An AARP Take On Today

Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been a massive surge in online shopping rather than going to brick-and-mortar stores. Although online shopping is convenient, experts like AARP Director of Fraud Victim Support Amy Nofziger urge caution. Listen in as she discusses the various ways you might encounter a scammer when shopping online.

For more information:

• Holiday Scams: The Gift That Keeps on Taking report

A new AARP report finds that veterans are more likely to lose money to scams than civilians. Fraudsters often use military jargon and specific government guidelines to craft an effective pitch to steal money from military members and veterans. AARP's Troy Broussard, a veteran himself, reveals scammers' tactics and shares tips on how to protect yourself from thieves.

On Thursday, President Biden unveiled the Build Back Better framework – a "$1.75 trillion economic and climate change plan." But it left out one of his central pledges: to act on high drug prices.

We put together today's special episode to give you an update, to let you know that the fight isn't over, and to share what you can do to make a difference.

Contact your representatives:

• House Representative: 844-489-1022
• Senate Representatives: 844-489-1338
• Or visit action.aarp.org/rx

For decades, Chef Bill Bracken led kitchens and won awards for his culinary work. He had worked in Beverly Hills and Newport Beach to cook for high-profile diners. But in 2013, he changed course and fed his local community instead. In recognition of his ability to tap into his life experience to build a better future for us all, Bracken won a 2022 AARP Purpose Prize.

Today, we hear about how his non-profit, Bracken's Kitchen, feeds the hungry, trains young people to cook and eliminate food waste.

The Social Security Administration just announced its annual cost-of-living adjustment for 2022. This week, we talk about the rate increase and what it means for Social Security beneficiaries.

Also, we'll discuss the state of unemployment for older workers. AARP Vice President of Financial Resiliency Programming Susan Weinstock says there are resources for those who want to improve their chances at landing an interview as an older adult.

AARP Foundation's Experience Corps is a program that helps young children from vulnerable backgrounds become proficient readers by pairing them with adult mentors age 50 and older. Today, we'll hear from Mioshi Moses, Vice President of the program, as she breaks down why the program not only empowers them but the older adults who tutor them as well. We'll also hear from a volunteer as he voices his experience as a mentor.

Originally Recorded Live On August 26, 2021

The spread of the COVID-19 delta variant continues to alter our daily lives both at home and at work, and it's placing a tremendous financial burden on many families.

This live event addressed your questions on how to stay safe and protected given the changing information around mask guidelines and booster shots. It also covered how to navigate a changing workplace and how to find financial help and assistance.

The experts:

• Steven C. Johnson, M.D. Professor of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus Multidisciplinary Center on Aging
• Lee Baker Owner and President Apex Financial Solutions
• Nancy LeaMond Special Guest Executive Vice President Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer, AARP

Originally Recorded Live on August 26, 2021

The spread of the COVID-19 delta variant continues to alter our daily lives both at home and at work, and it's placing a tremendous financial burden on many families.

This live event addressed your questions on how to stay safe and protected given the changing information around mask guidelines and booster shots. It also covered how to navigate a changing workplace and how to find financial help and assistance.

The experts:

• Steven C. Johnson, M.D. Professor of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus Multidisciplinary Center on Aging
• Lee Baker Owner and President Apex Financial Solutions
• Nancy LeaMond Special Guest Executive Vice President Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer, AARP