AARP Maine Weeks in Review: Dec 21st - Jan 10th
Welcome to another edition of AARP Maine “Weeks in Review.” This time, we are sharing three weeks worth of highlights.
It’s the new year! What are your resolutions? Tell us on Facebook. Our first order of business in 2021 was to share our 2021 legislative agenda which includes a focus on retirement security, high-speed internet expansion, fair and affordable utility rates, telehealth, and increasing opportunities for older Mainers to age in place. Let us know which issues are important to you and your family here, and if you’re interested in becoming a virtual advocacy volunteer with us in 2021, find out how here!
AARP Maine volunteers are doing great things! Check out this Lewiston Sun Journal article featuring volunteers John & Vilene Farina and Carl & Joyce Bucciantini, all about how they’re staying sane and healthy lately through volunteering, exercising, and socializing. Whether living with roommates or family, being together 24/7 can be challenging, especially with the pandemic stress and unknowns. Vilene Farina is featured in a second Sun Journal article discussing what she’s learned about finding balance and harmony during these challenging times. Read it here!
As we all continue to spend more time indoors than ever, we have shared numerous online resources to keep you busy and entertained. If your brain is feeling cooped up, it’s time for Staying Sharp’s staycation guide, filled with activities, games, and more. Learn more here. Are you caught up with all the great films streaming lately? If not, check out our latest movie guide to make sure you don’t miss a thing! If you’re feeling like getting out instead, check out this list from the Portland Press Herald of things to do all around Maine, and see our article full of winter driving preparedness tips here.
We want to share the news that Congress is set to protect consumers from getting hit with surprise out-of-pocket charges for medical care under provisions included in congressional legislation that also provides COVID-19 relief and measures to fund the federal government through most of 2021. Read more here.
In other news, January is Bathroom Safety Month and, for many of us, a quick check of the basics could prevent slips and falls. How safe is your bathroom? Visit our feature here to answer some questions before taking a look at our suggested solutions. January 10th was National Cut Your Energy Costs Day. Read this article from Efficiency Maine all about reducing phantom energy draws—draws of electricity that electronics consume even while not being actively used.
As always, keep up to date on scam and fraud information here on our website. Some of our latest posts include “Peer to Peer Payment Apps Fraud,” “COVID Health Scams,” and this post on the AARP Fraud Watch Network’s three simple words to keep you protected in 2021: Stop, Think, and Verify.
