ShAARP Session: Observations from AARP

Nearly half of the women at the focus group today think that the candidates have not addressed health care or financial security adequately. Also, 54 percent of them do not have 401k or similar retirement savings. No wonder economic issues have been tops in the early primary states.

Here's some interesting poll numbers from an iVillage and AARP poll about women and politics:

* Over 20 percent of women believe the economic issues are the most important facing our country
* More than 80 percent of women agree that there are some goods things in our health care system, but fundamental changes are needed to make it work better
* Half of women are concerned about having enough money to live on later in life

Sounds like health and financial issues are weighing pretty heavily on women..

Right now, live from LA there's a webcast with a diverse focus group of hundreds of women interacting in real time on a discussion of issues with panelist including Ron Brownstein, Political Columnist, Los Angeles Times; Frank Luntz, Political Consultant and Pollster; Donna Addkinson, Political Consultant and Pollster; Paula Madison, Executive Vice President, Diversity, NBC Universal and Nancy LeaMond: AARP Group Executive Officer and Director of the Divided We Fail initiative.

McClatchy: Senate vote on stimulus delayed; battle looms

"These older Americans spend 92 percent of their income — a greater proportionate share of income than all other adults. This spending pattern strongly suggests that rebates for these individuals will be spent entirely and quickly, helping to provide an immediate boost to the economy," Bill Novelli, the AARP's chief executive officer, wrote in a letter Thursday to all senators.

CNN: Caring for Mom and Dad from afar

So what do you do when you live a continent away from your aging, ailing parents? As the AARP aptly puts it, there are no magic answers.

Queens Gazette: Senior-Friendly Home Makeovers

AARP Home Design section (www.aarp.org/families/homedesign). This Web page provides information and resources on universal design and remodeling solutions, including a checklist that helps you evaluate each room for safety and long-term livability.

Associated Press: Leavitt seeks expanded use of electronic health records

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt proposed a $150 million incentives plan Thursday to expand physicians' use of electronic medical records.

Many positioned tonight's debate as a showdown, but it was more of a discussion then a debate between Senators Clinton and Obama. There was an in-depth discussion of health care tonight and both candidates brought up a vital piece of any health care reform - reigning in skyrocketing costs. Both candidates agreed this is an important issue and both discussed a range of options to try and manage it. Sadly, it took the end of the debate cycle for the candidates to start discussing some of the specifics in the health care discussion. Things like electronic medical records and preventive measures were discussed tonight and are critical to bringing down the cost of health care for everybody.

Financial issues were mentioned, but lacked the details that voters want to hear about. Right now, economic issues are a huge motivator for people at the ballot box. We know that people are concerned not just about the shaky housing market (since homes are such a critical piece of retirement savings), but also how they can afford to retire. It was a lost opportunity for these candidates to overlook these issues tonight.

While tonight's debate was less contentious than last night's, the questions were more focused on personality than substance. Instead of falling into the trap, the candidates chose a route of talking about the issues instead of swiping barbs. This is a good thing and we can only hope this mature tone is part of things to come.

A report from AARP Colorado’s Morie Smile, where they are gearing up for Tsunami Tuesday:

AARP Colorado has been getting into the community to talk abut Divided We Fail and do some candidate bird dogging. We sponsored the National Western Stock Show and over 16 days signed up 3,315 new Divided We Fail voters and spoke to scores more. We weren’t alone: our partners from the National Federation of Independent Business also showed up at our booth to meet and greet attendees for a while. Yee haw!

Also this week, we braved the early morning, single digit temperatures and the crowds to bird-dog Senator Obama at a rally at the University of Denver. We were able to break into two groups with ten of us making our way to the VIP area four rows back from the front of the podium and the rest sitting, taking up an entire aisle, all in red shirts, of course! We were in lots of photos, and managed to get ourselves into a TV shot. Not bad considering there were 13,000 people there.

Washington Post: Showdown Nears on Stimulus Bill

After the Finance Committee vote, AARP launched a lobbying push to win passage of the Senate version. Advocates of the Senate bill said House-Senate talks should take a few days.

Wall Street Journal: Senate Stimulus Plan Heads for Floor Showdown

Of all the differences between the plans, Senate Democrats appear most attached to the rebates for older people, and they could have leverage in talks with the House, amid a grass-roots campaign by AARP, the advocacy group for older people. Yesterday, an AARP email to its members helped generate 75,000 emails and 1,500 calls to senators' offices. The group promised to keep up the pressure.

Associated Press: Former Social Security Official Dies

John Rother, AARP's public policy director, called Ball a tireless defender of Social Security and Medicare. "His dedication has inspired a whole generation of younger advocates and leaders in the field, and his writings will continue to influence the debate for broader health and pension coverage for years to come," Rother said.

Money: Boomers: How to age gracefully

Maybe it's time to stop supporting your healthy adult children. Or downsize your home and move to a less expensive area. Or - egad! - cut some of your leisure spending. The best way to put more cash in your coffers: Retire later than you planned. "Every extra year you work is a 'twofer,'" says David Certner, legislative policy director at AARP. "It's a year that you make money and don't spend savings."

I am grateful that we are coming to the end of the primary debate season. Why? Tonight's debate was certainly a little more heated than last week's snoozer in Florida, but it unfortunately focused little on substance and more on the intra-party warfare that has just become tedious.

There was some talk about the economy, an issue that is overwhelmingly important for everyone. But instead of talking about how to bring relief, the discussion was brought back to finger pointing and he said/he said rhetoric. People want to hear about solutions, not accusations. There was no real mention of how the candidates are going to tackle skyrocketing health care costs or how they will be able to prepare for their future financially.

There is just one week left before a huge number of voters will flock to the polls. Let's hope there will be a more substantive discussion on the issues that people care about and impact their lives.

Yes, this is a soapbox. I wrote about it yesterday and the day before and the day before that too – the economic stimulus package. Today, the Senate Finance Committee agreed that Americans need help, including the approximately 20 million Americans who live primarily on Social Security and those who are unemployed and facing a tougher time getting back on the job.

What went down today in the Senate was bipartisan, thankfully, which hopefully will increase the chances of success in the full Senate. And AARP will be watching and reporting to its members how every Senator votes tomorrow. That’s more than 39 million members, in case you didn’t know. And you sent over 75,000 emails, faxes and phone calls to the Senate today, so thanks!

Breaking through the gridlock in the House yesterday was also progress. Hopefully the sentiment will extend to see the stimulus proposal all the way through so Americans can get relief and get it now.

Last night, Floridians went to the ballot box to select their candidates in the primary. Over 60 percent of those who showed up in Florida yesterday were 50 and over, according to CNN’s exit polling.

In the Democratic race, health and financial security mattered. In the CNN exit poll of Democratic voters, 55 percent overall cited the economy as the top issue. Just as interesting: those who supported Senator Clinton, 55 percent cited health care as the top issue.

Financial concerns were important in the Republican race as well. Florida attorney Justin Sayfie, author of the online Florida political bible Sayfie Review said in a recent interview in National Review online, “Economic issues are at the forefront in Florida, as the cost of living in the state has become unaffordable for many, and we have seen our population growth go flat in the past year. Property taxes and high property insurance rates are top of mind for Florida voters.” He wasn’t wrong. In the same CNN exit poll, 45 percent of Republicans cited the economy as the top issue.

Politico: Medicare revamp revived

Still at the crux of the debate are efforts by the American Medical Association and AARP to raise Medicare reimbursement rates for doctors by supporting cuts to private Medicare Advantage plans.

Wall Street Journal: Employers Explore Health-Care Options

Other small and medium-size employers are also providing stipends to workers who buy their own coverage through similar defined contribution programs.

Associated Press: House approves economic recovery plan

The House, seizing a rare moment of bipartisanship to respond to the economy's slump, overwhelmingly passed a $146 billion aid package Tuesday that would speed rebates of $600-$1,200 to most taxpayers.

Wall Street Journal: Lawmakers Offer Plans For Homeowner Refinancing

Lawmakers, looking for ways to aid homeowners in need of refinancing, are considering raising the caps on how much money states can borrow to finance housing projects, and easing other restrictions.

Yes, we are Florida obsessed today, but so is the rest of the blogosphere. Check out this posting on Huffington Post about yesterday’s rally in Hollywood. Good stuff.

I mentioned it last night briefly when talking about the State of the Union, but it looks like chapter one of the tale of the economic stimulus package could unfold later today with an anticipated vote in the House.

In the current environment, with so many people concerned about their finances and the economy, we need relief that is quick and helps those who need it the most. And the Senate plan super sizes what the House has put on the table. It would help approximately 20 million Americans who primarily depend on Social Security for retirement income AND also enhance unemployment insurance, which is critical for 50+ workers who have a more difficult time finding new employment after a job loss.

Word today is that both Democrats and Republicans are getting behind the Senate bill, which is good news. Maybe they can break through the partisan gridlock and actually pass something.

If you thought last night's presidential address was severely lacking on the issues that matter most to Americans, you're right. In fact, an analysis by the National Journal’s Congress Daily showed that the president spent just 10 percent of his 53 minutes on the economy and even less on health care. Meanwhile, our economy is stumbling, more than 47 million Americans don't have health insurance, and millions more are underinsured.

AARP's Florida State Director Lori Parham brings us this report from the Sunshine State:

We had more than 200 folks come out on Monday to a Divided We Fail rally in Hollywood, with interest from both Democratic and Republican state legislators who agree with the bi-partisan message of our efforts. Also surrogates for Romney, Huckabee, Giuliani, McCain were there. Craig Romney's son, loved Champ and even danced with him.

Staff and volunteers were in Pensacola to greet Huckabee today, share the side by side and ensure a presence in the often overlooked north. Folks covered McCain in Tampa, were on stage with Romney in Ft. Myers, and followed both of these candidates to Orlando as well. We’re everywhere!

It continues on Tuesday, with folks in Tampa at the Romney site and in Miami at the McCain event. We'll have students and volunteers in front of the capitol in Tallahassee waving signs and have asked more than 700 people since last Wed to go to the polls in their DWF shirts. Today, Florida will be a sea of red shirts.

Marketwatch: Senate stimulus bill would include seniors, jobless

The AARP applauded the inclusion of 20 million senior citizens who live on Social Security.

"In addition to tax rebates, the Baucus stimulus proposal would help approximately 20 million older Americans who primarily depend on Social Security for retirement income," said Bill Novelli, CEO for the group, which represents retired Americans.

Wall Street Journal: Baucus Stimulus Plan May Spur Conflict

The AARP, an advocacy group for retired people, has pushed for the elderly to be included. But "it's going to be hard to get people to take advantage of it," said David Certner of AARP, if they don't normally file tax returns.

Bloomberg: Half of U.S. States Facing Budget Gaps, Report Finds

Following the U.S. recession in 2001, 34 states reduced funding for health care and education programs, according to the center's report. More than 1 million people lost their health- care coverage because of those cuts, according to the report.

Even though there's been a huge focus on the next occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, tonight the current occupant had some thoughts about the state of things. The focus naturally, as on the campaign trail, was on domestic issues and in particular the economy.

While the calls tonight from the President about ending partisan gridlock are encouraging, action would be nice. It's a good thing that Washington jumped in with the stimulus package and what the Senate Finance Committee is offering up is worth another look. No matter what, quick relief is needed for the economic crisis that many Americans are facing right now and it sounds like the Administration recognizes that.

Today everyone's playing nice. Hopefully tomorrow they still will. It's the only way they can begin developing solutions to our most important domestic problems - ensuring access to affordable health care and lifetime financial security.

This morning Good Morning America highlighted the winners of AARP The Magazine’s 2008 Faces of 50+ Real People Model Search, showing men and women who show that beauty and style don’t expire as you age. Check out the beautiful winners here or in your mailbox in the March/April issue of AARP The Magazine.

How did they get chosen? After combing through over 14,000 applicants from online submissions and entries gathered at the 2nd annual AARP The Magazine Road Show, AARP The Magazine selected eight “faces” and left it up to America to choose the final two “Reader’s Choice” winners. Contestants entered the model search by having their pictures taken at the AARP The Magazine Road Show stops or by submitting their photos. The magazine’s editors then hand-selected eight of the winning models in age groups 50-59, 60-69, and 70+, in addition to 16 Reader’s Choice finalists, which were selected after over 10,000 votes were cast online.

Winners include Thadette Nelson(left), and Carol Defore (right).

We're trying to keep up with these milestones... today the Lego brick celebrates its 50th anniversary . It's hard to believe such a simple toy has endured over the years, especially with all the new things kids have to choose from. I wonder if kids will still be building houses and cars and whatever they can dream up 50 years from now.

Sunday was a whirlwind day, with events following both a Democrat and a Republican.

The day started at a rally for former Governor Mitt Romney at the Jorge Mas Canosa Center in western Miami. The center is a small community center attached to a park in the middle of a residential area a stone's throw from Calle Ocho, the main street of Miami's Cuban community.

We've noticed in South Florida that frequently we get comments about the red shirts - red is affiliated with Chavez and Castro, which is not a good affiliation in Miami. But here, the crowd seems to be very friendly to us, and several people ask for side-by-sides. One man asks "who is the most bipartisan candidate?" Now we're getting somewhere!

The school we passed in the neighborhood has a motto painted on the side of the building facing the turnpike: Bilingual, Biliterate, Bicultural. Speaking of multicultural, son Craig Romney speaks to the crowd in Spanish, then Romney, clad in a guyabera shirt, chatted with the crowd.

Later in the day, it was a different scene outside the Lucky Strike on Miami Beach, where Senator Hillary Clinton was scheduled to appear at a fundraiser. AARP staff and 30 plus volunteers from around the state clad in red shirts and stood with Champ and Divided We Fail signs. While we waited in 58 degrees (that is cold for Florida), State Director Lori Parham kept us from freezing by leading the rowdy group in a cheer - "What do we want?" "Health care and lifetime financial security!"

South Florida is a wacky place and this came through, particularly on Miami Beach. Among those in the melee waiting for Senator Clinton included a man who was singing and stripping down to a bathing suit. We considered drawing straws to talk to him about Divided We Fail, but focused instead on the passers by and reporters. We even got a few converts.

Associated Press: Senate Democrats ponders adding retirees to rebate plan, extending jobless benefits

But it would leave out about 20 million senior citizens living chiefly on Social Security. They wouldn't get rebate checks unless they have at least $3,000 earned income or pay income taxes based on other sources such as earnings, interest, investments or private pension plans.

"Less than half of all Americans 65 and older would get it," said AARP spokesman Jim Dau.

Chicago Tribune: Seniors tapping homes for cash

Bronwyn Belling, project manager of the AARP Foundation's Reverse Mortgage Education Project, worries that people are tapping the equity in their homes before they really need to.

"The money they borrow now, that money won't be available later," Belling said.

Associated Press: AARP Hands Out 'Movies For Grownups' Awards

So said AARP magazine, which announced "The Savages" will be receiving its top award at its seventh annual Movies for Grownups Awards on Feb. 4 at the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles.

Washington Post: No Country for Old People?

It's a tough time for seniors these days, and getting tougher as the economy slumps. How can we enrich Americans' later years?

While we are in Florida, there's been some big happenings in South Carolina on the Democratic primary front. One of the more interesting things from last night's exit polls is this nugget reported by the Associated Press:

"Given three choices, half the voters said the economy was the most important issue facing the country — up from 38 percent in the only other competitive Democratic primary to date, in New Hampshire on Jan. 8. About a quarter picked health care, comparable to New Hampshire. Only about one in five picked Iraq, down from 27 percent in New Hampshire."

There was chatter on the blogs about this last night, but this is not revolutionary. What we know from AARP members, AARP surveys and even just informally talking to people across the country that health and financial security are the top issues they are concerned about day in and day out and it's time for politicians to start addressing them.

Yes, it is warm here and in no small part to the energy and enthusiasm of AARP volunteers and staff across the state. Here's an update from AARP's Jeff Johnson:

"On Saturday, we saw volunteers walking through orange groves and eating pork at 10 am with former Governor Mike Huckabee, handing out side by sides and bird-dogging former Mayor Rudy Giuliani at trendy St. Armand's circle in Sarasota, attending rallies and town halls for Senator John McCain in Fort Myers and Lakeland and former Governor Mitt Romney in Lutz, and prepping for Monday's rally. We are also rallying our volunteers who live too far from the Monday's rally in Hollywood to alert them to the what each candidate is doing around the state. Essentially, we could accomplish a lot by painting Champ logos on the runway of every small plane airport in the state. I'm guessing the FAA has rules about that stuff, though."

We're headed to Miami today to remind Senator Hillary Clinton and former Governor Mitt Romney about the importance of health and financial security issues. While the Democratic candidates are not officially campaigning in Florida, we have heard a rumor that Senator Clinton will be here today. We'll let you know.