Many Family Caregivers Avoid Personal Travel, New AARP Report Shows

WASHINGTON—A new report from AARP reveals that half (50%) of adult caregivers have avoided personal trips with their care recipient. The primary reason preventing caregiver travel is the physical health of their care recipients (37%). Among caregivers who traveled, their biggest concern was the fear of being unable to access medical assistance when needed (33%).

Conversely, about half of traveling caregivers reported improved emotional well-being and social connectedness on account of taking a personal trip; nearly half also reported improved emotional or mental health for their care recipient.

“Caregiving can be difficult even in familiar surroundings,” says Amy Goyer, AARP Family and Caregiving Expert. “So it can feel daunting to take loved ones on the road. However, taking a trip with them can create wonderful, lifelong memories. By planning ahead, it is possible for many family caregivers to get away with those they care for and enjoy the positive aspects of travel.”

More major findings from the survey:

  • Over half of caregivers 50 or older express a desire to travel to visit family or friends (51%) or simply for a change of scenery (49%).
  • Nine in 10 (90%) of travel destinations for caregivers and their care recipients were domestic.
  • Modes of transportation used in trips with care recipients range from personal vehicles (53%), airplanes (30%), to rental vehicles (14%).
  • For more than one-third (38%) of caregivers, part of their last trip’s cost included paying additional fees for accessibility.

To read the full report, visit AARP.org/travelwithcare. Find more caregiving resources here and at AARP.org/caregiving.

###

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.

Exclusives From AARP The Magazine: Diane Lane on Acting at Her Own Pace, Guidance for Couples on How to Understand Personal Finances Together, and Navigating Conversations About Menopause in the Workplace, and Jon Bon Jovi on Writing Songs About Aging

Exclusives From AARP The Magazine: Diane Lane on Acting at Her Own Pace, Guidance for Couples on How to Understand Personal Finances Together, and Navigating Conversations About Menopause in the Workplace, and Jon Bon Jovi on Writing Songs About Aging

Plus: Bobby Cannavale on the Power of Hypnotism; How Your Hands Can Reveal Surprising Health Problems; and a Special Report on Severe Weather Conditions Affecting Elderly Residents in Coastal Regions

WASHINGTON—The June/July 2024 issue of AARP The Magazine (ATM) gives readers a closer look into the lives of favorite celebrities and reveals some of 2024’s biggest trends.

Legendary rock star Jon Bon Jovi, on the cover of ATM’s June/July 2024 issue, shares details about his upcoming album and how aging is influencing the next stage in his musical career. This issue’s Upfront series showcases six surprising insights about actress Diane Lane, including her acclaimed resurgence in the entertainment industry.

Emmy Award–winning actor Bobby Cannavale reveals how fatherhood with his younger sons sparked a change of his workaholic tendencies. Additionally, ATM delves into the distressing living conditions faced by older Americans along the coasts of New Jersey and Florida, while AARP offers practical tips on fortifying homes against floods.

Plus, the issue includes eight health signals found on our nails and knuckles that could indicate underlying ailments and accompanying expert insights and prevention tips; how to discuss menopause in the workplace; and how to bridge the money-knowledge gaps in marriages so couples can better manage finances together.

In this issue of AARP The Magazine:

Cover Story: Jon Bon Jovi

After living the classic rock star lifestyle for decades, Jon Bon Jovi unveils a new chapter in his musical journey and candidly shares the profound inspiration aging brings to songwriting. Bon Jovi opens up to ATM on refining his image and how he takes care of his voice post vocal surgery.

The A List: Diane Lane

Renowned actress Diane Lane chats about her career in the entertainment business, reflecting on knowing when it is time to take breaks, and staging a triumphant return. Revealing six surprises from her journey along the way, Lane ponders an alternate career shift as a therapist.

What I Know Now With Bobby Cannavale

Emmy-winning actor Bobby Cannavale, a father of three at 54, discusses how being a parent influences his work. The Ezra star also shares his recent experiences with a hypnotist and dedication to “flex every muscle” and try new activities like singing and dancing for the off-Broadway musical Here We Are.

Open Up Your Marriage (the Money Part, That Is)

ATM delves into familiar challenges many couples face: determining who manages finances and how to transition from control to collaboration. AARP offers practical tips and motivations, such as compiling a notebook of finances or patiently educating the less-knowledgeable partner well in advance so both spouses are equipped to manage money independently when necessary.

Surprising Health Clues Hidden in Your Hand

Our fingertips and knuckles serve as revealing indicators of our overall well-being. ATM offers insights on how to be proactive when you begin recognizing any of these eight subtle warning signs that may manifest on our hands and signal the need for medical attention.

How to Talk to Your Boss About Menopause
ATM shares important research regarding menopause and the workplace, such as the fact that only 22 percent of employers provide menopause-specific benefits while 1 in 3 workers currently experiencing menopause had to miss work in the past 12 months due to their symptoms. With menopause frequently overlooked in the workplace, experts provide six tips to initiate conversations with managers and companies to discuss solutions and health benefits to ensure all employees’ comfort and efficiency.

Washed Away

AARP teamed up with veteran environmental journalist Craig Welch for a special report on how extreme weather patterns are currently impacting older Americans in the Coastal Regions of New Jersey and Florida. The report delves into how displaced residents are coping with financial loss as well as feelings of loneliness and uncertainty, and it also provides tips and resources on how individuals can advocate to assist these communities in preparing for floods. With hurricane season underway, the timing of this story is especially critical.

This report is part of a larger AARP series. For an in-depth look at the toll of rising sea levels and more severe weather events, visit aarp.org/washedaway.

# # #

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 and financial security, 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 the AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit aarp.org/about or aarp.org/espanol, or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

AARP The Magazine EXCLUSIVE: Jon Bon Jovi on Aging, Living Your Truth, His Vocal Surgery Journey and Befriending Paul McCartney

AARP The Magazine EXCLUSIVE: Jon Bon Jovi on Aging, Living Your Truth, His Vocal Surgery Journey and Befriending Paul McCartney

The legendary rock star opens up in the June/July issue of AARP The Magazine about how aging influenced his new album

WASHINGTON—Jon Bon Jovi is determined to deliver one clear message in his new music: Live your truth. In the June/July 2024 issue of AARP The Magazine (ATM), Bon Jovi, now 62, is still living out his rock ’n’ roll dreams and shows no signs of stopping.

Bon Jovi has come far, leading the rock star life his younger self dreamed of while growing up in the New Jersey suburbs. However, Bon Jovi opened up to ATM on how his career has changed over the years, whether surviving new waves of music such as grunge or coming to terms with vocal cord damage.

He overcame this vocal cord obstacle thanks to the strong support he’s received over the years. Fellow singer Shania Twain referred him to a voice surgeon, and he also told ATM about his enduring friendships with music icons Paul McCartney and mentor Bruce Springsteen. Now he’s releasing a new album, which Bon Jovi tells ATM is all about aging, because he has even more life experience to inspire his songwriting.

The following are excerpts from ATM’s June/July 2024 cover story featuring Bon Jovi. The issue is available in homes starting in May and online now at aarp.org/magazine.

On whether his new music is about aging:

“Most definitely. ‘Don’t try to be what you used to be.’ I don’t want to be the kid from Slippery When

Wet. I have no desire to be that kid.”

On the impact of age in his songwriting:

“I have a grander palette to write from. More life experience. I think that every record reflects somehow who I am at that time.”

Bon Jovi’s reaction to potential vocal loss

“People had to talk me off the ledge, because you’re like, ‘I didn’t do anything wrong! What’s wrong?’ ”

On becoming friends with the legendary Paul McCartney:

“I’m sitting there with a f—ing Beatle. He comes to my house often, I go to his beach house often, and our wives are very close…. ‘Oh, I’ve got new stuff!’ he tells me. At 81. Crazy.”

Voice surgeon Robert Sataloff on Bon Jovi’s resilience:

“Jon has worked, throughout his career, harder and more diligently than most of his fans would ever have guessed.”

On other rock stars’ acceptance of the grunge movement:

“I watched my peer group suddenly buy flannel shirts and run to that. I said, ‘This is a big mistake. Why would you chase something?’ … I realized: Be who you are, tell your truth.”

On what future tours will look like:

“Whether or not I can ever do a 100-show tour again, I don’t know. But if I can have joy on the stage on night one, that would be great.”

# # #

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 and financial security, 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 the AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit aarp.org/about or aarp.org/espanol, or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

AARP Bulletin Enlists Pros for 2024 Guide “Modern Problems and Their Solutions”

AARP Bulletin Enlists Pros for 2024 Guide “Modern Problems and Their Solutions”

The May edition takes on today’s most common health, money, home, and tech issues.

WASHINGTON—The May edition of AARP Bulletin offers readers professional tips to solve 26 everyday problems. Bulletin editors sought guidance from dozens of top professional field readers’ burning questions. Their tips and solutions cover the gamut of life’s sources of daily annoyances and confusion – from health, to finances, to home and tech-related issues.

In this month’s cover story, learn the answers to the top everyday problems of 2024, including:

  • How do I keep track of food recalls?
  • How do I detect AI-written news?
  • How can I save digital photos for decades to come?
  • How do I uncover the hidden fees when purchasing flight tickets?
  • And much more.

Also in the May issue of AARP Bulletin:

Five Things You Need to Know About Retirement Accounts in 2024: Did you know you can reduce your federal tax bill by contributing more to your savings plan? And did you know an even better tax break is coming in 2027? This month, the Bulletin details these and other changes to retirement accounts that are critical for older workers and retirees.

How to Sell Your Parents’ Home: The process of selling your parents’ home can be challenging – both logistically and emotionally. But it can also be a rewarding endeavor. From understanding market trends to finding the right help, AARP Bulletin offers tips to help achieve success.

I’m An Expert and Still Got Scammed: Scams are becoming more sophisticated and technologically advanced. Our Bulletin writer recounts how she clicked on a link from what she believed to be a trusted source – but was actually a spoofed email address – and accidentally gave a scammer login credentials. Read the full story and get tips from the Fraud Watch experts on how to help beef up your cybersecurity in this month’s issue.

###

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.

AARP Bulletin’s Fraud Prevention Guide 2024: How to Keep Your Money Safe!

Readers Learn About the Latest Scam Tactics, Including AI Technology, and How to Fight Back.

WASHINGTON—Criminals are using the latest technology (and a whole lot of creativity) to come up with fresh ways to steal people’s money and identities. This month, the cover story of the April AARP Bulletin features the real-life stories of fraud—and the ways law enforcement and AARP fraud specialists advise to avoid them.

The cover story sheds light on the ever-evolving global landscape of fraud. Readers will discover:

  • How scammers are leveraging new tools, such as cryptocurrency ATMs, voice printing and AI;
  • How the mysterious dark web is used for scams and how one person has infiltrated its criminal communications;
  • The complicated market of stolen personal information—and a peek inside scammers’ centers of operations;
  • And the good news: how AARP’s Fraud Watch Network and law enforcement helps protect consumers.

The following are additional highlights from the April AARP Bulletin:

How to Win Credit Card Disputes: Our finance specialists’ number one tip for disputing a credit card charge? Act swiftly! Delaying a credit card dispute could potentially complicate the resolution process. Learn more crucial tips on the kind of paperwork you should keep track of, who you should contact, and what you should not do in this month’s issue.

What You Must Know About the Stock Market: More Americans than ever have investments in the stock market. In this Bulletin primer, readers will learn the importance of understanding market dynamics and how to invest, plus get an explainer on a new phenomenon: “meme” stocks.

The Whats and Wheys of Protein Supplements: As we age, protein intake plays an increasingly vital role in supporting overall health and vitality. Readers will find a comprehensive guide to protein supplements, including how to choose the right ones and integrate them effectively into their daily routine to support their health and well-being.

# # #

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.

women and strokes

Women & Strokes

Women & Strokes



Medicare Sign Up Now

Sign Up to Review Your Medicare Now

https://quotes.medigaplife.com/find-plans/

We explore more below of what the CDC says in regards to women and stroke.

What puts women at risk for stroke?

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a main risk factor for stroke. More than 2 in 5 women have blood pressure greater than or equal to 130/80 mmHg or are taking medicine to control their blood pressure. Only about 1 in 4 of those women have their blood pressure controlled to below 130/80 mmHg.

Stroke risk increases with age, and women live longer than men.

Women also have unique risk factors for stroke, including:

  • Having high blood pressure during
  • Using certain types of birth control medicines, especially if they also smoke. About 1 in 8 women smoke.
  • Having higher rates of depression.


Why are African American women at higher risk for stroke?


Alyson McCord

Stroke is the third leading cause of death among African American women, and they are more likely to die from a stroke than non-Hispanic white women or Hispanics in the United States.2 African Americans have the highest rate of death due to stroke.

Almost half of African Americans have a risk factor that can lead to a stroke.

  • More than 2 in 5 African American women are diagnosed high blood pressure (greater than or equal to 140/90 mm Hg), which is a much higher rate than white women have.
  • African American women are diagnosed with higher rates of obesity (nearly 3 in 5) and diabetes (more than 1 in 8), conditions that increase the risk for stroke.
  • Eating too much salt or sodium can raise your blood pressure, putting you at higher risk of stroke. Researchers think there may be a gene that makes African Americans more sensitive to the effects of salt, which in turn increases the risk of developing high blood pressure.
  • Sickle cell disease, a common genetic disorder in African Americans, can lead to a stroke. About 1 in 365 black or African American babies are born with sickle cell disease.
  • Smoking greatly increases stroke risk. About 1 in 7 black or African American women smoke.


Why are Hispanic women at risk for stroke?

Stroke is the third leading cause of death for Hispanic women.

  • High blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for a stroke. About 1 in 4 Hispanic women have blood pressure above 140/90 mmHg, and nearly half of them do not have it under control.
  • People with diabetes are at higher risk of stroke. More than 1 in 9 Hispanic women have diabetes—including many who don’t know they have the disease.11 Among adults of Hispanic origin, diabetes is most common in people of Mexican and Puerto Rican ancestry.
  • Obesity increases the risk of stroke. About half of Hispanic women have obesity.


How can I prevent stroke?


A woman getting her blood pressure checked.

High blood pressure is one of the main risk factors for a stroke. Measure your blood pressure regularly to help your health care team diagnose any health problems early.

Most strokes can be prevented by keeping medical conditions under control and making healthy lifestyle changes:

Know your ABCS of heart and brain health:

  • Aspirin: Aspirin may help reduce your risk for stroke, but you should check with your doctor before taking aspirin, because it can make some types of stroke worse. Before taking aspirin, talk with your doctor about whether it is right for you.
  • Blood pressure: Control your blood pressure with healthy lifestyle changes (see below) and take your blood pressure medicines as directed.
  • Cholesterol: Manage your cholesterol with healthy lifestyle changes and take your medicine as directed.
  • Smoking: Don’t start smoking.


ChooseMyPlate.gov

Get tips and ideas for healthy eating and make a personalized meal plan at from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Make lifestyle changes:

  • Eat healthy: Choose healthy foods most of the time, including foods with less salt, or sodium, to lower your blood pressure, and that are rich in fiber and whole grains to manage your cholesterol.
  • Get regular physical activity: Regular activity helps you reach and maintain a healthy weight and keeps your heart and blood vessels healthier.



Work with your health care team:

  • Talk to your doctor about your chances of having a stroke, including your age and whether anyone in your family has had a stroke.
  • Get other health conditions under control, such as diabetes or heart disease.




Medicare Sign Up Now

Taking Your Medicine for High Blood Pressure

Taking your medicines as directed can be confusing, but it’s an important way to help manage your blood pressure. This Million Hearts [tag] video has tips to help you stick to the ’script.

If you have high blood pressure, talk to a Licensed Insurance Agent about what plans cover for high blood pressure.

Diabetic & Dental Benefits – CDC Advice

Medicare Dental

If you’re diabetic, the CDC recommends that you get a dental exam once a year or more often if your dentist says you need it. At your exam, your dentist or dental hygienist can:

  • Explain how diabetes affects your teeth and gums and check for problems, like cavities or gum disease.
  • Treat any problems you have with your teeth or gums.
  • Teach you how to check for signs of gum disease at home.
  • Provide care, like a fluoride treatment, to keep your mouth healthy.
  • Tell you how to treat problems, such as dry mouth.
  • Work with your dentist to create a health plan for your teeth.

    • Ask your dentist how to take care of your teeth at home and how often to come in for a dental visit.
    • Ask what to do if you start having problems with your teeth or gums.
    • Ask your dentist to send your exam results to your other doctors after every visit.
    • Be sure to keep your next dentist  appointment!


    Take care of your teeth at home.

    • Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush two times a day or more.
    • Use toothpaste with fluoride and floss once a day.
    • Check your mouth for red or swollen gums, bleeding gums, loose teeth, a change in how your bite feels, or bad breath.
    • Visit a dentist if you think you have gum disease.
    • Limit food and drinks that are high in sugar.

If you need more Medicare Advantage dental benefits click the link to Chat Now about your Medicare Plan 👤 https://m.me/Medigaplife?ref=url-btn or call 1-855-800-5265. We may be able to help.

#medigaplife #medicare #medicareadvantage #disability #partd #vision #dental #diabetic #dentist #benefits

Coronavirus & Medicare

CMS Will Pay for COVID-19 Booster Shots, Eligible Consumers Can Receive at No Cost

Following the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent action that authorized a booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for certain high-risk populations and a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will continue to provide coverage for this critical protection from the virus, including booster doses, without cost sharing.