New AARP Bulletin: Appetite Loss, Online Gambling and an Unexpected Tax Hit for Fraud Victims

WASHINGTON—The May/June 2026 issue of AARP Bulletin reports on emerging concerns affecting some older Americans, including appetite loss and its health risks, the pitfalls of online gambling among retirees and tax policy challenges faced by some victims of fraud.

In this issue:

Why Aren’t I Hungry?
Many older adults experience a diminished appetite, but medical experts say the issue can be an early indicator of more serious health problems. The Bulletin reports on how not eating enough, particularly of nutrient‑dense foods, can accelerate muscle loss and increase the risk of falls, the leading cause of injury and death among adults 65 and older. The article outlines practical strategies to help improve appetite and maintain strength, including protein timing, hydration and ways to re‑engage your senses around food.

Beaten by the Odds: Online Gambling and Retirement Savings
The issue’s cover story investigates the rapid growth of app‑based gambling—including online casino games, slots and sports betting—and its impact on some retirees. With fixed incomes and limited ability to recover from losses, older adults can face serious financial harm when gambling habits escalate.

Through personal stories and expert analysis, the Bulletin examines why certain life stressors, such as social isolation, grief and health challenges, may increase vulnerability, and what warning signs gamblers and their families should pay close attention to.

Scammed, Then Taxed
After losing nearly $900,000 to an impostor scam, fraud victim Joan Johnson faced another blow: a $60,000 IRS tax bill on the stolen funds, much of which came from her retirement accounts and were considered taxable income. Her experience reflects a broader, little‑known problem.

The Bulletin reports that many fraud victims have received federal tax bills for as much as hundreds of thousands of dollars for money lost to fraud. The story explores how current tax law treats stolen retirement funds and details AARP’s efforts to secure tax relief for victims.

Published bi-monthly, AARP Bulletin is the definitive news source for AARP’s members, delivering the story behind the key issues impacting Americans 50 and older, including health and health policy, Medicare, Social Security, consumer protection, work, personal finance, and AARP state and national news. Learn more at aarp.org/bulletin.

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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 125 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/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPLatino and @AARPadvocates on social media.

Media Contact: Emily Pickren, epickren@aarp.org