AARP Oregon

Dick Weinman is an AARP Volunteer Blogger and an Assisted Living Guru

Now in his 70’s, Ron Herndon has no immediate plans to retire. He enjoys working with a staff of over 300 and watching what they are able to do. “As long as I bring something to the organization, I’ll keep doing it,” he says with a smile.

Many AARP members and I have this in common--we've been on both sides of caregiving. We have given and we have received, and considering life's trajectory, it's a trend that will likely continue. Chances are good we will have family members and friends who will depend on us to assist them, provide transportation, and perhaps advocate on their behalf. I'm going out on a limb here, but maybe some of you are like me--occasionally you need some of those very acts of compassion right now.

As I sat in the quiet of the sanctuary, the silence broken by the whispery voices of the mourners, an occasional cough, the squish of feet and walkers awkwardly treading down the aisle, the sleepy environment lured my mind to roil. I latched on to one of my rolling thoughts . .

Thirty-five percent of Oregonians live in rural areas, and of those, 44 percent are 65 or older. Yet rural communities lag behind in offering health care, transportation and other services that make a community age-friendly.

March is Women’s History Month — a time to focus not just on the past, but on the challenges women continue to face. Nearly 60 percent of the people receiving Social Security benefits are women, and in the 21st century, more women work, pay Social Security taxes, and earn credit toward monthly retirement income than at any other time in our nation’s history. Knowing this, you can be the author of your own rich and independent history, with a little preparation.

The Eugene Spring Home Show was a great place to talk to enthusiastic locals and folks from surrounding communities. Saturday, March 11, AARP staff asked visitors, “What would you do to build a community for people of all ages? People were hesitant at first, then often would come back and share their thoughts.

"Fake news" and "alternative facts" have gotten a lot of attention lately. They show how prevalent news hoaxes have become in today's media landscape - and how dangerous it can be to rely on bogus information.

What do you do when your family members’ situation dramatically changes so that they cannot maintain their independence without assistance? What if it happens to a friend or neighbor? In what ways can we create more interdependent communities?

Enjoying a comfortable retirement is everyone’s dream. For over 80 years, Social Security has been helping people realize those dreams, assisting people through life’s journey with a variety of benefits. It’s up to you as to when you can start retirement benefits. You could start them a little earlier or wait until your “full retirement age.” There are benefits to either decision, pun intended.