Local Resources

by Kaitlin Lounsberry, AARP blog author

This March, US Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx introduced the “Mayors Challenge for Safer People and Safer Streets” initiative. This 18-month campaign challenges mayors and elected officials across the nation to take significant action to improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities over the next year. In fact, the campaign encourages cities to recruit local grassroots and community organizations to assist in educating and addressing barriers to making streets safe and convenient for all road users. The DOT held a kick-off Summit last month.

Despite news coverage of extreme weather, most Americans aren’t prepared for disasters, yet we have all seen the stories of families whose lives have been torn apart because of a weather-related disaster. But rather than use these reminders to brush up on their family emergency plans or prepare for disasters that might impact their communities, not enough Americans are taking action. In fact, a recent survey conducted by FEMA found that nearly 60 percent of Americans have not participated in an emergency drill at their school, home or workplace in the past year.

Are you interested in learning how to keep your brain fit, avoid financial fraud, stay healthy, and secure your finances? You're in luck! AARP Utah will present its Real Possibilities University on Wednesday, May 13 at The District in South Jordan featuring speakers on brain fitness and financial fraud. Dr. Kevin Duff of the Brain Institute at the University of Utah will discuss how staying sharp improve brain fitness and memory. Keith Woodwell, Director of the Utah Division of Securities, will outline common scams in the state and provide tips on how to avoid becoming a fraud victim.

Did you know that for older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury and hospital admissions for trauma and death? This isn't meant to scare anyone--just to let you know about a great resource for fall prevention brought to you by the Salt lake County Health Department's Injury Prevention Program.

HOGLE ZOO--TAKE $5 OFF THE ADMISSION PRICE

AARP Utah extends its warmest congratulations to Duane Blackwell, AARP’s Driver Safety Program 2014 Utah Volunteer of the Year who was recently selected as the Regional Volunteer of the Year for Western Region 2. He will now compete with seven other regional winners across the country for the Michael Seaton Volunteer of the Year, the highest award bestowed within the Driver Safety Program recognizing its most outstanding volunteer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyPPrVL0XWU&feature=player_embedded

Are you a caregiver living in the Ogden area? The Care for the Caregiver Coalition is there to help. They're offering a free series of educational programs at Weber Human Services in Ogden beginning on March 20, and running every Friday until May 8.

In 1979, AARP founded “55 Alive” to help keep older drivers independent, safe and confident while on the road. While its mission hasn’t changed since then, many other things have, including the program name.