Category: Column

Spring Cleaning for Your Computer

Many of us include the ritual of spring cleaning around this time of year. Spring cleaning is all about tackling the areas you may have neglected during the rest of the year. And nothing is more satisfying than a sparkling clean home, right? But don’t forget about your computer and devices. Backing up data, cleaning up storage, maintenance and changing passwords are things that most of us miss throughout the year. Therefore, you might want to consider adding the following tasks to your official spring cleaning checklist:

 Back Up Your Data: Back up all your important data, such as photos, records, documents and your calendar, contact list and emails, etc. Back up anything you feel is important and irreplaceable. My advice is to back up your data to an external hard drive that has its own power source (AC adapter) or burn your data to CDs/DVDs. USB flash drives are not meant for long-term storage. The other option is storing your data remotely, such as to iCloud or Google Drive.

 Clean Up Your Storage: After backing up your data, start deleting apps, programs and files that you rarely use or are outdated. This alone can speed up your computer. Again, do this after backing up you computer.

 Maintenance: If you are tech savvy, you can purchase utility programs that perform low-level diagnostics on your computer that will check your computer’s hardware and the operating system, and will make recommendations on how to remedy any problems. Depending on the program, it may even resolve those issues for you. My advice is to see a professional service to do the examination and any subsequent fixes if any problems are found. Usually, this can be done by the service department where you purchased your computer. There are also local service providers that can do similar work, but choose reputable vendors.

 Change Passwords: Lastly, change your passwords, not only for logging into your computer and other devices, but also internet services that require a password. You don’t have to change them all at one time, but start with your computer and cellphone passwords. Write them down in a notebook along with the date you made the changes. Secure the notebook in a safe place.

Warning: Keeping passwords on your computer, cellphone or other devices is not recommended. Neither is keeping them in your wallet or purse.

Contact me with questions about online security. Christopher Duque | aikea808@gmail.com

Many of us include the ritual of spring cleaning around this time of year. Spring cleaning is all about tackling the areas you may have neglected during the rest of the year. And nothing is more satisfying than a sparkling clean home, right? But don’t forget about your computer and devices.
Eating Together

Here in Hawai‘i, the idea of multiple generations sharing meals together under one roof isn’t reserved for just the holidays. Hawai‘i has the highest percentage of multigenerational households in the country, with nearly 8 percent of households statewide classified as multigenerational — at least three generations living under one roof. This household structure represents one of the most beautiful things about Hawai‘i. It embodies the word ‘ohana and exemplifies the concept of an extended family. The people within it are bound by a genuine sense of mālama, kokua and kuleana. Especially during the holidays, compassion, loyalty and aloha radiate throughout the home.

While tradition plays a significant role for families living together, the decision can’t be entirely linked to cultural sensibilities. For a lot of families, it’s a necessity due to the state’s high cost of living — the highest in the country. The pandemic has only exacerbated the lack of affordable housing. In order to make rent, many local families have no choice but to pool their incomes just to keep a roof over their heads — and more obstacles abound — obstacles like hunger.

But food insecurity and hunger don’t affect everyone in the household equally. Keiki and kūpuna are especially vulnerable. In these extraordinarily trying times, as parents often work multiple jobs to provide extra support, kūpuna may try to ensure food security for their grandchildren by foregoing their own needs. Therefore grandparents in multigenerational households can experience hunger at more than twice the rate of those in homes with no grandchildren. Through their own sacrifice, members of a household in Hawai‘i never lose sight of what it means to take care of one another.

But to help ensure every member of the household has the nourishment they need, Hawai‘i Foodbank offers special nutritional support through programs such as Food 4 Keiki, ‘Ohana Produce Plus, the Senior Food Box Program, and new initiatives like the Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.

Hawai‘i Foodbank works closely with its network of more than 200 food partner agencies to provide food for families affected by the pandemic while continuing to provide assistance to those who were already struggling with hunger.

No longer associated with a stigma, these free resources provide an akamai strategy for kūpuna and their ‘ohana. It is simply a sign of the times for many seniors and their families.

FOOD 4 KEIKI

Hunger deprives our keiki of more than just food. The fact is, a child’s chance for a bright tomorrow starts with getting enough nutritious food to eat today.

Ensuring our keiki receive the nutrition they need to excel in school relieves the pressure on kūpuna who sacrificed their own needs. The Food 4 Keiki School Pantry Program serves as a critical food resource for young students, their siblings and their families. The school pantries provide after-school snacks for young students, as well as additional family food bags to take home. Bags are filled with canned proteins, canned meals, dry goods, snacks and more. For pantry times and locations, visit www.hawaiifoodbank.org/keiki.

For more information on Food 4 Keiki and its programs, or to start one in your area, contact Marielle Terbio, director of community engagement and strategic initiatives, at marielle@hawaiifoodbank.org or 808-954-7869.

‘OHANA PRODUCE PLUS

‘Ohana Produce Plus is a mass, mobile food distribution program that enables Hawai‘i Foodbank to bring food directly into the communities where it is needed most. ‘Ohana Produce Plus provides hungry keiki, kūpuna, families and individuals greater access to fresh fruits and vegetables plus other supplementary food items.

For more than 20 years, the program has distributed millions of pounds of fresh produce, assorted dry goods and non-perishable food items to underserved communities — all at no cost to its recipients. Participants in this program include families with low income, individuals with disabilities, the homeless, working poor and more. For many people, ‘Ohana Produce Plus is their only source of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Go to “Distribution Times and Locations” at www.hawaiifoodbank.org/ohana to find a location near you. It is recommended that potential beneficiaries of this program call in advance to confirm service hours and requirements.

SENIOR FOOD BOX PROGRAM

This program provides a monthly box of quality USDA food to low-income kūpuna in Hawai‘i.

For participating kūpuna, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides more than just food and nourishment. It also helps to combat the poor health conditions often found in kūpuna who are at risk of hunger and experiencing food insecurity. CSFP helps vulnerable kūpuna from having to choose between food and other basic needs. The food in each Senior Food Box can play an important role in combatting the health consequences of senior hunger, and ultimately, can help kūpuna avoid costly hospitalizations and nursing home placements.

Senior Food Boxes are specifically designed to supplement needed sources of nutrients typically lacking in participants’ diets. Boxes may include cereal, grains, dry beans, rice and a variety of canned fruits and vegetables and shelf-stable foods.

Participants must be at least 60 years of age. Each applicant must self-declare that their household income is at or below 130 percent of the US Federal Poverty Income Guidelines for the State of Hawai‘i. Applicants must reside in the service area to which they are applying for. Find other eligibility requirements and distribution locations, and download the application at hawaiifoodbank.org/csfp. Mail it to: Hawai‘i Foodbank, 2611 Kilihau St., Honolulu, HI 96819.

SENIORS FARMERS’ MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM

The Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is designed to provide low-income kūpuna with access to locally-grown fruits, vegetables, honey and herbs.

Every year, Hawai‘i Foodbank partners with the State of Hawai‘i Office of Community Services and the US Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service to organize the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. Hawai‘i’s SFMNP offers eligible seniors $50 worth of coupons (10 coupons valued at $5 each) to obtain eligible foods without charge from participating farmers, farmers’ markets and roadside stands that have been approved to accept SFMNP coupons. Through SFMNP, kūpuna are provided with nutritious foods as well as education to emphasize the relationship of proper nutrition to good health.

Find other eligibility requirements and locations, and download the application at hawaiifoodbank.org/sfmnp. Mail it to: Hawai‘i Foodbank, 2611 Kilihau St., Honolulu, HI 96819.

HELP NOURISH EVERY MEMBER OF OUR ‘OHANA

As we look toward the holiday season and 2023, let’s join together to help families eat together and achieve long-term food security and address the nutritional needs of each generation. Donate today at https://hawaiifoodbank.org/donate. Volunteer at volunteer@hawaiifoodbank.org. Let’s help ensure that no one in the house goes hungry.

HAWAI‘I FOODBANK, O‘AHU & KAUA‘I
2611 Kilihau St., Honolulu, HI 96819
808-836-3600 | hawaiifoodbank.org
THE FOOD BASKET, HAWAI‘I ISLAND
40 Holomua St., Hilo, HI 96720
808-933-6030 | hawaiifoodbasket.org
MAUI FOOD BANK, MAUI COUNTY
760 Kolu Street, Wailuku, HI 96793
808-243-9500 | mauifoodbank.org

Here in Hawai‘i, the idea of multiple generations sharing meals together under one roof isn’t reserved for just the holidays. Hawai‘i has the highest percentage of multigenerational households in the country, with nearly 8 percent of households statewide classified as multigenerational — at least three generations living under one roof. This household structure represents one…
Giving Your Voice to Charity: Inspiring Real Change With Advocacy

Alzheimer’s Association Hawaii Chapter Community Advocates brought their cause to Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, this year: (L–R) Dr. Poki‘i Balaz, Kathy Wyatt, Amy Truong, Calvin Hara and Ron Shimabuku, the director of Public Policy and Advocacy for Alzheimer’s Association Hawaii Chapter. Courtesy photo.

Especially during this time of year, many of us shift our mindsets to consider how we can spread aloha and do good in the world. Giving back to our community comes in many forms. There are ways that take no money — donating your voice and time. “Activist philanthropy” is a newer term, but it simply relates to people who embrace the role of public advocate to raise awareness and bring precedence to essential issues. These people are speaking up and sharing their stories to inspire real change.

“When my mom was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease, we felt helpless initially, not knowing what it was, feeling so lost and not knowing what to do,” recalls Amy Truong, community advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association Hawaii Chapter.

“We started realizing that this disease is definitely in our communities, but no one is talking about it. Some people don’t even know what it is.”

Over 200,000 families in the US face the unique challenges of younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease, which has no cure. This form of Alzheimer’s affects people younger than 65 years old. Research has examined the role genetics play, but it’s not fully understood why most cases of younger-onset Alzheimer’s appear at such a young age. First, many families and even doctors don’t expect someone so young to develop Alzheimer’s.

“When she started showing symptoms of cognitive decline in her early fifties, we thought it was because my mom wasn’t working anymore, and like those on summer vacation, you’d lose track of the days,” shares Amy. “When her cognitive abilities declined even further, we knew we had to get her to the doctor. That took some time, and it wasn’t easy to convince her to go to the doctor. Then there was a sense of relief when she got diagnosed, but I didn’t walk out of the doctor’s office with a single brochure on how to receive support, or any idea of how we would move forward and what to expect next. It slowly started changing when we began reaching out to the Alzheimer’s Association and kupuna organizations for support.”

Civic Engagement as a Centerpiece for Charity

Amy’s mom was 59 years old when she was finally diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer’s. There was a huge barrier for her family to qualify for insurance through Medicare and additional financial support because her mom was under 65. At first, they were denied, because the government had to be careful of fraudulent applications. But Amy and her father were relentless. She obtained letters of support from the Alzheimer’s Association and Dr. Oanh Meyer from the UC Davis Alzheimer’s Disease Center, where her father was an active participant in Alzheimer’s caregiver research and studies. She went to court and her family kept fighting, but admits her father was close to giving up. He didn’t think they would get approved after being rejected the first time.

“In Asian communities, and other communities of color such as Blacks, Hispanics, Native Hawaiian and Native Americans, there is a stigma in going to the doctor as well as certain levels of mistrust and fear of being mistreated or ignored when you do go,” Amy says. “Our family knew we had to share our experience, especially since we’re going through this disease so much earlier. I don’t want any other family like mine to feel helpless, lost, and confused while their loved one is declining in cognitive and physical abilities.”

In 2018, Amy started volunteering and fundraising for Alzheimer’s disease in her community in full force. She raised the second highest amount of money for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on O‘ahu and she served as the co-chair for The Longest Day to support the Alzheimer’s Association Hawaii Chapter. Soon, she transitioned her volunteer work over to advocacy and became the Advocacy State Champion. She also served as the Alzheimer’s Association State Ambassador to achieve federal and state policy priorities by engaging with Hawai‘i’s elected officials to increase support for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and their families, and continue research for effective treatment and ultimately, a cure.

During her time as an ambassador, she gave her voice to the cause and saw a direct impact when Congress with the passing of the Supporting Older Americans Act of 2020 — which reauthorized the Older Americans Act (OAA) — and includes key provisions of the Younger-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Act, which ensures Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia will have access to vital and affordable services regardless of age. The bill passed one year before Amy’s mom 65th birthday.

Finding the Courage to Give Your Voice

As it would be for most people, it was difficult for Amy’s dad to take on the caregiving role. Even though she was showing signs of decline at the time, they traveled and saw the world together. Together, they visited Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam, Jamaica, Mexico and France. Amy’s father didn’t know at the time that those years of traveling were among the last she would be able to undertake. Over time, traveling got more complicated. She would have moments of confusion. But having that time together meant everything to them.

When Amy’s father was feeding her mother at a restaurant, a stranger came up to him and just patted him on the shoulder for encouragement. We can all give the gift of support by acknowledging caregivers with simple words and actions.

As the disease progressed and continues to progress to this day, everyday tasks got even more difficult. She wandered and needed help to get dressed, bathed and fed. Eventually, she became incontinent, and lost her ability to walk and speak.

Amy encouraged her dad to reach out using the Alzheimer’s Helpline, as well as other local organizations that help the aging community and served as a lifeline for their family.

By learning about the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease (www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs), we can help recognize it and support families early in the game. Starting the conversations and sharing your experiences not only inspires others, but contributes to a pendulum shift to equality.

“Since I joined the Alzheimer’s Association, it is great to see they are now expanding their focus on diversity and research in health disparities in Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native Hawaiian communities,” Amy shares, “Improvements in science must be made for these populations. Our representation rises when we share our voices and make them heard.”

Every action and voice — big or small — will help. We may not all be public speakers, but we can certainly share resources and kind words with a caregiver. And this year, when you’re thinking about your holiday giving list, consider giving your voice to charity. Your voice and your story are precious gifts to those who must confront
Alzheimer’s each and every day.

If you know someone struggling with younger-onset or Alzheimer’s disease, or a related dementia — there is support:
24/7 Helpline 800-272-3900
alz.org/Hawaii
alz.org/help-support/i-have-alz/younger-onset
To join a support group or get more information: 808-591-2771
Donate to the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in your community until Dec. 31, 2022: act.alz.org/aloha

Especially during this time of year, many of us shift our mindsets to consider how we can spread aloha and do good in the world. Giving back to our community comes in many forms. There are ways that take no money — donating your voice and time. “Activist philanthropy” is a newer term, but it…
Beware of ‘InstaScams’

There are always two sides of the same coin. Social media has made it possible for everyone to stay more connected over the years and across the miles. It’s reconnected old friends and kept families close. Unfortunately, it’s also given scammers the ability to become more sophisticated and creative.

From phishing emails to phone scams, there always seems to be a new tactic being used by people trying to get between you and your money. The latest hunting ground is Instagram. But the good news is that by staying alert, you can avoid many common social media scams, including those on Instagram.

First, you must recognize a scam. Here are some common signs:

• You receive messages from people or accounts asking you to claim a prize.
• You receive a message from someone you don’t know requesting money.
• You receive messages from unverified accounts of what seem like large companies or public figures. Verified accounts always have a blue badge with a checkmark near the name.
• A direct message appears to come from a familiar account, but it asks you to click on a suspicious link.
• You receive messages or posts that contain poor spelling and/or grammatical errors from users you don’t recognize.
• Someone claiming to be from Instagram security asks for your private account information — usually under the guise of “securing your account.”
• You receive a request to move your conversation off Instagram and continue it on a less public and less secure setting.

If something feels suspicious, trust your gut. You should never give an unknown person or online account the benefit of the doubt.

Here are a few easy ways to protect yourself:

• Don’t click on suspicious links.
• Make your account private.
• Enable two-factor authentication.
• Check your login activity.
• Block suspicious accounts.
• Research suspicious accounts.

If you have any questions or think you may be a victim of fraud, contact your financial institution immediately.

Most financial institutions have fraud prevention and protection measures in place that can help you minimize or eliminate the damage. Always stay informed, stay alert and remember that if it seems too good to be true, it is.

GATHER FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
(Kukui Grove, Līhu‘e, Kapa‘a, Kōloa, ‘Ele‘ele, Waimea)
808-245-6791 | info@gatherfcu.org
gatherfcu.org

There are always two sides of the same coin. Social media has made it possible for everyone to stay more connected over the years and across the miles. It’s reconnected old friends and kept families close. Unfortunately, it’s also given scammers the ability to become more sophisticated and creative.
Facing Age Discrimination

As we get older, what at first seems to be respectful and benign behavior begins to morph into microaggressions. “He is way too old to be trying that!” “Look what she is wearing — at her age!” “Production will slow down if we hire him.”

A microaggression is a comment or action that negatively targets a marginalized group of people, including seniors. Whether intentional or accidental, it’s a form of discrimination. People who use microaggressions may mean no harm to a person or group, but it can still hurt.

If we are honest, it is easy to pinpoint our own feelings about aging. Aging does frequently result in restrictions and it often does impact our abilities. But just as with other forms of discrimination, the differences we note shouldn’t be our primary impression.

Aging is natural. So, before you discover that old man or lady in the mirror looking back at you, learn how to relate to older individuals as individuals — not a silver tsunami, not a societal burden, not an obligation — as a person.

THE CAREGIVER FOUNDATION (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
926 3rd St., Pearl City, HI 96782
808-625-3782 | info@thecaregiverfoundation.org
www.thecaregiverfoundation.org

While we are taught to treat those of a different race or religion equitably, seniors often face age discrimination. It first appears as an attempt to be helpful. Someone holds a door open for us. The bus waits a little longer for us to climb aboard. The bank teller smiles more as he hones his…
Follow the Medicare Road

Not too long ago, my extended family enjoyed getting all the cousins together to watch “The Wizard of Oz” every year. We loved watching Dorothy follow the yellow brick road to Oz. It was a great bonding activity. Now those same family members are calling to ask for help with Medicare. Where did the time go?

Recently, a relative called about a letter from his Medicare plan. It explained that a medication he takes regularly was covered as a courtesy but would not be filled again. My cousin was as shocked and disappointed as Dorothy was when she pulled the curtain back and found that Oz the Great and Powerful was not what she expected. My cousin blamed Medicare, the insurance plan and the sales agent. Here are the steps I offered.

Step One: Call the plan to determine if the drug requires prior authorization, is subject to quantity limits or step therapy rules.

Step Two: Contact the prescribing doctor’s office and have them call the plan to provide additional documentation based on the drug coverage rules.

Step Three: Contact your plan to file an appeal and if necessary, ask for an expedited review.

My cousin learned his medication was subject to prior authorization rules. The doctor contacted the insurance company and it will be covered.

With a little help along the way, everyone should be able to follow the Medicare road and resolve any bumps along the way.

GET2INSURANCE.COM FAMILY OFFICE
1003 Bishop St., Ste. 2700, Honolulu, HI 96813
800-226-3660 | martha@get2insurance.com
www.Get2insurance.com

Not too long ago, my extended family enjoyed getting all the cousins together to watch “The Wizard of Oz” every year. We loved watching Dorothy follow the yellow brick road to Oz. It was a great bonding activity. Now those same family members are calling to ask for help with Medicare. Where did the time…
The Slap Heard Around the World

Last March, many witnessed the slap that was heard round the world. The unrehearsed and unscripted incident played out in front of the planet’s best actors, with 17 million viewers watching from home. It occurred in supposedly one of most civilized and curated places in the land. But everyone saw that even “winners” are not immune from knee-jerk reactions when messages perceived as offensive produce hurt feelings.

The incident will ultimately change the way we look at these shocking outbursts after words perceived as insults are spoken.

It will also be life-changing for another group of people out of the glare of the lights and cameras — family members who routinely slap others in their own homes. Ranging from verbal to physical abuse, they push, bully and bruise mothers, fathers, siblings and children on a regular basis.

How should they react to regain balance? They can yell, strike back, disarm the incident with a humor or simply leave the scene, while hoping that the behavior will cease. But millions suffer in silence. They may become enablers of further violence if they don’t know where or how to draw the line. There are words and ways to handle abuse so they can calmly take their rightful place as heroes, not merely survivors.

ANNETTE PANG-LIFE COACH VILLAGE, LLC
2383 Beckwith St., Honolulu, HI 96822
808-372-3478 | ap@annettepang.com
www.annettepang.com

Last March, many witnessed the slap that was heard round the world. The unrehearsed and unscripted incident played out in front of the planet’s best actors, with 17 million viewers watching from home. It occurred in supposedly one of most civilized and curated places in the land. But everyone saw that even “winners” are not…
Zooming Into the Future

The US Census Bureau has reported that people aged 65 and older will outnumber those under 18 years old by 2034. Every year, millions of these senior citizens look at life after retirement as an opportunity to expand their horizons and learn more. It’s a time to take special-interest lessons or even earn a degree. For some, it may even mean going back into the workforce and starting a new career.

That’s what I did as a 71-year-old retired high school assistant principal. I went back to college, earned another degree and eventually entered the workforce. What I immediately discovered, however, was the “Wild West” of technology. Every mode of learning or working involved online programs.

Colleges and universities were offering curricular courses via online sessions or what are called distance learning venues. Instead of sitting in a classroom surrounded by fellow students with the instructor in front of the class, I sat at home at my laptop with a cup of coffee and simply clicked a link I received in an email to enter an online grad class via Zoom. Zoom Meetings is a proprietary videotelephony software program.

Today, I have also become one of those people who work from home… better known as remote employment. Through Zoom, I partake in virtual meetings or have one-on-one conversations with clients. I also teach online, offering Power Point presentations via Zoom.

There are other video conferencing platforms, such as Microsoft Teams or Google Meet. However, Zoom right now is used the most in schools and the workplace. As long as you have a smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer — in other words, a camera, speakers and microphone — you have access to Zoom (once you download the program).

How did I learn to use it? As with many things in these rapidly changing times, I learned through trial and error. This, fortunately, has worked for me, but I’m not sure I’d recommend it. Instead, I’d suggest taking a class or going to www.youtube.com, where you can watch video demonstrations on how to use Zoom or just about any other application, for that matter.

The year 2034 is just 12 years away. By then, distance learning or remote working will probably have advanced to three-dimensional holographic technology. Your teacher, boss or client will be visible before you in real-life form.

Ah, technology! Embrace it, delight in the benefits of it, and like me, just enjoy the fun of it!

KAPIOLANI COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Office of Continuing Education
University of Hawai‘i/Kapi‘olani Community College
Teri Pinney | 808-342-7690 | tpinney@hawaii.edu
https://continuinged.kapiolani.hawaii.edu

The US Census Bureau has reported that people aged 65 and older will outnumber those under 18 years old by 2034. Every year, millions of these senior citizens look at life after retirement as an opportunity to expand their horizons and learn more. It’s a time to take special-interest lessons or even earn a degree.…
Jobs Then, Work Now

It’s a new day and a new time in today’s world of work. A shifting economic landscape continues to drive significant changes in the American workplace. Nearly every aspect of the country’s workforce has changed in the last 50 years. The demographic makeup of who goes to work is radically different, along with the type of work individuals do, how they do it, where they do it and even how they save for retirement.

JOBS THEN
♦ One full-time job occupied one physical space.
♦ Requirements for different jobs were similar.
♦ Decision-makers were impacted by long-standing prejudices: age, hiring choices, etc.
♦ Limited use of flexible/temporary contributors.
♦ Virtual work was virtually unknown.

WORK NOW
♦ Workers may not be needed or hired on a fulltime basis. More than 40 percent of the workforce are not employed on a full-time basis in regular jobs at a physical office/factory.
♦ Changing demands equals shifting qualifications and skills. The workforce must learn, unlearn and relearn lessons and skills in this new world of work. Skills are more important than degrees. Eight out of 10 opportunities do not require a degree, but all require updated skills.
♦ The retirement age of 65 is a remnant. The average lifespan has increased by over 17 years since Social Security (SS) began.

THINGS TO CONSIDER
♦ Without additional income, you are likely to outlive your money. Don’t count on SS benefits as your major source of income. In fact, the future of Social Security is a serious concern.
♦ An increasing number of us will be alone as we mature because of a spouse’s death or, even more likely, because of divorce. Will social isolation prompt you to seek some form of work?
♦ Research confirms that social engagement, working and learning throughout our lifetimes help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

SO LET’S
♦ Replace the word “jobs” with the word “work.”
♦ Reach out to the community to learn new skills and invigorate our social connections.
♦ Work part-time, some of the time or remotely.
♦ Continue to live a balanced life that matters.

It’s time to explore alternatives that are suited to our time of life in this fast-changing world.

CARLEEN MACKAY
916-626-7222 | carleenmackayhi@gmail.com
www.linkedin.com/in/carleenmackay

It’s a new day and a new time in today’s world of work. A shifting economic landscape continues to drive significant changes in the American workplace. Nearly every aspect of the country’s workforce has changed in the last 50 years.
The Answer is: What is an HMO?

Ever imagine you might need to become a contestant on “Jeopardy” to pay your healthcare costs? Your answer may be no, but it seems it pays to understand how a health maintenance organization (HMO) works, if you have one.

Recently, a Medicare beneficiary’s daughter was distraught to learn her mom’s insurance rejected a skilled nursing facility (SNF) claim. Her mom suffered a stroke, and after a brief hospital stay, was transferred to a SNF. A few days later, the SNF requested payment for an anticipated stay of about 20 days. At $750 a day — that’s $15,000! The SNF then threatened to discharge the patient for non-payment.

The daughter then later that her mom’s plan is an HMO, which (except for emergencies) requires pre-authorization for services and primary care physician (PCP) referrals to in-network providers only. The family was unaware of these HMO plan rules. The claim was denied because there was no referral by the PCP and the SNF was out-of-network.

Learn how your insurance plan works, otherwise, you really may need to win a round of “Jeopardy” to cover unexpected costs. If asked, “What type of insurance requires pre-authorization and network referrals, answer, “What is an HMO?” Make sure anyone you rely upon in a health crisis also knows.

GET2INSURANCE.COM FAMILY OFFICE
1003 Bishop St., Ste. 2700, Honolulu, HI 96813
800-226-3660 | martha@get2insurance.com
www.Get2insurance.com

Ever imagine you might need to become a contestant on “Jeopardy” to pay your healthcare costs? Your answer may be no, but it seems it pays to understand how a health maintenance organization (HMO) works, if you have one.
The Keys to Your Online Kingdom

When you open an online account of any kind (anything from Facebook to online banking), you generally want to set the minimum password length to at least eight characters. The longer the password, the harder it is to crack, so for even greater security, set the minimum password length to 14 characters.

• It can be a word; I recommend using a non-English word.
• Or it can be a a phrase, such “the cow jumped over the moon,” without spaces between the words in the phrase.
• At least one character should be upper case.
• One or more of the letters could be substituted for a number using leet, or leetspeak, a method of typing words using alternate characters. Letters are replaced with numbers or symbols that closely resemble them. For example, the letter “a” might be replaced with “@”, the symbol. The letter “E” might be replaced with the number 3 and the letter “i” can be replaced with the number 1.
• If permitted, include a control character such as an asterisk (*) or a caret or circumflex (^).

The result will not be the final password, but what I call the “core password,” which is the base from which you create the password for the account you are using it for.

For example, if your core password is “theC0wjumped^0verthem00n,” you can add an “F” at the beginning, and a “B” at the end and use it for your Facebook account. If want to use for your Gmail account, you can add “GM” to the end or the beginning of the core password.

How to remember your passwords

My recommendation is to write it down in a hard copy notebook. Make sure you note which account the password is for. Include the date when it was first created. Keep the notebook in a secured area, like a locked desk or file cabinet. Keeping password information on your cellphone, tablet and computer is not advised. Neither is keeping them in your wallet or handbag.

If you may need password information when you’re not at home, write it on a piece of paper, keeping your notebook secured at home. When you’re done using the password, make sure to destroy the paper and discard it. Ripping to little pieces will do the trick.

Remember, passwords are the keys to your online kingdom. Beat the hackers by creating strong passwords and by keeping them secure.

Contact me with questions about online security.
Christopher Duque | aikea808@gmail.com

When you open an online account of any kind (anything from Facebook to online banking), you generally want to set the minimum password length to at least eight characters. The longer the password, the harder it is to crack, so for even greater security, set the minimum password length to 14 characters. • It can…
It’s Time to Embrace Technology

Some of us seniors may still cling to the belief that the old days were so much better. However, most of us have certainly developed an appetite for the latest cellphones, ultra-modern appliances and high-tech cars.

Likely as a result from the pandemic, baby boomers (born between 1945 and 1965) who previously gathered to talk story, now chat on Facebook. They find themselves expressing opinions on an internet blog and sharing photos with family and friends through email.

In-person visits in the doctor’s office are becoming a rarity. Today, using our cellphones, laptops or tablets, we simply connect with the physician via a virtual healthcare session. And afterwards, we can use our favorite search engine to find out more about diagnoses and medications that may have been prescribed.

We are also shopping online and ordering meals to be delivered to our homes. We are watching downloaded movies on our smart TVs or searching for do-it-yourself videos on YouTube. Some of us are also enjoying games on our cellphones, laptops or tablets, while others have advanced to doing their banking and bill-paying through the internet.

Yes, now more than ever, seniors are using digital technology in their daily lives, and a growing number of them are also taking classes to learn how to use these “newfangled” devices, programs and apps.

As a retired educator, I used to dismiss the idea of distance learning in the classroom. No more! Today, I have become well aware of how online courses ultimately enhance student learning. Not only do my grandchildren learn at their own pace while receiving one-on-one screen time from their teachers, seniors can also take online classes in the comfort of their homes.

As long as we exercise safety precautions (especially on a cell phone) and adhere to security practices on the internet, we can overcome our fear and embrace technology. If you aren’t already tech-savvy and online, now is the time.

KAPI‘OLANI COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Office of Continuing Education
University of Hawai‘i/Kapi‘olani Community College
Teri Pinney | 808-342-7690 | tpinney@hawaii.edu
continuinged.kapiolani.hawaii.edu

Some of us seniors may still cling to the belief that the old days were so much better. However, most of us have certainly developed an appetite for the latest cellphones, ultra-modern appliances and high-tech cars. Likely as a result from the pandemic, baby boomers who previously gathered to talk story, now chat on Facebook.