Building great communities takes time – but small, tangible improvements can spark lasting change. That’s the idea behind the AARP Community Challenge, a grant program launched in 2017 to support quick-action projects that enhance livability nationwide.
As the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) leads Identity Theft Awareness Week this January, AARP is reminding U.S. Virgin Islands residents that identity theft remains a growing threat across the nation — and that our island communities are not immune.
An AARP-sponsored report from Javelin Strategy & Research shows that American adults lost $47 billion to identity fraud and scams in 2024. Given USVI’s frequent use of mail services, its high reliance on digital banking, and recurring reports of phishing and impersonation scams targeting local consumers, heightened awareness is essential.
“Social Security numbers in particular are like gold to criminals hoping to perpetrate identity fraud, which often leaves victims to ‘face a daunting and frustrating process to reclaim their identity,’” said Bill Sweeney, AARP Senior Vice President for Government Affairs.
Residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands can take practical steps to reduce risk and protect their personal information.
At AARP Virgin Islands, we are committed to uplifting the cultural traditions that strengthen our community and connect generations. This past weekend, the 27th Annual Bordeaux Farmers Agricultural & Cultural Vegan Food Fair on St. Thomas once again showcased the resilience, creativity, and agricultural brilliance of our Virgin Islands community. As proud supporters of the event, we were especially honored to sponsor its beloved highlight — the Coal Pot Lighting Competition.
This year, the celebration was even more meaningful for our AARP family: Mr. Rabsatt — an AARP VI volunteer and proud resident of St. John — won the Coal Pot Lighting Competition, demonstrating exceptional skill, cultural pride, and mastery of this cherished tradition.
Join AARP on St. Croix and St. Thomas for a FREE screening of "Wuthering Heights." This film features Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in Emerald Fennell’s bold and erotically charged adaptation of the classic story of obsessive love and social constraints.
AARP New York proudly celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as we celebrate the contributions of the AAPI community to the fabric of New York and beyond. During this month, we reached out to our New York elected officials from around the state to share their stories about why AAPI representation is important, how they celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, and what New Yorkers age 50-plus can do to get involved in local and state public policy.
On Thursday, May 4th AARP Massachusetts State Director Mike Festa testified virtually in front of The Massachusetts Joint Committee On Public Health. He urged the committee to pass House Bill No. 2178 and Senate Bill No. 1380 - An Act To Strengthen Our Public Health Infrastructure To Address Alzheimer’s And All Dementia.
At 17 years old, I had dropped out of school and like most teenagers I thought I had all the answers in this life. In 1968 I volunteered to serve three years in the United States Army where I was trained as a Field Artillery crew member. Basic training was definitely an eye-opener because that’s when I realized that I needed to grow up and grow up fast. I acquired new skills while in basic training, things like shining shoes and ironing my uniform. I find that I still shine my shoes every day and I still prefer heavy starch in my clothes. I learned how to be part of a team and took pride in myself and my country. It turns out I wasn’t old enough to serve in VietNam after Advanced Individual Field Artillery training like the others in my class, so I was assigned to go to Germany. During my service, I learned to respect and appreciate each and every person I met, regardless of how they looked or where they came from. A philosophy that has continued to serve me well throughout my life.
In their younger days, many LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual, queer) individuals came out of the closet to fight against discrimination. As they age, however, they often face a different kind of discrimination as they need medical care, causing some to consider returning to the closet to assure quality of care without prejudice.