AARP Florida

Florida boasts 21 different military bases, from the Panhandle to the Keys, reflecting all branches of service. As the son of a Navy veteran whose last station was in Jacksonville, I can attest to the influence that active-duty military and veterans have on Florida’s culture in virtually every corner of the state. Amongst the veterans who create positive change in their community is AARP Florida State President, Ken Thomas. Thomas is a U.S. Air Force veteran whose military service launched him into a career of giving back to others around him. He is a third-generation U.S. veteran, with his father and grandfather having served in different branches of the military. Thomas started his service at 20 years old in the U.S. Air Force, where he served for four years as an Air Traffic Controller. Following his military service, he worked for the Federal Aviation Administration as an instructor, turning his attention to community volunteerism after his retirement. During his time as an AARP volunteer, he has coordinated Salute to Veterans events to honor others who have served our country.

AARP Florida State President Ken Thomas has always found purpose in serving others. Hailing from Williamsburg, Virginia, an area renowned for its strong military presence, Ken's journey was deeply influenced by the active-duty service members and veterans surrounding the area from a young

Nurse and non-nurse staffing in Florida nursing homes “appears to be on a downward trajectory,” pointing to an “urgent need” to understand staffing patterns and how to increase time devoted to resident care, says an AARP Florida study.

While we await the November 20 opening of the new Senior Planet center in Miami, take a sneak peek inside! Virtually join Senior Planet Executive Director Tom Kamber in a ‘hard hat’ walk through the new center, which is currently under construction.

For the past eight years, Kip Corriveau and his wife have been the primary caregivers for his 88-year-old father-in-law, who suffers from dementia and cannot care for himself.

AARP Florida welcomed Yazmin Alfonso as the new Associate State Director of Outreach. Alfonso joins AARP from EVHybridNoire, where she served as Director of Programs and worked to advance inclusive and equitable e-mobility solutions across the U.S.

AARP Florida has recognized Sen. Colleen Burton as a 2023 Capitol Caregiver in honor of her work supporting older Floridians and caregivers across the state. AARP’s Capitol Caregiver Award was created to recognize remarkable leadership by elected officials in states across the country. Her work includes advancing policies that serve Florida’s older adults, expand access to healthcare resources and support caregivers.

Many older adults survive on fixed incomes and rely on programs like Medicare and Social Security for necessities. This year, Medicare Open Enrollment begins on October 15 and runs through December 7.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, AARP Florida is highlighting just some of the many volunteers who honor their culture and make their communities vibrant and inclusive places. For Thayra Hausheer, an Air Force veteran and dedicated AARP volunteer, it means being seen, recognized and celebrated as an integral and important part of the community.

To honor her work in supporting caregivers across the state, AARP Florida has recognized Senator Ileana Garcia as a 2023 Capitol Caregiver.