New Census Report about the 90+ Population

The U. S. Census Bureau has released a study called "90+ in the United States: 2006-2008", which was based on information from the American Community Survey. This report stated that the proportion of the population aged 90 and over has been increasing and that the oldest segments of the older population are growing the fastest. This increase in the ninety plus population is due to increased life expectancy. In 1931, life expectancy at age 65 was 12.2 years, but by 2006, it had increased to 18.5 years. Some of the highlights of the study include:

• California is the state with the highest population of 90+, with Florida coming in second.
• Most 90+ are high school graduates or beyond.
• Social Security represents almost half of total personal income for the 90+.
• The poverty rate for this age group is 14.5%.
• 37.3% live alone

You can access the full report here.

The Jan/Feb Issue of the Elder Update is available

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs publishes a bimonthly newsletter, the "Elder Update", for Florida Seniors. The current issue includes articles about:

•  Ambassadors for Aging Day
• diseases related to Agent Orange exposure (Veterans' Affairs)
• 2012 Florida Veterans' Benefit Guide
• Diabetes
• Florida's Intergenerational Week
• information about how to find available benefits

You can download the current issue here. Alternatively, you can sign up for a print subscription here.

"How to Keep a Healthy Brain" Workshops

HPH Hospice will be providing two free workshops in Pasco County about how to maintain a healthy brain. TaWanna Noel, a program specialist for the Alzheimer’s Association will facilitate these workshops for Baby Boomers and Seniors.  The program will be presented on February 22nd in New Port Richey and on February 28th in Dade City (see below). Registration is required.  Please contact Jan Double, HPH Hospice community relations coordinator, at (727) 705-0107 to register.

                  Wednesday, February 22nd 
                  1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m
                  South Pasco HPH Hospice Team Office
                  6807 Rowan Road, New Port Richey, FL
             
                  Tuesday, February 28th      
                  1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
                  East Pasco HPH Hospice team office
                  37445 Clinton Avenue, Dade City, FL

Florida State Fair

The theme for this year's Florida State Fair is "The Best Time of the Year" and the fair runs from February 9th through February 20th. The old favorites are back - learn about Florida history in "Cracker Country", watch the livestock shows and horse shows, and get new craft ideas at the Arts and Crafts Showcase. In addition, there are many free special attractions and daily shows, including:

• lawnmower races
• Yesterdaze Show
• Elvis Extravaganza
• Blues Brothers
• racing pigs
• Welde Bear show
• Paul Bunyon Lumberjack show

You can click here for a link to their advance brochure. The admission cost is lower for Seniors on "Senior Days" (see below).

Senior Days

February 14th-16th

55+ Gate Admission $8.00

Advance Tickets $6.00

Free Tax Help

The IRS has partnered with many nonprofit and community organizations to provide tax preparation services for low- to moderate-income and elderly taxpayers. Certified AARP Tax-Aide volunteer counselors can help you to prepare your tax return. In Pasco County, you can call dial  211 on your phone to find the nearest location and schedule an appointment to get help with preparing your taxes. If you do not live in Pasco County, you can search for your nearest tax help location by searching on the AARP webpage, here.

If you need to contact the Internal Revenue Service directly, here is their contact information:   
 
IRS Phone Assistance for Individuals:
Toll-Free, 1-800-829-1040  Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. your local time

Local Tampa IRS Office:
If you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit or your Income is $50,000.00 or less, they can help you to prepare your Federal Tax Return, However, this service is only available on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.  
  
3848 W. Columbus Dr.
Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 348-1831 
Monday-Friday - 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Home Energy Tips for Older Adults

The Eldercare Locator and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have partnered to provide some economical tips to stay warm and safe at home.  They have published a guide called "Winter Warmth and Safety: Home Energy Tips for Older Adults".
First, there are programs that can assist you with heating costs. The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco Pinellas can provide information about state, county, and city programs to help older adults with winter heating costs.  In addition, the federal LIHEAP program helps eligible low income home owners and renters to afford home heating. Each county in Florida has a different agency that administers LIHEAP. Applications are only available by contacting your local agency. For Pasco County, this agency is Mid Florida Community Services, Inc. - if you are in East Pasco, the number is (352) 567-0533 and for West Pasco, the number is (727) 845-7350.

Next, there are programs to help you save money by making your home better insulated and more energy efficient. The Florida program is the "Weatherization Assistance Program". 

The Winter Warmth Guide also gives additional tips such as:

• Do not use your stove or oven to heat your home.
• Insulate water pipes to avoid freezing and bursting.
• Have a back-up plan for extreme weather conditions.

Click here for more information.

Glaucoma Awareness Month

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month. The Glaucoma Research Foundation states that Glaucoma is "the sneak thief of sight" since there are no symptoms and once vision is lost, it's permanent. Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness. Moreover, among African American and Latino populations, glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness..." People over 60 are another high risk group. Medication and surgery can prevent or slow vision loss, but the key is to catch it early. Regular eye exams can detect Glaucoma early on. You can read more about Glaucoma here.