AARP Texas

Austin is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the nation, with a population of more than 930,000. Like other Texas cities, it’s car-focused, which means frequently long commutes and roadway congestion.

By Thomas Korosec

By Bob Jackson

On Thursday evening, Nov. 17, AARP Texas will host a public forum in Austin featuring local and national experts discussing strategies for Texas communities to become even more accessible, comfortable and safe for people of all ages.

Many older LGBT citizens face difficulties getting proper medical treatment. Some live alone due to fear of discrimination. Others can find it hard to settle into nursing homes because of potential mistreatment.

Austin enjoys a reputation as a young city. It’s also among the fastest-growing areas for people 55 and older. City leaders are taking the growth trend seriously. On Thursday, the Austin City Council approved a plan to help people “age in place.”

You can’t stop getting older, but you can disrupt aging by ignoring outdated expectations and defining yourself.

On the Fourth of July, Sidney Williams of Brownsville sliced his hand while opening a vase. He needed urgent medical treatment. So, he visited a nearby emergency clinic after a friend called ahead to see if the clinic would accept his insurance.

AARP Texas today announced that Olivia “Ollie” Besteiro has been selected as the recipient of the 2016 AARP Texas Andrus Award for Community Service. Named after AARP founder Ethel Percy Andrus, the award is given in recognition of those who embody the association’s goal of bringing lifetimes of experience and leadership to serve all generations.

Asking a loved one to move into a nursing home is a difficult decision, and choosing the right home can be an emotional task. Before settling on a facility, experts say it’s a good idea to visit several and to use a checklist based on your observations.