AARP Washington

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.

The 2022 AARP Community Challenge grant has funded four projects in Washington this year, each aimed at making their communities more livable.

The pandemic has taken an extremely heavy toll on residents of nursing homes and other long term care facilities. This period of prolonged isolation has caused declines in physical, cognitive, and emotional health. There is an antidote!

AARP is returning to the ballpark. On Wednesday, August 30th, join us for “AARP’s Caregiver Day at the Mariners” as we take on the Oakland "A's" at a mid-afternoon game. We will, once again, work with the Mariners to provide a special package that includes a game ticket and lunch.

AARP Washington is pleased to announce that Marguerite Ro has been selected as its new state director. Ro will direct the Association’s activities on behalf of nearly 900,000 Washington state members and provide leadership to help meet the needs and interests of the state’s older adults and their families. “The environment we live in continues to shift and evolve. Assuring that older adults and their families have the support and resources they need is part of how we acknowledge and honor the contributions of older adults,” said Ro. “I am excited to join the AARP Washington team as its State Director given its strong history of helping Washingtonians achieve the health and financial security they need and deserve.”