AARP North Carolina

RALEIGH, NC— AARP North Carolina announced seven organizations will receive 2021 Community Challenge grants – part of the largest group of grantees to date with $3.2 million awarded among 244 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quick-action projects to promote livable communities by improving housing, transportation, public spaces, civic engagement, and connection with family, friends, and neighbors with an emphasis on the needs of the 50-plus. Many of this year’s awards support revitalizing communities adversely impacted by the pandemic and include a focus on diversity, inclusion, and disparities.

As vaccinations become readily available, more and more companies are discussing plans to re-introduce their employees back to the office. However, some employees 50+ are hesitant to make the transition. According to a survey by HR research firm Workspace Intelligence and WeWork, 88 percent of participants 55 or older want some kind of control over where they work. If your office is re-opening and you find yourself hesitant, read on for ways to stay calm and safe as you return to your desk.

“It’s funny where a little research can take you,” AARP volunteer Sara Knapp mused recently. “Like all volunteers, I wanted to make a difference and have an impact in my community. In my case, I began by searching through Transylvania County health data and ended up becoming a Tai Chi instructor! Never in my wildest dreams,” she laughs.

WASHINGTON, DC -- AARP is urging passage of the bipartisan, bicameral Credit for Caring Act (S. 1670/H.R. 3321) introduced by Senators Ernst, Bennet, Capito, and Warren and Representative Sánchez that would provide a new, non-refundable federal tax credit of up to $5,000 to eligible family caregivers to help address the financial challenges of caring for parents, spouses, and other loved ones while remaining in the workforce. The vast majority of individuals 50-plus (92 percent) support a federal tax credit for family caregivers.

Summer has officially arrived, and with it plenty of beach days, barbeques, and picnics. Now that vaccinated individuals can gather for those classic backyard bashes, it’s time to amaze friends and family alike with some delicious and healthy recipes. Over the years, AARP has teamed up with chefs all over America to share some of their summer dishes, and to celebrate, we’re recapping our favorites. For more recipes, make sure to visit aarp.org/food.

AARP Age-Friendly States and Communities leading to change

Is your 65th birthday coming up? You know what that means: It’s time to prepare for Medicare. Get ahead of the game with answers from our free webinar on Medicare, including when to enroll, what’s covered and where to find help along the way.

On July 15, legislation that would govern electricity production for decades to come (H 951) passed the House 57-49. Critics argue that the measure could raise customer rates. Some Representatives acknowledge that the bill still needs work to gain approval by the Senate and the Governor.

ASHEVILLE, NC -- With summer in full swing, you may be looking for ways to tiptoe back to normalcy after a tough year of COVID. You would probably prefer to continue staying outdoors as much as possible and avoid big crowds. Here is a sampling of possibilities from our partners around the Western North Carolina region, each chosen to highlight one of the eight domains of livability for residents of ages.

Natural gas is an indispensable part of our modern lifestyle. It supplies about one-forth of the energy consumed in the United States. But if Piedmont Natural Gas Company gets what is is asking state energy regulators for, residential customers will see rates increase by almost 12 percent. AARP weighed in with the NC Utilities Commission asking them to trim and reject parts of the company's rate hike request.