AARP Pennsylvania

Judy Kotler has spent a lifetime caring for others. An only child raised in Queens, New York, she pursued a biology degree at Queens College before relocating to Philadelphia to attend physical therapy school at the University of Pennsylvania. That move would mark the beginning of a decades-long commitment to health care, service, and, eventually, community advocacy.

Summer is the perfect time to plan your next trip—but it’s also peak season for travel scams. In this episode of Fraud Busters, we’re spotlighting how criminals use fake vacation rentals, bogus travel sites, and too-good-to-be-true deals to steal your money and personal information. Watch to learn how these scams work, the red flags to watch for, and the steps you can take to protect yourself. Learn more about fraud in Pennsylvania at 👉 AARP.org/PAFraud

This May, in honor of Older Americans Month, AARP Pennsylvania joined PCN’s Focus on Aging Adults to discuss how Pennsylvania is supporting its rapidly growing older population. This year’s observance challenges outdated stereotypes and celebrates the contributions and potential of adults aged 50+.

On March 28th, AARP Pennsylvania joined city leaders, and community partners at the 2025 Vision Zero Conference as they highlighted progress, challenges, and the work still ahead to ensure safe, walkable communities for all. We spoke with many city leaders on hand, including City Council President Kenyatta Johnson, Deputy Managing Director Michael Carroll, City Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, and others.

Gift cards may be a convenient way to celebrate birthdays, holidays or special occasions, but scammers are increasingly using them as a tool to steal money from unsuspecting consumers. AARP Pennsylvania is raising awareness about this fast-growing fraud tactic that cost Americans over $217 million in 2023 alone, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

When Joe Weinkle turned 50 in 1990, his wife gifted him a membership to AARP — a small gesture that would spark a lasting connection. But it wasn't until a few years ago that he decided to get involved as a volunteer.

More than one million private sector workers nationwide are now saving for retirement through state-facilitated Auto-IRA programs — a major milestone in the effort to address the nation’s retirement savings challenges. These plans help workers whose workplaces do not offer a retirement plan to automatically contribute a portion of their paycheck into a secure retirement savings account. Despite growing momentum across the country, Pennsylvania does not yet offer such a program.

A new survey from AARP Pennsylvania reveals that Pittsburgh voters 50+ will be the deciding factor in determining the city’s next leader. Pittsburgh voters aged 50 and older constitute a significant voting bloc that candidates cannot afford to ignore. In the 2021 mayoral primary, voters over 50 made up 57 percent of all voters, and 60 percent of all in the general election.

As tax season nears, AARP Pennsylvania is alerting residents aged 50 and older about a rise in scams involving criminals posing as IRS agents. These fraudsters aim to steal money and personal information by exploiting fear and uncertainty.

AARP Pennsylvania commends the reintroduction of the Credit for Caring Act, legislation that would provide financial relief to eligible working family caregivers. The bill, co-sponsored by U.S. Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) and Mike Kelly (PA-16), offers up to a $5,000 nonrefundable federal tax credit to help offset caregiving expenses, addressing the significant personal and financial sacrifices caregivers make to support their loved ones.