Health & Wellbeing

The Arizona Family Caregiver Tax Credit bill (HB 2209 sponsored by Representative Heather Carter LD 15) will give family caregivers a state income tax break. A mirror bill has also been filed in the state Senate by Senator Kate Brophy-McGee District 11. The goal of these bills is to help Arizona families with the thousands of dollars of out-of-pocket costs incurred in caring for loved ones. Over 800,000 Arizonans – a silent army of love – spend one or more hours a week taking care of an older family member, friend or neighbor.

Valentines Day is a time when people show feelings of love, affection and friendship. The story you are about to read is the real reason this romantic celebration is so touching to so many of us. We hope you enjoy reading this letter sent by one of our members.

AARP today launched a comprehensive campaign to protect Medicare in the face of proposals by some in Congress that would hurt hardworking Arizonans who have paid into the program their entire working lives.

Arizona has a shortage of physicians, especially in rural areas, but a new law aims to ease that problem. Supported by AARP, the law enrolls Arizona in the Interstate Licensure Compact, which provides a streamlined process allowing qualified physicians to become licensed in multiple states.

Tempe is moving forward in its bid to become Arizona’s first “dementia friendly” city by raising awareness about cognitive decline and meeting the needs of its aging population.

I want to thank everyone for the feedback I've received in the last month as I've focused my first few blogs on some important issues around, making life more "livable" and "enjoyable." The Kierkegaard quote in my first blog is more about understanding life and finding meaning. But for many of us as we age, and as we take care of loved ones with physical challenges, it's often difficult to even find the time and the mental strength to reflect on life.