istock photo

Monday, January 27^th Governor John P. deJongh delivered his final State of the Territory Address to the 30^th Legislature and the people of the Virgin Islands. He provided his listeners with a snapshot of his administration’s accomplishments and shortfalls and described the many challenges facing Virgin Islanders in the very near future.

 It was no surprise that the Governor’s remarks were solemn and focused primarily on the economy. Our local newspapers prepared us for some of what the Governor would share when they reported earlier in the month that our government is facing a $70-million deficit this fiscal year.

 What does this mean to the average Virgin Islands retiree?

 AARP feels these territorial financial challenges should trigger changes in our seniors’ thoughts and behaviors. Obviously, becoming more cost conscious should be at the top of every senior’s “to do” list. There is much that seniors can do and AARP has a few suggestions.

 Look at where you spend your money. Food, healthcare, and utilities, for instance, are usually at the top of a senior’s spending list. Give serious thought to each category and how you can lower the expenses related to each. Don’t get discouraged if you think the changes you identify are small ones. Small changes eventually will add up to big savings.

Take advantage of advertised weekly specials

• Present your senior card for added discounts
• Shop once a week so you won’t have to make multiple trips which end up costing you more in gas
• Take advantage of locally grown, fresh vegetable and fruit markets which may be less expensive and may also help keep a Virgin Islander employed

Not only will you save money when you take good care of yourself, you will be healthier and happier.

• Take advantage of the free preventative screenings offered by Medicare
• Enroll in the Medicare Part D prescription program so you get the best possible medication prices
• If your medications are very expensive, see if you can save money by using a mail order prescription drug program.  The cost reduction may help you to your take your medications as the doctor prescribed
• Participate in an exercise program that gets that blood flowing, lowers your sugar level and blood pressure and gets those “happy hormones” flowing.  Exercise can be fun, i.e., enjoy the absolutely beautiful weather and walk, swim, take a dance class or participate in a wide variety of outdoor activities

Utilities are a great place to gain financial savings.

• Get an energy audit of your home so you can find out where to make modifications and save big bucks
• AARP VI expects to initiate a home survey program later this year.  Keep an eye out for the program’s announcement in late spring so you can find out how to save.

 These are just a few suggestions AARP VI feels may help seniors weather the financial storm. For more ideas on how to make the most out of your life, visit our FaceBook page at: https://www.facebook.com/aarpvi or let us hear from you on Twitter at http://twitter.com/AARPVI

©Istockphoto/kroach

Lacking a health insurance marketplace, the U.S. Virgin Islands is considering a legislative proposal to create a single-payer health care system.

Nearly 30 percent of Virgin Islanders are uninsured, putting local hospitals under financial strain and leading many individuals to forgo preventive care.

The proposal calls for creating a $400 million VI HealthCare program to cover all residents. Proponents say it could be financed with a 5 percent retail sales tax, a 5 percent employee income tax and a 10 percent business payroll tax, combined with increased federal Medicaid funds under the Affordable Care Act.

To read the proposal, go to vihealthcare.org. For updates, go to aarp.org/vi.

©Istockphoto/VisualField

Whether you live in the Virgin Islands or just vacation there, sharing information with doctors in the territory just got easier.

The Virgin Islands has launched its health information exchange ahead of schedule. The secure electronic network allows doctors, hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and other providers to share information if they have the patient’s consent. Sharing records electronically can avert duplicate testing and could save time in an emergency.

AARP helped plan the program, which may prove especially useful to Virgin Islanders seeking medical treatment on the U.S. mainland. Visitors, too, can benefit once their home states’ health information networks comply with standards enabling communication nationwide.

For details, go to healthvi.org/hie.

©Istockphoto.com/spxChrome

Virgin Islanders will elect a new governor, territorial senators and a delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives on Nov. 4, and AARP is using social media to help voters learn candidates’ views. The effort, called VIW2K—short for “Virgin Islanders Want to Know”—gives voters a chance to pose questions to candidates via Facebook and Twitter, as well as at public events.

AARP does not endorse any candidate or political party, but seeks to clarify candidates’ positions on issues important to people age 50-plus, such as financial security and resources for family caregivers. AARP has more than 23,000 members in the Virgin Islands—one-fifth of the population.

To ask a candidate a question, go to facebook.com/aarpvi or search for #VIW2K at twitter.com/aarpvi.

Photo courtesy: stthomassource.com

Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center, the only hospital on St. Croix, has filled five of the nine seats on its board—enough to set policy for the facility.

The hospital board had been without a quorum since 2013, leaving major decisions to a territorial board whose members are largely from St. Thomas. Having a quorum means the board can address the needs of local residents, and having AARP member Kimberly Jones on the panel means St. Croix residents age 50 and older have an advocate. Jones, a licensed practical nurse with experience in medical billing, is eager to put the hospital on sound financial footing.

To stay informed, go to facebook.com/aarpvi and twitter.com/aarpvi.

©Istockphoto/almagami

AARP is encouraging Virgin Islanders to protect themselves from scams by joining the AARP Fraud Watch Network. The online resource offers insights on how con artists think and helps people figure out what to do if they have been victimized.

According to the FBI, scammers often target older people because they are more likely to have nest eggs to exploit, tend to listen politely, may be ashamed to report they have been duped and may have cognitive disabilities that make them vulnerable.

Suspicious tactics include requests for personal information such as credit card numbers and bank information over the phone.

To learn about scams in your vicinity, sign up for watchdog alerts at aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.

Virgin Islanders pay as much as five times the average U.S. rate for electricity, but the price is on its way down, providing relief for people on fixed incomes. Some older residents have been using candles at night to save on energy costs.

The territory traditionally has relied on imported crude oil to generate electricity. Recent moves to develop alternative energy sources have brought down the price, however, and consumer advocates expect the trend to continue.

AARP Virgin Islands is monitoring the work of the V.I. Water and Power Authority. The utility has created two solar-panel farms, retrofitted generators to accommodate the use of propane and natural gas, and is reinstituting a “hedge program” to lock in prices while fuel costs are low.

For updates, go to aarp.org/vi and facebook.com/aarpvi.

©Istockphoto.com/JamesBrey

Every year, lawmakers in the U.S. Virgin Islands negotiate a contract to provide health insurance for government workers and retirees. Never easy, the task used to be more difficult because details of the plan were kept largely under wraps until late in the process. That resulted in deadline pressures and rumors about cost and coverage.

Earlier this year, the nonprofit St. Croix Government Retirees Inc.—trained in advocacy by AARP—successfully pressed for a new law that streamlines the process and makes it more transparent by sending the draft agreement simultaneously to the governor and legislature.

The Virgin Islands is home to more than 8,400 government retirees and nearly as many active employees. The health insurance contract affects at least 1 in 5 Virgin Islanders. For more information, go to aarp.org/vi.

Wounded Warrior Participants in St. John, VI
Photo courtesy: AARP VI

Since 2004 AARP Chapter 4777 members from the islands of St. John have been partnering with the American Legion Post 131, and various VI business and civic organizations to demonstrate their appreciation to disabled military veterans in a big way.

Disabled veterans and their families are treated to an all expense paid week-long stay at on the island of St. John and all the water sports activities they handle. Many of the vets suffer from traumatic stress disorders, traumatic brain injuries or have become paraplegics or quadriplegics as a result of their military service in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Team River Runner (TRR) an international nonprofit project started as therapy for the vets. TRR has more than 40 chapters across the US and began as an off-shoot organization from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center before it was shut down. The medical center did a great deal of work with veterans arriving home from overseas who had become new amputees.

The trip was originally envisioned as a way to get some rest and relaxation (R & R) into the vet’s recovery regiment. So when the vets arrive on St. John the plan is to get them outside into nature and the fresh air participating in kayak races, snorkeling excursions, fishing and boating trips. Local businesses donate the use of the equipment, boats, kayaks and other water sport items needed by the vets.

The St. John Fundraiser Chaotic Kayak is organized by Tom Larson of Sadie Sea Charters of St. John. Each year Tom makes sure that the various fundraisers reach their financial goal and that the special week in November goes off without a hitch. He leads a team of volunteers who help plan everything down to the smallest detail.

When the vets arrive, donations of time, money, and energy begin with members of the VI Veteran’s Administration picking up the veterans and their families at the St. Thomas, Cyril E. King Airport. As many as 20-25 vets and spouses are transported across the 14-mile length of St. Thomas to the Red Hook Marine Terminal where their ‘sea transportation to St. John is provided by either Sadie Sea Charters or Lovongo Charters owned by Dan Boyd. These boats make the boarding process easier for vets with prosthetics or wheelchairs and saves the cost of paying the regular ferryboats.

Donations continue throughout their stay with local restaurants supporting the project by taking turns supplying meals for the group each day, various transportation services getting the vets where they need to go, and water sports vendors supplying all equipment and boats.

Annually, Tom makes sure the entire project comes together through the efforts and dedication of the entire St. John community. But, achieving this herculean task is no small matter. Each year volunteers, including AARP Chapter 4777, collaborate to raise funds to pay all the expenses associated with the one week stay.  All money raised goes directly to pay for airfare and lodging.

This year during one fundraiser event, volunteers received an anonymous $20,000 check towards the more than $50,000 needed for airfare and accommodations. The check came from a frequent visitor to St. John who also was a vet. He learned about the project and its funding challenges and wanted to be part of this very special project.

The AARP Chapter 4777’s small but mighty 17 members also routinely coordinate the final luncheon before everyone heads home. During the event’s early years chapter members spent days baking, cooking and readying everything for the luncheon. Now, however many more members of the local Coral Bay community, where the luncheon is held, contribute toward the event. Coral Bay residents look forward to the event with great pride and everyone comes to the luncheon with a covered dish, a cake or pie, drinks, supplies, or comes to provide musical or other entertainment.

It is hoped that after a week of sun, crystal blue water and fun, that the vets will go home re-energized, relaxed and knowing that their sacrifices were deeply appreciated.

To learn more about the St. John event go to the AARP Virgin Islands website aarp.org/vi and AARP Virgin Islands social media accounts Facebook and Twitter at facebook.com/aarpvi and twitter.com/aarpvi.

photo provided

Making Your Mess Your Message

Featuring Dan Gasby with Sherri Snelling

February 27, 2017
Special Evening Time
8 p.m. AST

Register for our webinar and you could win a copy of the inspiring book “Before I Forget:  Love, Hope, Help & Acceptance in our Fight against Alzheimer’s” by B. Smith and Dan Gasby.*

The reality of becoming a family caregiver seen through the eye’s of B. Smith’s husband

Lifestyle guru B. Smith and Dan Gasby had it all. They were partners in love, business and in life. And then things changed: a stunning diagnosis of early on-set Alzheimer’s for the beloved lifestyle icon shifted Dan’s focus from brand management to family caregiver.

Every day, thousands of people confront the reality of becoming a family caregiver, and in the case of Alzheimer’s, African Americans are twice as likely to develop later onset dementia.

Dan will share his caregiving journey and answer your questions live during a conversation with author and caregiving expert Sherri Snelling. Using his own experiences, he’ll help you learn how to find patience and purpose as a family caregiver. He’ll also share how he’s working to help the African American community fight Alzheimer’s.

About the speakers:

Dan Gasby has been a television media sales executive and a television producer for both network and syndicated programs. He helped publish and launch B. Smith’s eponymous magazine and helped cofound her lifestyle retail brand.

Sherri Snelling is a national caregiving expert and author of “A Cast of Caregivers – Celebrity Stories to Help You Prepare to Care.”

*NO PURCHASE OR ATTENDANCE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) 21 years and older who register for the Make Your Mess Your Message webinar. Ends 3/15/17. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds and prize descriptions, click here. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: AARP.

The post B. Smith’s Husband Shares Family Caregiving Journey in February Webinar appeared first on AARP States.

Fun new way for Virgin Islanders to learn job search skills, family caregiving advice and how to stay safe online.

Can you sell yourself to a potential employer in the time it takes to ride an elevator? Take the awkwardness out of the conversation when you’re helping a loved one plan for the future? Keep yourself safe from a hacker or handle the four toughest questions you’ll ever face in an interview?

Introducing AARP’s new interactive videos that put you in the middle of the story! With the push of a button, you can decide how to navigate these situations. Go ahead, these videos are fun and free!

You’ve just bumped into John – an old colleague – while you’re waiting for a flight at the airport. His company is expanding and they may have career opportunities. What’s even better, his boss is traveling with him. What do you say? www.aarp.org/elevatorpitch

It’s smart to plan ahead but talking about a loved ones wishes for the future can be AWKWARD! Mom’s not afraid to take you over her knee if you ask the wrong questions. How do you start a family caregiving conversation? www.aarp.org/caregivingadventure

What’s with that gap in your work history? Why do you want to leave the job you already have, especially if you’re over-qualified for this job? And just how much do you want to be paid to work here? Don’t let these four questions crash your job interview. www.aarp.org/interviewquestions

Next time you get a cup of Joe, you might get a side order of evil twin or a sniffer. They’re scammers lurking around public wi-fi networks in places like coffee shops. Turn your head for a minute and you might get HACKED! www.aarp.org/hacked

Want to learn more about work & jobs, family caregiving or technology? Or looking for a local event in your area? AARP has you covered at: www.aarp.org/academy

The post Need a “Do Over?” Our Interactive Videos Help You Get It Right the First Time! appeared first on AARP States.

Take a virtual tour and learn how to make every room safer.

April 12, 2017
7 p.m. ET

Are you a family caregiver? If so, don’t miss Home Safe Home, a virtual room-by-room makeover tour on how to make every room in your home safer for loved ones. And stay tuned as caregiving author Sherri Snelling and livable communities expert Karen Kafantaris answer your questions from the studio.

What will you learn? Dozens of smart solutions to make any home more comfortable, safer and a great fit. Learn how to adapt appliances, steps, doorways, electrical outlets and more so you can help loved ones maintain their independence at home. Tune in and let us turn you on to universal design for a lifelong home.

Register now.

The post Welcome to “Home Safe Home” appeared first on AARP States.

Distracted Driving 101: It May Save Your Life

Making a call on your phone. Changing the radio station. Turning to talk to kids in the back seat. These are minor tasks, but distracted driving can lead to the same devastating results as driving under the influence. Are your habits—or those of your loved one—putting you at risk? Now you can do something about it. Register now for the AARP webinar, Distracted Driving 101 on April 25, 2017 at 7 p.m. ET, and learn the simple tips that are proven to help you avoid distractions.

You’ll also learn how new technologies can help you stay safer on the road, with a preview of AARP’s Smart DriverTEK workshop! Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to get your questions answered by safe driving experts. Make the decision now to stop distracted driving.

Don’t delay, register today! Can’t make it live? Register and a link will be sent to you when the webinar is complete.

The post Don’t. Drive. Distracted. appeared first on AARP States.

Learn how to start or grow your small business from fellow entrepreneurs.

Live SBA Entrepreneur webinar takes place on
Tuesday, April 18th at 7 p.m. ET

Looking to turn your unique talents, hobbies or skills into a small business? Or if you’ve already started a business, are you searching for ideas to keep your dreams of success on track? Register for the AARP webinar, From Passion to Profit, and learn from our panel of innovative and inspiring entrepreneurs as they share their journeys of starting and succeeding in small business.

Find inspiration as each small business owner shares how they got started, the ups and downs they’ve faced, and the risks vs. rewards of working for yourself. Get ready for the amazing tips, tools and strategies they’ve used to make their small business dreams a reality.

Register today to participate live on April 18. Can’t make it live? Register and a link will be sent to you when the webinar is complete.

The post Turn Your Passion into Small Business Profits appeared first on AARP States.

Join us for free webinars and live chats on how to use the latest tech tools.

Technology can help you connect with friends and family, drive more safely, control home automation, search for jobs, care for loved ones, learn new skills, and more. But there’s so much new “tech” that it can be hard to keep track of it and how it can help you. Register for AARP’s Online Technology Fair and gain access to free live webinars, video chats and themed group chats featuring industry experts.

AARP’s Online Technology Fair is a live, interactive, online event that connects you to resources and experts to show you how to leverage the latest technologies in your daily life without feeling overwhelmed.

Click here to Register and participate live on June 8 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET

The post Discover the technologies that connect your life. appeared first on AARP States.

Learn how to create a family plan and find the support you need

You may care for someone full time, 24/7. Or you may help someone with driving or grocery shopping a couple times a week. Either way, you’re a caregiver. And AARP’s caregiving expert, Amy Goyer, is here to guide you on your journey during the Online CAREversations Workshop.

It’s a live, interactive event, so it’s the perfect way for busy people like you to access expert advice, interact with online activities, and create your own family plan. In this session, we’ll discuss the many roles of caregivers and how to talk about important issues with family members and others.

Feel empowered as you learn the five elements of Prepare to Care

• Starting the Conversation
• Forming a Team
• Making a Plan
• Finding Support
• Caring for Yourself

Register for AARP’s Online CAREversations Workshop today and feel confident in your family plan—no matter where you are on your caregiving journey.

Want to get started now? Review our infographic about the five Prepare to Care steps above at: app.snapapp.com/fivestepscarevingjourney
Or watch our interactive video on how to talk to your loved one about their future needs here: www.aarp.org/caregivingadventure

Click here to register and participate live on July 20 at 7 p.m. ET

The post Step into Your Family Caregiving Journey with Confidence appeared first on AARP States.

Taking care of a loved one isn’t always a walk in the park. Family caregiving means juggling many areas of help—personal, financial, medical, and more. Now you can talk to others dealing with the same issues. AARP’s Caregiving Q&A Webcasts are hosted by Dr. Jean Accius, a nationally recognized expert on aging policy, livable communities and long-term services. Register today to ask questions and learn about the issues important to you.

How to Manage the Daily Needs of Your Loved One

Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at 7:00-7:30 pm ET

• How to get organized and manage health conditions and medical appointments, and more
• How to ask for help when you’re feeling overloaded
• Plus, come with your own questions and join in the conversation

Register now for one or more of our three Caregiving Q&A sessions.

The post Find Answers as a Caregiver at our Live Q&A Webcasts appeared first on AARP States.

Join us on September 7, 2017 at 7:00 pm ET for Part 1 of AARP’s Interactive Social Security Webinar as we explore each of the five most asked about (and often misunderstood) Social Security topics—including applying for benefits, survivor benefits, spousal benefits, the earnings limit, and benefits for married couples. Plus, you can ask specific questions for the experts to answer using our interactive Q&A tool.

We’ll also introduce you to AARP’s easy-to-use online tools, including our Benefits Calculator and a special video that addresses the rumors that Social Security is going broke. Let our in-depth instruction and discussion help you understand how Social Security fits into your retirement planning.

AARP’s Interactive Social Security Webinar Part 2, will take place on September 12, 2017 at 7:00 pm ET. Our panel of experts will also answer your questions about what to plan for as your retirement age approaches, and how AARP tools can show you how and when to claim your benefits. We’ll also discuss reasons why waiting to claim them might help you maximize your monthly benefit.

Register today for one or both of AARP’s two-part webinar series on Social Security and find the answers about benefits you’ve been looking for.

The post Get Live Insights into Your Social Security Benefits appeared first on AARP States.

Join us for free webinars and connect with top employers looking to hire experienced workers

You have valuable experience. So why not connect with the hiring employers who value experienced workers like you? Sign up today for the LIVE Online Career Fair on Thursday, September 14 at 6:00 pm ET, and get ready to reintroduce yourself to new employers and refresh your job skills.

This nationwide online event helps you do things like: 

• Click on the Interactive Online Career Fair Map to see employers hiring in each state
• Connect with more than 40 major organizations including AT&T, American Greetings, Farmers Insurance, Microsoft Corporation, and many more
• Attend interactive webinars for insights on leveraging your network, conveying your experience through your resume, and boosting your skills and marketability
• See the latest job postings from dozens of employers nationwide

Click here to register for free and put your experience to work.

The post Experience Matters: Get Ready to (Re)Introduce Yourself appeared first on AARP States.