SOUTH ALABAMA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

Area Agency on Aging

MOBILE * BALDWIN * ESCAMBIA

E-Newsletter January 2026 Edition

Dear Friends,

As we begin 2026, I want to wish each of you a happy, healthy and hopeful new year. A new year gives us the opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been, appreciate our community’s strengths, and move forward with renewed energy and purpose. At the Area Agency on Aging, we are committed to starting the year on a good note by continuing to support, connect and advocate for older adults and caregivers throughout our region.

I’m also excited to announce the launch of the Area Agency on Aging’s YouTube channel, and I encourage everyone to check it out for helpful information, updates and resources designed just for you.

Visit YouTube



Thank you for being part of our community, and we look forward to all that 2026 has in store.

Julie McGee

Director

Area Agency on Aging

South Alabama

The “bonus” deduction for seniors is slated to expire in tax year 2028.

To be eligible for the new senior deduction, you need to turn 65 on or before Dec. 31, 2025, and file as an individual, head of household, surviving spouse or a married couple filing jointly. (The deduction is not available to married couples filing separately.)

You can claim the deduction regardless of whether you itemize your return or claim the standard deduction. There is an income cap, however. For individuals, the deduction is gradually reduced if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds $75,000. It’s completely phased out at $175,000.

For couples filing jointly, the deduction starts to be reduced at $150,000 and is completely phased out at $250,000.

The most an individual filer can deduct is $6,000, and joint filers can deduct up to $12,000.

View the information below and see how the Area Agency on Aging can assist you in filing your taxes.

MORE ABOUT THESE HEADLINES

VIEW Mobile Affordable Housing

VIEW Caregiving Costs

AAA in the Community

Senior adults and people with disabilities may need legal assistance in a wide range of circumstances that affect their safety, finances and quality of life. These situations can include planning for the future through wills, trusts, powers of attorney, as well as addressing issues related to healthcare decisions and long-term care. Legal help is often needed to protect against financial exploitation, fraud or abuse, and to resolve disputes involving benefits such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid or disability services. The Area Agency on Aging's Legal Assistance Program helps ensure the rights of seniors are protected and that they can make informed decisions with dignity and independence.

WATCH OUR VIDEO ABOUT THE AAA LEGAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

• BenefitsCheckUp: Use the National Council on Aging's BenefitsCheckUp tool to find and apply for programs for low-income seniors, including utility assistance and prescription savings.

• Be Wary of Scams: Protect your hard-earned money from fraud.

CAREGIVER CONNECTION

The Alabama Cares program supports family caregivers by providing information, assistance, counseling, respite care and supplemental services.

Our new quick read e-newsletter, Caregiver Connection, is distributed monthly. Each newsletter focuses on a topic specifically targeting caregivers, providing easy access to information and resources. 

Summer can bring unique challenges for caregivers. Increased heat, more activities, and potential disruptions to routines can strain both the caregiver and the person they are caring for. In this issue, we provide planning tips and resources to help caregivers navigate the summer months safely and comfortably.

South Alabama Regional Planning Commission

Area Agency on Aging

Serving Mobile, Baldwin and Escambia Counties as a hub for information and services for adults aged 60 and older, their caregivers, and persons with disabilities.

ADRC Aging Hotline: information, counseling & benefits screening * Medicare counseling & Medicare Savings Program * Medicaid Waiver with choice of provider for in-home care * Prescription drug cost savings * Wellness classes * Legal counseling and Ombudsman advocacy for long-term care facilities * Caregiver support, education and respite services * Senior Nutrition Centers for hot lunches and recreation * Home-delivered meals and SNAP food assistance

South Alabama Regional Planning Commission

Area Agency on Aging

110 Beauregard Street

Mobile, Alabama 36602

251-706-4680

View on Map