ShAARP Session

News To Know: Dealing With Your Gas Problem

2008-10-10T14:34:50Z

One small bright spot coming out of the doom and gloom of economic news this week: gas prices are way down. Despite this good news, demand is still remaining uncharacteristically low here. Why? Well for starters with the national average still above $3.40 a gallon, gas isn't exactly cheap. Americans seems to be sticking with their newly learned frugal habits and the lack of demand will likely drive prices even lower. This is a good thing, especially considering how the cost of everything else seems to have gone up even as we have less money to spend. If you're looking for ways to save on gas, try these tips, or if you're really feeling desperate to save on your commute, there's always this:

Keeping Away Serious Sniffles

2008-10-10T13:41:42Z

I've been sick the last few days (forgive me for the lack of posting) so when I saw our recent article on Flu shots in Bulletin Today, of course it struck a chord with me.

Who should get a flu shot? While I think anyone working in an office of more than two people should get one, technically, this is the flu shot profile:

People age 50 and older
Nursing home residents
Health care workers
People with chronic diseases that weaken their immune systems
People who are in contact with those at high risk for flu
Children and teens, from six months to 18 years old
Pregnant women

If you're like me, you don't have time for a doctor's appointment so you can check out senior centers, pharmacies and public clinics in your community for free or low-cost shots.

Happy vaccinating!

Bad News In The Numbers

2008-10-08T21:02:28Z

Nashville Debate Watch Party Highlights

2008-10-08T17:30:53Z

More than 700 people turned out for a diverse, intergenerational Debate Watch Party at Nashville's Centennial Park on Tuesday night. The crowds turned out despite a rainstorm that force planners to move the event from outdoors to an enclosed pavilion at the park. Photos of the party are posted on the AARP Tennessee website. Here are some highlights.

Debate Watch Team in Nashville with Champ

Mayor Karl Dean Signs DWF Pledge

]]> Debate Watch BBQ

NewsHound and Champ at Nashville Debate Watch Party

News To Know: Domo Arigato Mister Roboto

2008-10-08T13:38:50Z

Technological advances seem to have no limit these days and this particular device is all about removing limitation. A Japanese company has created a robotic suit with the potential to give the ability to walk and carry things to those who currently can't. The suit reads impulses sent from the brain to operate its mechanical limbs. This machine holds the promise for increased mobility and strength for a host of people from those who have suffered injury to older people who have lost dexterity and strength. The suits are ready to be mass produced in Japan and will be available for monthly rental in Japan and elsewhere. The company has yet to decide on plans to sell the suit in America, but if they do, you can have your very own robotic exoskeleton for the low, low price of just under $60,000.

Have a look:

Pretty impressive, but call me when it can do this:

Who Won The Presidential Debate Tonight?

2008-10-08T01:34:01Z

Tell us who won and why!

Stock Losses Suck Out of Retirement Savings

2008-10-02T21:25:54Z

The Associated Press has a piece about how stock losses are taking a heavy toll on retirement savings:

So close and yet so far. It's a frustration being felt by Americans who thought the finish line to their working life was almost in sight.
The financial crisis that toppled major Wall Street banks and snarled credit markets around the world has also taken a toll on nest eggs, forcing people to rethink when -- and even if -- their savings will allow them to retire.

More than half of people surveyed in an Associated Press-GfK poll released Wednesday said they worry that they will have to work longer because the value of their retirement savings has declined. (Emphasis mine)

Of course this poll doesn't come as much of a surprise. The crazy thing to me is that older Americans had already begun to have second thoughts on retiring before this financial meltdown. If we were in a crisis before, what is a more adequate term for what we're in now?

Dear Gwen Ifill...

2008-10-02T17:44:18Z

Dear Gwen Ifill,

Millions of retired Americans and Americans on the verge of retirement are more worried than ever about their retirement savings. Just look at the overwhelming response we received to our post earlier in the week asking for personal stories about how congress' inaction affects their lives. You are moderating tonight's Vice Presidential debate, and millions of AARP members will be tuning in.

AARP members--indeed all Americans--have high hopes that at tonight's debate, Governor Palin and Senator Biden address these fears directly. So please, Ms. Ifill, do not let either Vice Presidential candidate off the hook tonight. Press them to answer what specifically a McCain or Obama administration would to address the anxieties of retired and retiring Americans. Millions will be watching.

Sincerely,

ShaarpSession