Senior Issues / Public News Service

Family caregiving includes demanding duties that can it difficult for caregivers to find time for themselves. (Tierney/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, June 8, 2023

AARP WA Provides Resources to Care for Family Caregivers

Family caregivers are providing crucial services, but they also need support. That's why AARP has compiled resources for the people taking care of …

Nevada's Gov. Joe Lombardo became the first governor in the nation to veto a medical aid-in-dying bill. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, June 8, 2023

NV Governor Vetoes Medical Aid-In-Dying Bill

This week, Gov. Joe Lombardo vetoed Senate Bill 239, which would have allowed medical aid in dying in Nevada. The bill would have given mentally …

A case before the California State Supreme Court looks at whether a person who has been named a health care agent in an advance directive has the legal standing to sign an arbitration agreement requested by a skilled nursing facility. (Shishkin137/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, June 8, 2023

Amicus Briefs Filed in CA Elder Abuse, Arbitration Case

This week, four advocacy groups have filed an amicus brief in a case before the California Supreme Court involving allegations of elder abuse and the …

As part of Connecticut's Plan on Aging, more funding has been allocated to bolster senior center programs. This is to help provide services for the state's growing older population, which is set to increase by 57% by 2040. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

'We Welcome Everyone': CT Senior Centers Rebound Post-Pandemic

As Connecticut and the rest of the U.S. leave the COVID-19 pandemic behind, senior centers are welcoming back participants they have not seen in a …

Arkansas recently passed legislation to establish June 12 annually as Woman Veterans Recognition Day, based on the 75th Anniversary of the June 12, 1948, proclamation to allow women to serve in the armed forces. (Drazen/AdobeStock)

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

AARP Offers Support to Arkansas Veterans, Military Families

In Arkansas, an advocacy group focusing on the 50-plus population is helping meet the needs of Natural State veterans by providing free resources…

A new measure in this year's report shows many older adults spent more than 30% of their income on housing. (Adobe stock)

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Report: IN Struggles Turning Around High Early Death Rate

Indiana ranks closer to the bottom of U.S. states where you will find healthy seniors living than the top, according to a new report. …

According to the report, there was a 14% increase among Nevada seniors accessing high-speed internet between 2016 and 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Report: Nevada Ranks Low for Overall Senior Health

Nevada has received an overall score of 43 in the nation for the health and well-being of its seniors in the state. According to the United Health …

In 2020, the U.S. population's median age was 38.8, an increase of more than 10 years over the past five decades. (N Lawrenson/peopleimages.com)

Monday, June 5, 2023

Illinois Senior Centers: Not Just for Aged

Some Illinois senior centers aren't just focusing on the 65+ demographic but are beginning to include people aged 50+. The U.S. Census indicates the …

Late-stage Alzheimer's patients generally need around-the-clock assistance with daily living tasks like eating and bathing. An estimated 6.7 million older Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, June 5, 2023

Alzheimer's Diagnoses Expected to Rise as IN Population Ages

Stress and normal aging often are blamed for a misplaced cell phone, car keys or the words to a familiar song. But these also could be the warning …

One in three Coloradans age 65 and older face significant housing cost burdens, according to a new report. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Ranks 3rd Nationally for Senior Health Outcomes

Colorado ranks third nationally when it comes to caring for its most vulnerable adults, according to a new UnitedHealthcare report. The strong …

Some 17% of formal complaints made to the Department of Civil Rights are related to housing, according to a legislative analysis of Senate Bill 207. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

MI Bills Could Prohibit Landlords' Source-of-Income Discrimination

People cannot be denied a place to live based on their race or disability in Michigan, but some are being turned down based on where they get the …

A 2022 study from the Administration for Community Living found 60% of senior centers are designed to be points of delivery for Older Americans Act programs, like home-delivered or congregate meals, health and wellness programs, caregiver support and adult day care. (Adobe Stock)

VA Senior Center Grows 'Environmental Wellness' Programs

As the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, senior centers in Virginia are welcoming back their participants, and one in particular has shifted some of …

A 2022 report from the New Hampshire Alliance for Healthy Aging found that transportation and safe affordable housing have been top concerns for older residents in the state. (Adobe Stock)

NH Ranks Second in Nation for Senior Healthy Living

New Hampshire ranks second in the nation for healthy senior living, according to a new report. United Healthcare's 2023 Senior Report measures the …

Physical inactivity in adults age 65 and older in fair or better health increased 6% between 2018 and 2021, according to United Healthcare's 2023 Senior Report. (Adobe Stock)

MA Makes Top Ten List of States for Senior Healthy Living

Massachusetts ranks tenth in the nation when it comes to healthy senior living, according to a new report. United Healthcare's 2023 Senior Report …

The report also found that in 2021, 5.6 million adults ages 65 and older lived in poverty, a 10% increase since 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Report: AZ Ranks 30th for Health Status of Older Adults

Arizona has received an overall rank of 30th in the nation for the health and well-being of older adults in the state. According to the United …

The FTC reports scammers will attempt to manipulate a victim's emotions by creating a sense of urgency, and then stressing that only they can help. (Adobe Stock)

AI-Powered Phone Scams Target Seniors

Phone scammers are now using artificial intelligence to steal money from victims with realistic-sounding facsimiles of loved ones. Scammers take …

Last year Xcel Energy posted over $8.3 billion dollars in gross profits, with Colorado contributing more to Xcel's earnings than its other subsidiaries. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday Hearing on Xcel Energy Rate Increase Request Open to Public

On Wednesday, Xcel Energy customers will have a chance to tell the Colorado Public Utilities Commission what they think about the company's request - …

Pennsylvania adults with disabilities represent 11% of the population, in terms of mobility<br />and/or cognitive challenges. (Jesse B/peopleimages.com)<br /><br />

PA Starts on New 'Master Plan for Older Adults'

A new Master Plan for Older Adults is being developed in Pennsylvania. Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order Thursday, directing the …

In 2021, 5.6 million adults ages 65 and older lived in poverty, representing a 10% increase since 2019. (Adobe Stock)

New Report Shows Challenges Faced by Alabama's Older Adults

A new report cites a pressing need for better health-care support and better internet access for older adults in Alabama. The United Health …

The America's Health Rankings 2023 Senior Report shows challenges in Florida, including too few home healthcare workers to meet the needs of older Floridians. (Pixabay)

Highs, Lows for FL Seniors in Health Rankings Report

May is Older Americans Month, and a new report shows the Sunshine State is investing heavily in providing community support to help its older …

A 2023 AARP report finds Connecticut's 420,000 unpaid family caregivers in Connecticut provided care valued at $7.2 billion in 2021. Nationally, these caregivers provided over $600 billion in care during the same period. (Adobe Stock)

CT Unpaid Family Caregivers Working In Strained Conditions

The ongoing healthcare workforce shortage in Connecticut and across the U.S. is straining unpaid family caregivers. A 2023 AARP report finds they …

Adults ages 65 and older make up approximately 16.8% of the U.S. population, or more than 55.8 million adults, and are estimated to comprise 21% of the population (73.1 million) by 2030, according to a new report from UnitedHealthcare. (Adobe Stock)

Report: More of Ohio’s Older Adults Living in Poverty

By 2030, more than one in five Americans - more than 73 million people age 65 and over - will be of retirement age, as the last of the Baby Boomer …

The America's Health Rankings 2023 Senior Report shows strengths in Tennessee, including a low prevalence of excessive drinking, a high percentage of older adults with a dedicated health care provider, and low prevalence of severe housing problems. (InputUX/AdobeStock)

Report Ranks Tennessee Among Least Healthy States for Older Adults

May is Older Americans Month, and a new report shows the Volunteer State is among the bottom of states when it comes to caring for its most …

In 2021, nearly 61 million Americans volunteered for an organization, reflecting a value of almost $123 billion. (WavebreakmediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

AARP of Nebraska Seeks Nominations for Top State-Level Honor

If you know of a Nebraskan age 50 or older who actively supports his or her community through volunteering, you might want to nominate them for the 20…

According to the CDC, the number of people living with Alzheimer's disease is projected to nearly triple to 14 million people by 2060. (Adobe Stock)

Group Helps Nevadans Navigate Dementias, Alzheimer's Disease

One Nevada group wants to help educate Nevadans on how to make people with dementia and Alzheimer's disease feel "seen" and supported, especially …

At the height of the pandemic, nearly two million Oregonians volunteered their services, according to AmeriCorps. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Are You One in Two Million? An OR Volunteer Will Be Award Winner

The nomination process is open for a prestigious award handed out to volunteers in Oregon each year. The Andrus Award for Community Service award is …

One in five people reported losing money to fraud through imposter scams in 2022, and the top fraud category last year reported to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission was identity theft. (Toa555/Adobe Stock)

AARP Warns Arkansas Seniors of Spike In Fraud, Scams

Consumer scams are on the rise, especially online, and AARP Arkansas is warning residents with tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud or …

In a Pew Research Center survey, 57% of Americans cited reducing the budget deficit as a top priority for the president and Congress to address this year. That's up from 45% a year ago. (Adobe Stock)

MA Activists Urge Congress to Raise Debt Ceiling, Resist Spending Cuts

Local activists will rally in Boston Common tomorrow to urge Congress to lift the debt ceiling without cuts to social programs in return. President …

In 2020, 52% of U.S. homeowners who renovated their home were from the Baby Boomer generation, according to Statista. (Adobe Stock)

USDA Makes Loans, Grants Available for Low-Income Iowans' Home Repair

AARP Iowa is working to raise awareness of loans and grants the U.S. Department of Agriculture is making available to very low-income seniors for …

A new survey found 92% of respondents age 45 and older say staying physically healthy is important. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Financial Strains Top of Mind for Older Oregonians

A new survey found older Oregonians are concerned about the cost of living in many aspects of their lives. The Vital Voices research program from …

Across the nation, AARP says the estimated economic value of family caregivers' unpaid contributions now stands at $600 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Report: ND Sees Boost in Economic Value of Unpaid Caregivers

North Dakota's population includes 16% of its residents aged 65 and older, with demographers predicting the number will increase, and a new report …

About 28% of Idahoans volunteered with organizations in 2021, according to AmeriCorps. (Nicholas F-peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

ID Nominees Sought for Prestigious Volunteering Award

The nomination process is open for older Idahoans who have volunteered their time to help improve their communities. The Andrus Award for Community …

In a new AARP poll, 43% of respondents said they would be motivated to support political candidates who vow to expand access to family caregiver support and respite services. (Adobe Stock)

New Poll Shows Caregiver Concerns Cross Generations

A majority of U.S. voters say it is important for Congress to expand services to enable seniors to live independently at home. That's according to a …

To implement the changes caregivers are seeking, the State of Connecticut will need an additional $390 million in Medicaid funding for this budget to cover care for the elderly and people with disabilities in long-term care settings and their homes. Currently, federal funding covers 56% of Connecticut's Medicaid expenditures. (Adobe Stock)

CT Caregivers Call on State Leaders for Better Working Conditions

Caregivers in Connecticut are calling on state officials for better conditions and higher pay. They're seeking a $25 an hour minimum wage, paid …

Research has shown that volunteering leads to lower rates of depression and anxiety, especially for people 65 and older and could help counter America's newest public health epidemic, loneliness.<br />(Adobe Stock)

Andrus Award Honors Older Volunteers Helping ME Communities

AARP is seeking nominations for its 2023 Andrus Award for Community Service, which celebrates those individuals over age 50 who share their …

Older Adults Technology Services reported an estimated 21.8 million American seniors did not have broadband internet access in 2022. (huang/Adobe Stock)

California Hopes to Lessen 'Digital Divide'

The state of California wants to help close the digital divide across the state - in part, by learning more about how older adults make use of …

Americans currently pay twice as much for medicines than people in other developed nations. (Adobe Stock)

Law Aiming to Lower Drug Prices Headed to Governor Polis' Desk

A law passed two years ago aiming to reign in skyrocketing prescription drug prices is set to get a booster shot with the passage of House Bill 1225 b…

Eleven jurisdictions that have authorized medical aid in dying represent 22% of the nation's population. (Adobe Stock)

National Group Defends CA End-of-Life Option Amid Federal Lawsuit

A national nonprofit organization is speaking out about a federal lawsuit filed last week against California officials, challenging the state's End …

AARP volunteers at the Ohio State Fair. More than six out of 10 adults age 55 and older engage in some volunteer activity, according to The Urban Institute. (Adobe Stock)

Volunteering Improves Mental Health Among Older Adults

AARP Ohio is seeking volunteers for the Ohio State Fair and other events this summer. Nearly a quarter of Ohioans spend time volunteering with …

According to a report from the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, Virginians lost $172,767,012 in online scams in 2021, among 11,785 victims. (Adobe Stock)

AARP VA Hosts 6th Annual Scam Jam

In the hopes of warning seniors about the dangers of online scams, AARP Virginia is hosting its annual Scam Jam April 29. Members of law enforcement …

Minnesota is one of only about a dozen states that tax Social Security income. (Adobe Stock)

MN Social Security Tax Debate Comes Into Focus

The current Minnesota legislative session has seen a lot of big policy moves, and Social Security tax relief could be next. A compromise plan is …

Some 21,134 existing housing units in Denver are currently unoccupied, more than enough to house all the estimated 10,000 people experiencing homelessness across the state. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Colorado's Housing Affordability Crisis Calls for Strategic Investments

Housing affordability has become a top priority for Colorado lawmakers and voters, and a new report from an organization with nearly four decades of …

The Kaiser Family Foundation estimates 5 million to 14 million people will lose Medicaid coverage as the public health emergency ends and states and resume the annual renewal process. (suthisak/Adobe Stock)

MO Medicaid Renewals Underway; Recipients Urged to Update Information

Missouri's Department of Social Services anticipates as many as 200,000 Missourians will lose their Medicaid benefits over the course of the next year…

In a February survey, about 36% of Texas adults reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder, compared with 32% of adults nationwide, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. (Nattakorn/AdobeStock)

Study: "Sunshine Calls" Hold Promise for Reducing Depression

Many Americans experience depression or anxiety, but a new Texas study shows a regular phone call to those suffering can reduce symptoms. Known as …

Last year Xcel Energy posted more than $8.3 billion in gross profits. (Adobe Stock)

Public Comments Sought for Xcel Energy’s Most Recent Rate Hikes

Coloradans can now submit comments on Xcel Energy's proposal to increase base rates for electricity. Bill Levis, an AARP Colorado volunteer and …

Insufficient sleep in the United States was estimated to cost $411 billion in missed work days and reduced productivity, according to a 2016 report by the Rand Corporation. (YuryZap/Adobe Stock)

Taking Sleep to the Next Level for Better Mental, Physical Health

There aren't many quick fixes for getting a restful night's sleep, but experts say if Texans want to improve their physical and mental health…

Planning for a Good Death: 'National Healthcare Decisions Day' is April 16

Coincidence or not, the day set aside to get "end-of-life" affairs in order always falls on either side of the day taxes are due to the federal …

Working caregivers face financial risks such as lost income, reduced career opportunities and subsequently lower Social Security and retirement benefits, according to AARP. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: Family Caregiving In Kentucky Cost Billions

Unpaid caregiving by Kentucky's more than 600,000 caregivers is valued at more than $8 billion, according to new state data by AARP. AARP Kentucky …

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Senior

AARP WA Provides Resources to Care for Family Caregivers

NV Governor Vetoes Medical Aid-In-Dying Bill

Amicus Briefs Filed in CA Elder Abuse, Arbitration Case

'We Welcome Everyone': CT Senior Centers Rebound Post-Pandemic

AARP Offers Support to Arkansas Veterans, Military Families

Report: IN Struggles Turning Around High Early Death Rate

Report: Nevada Ranks Low for Overall Senior Health

Illinois Senior Centers: Not Just for Aged

Alzheimer's Diagnoses Expected to Rise as IN Population Ages

Colorado Ranks 3rd Nationally for Senior Health Outcomes

MI Bills Could Prohibit Landlords' Source-of-Income Discrimination

VA Senior Center Grows 'Environmental Wellness' Programs

NH Ranks Second in Nation for Senior Healthy Living

MA Makes Top Ten List of States for Senior Healthy Living

Report: AZ Ranks 30th for Health Status of Older Adults

AI-Powered Phone Scams Target Seniors

Wednesday Hearing on Xcel Energy Rate Increase Request Open to Public

PA Starts on New 'Master Plan for Older Adults'

New Report Shows Challenges Faced by Alabama's Older Adults

Highs, Lows for FL Seniors in Health Rankings Report

CT Unpaid Family Caregivers Working In Strained Conditions

Report: More of Ohio’s Older Adults Living in Poverty

Report Ranks Tennessee Among Least Healthy States for Older Adults

AARP of Nebraska Seeks Nominations for Top State-Level Honor

Group Helps Nevadans Navigate Dementias, Alzheimer's Disease

Are You One in Two Million? An OR Volunteer Will Be Award Winner

AARP Warns Arkansas Seniors of Spike In Fraud, Scams

MA Activists Urge Congress to Raise Debt Ceiling, Resist Spending Cuts

USDA Makes Loans, Grants Available for Low-Income Iowans' Home Repair

Survey: Financial Strains Top of Mind for Older Oregonians

Report: ND Sees Boost in Economic Value of Unpaid Caregivers

ID Nominees Sought for Prestigious Volunteering Award

New Poll Shows Caregiver Concerns Cross Generations

CT Caregivers Call on State Leaders for Better Working Conditions

Andrus Award Honors Older Volunteers Helping ME Communities

California Hopes to Lessen 'Digital Divide'

Law Aiming to Lower Drug Prices Headed to Governor Polis' Desk

National Group Defends CA End-of-Life Option Amid Federal Lawsuit

Volunteering Improves Mental Health Among Older Adults

AARP VA Hosts 6th Annual Scam Jam

MN Social Security Tax Debate Comes Into Focus

Report: Colorado's Housing Affordability Crisis Calls for Strategic Investments

MO Medicaid Renewals Underway; Recipients Urged to Update Information

Study: "Sunshine Calls" Hold Promise for Reducing Depression

Public Comments Sought for Xcel Energy’s Most Recent Rate Hikes

Taking Sleep to the Next Level for Better Mental, Physical Health

Planning for a Good Death: 'National Healthcare Decisions Day' is April 16

Report: Family Caregiving In Kentucky Cost Billions