ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – The American Association of Retired Persons—better known as AARP—visisted Escanaba on Thursday for an informational event.
The Bonifas Arts Center welcomed representatives from Lansing and local volunteers for A Taste of AARP. Attendees learned about resources available to aging Michiganders, membership benefits, and important topics like fraud prevention.
The event was also an opportunity for U.P. residents to share their concerns and needs with AARP’s State Director, Paula Cunningham.
“The Upper Peninsula is one of the fastest-growing parts of our state,” Cunningham said. “It’s like 20% of people in the state of Michigan are 65 and older, but in the U.P., it’s 24%. What’s important to them as they age? What kinds of things do they need? We become advocates for those priority issues.”
Representatives also highlighted the work AARP does for aging adults.
“The lowering of prescription drug prices, that was AARP,” said Cunningham. “We fought for more than 20 years to get lower prescription drug prices. Caregiving is a huge issue for us. We advocated for people to be able to have their caregiver of choice and to get reimbursed. More money for home- and community-based services. We want people to stay and age in place, in their own home, which is where they want to be.”
AARP also offers workshops, restaurant discounts, book clubs, virtual programming, and other member benefits and services. Those interested in learning more about AARP are encouraged to call 866-227-7448 or visit aarp.org/michigan.
