Anyone can be a victim of identity theft. But the Shelbyville Times-Gazette profiles a couple savvy enough to act on their suspicions, likely saving them thousands of dollars and months of headaches:

When a man claiming to be a representative of Medicare asked Richard Barnes, 81, about his health, the Shelbyville resident didn't think much about it. He answered the questions, but began to grow suspicious, the Shelbyville Times-Gazette reports.

When the caller asked for his Medicare ID number, Richard's wife, Edna, called Medicare on her cell phone."That's your Social Security number," she said. "He kept insisting and insisting we give him the number." Once she got in contact with Medicare, however, their suspicions were confirmed. "They said Medicare does not solicit by phone or door-to-door," said Edna. "He was just trying to get my husband's Social Security number."

To read more, visit the Shelbyille Times-Gazette's web site. To get tips on preventing identity theft, visit AARP's web site.

A story on WZTV Fox17 by Cindy Carter focuses on the need for homes that are accessible for Tennesseans of all ages and abilities. Jeanette and Jim Canavan bought a condo in Lebanon that's a certified EasyLiving Home. 

AARP is pleased to see builders like Goodall Homes construct houses that allow us to live comfortably and safely as we age. And AARP worked hard on the new law that will restructure the state's long-term care system so that more money is spent on home and community-based care, allowing folks like the Canavans to remain in their condo instead of moving to a nursing home if they need help.

Right now, 98 percent of our federal long-term care money goes toward institutional care, but that will change as the long-term care Choices Act is implemented next year. AARP also is working with federal lawmakers on providing more money to states that are focusing their resources on home and community-based care.

AARP Tennessee State Director Rebecca Kelly and several other folks from AARP join Mayor Karl Dean on a downtown stroll as part of ``Walk Nashville Week.''

The mayor's interest in healthy behavior and bringing neighbors closer together is one of the reasons that Nashville has been nationally recognized as a City of Service.

AARP also is participating in Thursday's ``Walk for Active Aging'' and is teaming with the mayor's office on several projects that seek to make Nashville a more livable community for all ages.

Margot Seay Lauded by Agencies on Aging in 8 States for Long-Term Care Work in Tennessee

``"This is a well-deserved honor and I offer my congratulations to Margot," said the governor. "She works tirelessly for Tennessee's senior citizens with great energy and enthusiasm, and as State President of AARP, made an invaluable contribution to the state's efforts to expand long-term care options."

AARP Tennessee State President Margot Seay issued this statement applauding Tennessee’s nine House members for voting to approve the “Medicare Premium Fairness Act” (H.R. 3631):

``Tennessee seniors have been hit especially hard by the recession. Their savings have been wiped away, their home values have tumbled and their health care costs have continued to climb. To see Medicare premiums rise again would have been too much to handle,’’ she said Friday. The House voted 406-18 for the bill on Thursday afternoon.

The AARP Knoxville region's 2009 Andrus Award was presented to Betty Berry by AARP Tennessee Executive Council member Sam Lyles during a ceremony at the Renaissance Terrace.

Congrats to Betty, for embodying the spirit of AARP founder Ethel Percy Andrus!

And to nominee Leroy Gilliam, president of Oak Ridge chapter 625, for all his hard work over the years.

On hand for the celebration were AARP Knoxville Regional Impact Team Leader Bill Schall (right) and other AARP leaders.

MAYOR ASKS NEIGHBORS TO LEAD NASHVILLE LIVABILITY PROJECT

 

In 2000, the number of Nashvillians ages 21-34 outnumbered those more than 65 years old by more than a 2 to 1 margin, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. By 2018, the two age groups will be nearly equal in number, according to projections presented to the task force by Dr. Garrett Harper with the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. He also forecasted that by 2018, Davidson County will experience a net gain of 31,000 people over age 65 and more than 13,000 will be over 75 years old.

• Implementing a “Get Fit Day” – a city-wide celebration of fitness and healthy lifestyle activities;
• Creating a web-based health and wellness site that would include a self-assessment component, education and event postings;
• Supporting policies and legislation to expand and fund home and community-based options.

• Targeting economic stimulus weatherization funds to homes that need modifications;
• Increasing the budget for the tax relief program;
• Establishing “Universal Design” standards that can be used as models for future housing developments.

• Completing neighborhood-based needs assessments to determine their livability;
• Compiling neighborhood-specific service and information resource lists;
• Considering a senior registration process that provides for automatic telephone alerts about various topics and during emergencies.

• Adopting a “Complete Streets” policy;
• Assuring that Wayfinding and Directional signage meets existing needs;
• Exploring creation of mini-hubs for public transit system.

• Holding a conference on the challenges and opportunities presented by a changing workforce;
• Encouraging employers to support and expand policies to support caregivers;
• Offering incentives to attract and retain all levels of health care providers specializing in elder care. 

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean and dozens of volunteers from AARP, Rebuilding Together, Hands On Nashville, EasyLiving Homes and Silver Sneakers converged on Merry Smith's house on 9/11. They were there to build 83-year-old Merry Smith a ramp and make other needed improvements at her north Nashville home.

The project - one of many taking part across the state as part of the national Day of Service and Remembrance - helped kicked off Nashville's designation as one of a handful of ``Cities of Service.'' The mayor hopes the initiative will attract more volunteers to improve education, the environement and Nashville's neighborhoods. AARP will certainly be there to help!

The project was noted in The Tennessean's 9/11 editorial and crews from two Nashville TV stations came out to film the project, which will allow Mrs. Smith to remain in the home she has loved for more than 50 years. To learn how you can volunteer in your community, visit www.createthegood.org.

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean to Lend His Hands to Home Improvement Project for AARP’s National Day of Service