Senior Issues / Public News Service

Medicare fraud costs taxpayers an estimated $60 billion each year. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, July 1, 2022

My Health Care Tracker Tool Helps Medicare Recipients Prevent Fraud

A new tool aims to help older adults in Arkansas and beyond who receive Medicare track what happens at their doctor appointments. It also can help …

The only memorial to Anne Frank is located in Boise. (Kencf0618/Wikimedia Commons)

Friday, July 1, 2022

ID AARP Grant Winners Include Anne Frank Memorial

Three projects in Idaho have been selected to receive grants from the AARP Community Challenge. Among them is the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial in …

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 …

Many Latinos celebrate those who have died on Dia de los Muertos, but don't talk about death beforehand and shy away from hospice services. (EduardoTaboada/Pixabay)

NM Latino Families Urged to Initiate End-of-Life Discussions

Hispanic groups are coming together to encourage people in New Mexico and elsewhere to have end-of-life conversations with their loved ones before ill…

Older Latino Americans are less likely to have an advanced directive than are their white peers. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates to NY Latinos: Create Advance Directive for End-of-Life Plans

Hispanic groups are coming together to encourage people to have end-of-life conversations with their loved ones before illness or tragedy strikes…

The America's Health Rankings report found an 11.5% increase in the number of Pennsylvanians over age 60 experiencing food insecurity. (Adobe Stock)

Report: PA Sees Drug Overdose Spike in Older Adults

Older people in Pennsylvania are dying from drug overdoses at much higher rates now compared to a decade ago, according to the latest America's …

North Carolina ranks 30th in the nation for the number of its older adult residents reporting social isolation, according to the latest Senior Report by American's Health Rankings. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — North Carolina ranks 30th in the nation for the number of its older adult residents reporting social isolation, according to the latest Senior Report by American's Health Rankings. (Adobe Stock)

Mental Distress, Social Isolation on the Rise Among NC Seniors

More older adults in North Carolina are feeling mentally distressed and socially isolated, according to the latest America's Health Rankings Senior …

Advocates for older Iowans say elder abuse can happen in many forms, including physical assaults, financial exploitation and neglect. (Adobe Stock)

IA Readies Enforcement of New Elder Abuse Law

This Friday, Iowa's new elder abuse law goes into effect. Those who pushed for its passage hope victims are aware of the added protections and will …

Websites such as Facebook have become a vehicle for misinformation around elections. (wachiwit/Adobe Stock)

Election Experts Urge Vigilance Against Misinformation Ahead of WA Primary

Washington state's primary election is coming up, and election officials are calling on voters to be vigilant about misinformation. Washington …

Latinos have succumbed to COVID at two to three times the rate of white Americans, according to a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine. (Dubova)

Higher Latino COVID Death Rates Spur Interest in End-of-Life Options

Hispanic groups are coming together to encourage people to have end-of-life conversations with their loved ones before illness or tragedy strikes…

It's estimated nearly 140,000 Minnesotans aged 62 and older who are receiving Social Security still are working, so they can meet basic needs. (Adobe Stock)

New MN Law Removes Barrier for Older Residents Seeking Jobless Benefits

A new Minnesota law, which goes into effect Sunday, removes requirements restricting Social Security recipients from receiving full jobless benefits …

<a href= — According to The Corporation for National & Community Service, Nebraska consistently is among the top 10 states in the nation for the highest rate of volunteerism among adults. (Adobe Stock)

Award Opportunity to Celebrate Community Volunteers

AARP is now accepting nominations for its 2022 Nebraska Andrus Award for Community Service, which honors Nebraskans age 50 and older who are sharing …

Compassion & Choices Latino engagement director Maria Otero meets with Hispanic Heritage Foundation CEO Antonio Tijerino to discuss a partnership to promote end-of-life planning. (Compassion & Choices)

Hispanic Groups Collaborate to Raise Awareness of End-of-Life Options

Hispanic groups are coming together to encourage people to have end-of-life conversations with their loved ones before illness or tragedy strikes…

Tour Aims to Amplify Voice of Ohio’s Largest Voting Bloc

With several months remaining before the 2022 Midterm Election, older Ohioans have an opportunity to have their voice be heard on the issues that …

The new AARP Pennsylvania poll finds 87% of voters age 50 years and older say they're "extremely motivated" to vote in the November election. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Pennsylvanians Over 50 will Play Major Role in November Election

There are fewer than five months to go until the November General Election, in which Pennsylvania voters will select a new governor and U.S. Senator…

More than 67% of seniors get flu shots, according to the America's Health Rankings report, compared with about 60% in 2011. (Alfredo Hern�ndez/Adobe Stock)

Report: NY Seniors Struggle With Addiction, Mental Health

Older people in New York are dying from drug overdose or suicide at much higher rates now compared with a decade ago, according to the latest …

Accessible housing is necessary for older people, and can limit the feasible number of houses available to them. (denboma/Adobe Stock)

Report: High Health Ranking for Older Washingtonians, But Barriers Remain

Although the state's residents fare well in a new report, older Washingtonians still face challenges to their overall health. UnitedHealthcare …

The increase in the flu vaccination rate in the last decade is the highest in United Healthcare's Senior Report history. (cherryandbees/Adobe Stock)

Report: MO Older Adults Face Steep Addiction, Mental-Health Challenges

Older Americans are dying from drug overdose or suicide at much higher rates now compared with a decade ago, according to the latest America's Health …

Studies show that veterans who reach retirement age are often overwhelmed when trying to decide among the myriad health-care options. (Drazen/Adobe Stock)

Updated Guide Aims to Help AZ Veterans Navigate Health-Care Options

For many retired Arizona veterans, traversing the health care system can be both frustrating and challenging. Now, AARP has launched an updated …

Florida ranks 28th overall among states in the 10th annual America's Health Rankings� Senior Report. (sarcifilippo/Pixabay)<br /> — Florida ranks 28th overall among states in the 10th annual America's Health Rankings� Senior Report. (sarcifilippo/Pixabay)

Pandemic's Social Distancing Took Heavy Toll on FL Seniors

Older people across the country are dying from drug overdose or suicide at much higher rates now compared to a decade ago, according to the latest …

Nearly 40% of Michigan households include at least one member over age 60. (eggeggjiew/Adobe Stock)

Online Platform Helps Older Michiganders Get Connected, Socialize

More than 40% of older Michiganders live alone, and studies show the pandemic has exacerbated loneliness for many. The State of Michigan has renewed …

New research shows the early death rate for Hispanic American seniors climbed 48% from 2019 to 2020, compared to a national average of 17%. (Logoboom/Adobe Stock)

Report: Drug Deaths, Suicides Up Among Older Californians

Older Americans are dying from drug overdose or suicide at much higher rates now compared to a decade ago, according to the latest America's Health …

The average victim of elder financial abuse loses upwards of $120,000. (Adobe Stock)

Maryland Protect Week: How to Spot and Stop Elder Financial Abuse

Through Friday, Maryland is hosting Protect Week, to help protect against elder financial abuse. That's when someone illegally uses an older …

More than 90% of voters surveyed by AARP Maine want a candidate who supports allowing Medicare to negotiate prescription drugs. (hankimage9/Adobe Stock)

Poll: Older Mainers Worry About Inflation, Prescription Drug Prices

Ahead of next Tuesday's primary election, new polling shows many Mainers are extremely motivated to vote, and reveals the issues that matter most to …

Energy Outreach Colorado has helped Coloradans pay overdue utility bills at an average cost of $591, where previous bills averaged between $400 to $500. (Adobe Stock)

Coloradans Brace for Higher Energy Bills in Summer

Coloradans are not likely to see much relief in their utility bills any time soon, as a late May cold spell gives way to the full heat of summer…

The Washington state Legislature set aside $144 million for nursing homes this fiscal year. (CrackerClips/Adobe Stock)

WA Nursing Home Workers Demand Raises Promised by Legislature

Nursing home workers at a Washington state facility are calling on their employer to raise their wages with money set aside in the Legislature's budge…

A recipient for the Andrus Award recognizing a volunteer in Idaho will be announced in the fall. (Zoran Zeremski/Adobe Stock)

Nominees for Volunteer Award Apply Skills, Talents to Help Others

AARP has opened nominations for one of its most prestigious awards honoring volunteer work in Idaho. The Andrus Award for Community Service is named …

Depending on where their homes or businesses are in the state, Pennsylvania residents may be able to save money on electric bills by switching their electric supplier through PA Power Switch, the Public Utility Commission's electric shopping website. (Adobe Stock)

PA Residents to See Significant Increase in Energy Bills This Summer

Starting Wednesday, Pennsylvanians may start to see a sharp increase in energy costs just as summer approaches and inflation hits people hard…

Solutions to high U.S. prescription drug costs include preventing companies from setting prices as high as they want and to curb monopoly power, according to the advocacy group Public Citizen. (Adobe Stock)

New Yorkers Demand Better Rx Legislation This Session

Advocates are contending the New York State Senate is not doing enough to lower the price of prescription drugs. Recently, lawmakers dropped bills …

The National Institute on Aging says loved ones of people experiencing depression should encourage them to seek medical treatment and stick with a treatment plan a doctor prescribes. (Adobe Stock)

Older Arkansans Face Mental-Health Challenges During COVID-19

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, Arkansas health officials are reminding older adults of resources available, as the social …

In a new report, 8.7% of adults age 65+ in Ohio reported frequent mental distress. (Adobe Stock)

Older Adults Report Troubling Struggles with Mental Health

Among the needs highlighted during Mental Health Awareness Month are those for older adults. It's become a serious challenge, says a new America's …

Recognizing a stroke early can save a person's life and prevent disabilities. (elenabsl/Adobe Stock)

For Stroke Awareness Month, Doc Advises People 'BE FAST'

May is stroke awareness month. People need to act quickly to avoid lasting damage when they happen - and remember the acronym "BE FAST." 'B' stands …

The state of the economy is dominating voters priorities ahead of the November midterms. (Joaquin Corbalan/Adobe Stock)

Survey: 'Reliable, Consistent' Bloc of Women Voters 50+ Shouldn't be Ignored

Women ages 50 and over cast a big chunk of ballots, with a big impact in American elections, and a new poll looked at what they want. Findings in …

Since 2016, North Dakota has recorded more than 2,100 Alzheimer's deaths, with women making up 70% of those cases. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Rising Cases, ND Creates Alzheimer's Dashboard

Alzheimer's disease is one of the leading causes of death in North Dakota, prompting state officials to launch an online dashboard, where the public …

As many as 80% of the homes lost to wildland fires could have been saved if their owners had followed a few simple fire-safe practices. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Officials: Now is the Time to Prepare for a Wildfire

May is Wildfire Awareness Month, and state officials are encouraging Coloradans to get up to speed on prevention and emergency-exit strategies if …

In 2019, five Texas cities were ranked among the 20 worst connected in the United States, according to the National Digital Inclusion Alliance. (pasja1000/Pixabay)

Texas Broadband Expansion Plan to Debut Mid-June

An official plan to expand broadband in Texas is due out June 15, after state officials traveled near and far to collect public comments on internet …

In the last five years, more than 36,000 households have benefited from New York's low-income cooling program. (Viacheslav Lakobchuk/Adobe Stock)

NY Advocates: Bill Would Level Playing Field for Utility Customers

Groups advocating for older New Yorkers say a bill passed by the New York State Senate would help level the playing field for utility customers…

The state has $1.7 billion in unspent American Rescue Plan dollars. It must be used by 2024 or returned to the federal government. (Adobe Stock)

PA Officials Call for Boosting Property Tax Rent Rebate Program

Pennsylvania lawmakers and community leaders gathered in Montgomery County Wednesday, urging the General Assembly to use $204 million in unspent …

In a recent survey, 69% of Minnesota nursing homes and 29% of assisted living locations placed limits on new admissions because of staffing shortages. (Adobe Stock)

MN LTC Workers: Hero Checks Help, But More Support Needed

Minnesota officials announced this week that frontline workers can likely start applying for hero checks sometime in June. As those plans take shape…

Americans voted in record numbers in the 2020 presidential election, casting more than 158 million ballots, according to a report from the Pew Research Center. (Adobe Stock)

AARP Shares KY Voter Resources Ahead of May 17 Primary

Ahead of Kentucky's May 17 primary election, residents have several ways to educate themselves on voting changes, deadlines, how to find their …

A 2020 survey found 81% of older Connecticut residents say if they ever need long-term care, they'd prefer to receive that care at home. (Adobe Stock)

New State Budget Helps CT's Older Residents Age at Home

The Connecticut General Assembly has passed a $24 billion state budget this week, which now awaits Gov. Ned Lamont's signature. It includes multiple …

Nebraska is one of just 12 states that taxes Social Security income, but the practice will be phased out by 2025. (Adobe Stock)

State Taxes on Social Security Benefits to Phase Out Faster

Older Nebraskans will be keeping more of their hard-earned Social Security benefits even sooner, after Gov. Pete Ricketts signed Legislative Bill 873 …

Senate Bill 154 would require assisted facility owners to check Colorado's Adult Protective Services Data System prior to hiring an employee who is responsible for the care and welfare of residents. (Adobe Stock)

Measure to Protect Assisted-Living Residents Advances

Colorado residents in assisted-living facilities could soon have the same protections in place under federal law at nursing homes. Senate Bill 154 …

The StrongerMemory program material is free to the public and can be downloaded at https://goodwinhouse.org/stronger-memory. (Adobe Stock)

MD Launches Brain Health Program for Older Adults

Maryland has launched a brain-health program in senior centers aimed at helping older adults experiencing memory loss. Called StrongerMemory…

According to the Governor's Office, Holocaust survivors typically receive little to no Social Security income. (Adobe Stock)

NY to Allocate $2.6 Million to Holocaust Survivors

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the state will allocate about $2.6 million to increase financial and medical support for survivors of the Holocaust…

AARP says Ohio's 864,923 military veterans and active-duty service members are at heightened risk of being targeted by scammers. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Veterans Have New Resource in Fight Against Fraud

Members of Ohio's military community have a new tool in their arsenal to help fight rising fraud. The AARP Veterans Fraud Center is a free, online …

More than 400 personal-care homes in Pennsylvania that served low-income clients, or 46% of the statewide total, have closed since 2006. (Adobe Stock)

PA Health Officials Want More Funding for Personal-Care Homes

Pennsylvania officials visited a personal-care home in York County on Wednesday to highlight the need for continued investment in the state's long-ter…

The death rate from Alzheimer's Disease more than 42 per 100,000 in Washington state. (Khunatorn/Adobe Stock)

Rise in Dementia Underscores Need for Planning Care in Advance

This Saturday is National Health Care Decisions Day, focusing on the importance of planning your care decisions in advance. Kim Callinan, president …

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PNS Daily Newscast - July 4, 2022

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Senior

My Health Care Tracker Tool Helps Medicare Recipients Prevent Fraud

ID AARP Grant Winners Include Anne Frank Memorial

Report: More Virginia Seniors Face Mental-Health Problems

NM Latino Families Urged to Initiate End-of-Life Discussions

Advocates to NY Latinos: Create Advance Directive for End-of-Life Plans

Report: PA Sees Drug Overdose Spike in Older Adults

Mental Distress, Social Isolation on the Rise Among NC Seniors

IA Readies Enforcement of New Elder Abuse Law

Election Experts Urge Vigilance Against Misinformation Ahead of WA Primary

Higher Latino COVID Death Rates Spur Interest in End-of-Life Options

New MN Law Removes Barrier for Older Residents Seeking Jobless Benefits

Award Opportunity to Celebrate Community Volunteers

Hispanic Groups Collaborate to Raise Awareness of End-of-Life Options

Tour Aims to Amplify Voice of Ohio’s Largest Voting Bloc

Poll: Pennsylvanians Over 50 will Play Major Role in November Election

Report: NY Seniors Struggle With Addiction, Mental Health

Report: High Health Ranking for Older Washingtonians, But Barriers Remain

Report: MO Older Adults Face Steep Addiction, Mental-Health Challenges

Updated Guide Aims to Help AZ Veterans Navigate Health-Care Options

Pandemic's Social Distancing Took Heavy Toll on FL Seniors

Online Platform Helps Older Michiganders Get Connected, Socialize

Report: Drug Deaths, Suicides Up Among Older Californians

Maryland Protect Week: How to Spot and Stop Elder Financial Abuse

Poll: Older Mainers Worry About Inflation, Prescription Drug Prices

Coloradans Brace for Higher Energy Bills in Summer

WA Nursing Home Workers Demand Raises Promised by Legislature

Nominees for Volunteer Award Apply Skills, Talents to Help Others

PA Residents to See Significant Increase in Energy Bills This Summer

New Yorkers Demand Better Rx Legislation This Session

Older Arkansans Face Mental-Health Challenges During COVID-19

Older Adults Report Troubling Struggles with Mental Health

For Stroke Awareness Month, Doc Advises People 'BE FAST'

Survey: 'Reliable, Consistent' Bloc of Women Voters 50+ Shouldn't be Ignored

Amid Rising Cases, ND Creates Alzheimer's Dashboard

Colorado Officials: Now is the Time to Prepare for a Wildfire

Texas Broadband Expansion Plan to Debut Mid-June

NY Advocates: Bill Would Level Playing Field for Utility Customers

PA Officials Call for Boosting Property Tax Rent Rebate Program

MN LTC Workers: Hero Checks Help, But More Support Needed

AARP Shares KY Voter Resources Ahead of May 17 Primary

New State Budget Helps CT's Older Residents Age at Home

State Taxes on Social Security Benefits to Phase Out Faster

Measure to Protect Assisted-Living Residents Advances

MD Launches Brain Health Program for Older Adults

NY to Allocate $2.6 Million to Holocaust Survivors

Ohio Veterans Have New Resource in Fight Against Fraud

PA Health Officials Want More Funding for Personal-Care Homes

Rise in Dementia Underscores Need for Planning Care in Advance