Seniors

January 22, 2009 -- WASHINGTON— AARP CEO Bill Novelli sent a letter to House leaders today commending the efforts to create a strong economic recovery package. AARP continues to be encouraged by the ongoing efforts in the House as a focus on relief efforts that directly address the most immediate and day-to-day needs of individuals across the nation.

AARP hopes to see the inclusion of further provisions added to the recovery bill that would allow for a payment to older individuals that would provide further economic relief. Older Americans in particular continue to face difficult decisions between paying for day-to-day necessities such as food, medicine or utility payments.

Excerpts from Novelli’s letter to Congressional leaders follow:    » read more »

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 »

Farmers in 35 counties to participate in Illinois WIC and Senior Farmers Market programs for locally grown fruits and vegetables

May 29, 2008 -- SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced that an additional nine counties will participate in the 2008 Women Infant and Children’s (WIC) and Senior Farmers Market programs.    » read more »

Reverse mortgage company portrayed itself as community-based non-profit to mislead seniors into reverse mortgage product; Attorney General Cuomo urges homeowners to be informed when exploring refinancing options

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (April 24, 2008) – New York Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo today announced his office has stopped a Syracuse-area reverse mortgage lender from preying on seniors statewide through false advertising and portraying itself to be a local non-profit organization.

Elderly woman: Photo by borya (CC)    » read more »

April 24, 2008 -- (ALBUQUERQUE) --- New Mexico Attorney General Gary King today announced a $4.4 million grant that will ultimately help consumers make the safest and most effective prescription drug choices. The money gives Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, the assistance needed to help give consumers free and unbiased information when sorting through the confusing prescription drug market.

Prescription drugs: Photo by Mr. T in DC (CC)    » 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 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 »

April 3, 2008 -- Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius signed SB 443 today, establishing the Long-Term Care Partnership Program.

“As the average life expectancy continues to increase so does the need for long-term care,” Sebelius said. “Since the cost of long-term care can be very expensive, it is my hope that this bill will provide an incentive for more Kansans to purchase long-term care insurance.”

The Long-Term Care Partnership Program will provide for the financing of long-term care through a combination of private insurance and medical assistance. The bill requires that the program:

* Provide incentives for individuals to insure against the costs of providing for their long-term care needs.    » read more »

April 2, 2008 -- HONOLULU – Hawaii Governor Lingle has released $1,150,000 to complete the first phase of construction of low-income senior housing at the Hale Mahaolu Ehiku complex in Kīhei. The project is being developed by Hale Mahaolu.

To date, 34 one-bedroom affordable rental units have been completed. This grant-in-aid will allow for the construction of 21 additional units, as well as a manager’s unit, a Harry and Jeanette Weinberg South Maui Senior Center, an adult day care center and an office building to house Hale Mahaolu administrative staff and operations. Subsequent phases will bring the total number of units to 114 and also add a residential care home, dental office, community police substation and office space for support services.    » read more »

Senior citizens and veterans who don’t normally file need to do so to receive payments

April 1, 2008 -- Saint Paul – With the federal tax deadline two weeks away, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty today encouraged all eligible Minnesotans to file a federal tax return to ensure they will receive a stimulus check later this year.

While most Minnesotans file every year, those who do not, such as senior citizens receiving Social Security payments or veterans receiving Veterans Administration benefits, must do so this year in order to be eligible under the stimulus plan. To be eligible individuals must have at least $3,000 in qualifying income in 2007.    » read more »

March 28, 2008 -- Jefferson City, Mo. — Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon today distributed $153,344 in technology grants to 49 organizations throughout Missouri to help them link seniors and low-income residents with free or low-cost prescription drugs. The grants will help organizations obtain the necessary computer software, hardware and training to connect Missourians with almost 200 drug distribution programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.    » read more »

Provides up to $240 million to help jump start the Illinois economy

March 28, 2008 -- CHICAGO – Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced a partnership with the Center for Economic Progress to assist Illinois seniors and veterans, who often are not required to file federal returns, file income tax forms to receive their federal economic stimulus payments. Seniors and veterans are seldom required to file tax returns because income from social security and veterans benefits is not taxable.    » read more »