AARP Utah

Salt Lake City, UT – The majority of Utah voters across party lines and age groups agree that the state should eliminate the income tax on Social Security benefits, states a new AARP poll. Fully 66% of Utah voters agree with this change with 69% of Republicans agreeing, 67% of Democrats agreeing, and 65% of Independents agreeing. The survey showed removing Utah’s tax on Social Security benefits even had strong support from all age groups: 54% of 18-34 years olds agree, 67% of 35-49 year olds agree, and 75% of those age 50 and over agree. With Utah’s 2023 Legislative Session weeks away, AARP is calling on the Governor and lawmakers to make eliminating the tax on Social Security benefits a top priority.

AARP Utah announced three organizations throughout the state will receive 2022 Community Challenge grants - part of the largest group of grantees to date with $3.4 million awarded among 260 organizations nationwide. Grantees will implement quick-action projects that help communities become more livable in the long-term by improving public places; transportation; housing; diversity, equity and inclusion; digital access; and civic engagement, with an emphasis on the needs of adults age 50+.

AARP Utah is pleased to announce the appointment of Pat Thompson as Utah's new State President and leader of our Executive Council. This position is the top volunteer role in Utah. Pat will guide a team of leadership volunteers to shape and execute AARP's statewide priorities.

South Salt Lake has a new way for residents to boost their physical and mental health without joining a gym: the AARP-sponsored outdoor fitness park, organized by FitLot in Bickley Park, next to the Columbus Senior Center.

This year, natural gas prices are expected to rise in Utah resulting in a roughly 20% increase in residential heating bills compared to last winter.

Thousands of Utah’s senior citizens are facing the holiday season alone and isolated this year.

According to a new AARP survey of voters ages 50 and older, more than four in 10 (45%) who live in rural areas say access to high-speed internet is a problem in their local community, compared to just 37% of nonrural voters. Rural home internet users are more likely than nonrural users to rely on satellite or fixed wireless, or to say that cellular service is their only method of accessing the internet. Roughly four in 10 (39%) home internet users say they have problems with their home internet at least once a month.

When the State Legislature convenes on Jan. 18, AARP Utah will be back to advocate for residents 50-plus, working to lower prescription drug costs, strengthen support for family caregivers and ensure that Utahns have access to retirement savings plans.

It is no surprise that the ‘City on the Move’ is now home to Utah’s first FitLot. The new outdoor exercise station adds to the recently opened Bickley Park at 2508 S. 500 East in South Salt Lake. The outdoor fitness station was generously donated by AARP and designed by FitLot. Fostering an active community, the grant from AARP includes three years of programming which will ensure free fitness instruction classes at the FitLot.

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