As politicians spar over the future of Medicare and Social Security, Laura Feldman will try and remove some of the confusion about these and other government programs for older Americans in her presentation "The Politics of Aging and the 2012 Election" on Oct. 17, 11:30am-1:30pm, at Ingleside at King Farm.

 Feldman, Grassroots Manager of The National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare, will go beyond the political rhetoric and present a non-partisan explanation of the major federal government programs that affect older Americans.

 “My presentation’s tag line is ‘Come Laugh and Learn,’” says Feldman. “I try to make all the facts and figures understandable, but I also make it fun.”

 Feldman will explain what’s at stake for older Americans by proposed changes from both political parties in federal government programs like Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and the Affordable Care Act.

 “While I want people to better understand the programs, I also want them to let their legislators know how they feel about proposed changes to these programs. And the bottom line is, of course, to vote,” Feldman says.

 Some of the most common concerns Feldman hears from older Americans is that these programs will be cut or become too expensive.

 “The fact is older Americans will not be affected by any of the proposed changes being discussed, but things could change for their children and grandchildren,” Feldman concludes.

 Ingleside at King Farm is a not-for-profit, continuing care retirement community that holds the needs and wants of its members front and center. The community offers a signature cultural arts program and offers amenities that appeal to the community’s intelligent, informed and engaged members. When the needs or situations of members change, a full continuum of care is available on site.