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The Texas Diversity Council works with various groups to foster environments where people from marginalized groups feel seen and heard. (Ana Baraulia/Adobe Stock)

Texas Diversity Council remains steadfast in face of adversity

Since 2004, April has been designated "Celebrate Diversity Month," a time to recognize, understand and honor the differences between people. One …

Young farmers, ranchers and others want issues of equitable land access, retention and transition addressed in the next Farm Bill. (StockMediaProduction/AdobeStock)

Eager but cash-strapped farmers seek Farm Bill solutions

Advocates for America's small farmers say younger folks express a growing interest in agriculture, but without necessary capital, they can't get a …

Due to service disruptions caused by the three-year pandemic, the Social Security Administration plans to implement a new telephone platform for its toll-free number by the end of 2023. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Many Texans May Be Unaware They're Eligible for SSI Benefits

Most people eligible for Social Security know what's required to access the program, but another federal program aimed at underserved communities …

Almost 60% of caregivers in the United States are women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (GeckoStudio/AdobeStock)

AARP: Texas Needs More Caregivers for Aging Population

One in five people across the United States is a full- or part-time caregiver, with those in Texas providing $41 billion in unpaid care each 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 …

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…

A survey of Texans found only public education ranked higher than a need for increased spending on health care, according to the Episcopal Health Foundation. (Adobe Stock)<br /> <br /><br />

Survey: More Texans Support Increased Mental Health-Care Funding

For the past five years, Texans' priorities for improving health care have not changed, but in the latest survey, the need for more mental health …

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 …

La directora estatal de AARP Texas, Tina Tran, entrega a Charles Ray Guidry, Jr. el premio Andrus. (AARP)

AARP Texas honra al campeón de las personas sin hogar

Charles Ray Guidry Jr. pasó años sin hogar, a menudo durmiendo sobre cartones en estacionamientos de las iglesias. Ahora, es un campeó…

Without a will, the state determines where your assets go, making the process more difficult and much more expensive for your family. (texaslegal.org)

What is a 'Will' and Do I Need One?

August is National Make-a-Will Month, and if you still have not started, experts say there is no good reason to put it off. End-of-life planning can …

Experts say getting regular physical activity and having a strong social circle can improve quality of life and well-being, especially in older adults. (aarp.org)

Exercise Delivers Big Returns for Brain Health

Cognitive decline is a fear as people age, but experts say daily exercise can boost brain health and even improve quality of life for those diagnosed …

Los expertos dicen que hacer actividad f�sica con regularidad y tener un c�rculo social fuerte puede mejorar la calidad de vida y el bienestar, especialmente en los adultos mayores. (aarp.org)

El ejercicio ofrece grandes beneficios para la salud cerebral

El deterioro cognitivo es un temor a medida que las personas envejecen, pero los expertos dicen que el ejercicio diario puede mejorar la salud del …

In 2019, five Texas cities were ranked among the 20 worst connected in the United States, according to the National Digital Inclusion Alliance. (pasja1000/Pixabay)

Texas Broadband Expansion Plan to Debut Mid-June

An official plan to expand broadband in Texas is due out June 15, after state officials traveled near and far to collect public comments on internet …

En 2019, cinco ciudades de Texas se clasificaron entre las 20 peor conectadas de EEUU, seg�n la Alianza Nacional de Inclusi�n Digital. (pasja1000/Pixabay)

Plan de expansión de banda ancha en Texas debutará a mediados de junio

El 15 de junio se publicará un plan oficial para expandir la banda ancha en Texas, después de que los funcionarios estatales viajaran de un …

An estimated 400,000 Texans have Alzheimer's disease. (Adobe Stock)

Nat'l. Healthcare Decisions Day in TX: Tough but Necessary Conversations

This Saturday is National Health Care Decisions Day, a reminder everyone should have plans in place in case they need medical attention and are …

Se estima que 400,000 tejanos tienen la enfermedad de Alzheimer. (Acci�n de Adobe)

Día Nacional de Decisiones de Salud en TX: Conversaciones Difíciles y Necesarias

Corrección: El nombre de la organización es Compassion & Choices. Una versión anterior de esta historia nombró la organizació…

According to the American Psychological Association, people over age 60 showed fewer Alzheimer's disease biomarkers when they performed 30 minutes of exercise every day. (Adobe Stock)">

Exercise: For Older Texans, a Cure for Social Isolation

One way for older Texans to fight social isolation and increase mobility is with exercise, and there's an option to consider if you can't make it to …

Seg�n la Asociaci�n Estadounidense de Psicolog�a, las personas mayores de 60 a�os mostraron menos biomarcadores de la enfermedad de Alzheimer cuando realizaron 30 minutos de ejercicio todos los d�as. (Adobe Stock)">

Ejercicio: para texanos mayores, una cura para el aislamiento social

Una forma para que los texanos mayores pueden combatir el aislamiento social y aumenten la movilidad es el ejercicio, y hay una opción a …

Houston's Gulfton-Sharpstown neighborhood includes residents from more than 80 countries, including Somalia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Mexico and parts of Central America. (Brookings Institute)

In Texas, Building More Livable Cities, One Grant at a Time

Neighborhoods are known to be more livable when housing, transportation and public spaces harmonize with the community, and Houston's most diverse …

Despite new rules requiring Texas power companies to better weatherize their facilities following 2021's Winter Storm Uri, 13 power plants did not file winter preparedness reports with the state's Public Utility Commission. (M.Maggs/Pixabay)

TX Power Reform Triggered by Winter Storm Uri Needs Public Input

Not enough has been done to prevent another catastrophic power-grid failure such as the one in Texas last February, according to AARP Texas, which …

A pesar de las nuevas reglas que requieren que las compa��as el�ctricas de Texas climaticen mejor sus instalaciones despu�s de la tormenta de invierno Uri de 2021, 13 plantas el�ctricas no presentaron informes de preparaci�n para el invierno ante la Comisi�n de Servicios P�blicos del estado. (M. Maggs/Pixabay)

TX Reforma energética provocada por tormenta Uri requiere de opinión pública

No se ha hecho lo suficiente para prevenir otra falla catastrófica en la red eléctrica como la ocurrida en Texas en febrero pasado…

In Texas, 16% of residents say the COVID-19 pandemic has caused severe financial suffering. (islandworks/Pixabay)

TX Survey: Hispanics Suffer Greatest Financial Hardship from COVID-19

Half of Texas residents say COVID-19 has caused them financial hardship, and Hispanic families faced the most severe consequences, according to a new …

Se espera que las ventas navide�as en 2021 aumenten entre un 8,5% y un 10,5% con respecto al a�o pasado, y un 87% record de compradores planean comprar en l�nea, seg�n la Federaci�n Nacional de Vendedores Minoristas. (PhotoMIx-Company / Pixabay)

¡Jo Jo Jo! No se deje engañar comprando regalos navideños

AUSTIN, Texas -- La buena voluntad navideña no se extiende a los estafadores, pero los expertos dicen que la tranquilidad es posible con …

Holiday sales in 2021 are expected to increase between 8.5% and 10.5% over last year, and a record 87% of shoppers plan to shop online, according to the National Retail Federation. (PhotoMIx-Company/Pixabay)

Ho Ho Ho! Don't Get Scammed Buying Holiday Gifts

AUSTIN, Texas -- Holiday goodwill doesn't extend to scammers, but experts say peace of mind is possible with common sense strategies to avoid schemes …

At nearly 1.5 million, Texas has the second-highest population of veterans in the country. (27707/Pixabay)

Veterans, Military Families Acquire Easier Access to Health Care

AUSTIN, Texas -- Newly returned veterans or even those who've been back for years face obstacles, and a big one is how to pick the best health care…

Con casi 1,5 millones, Texas tiene la segunda poblaci�n m�s alta de veteranos del pa�s. (27707 / Pixabay)<br />

Veteranos y familias de militares logran fácil acceso a la atención médica

AUSTIN, Texas -- Los veteranos recién regresados o incluso aquellos que ya regresaron hace años enfrentan obstáculos, y una de las …

Americans who miss the Aug. 15 special enrollment deadline to obtain health coverage through the Affordable Care Act will need to wait until Nov. 1 for another chance to apply. (aarp.org)

Deadline Approaches for Special ACA Health-Insurance Enrollment

AUSTIN, Texas - One week remains before the window closes for Texans to take advantage of a special enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act…

Los estadounidenses que no cumplan con la fecha l�mite de inscripci�n hasta el 15 de agosto para obtener cobertura de salud a trav�s de la Ley de Cuidado de Salud a Bajo Precio deber�n esperar hasta el 1 de noviembre para tener otra oportunidad de presentar la solicitud. (aarp.org)

Se acerca la fecha límite para inscripción especial de seguros médicos de ACA

AUSTIN, Texas -- Queda una semana antes de que se cierre la oportunidad para que los texanos aprovechen un período de inscripción especial …

Homebound seniors who are not tech-savvy can be difficult to reach with information about the COVID-19 vaccine. (jcfrog/Pixabay)

"Your Shot Texas" Boosts Vaccinations with Nonprofit Grant Money

AUSTIN, Texas -- "Your Shot Texas" is set to give additional nonprofit, community-based organizations money for programs that increase access to …

Senior champion Jeff Salter, age 50, says riding an e-bike illustrates that people can do more with a little assistance than they can alone. (Veronica Yankowski)

Amarillo By Morning: Cyclist Raises Awareness, Money for Seniors

SAN ANTONIO -- The 65-and-older population has grown by over one-third in the past decade, which prompted a Texas man to take a cross-country bike …

Amid a recent spike in temperature, Texas residents were asked to set their thermostats higher, turn off lights and avoid using larger appliances to protect the power grid. (926663/Pixabay)

Texans Face Hot Summer, Fragile Power Grid

AUSTIN, Texas - Some areas of Texas already have approached triple-digit temperatures this month, and there's concern older adults could face grave …

En medio de un reciente aumento de temperatura, se pidi� a los residentes de Texas que ajusten sus termostatos m�s alto, que apaguen las luces y eviten el uso de los electrodom�sticos m�s grandes para proteger la red el�ctrica. (926663 / Pixabay)<br />

Tejanos enfrentan un verano caluroso y una red eléctrica frágil

AUSTIN, Texas -- Algunas áreas de Texas ya se han acercado a temperaturas de tres dígitos este mes y existe la preocupación de que los …

June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, with the Food and Drug Administration approving a new drug to treat the disease. (Alterfines/Pixabay)

Texas Researcher Puzzled Over New Alzheimer’s Drug Approval

HOUSTON -- News this week about a breakthrough treatment for Alzheimer's disease is getting mixed reactions from some researchers, including in Texas…

The smoking rate for Texans older than age 65 climbed from 6.7% to 10.9% between 2017 and 2019, according to a new report. (thomaasheise/Pixabay)<br />

Older Texans Say They're Exercising, But Also Smoking More

AUSTIN, Texas - Many folks have acknowledged dealing with more anxiety since the pandemic hit. But even before that, seniors were experiencing …

Many states, including Texas, have passed laws banning surprise medical billing but have omitted ambulance companies from the rules. (artisticoperations/Pixabay)

State Could Do More to Protect Texans from Surprise Medical Bills

AUSTIN, Texas - Surprise medical expenses cost Americans millions of dollars every year, and two bills under consideration by the Texas Legislature …

Muchos estados, incluido el de Texas, han aprobado leyes que proh�ben la facturaci�n m�dica sorpresa, pero han omitido a las compa��as de ambulancias de las reglas. (artisticoperations / Pixabay)

El estado podría hacer más para proteger a los tejanos de facturas médicas inesperadas

AUSTIN, Texas -- Los gastos médicos sorpresa cuestan a los estadounidenses millones de dólares cada año, y dos proyectos de ley que …

Texas ranks as the fifth-highest state for senior food insecurity, according to Feeding Texas. (texasimpact.org)

TX Lawmakers Urged to Remove Barriers for Vulnerable SNAP Recipients

AUSTIN, Texas -- Hunger relief organizations say the pandemic combined with February's unexpected winter storm in Texas has highlighted the state's …

Small businesses employed 45% of Texas private-sector workers prior to the start of the pandemic, according to the Small Business Administration. (aarp.org)

TX Lawmakers Review Bill to Help Workers Save for Retirement

AUSTIN, Texas -- The pandemic has worsened the ability of Texans to save money, but a bill before the state Legislature could turn things around for …

Los peque�os negocios emplearon al 45% de trabajadores del sector privado en Texas, antes de el inicio de la pandemia, de acuerdo a la

Legisladores de TX revisan Iniciativa para Ayudar a Trabajadores a Ahorrar para el Retiro

AUSTIN, Texas -- Para los habitantes de Texas, la pandemia empeoró las posibilidades de ahorro; pero una iniciativa de ley presentada a la …

White people have consistently higher retirement incomes than do Black or Hispanic people, and men have higher retirement incomes than women, according to the National Institute on Retirement Security. (antonynjora/Pixabay)

Post-COVID, Women Encouraged to Assertively Save for Retirement

AUSTIN, Texas - Many who were on track for a secure financial retirement were thrown a curve by the novel coronavirus pandemic, and financial experts …

A rare winter storm in Texas last month led to the deployment of the National Guard to conduct welfare checks and move many residents to one of 135 local warming centers. (besnopile/pixabay)

Texas Senior Advocates Issue Plea for Winter-Storm Utility-Bill Assistance

AUSTIN, Texas -- Responding to older Texans hit particularly hard by the massive winter-storm power outage last month, AARP Texas and the Texas Legal …

Una rara tormenta de invierno en Texas el mes pasado llev� al despliegue de la Guardia Nacional en todo Texas para realizar controles de bienestar y trasladar a muchos residentes a uno de los 135 centros de calentamiento locales. (besnopile / pixabay)<br />

Defensores de la tercera edad emiten petición de asistencia para la factura de servicios públicos por tormentas de invierno

AUSTIN, Texas -- En respuesta a los tejanos mayores afectados por el apagón masivo de la tormenta invernal el mes pasado, AARP Texas y el Centro …

New research estimates by 2030, the economic costs of health disparities in Texas could increase to $3.4 billion in excess medical spending, $6.1 billion in lost productivity and 551,000 lost life years valued at $28 billion. (commonealthfund.org)

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TX: Senior Issues