Carol Brooks Ball

If you’re a Boston resident you’re cordially invited to Mayor Martin J. Walsh’s next Civic Academy class, “Age-Friendly Boston,” on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015 at Faneuil Hall. The event is free but registration is required.

This year, AARP Foundation is again providing free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers with low-to moderate-income through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program.

To coincide with Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week, which runs Jan. 26-30, the AARP Fraud Watch Network is launching an educational effort to help people protect themselves from tax scams by releasing a new video and a scam prevention tip sheet—and encouraging people to take advantage of AARP’s free tax preparation services.

Whether you have just a little time to give or a lot, our Advocacy and Outreach volunteer opportunities present many ways for you to give back to your community.

AARP Massachusetts took part in the 3rd Annual Elder Hunger Forum, held on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015, at the Boston Public Library. The forum is organized by the Elder Services program of ABCD (Action for Boston Community Development). The event was moderated by Emily Shea, commissioner, Boston Commission on Affairs of the Elderly.

As the New Year begins, much has changed in the local political landscape. We have a new governor in Charlie Baker (R), and several newly elected and appointed men and women who are busy settling into their new roles.

A growing number of people over the age of 50 are “encore entrepreneurs:” people who are turning their ideas for small businesses into actionable plans. Whether you’re nearing retirement, are retired or never plan to retire, if you’ve got an idea for small business, you need help from those with experience..

To recognize their work in supporting family caregivers in Massachusetts, AARP names state Reps. Christopher Markey and James O’Day, along with former state Rep. (now state senator) Anne Gobi, and former state Senator Gale Candaras, as 2014 “Capitol Caregivers,” a bipartisan group of 46 state legislators and 3 governors from 19 states. (See photos at bottom, which are being added as each award presentation takes place.)

Just how much economic activity in Massachusetts is generated by people over age 50? Business owners and policymakers might be surprised: Across the nation, the aging population has proven to be an important and vital source of economic growth. This growing and powerful population—comprised of boomers and the first of the millennials to turn 50—is active, creative, and working longer, and will fuel economic growth for years to come.

Americans 50+ represent a powerful new force changing the face of America, and with 106 million strong this group is responsible for $1.7 trillion in economic activity — a figure that is expected to reach well over $13.5 trillion in real terms by 2032.