As of November 1, 2025, millions of Americans—including many older adults—may not receive their monthly food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This disruption affects individuals living on fixed incomes, many of whom rely on SNAP to afford groceries and maintain their health.
As part of Family Caregivers Month, AARP New York reached out to legislators so they could share their caregiving stories and why they believe it’s important to highlight services for caregivers. New York State’s 4 million family caregivers provide an estimated 2.1 billion hours of care for older parents, spouses, and other loved ones each year.
In August, AARP testified before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging to spotlight a growing threat to Americans: fraud carried out by translational organized crime groups. Operating openly abroad, these networks are draining billions of dollars from victims, local communities and economies every year. Older adults are navigating a minefield of increasingly sophisticated scams that threaten not only their lifetime savings but even their homes, independence, and health. Money that was saved for retirement is instead supporting illicit activity around the world.
In 2022, AARP VI proudly awarded a Community Challenge grant to the St. Croix Orchid Society, Inc., an exciting step toward revitalizing the historic Orchid House at the St. George Village Botanical Garden, which had suffered damage from Hurricane Maria. The dedicated repairs included replacing the ridgepole and rafters, adding new shade cloth, updating the grillwork, and enhancing the irrigation system. After three years of hard work and determination, the Orchid House has been beautifully restored and now shines as a key attraction in the garden!
AARP Massachusetts endorses Governor Maura Healey’s call for the Department of Public Utilities to conduct a thorough review of rising utility rates in the state, which are significantly higher than the national average and increasingly burden older residents and families.
En Español |AARP New York and the Medicare Rights Center want you to know that extra money is available to help pay for your Medicare costs. With recently expanded eligibility guidelines, more New Yorkers than ever can qualify for a program that can help with out-of-pocket Medicare expenses like your premiums, copays, coinsurances, and deductibles!
AARP Massachusetts offers tabling opportunities at community events to share resources, engage attendees, and promote advocacy, volunteering, and healthy aging.