Special Reports from the September AARP Bulletin: Recovering Money Lost to Fraud; Faster, Easier Bank Loans; the Truth About Mini-Strokes; a New Form of Eldercare; plus Older Adults’ Impact in America

Special Reports from the September AARP Bulletin: Recovering Money Lost to Fraud; Faster, Easier Bank Loans; the Truth About Mini-Strokes; a New Form of Eldercare; plus Older Adults’ Impact in America

En español WASHINGTON— The September issue of AARP Bulletin offers readers the latest consumer news updates and stories, from how scammed money could be recovered to the ways older adults are shaping American industries.

The following are highlights from this month’s Bulletin:

Cover Story: How We Are Changing America

Older Americans are shaking up the country in both obvious and hidden ways. From altering America’s workforce to demanding better healthcare options to influencing how retailers operate and what they sell,  older adults are pushing for an America that is better prepared for their needs as they age. The growing number of older adults ensures these changes will continue through the economy, culture, and society. This month’s cover story looks at this phenomenon one economic sector at a time.

Your Money: A New Way to Get Fast Cash

Need a few hundred dollars to tide you over to your next paycheck? Many Americans now have a better option than extremely risky storefront “payday” loans. Many major U.S. banks now offer “small dollar loans,” but what’s the catch? Learn everything you need to know about these new loans in this month’s Your Money.

Fraud Watch: Get Back What’s Yours

Recovering what you lost to scammers is a long shot. But that’s starting to change. New efforts by law enforcement officials, banks, payment apps and gift card companies are clawing back some funds lost in a wide variety of scams. This makes reporting fraud more important than ever. Read this month’s Fraud Watch to get up to date on the latest efforts and reporting tips to recover your stolen money.

Your Health: A Ministroke Is a Big Deal

A ministroke might sound small, but the implications are often serious. Recognizing the symptoms could help prevent brain damage and even save your life. In this issue, learn how to identify symptoms, what you should do right away, and how to evaluate your risk in years to come.

Your Life: A Need for Companion Care

What do you do if the caregiving support your loved one needs isn’t medical? A caregiver who offers companionship – rather than health support – can aid with the everyday tasks, like cooking, transportation, and errands. Read this month’s issue to learn more about the benefits of this unique arrangement as well as tips for finding a provider.

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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 more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability 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/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

Exclusives From AARP The Magazine: Terry Bradshaw on Faith Fueling His Fight Against Cancer, Nia Vardalos on Being Mentored by Rita Wilson, and Tiny Homes Taking the Country by Storm

Exclusives From AARP The Magazine: Terry Bradshaw on Faith Fueling His Fight Against Cancer, Nia Vardalos on Being Mentored by Rita Wilson, and Tiny Homes Taking the Country by Storm

Plus: Marchers at the March on Washington Reflect Six Decades Later; A Tech Guide to Make Your Life Easier; and What Your Body Wants to Tell You about Your Health

WASHINGTON—The August/September issue of AARP The Magazine (ATM) gives readers a closer look into the lives of intriguing celebrities while revealing some of the biggest trends of 2023.

Four-time Super Bowl champion and former football star Terry Bradshaw shares that he wasn’t always a good athlete and discusses how his faith got him through his fight against cancer. Oscar- and Golden Globe-nominated actress, writer, and director Nia Vardalos thanks “fairy god-sister” Rita Wilson for believing in her screenplay for My Big Fat Greek Wedding and shares that the loss of her father and actor Michael Constantine inspired her to write My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3. Eight families reveal the process and amazing benefits of growing their homes so mom, dad, grown children and others could move in ­as part of the intergenerational housing trend sweeping America.

Plus, participants of the 1963 March on Washington reflect on the historic march 60 years later; a special tech guide with tips and tricks to getting the most out of your gadgets; and a guide to vacation “firsts” that every American should consider.

In this issue of AARP The Magazine:

What I Know Now – Terry Bradshaw

Four-time Super Bowl winning former football star Terry Bradshaw talks about the hard work that brought him success with the Pittsburgh Steelers and his transition to sports broadcasting. He also discusses surviving skin and bladder cancer and his love for making his fans feel at home.

The A List – Nia Vardalos

Academy Award and Golden Globe-nominated actress, writer, and director Nia Vardalos shares six life lessons she has learned from her life and career, from knowing when to take greater control of your life to channeling your emotions into your work. She also discusses the value of a mentor and thanks Rita Wilson for advocating for her and bringing My Big Fat Greek Wedding to life.

How to Grow Your Home (with Tiny Homes)

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are more popular than ever as people welcome their aging parents (or often, grown children) into their homes by building smaller houses or spaces for them on their property. ATM sat down with eight families to share how they expanded their homes for the better. Also: Go to YouTube.com/AARP to see how these families accomplished their home goals with the new “Going Tiny with AARP” YouTube series.

The March That Made History

Sixty years after the March on Washington, marchers recollect their memories of that historic day and reflect on how the past has affected the present in the fight for civil rights.

Make Tech Work For You

Avoid the headache and make your computer, phone, and all your other tech actually work for you! Read tips and tricks from experts to make your tech products more efficient and easier to use.

Hello? It’s Your Liver

What would your body parts tell you if they had a chance? In an article as funny as it is useful, our intrepid reporter has “conversations” with six different organs to find out what stresses them, makes them feel healthy and what they want each of us to do on their behalf.

Vacation Firsts

What is it like the first time you rent an RV, vacation by yourself, try scuba diving or take an extended multi-week trip? Here are the inspiring tales and useful tips of a wide range of travelers who took on new adventures. Which of these new adventures will you be willing to try on your next vacation?

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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 and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.orgwww.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.

EXCLUSIVE: Sheryl Lee Ralph Shares Her Long Journey to Overnight Success in AARP The Magazine Interview

EXCLUSIVE: Sheryl Lee Ralph Shares Her Long Journey to Overnight Success in AARP The Magazine Interview

The award-winning actress and singer on fighting for her dreams and how it is never too late to claim the spotlight.

WASHINGTON—Actress and singer Sheryl Lee Ralph may be winning over new audiences, but her renown has been decades in the making. The iconic star opens up about her expansive career from Broadway to the beloved series Abbott Elementary and how it felt to win her first Emmy award at age 65 in the August/September issue of AARP The Magazine (ATM).

From starring in the original Broadway production of Dreamgirls to her current role as a strict but loving teacher in Abbott Elementary, Ralph has always used passion as the drive behind her work. She shares her experience challenging the entertainment industry early in her career by pushing for roles for Black actresses, fighting for the representation that was long overdue and inspiring others in the process. She reveals how a shared passion with her husband, Pennsylvania Senator Vincent Hughes, of fighting for education was the motivator behind her role on Abbott. 

Ralph also shares the secret behind graceful aging – taking care of yourself by preparing for longevity and embracing change by not being afraid to sometimes let the younger generation take the lead. It is this positivity and wisdom that drove the legendary Ralph to win her first Emmy last year, proving to the world that it is never too late to go after what you want and for your career to reach new heights.

The following are excerpts from ATM’s August/September 2023 cover story featuring Sheryl Lee Ralph. The issue is available in homes starting in July and online now at www.aarp.org/magazine/.

On winning her first Emmy, Screen Actors Guild Award, Critics Choice Award, and more this past year:

“This has been an amazing year. I never keep a bucket list, but every time another award came through, my friends would say, ‘You checked another one off of the list.’ It just shows that if you really have a dream, you can make it come true.”

On collaborating with Quinta Brunson on Abbott Elementary and her passion for education:

“She’s just a genius to me. She has alchemy. I had worked with her on HBO’s A Black Lady Sketch Show, and she wanted me for the pilot of Abbott. Then I read the script and loved that it was shining a light on educators. My husband, Vincent Hughes, is a state senator in Pennsylvania, and he has been talking about education for years. Why is it we don’t realize that all children in America deserve education? Their zip code should not determine whether they get that or not.”

On paving the way for future generations:

“For me, that’s what aging looks like. When I started as an actress, my road really wasn’t there. I had to bust rocks to create my road. And now that road is there for my kids and other people’s kids to travel.”

On fighting for representation for Black actresses on screen:

“I also sought roles that hadn’t been thought of – but should have been. In the early ’90s, Designing Women was a hit, but it was a show about Southern women with no Black women in it. I met Designing producer Harry Thomason at an event, walked right up to him and said, ‘You need a Black woman on your show.’ The next day, he hired me.”

On her son Etienne’s near-death experience:

“He got mugged, and they shot him three times. He woke up in the hospital with two bullets in his leg and a wound in his forehead where a bullet had grazed him. When I heard he’d been shot, I collapsed and dropped the phone. I didn’t even listen to the rest. But they didn’t kill him, thank God.”

On sexual harassment in the entertainment industry:

“On a trip to Vegas with a producer, I was supposed to have my own room, but there was no room for me—just one room, just one bed. And he said, ‘This is all you have to do.’ Oh, that’s all? Really? No thanks.” 

On preparing for longevity:

“My father used to tell me, ‘You’re going to live a long time, so you’ve got to take care of yourself. Eat properly. Exercise.’ My life has been about preparing for longevity. Finding my joy, making great choices for me, understanding that life is not always fair. Sometimes it’s your day. Sometimes it’s not your day. But if it’s a good day or a bad day, you’ve got to thank God because you got a day.”

On the key to a successful long-distance marriage:

“You have to have an incredible amount of trust in that other person. We spend a lot of time talking to each other. But if he doesn’t see me every two weeks, he gets a little nervous. I married the man who has become my best friend.”

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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 and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.orgwww.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.

Special Reports from the June AARP Bulletin: How Much Should You Save for Retirement, Professional Stuntmen Offer Tips on Falling Safely, Fraud-Proofing Your Wallet, and Staying Safe This Summer

Special Reports from the June AARP Bulletin: How Much Should You Save for Retirement, Professional Stuntmen Offer Tips on Falling Safely, Fraud-Proofing Your Wallet, and Staying Safe This Summer

WASHINGTON—The June issue of AARP Bulletin offers readers critical stories and news updates – from an illustrated guide from the stuntmen on the new Indiana Jones movie on avoiding injury when falling to calculating how much money you’ll need for retirement. The following are highlights from this month’s Bulletin:

Cover Story: How to Stay Safe This Summer

Splashing in the waves! Hitting the road! Going to shows! These are some of the joys of summer, and if ever there was a time when we could all use more joy, it’s this summer. But these are also risky times, be it while traveling, moving around town, coping with extreme weather, dealing with strangers, or simply avoiding such nuisances as bees, ticks or bad drivers. AARP identified over 20 of the most common risks of summer 2023 and gives sharp, specific tips for staying safe and protected from each.

Your Money: How Big a Retirement Stash Do You Need?

No one should rush through retirement planning, but sometimes it helps to have rough estimates on whether you are saving enough. To help, here are three “back of envelope” ways that financial advisors use to get an instant snapshot of whether your retirement savings are in the ballpark, given your current age and work situation.  

Fraud Watch: Wallet Audit

A heavy wallet doesn’t just hurt your posture; it can also put you at financial risk. If stolen, an overstuffed wallet can provide crooks with all the information and tools they need to quickly loot your financial accounts and misuse your identity. This month’s Fraud Watch breaks down what you do and don’t need in your wallet.

Your Health: How the Pros Fall Safely

Relaxing your body or bending your knees into a fall may seem counterintuitive, but it could save you from a broken wrist or hip! Just ask Stuart F. Wilson and Thomas DuPont–Harrison Ford’s stuntmen from the most recent Indiana Jones film. In this issue, learn tricks from two Hollywood pros to avoid injury when falling.

Your Life: Become a Foster Parent… to a Pet

Overcrowding at animal shelters has helped spark a surprising upbeat trend: pet fostering. Empty nesters, retirees, and older adults are the ideal volunteers to give dogs and cats the care and attention they need until a permanent home can be found for them. And fostering gives people the chance to enjoy animals on their own schedule, without making a long-term commitment.  Read this month’s Your Life section to learn why fostering a pet could be a good next step for you.

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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 more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability 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/español or follow @AARP@AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

Exclusives From AARP The Magazine: Ann-Margret on her “Electrifying” Duets with Elvis, author Elin Holderbrand’s surprising new career, and Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop!

Exclusives From AARP The Magazine: Ann-Margret on her “Electrifying” Duets with Elvis, author Elin Holderbrand’s surprising new career, and Celebrating 50 Years of Hip-Hop!

Plus: How to Examine Your Body in a Mirror; America’s Happiest Locations; Clever Ways to Predict the Future; and A Shocking Healthcare Fraud Tale and How It Can Put You At Risk

WASHINGTON—The June/July 2023 issue of AARP The Magazine (ATM) reminds readers that age is evolution – from Hip-Hop celebrating its 50th year as a cultural movement to your favorite celebrities reflecting on the wisdom they’ve gained over the years.

Emmy Award-winning singer and actress Ann-Margret shares why she doesn’t like talking about her relationship with Elvis and how she reacted to being spoofed on Saturday Night Live. New York Times bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand reveals that she is coming to the end of her beloved 22-book series of Nantucket summer novels and is about to start new adventures. And 50 years after a back-to-school party in the Bronx became a cultural phenomenon, we celebrate the lasting impact and incredible legacy of Hip-Hop music and the culture it created.

Plus, how to perform a comprehensive self-exam just by looking in the mirror; how stress affects older bodies differently than in your 20s or 30s; the secret escapes of several prominent Americans; and a look into how the death of a patient led to the discovery of health insurance fraud that investigators said totaled some $80 million being stolen from insurers and Medicare.  

In this issue of AARP The Magazine:

What I Know Now – Ann-Margret

Emmy Award-winning singer and actress Ann-Margret talks about keeping her relationship with Elvis under wraps and how she doesn’t mind being called a sex symbol. She also discusses singing “Baby Won’t You Please Come Home” to John F. Kennedy and her 50-year relationship with her husband and manager Roger Smith.

The A List – Elin Hilderbrand

New York Times bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand shares seven life lessons she has learned throughout her life and career, from knowing when to put down the pen and retire to nurturing her passion for reading by taking on the new role of becoming a book influencer.

50 Years of Hip-Hop!

A far cry from its humble beginnings at a house party in the Bronx, Hip-Hop has taken over the world 50 years later. A certified cultural movement, it has embedded itself into all aspects of life from music to TV, fashion, and more. Check out all the ways Hip-Hop has impacted the world with its far-reaching influence that prevails today.

Your Bathroom Mirror Self-Exam

You can find out a lot about your health just by looking in the mirror! From your eyes to your toes, learn what signs and symptoms to look for and how to look for them, as well as who to call if you find anything out of the ordinary.

Stress and the 50-Plus Body

Important news: The chemical reactions that make up a stressful moment have a much different effect on the human body as we age. But as we get older, we also grow new defenses against stress attacks. Discover the fascinating ways age affects stress and discover the most effective tools to cope with life’s challenges as you pass through your 50s, 60s and 70s.

How to Predict the Future

Sure, we mostly get how inflation, interest and employment rates affect the economy’s future. But economic indicators come in all shapes and forms. Discover how researchers use garbage, hairstyles, cardboard boxes and other obscure info to determine your financial future.

My Happy Place

What is your favorite place in America, the location you go to feel the greatest peace and joy? We asked that of Gayle King, David Sedaris, former astronaut Ellen Ochoa and several other prominent Americans. Their answers not only will surprise you but also motivate you to get on the road again and reconnect with America.

The $80 Million Health Care Fraud

One day a patient entered a doctor’s office in a town along the Hudson River, some 50 miles north of New York City, to receive treatment for a stiff neck and she wound up dead. Months later, investigations into her death would lead to the uncovering of a massive healthcare fraud scheme out of this clinic that cost Medicare and insurers an estimated $80 million. From double billing, unnecessary treatments, and lethal malpractice, find out how insurance fraud not only affects the U.S. economy every year, but affects your everyday life as well.

 

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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 more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability 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/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.

EXCLUSIVE: Jeff Bridges Shares His Experience On Death’s Doorstep and How He Found The Drive To Keep Fighting in AARP The Magazine Interview

EXCLUSIVE: Jeff Bridges Shares His Experience On Death’s Doorstep and How He Found The Drive To Keep Fighting in AARP The Magazine Interview

The award-winning actor on grappling with mortality and embracing love in trying times

 

WASHINGTON—Hollywood icon Jeff Bridges – famous for his harmonious, go-with-the-flow persona – opens up about his startling experiences being diagnosed, battling and then recovering from COVID and cancer in the June/July issue of AARP The Magazine (ATM).

 ATM caught up with the Golden Globe and Academy Award winner ahead of filming season 2 of the drama thriller series The Old Man to discuss how he found the strength and motivation to keep fighting during his extended hospitalization for the diseases. Bridges, a creator, actor, musician, dancer, and owner of many more hats, shares how his passion for his craft and embracing the love around him saved his life and got him back to creating during a time when it was needed most.

The following are excerpts from ATM’s June/July 2023 cover story featuring Jeff Bridges. The issue is available in homes starting in April and online now at www.aarp.org/magazine/.

On catching COVID-19 while undergoing chemotherapy:

“I got this letter from the chemo place informing me I had contracted COVID. I had no immune system to fight it. Chemo had wiped that out, which made it really, really tough. For me, cancer was nothing compared to the COVID.”

On using stoicism to confront the possibility of death:

“For me, in that hospital bed, the obstacle was death. And that was the way. I kept thinking, here’s the problem, you know? Here’s the challenge. I asked myself ‘How are you going to go about it?’ And I thought, I’m a dancer, man, and I’m a musician. I’m going to jam with this situation, you know?”

On discovering his first signs of lymphoma:

“I’m hiking and feeling great. My shins really itch, and I think, Oh, I just got, you know, dry skin. Then I had night sweats, but thought, That’s just hot summer nights. It turns out those are lymphoma symptoms.”

On experiencing loss:

“We’ve been losing a lot recently. David Crosby just passed. His dad shot High Noon, which my father was in, so we’d known each other for quite a while. My dear friend Jackson Browne just lost David Lindley, the great pedal steel guitar player. I’ve personally lost Peter Bogdanovich, who directed me in The Last Picture Show. You asked me about the things that happen to old men. Their friends die, you know?”

On his wife, Sue, being his fiercest advocate:

“My wife Sue was my absolute champion. She really fought to keep me off a ventilator. I didn’t want to be on it, and the doctors didn’t necessarily want that. But Sue was adamant.”

On the fear of never working again:

“I didn’t think I’d ever work again, really. So at first I said, ‘Well, we’ll see.’ But eventually that became, ‘Maybe I can.’ I have to admit that I was still frightened of going back to work. Then I began to think of it as a gift being presented.”

On the motivation to keep creating:

“To get back to doing what invigorates you—it feels great, man. I’m feeling that the times are demanding us to be as creative as possible. We should all work together to make something beautiful, like we do in the movies.”

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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 and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.orgwww.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.

Special Reports from the May AARP Bulletin: AI Crimes on the Rise, The Changing Retail Landscape, Tackling Your Credit Card Debt, and Online Health Misinformation

Special Reports from the May AARP Bulletin: AI Crimes on the Rise, The Changing Retail Landscape, Tackling Your Credit Card Debt, and Online Health Misinformation

WASHINGTON—The May issue of AARP Bulletin offers readers a slew of the latest consumer news updates and stories – from the latest rising AI scam to navigating the changes of the retail landscape. The following are highlights from this month’s Bulletin:

Cover Story: The Brave New World of Shopping

You could argue that shopping never really changes – you browse, select, pay, and occasionally, if it doesn’t work out, you return. But look into how you do any of those tasks, and you realize everything about shopping has changed. In this fascinating and unique report, AARP details the full breadth of today’s retail advances, both online and in-store, that can make shopping faster, easier, cheaper and yes – more enjoyable. From the most useful shopping apps to cash-back rewards to latest in-store tools and experiences, our Bulletin shopping researchers offer all the tips you need to know that may help maximize your dollars in this shifting retail landscape.

Fraud Watch: AI Gives Scammers A Scary New Tool

The next time you get a frantic phone call from a loved one asking for money, you may want to check twice before helping. Artificial intelligence has opened a new door for scammers, making it easy to replicate almost anyone’s voice and speaking style from a short audio sample. This month, learn all about this growing scam and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim.

Your Money: Debt-Defying Credit Card Strategies

Americans are racking up credit card debt at record levels, and given the inflation rate, it’s easy to understand why. In this issue, we give you four approaches to tackle your credit card balance and get your finances back on track.

Your Health: How to Help Master Online Health Research

Whether it’s an unexpected doctor’s diagnosis, a strange new symptom, or shocking new remedy a friend tells you about, all of us frequently research health topics online. But so much “info” on the Internet is incorrect, bogus or actually just marketing, presented as “objective” info. Our guide to doing effective online health research details websites you can trust, search processes that work, and how you can detect if a source is or isn’t safe or legitimate.

Your Health: Why Walking is So Good for Your Brain

Take your brain health into your own hands – or, should we say, feet! Lacing up your sneakers and hitting the road for a walk—especially outdoors—is proven to be powerful medicine for your brain. Read this month’s Your Health to learn how taking regular walks may help improve your mood, memory, and more.  

 

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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 and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability 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, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.

AARP Bulletin Releases 2023 Fraud Survival Guide

WASHINGTON—Rarely a day goes by in America in which each of us doesn’t receive at least one illegal email, phone call or text from a scammer. And they are perpetually clever: like any smart business, scammers quickly adapt to the news and moods of the moment, always thinking of new ways to steal your money. And they’re succeeding: Americans’ annual losses to scams now tally in the billions. In response, AARP has created a 2023 fraud survival guide to help answer all your questions – and show you who your allies are in this battle.

In the survival guide, AARP Bulletin details the scams of 2023 you might encounter right now, such as:

  • How scammers are defeating the two-factor authentication features of banking apps.
  • Criminals impersonating government employees to steal your personal information.
  • Online shopping scams, where a purchased low-priced good turns out to be a fake – and the scammer gets your credit card number.
  • And many more. PLUS: How to help protect yourself against each of these new scams.

Also in the April issue of AARP Bulletin:

Your Money

  • Is it Worth It to Upgrade Your Home Energy? How we heat, cool and electrify our homes is undergoing massive change in America, thanks to innovations like solar panels, heat pumps, tankless water heaters and geothermal systems.  While the equipment can be pricey, these upgrades can save you thousands in long-term energy costs. How can you tell if it’s worth it? This month’s Your Money dives into these increasingly popular choices and details new tax breaks and rebates that could lower that cost of big-ticket home improvements.
  • The Problem with Extended Warranties: Extended warranties are being offered on ever more products these days.  Is the protection worth the price? This month’s Bulletin explains extended warranties and red flags to look out for.

Your Life

  • Keep Your Old Computer Running: Your three- or four-year-old computer is starting to slow, maybe even crash more often. Should you try to fix it or just buy a new one? The article gives honest guidance as to how long a computer should last, how to prevent problems, extend its life, diagnose troubles, speed it up, and figure out when not to bother spending big dollars to repair.

Your Health

  • Where Are My Keys? A Health Quiz: Memory glitches like misplacing your keys can make you question if something is wrong. To know whether your forgetfulness is a natural consequence of our stress-filled lives, a symptom of a physical or emotional health issue, or a potential sign of cognitive decline you would have to get checked out by your doc, but this quiz may provide you with clues. 
  • Can we end prostate cancer? Since the mid-1990s, philanthropist Michael Milken has spent most of his time, efforts and money supporting cancer research. In a wide-ranging interview, he shares what progress he’s seen, where research dollars need to go, and what it takes for medical research to move faster.

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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 and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability 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, www.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.

Exclusives From AARP The Magazine: Graham Nash on Reconciling with David Crosby, Chita Rivera on Embracing Turning 90, and a Money Quiz to Test How Well You Know Your Financial Health

Exclusives From AARP The Magazine: Graham Nash on Reconciling with David Crosby, Chita Rivera on Embracing Turning 90, and a Money Quiz to Test How Well You Know Your Financial Health

Plus: Insider Tips on Planning a Big Family Vacation Without Breaking the Bank and A Guide To Maintaining A Healthy Body Weight In Your 50s And Beyond

WASHINGTON—The April/May 2023 issue of AARP The Magazine (ATM) reminds readers to always look forward to the future and to not only prepare for but embrace what’s next. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Graham Nash offers lessons he’s learned throughout his career, both musically and personally, such the importance of reconciliation ­– something he was just beginning to do with longtime friend and bandmate David Crosby just prior to his passing. Tony Award-winning Broadway star Chita Rivera reveals the different sides of herself and shares how she spent her 90th birthday with a bang. You can also quiz yourself on your financial security and learn how to improve your financial self-awareness with the AARP Money Quiz.

Plus, how to plan a grand family vacation and a special report on why, on average, we are at our highest weight in our 50s and the health implications of that.

In this issue of AARP The Magazine:

The A List – Graham Nash

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and music legend Graham Nash shares seven life lessons he has learned throughout his career. On the power of forgiveness, he reveals wanting to reconcile with best friend David Crosby right before his death. On collaboration, he says working with Stephen Stills turned the song “Teach Your Children” from sounding like “Henry VIII doing ‘Greensleeves’” to a huge hit.

“What I Know Now” with Chita Rivera

Tony Award-winning Broadway superstar Chita Rivera reveals she has two sides: the people-pleasing Chita and the no-nonsense Dolores. She also shares her feelings about turning 90 years old, saying “the body might change, but the heart remains constant.”

How Well Do You Know Your Money?

Knowing a few critical money stats is just as important as knowing key health stats like your blood pressure or weight.  How big will your Social Security benefit be? How much of your portfolio is invested in stocks? What’s your home worth and how much mortgage do you still owe? ATM’s guide on personal finances reveals the key stats each of us should now about our household money situation – before you’re really put to the test. Packed with dozens of tips from finance experts, study up on all things related to your money in this month’s issue.

The Great Family Escape

It’s time to finally plan that big family vacation! ATM caught up with six families to ask how they organized their large-group getaways without sacrificing their sanity – and without going broke. Whether you’re going to get pampered on the beach with a dozen family members or roughing it in the great outdoors with 40, these clever vacation planners have the tried-and-true best tips for you. From flight logistics to budgeting to lodging for unforgettable multi-family vacations, these families show us how it’s done! 

The Weight Issue

Once you hit 50, your body goes through changes out of your control. What you can control is what you do about it! Learn about what weight fluctuations really mean for your overall health and how to maintain a healthy body weight and improve your overall well-being in your 50s and beyond.

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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 and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.orgwww.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.

Diane Keaton Shares The Joys Of Being Single and The Thrills of Her Newfound Social Media Stardom in Exclusive AARP The Magazine Interview

Diane Keaton Shares The Joys Of Being Single and The Thrills of Her Newfound Social Media Stardom in Exclusive AARP The Magazine Interview

The iconic, award-winning actress on her mother’s dreams fueling her drive, embracing being single, and dancing to the beat of her own drum

WASHINGTON—Diane Keaton is a woman who needs no introduction – a national treasure and an icon, the 77-year-old Academy Award-winning actress has done it all. AARP The Magazine (ATM) caught up with Keaton ahead of her upcoming comedy film Book Club: The Next Chapter, scheduled to release May 12 with whom she co-stars with Jane Fonda, Mary Steenburgen and Candice Bergen, to discuss how her mother’s dreams ignited the start of her career, the joys of being single, and the fun that comes with her newest undertaking – being an Instagram star.

The following are excerpts from ATM’s April/May 2023 cover story featuring Diane Keaton. The issue is available in homes starting in April and online now at www.aarp.org/magazine/.

On realizing her dreams at 7 years old:

“I watched my mother get crowned Mrs. Highland Park. I remember going, ‘Oh my God, I want that too. I want to go up there on stage where it’s all lit up.’”

On being cast as Kay Corleone in The Godfather:

“Someone said to me, ‘You’ve got to go and audition for things,’ so I auditioned for the film, and I got the role of Kay Corleone. That was the strangest thing to ever happen to me in my whole life.”

On being single:

“I don’t date. Highly unlikely. I don’t remember anyone calling me, going, ‘This is So-and-So, I’d like to take you out.’ They don’t happen. Of course not.”

On her dog and companion Reggie:

“A friend of mine gave her to me. I didn’t even ask for her. He came to me and said, ‘I think you need this dog.’ I was like, ‘Okay, I guess?’ Of course, now I just love her. Dogs are irresistible. They’re just idiots. Reggie is a big jerk, and she’s hilarious.”

On her passion for photography and filming Book Club: The Next Chapter in Italy:

“My entire trip was really about all of the things I saw and took pictures of. You walk around the streets and don’t know what you’re going to come across – that’s how rich it is.”

On her late brother, Randy:

“He passed relatively recently – it’s been a couple of years. [He] had a hard time with the world at large and just in life. He was so delicate in some ways, so sensitive. He was a real artist at heart.”

On posting on Instagram:

“I need the help, and I cherish it. It’s like making little movies, in a way. It’s collaborative.”

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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 and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.orgwww.aarp.org/espanol or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.