Linda Fitzgerald

It's that time of year: Medicare open enrollment officially began on Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7. This is the one chance beneficiaries have to review coverage plan and make changes for the year ahead. What does this mean for you, or for family members on Medicare?

Nearly nine million Americans 50 years of age or older are at risk of daily hunger, a whopping 79 percent increase over the past decade. Thanks to the tough economy and an aging population, that number will likely continue to grow at an alarming rate.

Following a horrific week in our great city of Boston, we hope you and your loved ones are safe. We mourn those who lost their lives, and our thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims and their families.

This week, we met with volunteers and chapter leaders from all over the state to talk about what we're working on this year, and how we can get more folks involved in the community! We heard from longtime Driver Safety Program (and former Andrus Award winner!) Bertha Lawrence from Pittsfield, who talked about the satisfaction she derives from helping others stay safe on the roads. Jane Ahern-DeFiillippi, our new Executive Council Member from Melrose, talked about how she stays on top of advocacy news and events by visiting our blog and Facebook pages daily. Lois Wells, pictured here with longtime chapter specialist Mary Matook of Brockton, shared how she started her Boston chapter 28 years ago, and Charlie Walsh of Salem gave some tips on how he helps to keep his group vibrant and active (hint: lots of bad jokes, and occasional cheerful yelling. Can you tell Charlie was a school principal?).

Are you ready to learn, have fun and work for positive social change? AARP offers you the power to make a difference while using your skills and talents.

Last week, I visited the Good Life Senior Center in downtown Springfield to wish our fantastic AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers a successful tax season. Led by local coordinator David Christopherson, these dedicated individuals were already hard at work, but took some time to talk with us about their experiences with the program.

The countdown to tax day begins…now! From February 1 through April 16, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide – the nation’s largest, volunteer-run, free tax preparation program – is ready to help taxpayers with basic federal and state income tax returns.

As we hunker down in anticipation of another New England winter, we now have the ability to stay connected with friends and family without leaving the warmth of our homes. With a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone, our chances to engage with others are virtually limitless.

A growing problem

Imagine performing life changing assistance, for just a few hours a month. Thousands of dedicated individuals do just that, as volunteers for the Massachusetts Money Management Program. Cosponsored by the AARP Foundation , Mass Home Care , and the Executive Office of Elder Affairs , the Massachusetts Money Management Program is a free service that assists low-income elders who might be at risk of losing their independence due to their inability to pay basic rent, food and utility bills on time. Volunteers help as bill payers, representative payees, and monitors.