An AARP Take On Today

Many of us struggle with weight gain as we age. You may be eating healthfully and exercising just as much, but you're still gaining weight. Science has learned that this happens not because your metabolism is slower – something else is going on.

On today's show, Stephen Perrine, author of new book The Whole Body Reset, explains how extra protein eaten at the right time could be the solution that can keep fat off and muscle on.

The same approach that you would take to decluttering your closet can be applied to your smartphone applications. Today, Ed Baig, a contributing writer for AARP and co-author of the book "iPhone for Dummies," explains why people should want to organize their phone applications and provide us with efficient ways to do it.

We also provide an update on the shutdown of 3G across the country. If you have a medical device, home alarm system, medical alert bracelet, older cell phone, or a GPS navigating system, you may lose service without realizing it. Or you might have lost it already.

For more information:

• Phasing Out of 3G, an online discussion forum led by Senior Planet
• AARP article: Phone companies to end 3G service
• AARP article: 6 Tips to help you organize your apps

Caring for a family member is one of the most important roles you could take on. But it comes with many conflicting feelings. Reports tell us caregivers' positive emotions often coexist with feelings of isolation or stress. Not to mention financial strain. Still, many feel that the role gives them a sense of purpose.

In this episode, Rita Choula, the Director of Caregiving for AARP Public Policy Institute, shares her experience as a family caregiver with a special eye toward the lives of African American caregivers.

You might have seen advertisements from cell phone providers to switch and upgrade your network to 5G. It is an upgrade that will bring better service and faster download speeds on mobile. However, the carriers plan to shut down 3G networks to make room for the upgrade this year.

Millions of devices, such as smoke alarms and personal emergency response systems, continue to depend on 3G, leaving countless older adults potentially without service. Today Bill Signer, a lobbyist for the Alarm Industry Communications Committee, explains how this change will negatively impact millions. We'll also hear from AARP's Danielle Arigoni on what you can do to prepare.

For more information:

• www.aarp.org/3g

Valentine's Day is almost here! It's become a tradition to spread love to socially isolated older adults in the community come February through the Cupid Crew, a project by Wish of a Lifetime from AARP.

Girl Scouts of the USA, volunteers and schools across the country join what's known as the Cupid Crew. They write heartfelt messages on personalized greeting cards, and send them to socially isolated older adults. The goal is to deliver a quarter million cards this year.

On today's show, we sat down with Cupid Crew founder, Olympic gold medalist Jeremy Bloom to discuss how his organization is warming hearts letter by letter. We also hear from Girl Scout member Kayla and Troop Leader Karen on how the Girl Scouts and Cupid Crew became involved.

Learn how you can get involved: Cupid Crew - Wish of a Lifetime

A report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the number of job openings in the U.S. was over 10 million at the end of 2021. Some are calling this trend the Great Resignation. And some are thinking about it differently. We caught up with AARP Vice President of Financial Resiliency Susan Weinstock to discuss how exactly older workers fit in and what they can do to improve their chances in the job market.

The continued spread of the COVID-19 Delta Variant, coupled with the start of flu season, is increasing concerns for many older adults. This live event addressed the uncertainty surrounding boosters and how to keep you and your family safe from other breakthrough infections.

• Steven C. Johnson, M.D. Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases University of Colorado School of Medicine and Anschutz Medical Campus Multidisciplinary Center on Aging
• Jane Strommen, Ph.D. Gerontology Specialist North Dakota State University Extension
• Nancy LeaMondSpecial Guest Executive Vice President, Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer AARP

Originally recorded live on September 23, 2021

The continued spread of the COVID-19 Delta Variant, coupled with the start of flu season, is increasing concerns for many older adults. This live event addressed the uncertainty surrounding boosters and how to keep you and your family safe from other breakthrough infections.

• Steven C. Johnson, M.D. Professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases University of Colorado School of Medicine and Anschutz Medical Campus Multidisciplinary Center on Aging
• Jane Strommen, Ph.D. Gerontology Specialist North Dakota State University Extension
• Nancy LeaMondSpecial Guest Executive Vice President, Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer AARP

It's hard to miss the effects of inflation. Whether you're at the gas pump or at the grocery store, you've probably noticed goods are getting more expensive.

We turn to John Waggoner, senior writer and finance journalist. He covers all things financial at AARP, and he says there's plenty you can do.

On today's show, we discuss some ways you can help improve the value of your money. Not only that, but we go over what might not work.

For more information:

• A Primer on Inflation from AARP
• Series I Savings Bonds from the U.S. Treasury

Betty White was ready to celebrate her 100th birthday on January 17th. But on New Year's Eve, she died peacefully in her sleep. She lit television screens, and made us laugh in her seven decades as an actor and comedian. For us here at AARP, Betty White is also a she-ro of sorts. She embraced aging with positivity, and with humor. This week, we sat down with AARP film critic Tim Appelo to discuss the ways Betty White rose above Hollywood ageism.