Inside The July/August Issue Of AARP Bulletin

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, June 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Social Security Celebrates 80 Years of Improving Lives: In a special in-depth feature, the July-August issue of AARP Bulletin provides an all-encompassing history of Social Security, then and now. From three reasons why Social Security will remain for the next generation to an insightful Q&A on the program's biggest benefits with personal finance expert Jane Bryant Quinn, the multi-part spread covers Social Security's impact on America – past, present and future. Capturing the program's broad range and effect, the Social Security in-action piece profiles personal anecdotes on how the program has helped widows, people on disability and young children who have lost parents and loved ones. (Page 17)

Happy 5-Oh Medicare!: On July 30^th, Medicare will celebrate its 50^th anniversary, a testament to the popular program that has transformed health security for older and disabled Americans. This month's AARP Bulletin features a pair of must-reads that advises what you need to know about the current Medicare offering and six ideas to strengthen the program for a more stable future. (Page 26)

Prices Soar for Generic Drugs: The cost of filling prescriptions for generic drugs has skyrocketed so much over the last few years that the Senate Subcommittee on Primary Health and Aging recently held a hearing to investigate the issue. Discover the factors that have made both brand-name and generic medications more expensive than ever – and their economic impact in this issue of AARP Bulletin. (Page 8)

New Procedures in Post-Op Recovery: The July-August issue of AARP Bulletin highlights the latest in enhanced recovery after surgery, which according to medical experts, has accelerated the healing process with fewer complications, less pain, and shorter hospitalizations for patients. From encouraging fluid consumption of electrolytes and carbohydrates to premedicating with pain relievers to exercising soon after surgery, these key techniques have dramatically improved recovery protocol for patients. (Page 12)

Soothing the Soul and Mind with Music Therapy: For those suffering from Alzheimer's and dementia, new evidence has shown that the power of music can improve their moods, as well as boost cognitive skills and reduce the use for antipsychotic drugs. This issue of AARP Bulletin takes a look at nursing facilities around the country that have implemented music therapy programs to help treat these diseases with astounding results. (Page 30)

Bob Dole Dishes on Politics, Wartime Experience: Turning 92 this month, the American politician and former Senator sits down with AARP Bulletin and reflects on the 70^th anniversary of the end of World War II and shares one of his favorite pieces of political humor. (Page 6)

Recognizing America's Bedrock Programs: Celebrating the milestone anniversaries of Social Security and Medicare this month, AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins pays tribute to the long-term success of these financial and health security programs that protect the present and create the future. With 59 million Americans receiving Social Security benefits and 55 million covered by Medicare, Jenkins addresses the need to defend today's beneficiaries and improve the program for the next generation in this issue of AARP Bulletin. (Page 35)

Scam Alert: How to Halt Home Repair Rip-Offs: As home repair crooks known as "woodchucks" come out of the woodwork to prey on the elderly, these scammers will stop at nothing to drain funds from the same victims repeatedly for unnecessary work. In this month's Scam Alert column, Sid Kirchheimer outlines several tips on how to spot these scavengers and ways to keep you and your neighbors safe this season. (Page 15)

Keeping Current to Stay Connected: In this issue of AARP Bulletin, Hollywood humorist Annabelle Gurwitch recalls a recent conversation with her teenage son that debates the cool factor of generational pop-culture references to music, computers and ring tones. (Page 42)

For exclusive online features and original daily content, visit the AARP Bulletin (http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/) website, the only daily, go-to news source for people 50-plus. Features include exclusive online columns such as Ask Ms. Medicare, Financially Speaking, Scam Alert and more.

To schedule interviews with an editor from AARP Bulletin or to receive a complimentary issue, please contact Carla Clunis at 646-633-4971 or carla.clunis@coburnww.com or Paola Torres at 202-434-2555 or ptorres@aarp.org.

About AARP Bulletin
The definitive news source for AARP's members, AARP Bulletin (www.aarp.org/bulletin) reaches more than 23.5 million households each month in print, with additional news and in-depth coverage online. Covering health and health policy, Medicare, Social Security, consumer protection, personal finance, and AARP state and national news developments, AARP Bulletin delivers the story behind the key issues confronting 50+ America. The monthly consumer-oriented news publication has become a must-read for congressional lawmakers and Washington opinion leaders, and it provides AARP members with pertinent information they need to know.

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.