Senior Issues / Public News Service

An AARP Maine survey finds Democratic Gov. Janet Mills with a narrow lead over Republican challenger, former Gov. Paul LePage, 51% to 46%. Among voters 50+, the race is tied at 48%, with women voters 50+ giving Mills the slight lead. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, October 7, 2022

Older Voters: A Formidable Factor in Maine Gubernatorial Race

Democratic Gov. Janet Mills and her challenger, former Republican Gov. Paul LePage, both are courting votes from Maine's largest contingency -- …

The average monthly Social Security benefit in August was $1,546. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, October 7, 2022

Concerns Loom for Social Security's Future Ahead of Benefit Increase

The roughly 2.4 million Ohioans who rely on Social Security income are expected to get a big boost in benefits, but advocates for the program are …

Not all states have updated their laws to allow public employees such as teachers to qualify for Social Security benefits. Wisconsin is one of the states to have taken such action. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 6, 2022

WI Educator: Social Security Vital for Eligible Teachers

Wisconsin is one of 33 states allowing Social Security benefits to be extended to teachers. As the future of the program is debated, a retired …

Critics of Arizona's long-term care system are pushing state legislators for more money and staff for the state Long-Term Care Ombudsman program. (godfather/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 6, 2022

AZ Seniors List Social Security, Long-Term Care Among Top Midterm Issues

New polling has revealed older Arizonans, who make up more than half the state's registered voters, are more likely to support candidates with strong …

Americans have had to pay two to three times more for their medications than people in other countries pay for the same drugs. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Lower Drug Prices Expected After Biden Medicare Move

Some 930,000 Colorado Medicare recipients will save money on medications starting next year, thanks to provisions in President Joe Biden's Inflation …

More than 65 million people, or more than one in every six U.S. residents, collected Social Security benefits in January, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. (Nick Youngson/Pix4free)

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Social Security Benefits Expected to Increase, But Challenges Remain

Social Security benefits could see their highest increase in several decades, but those advocating for beneficiaries say there is still plenty of …

In recent years, a range of studies and reports show Minnesota has some of the worst racial disparities in the nation, including in the areas of homeownership and education. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

MN Groups Brainstorm Ways to Address Poverty Disparities

On the heels of a regional conference, multiple groups are working on new solutions for reducing the poverty gap in Minnesota. Nonprofits, …

The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security recipients in 2022 was 5.9%. There have been automatic COLA adjustments since 1975 based on the Consumer Price Index. (Larryhw/Adobe Stock)

Social Security Recipients Anticipate Boost in Monthly Benefits

About 70 million Americans could soon see what some are predicting as a sizable increase in Social Security benefits for 2023, which would mean …

In Minnesota, an estimated 64-thousand people care for older parents, spouses, children and adults with disabilities. (Adobe Stock)

Caregivers to Candidates: Don't Forget About Us This Election

Issues such as crime and safety are getting a lot of attention on the campaign trail in Minnesota, but those who have taken on the role of family …

Family caregiving can be a struggle if the caregiver has to be away from the workforce to do it. (pressmaster/Adobe Stock)

Caregiving an Under-the-Radar Issue in OR Election

With the election a little over a month away, some say caregiving and long-term care are issues too big for candidates in Oregon to ignore. There …

According to the Social Security Administration, the average monthly benefit is $1,542.22. (Adobe Stock)

Social Security Benefits to See Big Jump, But Concerns, Debates Linger

Social Security benefits again could see their highest increase in several decades, but those advocating for beneficiaries in Wisconsin and elsewhere …

Food insecurity among adults ages 65 and older living alone reached the highest rates in 20 years between 2020 and 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Millions of Older Adults Experience Food Insecurity

Some 35 million people in Wyoming and across the U.S. struggle to put food on the table, and older adults experiencing food insecurity face numerous …

According to a new poll, 90% of voters 50 and older in Wisconsin say they're extremely motivated to vote in the November election, with issues such as inflation on the top of their minds. (Adobe Stock)

Election Poll: Older WI Residents Drive Home Message on Inflation

Those 50 and older make up more than half of Wisconsin's registered voters, and a new statewide poll shows they want candidates to hear their …

Experts in end-of-life care urge families to discuss their wishes with loved ones before serious illness strikes. (Fotos 593/Adobestock)

Report: Inequities Persist in End-of-Life Care for Latinos

Latinos and other underserved communities face persistent inequities in end-of-life care, according to a new report from Compassion & Choices and the …

The Hispanic community in America represents 60 million Latinos - or one in five residents. (magazine.medlineplus.gov)

Report: Latino Families Should Prioritize End-Of-Life Conversations

End-of-life planning, hospice, medical aid in dying - all are difficult decisions, and a new report says Latinos and other underserved communities …

Community housing groups say extreme weather events are one of several reasons aging homes are running into repair backlogs, and that for many homeowners, securing a home-improvement loan is difficult. (Adobe Stock)

Housing Crisis: Government Help for Older Homes Seen as Solution

As the housing market navigates a sea of obstacles, community-level organizations in Minnesota are urging governments to take a closer look at their …

In addition to protecting programs such as Social Security, older North Dakotans have told AARP reducing the threat of scams is another one of their top priorities. (Adobe Stock)

2022 Vote: Social Security, Drug Prices on Minds of ND Seniors

Early voting for the fall election begins one week from today in North Dakota. Candidate debates are on the horizon, too, and older residents are …

Falls among adults age 65 and older caused more than 34,000 deaths in 2019, making it the leading cause of injury-related death for the age group, according to the CDC. (Adobe Stock)

Across MD, Community Workshops Help Older Residents Prevent Falls

One in four Americans age 65 and older take an unexpected tumble each year, and during Falls Prevention Awareness Week, experts are encouraging them …

The AARP Foundation's Tax Aide program will be available in about 40 sites across Idaho in 2023. (Creativa Images/Adobe Stock)

ID Tax Aide Program Seeks Volunteers for 2023

Another income-tax season is approaching and a program to help people with low and moderate incomes do their taxes for free is looking for volunteers…

Falls among adults age 65 and older caused more than 34,000 deaths in 2019, making it the leading cause of injury death for this group, according to the CDC. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Risk of Falling Increases with Age; Prevention Tools Can Help

One in four Americans age 65 and older takes an unexpected fall each year. During Falls Prevention Awareness Week, experts are encouraging older …

According to a 2022 report from Vanguard, older Americans are saving the most for their retirement. (Adobe Stock)

New Bill Aids People Planning for Retirement

A new piece of legislation in Congress will help people across the U.S. prepare for retirement with greater ease. The EARN Act - short for …

Federal health officials say falls result in more than three million injuries each year that require an emergency-room visit. (Adobe Stock)

Helping Older Populations Reduce Their Risk for Falls

From COVID infections to dangerously hot weather, older South Dakotans have had a lot of warnings the past couple of years to adhere to. But experts …

Research shows around a quarter of Americans find it difficult to afford prescription drugs because of high out-of-pocket costs. (Adobe Stock)

Biden’s Insulin Cap is a Start, But WV Residents Can’t Afford Other Prescription Meds

The Inflation Reduction Act signed by President Joe Biden last month caps the cost of insulin at $35 per month for seniors who have Medicare…

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 believe the real cost of financial fraud is much higher than what's been reported, because so many people who've been taken advantage of are too ashamed to come forward. (Adobe Stock)

Report Suggests Fraud Descriptions Need a Makeover

Changing how people talk about victims of financial fraud could lead to a shift in how Minnesota and the nation respond to this growing sector of crim…

Dr. Jamestta Ferguson, founder of Molo Community Development Corp., says grassroots organizations are working to address decades of disinvestment in Louisville's historically Black neighborhoods. (AARP KY)

Neighborhood Org Pushes for Economic Development in West Louisville

A pastor and community leader in Louisville is working to boost economic development and raise the quality of life on Louisville's West end. …

According to a 2018 Compassion & Choices survey, 56% of New York physicians support medical aid in dying. (Andy Dean/Adobe Stock)

Lawsuit Targets VT’s Medical Aid-in- Dying Law's Residency Rule

A nonprofit group is suing the state of Vermont on behalf of a New York and Vermont doctor and a terminally ill woman. At issue is Vermont's medical …

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 …

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 …

Most people who have wills are over age 60. But since the beginning of the pandemic, the number of 18-to 34-year-olds with estate planning documents has increased by 50%, according to a 2022 survey by caring.com. (Adobe Stock)

Will-Making Can Reduce Stress, Cost for Loved Ones

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

According to a 2020 Gallup poll, there's only been a five percent increase in the number of people who have a living will from 2005 to 2020. Most of those people are 65 and older. (Adobe Stock)

Procrastinators' Alert: Time to Start End-of-Life Planning

August is National Make-a-Will Month, one of many opportunities for Connecticut residents to begin end-of-life planning. Only around 46% of …

Experts say older adults often struggle financially because Social Security benefits do not cover their basic cost of living, and many are not aware there are programs they can seek out for assistance. (Parten/Adobe Stock)

Older Nevadans May Be Missing Out on Thousands in Benefits

Advocates for lower-income adults in Nevada say many are leaving money on the table -- hundreds of dollars a month, in some cases -- because they may …

Forty percent of older Americans rely solely on Social Security for retirement income, according to the National Institute on Retirement Security. (Adobe Stock)

Inflation Squeezes Fixed-Income Kentuckians; Benefits Assistance Can Help

As inflation drives up the cost of living, Kentuckians on fixed incomes are especially vulnerable. More than 2,000 federal, state and local benefits …

The FTC says that in 2021, consumers reported losing a record-breaking $5.8 billion to fraud. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa Fraud Watch Tour to Address 'Scam Culture'

A statewide tour to help Iowans sharpen their fraud protection skills kicks off today. Organizers say perpetrators will never give up in trying to …

A Caring.com survey finds since the pandemic began, the number of 18-to-34-year-olds with estate planning documents has increased by 50%. (Elnur/Adobe Stock)

Where There's a Will, There's a Way to Protect Loved Ones, Assets

August is National Make-a-Will Month, a reminder for people to get their affairs in order to avoid unintentionally burdening their families when they …

People need two witnesses and a notary for a validly executed will. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Make-a-Will Month: End-of-Life 'Road Map' for Families, Friends

August is National National Make-a-Will Month, highlighting how important it is for everyone to make sure their affairs are in order when they pass …

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 …

It's “Make A Will Month": Expert Tips to Save Time, Money

August is "National Make a Will Month," and it's something the experts say too few people have done. They have some tips on saving you and your heirs …

A 2021 Gallup poll shows most of the folks who have their end-of-life plans in order are age 50 or older. Only one in five Americans younger than age 30 has a will. (Adobe Stock)

Numerous Reasons Why People Delay End-of-Life Planning

August is National Make-A-Will Month, which experts say is an opportune time for New Yorkers to begin end-of-life planning. According to a 2021 …

Experts say having a legal, up-to-date will is a powerful way to protect your loved ones and make decisions about the future on your own terms. (photographyfirm/Adobe Stock)

Make-a-Will Month a Good Time for End-of-Life Conversations

August is National Make-a-Will Month, and experts believe it is a good time for Arizona families to have a conversation about end-of-life plans…

Statistics show that older adults leaving incarceration after a lengthy term face a higher risk of homelessness compared with their younger counterparts. (Hvostik16/Adobestock)

Advocates Push for More Help for Older Adults After Incarceration

A new report on the plight of older adults reentering society after a long period of incarceration found they have an extremely hard time finding affo…

A Caring.com 2022 Wills Survey finds that one out of three Americans without estate plans think they have too few assets to leave behind. (Pixabay)

Think of Others When Thinking of Life After Death

Thinking of life after death is daunting, but it might help to think of the lives of your loved ones in the event you are no longer around. Experts …

To date, more than 550,000 individuals have used the Free Will platform to write a legal will. (Adobe Stock)

Online Tool Helps Create Legally Valid Will in 20 Minutes

August is National Make-a-Will Month, a gentle reminder to some seven in ten Americans who don't currently have a will or estate plan that it's never …

hearing aids are not covered under Medicare or most insurance plans. (EdwardOlive/Adobestock)

Feds to Allow Hearing Aids to be Sold Over-the-Counter

Relief may be on the way for many older Nevadans who need hearing aids but can't afford to pay $3,000 to $5,000 for a pair. The Food and Drug …

AARP and others say the Medicare portion of the Inflation Reduction Act will help American seniors save millions of dollars on prescription drugs. (Stock Footage Inc/Adobe Stock)

AARP: Inflation Reduction Act to Save Seniors Millions on Drug Costs

President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act this week, lowering energy costs, building a green economy, reducing pollution, reforming the …

Financial fraud totaled nearly $6 billion in 2021, although experts believe the real cost is much higher because many victims are too ashamed to come forward. (Adobe Stock)

Report Urges Shifting Blame from Fraud Victim to Perpetrator

Changing how we talk about victims of financial fraud could lead to a shift in how Nebraska and the nation respond to this growing sector of criminal …

The Inflation Reduction Act allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices for the first time in two decades. (JohnBlottman/Adobe Stock)

Inflation Reduction Act Paves Way for Lower Drug Prices

President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law Tuesday, providing a means for making prescription drug prices more affordable in the …

Also included in the Inflation Reduction Act is an extension of expanded subsidies in the American Rescue Plan that help bring down costs of ACA insurance plans. These subsidies are seen as important to those ages 50 to 64, who pay up to three times more for their insurance. (Adobe Stock)

IRA Passage: Older Wisconsinites to See Prescription Drug Cost Relief

Sweeping legislation approved by Congress is designed to address a range of issues, including climate change and deficit reductions. Other components …

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