August is "National Make a Will Month," and it s something the experts say too few people have done. They have some tips on saving you and your heirs time and money. According to a survey on the website Caring.com, only one-third of Americans have a will or living trust to outline their wishes when they die. .
A new report on the plight of older adults reentering society after a long period of incarceration found they have an extremely hard time finding affordable housing, health care and community supports. The report from the nonprofit Justice in Aging noted 30% of the prison population will be over age 55 by 2030. Ted Booker, business development and grants manager for the nonprofit Arming Minorities Against Addiction and Disease Institute in Los Angeles, which helps people exiting incarceration, explained the need for support. .
August is National Make-a-Will Month, a gentle reminder to some seven in ten Americans who don t currently have a will or estate plan that it s never too early to complete this important step in charting their end-of-life journey. Sam Young - senior director of legacy and planned giving with the group Compassion & Choices - said having a legal, up-to-date will is a powerful way to protect your loved ones, make important decisions about the future on your own terms, and support the causes you value. "This is something that is really a critical and essential document for every person to have," said Young, "and it s something that we want to encourage them and help them complete." Many people think wills are just for the rich, but Young said no matter what your "estate" includes, everyone needs a plan. " .
Relief may be on the way for many older Nevadans who need hearing aids but can t afford to pay $3,000 to $5,000 for a pair. The Food and Drug Administration has just cleared the way for hearing aids to be sold without a prescription or a visit to the audiologist. Favil West is founder and chairman of the board of the nonprofit Foundation Assisting Seniors in Henderson, which helps older folks get durable medical equipment. .