AARP Texas

How can we improve our cities and neighborhoods to enhance quality of life as we age? A recent symposium on aging in Austin emphasized a simple common theme: let holistic community solutions take center stage.

In honor of National Volunteer Month, we at AARP Texas would like to honor those who have made a difference in their communities this year. Though we cannot spotlight all the volunteers who give generously of their time to AARP because they are so numerous, here are two examples of volunteers that have bettered Texas through their work.

During National Volunteer Week, it is important to reflect on what it means to be of service to something larger than ourselves.

As the April 17 deadline for filing nears, your taxes might seem harder and harder to interpret. For those juggling both tax-jargon and more than one language, here is a starter selection of bilingual resources at the statewide and local levels.

This week, AARP Texas is putting a spotlight on consumer protection. Unfortunately the issue of fraud hits close to home for many Texans. A recent federal government report says reports of fraud and other consumer problems were more common in Texas than in most other states in 2017.

Mayfest—one of Fort Worth’s longest-standing traditions—returns to Trinity Park May 3-6. The family-friendly festival will feature 40 bands on three stages, along with carnival rides, a Best of Fest food contest and much more.

As tax time approaches, AARP’s Fraud Watch Network and AARP Texas are joining in efforts to help Texan taxpayers avoid criminal imposters who aim to defraud them. The problem is serious, with the Federal Trade Commission reporting that tax fraud ranked second in 2017 in types of identity theft reported, as over 82,000 reports were made last year. But a new poll from AARP, which surveyed 1,005 Americans by phone, reveals that people may have a false sense of security, as three-fifths (62 percent) report they’re either extremely confident or very confident in their ability to detect fraud.

As we age, our eyesight and reaction time steadily declines, and in a big city like Austin, the drivers that share the road tend to be less than friendly. Public transportation lessens the risk of vehicular accidents, alleviating the stress of being behind the wheel (especially during rush hour).

Utility regulators in Texas have been sending positive signs they will make sure consumers get their fair share of savings from the recent corporate tax cuts — but let’s hold the applause until we start seeing lower monthly bills. For the sake of millions of families, this needs to happen sooner rather than later.

By Enrique Rangel