As of November 1, 2025, millions of Americans—including many older Georgians—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.
AARP Georgia recently named Walon Smith of Perry, Georgia, the recipient of the 2025 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious state honor for volunteerism and community impact.
Extreme weather conditions can be a challenge to anyone managing home energy costs, including adequately heating or cooling their home to safeguard their health from the impact of frigid cold winters or extremely hot and humid summers. But exposure to extreme weather conditions and increasing energy costs can be particularly taxing on older adults and lower income households.
At AARP Georgia's Day at the Capitol in March, one of our volunteers asked a state legislator about the high cost of prescription drugs. The legislator responded that the cost of medicine is often too high; and that she, herself, has been prescribed $600/month eye drops, which she cannot afford so she doesn't use them. This example is all too common.
AARP is now accepting nominations for its 2019 Georgia Andrus Award for Community Service, which honors 50+ Georgians who are sharing their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their community members.