ShAARP Session: Observations from AARP

Are you getting all the medical screenings that are recommended for you? An article from U.S. News and World Report posted yesterday discusses a report (prepared by the CDC, AARP and AMA) that says only 25 percent of adults age 50-64 are getting recommended preventative health screenings - such as those for cancer and cholesterol levels. Since middle aged adults are the most likely to develop chronic diseases, these preventative measures are all the more important. Check out the article - it also talks about model programs and strategies that can help to ensure adults are getting the right screenings at the right time.

Here is a story from the New York Times "Generation B" feature - it says that a recent study shows that when it comes to job searching in this tough economy, "baby boomers have persevered in these hard times, and are less likely to grow discouraged and quit the job hunt than younger workers are." And they say the young kids have all the energy...

One final story to leave you with before the weekend is a bit of good news. The AP reports that if you've left your retirement account alone for the past year and have a good mix of stocks and bonds...you're in pretty good shape! Fidelity Investments reported yesterday that the average account balance is up 13% by the end of the third quarter from the end of the prior quarter. It's just like they say...investing is a long term venture, so "tinkering" because of short-term fluctuations in the market is not wise.

Have a good weekend!

There is an interesting posting on the Los Angeles Times' "Booster Shots" blog that talks about older patients and sleep problems - and how those sleep problems aren't just something people have to deal with as they age. The article does say that aging does bring about changes in sleep patterns, but those changes often are related to chronic diseases - like diabetes and high blood pressure - that also happen to be more common as we age. Once those ailments are treated, so too are the sleep issues.

However, the plot thickens - some medications used to treat those same conditions can also interrupt sleep patterns. Doctors sometimes don't mention those possible side effects, leading patients to not mention their sleep troubles. So, don't think your trouble sleeping isn't worth mentioning to the doc. They might be able to help you out!

One more article to check out: this one from BusinessWeek. Remember how companies were preparing for the wave of baby boomers who were entering retirement? Now, companies are looking for ways to handle the "unretirement" of those baby boomers. Check out the article to see what businesses are saying are the challenges and advantages of this aging American workforce.

I found this article from the New York Times today particularly interesting. It's about doctors asking the right questions of their patients, and taking the time to understand a patient's history - rather than just "checking the right boxes." The author tells a seemingly negligible story of a patient calling about a headache - but by asking the right questions, the doctor on the line saved the life of that patient, who was suffering from a rare postpartum condition.

The article discusses how doctors these days pay more attention to their charts than to their actual patients. What do you think? Have you had any experiences with hospitals or doctors like the ones in the article?

AARP made blog news on ConsumerReports.org - check out the posting to see how you can volunteer for AARP's Tax-Aide program. By doing so, you can learn a lot about preparing your own taxes and help out your fellow citizens! Application deadline is December 11th.

There is plenty of useful information for you in the Wall Street Journal's online "Ask Encore" page from this weekend. First, AARP provides the answer to a reader's question on reverse mortgages: why aren't the interest charges and fees on reverse mortgages tax deductible? According to the answer from AARP, it's because with a reverse mortgage, the "actual payment" doesn't happen until the borrower sells their home or dies - so the borrower cannot claim a tax deduction until that point. Check out the page - the WSJ also tackles questions this week on Roth IRAs and inheritances.

From CNNMoney.com today, there is an article bringing a "little-noticed" proposal to light - one that would set aside $8 million for states to help protect seniors who are buying complex investment products. States would get money to investigate and prosecute fraud against seniors and would target annuities, which are "contracts in which customers pay a lump sum upfront in exchange for monthly income over time." Read the article on CNNMoney for all the lowdown.

Finally - one more story from the WSJ. This one focuses on the "Medicare maze" and directs you to tools that can help you figure out what coverage is best for you. Some of the tools cost money while others are free, and the article points you to AARP's Doughnut Hole Calculator to figure out if a drug plan will leave you in the "doughnut hole" gap in coverage.

Have you started your holiday shopping? I have - only because my budgeting technique this year is to spread out my gift buying! There's an interesting article on AdWeek's Web site this morning called "Don't Count on Grandma this Xmas" that cites an AARP Bulletin poll on spending this holiday season.

The survey conducted among AARP members showed that 34% of those 50 and up expect to spend less on the holidays than they did last year - and only 5% expect to spend more this year. Forty-nine of those respondents said that they would eliminate spending by "buying fewer gifts." What are you doing this holiday season to save money?

Another story worth checking out is this one from the Los Angeles Times today that discusses a topic we brought up yesterday - paid sick time. The article tells a familiar story about Americans who feel they are being forced to work sick - because if they didn't, they would lose pay and even face disciplinary action. The article says that because of the recession, a whopping 84% of workers felt pressured to come to work even if they were sick. Congress is planning to consider legislation next week that would guarantee workers paid sick days.

A release from the Employee Benefits Research Institute today reports that paid sick leave was available to approximately two-thirds of Americans in March 2009. Specifically, 77 percent of full-time workers had access to paid sick leave, compared with 28 percent of part-time workers, and 90 percent of state and local government employees had access to paid sick leave.

According to the Department of Labor's Web site, "Generally, federal labor laws do not require employers to provide sick leave or pay sick time off." Have you always had paid sick leave? After reading these statistics, I might have been taking my paid time off for granted. Where do you fall?

And of course, some health care news from AARP...
Today, the Washington Post's "Voices of Power" series features an interview with AARP's Director of Policy, John Rother on health care reform. Check out the story for a video of Rother's remarks. He says that one of the "main challenges" today is making sure people are aware of what is really in the House bill that AARP endorsed last week. He also addresses "scare tactics" that have been used against seniors regarding health care reform. View the video for all of what Rother has to say as a "Voice of Power."

Finally,
Just an interesting note on a USA Today blog today: It reports on a study that shows that by 2030, more than one in four Florida residents will be over the age of 65, up from 17% today. What will that mean for the state? Well, the study (commissioned by the state legislature) says it will lead to a worker shortage and a strain on public pensions and state services.

Yesterday, AARP's Director of Financial Security, Jean Stetzfand, was featured in a segment NPR's "Tell Me More" program. Stetzfand is discussing the issue of older workers and unemployment - a topic that is gaining more and more exposure in the media recently, and obviously one that is important to AARP and its members. Read the transcript or listen to the segment here.

Stetzfand discusses the fact that workers over age 55 spend more time looking for work, possibly because employers see older workers' skills are "out of date," forcing job seekers to "reinvent themselves," which can prove to be a daunting challenge. So - "Why not just retire?" the host asks. Stetzfand explains that many Americans just aren't financially prepared for retirement. Give the story a listen to see what she has to say about how retiring at different ages affects your income.

In other financial security news today, on the ABC News website, David McPherson writes a column about Roth IRAs - what he calls "one of the best defenses against potential future increases in federal and state income taxes." Are Roth IRAs right for you? Individuals can convert current retirement savings into Roth IRAs, or can start an account and make yearly contributions. See what McPherson has to say for the nitty gritty that might help you determine what's best for the future of your retirement savings.

In an AdWeek article posted yesterday, the author takes a look at Americans' financial unpreparedness for retirement, especially in these tough economic times. The story reports on a study from the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College called "The National Retirement Risk Index: After the Crash."

Other studies are showing that younger generations are taking notice - and therefore taking steps to make sure they are doing a better job of saving in pre-retirement years. A report from AARP is mentioned - one that shows that 49 percent of 45-64-year-olds are not confident that they "will have enough money to take care of your medical and living expenses in retirement." Do you fall into that category? What steps are you taking to make sure you do have enough money throughout retirement?

AARP's David Certner is also quoted in the AdWeek article. He talks about how Americans are working past retirement age - but are facing obstacles along the way, like age discrimination. He also points out that this recession could change people's saving behavior for good, especially if the economy continues to be "muddled" for a number of years.

Pedestrian Safety
Another study making waves today is one from Transportation for America, a national transportation coalition, that lists the safest and most dangerous cities for pedestrians. AARP's Elinor Ginzler is mentioned in several articles - because pedestrians age 65 and older are particularly vulnerable to accidents. Check out a few of the stories about the study: Washington Post; AFP; Christian Science Monitor; and Miami Herald.

Have you heard of this innovative device from Intel called Health Guide? Read about it in this article from BusinessWeek. It's a device that was being piloted this year to help in the mission to allow seniors to age in place - where they are most comfortable. The Health Guide is like a remote doctor's office that a patient can handle by themselves. It even includes a video phone for patients to chat with their nurse or doctor when anything seems amiss. Check out the article - could be the future of caregiving!

We also told you about the Wall Street Journal's series "Laid off and Looking" previously; and today's guest blogger on the series is talking about looking for work in your 50s. The blogger talks about how so much experience in your pocket can actually work against you in your job search. Have you been searching fruitlessly for employment and found that age is affecting you? Share your "looking for work" stories here and on WSJ's blog.

Have a great weekend.

Here is a story from the Wall Street Journal today that discusses the inclusion of a long-term care benefit in the House bill. It's a program that would pay cash to people who become disabled by way of premiums deducted from employee's paychecks - but of course, employees would have the option to opt out of the program. The provision is meant to help with the problem that not many people have long-term care insurance if they need home care or to be in a nursing home. Medicare does not include long-term care benefits.
AARP's John Rother is quoted in the article - he says the long-term care benefit would be "enough to pay for the kind of care most people need."

More Technology News...
We mentioned the article from the New York Times last week about seniors and technology, and on the Times' "Gadgetwise" blog, there was a follow up piece posted yesterday that caught even more technology options that seniors might find useful - including AARP's official cellular service provider, Consumer Cellular, which offers phones designed specifically for older folks - with features like bigger buttons and simpler displays.

Travel Much?
Ever wonder if travel insurance is something in which you should invest? Check out this story from the Chicago Tribune. It gives "seniors on the go" the low-down on the kinds of insurances that are available to them, and what is necessary for different types of trips. One big fact to note: Medicare doesn't cover you outside of the U.S.! Just something to keep in mind. Check out the article for more tips!

Check out this editorial in Politico from Nancy LeaMond, Executive Vice President at AARP. She talks about the "sobering" realities that senior citizens face when it comes to health care, and where AARP stands on the issues at hand with health care reform. She discusses the need to close that "doughnut hole" in Medicare prescription drug coverage, and that discrimination by insurance companies must end. LeaMond says:

"AARP has been fighting for years to abolish age rating for the same reasons that we want to end private insurance discrimination based on a person's gender or medical history: because fairness is a fundamental American value, and arbitrary discrimination in any form runs counter to who we are. This year we have an opportunity to make great progress toward ending discrimination and ensuring that those who need affordable, high-quality health care can find it."

In other News of Note...
Here is an article worth checking out from the Wall Street Journal. It talks about an interesting dilemma: how caring for your aging parents can cause problems in your career - especially when it comes to relocation for that career. The story highlights the stories of three executives who had to do just that - and how each of them tackled the problem and found a solution in different ways.

An article on Newsweek's Web site called "Fired is the New Retired" - which will appear in the November 9th issue - gives us the lowdown on the very bleak unemployment statistics for Americans over age 65...and the even bleaker issue of age discrimination in the U.S. As we know, the Supreme Court ruled in the Jack Gross case that the burden falls upon the employee to prove that age is the reason for discrimination.

Dan Kohrman, senior attorney with AARP, is featured in the article, saying that the fact that statistics show a 29 percent jump in age-discrimination complaints from 2007 to 2008 sure make it clear that "something bad is going on."

The article poignantly points out, however, that the issue of age discrimination isn't just a matter of law; it's a matter of "changing ourselves" when it comes to the stereotypes many people hold against older workers.

Also...
The story continues on nursing home reform in the Chicago Tribune. Today's news focuses on advocates for the mentally ill who are housed in nursing homes alongside the elderly. They argue that those psychiatric patients could be more effectively - and cheaply - treated in a community setting, where they would build life skills. Advocates say that reform will be beneficial to all parties involved - the seniors and disabled in nursing homes, the mentally ill who would be relocated, and their caregivers.

The New York Times has a great piece on its Web site all about seniors and technology. The article was particularly fun for me to read because I still remember when my grandmother - who turns 74 next month! - had a PC before my family even had one, and who has recently mastered the art of text messaging from her cell phone, even if it's the one with "big buttons."

The article covers everything from centenarians using Twitter to video-chatting and the "simple" PC. It is great to learn that folks are taking advantage of all this newfangled technology has to offer, especially as the older we get the more difficult it is to travel and visit loved ones. With iChat, Skype and all the other programs out there, older Americans can see their grandchildren whenever they want from the comfort of their own home. How are you using technology and social networking to keep in touch? And if you aren't - why not!

Another helpful story...
on the New York Times site is one called "Strategies to Help Grandchildren Now, Not Later." With the tough economic climate, more and more grandparents are focusing on helping their adult children and grandchildren financially now, rather than worrying about the size of their inheritance. The article points out, though, that "tax traps await the unwary" and there are several tips for how to avoid those gift taxes while still helping younger generations get by. Check it out.

The Los Angeles Times is reporting today on the Schwarzenegger administration's rush to begin background checks for home health workers for the elderly and disabled - the plan is for those checks to begin next week. But, as the Times reports, social service chiefs from around the state are not ready to begin the time-consuming application process. This delay could mean that some patients go without care.

On another note...
CNNMoney.com has a valuable piece today answering the question of "When is a good time to invest in my 401(k)?" That answer: a resounding NOW! Walter Updegrave, Money Magazine senior editor, says in the story that "regardless of what's going on in the economy and the financial markets at any given moment," we should always, always be contributing to our 401(k). He points out that we cannot predict when the economy will be up, when it will be down, or anything else about it for that matter - so it makes sense that the only way to build up a large enough nest egg is to regularly be investing in this varying economy. And hey - could it be easier to invest in a 401(k)? Convenient payroll deductions mean there's no excuse to be contributing throughout your career.

Following up on yesterday's news...
The Chicago Tribune is reporting again on the compromised care in Illinois nursing homes. The new development is that half of Illinois' best nursing homes have now been cited for improper use of psychotropic drugs since 2001. Check out the story for the alarming details.

There's a very disturbing story in the Chicago Tribune today about patients in nursing homes across Illinois who have received, wrongly, "powerful psychotropic drugs" without any condition that would give cause for a need for such drugs.

Since 2001, the Tribune has found 1,200 violations (affecting 2,900 patients) at nursing homes across the state, and this isn't the first offense of Illinois nursing homes that's getting news coverage. Recently, the Tribune also reported that mentally ill felons were living alongside the elderly and disabled.

The other side of the story is that health care workers are saying that administering these psychotropic drugs for things such as "restlessness" or "confusion" makes patients "easier to care for" and even makes life happier for those patients with dementia. However, according to the Tribune article, the drugs we're talking about here can have dangerous side effects - including extreme lethargy, seizures and even sudden death. Disturbing stuff for those who put their loved ones in the care of nursing homes.

Some AARP News of Note...USA Today has a piece today on AARP's newly launched Web site, LifeTuner.org. The site was created to offer financial advice to people in their 20s and 30s - a much younger audience than the typical AARP crowd. Check out the article - and the site!

The recurring theme of older works and unemployment was in the news again this weekend. This one from the New York Times says that there are more Americans 65 and over working than any time in history: 6.6 million. And in addition to those 6.6 million in the workforce, another 500,000 seniors want to work but cannot find work. The article really delves deep into the dire situation.

"That so many of them are still trying to find work shows how bad the economic situation is. A lot of people normally give up at that age," says AARP's legislative policy director, David Certner, in the article.

The article also gives statistics from AARP's Public Policy Institute - such as the fact that unemployed older workers, on average, take 40 percent longer than the general unemployed to find work -- 36.5 weeks on average.

In addition, the issue of age discrimination is discussed, a topic that AARP has been talking about a lot lately, backing the proposed legislation, Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act.

It's a very informative article that hits home on a lot of key points on unemployment and older workers - check it out.

Posted today in USA Today's Opinion section was an op-ed by AARP's John Rother on insurance companies engaging in age discrimination by charging higher premiums to seniors than they charge younger consumers.

In his article, John says:

"This discriminatory practice is a key reason why 13% of older Americans (or 7.1 million) were uninsured in 2007, a figure that is growing rapidly.

Many other older Americans are so burdened by the high cost of their premiums that they avoid health care treatments that would require them to spend more out of their own pockets."

You can check out his view and the "opposing view" and decide what you think!

One more interesting (but definitely complicated) article to leave you with before the weekend is this one from MSNBC - it gets into all the technical, dirty details of how you can still go about retiring early.

Have a great weekend.

A short but noteworthy article is on WSJ.com today - and it is a nice bit of news for those of us, young and old, still socking away money each paycheck in our 401(k)s. It says that "about half" the companies that suspended their matching benefit are "quietly" planning to match a portion of their employees 401(k) contributions. Check out the story for all the details.

Another story worth checking out today is in Newsweek - it's called "Un-Retiring." The story says that with "bigger than expected bills and smaller than expected nest eggs," workers between 55 and 70 expect to keep working until they are 70, and those already over 66 say they expect to work until they are 76. Check out the story for some resources on the best way to re-enter the job market if you're an older worker. Of course, the story points out AARP's list of 50 Best Employers for Workers Over 50. Check that out too!

All this older worker talk reminds me of an interesting post on WalletPop.com from yesterday...It says that more than half of the babies born in industrialized countries after the year 2000 will live to be 100. Great news, right? But it took this story to make me really think about the financial consequences of a longer lifespan. Check it out for yourself to see how the game changes when you life to be 100. AARP's John Rother is featured!

There is an interesting story on WSJ.com today called "Getting Paid to Take Care of Mom and Dad." It talks all about an alternative to the feuds that can arise when it comes to unequal inheritances - that is, leaving more to children who have taken on significant caregiving duties. Sounds kind of ugly, right?

How about this: entering into a formal "caregiving contract" with your child is a way to "reward" family members who take on the responsibility of caregiving. The article cites a study from AARP and the National Alliance of Caregiving that says that on average, caregivers provide more than 20 hours of care a week; and the average length of time spent providing care is 4.3 years. Multiply that by the estimated quarter of the adult population in the U.S. providing care to an elderly loved one...and those hours really add up! It might make sense for those individuals to open such a "caregiving contract" and make a modest salary for the time and dedication they put into caring for their loved one.

Could still be an uncomfortable situation...for both the parent paying the child, the child accepting money from the parent, and/or the sibling who isn't able or willing to take on the caregiving responsibilities. What do you think?

Yesterday, in the New York Times' "New Old Age" blog, there was a comforting article about how best to cultivate a positive relationship with nursing home staff members. That relationship is an important one when you have to put a loved one in the care of someone else. The post follows one woman's struggles with one nursing home, and is encouraging if you are experiencing any difficulty in ensuring the best care for your loved one. Check out the blog - it's got some other great posts too.

Here's a fun story from CNN yesterday...600 seniors broke a world record recently by taking place in the largest senior Wii bowling tournament! In addition to the fun and record-breaking, the event was really to encourage seniors to get fit and stay active to help prevent life-altering injuries. Wii bowling is exercise in disguise!

One more news item worth checking out today comes from the Chicago Tribune. The article is called "Are baby boomers turning into outsiders?" and the author takes a poignant look at how baby boomers are approaching "has been" status more quickly than they had expected. She says, "Oh, the irony. The generation that coined the phrase "don't trust anyone over 30" is now being clobbered by their own stereotypes." Read the story to see if she's tapping into how you feel in "late middle age!"

The Wall Street Journal had several great articles over the weekend on a few very pertinent topics for baby boomers. See them below.

The first one is a very informative article about employee-driven 401(k) plans. For the past 30 years, the investing industry has been "experimenting" with employees taking the lead on their retirement savings, but now, employers are taking the wheel, automatically investing their employees in retirement savings accounts. The article says that by having employers do the automatic investing, they help workers save enough in time for retirement and improve their diversification. Do you think the automatic enrollment is a good idea? Of course, workers can opt out if they choose...but according to the WSJ article, they "rarely do."

Another article is an entertaining (and maybe inspirational!) one about retirees who have literally made their dream come true: they've turned their hobbies into careers. We're all looking for ways to make extra money these days, and they've found fun ways to do it. But don't be fooled - it's still work. Check out the story.

Here is one that does the work in determining which financial services programs will work for you in figuring out whether your savings are going to last you through retirement. Many companies are trying to tap the baby boomer market by offering services at little to no cost to you...but read this article before you decide who to use!

Finally, check out this great story about ReServe Elder Service Inc., an organization you might want to get to know - they work to set up retirees with non-profits who can use their skills and pay them for their time. The program is in New York, but it's expanding!

The big news around AARP this Friday is all about the announcement that for the first time since 1975, people who rely on Social Security will not receive a cost of living adjustment, because consumer prices have remained stagnant in this economic climate. The Washington Post covers the story here - and AARP is mentioned in the article, too.

AARP released a statement on Wednesday contending that the government should provide emergency relief to older Americans by way of a $250 one time payment. The reasoning? Seniors need to spend more money on healthcare than younger generations - and the cost of health care has been increasing rapidly over consumer prices. "Without relief, millions of older Americans will be unable to afford skyrocketing health care and prescription drug costs, as well as other basic necessities," said AARP COO Tom Nelson in the statement.

AARP was also mentioned in all of these stories on the COLA announcement: get all the facts here: U.S. News and World Report, Bloomberg, AP, and Washington Times.

Other News of Interest...
I thought this blog post from CNBC was a good one - and might be useful to you if you're planning for your retirement. The author lists five common mistakes that you may identify with - from listening to the wrong people to choosing the wrong pension. Check it out for his advice on making the decision to retire stress-free!

There is a great Q&A style article on CNNMoney.com today that addresses concerns of older Americans who were looking to retire, but like many in the country, don't have the same amount of certainty in their financial stability that they once had. The author touches on going back to work (but does that make sense when the rest of America is looking for work, too?) and social security eligibility. Check it out if you're looking to retire early...or already have and are second-guessing your choice.

A Longevity Effort

You may have heard about the "Vitality Project," an initiative that was put together by AARP and Blue Zones, a healthy living organization...but if not (and even if so!) read this really cool story from Minnesota Public Radio yesterday about Albert Lea, a little town in Minnesota that has been the subject of a longevity effort.

Kids are walking over a mile to school instead of hopping on the bus, and that's just one of the little things the citizens of Albert Lea are doing to improve their well-being. Focusing on their physical environment, and making little changes, such as choosing a salad instead of French fries, is key to the project, and it sure seems Albert Lea is embracing the change! They are an inspiration to us all. J

According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that oversees service programs, volunteering rose 1.5% in 2008. That's great news for a statistic that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, has "stayed static" for 40 years. A great story from USA Today is worth checking out - it's all about volunteerism and I Participate, a program of which AARP is a partner.

The story talks about how television networks are raising awareness of the importance of volunteering in unconventional ways, tying good deeds and charity work into the plotlines of popular sitcoms and dramas, hoping to have an impact on the audience without shoving the idea in our faces via PSAs. Pretty subtle, and a good idea!

Another great story...If you haven't checked it out already, the Wall Street Journal has an enlightening series called "Laid Off and Looking" on the current job search in America. The WSJ is following out-of-work M.B.A.s on their quest to find jobs and sharing their trials and tribulations along the way. Each story is a little different, but all of the posts have garnered motivational comments from readers. Check it out.

On Friday, this great article about AARP's health insurance options was featured on CBS Money Watch. The article takes an in-depth look at AARP's range of health insurance plans and what they mean for you, in terms of deductibles, preventative care and more.

The author, Bob Trebilcock, says: "After talking to nearly a dozen experts and comparing quotes from more than 50 companies, here's our conclusion: AARP health policies, while rarely the least expensive, are competitive, and might be the best plan for you if you have health problems." Check out the story for the low-down on all things AARP health insurance.

If you're looking for tips on your finances in this tough economic climate, check out this story that appeared in the L.A. Times this weekend, "How to Be Your Own Financial Planner." There is advice on budgeting, retirement planning and spending, taxes and more.

In health care reform news - the Senate Finance Committee is scheduled to vote on the "Baucus bill" tomorrow - we'll be keeping tabs!

Have a great Monday.

Last week, we told you where AARP stands on the Social Security COLA issue - that is, encouraging leaders on the Hill to provide a $250 in emergency relief to the older Americans who are struggling in the economic climate. Yesterday, a story ran in U.S. News and World Report on the letter that CEO Barry Rand wrote to those leaders - check out the story here.

As AARP Director of Financial Security Cristina Martin Firvida says in the article, one thing is for sure - the sense of economic security has drastically changed for Americans who have suffered losses in the stock market and their 401(k)s since just last year.

In health care reform news in America - the Congressional Budget Office has issued the long-awaited report and have found that the Baucus bill would actually reduce the deficit over the next decade. It seems hard to fathom with a hefty price tag of $892 billion over the next ten years - but the reduced deficit would come thanks to trims in Medicare spending and new taxes. Read all about the report and the optimism that a bill will be passed here in the Wall Street Journal or here in the New York Times.

And on a lighter note, another reminder about this year's AARP Member Event - Vegas@50+! It's quickly approaching...only two weeks away! Read anther preview of the event here and find out everything you need to know from AARP's website.

Yesterday, AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond made AARP's stance on age discrimination known: AARP fully and "vigorously" - according to the New York Times - backs the proposed legislation Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act.

The legislation would overturn a four-month-old Supreme Court ruling that makes it difficult for workers to win age discrimination cases. In the case, Gross v. F.B.L. Financial Services, the court established a different burden of proof for age discrimination than that of discrimination based on race or gender. For age discrimination, the burden of proving that age was the deciding factor in a demotion or layoff now fell upon the employee instead of the employer.

And, with the growing unemployment rate of Americans over 50 that we've discussed, the decision came at the most inopportune time for those seniors trying to find work.

LeaMond said, "Unless Congress passes this bill, too many older workers who have been victims of arbitrary age discrimination will be denied their day in court."

Read AARP's press release on its endorsement of the bill.

Other big news of the day includes discussions of another stimulus (but don't call it a "stimulus"!) - and the unemployment rate is the big issue here too. With unemployment nearing double digits, Roll Call reports that House Democrats are trying to find a balance between a "bailout-weary public" and the "ranks of the jobless." Read more commentary from the Washington Post here.

AARP's Spanish language radio show premiered on Sunday, October 4th! The show is an extension of AARP's bi-monthly bilingual magazine Segunda Juventud and hosted by the magazine's editor, Gabriela Zabalúa-Goddard. Both the magazine and radio show target the senior Hispanic population. The 30-minute show will focus on health, finance, and lifestyle topics, featuring tips and advice from experts in various fields.

Check out the radio show (and a ton of other relevant news and information) on Segunda Juventud's site: http://www.aarpsegundajuventud.org/spanish/index.html.

In other big news today, the H1N1 vaccine is now available to some...Yesterday, medical workers in Indiana and Tennessee were among the first to receive the vaccine in what the Washington Post calls "the most ambitious inoculation campaign in U.S. history." Have questions about the vaccine? Check out this Q&A on the Washington Post's web site for answers to common concerns.

Looking for tips on job interviewing? Take some time to look at this informative article from US News and World Report that gives advice on job seeking after 50. The reporter spoke to hiring managers at organizations on AARP's list of best employers for workers over 50 and compiled a list of tips.

Have a great day!

Happy Monday!

Yesterday, The New York Times ran a story on the heated debate among AARP's generation gap, focusing on a dinner gathering of AARP members that took place in Wisconsin last week. That dinner was just one of 37 in Wisconsin alone over the past six weeks. AARP's intensive campaign to address the concerns of its older members has paid off, according to the article, with support for an overhaul growing as the campaign kicked into high gear over the past few months.

The article portrays the concerns of a wide range of AARP members, and also quotes David Certner, director of legislative policy for AARP and Nancy LeaMond, executive vice president of AARP.

In other news, an interesting story in the Chicago Tribune advises retirees to consider taxes when thinking of relocating in retirement. It's worth checking out. The author says, "No matter where you live, your federal taxes will be about the same. But you'd be amazed at how much your state and local tax burden may vary."

Finally, an AP story that got a lot of pickup over the weekend explained the waiver of the government required withdrawal from IRAs and employee-sponsored 401(k)s and profit sharing plans. The requirement is that once a person reaches 70 ½ years of age, they must withdraw money (called required minimum distributions) - but a law passed last year temporarily lifted that requirement to prevent retirees from having to withdraw from accounts that were hit hard by the stock market. It's temporary relief - but it's relief!

Yesterday, AARP CEO A. Barry Rand sent a letter to leaders on the Hill, encouraging them to provide $250 in emergency relief to millions of older Americans who are struggling in the current tough economic climate. AARP's support for this measure comes in response to the expected announcement that there will be no Social Security Cost of Live Adjustment (COLA) in 2010.

Here's an excerpt from the letter from Rand:

"Seniors spend a disproportionate share of their income (about 30 percent on average) on health care costs, which continue to increase well above the rate of overall inflation. The combination of higher health care costs, including prescription drug prices, and a stagnant Social Security benefit is particularly troubling and will result in lower net Social Security payments to millions of America's seniors in January 2010."

You can read the entire letter here. We'll certainly stay tuned to see what legislators decide to do for America's seniors on this issue.

In today's AARP News...

U.S. News and World Report highlighted results from an AARP survey that showed that the recession is really taking a toll on older workers in America. With a need for cash now, many people have stopped contributing to their 401(k)s and IRAs. Read the entire article here.

And don't forget about this year's member event - Vegas@50+. AARP is continuing to hype up our star-studded, three-day event taking place October 22-24. We'll have plenty more news on the event as it nears, but for now check out this preview at PlanetEye Traveler.

Have a great weekend!

As the final quarter of the year is suddenly upon us, there is certainly no shortage of news concerning AARP and its members.

First and foremost, it looks like Sen. Baucus' health care reform bill might be voted on before the end of the week! The AP reports that the bill survived challenges from Republican critics over taxes and more on Wednesday - and Baucus seems pretty confident that they will get the through the Senate Finance Committee soon.

The committee is still debating so-called "Cadillac" insurance plans. Sen. John Kerry wants the threshold of plans to which a tax would apply to be higher for retirees and workers in "high-risk" industries. Read this story in the Washington Post about what exactly constitutes a "Cadillac" plan.

AARP was featured in a fun and useful U.S. News and World Report article called "Retired? How to Travel on a Budget." The article gives "9 ways to see the world without breaking the bank," and number one on that list is making the most of senior discounts. Of course, AARP is always negotiating great deals for its members, and the article includes a link to the exclusive Expedia AARP member Web site, www.expedia-aarp.com. Check out the story for all the great tips!

Another interesting story in U.S. News and World Report took a look at ageism in the workplace...and with the unemployment rate of Americans over 55 hitting a post-Great Depression high of 7 percent, older workers don't need stereotypes hindering their ability to find a job. But, the article also notes - sometimes the stereotypes of older workers are not necessarily negative. But wait...are stereotypes ever really a "good" thing? Hmmm...check out the article and see what you think.

USA Today featured a big story today on a survey from AARP that showed that Americans aged 45-64 are worried about having enough money for retirement and continued difficulty in paying for basic items such as food. Check out the story for all the startling statistics - there's a lot of anxiety out there about money these days.

In what some are calling a serious setback for President Obama, the Senate Finance Committee voted against the public health care option in Sen. Max Baucus' health care reform bill.

A Roll Call article reports that the White House has been "secretly drafting its own health care legislation that it may unveil at some point during the debate if officials believe it would help secure passage of a bill." Maybe that bill is an answer to the squabbling Democrats who are looking to the President to be the final arbitrator of the public option.

In retirement news, we are edging closer to January 2010, when the law enacted in 2005 - which will let anyone with a qualified retirement plan, such as a traditional IRA or 401(k) left behind at a former employer, shift those funds into a Roth - goes into effect. However, the WSJ reports that many people are confused about how Roth IRAs work. Check out the statistics - only 7% of survey respondents said they will be converting to Roth come January... I bet that number would be a lot higher if more people understood how they worked! Do you understand Roth IRAs? How did you go about learning the ropes?

Hot on the AARP News radar this morning is a front page article in the New York Times that takes a look at the effect the bill taken up this week by the Senate Finance Committee would have on seniors receiving health benefits through Medicare.

The debate is heated, and AARP had a voice in the article: David Certner, legislative counsel is quoted, saying "It's unfair to single out seniors to pay more for their health benefits when other high-income people are not being asked to pay more."

On the other end of the news spectrum, AARP The Magazine is getting a lot of attention for its cover stories in recent issues. On Bruce Springsteen's 60th birthday, the New York Times' "Well" blog posted "The Boss Turns 60," and talked about how fans of the rock legend never thought they'd see the day Springsteen was on the cover of AARP's magazine. But, as Nancy Graham says, "...he really personifies our message at AARP that attitude matters more than age."

An atypical place AARP news is showing up? PerezHilton.com. The ubiquitous celebrity gossip blogger featured the magazine's November/December issue cover with Natalie Cole. The story includes excerpts from ATM's article and calls Cole "a true inspiration." Fun fact: 93% of PerezHilton.com readers are under the age of 45 - with 70% between 21-34. We're really extending our reach!