Table of Contents | April 2009
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From the Editor
Fixing Health Care—the Sequel
President Obama has opened a new health care debate by setting aside $634 billion as a down payment for reforming the way health care is delivered and financed.
In the News
Age-Restricted Housing Becomes Ageless
The market for age-restricted housing has gone bust as the economic downturn prompts many boomers, unable to sell their homes, to age in place instead.
Airport Security Can Be a Pain in the Joint
Frequent flier Cathy Kruzic, 58, sets off alarms every time she goes through airport security. The Denver public relations consultant’s titanium knee triggers metal detectors.
Bulletin Poll: Retirement Saving
Are you or your spouse/partner currently saving for retirement?
Health Discovery: Outfoxing the Flu Bug
Scientists may have found a way to outwit the wily flu virus, an advance that could lead to a single vaccine providing long-term protection against several flu strains, even bird flu.
Fighting Mad Over Ticket
Ask Simon Belsky, 63, his view of the $624 million that New York City raked in for parking violations, and he bellows a line from the 1976 movie Network: "I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!"
New Way to Dodge Auto Fraud
A new online database can help reveal secrets harbored by a car's vehicle identification number (VIN).
A Modest Couple's Grand Art Collection
When Dorothy Vogel first met her husband, Herbert, at a dance in New York City, she was a librarian from Elmira, N.Y, who knew nothing about art.
Outrage: Jobless Benefits Can Cost You
In a steadily shrinking economy, unemployment benefits are critical for workers receiving pink slips. But some banks view such benefits as another potential revenue stream.
Affordable Surgery Closer to Home
As a father to nine daughters, electrician Rodney Larson always looks for ways to cut costs. So in 2008 when he was told he needed triple bypass surgery—totaling $80,000 or more—he shopped around.
The Taxman Cometh With Tax Breaks
Good news for hard times: The IRS can make it easier for you to pay your federal tax bill.
Your Health
The New Face of Health Care
• Can we get better care for less?
• The answer seems to be yes.
• A Pennsylvania health system shows how.
Your World
Looking for Your Dream House? Think Prefab
• Maybe you're ready to downsize.
• You might want a hand in the design.
• Perhaps you're hoping to save money.
Your Money
Fabulously Frugal
• They've cut their expenses.
• They know when enough is enough.
• Is simple living the secret?
Save a Buck: Global Birding
If you’re an ardent birder, you probably keep your binoculars and field guide handy, in case you can do some birding when you travel.
Save a Buck: Mechanics a Click Away
With auto mechanics consistently ranking high on the consumer complaint list, it can be hard to gauge if you’re being taken for a ride when you ask for a repair quote.
Scam Alert: Hacked in the Parking Lot
Scammers place phony parking tickets on cars, which direct their owners to an “official” website that claims to have photos of the alleged violation.
Ask Sid: Hold On to Tax Paperwork
Q. How long should I keep old tax paperwork?
A. The Internal Revenue Service suggests keeping tax records for at least three years after the filing date.
Your AARP
New CEO for AARP
A. Barry Rand, chairman of the Board of Trustees at Howard University and a nationally recognized agent for social change, has been tapped as AARP’s new chief executive officer.
State News
Read more on individual state news.
Where We Stand: Goodbye to AARP
After nine years at AARP, eight as CEO, I am saying goodbye. Just as Horace Deets handed the baton to me in 2001, I am now handing off to Barry Rand, who will be an excellent steward of Ethel Percy Andrus’ legacy.
Ask the Experts: Whose Benefits Are Best?
Q: I’m a recent widow. Can I choose between my Social Security benefits and the benefits of my deceased husband?
Ask the Experts: Getting Unemployment Benefits Faster
Q: I was just laid off and need to file for unemployment benefits, but the lines are out the door at my local unemployment office. How can I speed things up?
Ask the Experts: How Can I Increase My Social Security Benefits?
Q: Is there any way I can get my Social Security benefit increased?
Igniting Health Care Reform
AARP joined in President Obama’s effort to ignite health care reform, starting with a high-profile White House summit. CEO Bill Novelli was one of several dozen stakeholders and lawmakers to attend the March session.
In the Know
Crossing Generations
Like people everywhere, I’ve been excited to watch a family with young children take up residence in the White House. I live in England, and the media here kept us well apprised of the Obamas’ moving plans.
What I Really Know About the Internet
My fingers still have the memory of tapping out each letter in the e-mail I sent one sleepless night: I t-h-i-n-k s-h-e w-i-l-l d-i-e s-o-o-n.
Your AARP
The Law: Going After Subprime Lenders
It sounded too good to be true—a mortgage with a low, low “teaser” interest rate. And as more than 14,000 Massachusetts borrowers learned, the sales pitch wasn’t true.
Power of 50
8 Surprising Ways to Burn 50 Calories
Pounds can be slow to melt away, but burning some extra calories may be easier than you think. Take the activities on this page, each of which burns 50 of a 2,500- calorie daily intake.
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