Friends & Family

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!

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/

Then tell us what makes it AFFORDABLE to you.This is your chance to dream but with reason -  

FROM THE ARTICLE. 7 Questions to Ask Before Moving to a 55+ Community.Are you ready to downsize? And do you like to be social? Here's what to know before joining a community for older adults. By Matt Swenson, AARP. *** There is 1 comment on the AARP Website. Stop by to add yours. *** Published July 09, 2025. Connie Beck and her husband, Michael Beck, knew it was time to move on when her father-in-law passed away in 2018. Their caregiving duties were the last connection to Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County, which they felt was a nice place to live but not retire. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/home-living/is-over-55-community-right-for-you/

FROM THE ARTICLE. Veterans and grandparents contend with balancing bills and staying fed as SNAP benefits remain suspended. By Molly Snow, AARP. Published November 12, 2025. A grandfather of six. A U.S. Army veteran.Retirees who’ve spent a lifetime working and now struggle to pay competing bills.​​These are just some of the millions of older adults affected by the disruptions to federal food aid because of the ongoing government shutdown. In November, it became the longest in history. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/advocacy/older-adults-missed-food-aid/

 Happy Veterans Day to my son Barry  and to all veterans.    Thank you for your service.

With the temps dipping, I got the urge to bake some apples in the oven.  The smell of brown sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon and apples is wafting in the air right now! What are the favorite smells of Autumn for you?

FROM THE ARTICLE. From Mt. Rushmore to NYC: Eight Military-Inspired Wishes Shared Through Wish of a Lifetime from AARP. Veterans and families find connection and joy through dreams fulfilled—or still to come. By Aaron Kassraie, AARP. Published November 07, 2025. Wish of a Lifetime from AARP helps older adults achieve long-held dreams that honor their service, reconnect them with loved ones or celebrate meaningful life experiences. Many of the wishes come from veterans or their families. Each one is based on their own history and a desire to reconnect with meaningful moments. This photo essay highlights six dreams that have already come true — and two that soon will — showing how powerful a single experience can be in honoring service, legacy and community. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/veterans/wish-of-a-lifetime-veterans-stories/

FROM THE ARTICLE. The ‘Tonight Show’ host described her as ‘a therapist, big sister and comedian’. By Andre Ellington, AARP. Published October 21, 2025. Jimmy Fallon, 51, recently took to social media to share a heartfelt tribute for and a carousel of photos of his 13-year-old dog, Gary, who passed away. The Tonight Show host said on Instagram that Gary “was the last name we signed on every birthday card.... She was our first baby, a therapist, a pillow, a big sister, a schoolmarm, a comedian, a party girl and a rebel.”It wouldn’t be a proper Fallon send-off if he didn’t add some humor, mentioning that Gary wasn’t a watchdog because “she would have let burglars in and shown them where we kept the bacon and American cheese slices,” and that she was “always smiling even when she slept.” USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/entertainment/celebrities/jimmy-fallon-mourns-dog/

FROM THE ARTICLE. People ages 55 to 64 now must prove they are working to receive food aid. By Molly Snow, AARP. Published November 03, 2025. Key takeaways! [*] Work requirements apply to more older adults, vulnerable groups. [*] Exemptions for certain circumstances, like disability. [*] Fewer areas to get waivers approved for high unemployment. [*] States rush to inform beneficiaries. Contact your benefits specialist or SNAP office for information on how you’re affectedStricter work requirements for low-income adults who depend on federal food aid took effect Nov. 1, leaving older beneficiaries to scramble for an exemption or seek employment to retain their benefits. ​​People ages 55 to 64 must meet these standards for the first time, unless they are able to get an exemption, such as for a mental or physical disability. Volunteerism or training also count toward the 80-hour-per-month requirement. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. htt

Anything wrong with those more fortunate (me) making up the missing SNAP benefits for an in-need family or individual?  I already lined up my family - (2) adults with (5) kids in an assortment of ages from 4 - 16.  Judging from my grandkids, I would imagine the older ones really eat a lot.  I have known the kids since the oldest was born, and each one thereafter -  So, yea - I am gonna pursue this course -   

I would like to learn more 1st hand information on the Vietnam Tet Offensive in 1968 if you don’t mind talking about it.   I have what the history books wrote about it - so what I really would like to read is how those on the ground experienced it - from the 1st strike to the end.  I am compiling things like this for my grandson who never knew his grandfather and whom was directly involved in this conflict even though he was USN (shore duty).   Thank You to anybody who wants to share anything.  

FROM THE ARTICLE. How to Find Food Aid as SNAP Runs Out.With federal funding for SNAP likely delayed for November, here’s where to look for free or low-cost groceries and meals. By Molly Snow, AARP. Published October 30, 2025. ➡️[*** In this story! [*] AARP Foundation fundraiser.[*] Help hotline.[*] Food pantries.[*] Resources in your neighborhood.[*] Senior centers.[*] DoorDash & retailers. Millions of older adults are bracing for federal food aid to lapse in November as a result of the government shutdown. ​​Federal officials informed states that beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition.Assistance Program (SNAP) will not receive any new money to help pay for food until funding is restored. As long as the federal shutdown continues, millions of older adults face uncertainty about when they will receive food benefits. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/advocacy/snap-benefits-find-food-aid/

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/