Jennifer Millea

Every day, in communities across the country, people are killed while walking to school, to work or to the store. In fact, a person walking is truck by a car or truck every 8 minutes in the USA. Here in Connecticut, older adults age 65 and over and young children are particularly vulnerable. While older adults represent about 14 percent of the total population in our state, they were more than 28 percent of pedestrian fatalities between 2003-2010. According to a new report released by the National Complete Streets Coalition, a program of Smart Growth America, most of these deaths could have been prevented with safer street design. The report ranks Connecticut 27th out of 50 states in pedestrian safety, demonstrating the continued urgent need to invest in making our roadways safer for everyone.

Like it or not, we're all getting older, and most of us are likely to need some type of assistance in managing daily activities as we age. In Connecticut, like in much of the country, unpaid family caregivers provide the bulk of this care for their loved ones - whether a spouse, parent, sibling, child or friend. Likewise, if you haven't already been a family caregiver, chances are pretty good that you will be in the future. As the backbone of our long-term care system, family caregivers provide over $5 billion in unpaid care, and could benefit from additional resources and training to help them balance the care they provide to others with their work and other obligations. This Spring, AARP conducted a survey of Connecticut residents age 40 and older to learn about their experiences with family caregiving, as well as their opinions on proposals to support family caregivers in the state. Not surprisingly, the survey found overwhelming support for additional training and resources for family caregivers, so that these individuals can continue to help their loved ones remain at home as they age, and maintain their own health and wellbeing.

Each Spring, thousands of seasoned athletes from across Connecticut and the Northeast come together to compete in the CT Masters’ Games – the state’s largest Olympic-style sporting event for amateur athletes ages 50 and over. Select events are also open to athletes ages 30-49.

-- Guest Blog by Frances Trelease --

Dr. Bill Thomas, one of the most innovative and creative thinkers working in medicine today, is bringing is Second Wind Tour to The University of Hartford/Lincoln Theatre on June 5. The 25-city Tour, inspired by Dr. Bill Thomas’ new book – Second Wind: Navigating the Passage to a Slower, Deeper and More Connected Life -- is traveling the country, offering audiences the opportunity to explore what it means to catch a “second wind” in one’s life and work.

AARP Connecticut released the following statement from State Director Nora Duncan regarding passage of the CT SFY 2014 Budget and Implementer Bill:

AARP Connecticut State Director Nora Duncan released the following statement regarding final passage of Senate Bill 2 in the Connecticut House of Representatives today:

AARP Connecticut released the following statement from state advocacy director, John Erlingheuser, regarding the recent passage of Senate Bill 2:

While Social Security is an important piece of the puzzle, it was never meant to be a person's entire income in retirement. Yet, more than 25% of seniors age 65 and older in Connecticut rely on Social Security as their only source of income. AARP is working to ensure that all Americans have the financial security they need to take charge of their future and live independently as they age. That's why we're supporting legislation being considered in Connecticut (known as Senate Bill 249) that would make it easier for the more than 600,000 Connecticut workers without access to a retirement savings plan at work to save for their future. Join AARP members in calling on state legislators to help ensure all Connecticut residents have a chance to build their own nest egg. Send an email to your legislators today!

Lime Rock Park, the historic racetrack located in Lime Rock, CT has announced its selection of AARP Foundation as its 2014 official charity to support Drive to End Hunger, a multi-year initiative to fight the risk of hunger for Americans age 50+.