Michael E. Festa

Bay State voters head to the polls next month — this time to fill the seat vacated by Sen. John Kerry following his appointment to secretary of state. As yet another election season heats up, the stakes are higher than ever for older Bay State residents and their families. Once again, our votes could determine the future of Medicare and Social Security.

As a longtime home gardener, I'm eagerly anticipating spring in New England, especially after the particularly cold winter we've had. And with my new job as state director of AARP Massachusetts, I see " Real Possibilities" in combining my passions for both gardening and advocating for Bay State residents age 50 and older.

This is not fiction: A 101-year-old Massachusetts senior with a serious heart condition has the ability to live independently in his home, with the help of his daughter, but may be forced into a nursing home because he cannot get the home care services he needs. He is currently on a waiting list — for home care.

Each year, AARP Massachusetts selects state legislative priorities that are consistent with the policies adopted by AARP’s national Board of Directors. These priorities are based on the needs of the commonwealth’s residents and developed through feedback from member surveys, general member communications, and AARP-sponsored hearings and events.