Family & Relationships

FROM THE ARTICLE. People ages 50 to 64 are struggling to afford health care coverage — and consider going without — as their monthly premiums skyrocket. By Miriam Cross, AARP. Published December 24, 2025. ReShonda Young’s Affordable Care Act health insurance helped pay for testing and diagnosis of her breast cancer last year. “The ACA has been a lifesaver,” she says.The 50-year-old small-business owner paid $94 per month for her gold-tier plan in 2025. But as she prepared to enroll for 2026, she saw that the monthly premiums would shoot up to $592. That’s a 500 percent increase. “I can’t go without, but I can’t afford to pay the premiums at basically $600 per month,” she says. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/advocacy/aca-subsidies-affect-real-people/

   We watched this 87 year old Capra classic last night and we’re still talking about how this movie certainly has withstood the test of time.  Its timeless message still rings true. …..if you haven’t seen it yet, please just give it a chance!

Who or what is going to save us?From what, you say?Income inequalityGlobalized economicsInternational conflictPandemicsGlobal warmingArtificial IntelligenceCrime, and whatever other more personal fears you may have, like loneliness, depression, aging, housing, healthcare.Who or what is going to save us?National government?Some billionaire?Technology?Reliable answers are hard to come by.When I ask this question, I come up with the following:Community—local community—the places where we all live.Why?Local community can offer the following:A place where you know who it is you are communicating with (it’s not AI simulation)You, the citizen, have the opportunity to actually affect the environment you live in (changing laws, organization participation, getting help to age in place, become socially engaged)Have direct impact on how resources are managed (from infrastructure development to expert demonstrations at the public library)Think about it—today—there really is no other way for the ind

the holiday is coming fast. Maybe too fast but our ages kinda distort the clock. Are you all prepared?

I was just thinking this.  We used to go out caroling in groups as kids to Nursing Homes.  Do people still make rounds?  What a wonderful thing that was.  The joy on the resident’s faces.  

What decorations past or present, have you created for the holidays? Wreaths, centerpieces, placemats, tree decorations, garland, or anything else?   For a couple of Thanksgiving dinners, I've hollowed out miniature pumpkins and filled them with flowers for centerpieces on the tables.    In the past I've loved stringing popcorn, or cranberries and making garland strands for the tree. Or taking oranges and inserting whole cloves into them, then hang them in the house for a wonderful scent.    I think making things for the house or for others. helps with feeling in the mood for the holidays. 

If you remember the Vietnam years, you know those veterans did not come home to a cheering crowds who were proud of those men and women. We still owe them a thank you for their service.    Watch this , and try to keep from crying:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2L3skZ7FEw&feature=youtu.be

FROM THE ARTICLE. Millions of Americans are facing higher premium prices in the new year, and many say the cost is out of reach. By Rachel Nania, AARP. Published December 16, 2025. Millions of Americans who buy their own health insurance are bracing for steep price hikes in the new year. Monthly costs for marketplace plans are expected to more than double on average due to rising premiums and expiring tax credits, and older adults are among those expected to be hit hardest, given the already higher costs of their health plans. Soaring prices are causing many to consider downgrading their coverage or skipping it altogether, a recent KFF poll found. In fact, 1 in 4 poll respondents said they would be very likely to go uninsured if the amount they pay for health insurance each month doubled. USE THE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/health/healthcare/cant-afford-health-insurance/

FROM THE ARTICLE. VA Plans Health Care Reorganization Starting in 2026. Medical centers and clinics will not see staff cuts under new structure, veterans department says. By Aaron Kassraie, AARP. Published December 16, 2025. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced on Dec. 15 plans to launch a major restructuring of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) but said the changes are aimed at reducing red tape and will not affect staffing at VA clinics and medical centers.Details of the plan will be announced in early 2026 and implemented over an 18- to 24-month period, the VA said. The department cited independent reviews dating back nearly a decade, which it said found the VHA to be “rife with middle managers who have overlapping responsibilities,” thereby slowing decision-making and the delivery of care. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE https://www.aarp.org/veterans/va-health-care-reorganization-2026/

FROM THE ARTICLE. What to Know About the New Tax Deduction for Older Adults.Who qualifies? How much is it? Does it affect Social Security? By Rocky Mengle and Andy Markowitz, AARP. *** There are 144 comments on the AARP website. Stop by to add yours. *** Published July 08, 2025. Millions of taxpayers ages 65 and older got a big tax break in the “One Big Beautiful Bill”: a new $6,000 tax deduction, effective this year.The deduction, which AARP supported, will reduce tax bills for many older Americans, starting with their next tax filing and running through the 2028 tax year, after which it is set to expire. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/what-to-know-new-tax-law-2025.html

FROM THE ARTICLE. The New Rules of Tipping. Gratuity prompts are popping up everywhere. Here’s how to navigate today’s norms. By Cameron Huddleston, AARP. Published December 16, 2025. If you’re feeling pressured to tip at more and more places and in higher amounts, you have plenty of company. Two-thirds of consumers report a sense of obligation to tip when prompted at checkout to add a certain percentage to their tab, according to a September survey by Popmenu, a restaurant technology platform. And 3 in 4 Americans say tipping is expected at more places than in the past, a 2023 Pew Research Center survey found. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/navigate-tipping-culture-rules/

I have always gotten a real tree, 🌲 and have had struggles keeping the cat away from them.  Last year I bought a pretty brass Tree Collar, and that has helped somewhat.  At least the cat is not messing with the water in the tree stand now!  But the lights and decorations are another story, even though they’ve been placed further up.  I’ve tried squirting oranges around, as cats tend to not like that smell.  Works for a very short time. Anyone have luck with keeping their pets away from tree? Live tree or otherwise.

Just wanted to say hello. Not sure how to navigate yet but will figure it out. Just looking for a place to communicate with like minded seniors, 77. Have all the usual senior concerns. Work full time and have a gift shop in South Jersey. Days are full but the age is there.....marching on.😀.  Never the less it is good to keep in contact with others. Please write, give me some advise about this site. Introduce yourself and give me time to respond. Not so quick anymore.😊 Clutch

Same content, probably easier to read:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gm5mwyhYfM8JIozt2PT8y7h6Decc-EhI/view Same content, probabbly easier to read: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gm5mwyhYfM8JIozt2PT8y7h6Decc-EhI/view 

I wanted to start a forum for those of us living in nursing homes, and the unique challenges that we experience. I am 51 and have chosen to not treat my recurrence of breast cancer. I also have dystonia. So I am living in a nursing home now, which I find to be very difficult, and lonely. I wanted to reach out to others in a similar position. 

 As I’m sitting watching football, one of the commentators mentioned Madden and his famous Turducken.  A duck and chicken stiffed within the other and then within a turkey.  .  I’ve never seen one other than on Thanksgiving football games and it still continues as a nod to Madden.  Anyone make or have been part of the eating of one?  

THIS GROUP IS OPEN TO ALL GRIEVERS NO MATTER HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN [years,days]. To participate, click on reply button at bottom of this post. Enter your comment. Click on reply again. Luv,Nicole 💛

This Thanksgiving, due to logistics, last minute family member’s health, hospitalization etc…..,we’ve opted for “Non-Traditional”.  We may do carry out of pizza or each of their own choice from someplace, together. Or stop by and drop something off.Which got me to thinking…That’s ok, why does it HAVE to be the same… and I wonder who else might be doing something different other than the standby traditional ham or turkey. I’ve know some families who highly enjoy their traditional family’s Italian dishes incorporated into their meal for Thanksgiving. The holidays can be hard for a lot of us, with members who have passed or moved.  So it got me wondering what others might be having, or not having.  

FROM THE ARTICLE. 20 Ways AARP Delivered for Older Adults in 2025Our talented, committed staff had a banner year creating products and services for you. By Michael Hedges AARP. Published November 24, 2025. It has been a challenging year for many older Americans, and AARP responded by defending the things that are most important to those 50 and older. We hope these efforts make you glad to be part of the AARP family. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/advocacy/wins-of-2025/

 My name is Shirley, I am 63 years old, I love to meet new people my age, I am interested in a walking group. I love to drink coffee and margaritas. I love to read the books at Barnes and Noble and love to shop at Hobby Lobby, Khol's and the Dollar Store $$, I love to meet new people all the time everyone has a story to tell. 

My name is Shari and I just joined AARP yesterday.  I updated my profile with my interests.  I enjoy talking with everyone.  Please feel free to message anytime.  I will respond to every message as soon as possible.  I look forward to talking with you!

Hi everyone,I’m Febby from Vancouver. I enjoy travelling, cooking, yoga, and meeting new people.I would love to make new friends here, especially people 50+ from the U.S. who enjoy a warm and friendly chat.Feel free to say hi, I'm happy to connect! 💛

I thought it would be fun to start a lighthearted conversation.What’s one simple thing that makes you smile lately?For me, it’s cooking new recipes and talking with new people.I’d love to hear yours!

Anyone know of any group that meets?

FROM THE ARTICLE. 20 other wins included stories and videos that call attention to the concerns of older adults. By Deirdre van Dyk, AARP. Published November 18, 2025. AARP has been named the 2025 Nonprofit of the Year by the Anthem Awards, which celebrates purpose-driven, social impact work. The honor recognizes the nonprofit with the greatest impact across all the award categories. “I’m honored to accept the Anthem Award for Nonprofit of the Year on behalf of AARP, recognizing our mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age,” said AARP CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan. “Thank you to our staff, volunteers and partners who bring that mission to life in communities across the country every day.” USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/advocacy/aarp-anthem-nonprofit-of-the-year/