AARP Texas

Spring means spring cleaning, and AARP is here to help. That's why, for one week at the end of April, we will be hosting ShredFest 2016 across the country. Texas stops include Corpus Christi, Fort Worth and Houston, so join us to safely get rid of unwanted documents, outdated electronics and old medications.

The AARP Block Party, which will pop up at major events around the country, makes it first stop in a few short weeks at Fiesta San Antonio. We’ll be at Maverick Park on April 22, from 9 AM to 5 PM, and April 23, from 3 PM to 10 PM.

Over the years, millions of retired state and local workers—including teachers, police officers and firefighters—have received sharply reduced Social Security benefits, simply because they have had multiple jobs during their careers and weren’t allowed to pay into Social Security at all of them.

For generations, Social Security has provided much needed earned benefits to the people who have paid into the system. While many are able to rely on these funds today, this vital social safety net may not be there for future generations. Social Security needs to be updated for the 21st century. If our leaders don’t act, future retirees could lose up $10,000 a year.

From registering Texans to vote, to helping women get educations, to advocating for family caregivers, Eva Bonilla gives back to the Fort Worth community--and beyond. In honor of Women’s History Month, Eva Bonilla one of twelve Latina women being featured in the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History's "Mujeres Poderosas: The Legacy of Strong Latinas in Fort Worth" exhibit, which opens on March 4.

Wall Street speculators want to take over Texas’ largest electric utility. Hedge fund managers and bankers could snag a $250 million a year tax windfall, hurting millions of Texans. Let’s be clear: A proposed sale of Oncor is a handout to Wall Street speculators.

As Texans begin casting votes for the presidential election, it’s important to separate campaign rhetoric from the serious issues that impact our lives in the most profound ways.

For 100 years, Houston’s historic Franklin Beauty School has helped students learn new job skills and launch careers and dreams. This family-owned, workforce development institute has not only graduated a legion of entrepreneurs and leaders, but it has also been a beacon of pride for the state of Texas.

Elder abuse, like many other forms of domestic abuse, is an often hidden phenomenon that affects many older Texans. Financial exploitation is the most prevalent form of elder abuse. Every year, abuse and exploitation rob older Americans of $3 billion—and this is only the amount reported. When criminals take advantage of older people by forging a signature or coercing them to sign a will, the impact goes far beyond the pocketbook and affects the physical and emotional health of the victim. Those who perpetrate these crimes can be a stranger, such as an aide who comes into the home to assist with daily activities, or they can be someone in a position of trust, such as a family member.

As we've been spending more time with family during the holidays, Texas newspapers have been highlighting the family caregivers who give so much year round.