Scammers have been making their way from state to state, persuading victims that a special federal government assistance program -- sometimes described as a bailout authorized by President Barack Obama's administration -- is available to pay their utility bills. Victims are given bank account and routing numbers to use when paying their bills online, but only after they "register" by surrendering their Social Security numbers and other personal information.

Criminals are using social media to spread the word, as well as going block by block, knocking on doors and handing out leaflets, encouraging people to pay their bills with the bogus account information. For additional information, visit http://redtape.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/07/09/12634554-obama-paying-utility-bills-scam-victims-nationwide-think-so?lite.

Rallie Murphy carves canes for veterans. He's turned his passion for a hobby in woodturning  into a way to show appreciation to wounded soldiers.

Do you know a "cool" senior who is using their time and talents to give back to the community? We need to hear about it!

Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller warns consumers to not respond to text messages claiming you have won a free gift card.

Since January, the Attorney General’s Office has received 76 consumer complaints about text messages claiming to be from Walmart. One example of the messages reads, “You have been selected for a FREE $1,000 Walmart gift card! Enter code: “FREE317” at www.walmart.com.wlrt.biz to get yours now. Only 124 left! Txt OUT to remove.”

The Golden Hoosier Award was established by Indiana Lt. Governor Becky Skillman in collaboration and partnership with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration to acknowledge and recognize outstanding seniors for their lifetime of service to their communities. The Golden Hoosier Award is the highest honor bestowed on a senior in Indiana. The ideal recipient is considered an unsung hero who has not received previous recognition for the impact they have made in the lives of others and the community.

GUIDELINES FOR SELECTING THE 2012 GOLDEN HOOSIER AWARD

This July, veteran WRTV-6 Newscaster Barbara Boyd will offer a class through OASIS, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping seniors improve their quality of life through learning and volunteerism.    

Barbara is the epitome of “aging creatively” and therefore serves as the ambassador for Indy Creative Aging, a service of CICOA Aging and in-Home Solutions. Today she remains active in body, mind and spirit – and is an inspiration to people of any age. Come spend time with Barbara as she talks about her surprising path to becoming Indiana's first African-American female news personality. Always an entertainer, she'll keep you engaged with her tales about her life, family and career.
 

The aging process is unavoidable, but aging safely in your own home environment takes consideration, preparation and planning.

If you're like 94 percent of American seniors, you desire to stay in your home for the rest of your life. You prefer to stay in the familiar surroundings of your current home but may be starting to recognize that physical limitations are making it more difficult to maneuver around the home like you're accustomed or perhaps keep up with tasks related to home maintenance.

"Aging in place" commonly refers to growing older in one's own home (as opposed to a health care facility) using products and services that allow you to remain independent as your physical circumstances change. With proper planning and a little assistance from the experts, you may continue to live in the home of your choice as you get older, but it's important to keep your property maintained and updated for your safety. Indy Creative Aging provides access to information and resources that make aging in place -- safely and comfortably -- a possibility.

Indy Creative Aging and CICOA Aging and In-Home Solutions recently launched Central Indiana’s first merchant discount program specifically targeted to the lifestyle needs and purchasing habits of older adults -- Indy Creative Savings.

How about a FREE in-home safety assessment to make sure your elder loved ones are safe as possible at home? Or a 50 percent discount on an hour consultation with an elder law attorney who can help guide you in life planning including wills, guardianships and estate planning?

A new scam sweeping the country involves a person who claims to be a jury duty coordinator calling a person to verify they received a summons for jury duty, and that a warrant had been issued for their arrest. If the person states they never received a summons, the scammer asks for their Social Security number and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant. The person’s identity may be compromised by providing this information.

The fraud has been reported so far in 11 states, including Oklahoma, Illinois, Colorado and Arizona. This scam is particularly insidious because intimidation is used to obtain information from callers pretending to be with the court system.

by Brenda J Shelton

After dealing with low vision for my entire life, I came to the conclusion that macular degeneration and blindness are not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter in my life. Attitude and persistence are my best assets in meeting the challenges presented by my vision problems.

Woman visits west-side senior communities Dec. 19 conducting “wellness tests”

INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 22, 2011) – A new scam is targeting senior citizens on the city’s west side. A woman has been visiting residences in area senior communities asking to conduct “wellness tests” and instead robbing the elderly.