AARP Washington

The financial and emotional challenges of caring for a spouse wear on Sammamish resident Michael O’Connell. As the sole caregiver for his wife, who has Alzheimer’s, he wonders if their savings will last through her illness. They did all the right things you would expect of a solidly middle-class family, planning carefully for retirement, but he is facing a situation where their savings may not last. And, with a family history of Parkinson’s disease, he worries about how he will be fair if something happens to him. “It keeps me up night and day,” says Michael.

AARP Chapter #384 members, pictured left to right, Herb Daul, Vice President; Gerry Giles, Treasurer; Bob Seamons, Secretary; and Kathy Fleming, President.

HB 1337 creates more housing options for an aging population

It is no secret that we face a housing supply and affordability challenge in Washington. It is an oft-repeated story in the news, and we know that Washington residents want more choices in size and price.

The annual program aims to make Washington communities more livable for people of all ages

By John Barnett, AARP volunteer

The state legislation would prohibit utility companies from cutting off power or water service to households with past-due bills during extreme heat.

By Cathy MacCaul, AARP Washington Advocacy Director

Tom Oliver of Bellingham is literally saving lives in his community. Oliver serves as the lead “Project Lifesaver” volunteer for Dementia Support Northwest. Project Lifesaver provides ankle tracking devices for those with dementia, enabling them to be quickly found if they wander away from home by search and rescue teams.The program works with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Department to bring peace of mind to family caregivers of dementia patients.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Seattle’s age-friendly initiative helped Emerald City residents remain connected by hosting more than 50 virtual events. Collectively, they were viewed more than 12,000 times.