AARP New Jersey

Statistics from the National Council on Aging show that 1 in 10 Americans 60 and older have experienced elder abuse, and there is broad consensus that the crime is significantly underreported.

By Christina Hernandez Sherwood

In order to help hardworking Americans protect their money AARP created the Fraud Watch Network; a free community resource for people of all ages to learn how to protect themselves against fraud and scams. Every two seconds someone’s identity is stolen across the US. In the past six years scammers have stolen roughly $112 billion dollars from hardworking Americans, that’s about $35,600 a second! Identity theft is a crime that can wreak havoc on an individual’s or a family’s personal finances, their financial security, and peace of mind. That’s why AARP NJ wants to help consumers fight back! With tools like our online nationwide scam tracking map; The Fraud Watch Network provides communities with up to date information about scams in your area and what to look out for.

The AARP Smart Driver Course features research-based curriculum to ensure a safe environment for you and other drivers on the road. By taking this course you will be refreshed about driving laws, understand how aging, medications, and other health-related issues affect driving ability, and learn the newest safety and advanced features in vehicles. While the course is designed specifically for drivers 50 years and older, it is open to any licensed driver. Many younger drivers attend and enjoy these classes. There is no test to pass. Upon completing the course, participants may be eligible for a discount on your auto insurance and a 2 point reduction off the driving record. Please consult with your insurance agent for specific details.

At AARP, we believe Medicare is a deal with the American people that must not be broken. Thankfully, President Trump repeatedly said during his campaign that he would not allow changes to this popular program. “I am going to protect and save your Social Security and your Medicare,” he told voters. “You made a deal a long time ago”. Older voters are counting on Congress to follow the president’s lead and protect Medicare.

This has been a busy week for President Donald Trump. He’s been signing executive orders, holding high-level meetings — and tweeting up a storm. All of this makes it clear that our 45 th president is eager to deliver quickly on the promises he made during his campaign.

Every day, AARP fights for New Jerseyans, focused on the issues they face in their daily lives. To be successful, this work depends on the elected officials who write, support, and move legislation; who work with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get things done; and who come together on critical votes that turn bills into law.

More than a third of Garden Staters are 50-plus, and to help keep them informed, AARP New Jersey is posting videos on its Facebook page. The series, called Your Life at 50+, is also on YouTube.

By Aliya S. King

Do you have health insurance? More New Jerseyans than ever before do. Since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) opened the federal insurance marketplace and expanded Medicaid, the uninsured population has decreased significantly across the state.