Friends & Family

FROM THE ARTICLE. Republican and Democratic female voters weighed in as part of AARP’s ‘She’s the Difference’ research. By Miriam Cross, AARP. Published October 30, 2025. Women in their 50s, 60s and 70s are strategizing on how to stretch their savings into retirement, are caring for family members of different generations and are dealing with medical costs that health insurance does not always cover.They’re also considering the possibility that Social Security won’t pay out as promised.A series of focus groups organized by AARP asked women 50 and older about their concerns, their priorities and the state of the country. The discussions took place in October as part of “She’s the Difference,” AARP’s research series gauging older women’s perspectives. Women 50-plus make up a large share of registered voters, turn out to the polls at a high rate and are often a key swing voting bloc in elections.About 30 participants were divided into four focus groups based on their age an

Does anyone have any suggestions about simple key finders which do not rely on a smartphone?  I am looking for one that has a simple fob and remote.  Any help will be greatly appreciated!

I am not posting this for any reason other than just information.  Information about the workings of our government and how to find specific info on legislation, its origin and who is involved in its promotion - the lobbyist - who they are and who they represent. Lobbying is pretty much a standard thing for non-profits and other groups to fight for their constituents / members /beneficiaries or likeminded individuals for their advocacies. But it also more than that - from lobbyist, members of Congress can gather information pertinent to the legislation - reports, data, stories of those who may need help and why.  If you are a member of such a group or have an interest in where the lobbying money goes and to what purpose, this is a good beginning point to get a lot of information.  I thought I would just use this group - AARP - as an example of the info that can be found on Open Secrets - in general.   Open Secrets.org - AARP Profile - Lobbying &n

FROM THE ARTICLE. Avoid fraud — but don't throw away legitimate opportunities for compensation. By Matt Alderton, AARP. Published October 03, 2025. If you watch television regularly, you’ve probably seen commercials about Camp Lejeune, a U.S. military base where drinking water contaminated with toxic chemicals has been linked to chronic illnesses like cancer. In 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which established a limited two-year window during which individuals who lived and worked at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 could file lawsuits against the U.S. government seeking compensation for health issues related to their time there. By the end of 2022, law firms had spent over $145 million advertising the opportunity, generating more than 400,000 claims from alleged victims and their loved ones. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/class-action-settlement-notice/

FROM THE ARTICLE. 5 Things I Learned From Managing My Mother’s Money.Author describes how to ease the frustrations of taking over a parent’s finances. By Beth Pinsker, AARP. Published October 02, 2025. As her mom’s financial caregiver and estate planner, Beth Pinsker flew about 20,000 miles (10 round trips from Brooklyn, New York, to Florida), spent hundreds of hours on the phone sorting out money issues and even more time filling out forms. Three years after she took on this challenge, and two years since her mom died, she still deals with unfinished paperwork. Pinsker wrote a book based on her experiences, with added research and conversations with experts, called My Mother’s Money. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/caregiver-manage-finances/

FROM THE ARTICLE. By Joanne Binette, AARP Research. Published October 01, 2025. Tampa residents (85%), like most older Americans, want to stay in their homes and communities as they age, a recent AARP Research survey of adults age 45 and older living in Tampa found. They have concerns, however, over the affordability, accessibility and resiliency in natural disasters of the homes in Tampa.The survey reveals not only a desire for more affordable housing, but also housing that meets the unique needs of older adults and residents living in a community that is prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes, tropical storms, storm surges, and flooding.Reasons to move.In the survey, overall housing costs and finding a home that can withstand a natural disaster are the top reasons to move, with both cited by 67% of residents.Insurance coverage is also a major factor, with the majority of residents struggling to both find and afford housing insurance. A striking 83% are extremely or v

I am probably gonna get hit hard on this one - But it is the truth and I do not know any other way around it - we live in a capitalistic society.  One way that our housing cost increase is when those selling their own place want to make as much as possible off it it. Right ?!?  Cashing in on the equity.   So what if we were limited to what we could make in equity - real estate - land and/or structure.   Wonder how much of our increase in housing cost comes from this reselling and pulling out equity?   

THIS WEDNESDAY, Oct 1, 2025. Join us for insight on how cities implement Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs—a housing unit on a single-family lot with an existing residence—to create affordable housing. ➡️[*** About the Event! Communities are evolving and so are their housing needs.For people who want to stay put or return to places they consider home, Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs are integral to providing more diverse, attainable housing, and it’s a smart strategy for thoughtful community planning.Join speakers from AARP Ohio and Opticos Design and Columbus City Council leaders in the Missing Middle Housing movement, who will focus on what cities need to consider when updating zoning law, offering construction incentives, and building public and political support.Hear practical insights and lessons learned from experts who’ve helped cities across the country make ADUs possible.Whether you're a policymaker, citizen, planner, developer or housing advocate, bring your

Are you already a minimalist? Share your experience when you took that leap for change. Did you feel happy to be free of all that "STUFF" or did you have regrets. 

FROM THE SITE. AARP’s John Hishta explains how Social Security and Medicare would continue during a government shutdown, and what services may face delays. USE LINK BELOW TO ACCESS THIS AREA. https://www.aarp.org/videos/advocacy/6379990630112/

FROM THE ARTICLE. By Joanne Binette, AARP Research Published September 22, 2025. Helena, Montana, residents age 50 and older love their community, but housing costs appear to be at the top of their list of concerns. Some also express the need for better communication channels with local leaders. The findings are part of an online survey of adults age 50-plus living in the community. The survey is aimed at providing a better understanding of the thoughts and needs of those living in the area. USE THE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/livable-communities/housing/helena-montana-affordable-housing/

FROM THE ARTICLE. By Laura Petrecca, AARP. Published September 23, 2010.➡️[*** Updated September 17, 2025. There may come a day for your loved one when living independently is no longer the best option. Perhaps they struggle with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, making meals or managing medication, or a lack of mobility leaves them feeling isolated and alone.“Most Americans want to stay at home for as long as possible. But the reality is that there comes a time when an individual’s health needs can no longer be met at home,” says LaShuan Bethea, executive director of the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), the assisted living arm of the American Health Care Association. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/basics/assisted-living-options/

FROM THE ARTICLE. By Joanne Binette, AARP Research. Published September 15, 2025. Weighing in on an issue that has implications for parking, adults in Providence, Rhode Island show broad support for more affordable housing, according to a recent AARP Research survey. The findings demonstrate an urgency for the city to support parking reform as a means to encourage housing development. Three in four Providence residents age 18-49, and two in three older residents, favor reducing off-street parking requirements if it means improving the availability and affordability of housing. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/livable-communities/housing/providence-rhode-island-housing-and-community/

FROM THE ARTICLE. Kids can benefit from open family discussions about money. Here’s how to have them. By Cameron Huddleston, AARP. Published September 15, 2025. My husband and I decided to tell our daughters something this year that a lot of parents keep a secret from their kids. My parents certainly never revealed the same sort of details to me when I was growing up. And numerous studies have found a majority of families avoid this sort of conversation.Nonetheless, we sat down with our daughters when they were home from college on winter break to have “the talk.” It seemed like the right time to expose the nitty, gritty details … of our finances. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/talk-to-your-kids-about-money-finances/

FROM THE ARTICLE. AARP has notched wins in 11 states this year as it fights back against gift card fraud. By Miriam Cross, AARP. Published September 16, 2025. Scamers who impersonate government agents, romantic prospects or IT specialists often use gift cards as a way to siphon money from their victims. Other times they bypass individual targets entirely and drain the value of the gift cards sitting on store shelves before an unsuspecting buyer has even taken one off the rack.That’s why AARP is attacking the problem of gift card fraud from both sides. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/advocacy/state-wins-gift-card-scams/

FROM THE ARTICLE. 20 Years After Katrina, These Older Adults Are Still Stepping Up.Our reporter returns to the Gulf Coast to talk to six 50-plus residents who have made it their mission to rejuvenate their communities. By David Hochman, AARP. Published August 22, 2025. In New Orleans, longtime residents once sat on their porches and waved the weather forecasters along, certain the Mississippi would mind its manners. If you’d weathered Betsy in 1965 and other big blows, the wisdom boiled down to a shrugged “We’ve been through worse.”Then came Katrina. When the levees failed on August 29, 2005, nearly 80 percent of New Orleans was submerged, making it one of the costliest residential disasters in U.S. history. Nearly 1,000 people were confirmed dead and 200,000-plus jobs disappeared almost overnight. Though those 75 and older made up just 6 percent of the city’s population, they accounted for more than half of all lives lost. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. h

[Wednesday 8/20/25] ARTICLE TITLE: Shipping containers provide versatile, sustainable housing options for Roanoke College students. I just saw this article in my Google News for MY AREA IN VIRGINIA. USE LINK BELOW TO READ ARTICLE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED. https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2025/08/19/shipping-containers-provide-versatile-sustainable-housing-options-for-roanoke-college-students/

FROM THE ARTICLE. Crypto may be coming to retirement accounts. Think carefully about the pros and cons before investing. By Chris Taylor, AARP. *** There are 2 comments on the AARP Website. Stop by to add yours. *** Published August 07, 2025. Like them or not, cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin, Litecoin and Ethereum continue to march into the financial mainstream, and the next frontier could be retirement savings.In late May, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) rescinded prior federal guidance that discouraged 401(k) plan providers from offering crypto on their investment menus. While that isn’t necessarily an official stamp of approval — the DOL said it is maintaining a “neutral stance” on adding crypto to retirement plans — it does further open the door for a digital asset option. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/money/retirement/crypto-in-401k.html

I just got my YEARLY email from CVS letting me know their Flu Shot Supply has arrived. I scheduled "online" for the 12th at 8:30am ET. So far "knock on wood" I have NOT had any reactions but HATE NEEDLES. Lol, my CVS know what a "big baby" I am.  ‌🤣‌‌😂‌ Nicole!

FROM THE ARTICLE. By Nancy LeaMond, AARP. Published July 15, 2025. For nearly 60 years, Medicare has been the cornerstone of health and financial security for millions of older Americans. It’s a fundamental promise: after a lifetime of hard work, you’ll be able to get the care you need, when you need it.At AARP, we’re fighting every day to make sure that promise is kept.Whether it’s hospital coverage, doctor visits, prescription drugs, or preventive care, Medicare is essential to helping older Americans live healthier, more independent lives. But the system isn’t perfect, and as health care evolves, so must Medicare. That means protecting what works, fixing what doesn’t, and ensuring every part of the program is delivering for the people it’s meant to serve. USE THE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/advocacy/blog/medicare-is-a-lifeline-aarp-is-fighting-to-protect-it.html

FROM THE ARTICLE: 10 Proven Ways to Pay Less for Car Insurance.Rates are going up — and could rise even higher due to tariffs. Use these strategies to lower your premium. By David Rodeck, AARP. *** There are 7 Comments on the AARP website. Stop by to add your comments. *** Published May 27, 2025. You aren’t alone if you’re frustrated about your car insurance bill. Rates spiked after the COVID-19 pandemic created high inflation and drove up the price of vehicles, parts and repairs. They’ve only gone up from there, with full-coverage premiums increasing an average of 42 percent (from $1,633 to $2,313) from 2022 to 2024, according to a report from Insurify, an insurance comparison website.An ongoing trade war with other countries could push insurance rates even higher, “especially for foreign or electric vehicles,” says Laura Longero, executive editor at CarInsurance.com, an auto insurance comparison website, as these vehicles rely on more parts and batteries from

FROM THE ARTICLE. Autonomous ‘agentic AIs’ can act on your behalf and even pay for stuff. But guardrails are essential. By Edward C. Baig, AARP. *** There is 1 comment on the AARP Website. Stop by to add yours. *** Published July 18, 2025. I've been busy shopping online: for a laptop, flights for a family vacation, groceries too.But instead of methodically researching deals and recommendations on my own, I recently enlisted an artificial intelligence agent from ChatGPT owner OpenAI named Operator, which not only took care of all that but also, with my say-so, was ready to spend my money. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/personal-technology/ready-for-ai-shopping.html

So many women and so few men - how to attract and find a guy I'd be interested in?  New to dating sites and wondering best way to navigate them.  Snowflake  

I am disabled and take pain medications,  ever since these young kids started using these medications to get high i have had the worst time trying to get my medication filled. I am so tired of feeling like a criminal because i don't like to be in pain. Who gave these pharmacists with their little 4 year degree so much power, they don't know me and have no clue what my medical issues are. I know i can't be the only one dealing with this. Who do i have to call or write so my rights aren't being trampled on because of people who do abuse these medications.  

FROM THE ARTICLE. Medical Bills to Remain on Credit Reports.Federal judge overturns rule that would have helped millions of Americans. By Maya Dollarhide and Daniel Bortz, AARP. Published July 15, 2025. Unpaid medical bills will continue to hurt Americans’ credit scores after a federal judge in Texas struck down a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rule on July 11, 2025, designed to remove medical debt from credit reports.The CFPB rule would have aided an estimated 15 million Americans currently carrying upward of $49 billion in medical debt on their credit reports. In addition, the rule would have prohibited medical devices, such as wheelchairs, from being used as collateral on loans and allowed for some medical information to be shielded from loan applications. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/money/personal-finance/medical-debt-credit-report.html