Bruce Bottorff

WASHINGTON, D.C. – AARP volunteers and staff from Hawaii and every other state in the nation visited Capitol Hill today to express opposition to the President’s proposed Social Security benefit cut known as Chained CPI and to support responsible solutions to strengthen Medicare for Hawaii residents. Meeting with Sen. Brian Schatz, Sen. Mazie Hirono, Rep. Colleen Hanabusa, and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard and their staff, AARP Hawaii’s top volunteer urged our representatives to have a separate debate on Social Security and to back specific proposals that would strengthen Medicare and the health care system overall.

Each year many are nominated but only two are chosen. The 2013 recipients of the Maui County Outstanding Older American Award are long-time AARP volunteer Diane Logsdon and Richard Endsley of Lahaina.

As Maui’s population ages, the danger of social isolation grows.

A new analysis of Census data showing that more Hawaii residents are living in poverty shines a spotlight on harmful cuts to Social Security and Medicare now being considered in Washington that could push even more seniors into poverty.

Shimeji (Shim) Ryusaki Kanazawa, recipient of numerous awards and acknowledgements for her efforts to help young and old citizens, is still serving the community at age 98 and due for yet another honor.

It’s no surprise that Barbara Service is one of AARP Hawaii’s most active advocates and president of the Honolulu Chapter. It runs in the family.

AARP is dedicated to helping Hawaii individuals and families plan for their future long-term care needs. Increasing awareness about the breadth of long-term care and the benefits of planning is the key to a secure future for you and your loved ones.

As the 2013 legislative session came to a close, volunteer advocates welcomed the passage of legislation tied to AARP Hawaii’s long-term care priorities - but cautioned that more must be done to address a growing elder-care challenge that threatens to overwhelm individuals and families.

A new survey exploring the views of older Hawaii residents on long-term care shows that nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of people 50+ are not confident they can afford to pay for one year in a nursing home. Fifty percent of respondents say they are not confident they can afford the cost of care for one year in their home. The survey of 800 residents statewide—more than half of whom reported annual household income of less than $75,000—is the latest evidence that many residents are unsure how they’ll pay for their care needs as they get older.

Beginning October 1 a new website known as the Hawaii Health Connector will allow residents across the state to shop for health insurance. The development of the online marketplace is a milestone in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, enacted by Congress in 2010.