Local Resources

The State of Washington is looking to help current and future family caregivers! As Rosalynn Carter once said, “There are only four kinds of people in the world: 1. those who have been caregivers, 2. those who currently are caregivers, 3. those who will be caregivers, and 4. those who will need caregivers.” We are working hard to improve information and supports for family caregivers across the state.

Looking for a good discount? Then check out the “Gold Card for Healthy Aging” from the Seattle Mayor’s Office for Senior Citizens. The Gold Card provides people 60 years of age and older with discounts such as free admission to the Seattle Aquarium, reduced admission to the Woodland Park Zoo, a 50-percent discount on dog and cat licenses and “Golden Pets for Your Golden Years” adoptions at Seattle Animal Shelters - as well as many other services and discounts offered by businesses and organizations in the Seattle/King County area.

Cars have changed. So have traffic rules, driving conditions and the roads you travel every day.

The Fraud Watch Network from AARP and the Washington State Attorney General’s Office is kicking into high gear. If you haven’t already, go to www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork and sign up now to receive access to information about how to protect yourself and your family from frauds and scams. You can get our Watchdog Alerts, stay up to date on the con artists’ latest tricks, and find out what to do if you’ve been victimized. It’s free for everyone because AARP is committed to safeguarding Americans’ financial futures. You can also call 1-800-646-2283 and reach the AARP Fraud Fighter Call Center to report frauds you come in contact with.

By Janet Lam-Rogers, AARP Tax-Aide volunteer

Winter weather can really impact your utility bills.

If you are like most people, the electronics around your house seem to be multiplying. With flat screen TVs replacing the older, bulky tube TVs and computer technology changing at what seems to be the speed of light, you probably have some obsolete electronics in the closet or garage you are wondering what to do with. In the past you may have paid to recycle them or maybe you’ve just dumped them in the trash (this is legal in most of Washington, but obviously not very “green”).

Captioning in public venues – A tool for persons with hearing loss

Governor Jay Inslee hosted his first Aging Summit at the Talaris Conference Center on October 1st. The Summit brought together thought leaders, elected officials, and advocates for seniors to brainstorm new ideas for aging in our state. The event was hosted by "Governing" magazine publisher Erin Waters and featured a keynote speech by Stanford University professor Dr. Laura Carstensen.

Consumers lose billions of dollars every year to various kinds of consumer fraud, and according to AARP studies, older adults are especially vulnerable. A 2011 survey of fraud victims found that 81% of investment fraud victims and 84% of lottery fraud victims were over the age of 55.