When the AARP chapter in Pittsburg County, Oklahoma, gets together every month, Social Security is a hot topic.

“Members are just real frustrated, especially when legislators refer to it as a like, an extra thing that we’re getting and not something that we had planned for and were told that we would have,” says Joe Ann Vermillion, a chapter member from McAlester.

People always want to know what’s happening with the program—even more so in the last six months, Vermillion notes. The Social Security Administration is among the federal agencies targeted for workforce cuts and other changes.

The program marks its 90th anniversary this year, and AARP offices across the U.S. are planning celebrations. The events will recognize how Social Security has helped older Americans throughout the decades and the need to strengthen its future.

AARP Oklahoma is hosting events in Shawnee on Tuesday, Aug. 12, and in Tulsa on Thursday, Aug. 14, with games, prizes and food. Go to aarp.org/ok to learn more.

Nearly 840,000 Oklahomans receive Social Security payments. “Some people, the only thing they have is that Social Security check,” says Vermillion, 82.

Earlier this year, AARP successfully urged the Social Security Administration to continue allowing beneficiaries to verify their identities by phone.

“People work hard for it, and we shouldn’t make it more difficult to get the benefit,” says Sean Voskuhl, AARP Oklahoma state director. The state organization is asking members to sign a pledge to fight for Social Security at aarp.org/weearnedit.

Social Security faces financial challenges. The program is currently paying out more to beneficiaries than it’s collecting in revenue. Unless Congress takes action by 2035, it will only be able to pay out about 83 percent of its scheduled benefits.

AARP South Dakota is also planning anniversary celebrations for August in Aberdeen, Rapid City and Sioux Falls.

Social Security plays a pivotal role in promoting economic stability for older residents, says Erik Gaikowski, AARP South Dakota state director. Nearly 200,000 South Dakotans receive benefits.

AARP South Dakota came up with a creative way to demonstrate the importance of Social Security at the upcoming Sanford International golf tournament in Sioux Falls.

Visitors can participate in a putting contest, but they will randomly receive either a regular golf ball or a golf ball that is missing 20 percent of its surface—corresponding to the nearly 20 percent reduction in benefits that Social Security recipients could face if Congress doesn’t act. Get event details at aarp.org/sd.

In North Dakota—where nearly 150,000 people receive Social Security—AARP will also recognize the program’s anniversary with events in Fargo and Bismarck. Visit aarp.org/nd. —David Lewellen

Hit the trail AARP Oklahoma is teaming up with the state parks system and Travel OK to encourage residents to get active and enjoy the outdoors this year.

At Robbers Cave State Park near Wilburton, visitors will have a chance to meet and take a photo with Smokey Bear on the mascot’s 81st birthday, Aug. 9.

AARP is also sponsoring the Heart Healthy Trails system in state parks. This fall, a new trail will be unveiled at Quartz Mountain State Park near Lone Wolf.

Learn about more events at aarp.org/okoutdoorexperience.

Honoring veterans AARP recently worked with Wish of a Lifetime, a charitable AARP affiliate, to send 16 Wyoming veterans age 65 and over to tour military memorials in Washington, D.C.

The Vietnam War-era group of veterans traveled from Casper to Cheyenne in early May with a police and veteran escort before then flying to Washington. They visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, among others.

Wish of a Lifetime grants life-changing wishes to older adults. More at aarp.org/WYVoyage. —DL