George Bridges

Utility costs can be burdensome, especially for people living on fixed incomes. And keeping track of proposed rate increases can be daunting.

Technology has spurred great advances in medicine, and now it’s improving access to health care as well. Beginning July 30, a new state law will allow patients to initiate an audiovisual visit with a doctor from home or another remote location.

Energy bills can be confusing for consumers, especially in places where utility service areas cross state lines. And increasing utility costs can be tough for Arkansans living on fixed incomes.

If you are interested in AARP’s work in Arkansas—promoting health, improving retirement security, easing the burden on family caregivers, preventing fraud and making communities more livable—why not play an active role in these efforts?

Staying healthy and well nourished—what could be more important? AARP Arkansas is urging lawmakers to support those priorities by expanding health insurance and addressing hunger among older residents.

Drivers, start your engines. But first, make sure you know how to navigate roundabouts.

Arkansas is aging, with residents 60 and older expected to comprise 26 percent of the state population by 2030, up from 21 percent in 2012. Many residents, however, are not financially prepared for retirement.

AARP shares useful information in a variety of ways—not only through its publications and website, but through a team of trained volunteers who stand ready to speak to community groups on topics such as fraud, caregiving and Social Security.

Arkansans know it as one of the hottest events in Hot Springs: the documentary film festival, now celebrating its 25th year. AARP Arkansas is cosponsoring the popular event, which will be held Oct. 7-16 at the historic Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa.

Eating well can be especially challenging for low-income people who live far from stores that sell fresh produce at affordable prices. With the growing season in full swing, AARP Arkansas wants to remind those enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that their benefits can go twice as far at participating farmers’ markets. Under the Double Up Food Bucks program, SNAP dollars can double the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables shoppers take home.