AARP Pennsylvania

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.

Kacey French is a semi-retired architect based in York, Pennsylvania, specializing in universal design and aging-in-place solutions. She is strongly committed to creating sustainable and accessible home environments and serves as the president of CorrellGreen, LLC.

AARP Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation hosted an in-person screening of Chinatown Stories: Philadelphia’s YeShi Night Market, the first documentary episode of AARP’s series on the resilience of Chinatowns across the United States. Screened at the Crane Center in Philadelphia’s Chinatown, the event was attended by more than 200 residents, including elected officials and influencers throughout the region.

During the May 20, 2025, primary, voters will elect their neighbors to serve four-year terms as polling place officials, known as Judges of Elections and Inspectors of Elections.

AARP Pennsylvania is warning consumers about the growing threat of phishing scams—fraudulent attempts to steal personal and financial information through emails, phone calls, text messages, and fake websites. With scammers becoming more sophisticated, staying informed is key to protecting yourself.

The AARP-backed bill would require employees of financial institutions to put a hold on transactions if they suspect a person 60 or older is a victim of fraud.