An AARP Take On Today

As you probably encounter every day, scammers are trying to reach you around the clock. Our personal information is more vulnerable than ever. In response, AARP Bulletin conducted an investigation into the inner workings of the global fraud machine. The result was the five-part cover story that you may have seen in the April issue of the Bulletin called “The Bad Guys: Who They are And How to Stop Them.” Discussing some behind-the-scenes of how this project came together is the Deputy...

The tax filing deadline is fast approaching, and there is a benefit that's new to the 2.8 million adults over age 65. It's the Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC. Those who quality could receive up to $1,500 on their federal return when they file their taxes. This week, we discuss everything you need to know about the benefit with Jackie Lynn Coleman, a director at AARP Foundation who helps lead the team on expanding access to tax benefits for older adults who are living on low income.

This week, we’re bringing back a segment from episode 42, “Cracking Down on Annoying Robocalls,” which originally ran on May 30, 2019. Kathy Stokes from AARP's Fraud Watch Network points out the crucial distinctions between legal and illegal robocalls – and discusses how to reduce them altogether. An estimated 48 billion robocalls came into the United States last year, and according to a recent AARP survey, nearly half of U.S. adults receive seven or more robocalls per week. Tune in to hear...

Scams targeting seniors have increased during the pandemic. Today, we’ll hear about new legislation called the Fraud and Scams Reduction Act, which AARP endorsed. To discuss what exactly the bill entails, we sat down with Cristina Martin Firvida, AARP Vice President of Financial Security and Consumer Affairs. We also heard from AARP's Mary Liz Burns about AARP Money Map, a new digital financial tool for all ages to build a budget, save money and manage unplanned expenses. For more...

The pandemic cast a light on long-standing problems in nursing homes, such as staffing shortages and poor infection control. Although the COVID case rates are falling, nursing home advocates such as our guest, AARP Public Policy Institute Vice President Susan Reinhard, say that these problems will not disappear without intervention. For more information: AARP Nursing Home COVID-19 Dashboard Blog -- COVID-19 at Two Years: Lessons for the Future Plus: Register for AARP Celebrates You! It's...

In July of 2019, AARP Foundation filed a class action lawsuit against Yale University. This month, after almost three years, the case was finally settled. The lawsuit alleged that certain university workers and their families were required to participate in the school’s employee wellness program. Some employees faced fees of $1,300 per year if they did not participate in the program. We discuss the conclusion of the lawsuit with Dara S. Smith, senior attorney for AARP...

Many of us struggle with weight gain as we age. You may be eating healthfully and exercising just as much, but you’re still gaining weight. Science has learned that this happens not because your metabolism is slower – something else is going on. On today’s show, Stephen Perrine, author of new book The Whole Body Reset, explains how extra protein eaten at the right time could be the solution that can keep fat off and muscle on.

The same approach that you would take to decluttering your closet can be applied to your smartphone applications. Today, Ed Baig, a contributing writer for AARP and co-author of the book “iPhone for Dummies,” explains why people should want to organize their phone applications and provide us with efficient ways to do it. We also provide an update on the shutdown of 3G across the country. If you have a medical device, home alarm system, medical alert bracelet, older cell phone, or a GPS...

Caring for a family member is one of the most important roles you could take on. But it comes with many conflicting feelings. Reports tell us caregivers’ positive emotions often coexist with feelings of isolation or stress. Not to mention financial strain. Still, many feel that the role gives them a sense of purpose. In this episode, Rita Choula, the Director of Caregiving for AARP Public Policy Institute, shares her experience as a family caregiver with a special eye toward the lives of...

You might have seen advertisements from cell phone providers to switch and upgrade your network to 5G. It is an upgrade that will bring better service and faster download speeds on mobile. However, the carriers plan to shut down 3G networks to make room for the upgrade this year. Millions of devices, such as smoke alarms and personal emergency response systems, continue to depend on 3G, leaving countless older adults potentially without service. Today Bill Signer, a lobbyist for the Alarm...

Valentine's Day is almost here! It’s become a tradition to spread love to socially isolated older adults in the community come February through the Cupid Crew, a project by Wish of a Lifetime from AARP. Girl Scouts of the USA, volunteers and schools across the country join what’s known as the Cupid Crew. They write heartfelt messages on personalized greeting cards, and send them to socially isolated older adults. The goal is to deliver a quarter million cards this year. On today’s show, we...

A report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the number of job openings in the U.S. was over 10 million at the end of 2021. Some are calling this trend the Great Resignation. And some are thinking about it differently. We caught up with AARP Vice President of Financial Resiliency Susan Weinstock to discuss how exactly older workers fit in and what they can do to improve their chances in the job market.

The continued spread of the COVID-19 Delta Variant, coupled with the start of flu season, is increasing concerns for many older adults. This live event addressed the uncertainty surrounding boosters and how to keep you and your family safe from other breakthrough infections. The Experts: Steven C. Johnson, M.D. Jane Strommen, Ph.D. Nancy LeaMond

Originally recorded live on September 23, 2021 The continued spread of the COVID-19 Delta Variant, coupled with the start of flu season, is increasing concerns for many older adults. This live event addressed the uncertainty surrounding boosters and how to keep you and your family safe from other breakthrough infections. The Experts: Steven C. Johnson, M.D. Jane Strommen, Ph.D. Nancy LeaMond

It’s hard to miss the effects of inflation. Whether you’re at the gas pump or at the grocery store, you’ve probably noticed goods are getting more expensive. We turn to John Waggoner, senior writer and finance journalist. He covers all things financial at AARP, and he says there’s plenty you can do. On today's show, we discuss some ways you can help improve the value of your money. Not only that, but we go over what might not work. For more information: A Primer on Inflation from AARP...

Betty White was ready to celebrate her 100th birthday on January 17th. But on New Year’s Eve, she died peacefully in her sleep. She lit television screens, and made us laugh in her seven decades as an actor and comedian. For us here at AARP, Betty White is also a she-ro of sorts. She embraced aging with positivity, and with humor. This week, we sat down with AARP film critic Tim Appelo to discuss the ways Betty White rose above Hollywood ageism.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been a massive surge in online shopping rather than going to brick-and-mortar stores. Although online shopping is convenient, experts like AARP Director of Fraud Victim Support Amy Nofziger urge caution. Listen in as she discusses the various ways you might encounter a scammer when shopping online. For more information: Holiday Scams: The Gift That Keeps on Taking report

A new AARP report finds that veterans are more likely to lose money to scams than civilians. Fraudsters often use military jargon and specific government guidelines to craft an effective pitch to steal money from military members and veterans. AARP’s Troy Broussard, a veteran himself, reveals scammers’ tactics and shares tips on how to protect yourself from thieves.

On Thursday, President Biden unveiled the Build Back Better framework – a “$1.75 trillion economic and climate change plan.” But it left out one of his central pledges: to act on high drug prices. We put together today’s special episode to give you an update, to let you know that the fight isn’t over, and to share what you can do to make a difference. Contact your representatives:

For decades, Chef Bill Bracken led kitchens and won awards for his culinary work. He had worked in Beverly Hills and Newport Beach to cook for high-profile diners. But in 2013, he changed course and fed his local community instead. In recognition of his ability to tap into his life experience to build a better future for us all, Bracken won a 2022 AARP Purpose Prize. Today, we hear about how his non-profit, Bracken's Kitchen, feeds the hungry, trains young people to cook and eliminate food...