George Bridges

It’s a new year, and the AARP West Virginia Capital Advocacy Team is ready to spring into action when the legislature convenes Jan. 10.

Family visits during the holidays are a prime time to make sure aging relatives are managing all right on their own. For an estimated 282,000 family caregivers in West Virginia, this can be challenging, as they consider how to help loved ones continue to live at home.

November is National Family Caregivers Month, and AARP West Virginia is working to ease the burden on caregivers in Charleston and other communities across the state.

Know a good kid? A high school junior or senior who excels in athletics, academics and community service?

One in 10 Americans 60 and older have experienced elder abuse or neglect. In almost 60 percent of cases, the perpetrator was a family member, usually an adult child or spouse.

About 1 in 10 older Americans have reported experiencing elder abuse, and most experts believe the crime is underreported. According to the National Council on Aging, just 1 in 14 cases of abuse against people age 60-plus is reported to authorities.

Household budgeting, staying out of debt, saving for college, planning for retirement—Americans face financial challenges at every stage of life.

Locals know Charleston as a place with small-town charm and capital-city attractions such as a symphony orchestra and museums.

Nearly 40 percent of West Virginians are 50 or older, and AARP will fight for their interests in the legislative session that begins Feb. 8. AARP staff and volunteers on the Capitol Advocacy Team will work with lawmakers throughout the 60-day session to advance legislative priorities such as retirement security; access to affordable, reliable broadband service; caregiving; and home- and community-based services.

It’s shopping season for Medicare beneficiaries. Open enrollment, which runs Oct. 15-Dec. 7, is a time to consider whether your current coverage still meets your needs.