Safer driving benefits everyone, no matter the season
By Michael E. Festa Here in New England, we see our share of seasonal weather changes. Just as the seasons change, so do road conditions and traffic volume. The snowy and icy road conditions we saw...
View ArticleTechnology can help reduce social isolation among seniors
By Michael E. Festa Isolation — due to the death of a spouse, loss of friends and companions, and distance away from loved ones—puts millions of older Americans at risk of poor health and prolonged...
View ArticleHelp support funding for home, community based services
By Michael E. Festa We know that the most vulnerable among us must be protected. The aging population of Massachusetts will continue to grow along with the unique issues related to health, long-term...
View ArticleLong-term care scorecard shows progress: More needed for caregivers
By Michael E. Festa Massachusetts ranks 18th nationwide for meeting the long-term care needs of older residents, but more must be done, at a greatly accelerated pace, to bolster support for family...
View ArticleStatus of the Social Security and Medicare programs
By Mike Festa The Trustees of the Social Security and Medicare trust funds recently issued a report on the current and projected financial status of the two programs. While Social Security remains...
View ArticleMedicare open enrollment: What you need to know
By Mike Festa For those with Medicare, October marks the beginning of the yearly Medicare open enrollment period, which officially begins on Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7. This is the one chance the...
View ArticleBay State’s 50+ population a source of significant buying power
By Mike Festa Just how much economic activity in Massachusetts is generated by people over age 50? Business owners and others might be surprised: Across the nation, the aging population has proven to...
View ArticleSocial Security is not a political toy
You may or may not be a fan of Obamacare, but one thing is clear: It has provided a diversion from the problems that plague Social Security.
View ArticleSupport the CARE Act
There are 40 million Americans, 844,000 in Massachusetts, who help care for aging parents, spouses, or loved ones, helping them to live independently in their own homes. These family caregivers provide...
View ArticleResources for older workers
Are you an older worker looking for a new job or an opportunity to try something new? Are you concerned that employers won’t be interested in someone 50+? Take heart: An AARP study released in 2015...
View ArticleVolunteering with AARP
Are you looking for a new opportunity? Would you like to explore new ways to connect with your neighbors, and also make new friends? You have a lifetime of experience to offer. If you’re looking to...
View ArticleAge-friendly communities spreading throughout Massachusetts
How age-friendly is your community? Age-friendly communities are places where people of all ages and abilities have affordable and accessible housing choices, as well as public buildings, retail and...
View ArticleMedicare Open Enrollment
By Mike Festa, State Director, AARP Massachusetts It’s that time of year again! Medicare Open enrollment is your opportunity to make changes in your coverage that best meet your current needs, help...
View ArticleAARP offers Tax-Aide program
Tax filing season will soon be upon us, and AARP can help! Retirement or other life changes may mean your taxes are a little more complicated now. The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program offers free tax...
View ArticleFraud prevention tips for the New Year
By Mike Festa, State Director, AARP Massachusetts Fighting fraud is constant work. Scammers are always coming up with new ways and techniques to steal your hard-earned money. Today, 21st-century...
View ArticleMassachusetts Care Act becomes law
By Mike Festa, State Director, AARP Massachusetts AARP Massachusetts is thrilled to announce that the Caregiver Advise, Record, Enable (CARE) Act has been signed into law by Governor Charles Baker....
View ArticleAARP’s 2017 legislative priorities
By Mike Festa, State Director, AARP Massachusetts AARP is hard at work fighting for the interests of older adults across the country, including our renewed efforts to protect Medicare. AARP...
View ArticleAARP Massachusetts working to protect Medicare
Despite President Donald Trump’s stated support for the program on the campaign trail, proposals on Capitol Hill to turn Medicare into a voucher system would take health care in precisely the wrong...
View ArticleClosing the ‘SNAP Gap’
By Mike Festa, State Director, AARP Massachusetts Seniors on fixed incomes often have to make difficult choices between heating their homes, paying for essential medications, or putting food on the...
View ArticleMale family caregivers: A population needing support
By Mike Festa, State Director, AARP Massachusetts What’s your image of a caregiver? If you envisioned a middle-aged woman, one who is caring for an ailing parent, you wouldn’t be wrong. AARP research...
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