For Immediate Release                                               Contacts:

December 31, 2008                                                     David Irwin                312-458-3621

                                                                                           Heather Underwood         312-458-3623

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION FOR ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS: FIX BROKEN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

AARP Calls on Legislature to Make Health Care Top Priority in 2009

Statement by Bob Gallo

 SeniorState Director

AARP Illinois

SPRINGFIELD , Illinois — The economic situation is forcing more Illinois families to face a broken health care system.  Everyday an increasing number of people are cutting back on necessities in order to pay for health care and delaying seeing their doctor because it’s too expensive.  High health care costs are leaving many unable to afford the care they need. 

Enough is enough.  AARP is calling on the Illinois General Assembly to make a New Year’s resolution to fix the state’s health care system.  The people of Illinois are losing the battle against a health care system that is unaffordable and inadequate and it’s time for all of our state lawmakers to make health care a top priority.

AARP is advocating for health care quality measures to establish needed reforms in the insurance industry, helping to ensure people are not denied coverage because of pre-existing health conditions, their age or other factors.  We will press for the expansion of health insurance through Medicaid to cover people between the ages of 50-64, and work to ensure Illinois pays its health care bills on time so people can get care when they need it. 

This New Year’s resolution will require lawmakers to break through political gridlock and set aside partisan bickering to focus on health care solutions that work.  AARP is dedicated to working with the General Assembly to ensure Illinois residents have affordable access to the health care they need and deserve.

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For Immediate Release                                   Contacts: David Irwin 312-458-3621

December 30, 2008                                                          Heather Underwood           312-458-3623              

ECONOMIC STRESS TAKING TOLL ON PEOPLES’ HEALTH

AARP Survey Finds Financial Stress Causing Health Problems for Nearly 20% of 45 plus Population

CHICAGO , Illinois –   The latest victim of the economic recession could be your health.  According to a recent AARP survey, one in five adults ages 45 and older are suffering health problems due to financial stress.  The survey details the health care problems and challenges many Americans are facing because of the current economic situation.

“Right now people are increasingly concerned about their jobs, retirement savings and simply being able to provide for their families and it’s taking a major toll on their health,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois Senior State Director.  “It’s a harsh irony that worrying about being able to afford health care is actually causing health problems.”

Key findings from the AARP survey, Impact of Economy on Health Behaviors, include:

·          20% of people  45 and older reported health problems due to financial stress

·          About one fifth, 22%,  have delayed seeing a doctor due to cost

·          16% had to use retirement savings or other savings to pay for medical care

·          21% have cut back on other expenses in order to afford their medical care

·          One in six, 16%, are not confident they will be able to afford health care in the coming year

The survey also found that health problems due to financial stress is having a greater affect on individuals 45-54 and 55 - 64, than on those ages 65 and older (22% and 25% vs. 13%, respectively).

Mounting health care costs are contributing to the financial woes felt by many.  Over the last five years health insurance premiums for families have increased by 65 percent.  The average cost of health insurance for an American family now exceeds the yearly income of a minimum wage worker.  According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, insurance premiums have increased 119 percent from 1999 to 2008, while workers’ earnings have risen just 29 percent.

“Clearly rising health care costs during difficult financial times is a major cause for concern for many people,” added Gallo.  “In Illinois, AARP will work side by side with state lawmakers to address the growing health care crisis.”

In Illinois, AARP is advocating for health care quality measures to establish needed reforms in the insurance industry, helping to ensure people are not denied coverage because of pre-existing health conditions, their age or other factors.  AARP will also press for the expansion of health insurance through Medicaid to cover people between the ages of 50-64.  At the national level, AARP is working on several measures to ensure health care is affordable and accessible.

The full survey can be found at the following link: http://www.aarp.org/research/health/carefinancing/healthcosts_08.html

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                     CONTACT: Heather Underwood (312)458-3623

December 18, 2008                                                                 Gerardo Cardenas (312)458-3609

NEW ILLINOIS UNEMPLOYMENT RATE HITS ABOVE NATIONAL AVERAGE

AARP Finds Workers over 55 See 52% Rise in Unemployment – Association Presses for Solutions, Provides Resources to Help

CHICAGO , Illinois – As the economic crisis deepens, the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) delivered some harsh new numbers for the state - in November, the Illinois unemployment rate was 7.3% up from 6.8 % in October (well above the national rate for November of 6.7%). While all age groups are affected, AARP has found that older workers tend to be among the hardest hit when it comes to unemployment trends.    The full IDES report can be found: http://lmi.ides.state.il.us/laus/lausmenu.htm .

Nationally there are over 1.3 million workers 55 and older who are currently unemployed – a 52% increase in the last year.  AARP has found that when older, longer tenured workers lose employment, it takes them longer to find the next job and they are more likely than younger workers to exhaust their unemployment benefits in the process. There has been a 55% increase in the unemployment rate of workers 45 and older. 

“Older people, who are already seeing their retirement dreams slip away, are joining the ranks of the unemployed at an alarming rate at the exact time that they need their jobs the most,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois Senior State Director.  “As we continue to see record unemployment rates across the nation and in Illinois, it’s critical that our elected leaders continue to work towards solutions.”

Adding to the crisis, nearly $3 trillion has been erased from 401(k) plans and other retirement accounts in the last 14 months, leaving older workers entering into retirement in just as tenuous a situation as they faced in the workforce.

To help bring some financial relief to older Americans, Congress recently passed the “Worker, Retiree and Employer Act of 2008,” that places a one year moratorium on mandatory withdrawals from shrinking 401k and IRA accounts.  AARP also successfully pressed for a temporary extension of unemployment insurance benefits, allowing workers up to 13 additional weeks if regular unemployment benefits are exhausted before finding a new job.

AARP has several resources available at www.aarp.org and is encouraging older workers to connect with companies that have positions to fill at www.aarp.org/employerteam or retirementjobs.com.    

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                   CONTACT: Heather Underwood (312) 458-3623

December 17, 2008                                                               Gerardo Cardenas     (312) 458-3609

LAST MINUTE ONLINE SHOPPING RUSH EXPECTED TO FIND IDENTITY THIEVES IN FULL SWING

AARP Provides Simple Consumer Tips to Protect Your Credit During Holiday Season

CHICAGO– Online shopping has become a huge hit for people looking to do their last minute holiday shopping from the comfort of their own home.  U.S. consumers are expected to spend $44 billion in online purchases during the holiday months this year, and cyber criminals are looking to the Internet for an easy way to help themselves to consumers’ pocketbooks.

According to a Federal Trade Commission survey, about 8.3 million Americans discovered their identities had been stolen in 2005. In Illinois, over 11,000 people fell victims to ID theft.

“Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country – and the holiday shopping season is prime time for identity thieves to strike,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois Senior State Director.  “Consumers need to take precautions to protect themselves and simple steps can go a long way in making sure that they aren’t the next victim.”

AARP provides the following tips to help consumers protect their credit:

• Don’t give out your credit card or bank account number over the phone, through the mail or over the Internet until you can confirm that you’re dealing with a legitimate business.
• Know who you’re dealing with and what you’re buying: in other words, confirm the online seller’s address and phone number before proceeding with the purchase; read the product’s description closely, especially the fine print, and factor in shipping and handling costs.
• Make sure it’s a safe deal: Find out if you can return the items for a full refund, and who pays the shipping costs if you return it.
• Make copies of every online transaction: print them and store them in a safe place. It’s very important that you keep a paper trail.
• Do not email your financial information, especially credit card numbers, checking account numbers and Social Security numbers.
• Store financial information in a safe place at home.
• Place a security freeze on your credit report to minimize chances an identity thief can establish credit using your name. People age 65 and over can now place a freeze on their credit reports for free.  For individuals under the age of 65, there is a $10 charge for placing the freeze. To place a freeze, contact each of the three major credit reporting bureaus separately -  Experian:( www.experian.com ), TransUnion: ( www.transunion.com ), and Equifax ( www.equifax.com ). 

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For Immediate Release                    Contacts:

December 16, 2008                              David Irwin                 312-458-3621

                                                          Gerardo Cardenas             312-458-3609

AARP COMMENDS ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR EFFORTS TO PAYSTATE MEDICAID BILLS

Move Helps Preserve Illinois Residents’ Access to Critical Health Care Programs & Services

Statement by Nancy Nelson

 AARP Illinois’ Senior Manager for Advocacy

SPRINGFIELD —    With Illinois struggling to pay its Medicaid bills, hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents were facing the risk of losing access to critical health care services and programs.  Today, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan moved to change that, stepping up to help the state meet its short-term cash obligations and ensure that Medicaid bills get paid.

AARP commends Madigan for taking the necessary action to allow Illinois to borrow $1.4 billion.  The money will help preserve access to needed health care during already difficult times for some of Illinois neediest people.

Illinois has a responsibility to meet its financial obligations, in order to help people receive the services and programs they need. Due to the state’s fiscal issues, many health care providers haven’t received payment for services for several months.  These providers are often small, not-for-profit, community based organizations, which, without state assistance, are increasingly faced with the possibility of having to close their doors to the most vulnerable citizens of Illinois

While today’s news will help the state meet its obligations in the short-term, AARP is urging Illinois’ elected officials to come together and work towards long-term solutions.  These providers need to be fully funded to continue their important work of providing the health care services and programs that so many Illinoisans depend on.

For Immediate Release                            Contacts: David Irwin                         312-458-3621

December 10, 2008                                                         Gerardo Cardenas        312-458-3609

COLD WEATHER COULD SPELL BAD NEWS FOR OLDER RESIDENTS IN ILLINOIS

AARP Encourages Friends, Family, Neighbors to Help Older Neighbors & Launches New Initiative to Help Keep Heating Costs Down

CHICAGO– With cold weather hitting Illinois, AARP is reminding friends, family and neighbors to watch out for the well-being of older residents, making sure they’re safe and warm during the winter months.  In the face of soaring heating costs, AARP is also encouraging people to join a new initiative aimed at helping residents conserve energy and reduce costs, while still keeping their homes safe and warm for the season.

“Cold weather is a fact of life in Illinois, but it can put many older adults at risk,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois Senior State Director. “Family, friends and neighbors can make a difference by helping older residents to stay warm and safe during winter.”

People can take a number of steps to help make sure older residents are protected from the harsh Illinois winter. Among other things, they should make sure older residents are:

·          Warm and safe indoors and outdoors: Make sure older residents wear warm clothing in several layers. When indoors, stay in a heated room; avoid fire hazards by having proper ventilation when using fireplaces, wood stoves, or space heaters. Functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be installed.

·          In good health: Make sure older adults continue their exercise regimens, but avoid overly strenuous physical activity; and maintain a healthy diet with plenty of liquids. Caregivers should make sure older adults get vaccinated against the flu and pneumonia.

·          Able to go out safely when needed: Walkways and driveways should be free from snow and ice.

·          Prepared for emergencies: Keep a phone with emergency numbers already pre-entered; and make sure older persons have a personal emergency response system available.

AARP recently launched Operation Energy Save, a new initiative to encourage residents to conserve energy by making small changes around the house to reduce costs. Operation Energy Save features easy-to-use checklists, instructional guides and simple tips to help residents save on energy expenses. The free resource is available at http:// www.AARP.org/CreateTheGood .

Older Illinoisans on fixed incomes tend to be hit especially hard by increases to home heating costs -- while they use about the same amount of energy as younger people, they spend twice as much to heat their homes.  One out of every four low-income older persons spends 19% or more of their total income on home energy bills.  A recent, nationwide AARP survey found that 22 percent of Americans are worried about being able to afford their home energy costs this winter.

To help with soaring home heating costs, eligible low-income residents, especially the elderly, can enroll in Illinois’ Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).   LIHEAP provides a one-time benefit to eligible households for energy bills on a first come, first serve basis. To learn more, call 1-877-411-WARM (9276) or visit www.liheapillinois.com.

For Immediate Release:

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Contacts: Gerardo Cardenas (312)458-3609

Heather Underwood (312)458-3623

EXCLUSIVE NEW SURVEY FROM AARP THE MAGAZINE LOOKS AT EFFECT OF RETIREMENT ON MARRIAGE

**Happiness, Housework and Internet Use on the Rise; Sex on the Decline**

WASHINGTON (December 3, 2008) – AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world’s largest-circulation magazine with more than 34.5 million readers, today released the results of an exclusive new survey that looks at what the effect is on a relationship for couples where one or both partners are retired. More than 1,000 people age 55-75 who are married or living as married were polled about a variety of topics including:

·          Increased Tension at Home: 74% are happier though 21% say there’s more tension in their marriage

·          Less Sex: 22% report having sex less often post-retirement

·          More Housework: 71% of those retired but still have a working spouse said their housework increased

“For many couples, retirement can trigger a significant impact on the dynamics of their relationship,” said Nancy Graham, Vice President and Editor of AARP The Magazine. “Some may experience a period of adjustment to the increase in time spent together. Others might face a time of soul searching as they consider what to do with the rest of their lives. We wanted to find out what our members were experiencing, and the results of this study unveiled some surprising trends.”

Adjusting to Retirement and the Effect it Has on Relationships and Activities

Results of AARP The Magazine’s Retired Spouses survey showed most retirees found adjusting to their retirement to be what they expected (64%).  Only 12% found it harder and 23% actually found it easier than they expected.  The survey also found that retirement has had significant impact on the frequency of travel, eating out, exercising and volunteering/hobbies. In regards to romance, retirees who are in a relationship where both spouses are retired are happier, less stressed and spend more time together. Interestingly, results showed that retired men seem to think they have taken on more of the housework since they retired, but working women with a retired spouse tend to disagree. 

Retirement and Sex

As expected, people’s time is spent differently after retirement than before. Activities that see an increase after retirement include: sleep, housework, and TV watching.

The good news is that for 38% retirement has made the relationship stronger – only 2% said retirement has made the relationship weaker.  Retirement has had little effect on the romantic life or the amount of arguing for most retirees between the ages of 55 and 75.  Three-fourths (77%) say they are as romantic as before retirement, although 12% say retirement has made them more romantic and 8% say they are less romantic. More than half (59%) say they argue about as much as before retirement and for 30% they actually argue less.  Six percent say they argue more now than before retirement. 

In terms of decreasing activities, sex seems to take the biggest hit. Among respondents in our survey, 22% report having sex less often now that they’re retired. There is a gender difference, however. Men are significantly more likely than women to say that they are having less sex after retirement (25% vs. 19%)

Compared to before retirement, 21% think about divorce as often as before, 23% think about it less often and only 2% think about it more than they did before retirement.   Half (53%) said they have never thought about divorce. 

Retirement and Lifestyle Habits

Though twenty-nine percent of those surveyed said they are more worried about money now that they are retired, forty-seven percent of respondents said they travel more often now that they are retired and 41% said they go on the Internet more often since retirement.  Eating out (40%), hobbies (38%), exercising (37%) and volunteering (33%) are all activities that a substantial number of retirees say they are doing more often now that they are retired. Forty-three percent of people also said retirement has allowed them to spend more time with their family.

Retirement Loves Company

One third of retired respondents said they encouraged their spouse to retire after they did (and were persistent in their prodding).

·          49% said they strongly encouraged their spouse to retire while 42% said they mildly encouraged it.

·          By gender, men are more likely than women to say they encouraged their spouse to retire along with them (39% vs. 21%).

Respondents in relationships where both spouses are retired report spending more time together, are happier, and are less stressed than couples where only one person is retired.  Indeed, irritation and tension between spouses are more likely to be a problem for those who are working and have a retired spouse than for those who are retired and have a working spouse.

·          Retirees are more likely to say they are happier now than when they were working than those who are still working and only have a retired spouse.

o        In households where both spouses are retired, younger retirees are happier now than when they were working (84% for 55-64) compared to older retirees (76% for 65-75).

Retiree’s Remorse?
When asked if they wish they would have worked longer, individuals with a working spouse reported greater regret than those whose spouse was also retired.  This lends further support to the idea that having a partner to spend time with makes the retirement transition easier. The reasons given for wishing they had worked longer include lack of money, liking the job/enjoyed working, having retired for medical reasons, and feeling bored or frustrated.

·          Women (in a relationship where both are retired) are more likely to agree that they wish they had stayed working longer than men are (24% vs. 18%).

·          Retirement length matters: those who have been retired for less than five years are less likely to wish they had worked longer (23%) that those who have been retired for 5 years or longer (34%).  

Retirement and Housework

Those who are retired are a lot more likely to agree that they do more of the housework and chores now than they did before retirement.  Among those who are working but have a retired spouse, only half say that their spouse has taken on a lot more of the housework now that they are retired.

·          There is a very striking gender difference in regards to housework.  Although, 80% of men who are retired said they agree that they have increased their share of the housework and chores now that they are retired, only 47% of working women agree that “being retired, my spouse does more of the housework and chores.”

Retirement and Volunteering/Hobbies

Starting new activities in retirement (or at least thinking about starting them) has important consequences to overall retirement satisfaction.

·          Among retirees, 56% have started doing new activities since retirement, 22% are planning to start, and 20% haven’t even thought about it.

·          Among working respondents who have a retired spouse, 54% said their spouse has started engaging in new activities, 22% said they’re planning on it, and 20% haven’t even begun thinking about it.

Additional information on can be found in the January/February 2009 issue of AARP The Magazine, in homes now, and online at www.aarp.org .

AARP The Magazine’s Retired Spouses Survey was conducted by Opinion Research Corp using CARAVAN, which is their weekly national telephone survey of U.S. households. The total sample consisted of 1,064 adults who are 55 to 75 years of age, married or living as married and are retired themselves or their spouse is retired. The survey was conducted from November 1-26, 2007.

About AARP The Magazine

With more than 34 million readers nationwide, AARP The Magazine ( www.aarpmagazine.org ) is the world's largest circulation magazine and the definitive lifestyle publication for Americans 50+. Reaching over 24 million households, AARP The Magazine delivers comprehensive content through in-depth celebrity interviews, health and fitness features, consumer interest information and tips, book and movie reviews and financial guidance. Published bimonthly in print and continually online, AARP The Magazine was founded in 1958 and is the flagship title of AARP Publications.

About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 34 million readers; AARP Bulletin and AARP Bulletin Today, the go-to daily news source for AARP's 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our Web site, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

For Immediate Release                                                  Contact: David Irwin (312) 458-3621

Wednesday, November 26, 2008                            

AARP FINDS VALUE OF UNPAID FAMILY CAREGIVING IN ILLINOIS HITS $17 BILLION

Hard Economic Times See Billion Dollar Increase in Value of Family Members Taking Care of Relatives in State

CHICAGO, Illinois – With the economy continuing it’s downward turn, family caregivers are stepping up to the plate to help loved ones in need.  A new AARP report found the value of unpaid family caregiving in Illinois hits over $17 billion, more than a $1 billion increase since 2006.  While nearly 1.5 million family and friends in the state provide care for relatives, that number climbs as high as 2.3 million when short-term caregivers are taken into account.     

According to the AARP Public Policy Institute r eport, nationally, the value of family caregiving is $375 billion - 7 percent higher than in 2006, when the estimated value was $350 billion.  The value exceeds the $311 billion spent on Medicaid in 2007.  

 
“Family caregivers are a vital and largely unrecognized part of Illinois’ and the nation’s health and long-term care system,” said Bob Gallo, Sr. State Director for AARP in Illinois.  “We often overlook how much family and friends contribute—whether it's picking up groceries each week or providing daily health care for their loved ones.”

The AARP report, “Valuing the Invaluable, The Economic Value of Family Caregiving, 2008 Update,” estimates that 34 million Americans provide more than 20 hours of care per week to another adult, making informal caregiving a cornerstone of U.S. health and long-term care.  

“Family caregivers are likely to be stretched even further in today’s tumultuous economy,” added Gallo.

The AARP report notes that informal caregivers of people 50-plus spent an average of $5,531 out-of-pocket in 2007 to care for their loved ones.  That spending is often coupled with lost workdays, wages, health insurance and retirement savings.  More than one-third of informal caregivers are forced to quit their jobs or reduce their working hours, with women more likely to leave the labor force entirely.  Caregivers also frequently struggle with health care bills and medical debt—and experience chronic stress. Even less noticed is the physical and emotional toll caregiving can take.

The AARP report makes several recommendations to assist caregivers, including adopting “family friendly” workplace policies; assessing caregivers’ needs and providing them with needed supports; expanding funding for the National Family Caregiver Support Program and the Lifespan Respite Care Act; and supporting family caregivers in chronic care coordination programs and care transitions.

The full report is available online at: http://www.aarp.org/research/housing-mobility/caregiving/i13_caregiving.html .

For Immediate Release                                          Contacts: David Irwin (312) 458-3621

Friday, November 21, 2008                                             Gerardo Cardenas (312) 458-3609                                           

AARP CONGRATULATES CULLERTON & RADOGNO ON SENATE LEADERSHIP POSTS

Statement by Bob Gallo

Senior State Director AARP Illinois

On behalf of our 1.8 million members in Illinois, AARP congratulates both Senator John Cullerton on being selected to serve as President of the Illinois State Senate and Senator Christine Radogno on being selected as Senate Republican Leader.  AARP has worked with Senators Cullerton and Radogno over the years on important issues to make Illinois a better place to live, work and grow old.

Now that new leadership has been selected in the Senate for the 96^th General Assembly, AARP urges them to use their new positions to bring people and political parties together to tackle the important work and issues facing the people of Illinois.  We have an ever growing health care crisis and an economy threatening the health and well being of families, employees, and older citizens across the state. 

AARP looks forward to working with Senators Cullerton and Radogno and their colleagues to address health care and economic security issues in Illinois.   

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For Immediate Release                                                  Contacts: David Irwin (312) 458-3621

Tuesday, November 18, 2008                                                      Gerardo Cardenas (312) 458-3609

Immunization Rates Lag in Older African-American and Hispanic Populations, AARP Report Finds

Over 50% Skip Shots For Nation’s 8^th Leading Cause of Death Chicago Community Initiatives Move to Buck National Trend

CHICAGO , Illinois - With more than half of older African-American and Hispanics skipping their immunization shots, the groups increase exposure to the eighth leading cause of death in the nation.  A new report issued by AARP’s Public Policy Institute highlights the impact of low vaccination rates for influenza and pneumonia among the populations, finding rates for these groups lag significantly behind whites. 

According to the report, two-thirds of white adults age 65 and older reported receiving the flu vaccine in 2006.  In the same year, less than half of blacks (47%) and Hispanics (45%) received the flu vaccine.  The disparity is even greater for pneumococcal vaccine with 62 percent of older whites receiving the vaccine, compared to only 36 percent of blacks and 33 percent of Hispanics.

Chicago is cited in the report for its efforts in providing increased access to immunizations in high-risk communities.  During flu season, the Chicago Department of Public Health runs faith-based vaccine clinics, promoting vaccine use in targeted communities.  In the 2007-2008 flu season, 16,000 vaccines were administered as part of the program – with the greatest success in the Hispanic community; vaccinations in African-American communities are also on the rise. 

“It’s tragic that America loses so many lives each year to preventable diseases,” said Robert Gallo, Senior State Director for AARP in Illinois.  “Even more alarming are the drastic ethnic and racial disparities that exist in immunization rates – AARP commends Chicago’s efforts to address this.” 

The study notes immunization disparities result in hospitalizations and deaths that would otherwise have been preventable. The journal Preventative Medicine found 1,880 deaths could be prevented every year if flu immunizations rates were equal for all races, while if all racial groups reached 90 percent flu vaccination, 15,590 deaths could be prevented annually.

Together, influenza and pneumonia represent the eighth leading cause of death in the United States, despite the availability of annual flu shots and the one-time pneumococcal vaccination.  Both flu and pneumonia vaccination are available at no cost to people in Medicare.

Those age 65 and older are especially susceptible to complications associated with the flu and pneumonia because both diseases exacerbate underlying chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and asthma.  The flu is responsible for approximately 36,000 deaths and more than 200,000 hospitalizations each year in the U.S.

“We know that minority groups often experience more medical consequences from influenza. One example is Hispanics 65 years of age and older often suffer from more chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, which makes them more susceptible to flu-related complications that can lead to hospitalization and even death,” said Dr. Jeanne Santoli of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

AARP has joined with the CDC, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases and others in the medical community to urge every 50-plus American to get a flu shot and to urge those ages 65 and older to also get a pneumococcal vaccination.  For information on where to find a flu shot clinic near you, visit http://www.aarp.org/flu or call 1-800-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277).

AARP’s report on immunization disparities is available at: http://www.aarp.org/research/medicare/coverage/i12_flu.html.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole.  AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates.  We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 33 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org.  AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors.  We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.