"Spread the Facts" - AARP, TVW and State Team Up to Provide Important COVID-19 Tips and Resources for Older Adults

The spread of the coronavirus across our state has created a very stressful environment for all Washingtonians, especially older people and those with underlying health conditions who are at heightened risk. During these difficult days, AARP is working hard to help our members, their families and the broader community understand how to protect themselves.

To help provide tips and resources for Washingtonians to better cope with the pandemic, AARP partnered on an informational series with the Washington State COVID-19 Joint Information Center and TVW. The program “Spread the Facts” touched on a range of issues including tips for family caregivers, consumer protection, information on how to cope with social isolation and loneliness, and managing finances during COVID-19.

Each episode is linked below. Please note the date each episode aired, and visit the Washington State Coronavirus Response webpage for the very latest information and updates.


- Episode one featured Washington State Governor Jay Inslee and State Secretary of Health Dr. John Wiesman. Governor Inslee and Secretary Wiesman gave an update on our state’s response, and provided viewers with with information and guidelines on how older Washingtonians and their families can care for themselves and their loved ones. Please note that this episode aired on April 9, 2020. While many of the tips are still useful, be sure to visit the Washington State Coronavirus Response webpage for the very latest information and guidelines.

- Episode two provided tips or family caregivers, and featured guests, First Lady Trudi Inslee; Amy Goyer, AARP’s Family and Caregiver Expert; and Bea Rector, ALTSA Director of Home and Community Services.

- Episode three included the latest is coronavirus consumer protection, with guests Attorney General Bob Ferguson; Shannon Smith, Division Chief from the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division; and AARP Fraud Expert Doug Shadel.

- Episode four focused on tips to avoid social isolation and loneliness due to coronavirus, with guests Dr. Erwin Tan, Director of Thought Leadership at AARP; and Dr. Tatiana Sadak, Associate Professor of Geriatric Mental Health Nursing and the University of Washington.

- Episode five provided tips on how to protect your finances during COVID-19, with guests Jean Chatzky, AARP Financial Ambassador, best-selling author and CEO of HerMoney.com; and Lyn Peters, Director of Communications, Washington State Department of Financial Institutions.

“We’re all in on battling this virus, but it’s a battle we can only win if we all do our part," says Washington State Governor Jay Inslee. "Older residents are especially vulnerable to this virus. The harder we hit this, the more lives we save and the faster we return to normal.”

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older people and people with underlying health conditions, like heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes, are about twice as likely to develop serious outcomes versus younger, healthier people,” says AARP State Director Doug Shadel. “AARP has been working to promote the health and well-being of older Americans for more than sixty years and is committed to doing so more than ever during this worldwide pandemic."

"Our mission at TVW is to help educate Washington citizens about important issues, and connect them with relevant state government resources," said TVW Director of Education David Johnson. "We're pleased that we can do both by partnering with the COVID-19 Joint Information Center and AARP on these timely Teach With TVW Connects sessions. We look forward to providing education as well as personal connection in a time of unprecedented stress and isolation for many seniors."


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EPISODE ONE
Featuring Governor Jay Inslee and State Secretary of Health John Wiesman
Aired on April 9, 2020 - Please visit the Washington State Coronavirus Response webpage for the very latest information and updates.

EPISODE TWO
"Caregiving in the Era of COVID-19 / Tips for Family Caregivers"
Aired on April 16, 2020

EPISODE THREE
“COVID-19 Consumer Protection / scams, fraud, price gouging, and more.”
Guests: Attorney General Bob Ferguson; Shannon Smith, Division Chief from the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division; and AARP Fraud Expert Doug Shadel.

EPISODE FOUR
"How to combat social isolation and loneliness"
Guests: Dr. Erwin Tan, Director of Thought Leadership at AARP; and Dr. Tatiana Sadak, Associate Professor of Geriatric Mental Health Nursing and the University of Washington.

EPISODE FIVE
"Protecting Your Finances During COVID-19"
Guests: Jean Chatzky, AARP Financial Ambassador, best-selling author and CEO of HerMoney.com; and Lyn Peters, Director of Communications, Washington State Department of Financial Institutions