George Bridges

AARP Vermont is urging legislators to take action in 2018 to reduce state income taxes on Social Security benefits.

Over the past six years, Vermont has dramatically improved services that help people continue to live at home as they age. A 2017 scorecard measuring state performance in providing such services ranked Vermont third overall—up from 20th in 2011. The Green Mountain State has shown more improvement than any other state in making services affordable and accessible for older adults, people with disabilities and family caregivers.

In cooperation with the state Office of Attorney General and Department of Public Safety, AARP Vermont is spreading the word about VT Scam Alert, a new component of VT-Alert, the state’s emergency notification system.

The state’s population is aging, and AARP Vermont wants to help communities plan for that change. AARP is working with policymakers, developers and business people on smart approaches to housing, transportation and infrastructure improvements.

More than 100,000 Vermonters whose employers do not offer a retirement plan will be able to save for their future under the Green Mountain Secure Retirement Plan, which will start operating by January 2019.

AARP Vermont will host its sixth annual Day on the Lake on Sunday, Aug. 27, at the Community Sailing Center on Lake Champlain in Burlington.

AARP Vermont invites members to stay in the know about its advocacy on their behalf, opportunities to get involved and fun activities close to home.

CarShare Vermont is making it easier for AARP members in Burlington and Winooski to drive whenever they want without owning a car.

Sharing space Some Vermonters who want to live at home as they age struggle to meet mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance premiums and maintenance costs. Some also find it hard to keep up with household chores.

For people who don’t drive, it can be hard to find convenient, affordable transportation for medical appointments, grocery shopping and other errands. That’s why AARP is recruiting volunteer drivers for Community Rides, a statewide program that offers free round trips for older Vermonters, people with disabilities and Medicaid patients.