Health & Wellbeing

Across Vermont unsung heroes care for parents, spouses, aunts, uncles, friends, and other loved ones – helping them stay at home, with dignity, as they age. This silent army helps with bathing and dressing, transportation, meal preparation, and even complicated medical tasks like wound care and medication management. They are family caregivers.

Get the Facts:

Today, AARP released a new survey that says more than half of working Americans over age 50 (55%) don’t think they’ll have enough money for health care as they reach the age they expect to retire. While Medicare only covers about half of health costs, four in ten (38%) say they haven’t saved anything at all for such expenses even though multiple studies show that these costs often reach more than $200,000 for a retired couple. AARP also found that among 50+ workers, most (57%) say they plan to work past the age of 65.

The U.S. DEA is working with local police agencies to hold a medication take-back on Saturday, September 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a great chance for you to get rid of old medications that are either expired or that you no longer need.

Please join us:

It's time to put down the cell phone....at least when you're behind the wheel. On October 1 st a new handheld device law goes into effect impacting all drivers on Vermont roads. It is already illegal for any driver to text while driving or to use a portable electronic or computing device in a work zone, and for drivers under age 18 to use a handheld device anywhere. But on October 1, that ban will be extended to all drivers everywhere in Vermont. Here’s what you need to know:

One of the Biggest Events of the Year...Vermont's First Ciclovia!

The AARP Smart Driver® Program, a classroom driver refresher course, is offered regularly throughout Vermont. Program content addresses the changes that occur in vision, hearing, and reaction time as we age and provides useful driving safety tips for handling these changes. The course also reviews how changes in vehicles and roadways affect driving safety featuring new research-based content and information regarding Vermont motor vehicle laws. Updated content includes discussion of health and mental acuity as well as approaches to limit the need to drive in order to accomplish necessary tasks. A complete list of Vermont classes as well as other driver safety information can be found on the internet at www.VTdrivers.org.

Start your day with a brisk walk to school along with a group of local school children as part of the second annual Vermont Intergenerational Walk and Roll to School Day on May 7, 2014. Last year nearly 50 elementary schools across the state took part in the event by holding a walk/bike to school event in their community and connecting kids with older residents.

A number of important issues ranging from health care to financial security are being debated this legislative session, learn more about AARP-VT's efforts in the legislature to improve the quality of life for the 50+ population across the state. To find ways to get involved and take action please contact us!