Far too often, seniors—especially Black seniors—miss out on critical services and resources, not because they don’t qualify, but because they don’t know where to look.
As a result, far too many “seasoned saints” fall victim to scams targeting seniors. They also miss out on the full range of social security benefits or underestimate the need for detailed future planning regarding the finances they will have to live off for the rest of their lives.
Additionally, because seniors often verbally share their pre-arranged wishes with a child, friend or spouse but never write them down when they pass, disagreements among survivors occur regarding how best to celebrate the deceased’s life and legacy.
The Defender has compiled some information on various topics that seniors may find helpful.
Protecting against scams
Valerie Petriciolet, of the Texas Senior Medicare Patrol, warned seniors about scams designed to trick them out of personal information or money during a recent seniors-focused event.
“How many of y’all get the Medicare calls? Hundreds of calls a day, right?” Petriciolet asked while recently addressing Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church’s Senior Conference 2025 attendees.
Petriciolet explained how scammers “spoof” numbers to look local, even making calls appear to come from Medicare or the Social Security Administration.
Her advice was clear: “Will Medicare ever call you? No. Unless you call them first. If they claim to be from Medicare, hang up the phone.”
Petriciolet urged seniors to share this knowledge widely, reminding them never to give out their Medicare number to anyone except healthcare providers.
This information is critical for Black seniors living in the Greater Houston area. First, Houston ranks among the top cities for scams, according to some reports.
Second, Black and Brown Houstonians are targeted for scams so frequently that in 2024, Houston Ethnic Media (now Houston Community Media) held a special briefing for reporters and community influencers to make them aware of specific scams targeting communities of color and immigrants.
Third, older Black adults are particularly susceptible to scams. Higher rates of Alzheimer’s, lower financial literacy and systemic mistrust of law enforcement have made elder financial exploitation a quietly devastating epidemic. And like Petriciolet pointed out, scammers often impersonate government officials (Social Security, IRS).
“We find that people aged 50 to 64 are contacted almost weekly by scammers,” said Kathy Stokes of AARP. “And the emotional toll can be just as bad as the financial loss. The stress adds up, especially when it happens more than once.”
Planning for the future
Ariana Harris, a licensed funeral director at Mabrie Memorial Mortuary, tackled a subject many shy away from—pre-arranged funeral planning.
“The purpose of pre-planning is to ensure that your wishes are known,” Harris explained. Too often, she added, families end up arguing over “what mama said” because nothing was ever written down.
Pre-planning allows people to decide how they want to be celebrated and to lock in future costs at today’s prices.
“Not only are we telling you to communicate your wishes,” Harris said, “but to write it down.”
Research from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA shows that while pre-arrangement planning offers significant benefits, Black seniors and their families participate at a lower rate than white Americans due to historical mistrust, cultural norms and other access barriers. However, the trend appears to be shifting, with more community-based efforts and generational differences influencing how Black families approach end-of-life arrangements.
Social Security basics and beyond
Shonbay Jones, a public affairs specialist with the Social Security Administration, reminded participants that workers fund Social Security. He explained the basics of retirement benefits, spousal benefits, disability and supplemental support for low-income seniors.
“Social Security is only the foundation of what you’re going to need after you retire,” Jones said, comparing it to the base of a financial home.
Pensions, savings and investments form the walls and roof. Many seniors face drastic lifestyle changes and even return to the workforce without them.
His message: Start planning early, but even if you’re already retired, call SSA to evaluate your eligibility for additional programs.
Here are just some of the myths and misinformation surrounding social security, and the facts you need to know:
Myth: Social Security is “going broke” and won’t be there for me.
Fact: While Social Security faces a long-term funding shortfall, it is not “going broke” and will not disappear. As long as people are working and paying payroll taxes, the program will have a source of revenue.
Myth: My payroll tax contributions are put into a personal account for me.
Fact: Social Security is a “pay-as-you-go” system, not a savings account. The payroll taxes you pay today fund benefits for current retirees and other beneficiaries. When you retire, the taxes paid by future workers will fund your benefits. Your benefits are based on your lifetime earnings, not the specific amount you paid.
Myth: You can’t work and collect benefits at the same time.
Fact: You can work while receiving Social Security retirement or survivor benefits. However, if you are below your full retirement age, your benefits may be temporarily reduced if you earn above a specific annual limit. These withheld benefits are credited back to you through higher payments once you reach your full retirement age.
Myth: The earliest you can claim Social Security is 65.
Fact: You can begin receiving reduced benefits as early as age 62. However, your “full retirement age” (FRA), when you can receive 100% of your benefit, has gradually increased. For anyone born in 1960 or later, the FRA is 67. For every year you delay claiming past your FRA, up to age 70, you earn an 8% increase in benefits.
Retirement planning: Adjusting to a new reality
Shell USA’s Glen Ford broke down the hard truths of retirement.
“When you’re nearing retirement, you’re in the highest income-earnings of your life. You’re a big-baller, shot-caller,” Ford said. “But when you retire, your coins become less than what they were. Now, all of a sudden, you’ve got to adjust.”
Ford recommends withdrawing about 4% annually from retirement savings and emphasized working with a financial planner to avoid running out of money too soon.
Helpful contacts for seniors
- Texas Senior Medicare Patrol (scam prevention): 1-888-341-6187
- Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-1213 | www.ssa.gov
- Mabrie Memorial Mortuary (pre-planning): 713-942-8681 | www.mabrie.com
- AARP Houston: 1-866-227-7443 | www.aarp.org
- S.H.A.P.E. Community Center (Third Ward): Offers intergenerational events and programs that unite elders in community: 713-521-0629 | www.shape.org
- MECA Houston: Artistic, multicultural events in the heart of Houston — music, dance, and community all rolled into one: 713-802-9570 | www.meca-houston.org
- Harris County Precinct One Senior Wellness Program: 713-274-1000 | https://www.hcp1.net/SeniorWellnessProgram
- BakerRipley Senior Centers: Enjoy line dancing, game nights, and community celebrations designed with seniors in mind. www.bakerripley.org
- City of Houston – Area Agency on Aging: Access meal programs, wellness events, and senior-focused day trips. 832-393-4301 | www.houstontx.gov/aging
DN: Health and wellness for seniors
