AARP Massachusetts

It’s wintertime in New England. For some that means skiing, hot chocolate, sledding, and cozy evenings spent sitting by a fire. For others, including many Massachusetts seniors, it means shoveling heavy wet snow, being wary when walking outdoors for fear of slipping on ice, and struggling to pay for increased fuel costs to stay warm.

There’s been a lot of talk about Social Security, but one thing that hasn’t come up in the conversation is the vital role it plays as an engine of the U.S. economy.

I see the power of the volunteer firsthand. AARP volunteers work every day to help people 50+ turn dreams into real possibilities, to strengthen communities and to fight for issues that matter to families.

We New Englanders love our bleeding heart perennials that reliably bloom in the late spring each year. But have you ever seen a tropical bleeding heart vine? I keep mine in the sunroom from about October 15 through May 15, and then move it outside in the warmer months. It’s a very showy vine, with flowers that begin as you see here, white with small interior red flowers:

We were back at the State House this afternoon, delivering testimony in support of annual adjustment to the personal needs allowance for Medicaid-eligible nursing home residents. A personal needs allowance helps cover basic expenses such as personal hygiene supplies and phone calls. Read the AARP Testimony 6-18-13