Archive for category: Medicare News

WASHINGTON—The February/March 2025 issue of AARP The Magazine (ATM) gives readers a closer look into the lives of their favorite celebrities and reveals some of the biggest trends of 2025.

The exceptional, award-winning actress Drew Barrymore captivates the cover as she reflects on the joyous feeling of contentment as she approaches her milestone 50th birthday, a feeling she had never anticipated given the stress and constant worry in her earlier life. The actress-turned-talk show host discusses her vulnerability both on and off the screen, and how her priorities have shifted, to focus on parenthood The issue’s Upfront series showcases five surprising things about actor Kevin Bacon – like being the youngest of six siblings, with an eight-year gap between him and the next oldest. Award-winning singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash, at 69, reveals memories of her parents and the importance of legacy. Additionally, ATM relationship experts share intentional dating rules for individuals in their 50s.

Plus: One ATM health and fitness specialist provides seven easy exercises to help you thrive and live your best life; learn about three shocking stories of perseverance in financial crises; and former NASA recruit Ed Dwight reflects on his experience in space.

In this issue of AARP The Magazine:

Is Drew Barrymore Really All Grown Up?
Drew Barrymore reflects on her decades-long career in the spotlight, from childhood fame in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and 90s rom-com hits like Charlie’s Angels to her Emmy-winning talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show. She discusses how throughout her career she has reshaped the narratives of her personal life through the characters she has portrayed. Now, as she celebrates her 50th birthday, Barrymore shares how with age, she has developed the superpower of not overthinking, gaining a deeper trust in herself and learning to let go of things that no longer serve her. She also shares how her approach to her career and life has evolved, emphasizing the profound joys of motherhood and how it remains the most important role she will ever have.

The A List: 5 Surprising Things About Kevin Bacon

Golden Globe-winning actor Kevin Bacon, now 66, reflects on his early upbringing as the youngest of six children. He recalls the pivotal moment in his career when he realized he no longer needed to worry about waiting tables – which was around 1982, following the release of Diner. While he doesn’t often discuss it, Bacon speaks warmly about his 36-year marriage, describing the relationship with his wife, Kyra Sedgwick, as a deep friendship. This year, he will star in two highly anticipated TV shows: the Amazon series The Bondsman and Netflix’s Sirens.

What I Know Now: Rosanne Cash
AARP The Magazine explores a rare glimpse into the life of four-time Grammy winner Rosanne Cash, as she reflects on life at 69. From stepping into adulthood early for her younger sisters, to spending six transformative months in London at 20 years old with a record company, Cash discusses the milestones that influenced her creative and personal growth. She opens up about navigating her evolving relationship with her parents and the profound impact of community.

The New Rules for Dating In Your 50s
ATM collaborated with a team of dating experts, including licensed psychotherapists, relationship therapists, and clinical sexologists, to explore the dynamics of dating and intimacy for individuals aged 50 and older. These professionals shared valuable tips on navigating the challenges of dating later in life, such as shifting priorities, fewer prospects, and evolving obligations. While these factors can make dating more complex, they also present opportunities to enrich brain health and embrace new experiences. By expanding preferences, exploring connections beyond dating apps, and gaining clarity on personal desires, individuals in their 50s can discover fresh ways to meet potential partners and build fulfilling relationships.

SHOCK! BETRAYAL! DISASTER! Three True Stories of Resilience in Financial Crises
AARP The Magazine shares the powerful stories of three older Americans whose financial security was disrupted by illness, marital betrayal, and natural disaster, highlighting their resilience and how new perspectives helped them recover. John Clements was recently diagnosed with cancer at 61. Despite a grim prognosis, his thoughtful financial planning gave him the security to face the uncertainty ahead. Mary Anderson uncovered years of financial deception by her husband, including unpaid taxes and emptied accounts, leaving her to rebuild her financial independence from scratch. Similarly, Christopher Fielden lost everything in Hurricane Helene, but his thorough insurance coverage and emergency planning enabled him to recover his life. ATM provides practical guidance on how preparation and financial awareness can help prevent setbacks, along with strategies for crisis recovery and achieving long-term financial resilience.

The Ride of His Life

At 90 years old, former NASA recruit Ed Dwight became the oldest person to travel to space, surpassing William Shatner’s record. In this article as told to John Rosengren, Dwight reflects on his experience, describing the awe-inspiring view of Earth from space. He noted how the planet appeared unified and beautiful, with no visible division between countries or states. With this perspective it prompted him to question why humanity struggles to coexist peacefully and why so many fail to care for such a beautiful world. Ed Dwight is currently based in Denver, working in his art studio producing bronze sculptures of historical figures.
 

Get Fit for A Better Future

One ATM health and fitness specialist provides seven simple exercises to help you live your best life for years to come. This article explores ways to maintain strength, flexibility, and balance, essential for enjoying life’s activities – whether it is playing with grandkids or handling daily tasks with ease. Incorporating these practices into your routine can reduce health risks and support lifelong mobility.

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About AARP:
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

WASHINGTON—The first issue of AARP Bulletin in 2025 examines the physician shortage crisis and what it means for older adults. Additionally, this month’s issue provides insights on how to handle data breaches, tips for traveling with a medical device, a spotlight on the work of ombudsmen in nursing homes, and a message to our members from new AARP CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan.

In the January/February 2025 issue of AARP Bulletin:

Cover Story: Where Have All the Doctors Gone?
America is facing an unprecedented shortage of physicians, which can lead to longer wait times and less attention provided to patients. With over 70 million Americans on Medicare, many with chronic conditions, longer wait times can mean worse health outcomes. This month’s cover story details the consequences of a smaller nationwide pool of physicians and the potential danger it presents to older Americans – plus, tips from top medical professionals on how to get the care you need if you are an older patient.

Is Your Personal Information Under Attack?
A record-setting 1.3 billion American consumer records – including Social Security, driver’s license, credit card, and health-related account numbers – were stolen in data breaches in 2024. What’s worse, a study co-sponsored by AARP indicates that most people do not know what to do after receiving an alert about fraudulent activity. Learn the critical steps to take after a data breach in this month’s Fraud Watch column.

Tips for Traveling with a Medical Device
This month’s issue of “Your Life” details how a simple bag mix-up at the airport left one Bulletin writer without her CPAP machine for days, leading to restless nights in a foreign country. Read how one simple step would have prevented the situation and other must-know tips for caregivers and travelers who fly with a medical device.

The Ombudsman Crisis in Nursing Homes
A long-term care ombudsman advocates on behalf of older residents and those with disabilities. They investigate and resolve complaints within residential facilities, and their work is crucial to ensuring individuals are treated correctly and with dignity. However, with increasingly limited funding, resources, and staff since the COVID-19 pandemic, a crisis is emerging nationwide. Read this month’s issue to get the latest on the situation and how to get in touch with your ombudsman.

Meet New AARP CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan
In her career as a practicing physician, public health advocate, and a business leader, Dr. Minter-Jordan has devoted herself to improving the health and wellness of individuals. Writing for the Bulletin, she says, “I am determined to meet this moment. In many ways, I feel like my life and career have prepared me for it.” Learn more about AARP’s new CEO in this month’s issue.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

WASHINGTON — The momentum in Michelle Yeoh’s career appears endless, even after her historical Best Actress Oscar win in 2023. In the December 2024/January 2025 issue of AARP The Magazine (ATM), the award-winning actress, 62, tells ATM about her desire to continue growing as an actress, her family upbringing, and honoring the past Asian actresses that have paved the way for her success.

Much like Everything Everywhere All at Once, the movie that landed her an Academy Award, Michelle Yeoh has lived many lives. She had previous dreams of being a ballet school owner or a stay-at-home mom. When speaking with ATM, Yeoh said she doesn’t dwell on what her life could have been, instead focusing on what she has now, such as the acting career that continues to thrive after her Oscar win, or finding love again after marrying her current husband Jean Todt.

Yeoh is set to be in the star-studded musical adaptation of Wicked, her second time working with director Jon M. Chu since the breakout rom-com Crazy Rich Asians. She also has upcoming feature roles in Avatar 4 and Star Trek: Section 31. As she continues to grow with these opportunities, considering she completed vocal training in preparation for Wicked, Yeoh tells ATM she’s looking to slow down so she can prioritize staying connected with her family.

The following are excerpts from ATM’s December 2024/January 2025 cover story featuring Michelle Yeoh. The issue is available in homes starting in December and online now at www.aarp.org/magazine/.

Reflecting on her father’s advice and appreciating what she has:

“I’m not the kind of person who thinks, ‘Oh, I should have done that.’ I wouldn’t be where I am today. My dad always said to me: ‘I wish you enough,’ when I was young, I would say, ‘No, I don’t want to have enough! I want more!’”

Director Jon M. Chu On Yeoh’s preparation for her role in Wicked:

“I’ve been around her long enough to know that she has great rhythm, great tone, and that she can sing, She was scared, but she dove headfirst into vocal training. She did a great job.”

On honoring past Asian actresses in her Oscars speech:

“Just think of all the shoulders I’m standing on. It just landed on me to have the microphone and say we deserve to be here. It’s not a responsibility; it’s a necessity to speak out.”

On the disadvantages women in Hollywood face with aging:

“I mean, when you’re in your [late] 30s, if you’re pregnant, it’s a geriatric pregnancy! Why is it that numbers matter so much, especially for women? It seems like the clock is ticking a lot faster for us.”

Co-star Jamie Lee Curtis On Yeoh’s resilience throughout her career:

“The older we get, the more sedentary and isolated we get, because often we are no longer allowed to do the work that brought us into contact with others. But people like Michelle and I, who are artists, must take advantage of this moment, and sacrifice a quieter time.”

On experiencing microaggressions in the U.S.:

“People started saying, ‘You’re a minority.’ How did I suddenly become a minority? There are how many billions of us around the world? Also I come from Malaysia, where we are multiracial, just different cultures in a beautiful country.”

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About AARP:

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

WASHINGTON—AARP The Magazine announced today that Glenn Close will receive this year’s Movies for Grownups^® Career Achievement Award. Close—critically acclaimed actress of stage and screen with eight Academy Award nominations, two AARP Movies for Grownups Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards, three Golden Globe Awards, three Tony Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, a Critics Choice Award, a People’s Choice Award, and three GRAMMY Award nominations—will be honored at the annual Movies for Grownups (MFG) Awards ceremony on Saturday, January 11, 2025, in Beverly Hills, California.

“Glenn Close starred in The Big Chill, the first blockbuster hit film about the Baby Boomer generation facing aging, and since then her career has shattered Hollywood’s outmoded, ageist stereotypes. Her steady successes exemplify what AARP’s Movies for Grownups program is all about,” said AARP EVP & Chief Communications and Marketing Officer Martha Boudreau. “We are delighted to recognize Glenn Close—who at age 35 landed her first movie role and her first Oscar nomination, and who at age 77 has a highly acclaimed career that continues to flourish.”

For more than two decades, AARP’s Movies for Grownups has championed movies for grownups, by grownups, by advocating for the 50-plus audience, fighting industry ageism and encouraging films and TV shows that resonate with older viewers.

Glenn Close is soaring higher than ever, starring in 2024’s No. 1 Netflix horror hit The Deliverance, the upcoming Knives Out mystery Wake Up Dead Man, Ryan Murphy’s legal drama All’s Fair, The Summer Book, Back in Action, and six more shows and films—all part of a career so deserving of the Movies for Grownups® Career Achievement Award, our highest honor.

“I am so honored to receive the AARP Movies for Grownups Career Achievement Award even though I feel like I’m still 35, if not younger,” says Close. “I love making movies for grownups and everyone else, and I deeply appreciate the inspiration and support of the people I have worked with over 50 years. Thank you, AARP, for this great honor.” 

Close will receive MFG’s top honor at the awards ceremony, which will recognize the best films and filmmakers of 2024, including Best Movie for Grownups, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director and more. She joins a prestigious list of previous AARP Movies for Grownups Career Achievement honorees, including Jamie Lee Curtis, George Clooney, Helen Mirren, Michael Douglas, Shirley MacLaine, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon, Robert Redford, Sharon Stone and Robert De Niro.

Glenn Close is known for illustrious performances spanning five decades. Her breakout film role as Jenny Fields in The World According to Garp (1982) and her iconic roles in The Big Chill (1983) and The Natural (1984) earned her three consecutive nominations for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She leaped higher yet with the sexy $320 million blockbuster Fatal Attraction (1987), which earned her nominations for Academy Award and Golden Globe Best Actress honors, and Dangerous Liaisons (1988), which fetched a second Oscar Best Actress nomination and a BAFTA Film Award nomination for Best Actress. Her repertoire ranges from prestige dramas like The Wife (2018) to the bestseller adaptation Hillbilly Elegy (2020) to children’s films and voice acting in Disney’s 101 Dalmatians (1996) and Tarzan (1999).

Close has conquered the small screen as well, earning her first Primetime Emmy nomination for Something About Amelia (1984), followed by three wins: Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie as Margarethe Cammermeyer in the television film Serving in Silence: The Margarethe Cammermeyer Story (1995), and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, twice in a row, for playing Patty Hewes in Damages (2007–2012).

Alan Cumming, the Tony- and Emmy Award-winning host of the widely lauded competition show The Traitors, will return as the host of AARP The Magazine’s Movies for Grownups Awards, which will be broadcast by Great Performances on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 7/6c on PBS (check local listings), pbs.org/moviesforgrownups, and the PBS app.

Movies for Grownups Awards proceeds benefit AARP Foundation, which works for and with vulnerable older adults—in Los Angeles and across the country—to end senior poverty and reduce financial hardship by building economic opportunity.

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About AARP The Magazine’s Movies for Grownups® Awards’ Philanthropic Goals

The annual Movies for Grownups® Awards raises funds for AARP Foundation, AARP’s affiliated charity, which works for and with vulnerable older adults around the country to transform lives and build a future without senior poverty. Through vigorous legal advocacy and evidence-based solutions, and by strengthening supportive community connections, AARP Foundation fosters resilience, advances equity and restores hope.

About AARP

 AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest-circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

About The WNET Group

The WNET Group creates inspiring media content and meaningful experiences for diverse audiences nationwide. It is the community-supported home of New York’s THIRTEEN – America’s flagship PBS station – WLIW21, THIRTEEN PBS KIDS, WLIW World and Create; NJ PBS, New Jersey’s statewide public television network; Long Island’s only NPR station WLIW-FM; ALL ARTS, the arts and culture media provider; newsroom NJ Spotlight News; and FAST channel PBS Nature. Through these channels and streaming platforms, The WNET Group brings arts, culture, education, news, documentary, entertainment, and DIY programming to more than five million viewers each month. The WNET Group’s award-winning productions include signature PBS series Nature, Great Performances, American Masters, and Amanpour and Company and trusted local news programs like NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi. Inspiring curiosity and nurturing dreams, The WNET Group’s award-winning Kids’ Media and Education team produces the PBS KIDS series Cyberchase, interactive Mission US history games, and resources for families, teachers and caregivers. A leading nonprofit public media producer for more than 60 years, The WNET Group presents and distributes content that fosters lifelong learning, including initiatives addressing poverty, jobs, economic opportunity, social justice, understanding, and the environment. Through Passport, station members can stream new and archival programming anytime, anywhere. The WNET Group represents the best in public media. Join us.  

WASHINGTON — The October issue of AARP Bulletin explores the ways Medicare costs could grow for individuals in the coming year, the best tips to avoid emotional manipulation by scammers, and travel apps that can help you save money.

Highlights from the October issue of the Bulletin:

How Scammers Target Your Emotions: Read how fear, loneliness, avarice, and anxiety are used as emotional triggers to steal your hard-earned money. AARP Bulletin interviews AARP Fraud Watch Network director of fraud victim support, Amy Nofziger, on how scammers may exploit your emotions and the tell-tale signs to keep an eye out for.

A Guide to How Your Medicare Costs Could Grow: The standard Medicare Part B premium grew 5.9% from 2023 to 2024 – inflation is a major factor affecting price. This month, our editors provide a guide on how costs could grow over time, including Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D prescription drug plans, and Medigap policies. In our guide, we also offer hints for keeping your costs down. Learn more in this month’s issue.

Travel Apps That Can Help Save You Money: With the help of artificial intelligence (AI), apps, and access to travel websites you can save big. AARP Bulletin contributor and savings expert Lisa Lee Freeman shares with you the best technological tools to save you money while traveling for the upcoming holiday season and beyond.

Cover Story: Election 2024 – Where They Stand: AARP Bulletin sat down with Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris to hear their thoughts on issues of importance to older voters. Stay informed in this election with the October cover story.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.