Senior Issues / Public News Service

More than 2,000 patients with intellectual or developmental disabilities have received dental care in group home day center settings across North Carolina, according to Access Dental. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, December 8, 2023

Improving NC access to dental care for people with disabilities

Most people probably never give a second thought to their visits to the dentist, but not everyone can navigate this process with ease. People with …

Among military and veteran caregivers, 43% face financial setbacks such as increasing debt or loss of personal savings, according to research from AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Ohio military and veteran families struggle with caregiving costs

Ohioans who provide care for veterans spend on average more than $1,100 yearly of their personal income on out-of-pocket costs related to caregiving…

Officials with the Aging and Climate Change Clearinghouse contend the baby boomer generation has developed consumption patterns exacerbating climate change. They say changing patterns, such as making homes energy-efficient, can help reduce the climate threats they face. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, December 7, 2023

New project weaves in older populations in responding to climate threats

From prolonged droughts to intense rain and snowstorms, the Midwest is not immune to climate change threats. An emerging resource aims to place more …

Research shows one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia. It kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Research in Georgia receives boost for Alzheimer's treatments, cure

Research in Georgia is getting a boost to help enhance the lives of people living with Alzheimer's disease and provide better support. In Georgia…

If your flight is delayed this holiday travel season, experts recommended people with chronic health conditions pack or seek out airport vendors selling healthy snacks. They said it can help reduce the risk of a health problem during your trip. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Making holiday travel manageable for those with chronic health issues

Holiday stress is a concern for most people, but when you mix in travel plans and chronic health issues, those worries might be elevated. A …

The latest AARP study found nearly 90% of U.S. consumers age 18 and older agree that lawmakers need to do more to protect the public from fraud and scams. (Shintartanya/Adobe Stock)

AARP warns Pennsylvanians of spike in holiday fraud, scams

The holiday shopping season is already in full swing, and AARP Pennsylvania has some tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud or identity …

The economic threshold for the Senior Property Tax Exemption program in King County will increase to $84,000 in 2024. (CascadeCreatives/Adobe Stock)

Underused programs could assist with older Washingtonians' budgets

Many older residents of Washington state are facing strains on their budgets -- and the government programs that could assist them are underused…

Respite for ME Grants, funded by the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, provide caregivers up to $5,171 to access needed services and can be accessed through the state's five Area Agencies on Aging. (Adobe Stock)

Unpaid caregivers in ME receive limited financial grants

Advocates for unpaid family caregivers in Maine say they'll need continued support beyond the recently passed paid family and medical leave program…

AARP estimates family caregivers in South Dakota provide a total of 74 million hours of unpaid care per year. (Adobe Stock)

Caregiver support in SD likely to receive legislative focus next year

South Dakota's next legislative session is right around the corner, and lawmakers are expected to take a close look at recommendations for enhancing …

In 2021, 37% of people in the U.S. ages 18 and older used telehealth services at least once. (DC Studio/Adobe Stock)

'Champion' NE state senators helped lower insulin costs, strengthen telehealth

As of Jan. 1, insulin will become a lot more affordable for many Nebraskans, and those who have come to rely on telehealth visits are more likely to …

There have been more than 400 overdose deaths each year in New Hampshire for the past eight years, leading many grandparents to take on the role of full-time caregiver to their grandchildren. The majority of the deaths involved fentanyl. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Opioid crisis prompts NH grandparents to 'step up' for their families

As the opioid crisis continues, more New Hampshire grandparents are seeking financial help to raise their grandchildren. Already struggling with the …

A report from AARP found expanding the use of innovative, effective models for nursing homes can improve both quality of care and quality of life, such as with smaller facilities and private rooms. (Rawf8/Adobe Stock)

MS ranks low among states for long-term care services, supports

A new report finds Mississippi could be doing a lot more to better serve the people in the state who need long-term care. AARP's Long-Term Care …

A growing body of research shows younger adults report higher levels of mental-health issues, while older adults say they feel more isolated. A North Dakota project has brought together these generations for mentorships tied to housing work, with hopes of building community connections. (Adobe Stock)

Cross-generational housing mentorships close community gaps in ND

As the weather turns colder, two groups of people in one North Dakota city that are generations apart appear to be in good shape to navigate housing …

A 2022 Compassion & Choices poll finds 57% of nurses support medical aid in dying, professionally, and 49% said they support it personally. (Adobe Stock)

Medical aid-in-dying bill sees stronger support in NY Legislature

Legislation to allow medical aid in dying bill has been introduced in New York State every year since 2015, and its backers say 2024 could be the …

Among registered voters surveyed, nearly 90% of Democrats and 75% of Republicans believe support for unpaid family caregivers is important. (Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels)

NE Area Agencies on Aging support caregivers

November is National Family Caregivers Month, and many of the 200,000 Nebraskans who help care for loved ones with a health issue or disability could …

The latest KFF survey reveals one in six respondents say they can't afford to take time off work to get a COVID-19 vaccine, including more than one-third of Hispanic adults and one-in-five Black adults. (Lakshmiprasad/Adobe Stock)

COVID vaccine resources for older minorities in Tennessee

A new survey found 59% of Black and Hispanic adults reported they have already received the new COVID-19 vaccine or intend to do so. According to …

Family caregivers in Idaho provided 193 million hours of unpaid labor in 2021. (Evrymmnt/Adobe Stock)

ID officials recognize critical role of family caregivers

Idaho officials are holding an event in the capitol to recognize family caregivers during National Family Caregiver Month. Lieutenant Governor Scott …

Federal Trade Commission data for 2023 show Marylanders have been scammed out of $120 million. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

Advocates urge Marylanders to watch out for fraud this holiday season

With the holidays on the horizon, advocates are reminding older Marylanders to watch out for scams during the upcoming season. Federal Trade …

Seven in ten people in the United States will need long term care. (Tyler Olson/Adobe Stock)

'Sandwich generation' lauds WA's long-term care savings program

Washingtonians with kids and older parents in need of care are praising the peace of mind the state's new retirement savings program is providing them…

State health officials say it can take an ambulance 30 minutes to respond in South Dakota's more remote areas. That's why the health department is working with the American Heart Association to spur more communitywide readiness plans for when a resident experiences a heart attack. (Adobe Stock)

It takes a village, or a community, to respond to heart scares

Today is National Rural Health Day - and in South Dakota, some smaller communities are trying to become more "cardiac ready." Across rural America…

Around 61 million people, nearly 20% of the U.S. population, lives in rural America and subsequently faces more health challenges than those living in more populated areas. (Robert Peak/Adobe stock)

American Heart Association of MO observes National Rural Health Day

On National Rural Health Day, the American Heart Association in Missouri spotlights efforts for healthier rural living. According to a Pew Research …

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 …

An aerial view of Lincoln, Neb., which received an Overall Livability Score of 63 on the 2023 AARP Livability Index, compared with the average city score of 48. (Jacob/Adobe Stock)

Lincoln, other NE communities rate high for 'livability'

The city of Lincoln scores high for "livability," both in Nebraska and the nation as a whole. In the new AARP Livability Index, Lincoln ranks number …

A 2021 AARP report estimates the hourly economic value of unpaid family caregiving in Indiana at $14.61, and those hours add up to $10.8 million per year. (Adobe Stock)

IN family caregivers need more support

About 790,000 Hoosiers are family caregivers for relatives in declining physical or mental health. But Indiana ranks fairly low in support for family …

Caregiving duties differ based on the medical conditions of the person being cared for. (Chinnapong/Adobe Stock)

Family caregivers reminded to take care of themselves

November is National Family Caregivers Month and a few tips can help people with these duties. Executive Director of the Oregon organization Aging …

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers resources for caregivers of veterans enrolled in VA health care through the VA Caregiver Support Program. (Adobe Stock)

Kentucky Veterans' caregivers financially overburdened

Veterans Day happens once a year, but all year round, Kentuckians provide care for the veterans they love. According to data from AARP, they spend on …

Maine voters soundly rejected a proposal to transfer the ownership of Maine's two largest privately-owned utilities to the public by a 2-1 margin as many voters expressed concern with the price to purchase the utilities' assets. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Post-election confusion remains regarding ME utility rates

The proposal to create a public owned electric power utility in Maine was defeated but the confusion surrounding electricity rates remains. A series …

The National Medal of Honor Museum, currently under construction, will tell the history of the Medal of Honor and the courageous Americans who earned it. (Medal of Honor Foundation)

Medal of Honor recipients to be honored at Sunday's Cowboys/Giants game

More than a dozen Medal of Honor recipients will be honored at halftime of the Cowboys-Giants National Football League game this Sunday, in honor of …

The Biden administration unveiled the U.S. Labor Department's proposed Retirement Security Rule, which aims to restrict

Proposed rule aims to protect Ohio's retirees

The Biden administration has proposed a rule to help people save more in retirement and avoid "junk" fees from unscrupulous financial advisers…

Alliant Energy Corporation provides regulated energy service to 995,000 electric and 425,000 natural gas retail customers across Iowa and Wisconsin. (Adobe Stock)

Senior advocates push back on Alliant utility increase

The Iowa Utilities Board is taking public input this week on a proposed rate hike by one of the state's biggest gas and electric service providers…

Proposed rule aims to protect retirement savers from unscrupulous advisers

The Biden administration has proposed a rule to help people save more in retirement and avoid "junk" fees from unscrupulous financial advisers…

Stroke is ranked as the second-leading cause of death worldwide, with an annual mortality rate of about 5.5 million people. (elenabsl/Adobe Stock)

Many good reasons to learn how to spot a stroke

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke, so learning how to spot one can be vital in saving your own life, or someone else's…

As of March 2023, 65,748,297 people are enrolled in Medicare nationwide, according to the Center for Medicare Advocacy. (Adobe Stock)<br />

WV residents can get help navigating Medicare open enrollment

With just a few weeks left until the end of Medicare open enrollment, experts in West Virginia say now is the time to compare current coverage to …

Around 74% of adults age 55 and older are susceptible to scams, losing an average of $350 per scam in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

WI ‘grandparents scam’ case prompts safeguard reminders

A Connecticut man has been indicted by a Wisconsin grand jury on wire fraud charges over accusations he scammed older residents. It's the latest case …

About 66 million people, or about one in five U.S. residents, collected Social Security benefits last February, according to the Center on Budget Policy and Priorities. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Social Security beneficiaries will soon see COLA increase

Social Security retirement benefits will increase for Ohioans by more than $50 per month starting in January. Theresa Busher, public affairs …

The Social Security Administration calculates its annual cost-of-living adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index for urban wage earners and clerical workers, which is published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/AdobeStock)

TN Social Security beneficiaries can expect a 3.2% increase in 2024

Social Security is a critical benefit for older Americans, and recipients in Tennessee and across the country will see an increase in their benefits …

Over the past few years, the number of retirees 55 and older nationwide have grown by 3.5 million, according to data from the Pew Research Center. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Kentucky Public Retirees advocate for payments to reflect cost of living

Many retired Kentuckians are facing great personal stress over their finances, according to Kentucky Public Retirees. Larry Totten, president of the …

CT man accused of WI ‘grandparents scam’

A Connecticut man has been indicted by a Wisconsin grand jury for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Matthew-Ramos Soto, 26, of Hartford allegedly …

Anne Bellegia, center, is the recipient of an award recognizing volunteerism in Oregon. (AARP Oregon)

OR Andrus Award winner volunteering for social connections

A volunteer active in Ashland has been recognized for her service in the community with a prestigious award from AARP Oregon. Anne Bellegia is the …

Scams via telephone produced the largest median per-person loss, at $1,400. Bank transfers accounted for $901 million dollars lost in the first half of 2023. (Adobe Stock)

How to spot a scam this holiday season

With the holiday shopping season on the horizon, consumer advocates and federal agencies are warning the public to be on the lookout for tell-tale …

Stroke is ranked as the second leading cause of death worldwide, with an annual mortality rate of about 5.5 million people. (Irina Strelnikova/Adobe Stock)

For World Stroke Day, learn how to spot a stroke

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke - so learning how to spot one can be vital in saving your own life or someone else's…

Long-term care is an increasingly crucial issue as the U.S. population ages. (Studio Dva Kera/Adobe Stock)

Thinking ahead during Long-Term Care Planning Month

October is Long-Term Care Planning Month, and a few tips can help people understand where to start when it comes to thinking about the future…

AARP's Fraud Watch Network has a list of current scams and how to recognize and avoid common scams, including videos breaking down how scams work. (Panuwat/Adobe Stock)

Fraud takes highest financial, mental-health tolls on older adults

Scams and fraud have long-lasting effects on a person's mental well-being, but the latest research found the emotional toll is particularly high on …

AARP's Fraud Watch Network has a list of current scams and how to recognize and avoid common scams, including videos breaking down how scams work. (Adobe Stock)

Scams, fraud take mental-health toll, especially on older adults

Scams and fraud have long-lasting effects on a person's mental well-being, but the latest research found the emotional toll is particularly high on …

More than one in five Idahoans receive Social Security benefits. (chuck/Adobe Stock)

Advocates urge Congress to fix Social Security before cuts necessary

Social Security is a critical benefit for older Americans, which is why advocates want Congress to start working now to ensure the program is …

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for an estimated 60% to 80% of cases, according to a report by the Alzheimer's Association. (Prostock-Studio/Adobe Stock)

Virtual forum to educate Pennsylvanians on Alzheimer's, related disorders

Alzheimer's disease is the eighth leading causes of death in Pennsylvania, prompting state officials to educate the public on the condition and …

The cost efficiencies of bundling medical, oral and behavioral health services at federally qualified community health centers has produced better outcomes than most primary care practices can demonstrate year after year. (Adobe Stock)

Re-investing Medicare savings in Colorado’s safety net health centers

Colorado's safety net community health centers are getting a boost in funding after saving Medicare over $15 million last year, serving nearly 14,000 …

Private insurance companies deny more than 248 million claims or pre-authorization requests from their policyholders annually. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Concern mounts over denied claims by health insurers, impact on West Virginians

Congressional Democrats are investigating Medicaid prior authorization practices and denied claims by private health insurers. According to a …

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Senior Issues

Improving NC access to dental care for people with disabilities

Ohio military and veteran families struggle with caregiving costs

New project weaves in older populations in responding to climate threats

Research in Georgia receives boost for Alzheimer's treatments, cure

Making holiday travel manageable for those with chronic health issues

AARP warns Pennsylvanians of spike in holiday fraud, scams

Underused programs could assist with older Washingtonians' budgets

Unpaid caregivers in ME receive limited financial grants

Caregiver support in SD likely to receive legislative focus next year

'Champion' NE state senators helped lower insulin costs, strengthen telehealth

Opioid crisis prompts NH grandparents to 'step up' for their families

MS ranks low among states for long-term care services, supports

Cross-generational housing mentorships close community gaps in ND

Medical aid-in-dying bill sees stronger support in NY Legislature

NE Area Agencies on Aging support caregivers

COVID vaccine resources for older minorities in Tennessee

ID officials recognize critical role of family caregivers

Advocates urge Marylanders to watch out for fraud this holiday season

'Sandwich generation' lauds WA's long-term care savings program

It takes a village, or a community, to respond to heart scares

American Heart Association of MO observes National Rural Health Day

AARP co-hosts webinar on caregiving for veterans

Lincoln, other NE communities rate high for 'livability'

IN family caregivers need more support

Family caregivers reminded to take care of themselves

Kentucky Veterans' caregivers financially overburdened

Post-election confusion remains regarding ME utility rates

Medal of Honor recipients to be honored at Sunday's Cowboys/Giants game

Proposed rule aims to protect Ohio's retirees

Senior advocates push back on Alliant utility increase

Proposed rule aims to protect retirement savers from unscrupulous advisers

Many good reasons to learn how to spot a stroke

WV residents can get help navigating Medicare open enrollment

WI ‘grandparents scam’ case prompts safeguard reminders

Ohio Social Security beneficiaries will soon see COLA increase

TN Social Security beneficiaries can expect a 3.2% increase in 2024

Kentucky Public Retirees advocate for payments to reflect cost of living

CT man accused of WI ‘grandparents scam’

OR Andrus Award winner volunteering for social connections

How to spot a scam this holiday season

For World Stroke Day, learn how to spot a stroke

Thinking ahead during Long-Term Care Planning Month

Fraud takes highest financial, mental-health tolls on older adults

Scams, fraud take mental-health toll, especially on older adults

Advocates urge Congress to fix Social Security before cuts necessary

Virtual forum to educate Pennsylvanians on Alzheimer's, related disorders

Re-investing Medicare savings in Colorado’s safety net health centers

Concern mounts over denied claims by health insurers, impact on West Virginians