Senior Issues / Public News Service

According to AARP Connecticut, 47% of family caregivers have had at least one financial setback, such as having less money for retirement or savings, or cutting back on their own healthcare spending. (Adobe Stock)

Federal Aid Could Offset Costs for CT Family Caregivers

HARTFORD, Conn. - In Connecticut, more than 460,000 people care for close friends or family members who can't manage on their own - and their …

Groups including Caring Across Generations, Michigan Care in Action, the Arc of Michigan, the National Domestic Workers Alliance, SEIU and others held a roundtable this week on the importance of legislation to boost the care sector. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

MI Groups Urge Congress to Invest in Home, Community-Based Services

LANSING, Mich. -- Advocates for home- and community-based services in Michigan urged Congress to build off state efforts and invest in what's become …

Public health experts say while the Delta variant is fueling a rise in COVID cases, they don't anticipate dangerous spikes like the ones seen this past winter. (Adobe Stock)

Breaking Down the Facts on Breakthrough COVID Cases

MINNEAPOLIS - As COVID cases trend upward again, public-health experts are setting the record straight on certain storylines about new infections…

Social Security reduces your payment if you start collecting benefits before your full retirement age, currently 66 and 2 months, and is gradually rising to 67 for people born in 1960 or later. (Adobe Stock)

Money Milestones Series Aims to Beef Up Wyomingites’ Financial Skills

CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- AARP Wyoming is gearing up for a series of Webinars and Telephone Town Halls to help residents of all ages get their financial …

In early July, the Biden administration canceled nearly $56 million in student-loan debt, mostly connected to institutions engaging in misconduct, including promising jobs or falsely claiming credits would transfer to universities.(Adobe Stock)

Scammers Targeting Nebraska Student-Loan Holders

LINCOLN, Neb. - Student-loan forgiveness has become an increasingly popular scam targeting young adults, and as an October deadline looms, consumer …

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 …

An AARP study finds family caregivers spend an average of 26% of their income on caregiving activities. (verbaska/Adobe Stock)

Study: Taking Care of Family Costly for Caregivers

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Family caregiving is rewarding and challenging, and it can also put a big strain on people's wallets. A new study from AARP found …

The State of California spends $5 billion to $6 billion per year on nursing home care. (Creative House/Adobe Stock)

Hearing, Rallies Today on Bill to Reform CA Nursing Homes

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- As the legislative session in Sacramento comes to a close, lawmakers will consider a bill to require nursing homes to better …

Family caregivers are spending, on average, 26% of their income on caregiving activities, according to an AARP report. (Adobe stock)

Report: Family Caregivers Buckling Under Out-of-Pocket Expenses

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - Caring for an older loved one can be emotionally draining, and a new report shows 78% of family caregivers also face significant …

Chris Davis of Upland passed away in 2019 before he could access aid-in-dying medications. His family says the hospital gave them misinformation. (Amanda Villegas)

Advocates Press for Improvements to CA's Aid-in-Dying Rules

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- A bill to speed up the process for terminally ill patients to access aid-in-dying medications will be heard tomorrow in the …

A new report says family caregivers in the United States spend more than $7,000 a year on average in out-of-pocket expenses. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Out-of-Pocket Expenses Squeezing Family Caregivers

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Providing care for a loved one comes with a lot of stress. A new report said there's financial pressure too, especially when it …

July 2020 was the hottest recorded month in Boston, and climate planners predict it's a record that could be broken often in the future. (Paolese/Adobe Stock)

MA Climate Planner Warns of Extreme Summer Heat

BOSTON -- More and more summer days in Massachusetts are reaching temperatures above 90 degrees, and climate resiliency planners say the trend is …

More than 50% of the New Hampshire population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. (Adobe Stock)

Unvaccinated in NH? Get 'One-on-One' Time with Healthcare Providers

CONCORD, N.H. - Health experts and advocates for older Americans are encouraging unvaccinated New Hampshire residents to have one-on-one …

A new survey finds the vast majority of Arizona seniors prefer staying in their home to receive long-term care services, rather than moving into a group-care facility. (AnthonyDiaz/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Arizona Seniors Support Long-Term Care Reform

PHOENIX, Ariz - Arizona seniors want policymakers to reform what they see as the state's outdated long-term care system - to provide safe, high-…

An Emergency Broadband Benefit Program could help families who qualify for certain federal assistance programs get access to high-speed internet, and afford a laptop, desktop computer or tablet through participating service providers. (Adobe Stock)

CT Residents Without Internet Could Gain Access Through FCC Program

HARTFORD, Conn. - Even as economic recovery from the pandemic continues, more than 116 million U.S. residents had difficulty paying household bills …

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 …

A common scam that snares older Americans are email offers for free gift cards, which are a way to capture personal information that could jeopardize finances. (Adobe stock)

MD Spotlights Senior Financial Fraud on Elder Abuse Awareness Day

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and a coalition of groups in Maryland are marking the day with a week-long campaign to …

From transportation to housing, Bismarck is resetting its vision for the city's livability factors, hearing from older residents. (Adobe Stock)

Is Your City Age-Friendly? Bismarck Tackles That Question

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Bismarck is laying out its vision for future planning. As ideas come together, it has become the first North Dakota city to adopt a …

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…

Around 72% of older Mainers live in communities without access to fixed- or flex-route public transportation services. (Satjawat/Adobe Stock)

Program to Give Rides for Non-Medical Errands to Eligible Seniors

AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine Legislature has passed a bill to launch a pilot program to give eligible older residents and people with disabilities …

California is implementing dozens of initiatives to make the state a more "age-friendly" place to live. (AARP)

California Becomes the Latest “Age-Friendly” State

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - California is now officially an "age-friendly" state thanks to a new partnership between the California Department of Aging and …

Nebraskans age 50 and older contribute more than $2 billion each year in unpaid family caregiving.<br />(Sabinevanerp/Pixabay) — Nebraskans age 50 and older contribute more than $2 billion each year in unpaid family caregiving.
(Sabinevanerp/Pixabay)

NE Lawmakers Begin Phasing Out State Taxes on Social Security Benefits

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Nebraska lawmakers are leaning on older residents to help boost the state's economic recovery. Last week Gov. Pete Ricketts signed …

A Greater Boston Food Bank survey found that only one in three adults experiencing food insecurity in Massachusetts is getting food from charitable sites, like food pantries. (Adobe Stock)

High Demand for Food Assistance Persists in MA

BOSTON -As COVID-19 restrictions are lifted and the country opens up, some Massachusetts residents are still feeling the ripple effects of the …

A Feeding America study estimates 42 million Americans may experience food insecurity this year, down from 45 million people who may have experienced it in 2020. (Adobe Stock)

World Hunger Day Underscores CT Food Crisis Beyond COVID

WALLINGFORD, Conn. - Today is World Hunger Day, and as the U.S. recovers from the pandemic, food banks in places like Connecticut say there's greater …

Julie Manuel, left, was the winner of the 2020 Andrus Award in Oregon. (Joyce DeMonnin/AARP Oregon)

Award to Honor OR Volunteer During 'Difficult Times'

PORTLAND, Ore. -- The call is out for Oregonians who are making a difference in their communities through volunteering. AARP has opened nominations …

Seniors experiencing social isolation are at increased risk of dementia, depression, acute and chronic illness, and pre-mature death.(Adobe Stock)

Report: More WV Seniors Isolated; Face Poverty, Lack of Support

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A new America's Health Rankings report shows West Virginia is among the top three states in the nation with the highest number …

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 /> — 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)

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 …

Before the pandemic, the risk of social isolation for seniors in a given state was correlated with higher rates of frequent mental distress, according to the 2021 Senior Report. (lisabussell/Pixabay)

Report Highlights Challenges to Health of Older Americans

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Even before the pandemic, seniors were experiencing increasing mental- and behavioral-health challenges, according to a new …

Arkansas has the 14th highest rate of reported falls in the United States in adults age 65 and older, at 29.5%, higher than the national average of 28%, according to CDC data. (Adobe Stock)

CDC Report: Arkansas has 14th Highest Rate of Older-Adult Falls

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Falls are the leading cause of death among individuals age 65 and older, and new data from the Centers for Disease Control and …

A new report shows that Nevada seniors are 16th in the nation for getting in some exercise. (AARP)

Report: NV Seniors Face High Rates of Hunger, Suicide

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- A new study shows seniors in Nevada had some of the worst rates of hunger and suicide in the country, even before the pandemic…

Broadband advocates say it isn't just lack of Wi-Fi options or slow downloads causing internet access issues. The cost of service is often a barrier for people to stay connected. (Adobe Stock)

Temporary Program Can Help WI Residents with Internet Bills

TOMAHAWK, Wis. - Wisconsin residents struggling to afford internet service during the pandemic can turn to a federal program for help. Supporters say …

Frequent mental distress among adults 65 and older rose 11 percent between 2016 and 2019 according to the 2021 Senior Report. (mrmohock/Adobe Stock)

Report Highlights Challenges to Seniors’ Health

ALBANY, N.Y. - Even before the pandemic, seniors were experiencing increasing mental and behavioral health challenges, according to a new report…

Proponents of the Medical Aid in Dying Act say it contains dozens of safeguards against coercion and abuse of terminally ill patients. (Khunatorn/Adobe Stock)

Doctors Urge Passage of Stalled NY Aid-in-Dying Bill

NEW YORK - With only ten days left in the legislative session, medical professionals are asking state lawmakers to pass a bill that would allow …

More than 50 million adults in the United States provide unpaid care to an adult family member or friend, according to AARP. (Adobe stock)

During Military Caregiver Month, Tips to Help MD’s Veteran Families

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- May is Month of the Military Caregiver to honor more than five million veteran and military family caregivers across the nation…

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 …

AARP Ohio is spreading the word about a new initiative to help struggling Ohioans pay for high-speed internet. (Pixabay)

New Program to Help Bridge Ohio's Digital Divide

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A new initiative is expected to help bridge the digital divide in Ohio. People whose finances are strained during the COVID-19 …

The pandemic has emphasized the important work done by volunteers. (insta_photos/Adobe Stock)

Nominations Open for ID Volunteer Award

BOISE, Idaho -- Nominations are open for Idahoans who are making a difference in their communities through volunteering as part of the 2021 Andrus …

By 2030, one in five U.S. residents are projected to be age 65 or older, and by 2035 there will be more adults over 65 than children under 18. (ArtTower/Pixabay)

Age-Friendly Network Welcomes 3 Colorado Cities

GREELEY, Colo. -- This week, Greeley, Evans and Garden City will officially join AARP's Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. The Weld …

A recent study found 13% of family caregivers in the U.S. had taken on that role for the first time because of the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Overwhelmed Caregivers in SD Can Call for Advice, Emotional Support

PIERRE, S.D. -- Family caregivers are considered among the many groups seeing continued stress as the U.S. recovers from the pandemic. Now, a pilot …

According to an AARP survey, an estimated 16% of Minnesotans 62 and older are receiving Social Security are still working. But the group says because of state law, not all will be eligible to receive unemployment if they are laid off. (Adobe Stock)

Repealing MN's Unemployment Provisions for Seniors, Teens Still in Play

ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Minnesota lawmakers are still being pressured to update the state's unemployment laws some have argued discriminate against teens …

The CDC recommends people wait until they're fully vaccinated before traveling domestically. (Fabio/Adobe Stock)

What Travelers Can Expect as Overdue Summer Plans Take Shape

PORTLAND, Ore. -- With vaccination rates increasing, people are making summer plans again. A webinar is offering Oregonians tips to keep in mind …

A new report says every Pennsylvania county has at least one area with few, if any, pharmacies that are key to COVID-19 vaccine distribution. (Anna Kosolapova/Adobe Stock)

Report Reveals PA Health-Care Access Disparities

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- A new report shows Pennsylvanians are experiencing disparities in access to health care, especially in rural areas and among under-…

Of just over 49,000 subsidized rental-housing units for low-income Utahns, only about 16% were rented to senior citizens in 2019, according to a new report on preserving affordable senior housing. (Konstantine_L/Adobe Stock)

Utah Seniors Warned of Worsening Affordable-Housing Crisis

SALT LAKE CITY - A new report warns that thousands of Utah seniors could lose their housing unless federal and state officials act to preserve existin…

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 …

The COVID-19 vaccine is especially important for Oregonians 50 and older, who account for more than 95% of virus deaths. (Lakshmiprasad/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Vaccine Hunt Generates Frustration, Elation in OR

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Older Oregonians have felt frustration and relief in their search for the much-coveted COVID-19 vaccine. A survey by AARP of more …

National Healthcare Decisions Day with Dolores Huerta in English

Advocates Promote End-of-Life Plannning

LOS ANGELES - Today, April 16, is the 8th annual National Healthcare Decisions Day - a day where health-care advocates encourage everyone to think …

One in five Americans reported a family member became ill or even died during the pandemic without having an end-of-life plan in place. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates for End-of-Life Options: Put Your Choices In Writing

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - On National Healthcare Decisions Day, advocates for end-of-life options are urging people to make a formal plan for the health …

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