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According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an estimated 86.5% of U.S. households were food secure throughout the entire year in 2023. (guvo59/Pixabay)

Low SNAP enrollment among Virginia seniors signals calls for reforms

A new report showed more than 100,000 eligible Virginians 65 and older are not enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. With …

The US Census Bureau says in a couple of decades older Americans will outnumber children for the first time in history. (WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobe Stock)

Poll shows sheer numbers of older caregivers in U.S.

One in four people over age 50 is taking care of at least one person with a health issue or disability, according to a new poll. In Virginia…

Report: VA seniors’ physical, behavioral health declines

A new report showed Virginia's older residents face worsening physical and behavioral health and looks at the possible reasons. The America's Health …

Unpaid family caregivers provided more than 920 million hours of care to senior family members. (Adobe Stock)

Event cites VA family caregivers’ work, reviews supports

For Older Americans Month, AARP Virginia is hosting an event today about family caregivers. Virginia caregivers provided $14 billion of unpaid care …

AARP data shows the prices for the top 25 Medicare Part D drugs tripled since they were introduced. (Adobe Stock)

VA advocates upset about prescription drug affordability veto

Gov. Glenn Youngkin has vetoed legislation making prescription drugs more affordable. The bill would have created an independent body to evaluate …

Up to 50% of eligible residents in Virginia's counties were enrolled in a dual-eligible special needs plan in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

VA seniors can benefit from dual-eligible special-needs plans

Virginia seniors can see daily health and well-being benefits from certain health-care plans. Dual-eligible special-needs plans offer Medicare and …

Advocates urge VA governor to sign prescription-drug affordability bill

With the approval of the Virginia General Assembly, a bill reducing prescription drug prices is sitting on Gov. Glenn Youngkin's desk. The bill …

A Bankrate/YouGov poll finds 32% of U.S. adults estimate they would need more than $1 million to retire comfortably. However, 45% of workers say it's unlikely they'll be able to save that much. (Adobe Stock)

AARP event prepares Virginians for life after 50

The goal of an AARP Virginia event this weekend is to help people prepare for their 50s and beyond. The "Life at 50-Plus Academy" is a half-day …

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found between January 2022 and January 2023, more than 4,200 drugs had prices rising 46% higher than the rate of inflation. (Adobe Stock)

AARP VA calls on General Assembly for legislative changes

As the General Assembly session begins, AARP Virginia is calling on lawmakers to tackle key reforms. In particular, they're looking to establish a …

According to AARP, there are 6.5 million veteran and military caregivers across the U.S., providing the equivalent of $14 billion in unpaid care per year. (Adobe Stock)

AARP co-hosts webinar on caregiving for veterans

AARP is partnering with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation for a webinar today on the financial impacts of caregiving for veterans. New data show family …

The National Institutes of Health encourages older people to practice safe sex no matter how old they are, as cases of HIV/AIDS among older people are on the increase. (Adobe Stock)

AARP-VA holds workshops on sexual health, dating after 50

Sex and relationships after age 50 are the topics of a series of online workshops hosted by AARP Virginia, starting tonight. The group says the idea …

According to AARP Virginia, 80% of nursing homes in the state do not meet the staffing requirements set by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (Adobe Stock)

VA long-term care facilities rank low on national scorecard

A new report finds Virginia's long-term care facilities need improvement to better serve their residents. AARP's Long-Term Care Services and …

In an AARP survey, Virginia voters said they would support the idea of importing prescription drugs from wholesalers and licensed pharmacies and/or joining a buying pool offering prescription drug discounts. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Virginia Needs Lower Prescription Drug Prices

Despite partisan divides on many issues, a new survey shows Virginia voters are like-minded about the need to do something about rising prescription …

This summer's data from AARP found 37.2 million people age 55 and older were employed, a slight increase from May. Unemployment for the same group declined to 1 million in the same time period. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Seniors Get Help with Job Training, Confidence Building

A Virginia program is helping older workers launch their "second act" in the workforce. The Northern Virginia Senior Community Services Employment …

The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare found Virginia Social Security beneficiaries received $2,336,507,000 in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

AARP Virginia Hosts Town Hall on Social Security's Importance, Future

AARP Virginia is sponsoring a town hall at 5:30 p.m. at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia in Richmond about Social Security…

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 …

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 …

According to a report from AARP, Virginia family caregivers provided over 920 million hours of unpaid care to family members in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Report: VA Family Caregivers Provide Swaths of Unpaid Help

A new report shows just how much unpaid care Virginia family caregivers provide to loved ones. As part of AARP's Valuing the Invaluable series…

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 …

According to the National Low-Income Housing Coalition, about $5.6 billion is needed during the next 20 years for rural America to preserve more than 470,000 rental homes in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's portfolio for current and future residents. (Adobe Stock)

VA Forum Discusses Rural Housing Issues

A forum in Virginia today will address accessible and affordable housing options in Appalachia. The forum is a collaboration between AARP chapters …

Pickleball, one of the events at this weekend's Virginia Senior Games, has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, according to Forbes magazine. (Bob/Adobe Stock)

Hundreds to Compete at Virginia Senior Games This Weekend

Experts say part of the secret to living a long and healthy life is to keep moving, which is one of the goals at this week's Virginia Senior Games in …

Experts say the gap between Social Security benefits and the cost of living leaves many older Americans struggling to pay the bills. (Andrii Iemelianenko/Adobe Stock)

Many Older VA Residents Struggle, Even as Government Benefits Go Unused

Many older, low-income adults in Virginia struggle to pay for medicine, food, and rent, and they may be unaware of the many programs available to …

Approximately one-third of Americans age 65 to 74 have hearing loss, and that goes up to nearly half for those older than 75. (Edwardolive/Adobestock)

Advocates Applaud New Rules Allowing Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids

Good news for people who need hearing aids but can't afford to pay $3,000 to $5,000 for a pair: The Food and Drug Administration has just cleared the …

According to research from Consumers for Quality Care, 60% of Americans say they've skipped or delayed care at some point in their lives out of concerns over out-of-pocket costs. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Lawmakers Mull Drug-Pricing Reforms as Costs Become Top Issue for Voters

Democrats say they have reached an agreement on the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes measures aimed at lowering prescription-drug prices…

According to United Health Foundation, the prevalence of frequent mental stress among adults 65 and up rose 8% from 2011 to 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Report: More Virginia Seniors Face Mental-Health Problems

Across Virginia, people have adjusted to the new normal of pandemic life, but concerns remain about the effects of the past two years had on the …

In January, pharmaceutical companies increased the prices on more than 800 drugs by about 5%. (Adobe Stock)

Virginians Call on Congress to Regulate Prescription-Drug Costs

Virginia residents have signed nearly 104,000 petitions urging Congress to lower prescription drug prices. The petitions were delivered to Virginia …

In a poll commissioned by the group Compassion & Choices, 66% of respondents in Southern states indicated they'd want the option of medical aid in dying should they receive a six-month terminal diagnosis. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Medical Aid-in-Dying Bill Stalls, Despite Public Approval

A bill to allow medical aid in dying as an option for terminally ill patients in Virginia has failed to make it through the committee process…

Per an AARP poll, more than three-quarters of Virginia voters support a living wage for paid caregivers in nursing homes. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Groups Push for Safer Nursing Homes, Standardized Staffing Rules

Virginia's nursing homes have been some of the most vulnerable communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exacted a physical and mental toll …

Groups in Virginia want laws that guarantee quarterly training for nursing-home staff on issues such as infection-prevention protocols. (PXHere)

Virginia Groups Want Action on Nursing-Home Safety, Drug Affordability

Virginia's 2022 General Assembly session begins tomorrow, and groups supporting older Americans are pushing lawmakers to pass legislation making …

Across the nation, family caregivers provide $470 billion in unpaid care each year so loved ones can live independently in their homes, according to AARP research. (Adobe Stock)

On Election Day Eve, Virginia Voters Want Family Caregiver Relief

RICHMOND, Va. -- As the Virginia governor's race comes down to the wire tomorrow, a new survey showed a majority of the state's voters would favor a …

More than 80% of Virginia voters say nursing homes should be required to provide infection-control training for staff, according to a new AARP survey. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Virginia Voters Demand Nursing-Home Reforms

RICHMOND, Va. - With COVID revealing deep-seated problems in the nation's long-term care system, a new report shows most Virginia voters support …

Virginia has the fourth-highest student-loan debt per borrower in the nation, totaling almost $39,000. (Adobe stock)

Report: Sinking Under Student Debt, VA Voters Ask Candidates for Relief

RICHMOND, Va. -- With the Virginia governor's race neck and neck, advocates are urging candidates to address easing the burden of student debt after …

Data from the AARP COVID-19 Dashboard shows that one year into the pandemic, Virginia nursing homes still suffer from shortages of staff and PPE. (Creative Home/Adobestock)

Report: VA Nursing Homes Have U.S.' 2nd Highest Death Rate

RICHMOND, Va. -- New COVID-19 infections and deaths are falling in Virginia nursing homes, but they're still twice as high as they were last summer …

Some Virginia grandparents raising grandchildren have had difficulties helping them navigate computers for online learning during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

VA Officials Support Multigenerational Families in School Reopening

RICHMOND, Va. - As Virginia schools plan to reopen their doors again on Monday, changes from virtual learning during the pandemic have raised …

Requiring employers to track employee hours to see if they're eligible for Virginia's new retirement savings plan places an unnecessary burden on employers, according to the state's AARP chapter. (Adobe stock)

Groups Urge Virginia Lawmakers to Widen Scale of IRA Savings Bill

RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia's General Assembly has approved an amended bill that gives working residents a way to save for retirement, but advocates …

According to the latest data, as of Nov. 15, more than 22% of Virginia's nursing homes were experiencing serious staff shortages. (Adobe Stock)

New Tracking Tool Helps Families as Virginia Nursing-Home Deaths Soar

RICHMOND, Va. -- Coronavirus vaccinations are finally being given in Virginia, as nursing-home deaths from the virus reached record highs and staff …

Nearly 75% of Americans in the latest AARP survey are worried that Social Security will run out of money by the time they retire. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Social Security More Crucial Than Ever During Pandemic

RICHMOND, Va. -- As the Trump administration threatens to reduce the payroll tax that's a primary funding source for Social Security, a new report …

Un estudio reciente dice que desde que comenz� la pandemia, las llamadas de emergencia al 911 solicitando servicios m�dicos en los EE.UU. han bajado 26% en comparaci�n con los dos a�os previos. (Adobe Stock)

Una Campaña de divulgación anima a la gente a vencer su Miedo a los Hospitales

RICHMOND, Va. -- Los nuevos casos de coronavirus van escalando en estados como Virginia, pero aún hay preocupación de que la gente que …

AARP Virginia is advising folks visiting nursing facilities to ask questions about safety first. (Adobe stock)

Important Questions to Ask Before Visiting Reopened Nursing Homes

RICHMOND, Va. -- As Virginia enters the third phase of its COVID-19 recovery this week, some nursing homes finally are lifting restrictions for …

Groups are urging Gov. Ralph Northam to allow voters to submit absentee ballots in upcoming elections without having to give an excuse. (ACLU)<br /><br />

VA Asked to Boost Health-Care Workforce, Guarantee Safe Voting

RICHMOND, Va. -- As COVID-19 continues to spread in Virginia, AARP Virginia is calling on Gov. Ralph Northam to take steps to increase the health …

Virginia's General Assembly will consider launching a state-based retirement plan after a study concludes in December. (Adobe stock)

VA Examining State Retirement Plans for Private Employers

RICHMOND, Va. -- A little-known bill is passing through the Virginia state Senate that aims to help more Virginians save for retirement. The Work …

The number of Virginians aged 60 and older with student-loan debt shot up 47% between 2012 and 2017, according to AARP. (Adobe stock)

Seniors Crushed by Student Loan Debt Push for Virginia 'Bill of Rights'

RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginians age 50 and older are urging state lawmakers to pass a measure called the Borrower's Bill of Rights to help protect folks …

Nearly 1 in 3 Virginians has stopped taking their medications as prescribed because they�re too expensive, according to AARP Virginia. (Adobe Stock)

Virginia Forum Tackles Exploding Prescription Prices

GLEN ALLEN, Va. – No one should have to choose between food and medicine, and that crucial choice will be addressed at a public forum in Glen …

The Virginia Family Caregivers Income Tax Credit would help offset a family�s out-of-pocket expenses for taking care of loved ones. (Adobe Stock)

AARP Urges VA Lawmakers to Provide Relief for Family Caregivers

RICHMOND, Va. — More than 1 million family caregivers in Virginia provided an estimated 870 million hours of unpaid care in 2017, worth a …

Many retirees in Virginia live on incomes of less than $20,000 a year, primarily from Social Security benefits. (Adobe Stock)

Will Virginia Voters Demand Answers on Retirement Security?

RICHMOND, Va. — With state and local elections in Virginia less than a month away, AARP Virginia says it's prime time for voters to get …

AARP Virginia�s voter education program is encouraging its 1 million members to reach out to candidates via Twitter during the General Assembly election season this fall. (Adobe stock)

AARP Virginia Kicks Off Voter Engagement Program for Nov. Elections

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia is just two months away from electing a new General Assembly, and this week AARP Virginia is launching a voter …

Rental scammers try to lure in consumers with the promise of low rent or great amenities for properties that either don't exist or that they don't own or manage. (Adobe Stock)

Scam Alert: Virginia Renters Beware

RICHMOND, Va. - People in Virginia looking to rent homes or vacation property need to take some extra precautions. A new alert from AARP Virginia …

Without action, higher temperatures will affect more Americans than ever in the decades ahead, according to a new report on climate change by the Union of Concerned Scientists. (Adobe Stock)

More Killer Heat in Store for VA's Future

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia and other parts of the United States will have a lot more killer heat waves like the one that started this weekend if …

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VA: Senior Issues