Money

Research shows one in four Americans between the ages of 44 and 70 are interested in launching their own business or nonprofit venture in the next five to 10 years.

About half of Michiganders who answered a recent AARP questionnaire on the future of Medicare and Social Security said some changes are needed to keep these important programs stable but major reforms aren’t required for a few years.

Jacqueline Whitehead has operated a special needs catering business out of her Belleville home for years and she’s ready to “take it to another level,” she says. The 52-year-old cook and caterer signed up for the Encore Entrepreneur workshop, offered at TechTown in Detroit on Oct. 2, to learn more about creating a business plan, doing market research and getting financial assistance for Meal Therapy, her small business.

Thousands of Michiganders have joined the critical national debate on the future of Medicare and Social Security.

Anita Salustro of Grosse Pointe, whose career has been devoted to giving Michigan’s elders quality of life, a sense of purpose and full engagement, has been named the winner of the 2012 Stephen J. Gools Award for Social Change sponsored by AARP Michigan.