ShAARP Session: Observations from AARP

AP: Five Democrats discuss health care in IA

Five Democratic presidential candidates pledged during an AARP forum Thursday night to spend more on health care and bolster retirement programs crucial to politically potent seniors.

Washington Post: Veto Threat Angers Republicans

But members of both parties countered that it is the president who is putting children's health in jeopardy. They said most Americans, including many GOP governors and groups such as AARP, support the expansion of the program's enrollment to about 10 million children from 6.6 million now.

Wall Street Journal: Gloomy About Republicans, Gingrich Still Might Run

McCain plans to roll out "comprehensive approach" on Oct. 11, including changes in tax code, regulations and government programs. Though weeks away from presenting his version, Thompson is expected to propose tax breaks for small businesses and individuals to buy insurance.

Echoing Giuliani, Thompson would let consumers buy insurance across state lines in search of best deal. "Health care's never been prominent in a Republican primary like it is this year," says a Thompson aide, noting increased business interest.

Politico: Clinton: I'm not what you think

She went on: “There are some issues, like privatizing Social Security, that are not going to go anywhere when I am president. But looking for ways we can enhance retirement security, protect Social Security, that is absolutely open for debate and discussion.”

Hispanic blogs are abuzz here and here with the latest about older Hispanics- they need Social Security and without it, more than half would be barely be able to have a decent standard of living (ie. poverty level). With companies running away from pensions obligations faster than a speeding bullet and folks not planning or saving for retirement, it makes reforming Social Security for generations to come even more important. It also makes it even more important to help people save for their future. Something like an automatic IRA would help people. Even if you saved as little as 1 percent of your salary, it adds up.

Update 3:40 PM: Original research here.

Quad City Times: Democrats to focus on health care and financial security

Tonight’s Divided We Fail Democratic presidential forum at the Adler Theatre may be just one in a line of debates this campaign season.

But its focus on health care and financial security issues means it will zero in on a potent set of topics.

The Hill: Absence of Medicare provisions in SCHIP bill changes the stakes

The AARP and the American Medical Association (AMA) this week launched another round of their joint advertising campaign on SCHIP and Medicare. The ads caution Congress against putting off action the physician payment cut until the “11th hour.” The advertisements are scheduled to run during the SCHIP debate and through the end of the month.

Washington Post: Your 401(k) Giveaway

"With Americans more responsible than ever for making better choices to secure their financial futures, financial literacy and an understanding about those decisions is increasingly important," said David Certner, legislative counsel and policy director for AARP.

Wall Street Journal: Americans Want Leaders to Address Coverage for Uninsured, Poll Shows

A new poll shows providing health-insurance coverage for more Americans is a top priority for U.S. adults and a majority believe it is the government's duty to ensure all Americans have adequate coverage.

Today the CDC, AARP, and AMA have unleashed a big media blitz to encourage Americans to get their flu shots this fall. I don't need to tell you it's gonna hurt. The good news? You'll get a lollipop and you won't get the flu this winter.

Today, the oldest man in the world turns 112. It should be noted, the world’s oldest person is a woman. And she’s 114.

Mr. Tanabe’s longevity is attributed to not drinking or smoking, and this AP story notes, to guzzling milk.

Who knew?

Wall Street Journal: Retiring With a Mortgage? Here's What You Should Do

Even before the recent debt-driven housing boom and bust, the numbers were getting ugly. Among households headed by someone age 65 to 74, over 32% had a mortgage on their primary residence in 2004, up from less than 19% in 1992, according to the Federal Reserve.

Chicago Tribune: San Francisco launches universal health care

The plan, which began in pilot form in July and expanded citywide this week, is the first attempt by a U.S. city to tackle the health care crisis on its own, albeit with the assistance of state and federal funds.

Chicago Tribune: 'An incredibly bleak picture'

As developmentally disabled Baby Boomers live longer, their long-term care becomes a burden for their aging family members.

Marketwatch: Limit your risk of identity theft

Identity theft strikes nearly 10 million Americans each year, says a 2003 study by the Federal Trade Commission. While there's no way to guarantee that you won't become one of the victims, you can minimize your risk by following these six simple rules.

Update from CQ here, but lots of drama in Congress today on SCHIP, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program. Congress is close to a reauthorization deal, but it's just not enough when you consider that a whole lotta people who are 65 plus can't afford their drugs and may lose access to their own doctors next year. It’s especially lousy when you consider that if you're on Medicare, your premiums have doubled since 2000. Now I know health care costs are expensive, but it can’t be easy for people who have limited incomes.

Reaction from AARP: Joining with the American Medical Association to run a new round of joint advertisements in DC, asking Congress not to defer Medicare improvements until the last minute. Will post ‘em once I see ‘em.

And so are the days of our lives…

A study out today shows 70 percent of baby boomers bought music last year and account for one in three CDs purchased last year. Study was done by the NPD group for AARP and the National Association of Record Merchandisers.

Also, one and four boomers are buying online. With 76 million of them (boomers), it’s a good thing we don’t have to worry about Tony Bennett or Aretha Franklin being out of stock. Whew.

Stateline: States help seniors age at home

“Most people want to remain at home, but whether they have money or not, they simply don’t know where to turn for home-based long-term care,” said Susan Reinhard of AARP. “Ironically, people who can afford home services are the ones most often left in the dark.”

Christian Science Monitor: Automatic IRAs present risks, opportunities

About 75 million US workers have no access to employer-sponsored retirement plans, according to a recent study commissioned by AARP. The study predicts that 48 million of these workers could see increased retirement savings if the proposed legislation were to become law.

Washington Post: Clinton Presents Plan For Universal Coverage

Similar to proposals offered by her chief Democratic rivals, former senator John Edwards (N.C.) and Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.), Clinton's plan -- with an estimated $110 billion annual price tag -- would seek to build on the existing health-care system but would make it easier for adults without health insurance to buy it through tax credits.

USA Today: Clinton unveils details of her health care plan

Leavitt told the USA TODAY editorial board that Bush will veto a Democratic plan emerging from Congress that would add $35 billion in taxpayer subsidies to the Children's Health Insurance Program over five years. In doing so, Leavitt said, Bush will urge Congress to join him in seeking coverage for all Americans.

"He'd like to see the larger debate begin," Leavitt said. "The very best opportunity we have may well be in the next 15 months."

According to a report from the Today Show on Saturday, women are forgoing the dye jobs and going au natural. Even better, NBC is encouraging it. “Embrace your age. Own it. Be 50 and be proud to be your age.”

I say: We’ve come a long way, baby.

Click here for video and here for the opportunity to submit your pics.

Wall Street Journal: How Old Are You? As Old as Your Skills.

"There continue to be the same stereotypes about older workers, such as they're not willing to try new things and don't have the experience with technology," says Deborah Russell, director of work-force issues at AARP, the large Washington-based advocacy group for older adults.

BusinessWeek: The Politics of Health-Care Reform

With health-care costs rising and 47 million uninsured in the U.S., Presidential candidates talk about reforming the system. Few have detailed proposals.

Newsweek: Early Retirement: Start Planning Now

To retire early—by choice and with enough money to last for life—takes planning that stretches back into your 40s and 30s.

Washington Post: Brave New Boomers

Jurisdictions are also hiring retrofit specialists and contemplating programs to teach seniors how to modify their homes so they can continue to live in them -- the preference of 89 percent of seniors surveyed by the AARP last year. "They all tell us they want to stay in their homes as long as possible," said Elinor Ginzler, director of livable communities for AARP.