AARP Social Security Calculator

When will you claim your Social Security retirement benefits?

"For many of us, Social Security is the most important part of our retirement picture, and deciding when to claim is a big decision. The amount of your benefit will depend on your average income over your working years, your spouse’s average income and the age at which you claim benefits.

This calculator will help you decide when to claim and show you how to maximize your benefits."

Use the following link to take advantage of this AARP tool.

Medicare Makes It Easier to Compare Doctors, Health Facilities Online

A streamlined Medicare online tool will make it easier for consumers to compare and choose their providers, including hospitals, doctors, nursing homes and other facilities, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Medicare is consolidating eight separate interactive websites that allow consumers to find providers based on geography, cost, professional experience, government ratings and other factors. Up to now, individual tools have covered doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, home health services, hospice care, inpatient rehabilitation services, long-term care hospitals and dialysis facilities.

AARP - Veterans, Active Duty, and Military Families

Find resources and information around VA benefits, health, caregiving, fraud and employment for retired and active-duty military and their families.

Check out this comprehensive resource center provided by AARP for veterans and their families.

Stylish Home Updates That Make Aging Easier

AARP is a great source of information for seniors. One of the major areas of focus has always been on Aging-in-Place.

Check out this recent article that "explains how large and small renovations, stylish updates and space reconfigurations can improve safety and quality of life — allowing you to live more comfortably now and into the future.​"

The Ultimate Guide to Estate Planning from AARP

According to a recent survey, 64 percent of Americans have not made a will.

The phrase "estate planning" may sound like an exercise for the very rich, but thanks to the complicated nature of the U.S. legal system, even people with modest assets need a written document, or will, that specifies how those assets will be distributed upon their death. Yet according to a recent survey by the Harris Poll, 64 percent of Americans have not made a will.

The top reason cited? They "haven't gotten around to it yet." They also fear it will be difficult and expensive, says Lisa Honey, director of product marketing for Rocket Lawyer, the online legal resource that commissioned the survey. Then there's the simple fact that, as Honey puts it, "people don't want to think about death."

AARP - How to Be a Partner in Family Caregiving Even from Afar

Ways to support loved ones and their local caregivers when you can’t be there in person

As many family caregivers know, caring for our loved ones can be an exhausting, all-consuming task whether they live with us or not. However, long-distance caregiving presents an additional set of obstacles caregivers must face while attempting to support loved ones without the benefit of being there to give hands-on help.

Long-distance caregivers have the same concerns and pressures as local caregivers, and they also have the highest annual expenses (about $8,728) compared to co-resident caregivers (about $5,885) or those who care for a loved one nearby (about $4,570) and also need to take uncompensated time off work, and pay for travel to visit their loved one.

AARP graphic - Caregiving from afar!

AARP - Can You Afford Senior Living Housing?

"The senior living community recruitment drive floods retiree mailboxes with glossy pamphlets showing spacious apartments, fancy dining rooms, gyms and swimming pools. It looks great – but look before you leap."

Senior Planet from AARP

"The choices abound, but how do those of us nearing retirement cut through the chatter choose a senior living community that works for us. And probably most important of all, what happens if you run out of money?"

Check out this July 2024 article from AARP by Rodney A. Brooks for some important questions to research before making the leap. Do the research!

AARP - 7 Medicare Changes You’ll See in 2025

"Expensive medications? You’ll save thousands. Dementia or mental health care? More options

Key takeaways:

• Changes from Inflation Reduction Act will take effect next year.
• Lower out-of-pocket limit in Part D drug plans erases old “donut hole.”
• You may find weight loss drugs covered to treat other medical conditions.
• Your Medicare Advantage plan may not stay the same.
• Look for a midyear statement from your MA plan.
• Caregivers for loved ones with dementia may be eligible for respite care.
• More mental health counselors are encouraged to enroll as providers."

Check out this August 2024 article from AARP highlighting many of the Medicare changes expected in 2025.

AARP - 8 Types of Medications That Can Make It Harder to Handle the Heat

Common drugs could make hot days more dangerous for many older adults

"Temperatures are soaring in many regions of the country, putting many people — especially older adults, who are most vulnerable to heat’s dangers — at risk for heat-related illness, even death. And one thing that doesn’t help is if you are taking medications that interfere with your body’s ability to cool itself down."

"Several pills and potions can affect how well the body is able to handle heat — an issue that is “particularly important for older people” because they tend to be on more of these medications, says Cecilia Sorensen, M.D., director of the Global Consortium on Climate Health and Education at Columbia University in New York City."

"It’s crucial to pay attention to this often-overlooked side effect during heat waves, which the Environmental Protection Agency says are increasing in both intensity and frequency — but it’s not just those stifling stretches that can be dangerous. Research shows that older patients with chronic medical conditions who take heat-sensitive medications can have medication-related problems throughout the entire summer."

This June 2024, AARP article highlights some of the negative effects of heat on common prescribed medicines.

HomeFit Guide

A free publication (available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese) featuring smart ways to make a home comfortable, safe and a great fit for older adults — and people of all ages.

This is where you start your Aging-in-Place journey and help protect yourself and family members from unnecessary falls or other injuries.

Can be viewed online, downloaded or ordered as a hardcopy document from AARP.

Great Dog Breeds for Grownups: A Guide to Choosing a Pup to Match Your Personality Whether you’re a homebody or traveling in retirement, there’s a good canine companion for you

"Dogs are cute, cuddly and good for your physical and mental health. They bring companionship, boost your daily step count and time outside, and can get you interacting with other dog lovers, says Lorraine Rhoads, director of health and safety at Dogtopia, a provider of dog day care, boarding and grooming services throughout North America.

For the 11.1 percent of adults 65 and older living alone, or for those who just would like a fur baby to have around, getting a dog may be a good idea. But there are many lifestyle factors to consider before jumping into dog ownership with both feet (and all paws)."

Check out this informative AARP article on how to select just the right dog for your lifestyle!

AARP Staying Sharp

"AARP Staying Sharp, an online program that shows you how to build habits that support your brain health — and have fun doing it!"

"How you spend your day can have a big impact on brain health, research shows. Eat well, move often, see friends, get good sleep, manage stress, keep learning. We'll share the whys and the how-tos."

What Do I Get?

"Take the Cognitive Assessment and other tests to see how your memory and attention are working today, then learn strategies to support brain health as you age. We've also got games for a fun distraction."

Cognitive Assessment and Lifestyle Check-Ins

Knowledge is power. Take some time to understand your cognitive skills. Thirteen tests in all to help you think about what strategies to practice for your brain health.

Make Brain Health a Habit

AARP's Global Council on Brain Health reviewed the latest research to offer the best advice. The result is the six pillars of brain health. Learn how to build habits around all six.

Choose Your Path

An extensive menu of interactive challenges and activities plus meditations, exercise demos and TED videos. Need a healthy recipe? We've got you covered.

PLEASE NOTE: AARP offers a free version of these tools and an expanded version with AARP membership. Check it out!

AARP - How to Write a Memorable Obituary

"Pay tribute to the little and big things that made your loved one special."

"Carl Reiner, the legendary comedy writer, producer, director and performer, told CBS Sunday Morning in 2015 that the first thing he does in the morning before he has coffee is read the obituaries. “If I'm not in there, I know that I'm alive,” he said."

An informative article from AARP on how to tackle writing an obituary. Most of us have little or no experience and this article is a good way of pulling it together.

VA Expanding Health Care Access to Millions of Veterans

"All veterans who have served in combat zones since the Vietnam War, along with veterans who were exposed to hazardous materials while training or on active duty, will become eligible March 5 to enroll directly in health care from the Department of Veterans Affairs, the agency announced Feb. 26.

The move speeds up the expanded benefits, which were mandated by the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act that President Joe Biden signed into law in August 2022. Instead of the phased-in approach called for in the act — a process expected to take years — millions of veterans will become eligible for health care without having first to apply for VA benefits.

Check this AARP site for more information on the accelerated implementation of the PACT Act:

VA Health Care Expands for Millions of Veterans (aarp.org)

Documents that you Need to Take Advantage of Free AARP Tax-Aide Service

Documents You Need for Free Help from AARP Tax-Aide -

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide will get your tax returns filled out and filed — all for free.

"The program, aimed at taxpayers 50 and older, is free and doesn’t require AARP membership. You’ll get assistance from volunteers certified by the Internal Revenue Service. You can even get your tax return sent electronically for free, which will speed your refund. To get help with preparing your tax return from an IRS-certified volunteer, book an appointment using the Site Locator. But you can’t just walk in empty-handed or — even worse — with a shoebox full of receipts. Here’s what you will need:"

Check out this AARP article: AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Important Tax Prep Documents

AARP - How Extreme Heat Affects the Body After 50

Soaring temperatures can set off a cascade of life-threatening events. Here’s how to stay safe:

"It’s not your imagination: It really is hotter than when you were a kid. In fact, 2023 was the hottest year on record since 1850, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. And the nine years from 2014 to 2022 round out the top 10 warmest."

"Climate experts warn that bouts of extreme heat are going to become more common as global temperatures continue to rise. That’s bad news for the growing population of older adults, who are more likely to get sick from heat — even die from it."

"In 2023, soaring temps sent nearly 120,000 people in the U.S. to emergency rooms, a 2024 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows."

"Heat-related deaths have been increasing in recent years, with approximately 2,302 occurring in 2023, up from 1,722 in 2022, according to federal data, though other research suggests the number is much higher. A study published in 2020 in the journal Environmental Epidemiology finds an average of 5,608 deaths are attributable to heat each year. A study from a team of Duke University researchers estimates that 12,000 Americans die annually from heat-related causes."

"Regardless of the total tally, most people who die from the heat are over the age of 50, the National Institute on Aging says:"

“It has everything to do with our body’s ability to deal with heat as we age,” Aaron Bernstein, M.D., told AARP in 2022, when he was the interim director of the Center for Climate, Health and the Global Environment at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Bernstein is now the director of the National Center for Environmental Health and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry at the CDC. “People who are older, our bodies may not be able to dissipate heat as well as people who are younger. We also tend to have more chronic health problems and may take more medications that affect our body’s ability to deal with heat.”

Check out this June 2024 AARP article that highlights why extreme high has such a dramatic effect on people over 50 years of age.

AARP - Veterans Home Modification Benefits Guide: Digital Edition

Connecting veterans, military families with financial assistance programs to modify their homes

"As we age, maintaining independence in the comfort of familiar surroundings often becomes a top priority. Fortunately, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other organizations offer valuable resources to veterans who face mobility challenges and require home adaptations to suit their individual needs."

"VA grant programs offer more than $150 million in funding each year, but fewer than half of all eligible veterans take advantage of them. VA officials emphasize that increased awareness of these programs could lead to greater funding allocation, directly improving the lives of veterans and their families."

"Although navigating the specific eligibility criteria and application process might seem complex, understanding the benefits offered can empower veterans to access these programs. With the right information and guidance, claiming these well-deserved benefits can lead to better outcomes and an improved quality of life."

Click on the link below to read the entire AARP article.

Smart Ways to Cover the Cost of a Funeral

You probably don’t want to think about it, but at some point, you are going to die and someone's going to have to pay for the funeral.

The attached article from AARP offers some suggestions for covering the costs associated with a cremation/funeral/memorial service.

AARP - Navigating a Broken System - A Guide for Researching Senior Living Options in Arizona

"Arizona’s long-term care system is fragmented, expensive, and inequitable. Over the last several years, countless news stories have exposed horrific instances of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults due to systemic failures. Families have repeatedly conveyed that they need help navigating the complex system and ensuring that their loved ones receive proper care.

In response, AARP Arizona and the Arizona Republic partnered to create the following resource guide to help families better understand Arizona’s long-term care system and to protect their loved ones from harm. The guide delves into such topics as comparing types of facilities, signs that someone may need additional support, and questions to ask when choosing a facility. It also exposes where the system has failed and provides some recommendations for improvement."

Check this link for valuable information on Arizona's long-term care system: Navigating a Broken System (aarp.org)

AARP - Scammers Who Commit Title Fraud Steal Your Identity — Then Your Home

Criminals can use public information to victimize both buyers and owners in this real estate scam.

“Title theft is … the perfect real estate crime,” says Cronkright, CEO of CertifID, a wire fraud prevention firm, and Sun Title, a residential and commercial title company in Grand Rapids, Mich. Unlike other forms of identity theft that require access to victims’ online accounts, Cronkright notes, “everything that the fraudster would need to [perpetrate title theft] is publicly available.”​

Check out this July 2024 AARP article on title scams. Then Sign Up for the Pinal County Recording Notification Service! Check the link below for more information.

AARP - Older Adults Embrace Tech but Are Skeptical of AI

"In tech usage, older adults rival their younger counterparts

Younger adults don’t have a corner on the tech market — far from it. A new AARP survey finds that older Americans are about as likely as those under age 50 to own a smartphone, tablet, or other device.

Nearly nine out of 10 Americans (89% of those 50-plus and 90% of those 18-49) own a smart phone, according to the national survey conducted online in the fall of 2023. Among both age groups, 75% have smart TVs and 59% own tablets.

Notably, as overall spending on tech dropped from $912 per person in 2022 to $798 in 2023, tech purchases by adults in their 60s and 70s went up. In the last year, 69% of adults over 50 bought at least one tech product."

This AARP report that was updated as of May 2024 reports on recent findings regarding the acceptance of technology, including artificial intelligence.

Thinking About Your Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease? Five Questions to Consider

"Ask yourself the five questions below to help understand your risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease."

The five questions are:

• How old are you?
• Does Alzheimer's run in your family?
• What's your lifestyle?
• What medical conditions do you have?
• What about biomarkers?

For more information check this article posted by AARP from the NIH - National Institue on Aging.

AARP - Avoiding Durable Medical Equipment Fraud

Find out how to protect yourself and your loved ones against medical device scams and other fraudulent schemes.

"Medicare spends more than $7 billion a year on durable medical equipment (DME) — wheelchairs, walkers, braces and other devices prescribed by doctors to help patients deal with an injury or chronic illness at home. That’s a boon to beneficiaries but also a big draw for fraudsters, who exploit older Americans’ health care concerns to enrich themselves.

In a medical equipment scam, someone reaches out to you offering a brace, a wheelchair, diabetes test strips or other devices for “free” (as in, “Medicare will pay for it”). You might get an unsolicited phone call, see an advertisement or be approached at a health fair or similar event."

Check the link below to learn more about this scam from the AARP Fraud Network.

AARP - How Can I Convince My Father That He Shouldn’t Be Driving?

What to do when it may be time to take away the car keys . . .

"I’m scared to drive with my father because there have been so many close calls lately. How do I convince him to give up the car keys?

This is a huge issue for plenty of older people. Driving means independence, and giving it up is a tough milestone. When you discuss the possibility with your dad, he will probably be resistant, maybe even get angry. But no matter how the conversation goes, try not to get confrontational."

This August 2024 article from AARP provides some insight on what to do when that difficult time arrives. Click on the link below.

Sign These Papers!

5 estate planning documents that Suze Orman recommends for every family presented by AARP.

AARP - The Big, Surprising Benefit of Adopting a Dog

Rescuing an animal creates a ripple and helps in unexpected ways -

This AARP article by Katherine Carver was published in September 2024.

"My first rescue dog changed my life. Thirteen years ago, our family adopted Biscuit, a Shetland Sheepdog, and he opened my heart in a way unlike any other person or animal. Please don’t tell my husband!

My adoption experience made me aware of the dog overpopulation crisis in America and set me on a path to learn more about what happens to these abandoned creatures. Last year, 3.2 million dogs entered shelters and rescue organizations. Around 2.2 million of them found homes, but that, sadly, meant a million did not."

Check it out at the following link.

14 Top Scams to Watch Out for in 2023

Scammers are like viruses: They continually evolve in response to the latest news and trends, using them for new ways to separate us from our cash.

These criminals “are so adaptable, they’re going to just follow the headlines,” says Amy Nofziger, director of fraud victim support for AARP.

AARP - Money Map

Navigating your finances just got easier.

Whether you're managing debt today or saving for tomorrow, let AARP Money Map™ guide you to better financial health and peace of mind.

Take Control of Your Money.

Our free online money management tools help you slash your debt, build up savings, and more.

Features focused on your finances.

GET YOUR PLAN

Get personalized plans that fit your goals. Your plan includes tips and monthly activities that help you stay on track.

GOAL TRACKING

Track your financial goal progress against your action plans for reducing expenses, paying off debt, saving for emergencies, and more.

CALCULATORS

Estimate the costs of using a credit card or borrowing money via a personal loan, home equity loan, or retirement plan.

DASHBOARD

See your road ahead clearly with a central view of your tools and progress.

DEBT PROJECTIONS

Find your best route for paying off debts with estimates for payoff dates and possible ways to save.

FUNDING SOURCES

We’ll help you navigate the pros, cons, and true costs of payment options for unplanned expenses.

MILESTONES

Create a savings plan complete with milestones to help keep you on track.

BUDGETING

Use Budget Builder to help prioritize expenses, pay down debt, and reach your savings goals faster.

Use the following link to access the AARP Money Map tools.

How to Plan a Meaningful Memorial Service

"A 'celebration of life' honors the passing of a loved one in a personalized way."

"Memorial services have become more prevalent as cremation has outpaced traditional burials in the U.S., a trend fueled by boomers’ growing concern about the cost and environmental impact of burials coupled with a fall in religious affiliations."

AARP Virtual Community Center

FREE interactive online events and classes designed for learning, self-improvement, and fun from AARP.

Check out this AARP site for a rich collection of helpful information.

How to Access SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Benefits

"If you’re on a fixed income and see costs keep going up, or if you’re struggling to make ends meet on a tight budget, you are not alone. AARP Foundation can connect you with resources and assistance to help you stretch your grocery budget. Assistance is available for adults of all ages through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides participants with a credit card-like card (EBT card) for making purchases at grocery stores and some farmers markets. Millions of older adults use SNAP to afford the food they need each month and AARP Foundation wants to make it easier to apply and enroll."

Check out this AARP website to learn more about SNAP and see if you qualify for assistance.

AARP - 5 Types of Tech Products to Help Loved Ones Age in Place

You don’t need a smart home to ensure comfort and safety

"Thanks to new technology, older adults can stay independent in their own homes with cherished possessions, established routines and the help of innovative products that make living easier."

Some solutions don’t require Wi-Fi connectivity, while others leverage smart technology to be compatible with other devices. Either way, these tools enable family caregivers who don’t live in the home to be an integral part of the day-to-day activities of an aging adult."

This AARP article addresses: Preferring home • Detecting falls • About alarm buttons • Managing medications • Keeping clean • Tracking without intruding • Sleeping comfortably

AARP Veteran Report Newsletter

Sign up for AARP Veteran Report, a free twice-monthly newsletter that salutes military service and celebrates the contributions of military families to our country and our communities.

AARP Veteran Report provides practical help and news you can use, as well as inspring stories twice per month. We’ll also share other occasional emails, including giveaways and special offers.

Information on Planning Your Own Funeral

AARP has published a number of articles on funerals. This article provides information on how to plan for your own funeral in advance.

Help Your Family Plan Your Funeral Far in Advance

Make life easier for your family by gathering information and providing them with your preferences before you die. Notes on what you would like included in your obituary or at your service can make this difficult time much easier for your loved ones.

AARP Senior Planet - 2024 Annual Technology Review

We are excited to share with you the 2024 Annual Technology Review! Every year we reach out to Senior Planet's diverse community of participants, staff and volunteers and ask them a simple question: What's happening in tech that more people should know about?

Our community never fails to impress us with the cutting-edge finds and time-saving hacks they share, and this year is no exception. In this Technology Review, you’ll read about how to film better videos on your smartphone, the hottest new podcasts made by and for seniors, artificial intelligence and much more. Have a question about one of the recommendations? Call our free technology hotline (888-713-3495) for assistance!

Thank you for being a part of our Senior Planet community. Whether you've made a gift, participated in classes or volunteered, we wouldn't be here without you

Tips to Finding a Quality Nursing Home for Your Loved One

Tips from AARP on how to use online tools and in-person visits to assess long-term care facilities. Do your homework in advance before you actually need to select a facility.

AARP - VA’s Aid and Attendance Benefits Can Cover Long-Term Care Costs for Veterans

Qualifying veterans can receive up to $2,727 each month to help pay for care

"The crushing cost of long-term care can quickly deplete your retirement savings. It’s one of Medicare’s big gaps: Medicare does not pay for long-term care in a nursing home or assisted living facility and it provides very limited coverage for home care."

"But many veterans are eligible for a valuable benefit to help with these expenses. The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Aid and Attendance program can pay as much as $2,727 per month in 2024, with benefits that can continue for the rest of their lifetime."

Check out this recent article from AARP on an important benefit available to veterans.

5 Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Doorbell Camera

Smart video doorbells are convenient for home security, but do your homework

If you’re away from home much of the day, take trips often or can’t sprint to the door when you hear a knock, a doorbell camera can help you and your home stay safe.

Check out this article from AARP on what factors to consider when buying a smart video doorbell.

NOTE: Read the comments attached to the article. Several reviewers have disagreed with the article's comments on the connection to existing chimes.

Arizona AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

Arizona Taxpayers,

Locations for AARP Foundation Tax-Aide sites will begin opening on February 1, 2023, to prepare taxes for the 2022 tax year. Please consult the “Locations” tab on this website to find a Tax-Aide location near you. We look forward to assisting you at any of our Arizona locations.

Geofrey Wolfe
Arizona
State Coordinator

Many of our Tax-Aide locations will be offering traditional In-Person tax assistance this year. Most of our sites will offer appointments and some will reserve space for walk-in taxpayers. Appointments are still recommended, as we cannot guarantee service to every walk-in taxpayer on their day of choice. We appreciate your flexibility when making an appointment, and you will find more information about appointments on the Locations page.

If you have a question or concern, please use the Contact tab to submit a Contact Us form. One of our Arizona Tax-Aide leaders will review your information and respond. If you would like to join our Tax-Aide team of volunteers, please click the Volunteer tab to start the process. We are seeking District and Site Leaders, Technology experts and Instructors as well as tax Counselors.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide continues to place the highest priority on the health and safety of both our volunteers and taxpayers. We ask that if you are not feeling well on the day of your appointment, please reschedule to protect yourself and our volunteers.

NOTE: Be sure to check instructions at this site for each tax year.

AARP Tax-Aide assisted more than 31,000 Arizona residents prepare and file their 2022 tax returns earlier this year.

We look forward to helping even more next tax season.

NOTE: If you need in-person tax preparation help between now and February 1, 2024, you may visit our Prescott location by calling: (928) 277-1560

Please check back to this page in mid-January 2024, for updated information about each of our locations for tax preparation. You are welcome to browse the addresses below of our previous locations. We expect – but can not guarantee – that the majority will return next year.

AARP Retirement Calculator

AARP Retirement Calculator: Are You Saving Enough?

Find out when — and how — to retire the way you want.

Are you financially prepared for retirement?

Thinking about retirement can be overwhelming. You may ask:

• Am I saving enough?
• When can I afford to stop working?
• How long will my money last?

Use the AARP Retirement Calculator to help plan your financial future so you can retire when - and how - you want. You've got options. This calculator will help you discover what they are.

Use the following link to access the AARP Retirement Calculator.

AARP - Identified SCAMS & FRAUDS Operating at This Time

Learn how to identify common scams and frauds.

10 Early Warning Signs of Dementia You Shouldn’t Ignore (AARP)

How to spot early indicators that your loved one may have Alzheimer’s or dementia​.

"It’s not unusual to have occasional trouble finding the right word or remembering where you put things. But persistent difficulty with memory and the ability to perform everyday tasks might be signs of something more serious."

This AARP article will help you spot some of the early indicators of Alzheimer's or dementia.

AARP - Your Top Social Security Questions Answered

AARP has answers to the most common Social Security questions that you may be asking. Subscribe to AARP Answers YouTube channel to get the information you need to make the best decisions about your Social Security benefits.

Click the link below to Access these helpful videos from AARP.

AARP - 5 Ways Technology Can Make Life Easier for Caregivers of Dementia Patients

Wearables, smart homes and other solutions may help, though one size doesn’t fit all

Everyday technology that people use around the house — including doorbell cameras, smart speakers and wrist-worn trackers — can help those suffering from cognitive decline. The tech may ease the burden on caregivers, too.

“Every family caregiver’s number one priority is their loved one’s safety,” says Jennifer Reeder, director of educational and social services for the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. “And this is where technology can play an important and helpful role, especially if the caregiver and their family member who is living with dementia don’t reside in the same home.”

No solution works for all Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers.

“Dementia-related illnesses affect everyone differently,” Reeder says.

This article from AARP helps to explain the ways that technology can be useful when caring for patients with dementia.

Fraud Watch Network

Knowledge gives you power over scams. The AARP Fraud Watch NetworkTM equips you with reliable, up-to-date insights, alerts and fraud prevention resources to help you spot and avoid scams and protect your loved ones. We even cover the latest scams in the news.

Find Support

If you've been targeted by scams or fraud, you are not alone. Our trained fraud specialists provide support and guidance on what to do next and how to avoid scams in the future. The AARP Fraud Helpline, 877-908-3360, is free and available to anyone. We also offer online support sessions for further emotional support.

AARP - Caregiver's Guide to Smart Home Technology

Technology today can offer caregivers oversight into the lives of aging loved ones without being intrusive. The devices that can help put together the big picture of a loved one’s health and well-being aren’t a substitute for interaction. But they can help an older adult remain independent longer.

AARP - 5 Things You Need to Know About Finances When Turning 65

"It’s a pivotal age for retirement planning — even if you aren’t ready to retire yet."

"Gone are the days when most people retired at 65, received a gold watch, then lived off their pension and full Social Security benefits. But 65 is still an important age financially for retirees and near retirees, in terms of both what you get and what you don’t."

Check out this article from AARP for some hints and tips on actions you need to be considering when approaching. 65.

AARP - Why You Should Think About Your Digital Assets Before You Die

Your emails, documents, downloads, posts are an ‘incredible legacy of content’

"Think about your daily activities and how many of them involve the internet.

Whether you conduct your banking and bill paying online, post or browse social media, send and receive emails, upload photos or view medical records, a good part of your day may be spent online. But with the amount of information out there, what happens to those assets, known as your digital legacy, after you die?"

This updated AARP article from July 2024 discusses your 'digital legacy' and what provisions you need to consider for those that have to deal with the detail after you pass away.

AARP - Links to Financial Planning Tools and Concepts for Retirement

A collection of excellent articles for those planning for retirement as well as those already in retirement.

AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360

Our toll-free service is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET

AARP’s Fraud Watch NetworkTM Helpline is a free resource for AARP members and nonmembers alike. Trained fraud specialists and volunteers field thousands of calls each month. Get guidance you can trust, free of judgment.

AARP - 6 Financial Mistakes You’ll Regret When You’re Older

Act now to avoid common money missteps that could haunt you later in retirement

"Americans with retirement on the horizon are worried.

A recent AARP survey found that 20 percent of adults 50-plus have no money saved for retirement and 61 percent are concerned they will not have enough money to support themselves during their so-called golden years. Add unexpected injuries, illnesses, divorces and deaths to the mix and it’s easy to see why pre-retirees are losing sleep."

Check out this AARP article from May 2024 to identify these possible planning missteps.

AARP - Senior Planet from AARP

Aging with Attitude…and Tech

"Senior Planet from AARP classes, articles, videos, and activities help older adults learn new skills, save money, exercise, make new friends, and so much more.

A Learning Community for Older Adults

Senior Planet is about much more than the latest gadgets, apps, and websites. Our nonprofit organization’s purpose is to enable older adults to come together and find ways to learn, work, create, exercise, and thrive in today’s digital age. Senior Planet programs are designed around five impact areas: financial security, social engagement, creative expression, health and wellness, and civic participation. All five areas represent opportunities in the lives of older adults where technology can have a transformative effect."

Who is OATS from AARP?

"Senior Planet is the flagship program of the national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP. In 2004, OATS Executive Director Tom Kamber and a group of dedicated volunteers launched the organization with a mission to help older adults learn and use technology so they could live better in the digital age."

Learn more about the OATS program from AARP.

AARP - Great Dog Breeds for Grownups: A Guide to Choosing a Pup to Match Your Personality

Whether you’re a homebody or traveling in retirement, there’s a good canine companion for you

"Dogs are cute, cuddly and good for your physical and mental health. They bring companionship, boost your daily step count and time outside, and can get you interacting with other dog lovers, says Lorraine Rhoads, director of health and safety at Dogtopia, a provider of dog day care, boarding and grooming services throughout North America."

"For the 11.1 percent of adults 65 and older living alone, or for those who just would like a fur baby to have around, getting a dog may be a good idea. But there are many lifestyle factors to consider before jumping into dog ownership with both feet (and all paws)."

10 Common Medicare Mistakes to Avoid

Errors can prove costly to new Medicare enrollees!

Missing deadlines, delaying enrollment or choosing the wrong plan can cost you a bundle when it comes to Medicare. Here’s a list of 10 common mistakes new Medicare enrollees make and how to avoid them, according to the Medicare Rights Center, a nonpartisan, not-for-profit consumer service organization.

What to do When a Loved One Dies

AARP provides a checklist of the tasks that must be considered and completed when a loved one dies.

AARP - Ride-Hailing App Adds Feature for Caregivers

Uber app will let caregivers be part of three-way talk with driver, help bill insurer if covered.

Caregivers face an especially rough road when navigating ride-hailing services designed for able-bodied people familiar with technology.

Organizing a Lyft or Uber ride on somebody else’s behalf requires communicating with the driver through your app and keeping in touch with the passenger separately. Getting insurance to cover those costs can also be a bumpy ride.

This AARP article explains how new technology can help caregivers when using ride-hailing transportation for their care recipients.

What I learned from my Mom's Approach to Death

"My mother had been thinking about her own end of life for as long as I can remember. She’d nursed two parents through long, agonizing final chapters, one with cancer and the other with Parkinson’s. Being such a dutiful caregiver forged a determination in her not to end up like her parents. She was almost militant about “not being a burden” to her three girls at the end."

This 2023 article from AARP provides some insight on grief and coping with the end of life.

AARP - Financial News & Investment Advice

Money

"Get the latest financial news and expert advice on money management to budget effectively, spend wisely, build a nest egg and live well in retirement."

AARP does a good job of defining the basic financial concepts that relate to successful retirement and senior living. Check their website for some valuable resources.

AARP - Quiz: Do You Know How Technology Can Help You Care for a Loved One?

Tech won’t solve all problems, but it can take some pressure off you

"If you’re an older adult, smart homes may seem like a lot of hype — or best left to those more comfortable with technology.

But if you’re one of the 9 in 10 people ages 50 to 80 who say they want to stay in their homes as long as possible, innovations available today can help you remain independent, especially if you live alone. And that tech can help your family keep tabs on your safety without being intrusive. Here’s a quiz to show you what today’s tech can do for you and your family."

This article from AARP illustrates many of the ways that technology can assist in the process of caregiving.

AARP: Aging In Place: 5 Changes to Make to Your Home That Won’t Break the Bank

Many want to stay in place after retirement. Here's how

"Ask someone over age 65 where they’d like to live for the rest of their lives, and chances are pretty good 9 out of 10 will tell you: Right here. In other words, at home, meaning the one they’re occupying right now. ​That’s according to AARP's Home and Community Preferences Survey. Unfortunately, only about 10 percent of homes nationwide are 100 percent prepared for senior living. That preparation includes a step-free entry, bed and bath on the first floor and at least one bathroom with safety and accessibility features like grab bars and a built-in shower seat."

"​​The disconnect means that many people (more than 75 percent, ) will, in fact, age in places that are less than 100 percent prepared to welcome them. But, experts note, you can make several inexpensive and fairly easy changes to your homes that will make them safer and friendlier for aging in place."

Check the link below for more information on some steps that you can take to better prepare your home to age in place.

Your Home Checklist for Aging in Place

Start with small projects and anticipate future needs.