Pandemic won’t stop AARP Michigan from reaching the 50-plus

It has been said that necessity is the mother of invention.

The COVID-19 pandemic has inspired AARP Michigan to explore new and innovative ways to reach its members and other older adults with education and outreach programs ranging from fraud prevention and caregiving to healthy eating and home decluttering.

After closely monitoring COVID-19 developments and taking precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local public health agencies, AARP has canceled all in-person events through December 31, 2020.

But the viral outbreak will not keep AARP Michigan from reaching out with relevant programming for the 50-plus. We are now offering virtual online events and opportunities for members and the general public that will take the place of the usual in-person events. July featured “Everything You Need to Know About Total Hip Replacement,” featuring an orthopedic surgeon; “Tech Tips for Caregivers,” led by an expert with tips and tricks for using your smartphones and tablets; “Protecting Yourself from COVID-19 Scams,” “Understanding Michigan’s New Auto Insurance Law,” and many other virtual programs available to members and the general public simply by clicking on a link.

In August, AARP Michigan and Wayne State University Department of Gerontology will partner on a three programs for caregivers:

• Aug. 12 at 3 p.m., virtual session on difficult conversations for caregivers.

• Aug. 21 at 10 a.m., program on how to keep your loved ones from being financially exploited.

• Aug. 26 at 11 a.m., click in for a presentation on how to manage someone else’s money.

To find the link to these programs, go to the AARP Michigan web page at aarp.org/mi and click on AARP Michigan Virtual Events.

If you know of an elderly person who would be interested in any of these events but lacks technical skills, consider scheduling time to view the program with them. Other upcoming events include:

• Aug. 5 at 10 a.m. a virtual session on decluttering your home in the Learn a Latte series.

• Aug. 19 at 10 a.m. on getting a pet for companionship and health.

• Sessions later this fall on healthy eating, what to do until the paramedic comes and housing solutions when you can’t live alone.

Past events will be linked on the virtual events webpage at aarp. org/mi, and they will also remain on Facebook and YouTube.

Take a look at what else is coming up later this year at aarp.org/ mi - and be sure to check back for updates!

CHECK OUT THE FRAUD WATCH NETWORK AT aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork

BRENDA PRICE, AARP Michigan Associate State Director for Community Outreach