Community

By Ellen Chang

By Charlene Hunter James

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.

Every year, Sept. 15 marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month. For 30 days, the nation comes alive with the sounds of Latin music, cultural murals, and events that celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of Hispanic people throughout history. When the observance began in 1968, it only lasted for one week. It wasn’t until 1988 that the celebration expanded to 30 days.

AARP invites Texans to kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month in San Antonio Sept. 15 with a guided bus tour of the historic San Antonio Missions, where Native Americans lived and worked in the 1700s. The tour is one of several free events during the month-long celebration.

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.

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.

The holidays are upon us, which means it’s a time for family, food, joy and shopping. It’s also occasion to be aware of fraudulent acts like fake charities and credit card scams, many of which target older persons.

By Lawrence Randle