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Older Drivers: Don?t Get Caught in the Dark

AARP Offers Driving Tips for Night Driving; November Proclaimed Driver

Safety Month

The end of Daylight Savings time on Nov. 1 doesn’t just mean you’re getting an extra hour of sleep. Setting clocks back one hour also means an extra hour of night driving, which can be problematic for everyone, particularly older drivers.

Even on familiar roads, motorists should use caution and watch for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists who will be less visible, especially during the first week of the time change. AARP urges all drivers to consider the link between night visibility and safe driving. If you have trouble seeing well at night, get your vision checked and consider taking a driver safety course to learn more about how to compensate in dark conditions and make sure you’re driving when you feel most comfortable.

To focus attention on roadway safety, AARP is proclaiming this November Driver Safety Month. Since folks will be driving more at night, AARP offers the following tips:

· See and be seen. Get your headlights checked, and turn them on one hour before sunset and keep them on one hour after sunrise to ensure maximum visibility.

· Stay alert on the road. With reduced visibility, it’s important to reduce your speed, be extra alert, and maintain a three-second following distance.

· Recognize and prevent drowsiness. The change in time can throw off our internal clock and may cause drowsiness, so run errands in the morning when you are fresher and more alert.

· Avoid sun glare. You may need to adjust to early morning or late afternoon sun glare that can cause reflections off car windows and hoods and decrease your visibility.

Now celebrating its 30th Anniversary, the AARP Driver Safety Program has provided instruction to more than 12 million participants nationwide seeking to refresh their driving skills. The no-test course updates drivers’ knowledge about relevant laws and offers strategies to compensate for age-related changes that affect driving ability.

The course also includes a section on assessing driving abilities, and since November is also National Caregiver Month, now may be a good time to have a “family conversation” about driving to help ensure your loved one stays safe on the road.

Depending on insurance providers and state regulations, graduates of the AARP Driver Safety Program courses – both classroom and online – may be eligible to receive a discount on their auto insurance premiums. All participants should check with their provider for further details.

Find information on local courses, via telephone 1-888-227-7669 or online. www.aarp.org/drive. Find more information about AARP’s online course. www.aarp.org/drive/online.

Added: November 5, 2009
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Friday Vegas@50+

Friday's Vegas@50+ from another guest blogger. What a day!

The AARP Vegas @ 50+ takes on the Las Vegas atmosphere complete with phenomenal entertainment and enthusiastic, knowledgeable speakers presenting on topics from health care to adjusting your lifestyle, NOW.

The Quest: An Inspirational Journey to Your Best Self set the tone for the day with motivational, well attended session with Gail Sheehy, author of Passages, Tennis great, Martina Navratilova and Peter Greenberg, AARP Travel Ambassador. Gail Sheehy stressed the importance of “Reshaping goals and weathering set- backs”. Further, Gail shared the 50+ question, “What is your next best self?” Martina followed with the questions she asked herself after retiring from tennis; “What do I want to do with the rest of my life?” As a result, Martina transitioned in carpentry, surfing, and wildlife advocate to name a few. She encourages everyone to spread their wings; embrace your life and do what you love and love what you do. Peter Greenberg revealed his personal side of his volunteering as a part-time fireman in addition to traveling and living on a plane and other modes of transportation. The couch conversation with the three speakers encouraged further alternatives to inspiring life’s journey. What a wonderful definition for a goal: “a dream with a deadline”. (Peter Greenberg); Become unique between 50-65 years old (Gail Sheehy); “Defy you age…You are your own boss”. (Martina Navratilova)

50+ Member Interviews:

Eva Grant, a first timer attending AARP Life @ 50+ traveled from Philadelphia. Eva, a retired high school counselor was so impressed with the conference thus far that she plans to attend next year in Florida with hopes of bringing other family members.

Carlene Arnold and sister, Dessie Garther, were so very impressed with a previous AARP convention that they decided to attend this year’s. They both echoed the reasons being that all of the exhibits pertain to 50+ and they are so very impressed with the AARP world class manner in which the conferences are highly organized. The atmosphere is so conducive to the 50+ members.

Friends Janice Chaney and BJ Brooks drove from San Diego, California. What a wonderful luncheon mates…lots of laughter, recalling memories and comparing our computer skills, face book and grand children.

Blondie Sapp, also from San Diego is another first timer who plans to be in Florida next year. In fact Blondie’s goal is to relocate to St. Augustine, Florida within 2 years to be closer to family.

Get Healthy: Some Simple Strategies to Live Healthier Lives, presented by Dr. Reed Tuker. The session was well attended and the presentation was delightful. Attendees learned about the importance of hydration and healthy food choices.

Oh golly what a wonderful trolley! Love expos, but hate all that walking? AARP had available a people mover which helped members make their way from one end of the expo hall to the other without breaking a sweat.

I didn’t find the Love Boat, but I was happy to find Mr. Ted Lang who was kind enough to model for a quick pic with yours truly. I even received a complimentary button complete with my picture courtesy of AARP New York Life. Walgreens was also gracious enough to take pictures of posing members and developed those pictures right on site!

Added: October 24, 2009
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Thursday's Vegas@50+ Guest Article

See AARP's Thursday session of Vegas@50+ in this report from our guest reporter.

I’ve been seeing red all day, but not for the usual reasons. I’m at AARP’s Vegas @ 50+ and I’ve been surrounded by people wearing red credential holders, carrying red bags, and wearing red shirts. Their faces haven’t been red though, they’ve been smiling and maybe a bit tired.

I’ve met people from all over the country, some traveling thousands of miles to be here. But as many people as are here, I’ve also come across people I know and have been the recipient of lots of warm hugs.

Speaking of those people, why are you sitting there reading this instead of being here joining in all of the fun?

It’s easy to see why this event is being held here, how many places can hold this many people (25,000 attendees plus staff, volunteers and exhibiters) and yet for the most part not have them falling all over each other?

The largest single part of what’s here is the exhibit hall. To give you an idea of what that’s like, the hall is the equivalent of EIGHT football fields. It’s filled with people who only want to show you what they hope you’ll decide you can’t live without, or discover that it will add something to your life. To accomplish that, they might talk to you, distribute handout literature, or give you something to bring home. While I did see a pill holder, there were far more tote bags than I would have expected, and being who I am, I found that to be a good thing. We now have no excuses and will always bring a bag wherever and whenever we shop.

Walgreens’ health screening tour bus is here. They’re doing 8 simple tests (including cholesterol, BMI, and blood pressure) for free and just for standing on line they’ll pay for a year’s membership to AARP.

I haven’t seen all there is to see in the exhibit hall because I cut my time there short to go a screening of Lovely, Still, a new movie starring Martin Landau and Ellen Burstyn. Mr. Landau viewed the movie with us, and participated in a Q&A session afterwards. He’s a charming, delightful gentleman and many people will find the movie to be a must see.

I have so much more to see and do here that I can hardly wait to come back in the morning. If you see me, please say, “Hello”!

Added: October 24, 2009
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Watch for the Career Center at AARP Vegas@50+ Event

!!Job-Seekers call NOW to register at 800-883-2784 !!

Are you out of work? Do you need to redefine your personal brand in the midst of your career? Are you proactively marketing yourself, or just waiting for something to happen? How can you repackage yourself to look and feel your best at any age? How can you find resources to help with your job search?

These are just some of the questions that will be answered when stop by our AARP Career Center, which is part of AARP’s Vegas@50 +” National Event & Expo – October 22-24, 2009. The Career Center isdesigned to help job seekers implement a job-search plan and learn how to cope with the challenges of job loss in the current economic downturn.

Come check us out at Booth 3024 and get motivated for the job search ahead. There, you will be able to:

· Talk with career counselors who will provide one-on-one guidance about various aspects of your job search.

· Meet with employers who are hiring

· Use online tools at the Internet Café

· Explore AARP’s many resources in searching for a job in this economy

· Meet with a personal branding consultant to get tips on how to stand out from the crowd.

We know that losing a job can be devastating. It’s tough to imagine a secure future when your finances, health coverage and emotions are in tatters. You’re not alone, though, and we are here to help!

Call NOW to register at 800-883-2784.

For only $5.00, you can visit our Career Center and also have access to over 300 vendors on the exhibit floor.

For more information on Vegas@50, go to www.aarp.org/vegas

Added: October 14, 2009
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2009 UNLV Family Caregiver Series

For information, list of topics, or to register: call 702-895-5871or email jacqueline.ragin@unlv.edu

The Family Caregiver

This seven-week series will run each Friday

Beginning, Friday October 2, 2009

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

UNLV Paradise Campus, Room 133

851 E. Tropicana Avenue

All welcome, but please call to register, as seating is limited. 702-895-5871

Optional donations to UNLV appreciated.

Presented by The UNLV College of Fine Arts Gerontology Program, Division of Educational Outreach, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health

Click here for .pdf file: http://assets.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/cs/misc/nvfall09caregiveredseries.pdf

Added: September 15, 2009
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AARP National Event in Las Vegas

AARP to Take Over Las Vegas for

“Vegas@50 +” National Event & Expo – October 22-24, 2009

Al Roker, Maya Angelou, Norman Lear, Jane Seymour, Penny Marshall, Steve Guttenberg, James Brown and Martina Navratilova Among Those Headlining

**Event estimated to generate more than $39.3 million in non-gaming revenue for Las Vegas**

WASHINGTON (August 18, 2009) – AARP , the world's largest member organization for people 50+ with 40 million members, yesterday announced it will bring its annual National Event & Expo to the city of Las Vegas on October 22-24, 2009. Aptly named “Vegas@50+,” this three-day event for AARP members, their friends and families will have something for everyone with exhibits, experts and entertainment at the Sands Expo Center.

“Vegas@50+ showcases the best of how people are redefining life after 50 and is a great way for us to get close to our members, thousands of people at a time,” said A. Barry Rand, CEO of AARP. “Not only is this event a chance to get together, attend great concerts, and learn new things, but attendees will also benefit from exhibitors showcasing various products and services, see and hear from dozens of celebrities and visit a great city.”

Catering to 50+ America, with more than 25,000 people expected to attend, the event connects people from across the country, helping them learn something new, and have fun. In addition to three top-notch concerts featuring The Duke Ellington Orchestra, The Tito Puente, Jr. Orchestra, and Kool & The Gang, among others, attendees will also experience an interactive exhibit floor; lifestyle, education and feature sessions; and health and fitness classes. Speakers include Maya Angelou ;television icons Norman Lear , Garry Marshall , Penny Marshall , John Amos ,and George Takei ; TODAY Show host Al Roker ;CNN personality Soledad O’Brien ;AARP Ambassadors James Brown , Martina Navratilova , Peter Greenberg , Gail Sheehy ,and Jonathan Pond ;Irish tenor/paralympian/Renaissance man Ronan Tynan ; fashion designer Carmen Marc Valvo ; entrepreneur/philanthropist/Chief Shoe Giver for TOMS Shoes Blake Mycoskie ; and the founding mother of breast cancer advocacy Dr. Susan Love ; among others.

“People age 50+ want to enhance their daily lives and Vegas@50+ is one way AARP contributes to this need,” said Jennie Chin Hansen, President of AARP. “Our members want to stay in good health, secure their finances, connect with others, give back to the community, and enjoy themselves. At this event, AARP gives its members a taste of all of this in one place.”

Vegas@50+ will feature an exhibit hall covering more than 360,000 square feet with over 300 vendors offering valuable information and various products and services for sale, all targeting the 50+ demographic. AARP is pleased to welcome back UnitedHealth Group and Walgreens as Platinum sponsors for the 2009 Vegas@50+ event. Additional sponsors include Chase Card Services , Crestor , Genworth Financial , New York Life Insurance Co. , and The Hartford who is celebrating its 25th Anniversary with AARP. Exhibits will feature new and future technologies, appliances, travel and leisure destinations, and other products and services.

Additionally, a ttendees have the option to sign up for eleven distinct local tours that will give them the real flavor of the history, charm, and energy of the greater Las Vegas area. For the first time, Vegas@50+ will also offer a premium experience for event attendees. These three “Day of Play” options are available for attendees who arrive to Las Vegas early on October 21^stand consist of a golf outing at Angel Park Golf Club; a day at the Canyon Ranch Spa; or a day at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, each for an additional cost of $200.

Admission to Vegas@50+ for AARP members is $25, for non-members, $35. The entry fee includes access to the Exhibit Floor, the Exhibit Floor Performance Stage, Opening and Closing Shows, and Educational Sessions for all three days at one great price. Tickets for the dance party and concerts are an additional fee and start at $25. Additional information on Vegas@50+ can be found online at www.aarp.org/events.

Added: August 24, 2009
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AARP's Blog Identifies Myths in Health Care Reform

Throughout the debate on how to fix what’s broken about our health care system, AARP pledges to help you cut through the noise and find the facts about what health care reform means for you and your family. When we see special interests using scare tactics, we’ll make sure you’re given the facts so you can make informed decisions about health care reform. Check out AARP’s blog this week, which is highlighting some of the most common myths being spread about health care reform and the facts that prove them wrong.

Added: August 3, 2009
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Why Health Care Reform is Important in Nevada

Click here for statistics and information on health care in Nevada:

http://assets.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/cs/misc/nv2009healthcarebrief.pdf

Added: July 29, 2009
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Myths and Facts of Health Care Reform

Facts are simple: health care costs too much, wastes too much, makes too many mistakes and returns too little value for our money. That’s why, on behalf of our 40 million members, AARP believes Washington needs to take action, so Americans can have affordable health care choices.

There are many naysayers who will stop at nothing to derail health care reform. Many will try to scare Americans with myths about legitimate proposals to lower health care costs—myths they believe will block changes to our current system.

Make no mistake: opponents of health care reform will have powerful tools at their disposal, including spending exorbitant amounts of money on television, newspaper and radio ads to spread their myths.

The following are the most popular health care reform myths, followed by the facts to debunk them.

Myth Number 1: We can’t afford to fix health care because we’re in a steep recession.

Fact: The current economic crisis is a big reason why we have to do everything we can to lower health care costs for individuals, for families, for businesses and for our entire economy.

· With COBRA premiums costing laid-off workers four to six times more than what they paid for health insurance when they were employed, we can’t afford to wait.

· With families’ health premiums expected to nearly double in the next 10 years, we can’t afford to wait.

· With people on Medicare spending almost 30 percent of their incomes on out-of-pocket health costs, we can’t afford to wait.

· With nearly 20 percent of Medicare Part D beneficiaries delaying or not filling prescriptions because of out-of-pocket costs, we can’t afford wait.

Myth Number 2: Health reform means socialized medicine.

Fact: This is simply not true. AARP would oppose any proposal that bases our health care system exclusively on government programs because it would disrupt the thousands of people who already have health care they want to keep.

All proposals currently under serious consideration in Washington would leave employer-sponsored coverage in place and with it, broad choices for people to pick their doctors and hospitals.

AARP would fight against any health care reform proposal that would prevent doctors or hospitals from giving the best possible care to their patients.

Myth Number 3: No matter what happens, the baby boomers will bankrupt the system as they get older.

Fact: Research shows that the ever-rising cost of health care—not the size of the boomer generation—is the real threat to bankrupting the system. Health care costs continue to rise faster than overall inflation, and take up a growing share of the economy. The solution is to lower prescription drug costs and improve Medicare by eliminating wasteful spending that is driving up the cost of health care for all Americans.

Myth Number 4: Health reform won’t help people who already have insurance.

Fact: If you have insurance, you’re already paying for the uninsured, through higher premiums and out-of-pocket-costs. While computations vary, one study estimated the tab at $922 extra for family premiums, and $341 extra on individual premiums.

The primary goal of health care reform is to lower costs for everyone, and that includes people who already have insurance.

Myth Number 5: If we make people take more responsibility for cost of their care, they will be prudent consumers, and the high-cost problems will disappear.

Fact: Individuals should pay a fair share, and expensive health care services are not always needed. But it’s a myth to say that we can solve the cost problem by saddling consumers with big bills. Affordability is already a serious problem. Evidence shows that when excessive costs are shifted to individuals, they stop getting the care they need.

Delayed care often results in higher costs long term, due to emergency medical crises which could have been prevented by ongoing, monitored care. Consumer responsibility is important, but it’s just one part of the solution.

Myth Number 6: Health care reform will force us to pay more for care that already costs too much.

Fact: The primary goal of health care reform is to lower the cost of care for everyone. We can do that by lowering prescription drug prices by making generic versions of more drugs available, allowing importation, and for people on Medicare, closing the “doughnut hole” and permitting the Medicare program to negotiate drug prices. We can also crack down on wasteful spending by promoting the use of health information technology that will help eliminate costly medical errors and reform how we pay doctors and hospitals to reward quality care.

Myth Number 7: Health care reform is code for a “raid on Medicare.”

Fact: AARP will fight with the strength of our 40 million members against any

legislative proposals that unfairly harm people on Medicare. However, we must

lower the cost of health care by finding ways to save Medicare money that won’t

undermine care for beneficiaries.

We can start by cracking down on wasteful spending in health care, including the waste and fraud in Medicare that is driving up the cost of health care. For example, we need to cut back on overpayments to insurance companies who insure Medicare beneficiaries at a cost of 14 percent more per patient. By changing the way we pay these plans, we can reward those that provide good patient care and reduce payments to those that don’t. These actions will help put Medicare on more stable footing so that the program can continue to provide current and future beneficiaries with affordable, quality care.

We also need to address the soaring costs of brand name drugs that drive up the costs for Medicare. We need to take on drug companies who are preventing less costly generic drugs from coming to market and who are fighting the importation of less costly drugs from abroad. We need to tell Congress to close the doughnut hole that’s costing people in Medicare with high drug costs, and push to get less costly generic biologic drugs – that treat cancer and other serious illnesses and that can now cost up to $10,000 per month – on pharmacy shelves.

Myth Number 8: Health information technology means government will monitor your health care.

Fact: Anyone who says health information technology (Health IT) means big government will be making decisions about your health care is just plain wrong. AARP would fight against any measure that might prevent doctors or hospitals from giving the best possible care to their patients. Health IT legislation received bipartisan support and was a top priority of business groups such as the Business Roundtable and the National Federation of Independent Business. These groups supported this legislation because they understand it will reduce costly medical errors and save money by improving coordination of care for patients with multiple conditions.

Myth Number 9: Health care reform will result in the government rationing health care.

Fact: Talk of “rationing health care” is a baseless scare tactic being used by opponents of health care reform in a misguided attempt to stop efforts to fix the broken health care system that is hurting American families and our economy.

AARP would fight against any measure that might prevent doctors or hospitals from giving the best possible care to their patients, and there is nothing in current proposals that would give government the power to override the judgment of your doctor’s treatment recommendations.

The naysayers’ so-called rationing claims refer to “comparative effectiveness research”—a wonky term that just means giving doctors and patients the ability to compare different kinds of treatments to find out which one works best for which patient. Opponents—like some drug companies and medical device makers—don’t want this research. They fear it will cut the profits they make on ineffective drugs and equipment.

We can’t let drug company profiteers derail efforts to lower health care costs for all Americans.

Myth Number 10: Health care reform means we’re all going to pay higher

taxes.

Fact: Although the primary goal of health reform is to lower health care costs, upfront investments will be neededif we’re going to close the Medicare Part D doughnut hole, protect Medicare patients’ access to doctors and make affordable health care choice available to Americans age 50 to 64.

One critical source of funding for health care reform will come from money saved once we wring out the waste, fraud and abuse running throughout our health care system. Beyond that, AARP will closely evaluate proposals to finance health care reform with one critical principle in mind – the costs of health care reform must be fair andshared by people of all generations. AARP will stand firm against any proposal that will place an undue financial burden on Americans 50+.