Annapolis, MD, January 12, 2026 — AARP Maryland today announced its 2026 legislative priorities, under the strategic leadership of Advocacy Director Sara M. Westrick. The agenda reflects AARP Maryland’s unwavering commitment to its more than 800,000 members aged 50 and older across the state, along with their families.
Shirley Sgouros, 63, of Baltimore, is AARP Maryland’s winner of the Andrus Award for Community Service, based on her dedication to her Upper Fells Point neighborhood and its residents. From picking up trash and planting flowers, to organizing culturally rich events, she brings neighbors together to celebrate the community.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, theft through fraud may have been as high as $158.3 billion in 2023 alone. To put this into perspective, if fraud was a US company, it would be in the top 40 by revenue. That’s $434 million every day, or about $300,000 every minute – stolen from Americans by fraud criminals.
You get a call from a panicked grandchild or other family member. They say they're in a time-sensitive crisis—hospitalized after a car accident or jailed for example—and beg for immediate financial help.
The new Longevity Ready Maryland multisector strategy is a 10-year plan that aims to identify and address the needs of the state's aging population. The plan emphasizes cooperation and resource sharing across government agencies, businesses and nonprofits.
As scams and fraud accelerate, AARP Maryland and others will showcase the latest trends and tips during Protect Week, to be held June 16-20. About 20 partners — including law enforcement and state officials — are involved.