…

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

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)

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…

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…

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 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 …

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Senior Issues