Jamie Harding

Elder Abuse can happen anywhere, anytime. It’s estimated that older adults lose about $3 billion annually due to financial exploitation and abuse. The effects go beyond the checkbook; it can cause emotional distress, deterioration of physical health, and loss of independence. Only about 1 out of 14 cases are actually reported to authorities. If you suspect someone is being abused, please report it to local law enforcement or the Alabama Department of Senior Services (1-800-243-5463).

Members of the Central Alabama Mountain Pedalers will celebrate the kickoff of the 100 Alabama Miles Challenge on Saturday, May 12 at Chewacla State Park in Auburn. CAMP members will lead three rides for beginners and intermediate groups beginning immediately following a 1 p.m. press conference, then again at 2 p.m. and at 3 p.m.

Do you know a volunteer age 50+ who is using his or her skills and experience to make a significant difference in your community?

Operation Stop Scams is AARP's annual event to highlight how to protect yourself and your family from identity theft and fraud. As part of that event, we are sponsoring FREE shred events in the following cities and locations in April:

A new booklet helps Alabama’s caregivers understand how to manage money on behalf of the loved-ones they are caring for. AARP Alabama, together with other member organizations of the Alabama Interagency Council for the Prevention of Elder-Abuse, prepared this booklet to assist caregivers with the often-challenging issues of money management.

AARP Alabama congratulates David Ioffreda for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. As part of his project work to earn this great achievement, David organized a group of fifteen teens to assist seniors in learning about technology through teaching Saturday classes. AARP Alabama supported David in developing the classes, where older adults learned about Facebook, safe internet surfing, and even more complex programs like Excel.

On Friday, November 10, AARP provided lunch and gifts honoring over 100 veterans at Via Health Fitness and Enrichment Center in Mobile. The lunch included a special thank you address by Dorothy Dorton, AARP Alabama Associate State Director for Community Outreach. The Murphy High School JROTC Color Guard presented the colors. The event included a Quilt of Valor presentation to Navy veteran Bill Woolley and a big band singer performing patriotic songs. AARP also provided attendees with booklets and materials from the AARP Fraud Watch Network on fraud and scams that specifically target veterans. Thank you to all the veterans who came out to celebrate Veterans Day with us in Mobile today!

Mobile, AL – AARP Alabama, with its more than 430,000 members, announces the appointment of Dorothy Dorton, MS CTRS, to the position of Associate State Director for Community Outreach. Dorton, a Mobile native, will provide outreach and support for AARP programs and initiatives in Mobile and parts of lower Alabama, working with volunteers and maintaining AARP’s relationships with residents and community leaders in that part of the state.

Do you know a volunteer age 50 plus who is making, or has made, a significant difference in your community?

Take some steps toward better health with the new walking group in Montgomery, sponsored by AARP. This group will walk each Tuesday and Thursday at Ida Belle Young Park, 5400 Vaughn Road, beginning May 2 at 7 a.m.