In 2009, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) partnered with the Pepper Institute on Aging and Public Policy at FSU to establish a statewide coalition to address the specific needs of Florida’s aging road users. They developed a website called "Safe and Mobile Seniors". This website offers:
Driving tips
A search tool to help you find a ride within each Florida county
Links to driver safety programs. Note: the New River Library and Land O'Lakes library often host AARP Driver Safety classes. Check with you local branch to find out if they are having one of these programs.
Information about adaptive equipment for your vehicle
In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides this webpage about safe driving for older adults.
The Area Agency on Aging for North Florida and WCTV have collaborated to create a new 30 minute television program, "Ageless in America". This television series provides information about how to live better after age 50. This program covers topics such as: upbeat human interest stories, art, music, books, healthcare, financial planning and more.
Are you worried that your personal information has been stolen, due to a data breach at a bank or store? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has created a new one-stop website - https://www.identitytheft.gov/ - to help you determine if your identity has been stolen. For example, here are some of the warning signs of identity theft:
You get a bill from a medical provider for a service you never used.
You find unfamiliar charges on your credit card.
You don't get your bills or other mail.
If someone has stolen your personal information, Identitytheft.gov provides a step-by-step list of actions to take to regain control of your identity.
Are you looking for a fulfilling volunteer opportunity? Volunteers are needed in Pasco County to provide counseling related to Medicare, Medicaid & more. There will be a three-day Boot Camp Program for individuals interested in volunteering with the SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program.
The training will begin on June 23, 2014. Transportation costs are reimbursed and meals are furnished. You can visit www.floridashine.org for an online application or email Geralyn.Fortney@aaapp.org for details.
In addition, you can speak with a SHINE representative in person at the Hap Clark building - Suite 302 E at 4111 Land O Lakes Blvd in Pasco County, on Friday June 5th or Friday June 12th between the hours of 8:00 am and 12:00 pm.
Hardworking canine volunteer aids in the fight against elder abuse (This story is about a local Victim Advocate with the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas and her dog - she is a real local hero!)
You can download the current issue here. Alternatively, you can sign up for a print subscription here. The 2015 Disaster Preparedness Guide should be published in July.
May is Older Americans Month. This year's theme of "Older Americans Month" is "Get Into The Act". Every Year the U.S. Census Bureau provides a fact sheet to celebrate this month.
Here are some highlights from this fact sheet:
44.7 million people in the U.S.were 65 or older in 2012
$35,611 is the median income of householders 65 and older
9.5% is the poverty rate for people 65 and older
18.7% of Florida's population was 65 or older in 2012.
4.9 million full time year round workers were 65 and older in 2012.
9.3 million veterans of the armed services are age 65 or older
62.4% of those 65 and above accessed the Internet through a high - speed Internet connection
At Florida Senior Day, Janet Mills was awarded the Champion of Service Award for her outstanding service for more than 10 years as a dedicated volunteer with the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program. During that time she helped more than 10,670 people with Medicare counseling. Congratulations, Janet, and thank you for your many years of service to Florida Seniors!
The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas offers a free helpline, which provides assistance and referral information on government funded programs, non-profit agencies, and for-profit businesses that serve seniors in our county.
