Senior Issues / Public News Service

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

Friday, May 26, 2023

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)

Friday, May 26, 2023

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)

Friday, May 26, 2023

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)

Thursday, May 25, 2023

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)

Thursday, May 25, 2023

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)

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

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)

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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…

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 …

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 …

Whether it's reading or listening to music, experts say establishing a nightly routine is critical to getting a good night's sleep. (JenkoAtaman/AdobeStock)

Study: New Mexicans Need More Sleep

Getting a good night's sleep often depends on where you live, and also can include your race, age and gender. In New Mexico, the United Health …

Around 2.5 million children in the United States live in a household with their grandparents, according to the website Statista. (Adobe Stock)

Updates to KY Benefits Program 'KTAP' Aim to Help Family Caregivers

New changes to Kentucky's temporary benefits program - known as KTAP - increase the amount of money families receive to keep pace with inflation…

Washington state lawmakers sent a number of reforms for the Death with Dignity Act to Gov. Jay Inslee. (TVW)

WA Lawmakers Update State's Medical Aid-in-Dying Law

Recently passed legislation lowers barriers to access Washington state's Death with Dignity Act. The original law was passed by voters in 2008…

An estimated 10,000 to 15,000 people are expected to be dropped from Medicaid rolls in Wyoming. (Adobe Stock)

Keeping Older Wyoming Residents from Losing Nursing Home Coverage

Congress has put an end to a pandemic-era policy prohibiting states from dropping Medicaid recipients from their rolls, and 15 million people in …

Single adults in Colorado can earn up to $19,392 and a family of four can earn up to $39,900 per year, and still qualify for Medicaid health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Options for 325,000 Coloradans Losing Health Insurance

After Congress rolled back a pandemic-era policy that prohibited states from dropping Medicaid recipients from their rolls, 15 million people in …

According to AARP, South Dakota has roughly 80,000 family caregivers. (Adobe Stock)

Report: SD Sees Big Jump in Economic Value of Unpaid Care

A new report says the efforts of unpaid family caregivers in South Dakota have an economic value of $1.4 billion. The latest estimate from AARP is …

Members of the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council gather at the Iowa Statehouse in Des Moines in support of House File 264. (Brooke Lovelace/IDDC)

Lawmakers Propose Eliminating Taxes for IA Disability Care Providers

Iowa lawmakers have advanced legislation that would eliminate the income tax for health-care workers who support people with disabilities. Advocates …

Caregiving workers gathered at the Washington State Capitol to call for a more progressive tax system in the state. (SEIU 775)

Caregivers Rally in Olympia, Call for Tax on Wealthy

In-home caregivers and nursing-home workers rallied in Olympia yesterday to show support for lawmakers' budget and call for more revenue in the future…

In 2021, Congress unanimously approved - and President Joe Biden signed into law - legislation authorizing the creation of the National Medal of Honor Monument. (National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation Staff)

Survivors Call for Monument in Honor of Fallen Heroes

Robert Patterson received his Medal of Honor in 1969 for risking his life above and beyond the call of duty during the Vietnam War. He's among the 65 …

The new AARP survey says Eight in ten (81%) say they are 'very likely' to vote in the 2023 primary election for Philadelphia Mayor, with just 4% saying they will not vote. (Rawpixel.com/AdobeStock)

Poll: Pennsylvanians Over 50 will Play Major Role in Mayoral Primary

With fewer than 60 days until the May 16 mayoral primary election, a new survey by AARP Pennsylvania shows what key issues voters over the age of 50 …

Illinois advocacy groups say they are educating policymakers on the benefits of hospital screening as a solution to prevent medical debt, both for low-income patients and the hospital. (volgariver/Adobe Stock)

IL Legislation Would Help People Avoid Medical Debt

A new report finds thousands of low-income or uninsured people in Illinois face medical debt that is depleting their savings and, in some cases…

Family caregivers provided 770 million hours of unpaid work in Washington state in 2021. (Svyatoslav Lypynskyy/Adobe Stock)

Report: WA's Unpaid Family Caregivers Provide $16.8 Billion Value

Family caregivers provide valuable work to Washington state - even if they don't get paid. A new report puts a value to the unpaid work they do…

Some 37.3 million Americans, or about one in 10 people, have diabetes. About one in five don't know they have it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Insulin Price Cap Doesn't Apply to All Iowans Who Need It

Drug-maker Sanofi has joined two other large manufacturers in capping monthly insulin prices at $35. In Iowa, advocates for more affordable health …

Kiplinger rates Missouri, and nine other U.S. states, as

MO Lawmaker Proposes Raising "Circuit Breaker" Tax Credits

Every Missourian knows property values and property taxes have risen dramatically in the past 15 years, as well as the cost of rent. State lawmakers …

The National Alliance for Caregiving forecasts that

">

NE Family Caregivers Provide Invaluable Service, Provide Billions in Unpaid Care

Many Nebraskans know how crucial a family caregiver is to one of their family members. Now AARP research has put a dollar value on that unpaid care - …

Washington state lawmakers will begin crafting their budgets as the session begins to wind down in April. (Zack Frank/Adobe Stock)

Housing Assistance on Docket for Lawmakers in Olympia

Affordable housing is a major concern in Washington state and lawmakers in Olympia are considering a slate of measures to address it. One option is …

More than 65 million people in Colorado and across the United States depend on Medicare coverage, but the fund's trustees warn that cuts to benefits will be necessary by 2028 without increased revenues. (Adobe Stock)

Millionaires: Medicare Tax Proposal Just What the Doctor Ordered

President Joe Biden's proposal to increase taxes on Americans earning more than $400,000 a year from 3.8% to 5% in order to shore up Medicare is being…

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Public News Service (podcast)"
	"Hey Google, play the Public News Service podcast"
	"Alexa, play Public News Service podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the 2023 Talks podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the 2023 Talks podcast"
	"Alexa, play 2000 23 Talks podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Alexa, play the Yonder Report podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

PNS Daily Newscast - Memorial Day - 2023

2023Talks - May 29, 2023

The Yonder Report - May 25, 2023

Senior

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

Andrus Award Honors Older Volunteers Helping ME Communities

CT Caregivers Call on State Leaders for Better Working Conditions

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

MO Medicaid Renewals Underway; Recipients Urged to Update Information

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

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

Study: New Mexicans Need More Sleep

Updates to KY Benefits Program 'KTAP' Aim to Help Family Caregivers

WA Lawmakers Update State's Medical Aid-in-Dying Law

Keeping Older Wyoming Residents from Losing Nursing Home Coverage

Options for 325,000 Coloradans Losing Health Insurance

Report: SD Sees Big Jump in Economic Value of Unpaid Care

Lawmakers Propose Eliminating Taxes for IA Disability Care Providers

Caregivers Rally in Olympia, Call for Tax on Wealthy

Survivors Call for Monument in Honor of Fallen Heroes

Poll: Pennsylvanians Over 50 will Play Major Role in Mayoral Primary

IL Legislation Would Help People Avoid Medical Debt

Report: WA's Unpaid Family Caregivers Provide $16.8 Billion Value

Insulin Price Cap Doesn't Apply to All Iowans Who Need It

MO Lawmaker Proposes Raising "Circuit Breaker" Tax Credits

NE Family Caregivers Provide Invaluable Service, Provide Billions in Unpaid Care

Housing Assistance on Docket for Lawmakers in Olympia

Millionaires: Medicare Tax Proposal Just What the Doctor Ordered