Stacey Kratz

Monday, April 8, 2013 David Irwin, (212) 407-3718, diwrin@aarp.org

For Immediate Release

Written by staffer and guest blogger, Will Stoner. Will is the Associate State Director for Long Island and livable communities.

Sharon Lewis is an integrated marketing communications strategist, guest blogger, AARP volunteer, and a member of the AARP Volunteer Leadership Institute. Her areas of expertise cover a wide range of industries--and business models. She lives in NYC.

For Immediate Release Contact: David Irwin dirwin@aarp.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Chaunda Ball, 917-859-0029, cball@aarp.org

AARP Encourages People to Check on Older Friends, Family & Neighbors,

AARP has announced the selection of Beth Finkel as the new director of the New York State office of AARP. In this role, Ms. Finkel will lead the development and delivery of the organization’s community programs, advocacy, and information for its 2.5 million members age 50+ across the state. Her appointment began on January 8.

AARP commends the leadership of Governor Cuomo and his efforts to make New York State a better place to live, work and age with independence and dignity. Governor Cuomo highlighted several important initiatives that we welcome and on which we look forward to working with him during the upcoming legislative session.

The nation’s baby boomers have already begun turning 65 setting off an unprecedented growth in the state's older population. By 2025, nearly 20 percent of New York's population will be over age 65. Just 13 years from now 8,000 baby boomers will be turning 80 years old every day in the U.S. AARP now has 65,000 members over the age of 100 across the US. 850 live in Suffolk County. As our nation – and state and county– undergoes this population shift, we are also experiencing a change in the paradigm of retirement. More and more older adults today are staying in their homes and communities with the goal of remaining independent and living active, vital lives.