AARP

Fighting Gas Prices, Nearly A Third of Americans Age 50+ Hang Up Their Keys To Walk But Find Streets Inhospitable, Public Transportation Inaccessible

August 13, 2008 -- A new poll by AARP finds that while many Americans ages 50+ are trying to move away from car transportation as a result of high gas prices, their attempt to go “green” is challenged by inadequate sidewalks and bike lanes, as well as insufficient public transportation options.

Subway entrance in Brooklyn, New York: Photo by ian crowther (CC)    » read more »

June 17, 2008 -- With more than a million people filling for bankruptcy in 2007, a new study by Elizabeth Warren, a Leo Gottlieb Professor of Law at the Harvard Law School who compiled the study for AARP’s Public Policy Institute (PPI) shows that the rate of bankruptcy filings among those 65 and older has more than doubled since 1991.    » read more »

June 12, 2008 -- AARP issued a statement in response to today’s vote to block necessary Medicare legislation in the U.S. Senate. The statement, from AARP CEO Bill Novelli, follows:

“Partisanship and inaction continued to grip the Senate today, derailing a bipartisan bill to improve Medicare for millions of older Americans. While we thank those Senators from both sides of the aisle who supported this critical bill, we are troubled that people in Medicare will once again see negative consequences because of partisan gridlock.    » read more »

April 15, 2008 -- AARP Services and Focalyst exposed a number of common myths about the Baby Boomer generation in the third Quarterly Boomer Report released today. The report, “How Well Do You Know Boomers? Counting Down the Top 10 Boomer Myths,” identified and investigated the top myths associated with Boomers in order to separate fact from fiction.

“Boomers are redefining age and changing the way business is done” said Howard Byck, VP Corporate Development for AARP Services. “Contrary to many common assumptions, Boomers are making retirement obsolete, are very savvy about advertising, and are experimenting with new products.”    » read more »

WASHINGTON - A new report from the Institute of Medicine, funded in part by AARP, highlights the growing need for immediate action to improve and strengthen our health and long-term care workforce. Today, AARP is announcing its endorsement of bipartisan legislation that would help address the nation's growing need to provide care for our aging population by encouraging training in geriatrics, gerontology and long-term care.    » read more »

April 10, 2008 - David Sloane, AARP Senior Vice President, issued the following response to the U.S. Senate’s passage of the “Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008”:

“AARP is disappointed the legislation failed to include needed provisions that would help prevent foreclosures. While we appreciate the inclusion of the reverse mortgage provisions of the FHA Modernization Act, we hope this bill is the down payment on a broader overall effort to protect millions of American families from the crashing housing market.    » read more »

April 7, 2008 -- With lawmakers returning to Washington, AARP announced the launch of a new effort to “Keep Medicare Fair” when Congress takes up legislation this spring. A new web site, KeepMedicareFair.org, and print advertising will kick off AARP’s work this week with more to come as Congress approaches its June 30 deadline for action.

Photo by vk-red (CC)    » read more »