WASHINGTON—The first issue of AARP Bulletin in 2025 examines the physician shortage crisis and what it means for older adults. Additionally, this month’s issue provides insights on how to handle data breaches, tips for traveling with a medical device, a spotlight on the work of ombudsmen in nursing homes, and a message to our members from new AARP CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan.

In the January/February 2025 issue of AARP Bulletin:

Cover Story: Where Have All the Doctors Gone?
America is facing an unprecedented shortage of physicians, which can lead to longer wait times and less attention provided to patients. With over 70 million Americans on Medicare, many with chronic conditions, longer wait times can mean worse health outcomes. This month’s cover story details the consequences of a smaller nationwide pool of physicians and the potential danger it presents to older Americans – plus, tips from top medical professionals on how to get the care you need if you are an older patient.

Is Your Personal Information Under Attack?
A record-setting 1.3 billion American consumer records – including Social Security, driver’s license, credit card, and health-related account numbers – were stolen in data breaches in 2024. What’s worse, a study co-sponsored by AARP indicates that most people do not know what to do after receiving an alert about fraudulent activity. Learn the critical steps to take after a data breach in this month’s Fraud Watch column.

Tips for Traveling with a Medical Device
This month’s issue of “Your Life” details how a simple bag mix-up at the airport left one Bulletin writer without her CPAP machine for days, leading to restless nights in a foreign country. Read how one simple step would have prevented the situation and other must-know tips for caregivers and travelers who fly with a medical device.

The Ombudsman Crisis in Nursing Homes
A long-term care ombudsman advocates on behalf of older residents and those with disabilities. They investigate and resolve complaints within residential facilities, and their work is crucial to ensuring individuals are treated correctly and with dignity. However, with increasingly limited funding, resources, and staff since the COVID-19 pandemic, a crisis is emerging nationwide. Read this month’s issue to get the latest on the situation and how to get in touch with your ombudsman.

Meet New AARP CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan
In her career as a practicing physician, public health advocate, and a business leader, Dr. Minter-Jordan has devoted herself to improving the health and wellness of individuals. Writing for the Bulletin, she says, “I am determined to meet this moment. In many ways, I feel like my life and career have prepared me for it.” Learn more about AARP’s new CEO in this month’s issue.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.