The military has always been an important part of Dee Hughes' life. Her six uncles served in the military, and her father wanted to but couldn't because of a disability. Hughes' husband is an Army Veteran, and she's a Gold Star mom, having lost her son, Keith, a Marine who served in the Persian Gulf. 
Hughes feels the work she does now as Southeast Regional Veteran Executive for Humana helps fulfill her son's goal in life to improve the lives of Veterans and their families. 
"One of the last conversations I had with Keith, he spoke passionately about wanting to dedicate himself to making a difference in the lives of our military families on a grand scale," Hughes said. "Joining Humana's Veterans team when it was first established in 2011, I felt it was my destiny to carry out Keith's mission, and my work has allowed me to do that." 
Educating Veterans and families about Medicare 
Those who have served in the military sacrifice a tremendous amount for their nation. Veterans disproportionately experience mental health and substance abuse disorders compared to other Americans. One-third of Veterans are diagnosed with at least one mental health condition, and they have higher rates of chronic disease than nonveterans. 
To help ensure Veterans receive the healthcare services they need, Hughes and Humana's Veterans Channel team educate Medicare eligible Veterans and their spouses about the various health care plans and programs they are entitled to but may not be aware of. There are several different types of plans that Veterans and their spouses may be eligible to enroll in including traditional Medicare, TRICARE for Life, CHAMPVA and Medicare Advantage plans. 
But it can be challenging to understand their best choice or how it may affect their benefits and providers when enrolled in more than one plan. For example, if you have TRICARE for Life or CHAMPVA and decide to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, the Medicare Advantage plan will become your primary coverage and you will only be able to see providers in the Medicare Advantage plan network. In addition, enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan would require TRICARE for Life or CHAMPVA to be responsible for coordinating billing and claims information with their provider. CHAMPVA is available to the spouse or child of a Veteran who has died or been permanently disabled during their service and it provides additional coverage for beneficiaries. 
"Spouses of recently deceased Vets are dealing with grief, loss of income and often spending more than they can afford on healthcare. They talk to us through their tears," Hughes said. "Besides providing comfort, we help to find the right solution for their specific situation, which may or may not include a Humana plan."
Combating hunger and homelessness 
The work of the Humana Veterans team extends far beyond health coverage to serve the needs of the community. With one in six military and Veteran families experiencing food insecurity or hunger last year, Humana, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Feeding America are collaborating on the Uniting to Combat Hunger initiative, which has served more than 3 million meals in communities with high concentrations of Veterans since it launched in 2018. 
Homelessness is also prevalent among Veterans, who make up 12% of the homeless population. Part of Hughes' role has been to train Humana agents on issues impacting Veterans including recognizing the signs of homelessness and connecting Veterans with services. She is particularly heartened by one story of an agent who, after attending one of Hughes' sessions, saw a man asking for money who was holding a sign stating he was a Veteran. Instead of driving by, she pulled over, started a conversation and got him connected with a Veterans Service Officer who was able to enroll the Veteran in Medicare and get him income for his disability. With those resources, he was able to get off the streets and into housing. 
In another example of living up to their motto, "Doing well by doing good," a Humana agent in Louisiana recognized the need and created a Warrior Closet at a Veterans Administration (VA) medical center  ̶ securing space on the campus and clothing donations from local retailers to provide Veterans with a new set of clothes to wear when discharged from the hospital. 
A source of strength and comfort 
While focused on helping the Veteran community, the Veterans team has also been an important source of strength and comfort for each other. Made up almost entirely of Veterans or military family members, they spend time sharing their stories with one another. Sometimes, it's the first time they've been comfortable talking about those experiences. 
For Hughes, the work she does on a daily basis is far more than a job, it's continuing the mission her son committed to many years ago but wasn't able to finish. It's her way of keeping Keith alive. 
During the upcoming Medicare Annual Election Period, which runs Oct. 15 - Dec. 7, eligible beneficiaries — including individuals ages 65 and over and those living with disabilities — will have the opportunity to sign-up for Medicare Advantage plans that, unlike traditional Medicare, offer benefits that can include access to fitness programs. 
If you are eligible for Medicare, take the time to evaluate your options to find the one that best fits your health needs. There are resources available such as Medicare.gov, which allows you to compare plans and estimate costs based on what a typical enrollee experiences. You also can visit www.Humana.com/Medicare/Veterans or call toll-free 1-888-372-2614, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week, to speak to Humana licensed sales agents. In addition, current Humana members can call toll-free 1-888-372-2614, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week to speak with Customer Care specialists who are Veterans themselves and have collaborated with USAA to receive special training to serve the unique healthcare needs of Veterans. Humana Honor plans are available to anyone eligible for Medicare and Veterans should consider all their health plan options. 
Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP, and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on plan renewal.  
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Gold Star Mom Keeps Her Son’s Dream Alive by Helping Improve the Lives of Veterans and Their Families

There used to be at least a few reliable red flags to help detect digital scammers: bad grammar, clumsy emails, money demands for something you never ordered.
But there's a new world when it comes to fraud, and consumers must learn a variety of ways to protect themselves, experts say.
"We know scammers are always a few steps ahead of those of us on the fraud-fighting side. For the average person, they're going to be even further ahead of them."It's all due to the evolving tools of artificial intelligence, or AI, which could provide benefits to humanity but also is providing scammers new ways to ply their trade.
"I am concerned we're going to be seeing a significant increase in the nefarious use of this technology," says Eva Velasquez, president and CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center in El Cajon, California. "We know scammers are always a few steps ahead of those of us on the fraud-fighting side. For the average person, they're going to be even further ahead of them."
"As much as this can be a gift to humanity," she adds, referring to artificial intelligence, "this is going to be a gift to scammers."
Who's Calling?
Several recent cases have shown how easy it has become to clone someone's voice and use it to create scary — and threatening — scams.
For example, cyber experts say AI could be behind the case of a Houston-area couple who lost $5,000 earlier this year when someone sounding exactly like their son called to request bond money after his car supposedly struck a pregnant woman and the authorities put him in jail.
AI is also suspected in the case of a Phoenix-area woman who nearly lost $1 million when what sounded like her daughter's frantic voice told her over the phone that she had been kidnapped and her captors were demanding a ransom.
"As much as this can be a gift to humanity, this is going to be a gift to scammers."
In both cases, the "emergencies" were complete fabrications, with thieves suspected of using AI-powered voice-cloning technology to convince frightened relatives that loved ones truly were in peril.
Repeating this scam has become remarkably easy: research by McAfee, a global security software company, found that in one instance, voice-cloning software using AI needed only three seconds of an audio clip to reproduce a voice with 85% accuracy — good enough when crooks limit how long calls last and threaten imminent harm to the person allegedly in their clutches.
No more than the most basic of skills is needed to capture a snippet of the audio people post online, whether in YouTube or Instagram videos, podcasts or Facebook conversations.
"Who among us doesn't have three seconds of audio online somewhere?" Velasquez says. "As the technology can do more with less and less . . . the return on investment for scammers is greater. That's the danger that is posed."
"This is yet one more way that AI has lowered the barrier to entry for cybercriminals."
The so-called "grandparent scam" has been around for a long time, playing on a real fear that a relative is in a dire situation and needs immediate help. Its hallmarks are demands for quick, untraceable payment — by cryptocurrency, cash withdrawn from ATMs or the low-tech method of gift cards. There also will be a sense of urgency, requiring the victim to pay quickly without telling anyone else.
"The aim, most often, is to trick people out of hundreds, if not thousands of dollars," according to a McAfee blog post. "This is yet one more way that AI has lowered the barrier to entry for cybercriminals."
How You Can Fight Back
Cybercrime experts say people can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a victim by taking the following precautions:
Choose a family "safe" word or words that you share only with a select few. That way, even if the voice on the other end sounds like a relative, if he or she doesn't know the safe word, that's a red flag.No matter how convincing the call seems, distrust the voice and verify the story. Call the relative directly. If you don't get a response, try another family member or friend who might know their whereabouts.If the person is allegedly in custody, call the police to confirm. Use a phone number you know to be legitimate — not a number provided by the person who claims to be holding your loved one.Who's Texting?
Similarly, advanced technology has made phishing schemes more sophisticated.
That makes it harder to tell when a text or email is bogus or when someone assumes a fake persona aimed at persuading people to pay money, share personal information or click on a malicious link. The imposter might claim to be with the IRS, or a tech support company or PayPal or even from the local courthouse regarding a supposed failure to report for jury duty.
Such imposter scams cost their victims nearly $2.7 billion in losses last year, up from $2.4 billion in 2021, according to the Federal Trade Commission's annual Consumer Sentinel Network report. In terms of money lost, imposter scams trail only investment scams, which cost victims $3.8 billion in 2022.
The Identity Theft Resource Center, for one, has revised some of the advice it gives consumers in the face of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and other advanced tools.
"If you are not the one who initiated contact, you must verify the source. I don't care how legitimate it looks."
Rather than relying on warning signs, it's safer to take the extra step of independently verifying unsolicited contacts, Velasquez says.
"We're making it very clear — it's not about, 'Can I spot it?'" she said. "Instead, if you are not the one who initiated contact, you must verify the source. I don't care how legitimate it looks."
For example, a common red flag has always been poor grammar or weird syntax. Now, AI tools can be used not only to create proper sentences, but also for more effective language in order to fool people.
But Amy Nofziger, victim support director for AARP's Fraud Watch Network, says that while scamming tools have evolved, the ground rules for evading phishing and other fraudulent schemes remain the same.
Beware Unsolicited Contact
It often comes down to questioning who is asking for money and why, and looking upon an unsolicited contact with great skepticism, Nofziger says.
"Even if my child called me and said he was in trouble and I needed to send him prepaid gift cards? No. Nobody needs prepaid gift cards to be paid," she says. "No matter how much I swear that was his voice, that is not normal."
Following are frequently cited tips to avoid phishing scams:
Refuse to be tempted by links that could unleash malware or result in stolen identity.Don't provide any personal or financial information in response to an unexpected request. Legitimate organizations, businesses or government agencies won't call, text or email to ask for a Social Security or credit card number.Even if the communication is from a company with which you do business, it's still wise to avoid links and contact the organization directly. Find contact information independently without relying on the number you were given or that shows up on caller ID.In general, don't hesitate to get help or double-check something that doesn't sound right. Do some research, bounce it off of a friend or relative or reach out to professionals to confirm what you are being told.
"This is a really complicated space," Velasquez says. "It's really hard to know what to do. Don't be ashamed and embarrassed to get help."
Here is where you can find help
The Identity Theft Resource Center runs a free hotline at 888-400-5530. A live chat is available at its website.AARP operates a Fraud Watch Network Hotline at 877-908-3360.

Scammers Are Getting Smarter

Ellen Marks

Most people use their age as an excuse to sit back and relax. Then there are people like Alan Grofé, a 78-year-old Vietnam War veteran and beloved grandfather who is always on the move. From competing in marathons, playing tennis, volunteering, keeping up with his grandchildren and even rocking out at electronic dance music festivals, nothing is slowing this Floridian down.
Grofé says the reason he can do what he loves at his age is largely due to his active lifestyle as a competitive runner. "Running 2-3 times a week for 30 minutes — no more, no less — is good. My personal goal is to not get better but to be steady, and I haven't slowed down yet," Grofé said.   
Grofé turned to running when he needed to lose weight in his mid-40s. As a physical activity that can be handled alone, he started hitting the pavement with short jogs around his neighborhood and now loves being a competitive runner. In fact, Grofé competed in his first 10K in 1996 and participates in several races a year. Among the highlights, he secured a bronze medal in the 2019 Florida Senior Games and recently participated in the 2022 National Senior Games, where he was recognized as a "Humana Game Changer" for exemplifying healthy aging and providing encouragement, motivation and inspiration to others.  
The only time Grofé took a break from running was at 72 when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. After monitoring his health closely and seeing his numbers start to creep up, Grofé connected with a doctor who detected his cancer early and was able to provide treatment. Now he is cancer free and continues to lead an active lifestyle. 
Running is beneficial for your physical health in many ways such as enhancing cardiovascular endurance, strengthening muscles and building strong bones, but it also improves your mental health. A recent study showed that 10 minutes of moderate to intense running can enhance activation in parts of the brain involved in mood regulation that, in turn, benefit your mental health.
Taking charge of your health is crucial for your well-being, especially for older adults. As you age, you become more vulnerable to cancer, heart disease and other chronic conditions. Early detection of these problems is the key to health and longevity. In fact, data from the American Cancer Society shows that early detection of a variety of health issues typically leads to better health outcomes. In Grofé's case, early detection helped him beat prostate cancer and get back to running.  
"Don't be afraid to take charge of your health," Grofé said. "Being proactive with your doctors can help catch any issues early." 
Grofé credits his ability to stay healthy on the good healthcare support that he's received from Humana, including his Medicare Advantage coverage. "The Medicare Advantage program is so cost effective for an individual living on a fixed income. For example, my physician is paid on a monthly fee for taking care of me, not the number of times they get me to come in," he said.  
During the upcoming Medicare Annual Election Period, which runs Oct. 15 - Dec. 7, eligible beneficiaries — including individuals ages 65 and over and those living with disabilities — will have the opportunity to sign-up for Medicare Advantage plans that, unlike traditional Medicare, offer benefits that can include access to fitness programs like SilverSneakers or other types of gym memberships.     
Medicare Advantage plans can also help save beneficiaries money. In fact, Medicare Advantage members spent $2,000 less, on average, on healthcare costs than those using traditional Medicare. And they often experience better health outcomes — MA plan members had a 43% lower rate of avoidable hospitalizations and a 48% lower rate of hospitalizations for those with major complex chronic conditions, than those in traditional Medicare.  
For more information about Medicare Advantage plans, eligible individuals can visit www.Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally, you can learn about Humana Medicare Advantage plans, which are recommended by USAA* — a company known for its member satisfaction and commitment to the financial security of current and former members of the U.S. military — by going to www.Humana.com/Medicare or calling 1-888-372-2614 (TTY: 711) to speak with a licensed sales agent from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Humana will offer in-person, online, telephone enrollment options and can provide support in 27 different languages. All enrollment options will connect Medicare beneficiaries with a local licensed sales agent.  
Disclaimer 
Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Your results may vary. It may not be typical to improve health conditions by taking the actions Alan did. Consult your doctor before beginning any new diet or exercise regimen. Value-based providers may also receive fee-for-service payments. 3.1 million Humana MA members are in value-based care in 2022. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. 
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78-year-old Veteran 'Rave Pops' Takes Charge of His Health

(Editor's note: This story is part of Still Here, Still Positive: A series on the first generation of Americans aging with HIV/AIDS, with support from The John A. Hartford Foundation.)
As part of our special series "Still Here, Still Positive," we've been covering the realities of people aging with HIV/AIDS. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says "the risk of serious illness from COVID-19 for people with HIV is not known," though people with HIV/AIDS may be at increased risk of getting very sick with COVID-19 based on their age and other medical conditions.
During a March 14 White House news conference, coronavirus task force member Dr. Deborah Birx — who's worked extensively on the fight against HIV/AIDS — addressed the pandemic through the HIV/AIDS lens directly:
"Finally, I just wanted to conclude with a group of patients we are all very worried about – these are individuals that we call long-term survivors from HIV. They're here across the country that have survived more than four decades with HIV. Many of them still carry a level of immunocompromised. To all of them out there, please take care of yourself. Please ensure that you're doing everything possible to ensure you don't get exposed."
We want to do our part to keep readers safe by pointing to the current information and resources available related to the coronavirus and living with HIV/AIDS:
From Liz Highleyman for POZ
What People With HIV Need to Know About the New Coronavirus
New research is emerging about how the respiratory virus spreads and how people can protect themselves and others.
"Brooks' recommendations include ensuring at least a 30-day supply of medications, keeping up to date with flu and pneumonia vaccines, and establishing a plan for clinical care if isolated or quarantined. Finally, he advised, 'Maintain a social network, but remotely—social contact helps us stay mentally healthy and fights boredom.'"
From the National LGBT Cancer Network
Why are LGBTQ+ people at particular risk for coronavirus?
"As an LGBTQ+ person, the faster you take steps to reduce your potential transmission of the virus, the more community members (and others) you will help. These steps include: more vigilance about staying away from groups of people, avoiding touching common surfaces, frequent handwashing, avoiding or at least reducing the number of times you touch your face. All smokers should know they can access free cessation services by calling or visiting 1-800-QUIT NOW."
From John-Manuel Andriote for Psychology Today
Lessons for Living Through the COVID-19 Pandemic
HIV-AIDS taught us that silence = death, and information = power.
"Something we learned in the HIV-AIDS pandemic that is highly relevant to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus: Words matter. Facts matter. It matters how we talk about something like a virus, the illness it causes, and those affected by it. We learned that silence (and ignorance) equals death—and information equals power. Armed with fact-based information, we are best prepared to address the challenges that will lie ahead for many of us."
From Amanda Holpuch for The Guardian
She's a legend in the fight against HIV. Now Dr. Deborah Birx is taking on Covid-19
"Having gone head-to-head with global health leaders while overseeing a program responsible for saving millions of lives, Birx has become something of a legend in the global health community."
From Kendall Ciesemier for The New York Times
Afraid of Coronavirus? I Know What That Fear Is Like
I live with chronic illness. Here is my advice for keeping calm in a health crisis
"But years of living with transplant complications, including a compromised immune system, have taught me how to live despite this fear, how to navigate a world rife with potential danger at every turn."
Looking for Support?
State-by-state HIV/AIDS hotlines from the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program
CDC HIV hotline:
1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4646)
1-888-232-6348 TTY
In English, en Español, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. E.T., Monday through Friday
AIDSinfo hotline:
1-800-HIV-0440 (448-0440)
1-888-480-3739 TTY
1-301-315-2816 (outside the U.S.)
In English, en Español, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. E.T., Monday through Friday
SAGE LGBT Elder Hotline:
877-360-LGBT (5428)
24 hours a day, seven days a week, in English en Español with translation in 180 languages
Next Avenue will continue to provide trusted coverage on the coronavirus as it evolves at nextavenue.org/covid-19. We're also fielding reader questions and want to know critical information you're not receiving from other media.
Additionally, our colleagues across public media offer excellent reporting that shares essential information we all need to know, without hyperbole and speculation. If you haven't already, please look to PBS NewsHour, NPR and your local public media outlets to stay current.


HIV/AIDS and Safety During COVID-19

Grace Birnstengel

She's the "Dancing Queen." At 99-years-old, Margaret Masters dances rings around many of those half her age. Masters is the master of her Zumba class, which she participates in twice a week. While she was attending classes at the Metairie, Louisiana Humana Neighborhood Center, Margaret now participates virtually. Neither surgery, nor a pandemic, nor Hurricane Ida can keep her away.  
Masters credits her good health to staying active and positive: "I don't let myself sit down and slow down…you need to move!"   
Her dedication is an inspiration to her fellow dancers and instructor, earning her the well-deserved 2021 SilverSneakers Member of the Year Award.  Those who know Masters describe her as "a wonderful example of growing older actively and graciously," and "one of a kind — with a sassy attitude and zest for life."  
When COVID-19 forced the SilverSneakers classes to go virtual in 2020, Masters didn't miss a beat. The tech-savvy nonagenarian had no problem doing Zumba on Zoom. In fact, she taught her younger friends how to access and use the app so they could keep up their dancing routine. While Masters would have preferred to attend class in person with her dance buddies, there were some advantages doing it from the privacy of her home. "You can do Zumba in your pajamas, and nobody cares," explained Masters.   
Masters had survived more than a year of the pandemic when Hurricane Ida made landfall on August 29, 2021. Her home sustained damage but she luckily stayed safe, riding out the storm at a neighbor's house. In just a few days, she was back in Zumba class thanks to her instructor, Deana Lejarza, using a generator to power her classes and help her students stay virtually connected and healthy. That connection was particularly important given that some class members had to evacuate to neighboring states. 
Not only does Zumba get your heart rate up and is just plain fun, research shows dancing is good for both your physical and mental health. It can significantly improve muscular strength and endurance, cardiovascular health, balance and cognitive ability in older adults, and studies have found that it reduces the risk of developing dementia. Dancing to music also releases serotonin, dopamine and endorphins — all natural mood-boosters. 
In addition to Zumba being good for the mind and body, the friendships formed in that class and during other activities at the Humana Neighborhood Center are as important to members' well-being. Masters believes that both dancing and friendship kept many in her class from falling into deep depressions during that very challenging time.
Now that the Humana Neighborhood Center is open again, Masters and her Zumba classmates can attend in-person or have the option of accessing the classes online through the Virtual Neighborhood Centers. In addition to the SilverSneakers Zumba classes, Humana Neighborhood Centers across the country offer special events, programs, activities and lessons such as crafts classes, cooking demos and meditation sessions, to name just a few.    
SilverSneakers classes at the Neighborhood Centers are available to Humana Medicare members whose plans include the SilverSneakers benefit. SilverSneakers classes are also offered at participating gyms and fitness facilities. Many other services offered at the Neighborhood Centers can be used by anyone, including those who are not Humana members, at no cost. Click here to find a Humana Neighborhood Center near you. 
During the upcoming Medicare Annual Election Period, which runs Oct. 15-Dec. 7, 2022, eligible beneficiaries — including individuals ages 65 and over and those living with disabilities — will have the opportunity to sign-up for Medicare Advantage plans that, unlike traditional Medicare, offer benefits that can include access to fitness programs like SilverSneakers or other types of gym memberships.     
Medicare Advantage plans can also help save beneficiaries money. In fact, Medicare Advantage members spent $2,000 less, on average, on healthcare costs than those using traditional Medicare. And they often experience better health outcomes — MA plan members had a 43% lower rate of avoidable hospitalizations and a 48% lower rate of hospitalizations for those with major complex chronic conditions, than those in traditional Medicare.  
For more information about Medicare Advantage plans, eligible individuals can visit www.Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally, you can learn about Humana plans, which are recommended by USAA* – a company known for its member satisfaction and commitment to the financial security of current and former members of the U.S. military – by going to www.Humana.com/Medicare or calling 1-888-372-2614 (TTY: 711) to speak with a licensed sales agent from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Humana will offer in-person, online, telephone enrollment options and can provide support in 27 different languages. All enrollment options will connect Medicare beneficiaries with a local licensed sales agent.  
Disclaimer 
Humana is a Medicare Advantage [HMO, PPO, and PFFS] organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. 
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99-Year-Old ‘Dancing Queen’ Zumbas Her Way to Good Health

The numbers are, pardon the expression, staggering: The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence reports that 2.5 million older adults have an alcohol or drug problem. The journal Psych Central ups the ante, reporting that around 3 million people over 65 battle alcohol abuse, and this number might jump to more than 6 million in the next few years.
Another stunning statistic: Fewer than 20% of the nation’s 14,000+ treatment centers offer programs tailored for the 50-and-older crowd, according to the latest National Treatment Center Study by University of Georgia’s Institute for Behavioral Research.
Brenda IliffThankfully, the bad news pretty much stops there. The number of rehab programs and facilities geared for older Americans is rising steadily, as rehab outfits recognize that the boomer generation not only is swelling in numbers, but will be much more amenable to seeking help than their taciturn parents.
“Boomers have been seeking purpose their whole life,” says Brenda Iliff, executive director of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation’s Naples, Fla., center, the only one of the organization’s 16 locations to have an older-adult treatment program. “There’s a lot more openness to getting outside help. There used to be only a very few seniors who would seek help. Their philosophy was that they had earned retirement and the time to enjoy life. But when you’re talking addiction, you’re not enjoying life.”
"As boomers, we share more in common; our life problems are a lot different than people two or even one generation younger than us."
Even at all-ages rehab centers and addiction meetings, the sharing nature, combined with older adults’ increasing presence, means that the days of a reticent 60-something amid a predominantly younger set are almost over, Iliff and other experts say.
Paul HeflinStill, older adults tend to be more comfortable in peer-group settings, says Paul Heflin, a retired Cincinnati auto dealer who now lives in Naples and has gone through Hazelden Betty Ford’s eight-week intensive outpatient program.
“As boomers, we share more in common; our life problems are a lot different than people two or even one generation younger than us,” Heflin says. “All of our stories are very similar, with some more serious than others. I can relate to someone my age a lot more than with somebody my son’s age. At an AA [Alcoholics Anonymous] meeting with older people, there’s a lot of wisdom in that room. I talk to younger people, and they like to go to meetings and talk to people their age, too, often because of their experiences with opioids.”
Contributing Factors Abound
Comfort levels aside, the increasing prevalence of addiction among 60-and-older or even 50-and-older people is likely not going away. Alcohol is the primary drug of choice, but the causes of their addiction are a powerful combination of circumstances. Among them:
Free time: Retirees find themselves with more work- or activity-free hours every day. Many fill that time with “recreational activities like golf or bridge, where alcohol is part of that experience,” says William Cope Moyers, Hazelden Betty Ford’s vice president of public affairs and community relations. Adds Illif: “They have free time, they have money and alcohol’s almost always there.” Which brings us to the next factor…Easy access: Deirdre Armstrong, director of the 55Plus program at The Retreat recovery center in Wayzata, Minn., has become alarmed at the number of older-adult living centers that now serve alcohol or allow it to be delivered. “They all have bars now. It’s insane,” she says. Armstrong also cites boomer-dominated residential areas in Florida, such as Margaritaville and The Villages outside Orlando, Fla.Suffering: “Grief and loss and dealing with death or divorce,” Armstrong says, “are huge issues that are par for the course for seniors.” Which often leads to the next factor…Aimlessness: Moyers says a lack of purpose is a recurrent problem. And Armstrong cites “a huge epidemic of isolation and loneliness in old age. People end up in a room alone with their best friend and a bottle of schnapps.” Heflin, who is single, says this fit him to a T. “It didn’t bother me to stay at home and drink all day. I was content to just sit around and get drunk all day long,” he says.A Matter of Metabolism
These factors often prompt older adults, in Armstrong’s words, to “accelerate from being a moderate-to-heavy drinker to being an alcoholic.”
A couple of complications can exacerbate the situation. First and, perhaps, foremost, as we age, our metabolism changes.
“Our gastrointestinal system slows down, our liver slows down and our kidneys slow down,” Iliff says. “For older adults, a lot of times less is more; seventeen percent are prone to chemical misuse or addiction, having never had a problem because their bodies haven’t adapted.”
She adds that binge drinking for younger women is four drinks in four hours, but for older women it’s two drinks in four hours, due to that metabolism change.
In addition, drinking might well be accompanied by the use of benzodiazepines, commonly prescribed for anxiety or sleep issues. Iliff cites the “common trifecta” of alcohol, benzos and opioids.
“The quantity [of any element] might not be much, but you might add anxiety pills to the two or three drinks that they have had all their lives, and maybe opioids,” Iliff says. “We want to feel good and all those things make us feel good. … And the brain doesn’t care where any of it comes from.”
That helps explain why the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommends a maximum of one drink daily and no more than two on any occasion for men and women 65 and older.
When Addiction Strikes Again
These components can wreak havoc for those who haven’t encountered problems until this time of their lives.
But, of course, some older men and women have gone through treatment in the past and have addiction pop up again. (Except for chronic addicts: As Armstrong notes, “If you’ve been drinking that way your whole life, you’re dead by sixty-five.”)
But recidivists tend to bring with them other physical ailments wrought by their bad habits. Heflin is a prime example. “I had some pretty bad health issues due to alcoholism,” he says, “so when you’re sixty, it’s a life-saving situation. You might not have another chance to get sober.”
"Older adults care a lot once they get in the door. They do their homework, they show up on time, they're engaged."
Which brings us again to some good news: Older people tend to make better patients in rehab. They are more amenable to outpatient programs, such as The Retreat’s focus on a 12-step immersion curriculum, and inpatient ones that vary in length. And they tend to arrive fully committed, Armstrong says.
Deirdre Armstrong“Older adults care a lot once they get in the door,” she says. “They do their homework, they show up on time, they’re engaged. … And boomers are more into a health-and-wellness type of environment.”
Boomers also seem to be quite willing to talk about their issues, Illif says. “They love to talk. As people are more mature, you don’t have the behavioral issues. They want the programming; they’ll go for the extra program. They’re excited about getting their lives back.”
In other words, motivation generally is not an issue. “I’ve had people come to me at age eighty and say, ‘I don’t want to die a drunk,’” Armstrong says. “We realize that so much of the basis of recovery is instilling hope that there is a future for them.”
Finding Help for a Loved One
Experts on addiction rehab for older adults say family and friends need to move past the “they’re retired, let them have their fun” stage if they start noticing problems. There might be mobility issues or an increase in late-afternoon “naps,” but most often it’s about behavior.
“A daughter might say, ‘Mom, I don’t want you being around the grandkids,’” Iliff says. “But sometimes the best intervention is the hair stylist who says, ‘Sally, you’re not the same,’ or [this is said by] a pastor or a caretaker.”
Regardless of the circumstances, loved ones will have better luck finding facilities that have programs for older adults if they live in Minnesota, where rehab centers abound, or Florida, where older adults abound.
The best course otherwise is to use these resources to find facilities and call them to inquire about treatments for older patients:
American Addiction Centers; 888-642-1950AddictionCenter; 844-917-1663Drug Rehab Services; 800-304-2219Rehabs.com (an American Addiction Centers resource): 888-606-6999

Why Older Adults With Addictions Fare Better in Age-Tailored Rehab

Bill Ward

One of six older people experiences some form of abuse, says the World Health Organization (WHO). In Canada, the risk is much higher for Indigenous older adults, according to Statistics Canada. So how can ordinary people help to raise awareness of – and stop – elder abuse?
Gloria May Eshkibok combined her gifts of acting and activism in the projectHere's how our community arts company created a podcast series about elder abuse, with dramatizations of true stories created and performed by community members, facilitated by professional theatre makers.
"Mishoo miinwaa Noki ~ You, Me and Wrinkles" is part of that podcast. "Wrinkles" calls out abuse in a simple, courageous way – it names it, and says enough is enough. "Wrinkles" features authentic voices, in English and Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe), at the heart of the podcast. Realistic scenes inspire listeners to bring elder abuse out of the shadows and normalize talking about it.
"We need to talk about these issues. Even though they are raw, hurtful and scary, we need to kiss that monster on the nose."
"We need to talk about these issues. Even though they are raw, hurtful and scary, we need to kiss that monster on the nose," says Ronat John, from M'Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre in Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada.
The podcast is the brainchild of Joan Chandler, the artistic director of Sheatre, a community-engaged arts company based in Grey and Bruce counties in rural Ontario. Sheatre believes in the power of theatre and the arts to change lives and help build a compassionate and healthy society.
Since its inception in 1985, Sheatre has reached close to 185,000 people through the creation and production of 117 original plays and 1350 events in rural, Indigenous and small urban communities in Canada, the U.S. and England.
I've worked with Sheatre for just over 20 years, and in that time, I've been part of productions that tackled complex issues that most would rather not talk about, let alone make a play or song about. 
The approach is deceptively simple: invite people with experience of a thorny issue to come together and play, and through that guided play, build not only trust, but scenes that reveal the complex subjects: dating violence, homophobia, dementia and elder abuse. Creative workshops sometimes turn into full-length productions that go on tour if there's enough community traction and support from funders.
"Wrinkles" began as an original community play, facilitated and directed by Chandler in 2009. The cast were community members of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island. They answered the call to speak out using theater.
The Premiere of 'Wrinkles' 
Celebrated Indigenous actor and activist Gloria May Eshkibok was instrumental in gathering and galvanizing the right volunteers. The "Wrinkles" premiere was memorable, and not only for the impactful subject matter; the audience and cast had to brave a ferocious blizzard to get to the show!
The cast of “Mishoo miinwaa Noki ~ You, Me and Wrinkles”Eshkibok, reflecting on the premiere, said, "The snow [that] came that day for that presentation was a sign from the Creator. It's important work that we're doing. It's important work that we're listening to. It's important work… to bring awareness." 
To reach more people and sidestep the difficult logistics and expense of touring a large cast of community actors, the cast recorded the play as an audio drama series, which aired on Indigenous radio stations in 2010 and 2011.
Fast forward ten years. The pandemic arrived, and reports of elder abuse skyrocketed, according to Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario. Sheatre had partnered with the organization to present a previous play about elder abuse, "Ye Canna Throw Yer Granny Off A Bus!" and were in the middle of a tour to seniors centres and conferences.
Now everyone had to shelter in place, and no live performances were allowed, despite the even greater need to confront and educate people about elder abuse. Chandler remembered her experience of adapting "Wrinkles" from play to audio drama and then hit on the idea of a podcast.
Pivoting to a Podcast 
In a break between COVID waves in the summer of 2020, the cast of "Granny" recorded a new adaptation, set in the pandemic, at a local studio. When on tour with the play, local service providers were invited to lead post-show Q & A sessions to unpack the scenes and suggest resources and strategies. The "Wrinkles" and "Granny" podcasts follow that two-part model: audio dramas complemented by discussions.
"It's not easy to talk about elder abuse, especially when we're so close to it."
The audio dramas draw the listener in with lively, challenged characters, humor and loving tributes. The discussions bring knowledgeable people together to share their experiences, reflect on the scenes they've just heard, and offer possible solutions and resources. 
Highlighted issues include physical, emotional, mental and spiritual abuse, isolation and neglect, family dysfunction, and in the case of "Wrinkles," the devastating impacts of Indian Residential Schools and colonialism. Speakers include Elders, survivors, community workers, law enforcement, harm reduction workers, legal aid representatives and children.
There's also music to uplift the listener including songs performed by the cast, by the Ode'min Kwe Singers from Wiikwemkoong, and by staff from M'Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre. There's even some Hank Williams.
The "Wrinkles" episodes offer variety. In "Boozhoo/Welcome," Elder Shirley John of Saugeen First Nation starts off the series with the Grandmother Song, a prayer, and insights into the Seven Grandfather Teachings. Those teachings provide a foundation for "Mino Bimaadiziwin" – the good life – an Anishinaabe concept for healthy living through the balance of the four elements of health: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
There's an entire episode in Anishinaabemowin, "Kitchi Nshinaabeg dibaataanaawaa Kitchi Nshinaabeg miji doodwindwaa – Elders Talk About Elder Abuse in Ojibwe."
'Real Stories and Real Solutions' 
Others feature Elder Austin Elliott who recounts his family's story, kids from M'Wikwedong, who share their thoughts, and two cast members, Dorothy Wassegijig-Kennedy and Eshkibok, remember how "Wrinkles" came to life.
An Elder’s voice and reflection begins the “Wrinkles” podcast. Elder Shirley John from Saugeen First Nation."Well, I remember the feeling of it… I believe that there was a lot of spirit there," says Wassegijig-Kennedy. "And of course, we were there to talk about a rather stressful topic. It's not easy to talk about elder abuse, especially when we're so close to it."
"It's crucial to remember that elder abuse is a serious problem that's often not discussed or reported because of shame, fear, and lack of awareness of resources. These are real stories, and real solutions, told by real people. Wrinkles gives them a platform to be heard, and break the silence around difficult situations," says Chandler. 
The podcasts are available on Sheatre's website, along with links to  resources, and information on the cast and speakers. There's also a guide on how to use "Wrinkles" and "Granny" in your community.
"We've always accommodated so much over our own best interests, our own morale, our own enlightenment," says Wassegijig-Kennedy, who has worked for decades in her community as an Indigenous Healing and Wellness worker and presently as a language teacher. "So I just like to point that out, that we need to keep on bringing ourselves up. And we're not just tools to resource here … We're doing a great big thing here."
How to Get Help
If you or someone you know needs help, here are some resources:
In the U.S.: Call 911 if it's an emergency.
In the U.S.: Call 211 for help in connecting with supports and services close to home.
The “Mishoo miinwaa Noki ~ You, Me and Wrinkles” art is a detail of “Wisdom of Nokomis”In Ontario: If you or someone you know is affected by elder abuse, call the Senior Safety Line in Ontario anytime, anonymously and free of charge at 1866-299-1011.
Talk 4 Healing is a helpline for Indigenous women across Ontario. Talk, text or chat 1-888-200-9997. They are there to listen any time of day.
In Canada: The Indian Residential School Survivors and Family 24-hour Crisis Line is at 1-800-721-0066
Turning to a good friend or trusted family member may be an option. Community can be helpful, so look around and talk to each other.
"Wrinkles" contains scenes of violence against older adults, strong language and frank discussion. Listener discretion is advised.  Sheatre is located in the traditional territory of the Anishinaabek Nation, the people of the Three Fires known as Ojibwe, Odawa and Pottawatomi Nations. We thank the Chippewas of Nawash and the Chippewas of Saugeen, known collectively as the Saugeen Ojibwe Nation, as traditional keepers of this land, for the opportunity to meet here. We also acknowledge the Metis community whose history and people are well represented here. We recognize the long and continuing history of Indigenous peoples in this place and affirm that we are all treaty people with all the responsibilities and relations that commitment entails.

'Wrinkles' Podcast 'Kisses the Monster' of Elder Abuse in Indigenous Communities

David Sereda

Jerry McCoyJerry McCoy was in bad shape. His diabetes and high blood pressure were out of control. It had gotten so bad that, for two months, he was unable to leave his home in Houston. What was especially hard for McCoy was that his poor health prevented him from going to church, which had been a central part of his life. 
When he finally was feeling well enough to resume some activities, including going back to church, he attended a senior banquet that changed his life and likely saved him. It was there he met Gail Venyah, a member of the CenterWell Senior Primary Care center staff, who encouraged him to use his Humana health plan benefits to schedule an appointment at the primary care center.  
CenterWell is not your typical doctor's office. It is solely focused on treating older adults, and not just their physical health. A care team consisting of physicians, pharmacists, behavioral health specialists, social workers, nurses and care coaches not only addresses patients' medical needs, but also their socioeconomic challenges, such as food and housing insecurity, access to transportation and utility services and mental health care.  
It was not what McCoy was used to experiencing since developing diabetes some 20 years ago. "I've never had care like this before," said McCoy. "They made me feel like I was the only patient they had and were more concerned about me than I was." 
There was good reason for their concern. McCoy is one of 35.4 million Americans living with type 2 diabetes. When not properly controlled, diabetes can lead to a host of complications, including heart disease, chronic kidney disease, nerve damage and vision loss, as well as other physical and mental health conditions. It can also result in death, with Black Americans twice as likely to die from the disease as white Americans. 
When Amy Kelleh, a pharmacist at CenterWell Senior Primary Care in Houston, had her first appointment with McCoy, his blood sugars were extremely elevated and his blood pressure was dangerously high. She discussed what his lab results meant, the medications that were prescribed to treat both his diabetes and hypertension and answered all his questions. McCoy recalls, "She stayed in the room as long as necessary and made things so comfortable and clear. And then she called me once a week to check on how I was doing and if the medications were working. I never before had a pharmacist who told me to call them anytime I needed to — that just doesn't happen." 
Before becoming a CenterWell patient, McCoy would go to medical appointments and be told what he needed to do but would never be asked for his input or included in the decision-making process. In contrast, CenterWell takes a patient-centered care approach where healthcare providers and patients are partners in making treatment decisions. Research has shown that patient-centered care improves self-care and quality of life for patients with diabetes.    
That has definitely been true for McCoy. Two-and-a-half months after his first appointment at CenterWell, McCoy lost 30 pounds, exercises regularly and felt great.
For the CenterWell staff, helping patients like Jerry make such remarkable strides in improving their health is what their jobs are all about. "Seeing a patient reach their goals is confirmation that what we're doing really matters," said Kelleh. 
McCoy is grateful for that day in church when he learned about the CenterWell Senior Primary Care center. "It's changed my life and it's all because of the care that CenterWell offers. I feel better now than I have in years." 
The Advantages of Medicare Advantage Plans 
CenterWell Senior Primary Care centers are available to older adults on a wide variety of Medicare Advantage health plans, including those from companies other than Humana. To find a CenterWell facility near you, click here. 
Medicare Advantage plans are often focused on coordinating care for those with multiple chronic conditions, helping lead to cost-effective interventions to address the unique health needs of aging and disabled Americans. In fact, MA plans had a 43% lower rate of avoidable hospitalizations and a 48% lower rate of hospitalizations for those with major complex chronic conditions, compared to fee-for-service Medicare patients.In addition to improving health, these outcomes demonstrate real savings for older adults and the health system. 
During the 2023 Annual Election Period, which runs Oct. 15-Dec. 7, 2022, eligible beneficiaries can sign up for Medicare Advantage plans that, unlike fee-for-service Medicare, may offer affordable drug plans and supplemental benefits including vision and dental, as well as gym memberships, and some plans may even offer special supplemental benefits that cover some living expenses for those with chronic conditions (who meet qualifying criteria) such as transportation for medical appointments, rent and groceries.   
For more information about Medicare Advantage plans, eligible individuals can visit www.Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally, you can learn about Humana plans, which are recommended by USAA* — a company known for its member satisfaction and commitment to the financial security of current and former members of the U.S. military — by going to www.Humana.com/Medicare or calling 1-888-372-2614 (TTY: 711) to speak with a licensed sales agent from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week. Humana will offer in-person, online, telephone enrollment options and can provide support in 27 different languages. All enrollment options will connect Medicare beneficiaries with a local licensed sales agent.  
Your results may vary. It may not be typical to improve health conditions by taking the actions McCoy did. 
Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP, AND PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any Humana plan depends on contract renewal. 
*USAA and the USAA logo are registered trademarks of the United Services Automobile Association. All rights reserved. USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates. Use of the term "member" or "membership" refers to membership in USAA Membership Services and does not convey any legal or ownership rights in USAA. Restrictions apply and are subject to change. 
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Transforming a Life with a Caring Approach 

It might come as an email, disguised as a message from a friend who needs help buying a gift card.
It might be a phone call, threatening jail time if you don't immediately pay a fine for missing jury duty.
Or it might be a budding online relationship with someone who promises to be the love of your life.
These schemes, and a multitude of others like them, are completely bogus, but they pose a very real threat to those who receive them. And while such scams and fraud are ubiquitous to everyone, they pose specific threats to those who are older.
Last year, more than 92,000 victims over the age of 60 reported losses of $1.7 billion to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. That was a 74% increase in losses over the year before. 
"The number of elderly victims has risen at an alarming rate, while the loss amounts are even more staggering," according to the center's 2021 Elder Fraud Report.
Older people are often targets because they tend to have saved money over a lifetime with healthy nest eggs at their disposal, says Eva Velasquez, president and CEO of the non-profit Identity Theft Resource Center.
"A lot of retirees have spent their whole lives saving, and the scammers know that," she says.
The Arrival of the 'Scamdemic' 
The COVID pandemic brought a rise in scams for everyone — Velasquez calls it a "scamdemic" — but for older adults it emphasized another reason why they are vulnerable to fraud: social isolation and loneliness.
"A lot of retirees have spent their whole lives saving, and the scammers know that." 
"Social isolation and feelings of lacking companionship or feeling left out have been noted factors that may increase vulnerability to scams and fraud," according to an AARP survey last year of adults 45 and older. "Either a scammer seeks out someone who seems alone or lonely, or people who feel alone or lonely unknowingly give a scammer their time and ultimately personal information or money."
Velasquez adds that the consequences of fraud and identity theft include not only devastating financial loss but also trauma and depression.
"When we survey all the identity theft crime victims we helped in the past year, victims report … feeling violated, feeling they have lost their ability to trust," she says. "That's trauma."
The best way to avoid becoming the next victim is prevention. Here are a few of the top scams hitting older adults and ways to avoid falling for them:
Romance Scams
The imposters behind these love cons are "masters of disguise," according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
"They create fake online profiles with attractive photos swiped from the web," the agency says. "Sometimes they even assume the identities of real people."
If someone you have just met on a dating site or on social media professes undying love within a matter of weeks or even days, that's a big red flag, according to Velasquez.
With so much information available online, it's not that hard for a fake Romeo to assume the profile of a real person, complete with photos. 
And often that will be someone in the military because of the appeal factor: "... We love our soldiers," Velasquez says. "And they're fit, they're attractive."
But just when the supposed suitor has drawn you in, some sort of emergency will inevitably arise. The person might need money for an unexpected surgery or be desperate to visit you, but needs some cash to make the trip. Sometimes, the pitch involves a lucrative deal you really should invest in.
Whatever the story, the point is to play on emotions and steal money or identity. And often, it works. In 2021, the 70 and older age group reported the highest individual median losses at $9,000, compared to $750 for the 18 to 29 age group, according to the FTC.
Tips: 
Research your suitor’s profile using online searches to see if the name or details have been used elsewhere. You can also do an image search on the person’s photo.Beware if the individual seems too perfect or quickly asks you to leave a dating service or social media site to talk directly.“If you’ve never met this person in the real world, don’t give them any money. You feel like you’re helping someone, but there are bridge loans and other tools for these things. They don’t need you,” Velasquez says.Beware of efforts to isolate you from friends and family and of requests for inappropriate photos or financial information that could be used later for extortion.It’s a bad sign if the individual promises to meet in person but then always comes up with an excuse.Cryptocurrency Scams 
Increasingly, this type of fraud is linked to romance scams, with the bogus boyfriend defrauding victims through dating sites, according to an FBI alert issued in September, 2021.
"The scammer gains the confidence and trust of the victim — through establishing an online relationship — and then claims to have knowledge of a cryptocurrency investment or trading opportunities that will result in substantial profits," the alert says.
The scheme usually involves directing the victim to a fraudulent website or to an application for an investment opportunity. Once an initial amount has been invested and the person sees an alleged profit, the scammer will let the victim withdraw a small amount of money, "further gaining the victim's trust," the FBI says.
"You feel like you're helping someone, but there are bridge loans and other tools for these things. They don't need you." 
Next come instructions for the victim to invest a larger amount of money, with fast action required before the opportunity is lost. That's so the victim has no time to do any research or to check with friends or family.
Then the catch: When the victim tries to withdraw money, the scammer will provide an array of excuses as to why that can't happen. Sometimes, the person will have to pay additional taxes or fees, or more money is needed to reach a minimum account balance.
"Victims are not able to withdraw any money, and the scammers most often stop communicating with the victim after they cease to send additional funds," the FBI says.
Tips: 
Consider steering clear of cryptocurrency altogether. Some people have legitimately made money investing in it, but most people simply don’t understand it, Velasquez says. “They don’t have a deep knowledge of investing, and they certainly don’t have a deep knowledge of blockchain and crypto. I just tell people it’s not for the novice.”Never send money, trade, or invest on advice from someone you know only online.Don’t provide banking information, Social Security number, copies of your identification or any other sensitive information to anyone online or to a site that you aren’t sure is legitimate.Be cautious of individuals who claim to have exclusive investment opportunities and urge you to act fast.Imposter Scams
The bottom line on this one is that someone pretends to be someone else — from a bank employee to a retailer to a government representative.
A particularly insidious version is someone pretending to be a friend or family member who contacts you through social media, asking for money or personal information so they can secretly access your accounts.
"It's coming at everyone full force," Velasquez says of imposter scams. "We are really cautioning people, especially seniors, that social media takeover is something they need to be aware of … because they are more at risk of believing who they are talking to is actually that person."
Tips: 
If you get a request for money or something else that makes you suspicious, contact the person directly and through a means other than the way they contacted you. “If you didn’t initiate the contact, you don’t have to take it at face value,” Velasquez says. “Go to the source.”Don’t give sensitive information such as credit card details or your Social Security number over the phone, unless you’re sure whom you’re dealing with.Don’t rely on caller ID. Imposters can use spoofing tools to make it look like they are calling from a legitimate government or business number.How to Find Help
If you've been the victim of a scam, these organizations can offer assistance and resources.
Identity Theft Resource Center has extensive online resources about fraud and scams. It also has a free help line: 888-400-5530.
AARP Fraud Watch Network has tips and news about current scams. Its free hotline is 877-908-3360, and it also offers online support sessions for emotional help.
The Federal Trade Commission tracks scams and operates a help center to report incidents. It also offers tips on prevention and help if you have been scammed.


The 'Scamdemic' is Another Consequence of COVID

Sharon Greenfelt Kersten, a 70-year-old publicist, loved the $1,900-a-month Fort Lauderdale, Florida, two-bedroom rental house where she lived and worked. But in November 2021, her landlord told her he planned to raise the rent by roughly 40%, to $2,800 monthly.
"I absolutely could not afford that," says Kersten.
Job and income losses over the past two years have left many unable to cover their rent and potentially at risk of evictionSo, she wound up moving to a nearby $1,400-a-month, one-bedroom apartment without a washer/dryer or dishwasher.  "I've downsized substantially," Kersten says. But at this point in my life, she notes, "it's a question of want versus need."
'Please Don't Raise My Rent'
Kersten is already strategizing what she'll say to her new landlord when the lease is up in January. "I plan to call him in October and do a little begging," she says. "I'm just going to say: 'I want to be here forever. Please don't raise my rent.'"
About 225 miles northwest, in Bradenton, Florida, freelance writer Sandra Gurvis, 71, has a similar story. She sold her house in Columbus, Ohio, in January 2020 and relocated to a two-bedroom, $1,625-a-month apartment in the small city next to Sarasota she "fell in love with."
But Gurvis' monthly rent rose to $1,675 at its renewal and she recently learned it would go up by at least $300 a month in November, for a roughly 20% increase since she arrived. "I hope to God I'll be able to deal with this," Gurvis says. "It's terrible."
Their stories are all too similar for many renters in their 60s and 70s struggling with huge rent hikes, although rental housing experts offer a few suggestions, as you'll see below.
"It's got to be really, really hard for some folks," says Kate Terhune, director of brand marketing for Rent.com, the engine behind Redfin Rentals. Housing costs represent the greatest expense, and biggest share of household budgets, for Americans 55 and older, according to the National Council on Aging.
The Rent Surge Across America
The median monthly rent in America's 50 largest metro areas hit $1,876 in June, a new record after 15 consecutive months of increases, according to Realtor.com. It's over $3,000 in places like New York City and San Francisco, where tenants routinely spend more than 30% of their income on rent (more than what financial advisers typically recommend).
Sharon Greenfelt KerstenRents in America have risen 14%, overall, since June 2021, going up much more than wages. And they're now 28% higher than in 2019.
In many popular Sun Belt retirement spots, rents have soared even more: by more than 30% over the past year in Sarasota/Bradenton, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach in Florida and in Tempe, Arizona.
"There's a lot of people who are moving into cities that seem to be cheaper to live, but the more people that move there, the more the prices go up," says Terhune. "We're seeing it all over the place."
Tight Vise on Low-Income Renters
As Harvard researchers noted in The State of the Nation's Housing 2022, "job and income losses over the past two years have left many lower-income households and households of color unable to cover their rents and potentially at risk of eviction." More than 14% of renters are in arrears.
"One third of older adult households have no money left each month or are in debt after meeting essential expenses," Mary O'Donnell and Naomi Stanhaus of the RRF Foundation for Aging wrote in the July-August 2022 edition of "Generations Today."
The current rent ruckus stems partly due to landlords making up for their inability to raise rents early in the pandemic and today's vacancy rates at their lowest point in 35 years.
A recent edition of HBO's "Last Week Tonight With John Oliver" quoted the Monarch real estate company's owner talking about the prospect of rent hikes this way: "We have an unprecedented opportunity, at least in my working lifetime, to really press rents on renewals…. Where are people going to go? They can't go anywhere."
"Where are people going to go? They can't go anywhere."
Since prospective renters now often have few places to choose from, that's led to rental bidding wars. Some are even writing "love letters" to landlords, hoping their personal notes will help them snag housing.
The steep rise in rents has moderated a bit lately, but housing analysts expect rents to keep going up due to severe constraints on the supply of apartments and rental homes. Although there's strong growth in construction of apartments, most of those are high-end buildings.
"For lower-income households … the pressure of high housing costs is unlikely to relent," wrote the Harvard researchers.
Giving Up on Renting
Some older renters are giving up on renting altogether.
Abe and Laurie GorelickA few months ago, Boca Raton, Florida, retirees Ed and Lucy Gruvman were told their $2,220 monthly rent would jump by about 15%. That would've been tough, Ed says, since they live on Social Security. So, the couple moved into a condo Ed's late parents had owned.
"I told my wife, 'Why do we have to pay $30,000 a year when we have my parents' apartment?'" says Ed. "Landlords are taking total advantage of the situation."
Their Boca apartment has since gone on the market for $3,000 monthly.
In 2021, Abe and Laurie Gorelick, a marketing consultant and interior designer in their mid-60s, learned their landlord planned to raise the rent on their one-bedroom townhouse in Sudbury, Massachusetts, by 10%, to more than $3,000 a month.
"I said, 'That's not gonna happen,'" says Abe. "I'm not paying that." After getting the landlord to hike the rent by just 5%, the Gorelicks spent the next year looking for a more affordable place. Good thing, too. Their landlord recently announced plans to hike the couples' rent by 29%, to $4,017.
The Gorelicks moved out in July and into a three-bedroom house about two hours away on Cape Cod costing them about $2,600 monthly.
Advice to Combat Soaring Rents
Relocating to a less-expensive area is one way to tackle rising rents. Here are other suggestions from experts:
Call The HOPE Hotline (888-995-HOPE). The National Council on Aging says this line offers free renter counseling and education.See if you qualify for state or local rent subsidies. The National Low Income Housing Coalition has an online list of over 300 state and city funded rental housing programs. Some of these programs, however, have long waiting lists. Others run out of money quickly; when Tampa, Florida offered $5 million in rental assistance recently, the relief money was gone in two days.Ask your landlord for a two-year lease. This would help you lock in a rent amount for longer than the standard one-year lease. "Sometimes, longer lease terms can come with a nominal deduction from the monthly rent," says Terhune.Try to negotiate the size of your rent hike. You may be able to get a smaller percentage increase by asking. Or your landlord might reduce your cost if you give up an amenity such as a parking space. "Say, 'I don't need this amenity and I'm not going to be using it. Can I have a slightly reduced rent because I don't need it?'" suggests Terhune.Consider relocating to a less expensive region. These days, the nation's lowest rents are in North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana, according to the Consumeraffairs.com site.The Biden administration in May 2022 announced a series of actions to make renting more affordable, especially for low- and moderate-income Americans. They include offering builders' incentives to construct apartments and rental homes as well as expanding the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. But some of these proposals will take time; others will require Congress' approval.
For now, Terhune offers this guidance for renters: "The name of the game is: Figure out where you can save money and just buckle down and hold on, because the housing market will normalize again. I think we are just past our peak of seeing tremendous rate increases."


Rising Rents Are Squeezing Older Adults

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