AARP Utah

AARP's "Staying Sharp" presentations on brain fitness and financial fraud have always been popular around the state, but for 2014 we decided to add break-out sessions on topics that our state research showed were of particular interest to Utahns 50+. The topics added for these additional presentations included how to stay active for life; an overview of wills and living trusts; eating healthy; how to maximize Social Security benefits, and how to make your home fit your needs.

To address the needs of the 70 percent of Americans age 50+ who suffer from some level of hearing loss, AARP has launched the AARP Hearing Resource Center. The platform, online at www.aarp.org/hearing, connects AARP members and other consumers interested in hearing health with helpful tips, information, tools and links to related product solutions and programs. A Spanish language version of the site is also available.

AARP Utah Community Outreach Director Jill Duke of South Jordan cared for her mother-in-law for six years while she still had three children at home and a fulltime job. She made a 120 mile roundtrip visit twice a week to help with medications, provide companionship, and perform everyday errands until her mother-in-law needed round-the-clock care in an assisted living facility. But Jill’s caregiving duties did not stop—she still visited her mother-in-law every day to attend to her physical and emotional needs until she died this September.

by Sid Kirchheimer

AARP is working to ensure you have the resources and tools you need to take charge of your future by offering free and unbiased information as you work, plan and save for the real possibility of long-term financial security. Whether you are looking for information on Social Security, finding a job or starting a business, saving and planning, investing, and more, these financial publications are valuable resources that include a helpful “to-do” list of action steps.

Looking ahead to 2015; toast to the future of social security and medicare; George W. Bush talks about the lessons he learned from dad; top 10 most dangerour cities for pedestrians; special safety report on top hazards for seniors; & more

Utah is known for its fabulous skiing, beautiful national parks (five of them, the most in the country) and clean living, but it's also recognized as one of the best states for successful aging according to an index released by the Milken Institute on November 18. Provo was ranked third and Salt Lake City was ranked fifth of 352 U.S. cities in their index, which realizes that most Americans want to age at home and in place as opposed to moving somewhere else to retire.

Did you know that every two seconds, someone's identity is stolen? Last year, 13.1 million Americans were victims of identity theft. Identity theft, investment fraud, and other scams cost Americans $18 billion last year--a figure that is much too high. To help outsmart con artists before they steal your hard-earned money, join the AARP Fraud Watch Network as a go-to resource. Anyone of any age can access our information and tools are free of charge.

Family caregivers in the U.S. spend an estimated 30 billion hours per year caring for older family and friends. That’s about $522 billion in care, according to a new Rand Corp. study, as measured by valuing the time caregivers have sacrificed in order to be able to provide care.

AARP Utah is proud to sponsor the Huntsman World Senior Games--the largest sports event for those 50+ in the world with athletes competing from all 50 states and 21 nations. This year, 10,745 competitors gathered in St. George, Utah where the Games are held to compete in dozens of sports from archery to volleyball. There are 2500 volunteers who make the Games run smoothly in what is now the 28th year of the Games. The Games opened on October 5 and will close on October 18.