Category: Column
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Bridging the Generation Divide
Last year, I was a “senior” senior at the University of Hawai‘i (UH) West O‘ahu. My learning adventure began in the fall of 2019 when I enrolled in a basic Hawaiian language course at the Moloka‘i Education Center at age 67. It is a satellite campus of UH Maui College and our classes were conducted…
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Legal Warrior for Social Upheaval
Judge Daniel R. Foley, formerly an Associate Justice of the Hawai’i Court of Appeals, by his representation of three same-sex couples in the Hawai‘i court case of Baehr v. Lewin, moved to overturn the then hard-fast belief that marriage should be reserved to opposite-sex couples. Judge Foley’s legal strategy and courageous action changed the world,…
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Food Stamps Are a SNAP for Seniors!
One of the things about growing older is that it happens gradually. When I retired from Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels last year at age 72, I didn’t realize I was already a dozen years into what is legally defined as “senior”—60 years old or older—by many government program standards. I had already started receiving early…
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Cryptocurrency ATM Scams
The latest scam tool that international criminal gangs use to take money from kūpuna is likely in your neighborhood supermarket or convenience store. Bitcoin ATMs, which look similar to bank ATMs, have become commonplace sitting next to regular ATMs, alongside the DMV registration machine and video rental box. There are nearly 100 of them in…
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First Scammed, Then Murdered
Thousands of seniors every year receive the scam message, “Congratulations! You’ve won the lottery!” For one man, however, that call didn’t just drain his savings, it cost him his life. Abe was a trusting 67-year-old retiree who had been receiving calls for months from a scammer claiming he had won a multimillion-dollar lottery. Like many…
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The Risks of Using Artificial Intelligence, Part II
While AI has the potential to greatly benefit seniors (see the Sept.–Oct. issue), it also presents certain risks: ◆ PRIVACY CONCERNSData Security: AI systems often collect and store personal data, which can lead to privacy breaches. Seniors may be particularly vulnerable to data theft or misuse.Surveillance: Increased use of AI in monitoring systems (home security…
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Take Action for Peace
Sept. 2, 2025, marked 80 years since World War II ended. I was recently interviewed by Alasdair Baverstock with CGTN TV in order to share the WWII experience in Hawai‘i and recognize this anniversary. The documentary can be found by searching the internet for “Rise from Ashes: Pearl Harbor: A turning point of WWII” or…
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Grief & the Holidays
As the holidays approach, we may wonder how we will handle the festivities and get-togethers without our loved ones who have passed away. It will be different each year. But what matters is how we take care of ourselves. Thich Nhat Hanh, spiritual leader and peace activist, once said, “Do whatever works and change it…
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Medicare, Medicaid & ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’
The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) that was signed into law this summer is big; it’s complicated and hard to explain in a short article. But know this: Most of the changes don’t take effect until 2027, so there should be time to learn how it may affect you and figure out how those who…
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Kūpuna Caucus Promotes Aging Support
Aging well means more than just living longer. It means staying connected, supported and empowered in our communities. Whether it’s access to affordable housing, healthcare or caregiving services, kūpuna face unique challenges that require thoughtful solutions. The Kūpuna Caucus is a group of state legislators focused on creating and advancing policies that improve the quality…