What does it mean to be Chinese American? How are we reflected in the people we love and us in them? What obligation do we have to those who share our blood? How does a woman claim her life as her own? Where is my true home? Big Island bestselling novelist Darien Hsu Gee explores the answers to these questions through her poetic memoir and award-winning poetry, which debuted last fall in Allegiance and Other Small Histories.
When Douglas D.L. Chong thinks about celebrating Ching Ming as a child, he remembers waking up before dawn to the smells of home cooking. Sitting in traffic en route to the Mānoa Chinese Cemetery, a line of cars backs up all the way to University Avenue. Finally, around 7am, his family would reach their oldest ancestors’ grave sites, arriving there at the same time as about 40 other relatives.
If you feel some tension in your relationships, you are not alone. So do your part at home to protect loved ones’ feelings and emotions.
Former TV news reporter Angela Keen helps track down residents and visitors statewide who are not in compliance with the state’s COVID-19 quarantine rules and mask mandate through the Hawai‘i Quarantine Kapu Breakers, a volunteer, community action group on Facebook.
Pickleball is growing fast among fun-loving athletes and non-athletes alike. The paddle-and-ball game has become especially attractive to baby boomers and former tennis players. There is less acreage to cover for aging legs and the ball moves slower than in a typical tennis match.
Doug Matsuoka started working at Hawaii Meals on Wheels seven years ago as a part-time delivery driver. But his previous computer experience opened the door to his current job as the IT and digital media coordinator, and “YouTube guy.” He was an early adopter of computer technology, building his own microcomputer from a kit in the early 1980s. Doug learned his trade through various jobs.
Sadly, some families fight over real estate after their parents have passed away. Although a trust protects against probate, there are other issues that may arise. Problems can develop between siblings due to unanticipated decisions that must be made, causing differences of opinion.
Now that the holidays are over and we are settling in the new year, it’s is a good time to do a “Spring De-Cluttering.” Spring decluttering is similar to spring cleaning, but instead of dusting and cleaning the windows, you will instead do some quick removal of unnecessary items.
Sharon Young and Jim Nishimoto first met in 1989. They were in their 40s, working together at Group 70 International Inc., a local planning and architectural firm. Sharon was a single mom with three children. Jim was happily married to Gail and the father of two children. Sharon was widowed at the young age of 33 after caring for her husband at home for over two years.
Harold Tanouye started the beginnings of Green Point Nurseries in 1957, when Hilo’s economy had not yet recovered from the impacts of WWII. Residents were moving away due to lack of work. Harold wanted to live in his hometown, but needed employment. He recognized a demand for anthuriums, which military personnel and civilians were sending home during the war.
In life, we have sunshine and rainbows and clouds and storms,” says Liane K. Chong on her website. It is a apt introduction to her inspirational autobiography, Hope Inspires Strength: How One Woman Overcame Insurmountable Odds. She tells readers how she faced challenges with courage, the right mindset and by finding hope where none seemed to exist. It’s a moving, powerful story about strength, focus, perseverance and determination.
As we mature, our bodies may no longer work the way they once did — our eyes and ears are not quite as sharp; our hands not quite as steady. We may find ourselves straining to see the TV; we may no longer be able to read our favorite publications; we may need to ask people to speak up or repeat themselves. Fortunately, technology can help us regain what was lost due to aging.
When I was a newlywed, I was given this very special recipe from Aunty Matsue (Inouye) Omori, Sen. Daniel Inouye’s aunt. Aunty is remembered for her special recipes and her dedication as a third grade teacher at Pu‘unēnē School.
How did I get to be 65 and retired? And what happens now? Those were two questions I was asking myself this past April as my birthday and retirement occurred without much fanfare due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But, I had been planning this for over five years. So, let’s go back a few years…
Fried rice has long been a comfort food throughout the islands. Not only is this recipe a savvy way to repurpose leftover rice, it’s easy to dress up with vegetables and fresh pineapple. Serve it alongside meat or a hunk of grilled fish caught by one of our local fishermen, and you’ve got a Hawaiian Regional classic. Here’s the recipe.
Six cultures around the world seem to have uncovered the secrets of longevity. For more than a decade, Dan Buettner, author of The Blue Zones Solution, worked to identify these hot spots of long life. Dan found places that not only had high concentrations of individuals over 100 years old, but also clusters of people who had grown old without health problems like obesity, cancer and diabetes.
This October, MoveMeHawai‘i is presenting a free, online community education program, Move US to Racial Justice, which will include an award-winning film and a lively panel discussion about racial discrimination during World War II and how we can move together to combat systemic racism that continues today.
As we age, staying organized and living in an uncluttered space can help reduce the stress of transitioning into different phases of life. Many seniors find themselves needing or wanting to downsize from a family home to a smaller space, such as an apartment, retirement community or multigenerational family space. Taking the time to sort through possessions accumulated over the years will make downsizing or aging in place less stressful and improve your overall health.
We will all face the inevitable some day. No one likes to think about their eventual passing, but loved ones can be spared anxiety and uncertainty about your final wishes if you take time now to preplan your cemetery and funeral arrangements.
If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, know that you are not alone. Know that you are not the only one who has experienced the wrath of these diseases or felt the roller coaster of emotions that accompanies watching a loved one disappear.
Pomai has become worried as she sees Papa, her grandfather, become more forgetful. She wants Papa to play with her, but he is losing his memory and is no longer able to make poi with her or take her to the beach. In Pomai and Her Papa: Growing Up with Memory Loss and Holding On to What Matters Most, a short, illustrated storybook, Pomai sets off on her journey to learn how to help Papa and her family.
Lawrence Fumio Miwa was born in Hawai‘i in 1931 and lived in Hiroshima, Japan, from age 2 to 15. Now 89, he was 14 years old when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, on Aug. 6, 1945. Although he was in school approximately 20 miles away from his Hiroshima home, he could see what happened.
Lower your blood pressure and make a new friend. The Hawaiian Humane Society brings the joy of pets to seniors with its Pet Therapy program. With Pet Therapy, the Hawaiian Humane Society brings the joy of pet visits to the elderly at hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, hospices and other senior and health care facilities island-wide.
2011 will be a year of change for most of us, especially if you’re a senior. Some things are out of our control, such as changes in Medicare enrollment, health care reform, the country’s (and our family’s) financial stability. That is why it’s important for us to affect change when and where we can.
More than 1 million people shop at the 25 market sites each year. Each market operates once a week and lasts about one hour. Prices are usually 35% lower than retail stores. The POM staff closely regulates the markets. The staff conducts weekly price surveys at various stores to determine a recommended price for the POM vendors to follow. Vendors may sell below, but not over, the recommended prices.
The Big Chill, at Rumours Nightclub at the Ala Moana Hotel, was named after the classic movie. Malcolm Sur, the creator, original DJ and boogie man himself says he named the weekly event “The Big Chill” because he wanted a place where his friends could hang out, have a great time and party— something he felt Honolulu was lacking in the ‘80s.
As good as we have it in Hawaii, even in our golden years the grind can get to us. The best way to beat the blahs? A weekend of ease and indulgence without breaking the bank, close to home yet a world away: Waikiki. The new Waikiki, that is — fully restyled with fresh local appeal and new-millennium spirit.
For some people, playing ball into your 60’s, 70’s or even your 80’s may seem like a stretch. Well, not for the active seniors at Kawananakoa Park in Nuuanu. Every Sunday morning you can find teams sweating in the warm morning sun, trying to beat each other … and these guys are serious.
If you have some time, energy and love to spare, the Maui Humane Society in Pu‘unēnē offers an opportunity to open your heart and home to foster one of its shelter animals. Foster pet parents provide temporary care in their home for companion animals when the shelter is full or for those not yet ready for adoption.
Husband-and-wife team Anthony Chrisco and Eileen Paulo-Chrisco offer drug-free relief for chronic pain in Pain Free Everyday: The Roadmap for Natural Treatment When Pills, Injections, or Surgery Aren’t Your Solutions. The book explains how those suffering from stiffness and chronic pain who prefer to avoid opiates and surgical intervention can restore the body’s innate ability to heal.
When seniors move — for whatever reason — their lifetime of possessions and precious memories may require downsizing and selling — all done with tender, loving care and compassion. NASMM members aim to meet each client’s personalized needs.
A Greek proverb says, “A society grows great when old people plant trees under whose shade they will never sit.” This is the basis for an expanding network that is harnessing the power of the over-50 age group. The demographic landscape has changed over time, requiring a paradigm shift regarding what we think and how we feel about people over 50 — including how they work and contribute to society.
The HOT HULA fitness® Matua workout provides exhilarating exercise using Polynesian dance moves. Matua is a Māori word meaning elder or parent, so this fitness routine is geared to seniors, but can also be enjoyed by all age groups and fitness levels. Anyone who enjoys dancing and keeping fit can benefit from this exercise with a Polynesian flair.
Do you recall in your younger days having lots of friends? Did you have so many that your social calendar always seemed full? As we age, our social network changes. Our friends may move away, enter careers that take us in different directions, or get busy with family activities. While our social network may look different now, it is still important to maintain a group of family and friends. Studies have shown a direct correlation between life satisfaction and the presence of social networks with older adults 50 and over.
Spring cleaning can be a satisfying experience for seniors, but it’s important to do it safely. Take your time, rest often and stay hydrated. Do not climb on furniture or a ladder. Ask for help. Staying safe is more than wearing an alert device. Work safely so you don’t have to activate it!
The Hawai‘i State Archives is a little-known, virtually untapped (by most of us) compilation of Hawai‘i’s history. It’s mission is to ensure open government by preserving and making accessible the historic records of state government and to partner with state agencies to manage their records. The division is organized into two branches — the Historical Records Branch, which is accessible to the public, and the Records Management Branch, which does not offer services directly to the public.
The Shim family documents their genealogy to Emperor Hwang Ti, China’s first emperor, who began building the Great Wall. In the 1860s, Shims from Kwangtung Province across the China Sea from Hong Kong took advantage of agricultural and business opportunities in Kula, and worked hard to improve life in Upcountry Maui.
Jane Hiranaga volunteers as a greeter for her senior community at The Plaza Assisted Living at Waikīkī. She also organizes group outings to Mānoa Valley to visit her granddaughter, Erin Uehara, a specialty chocolatier and owner of the Choco Le‘a chocolate shop.
“Who doesn’t love chocolate?” says Erin.
Even the most solid sibling dynamic can erupt into arguments when it comes to the health and welfare of beloved parents who are beginning to show signs of frailty.
Organizing and de-cluttering your home can be daunting. Conflicting emotions are sure to arise, so first, prepare yourself mentally. When you sense these feelings bubbling up, remind yourself that this is normal. Start thinking about enlisting a support team: a trusted family member, friend or professional to help you step by step through the process.
Seniors with family and friends on the mainland know what high shipping costs can do to a budget. Hawai‘i small business owners hurt even more. They pay to ship in supplies and inventory, and high shipping costs prevent them from competing with big box stores and online retailers.
Mellow Friends, a group of karaoke enthusiasts, visited 11 senior centers and assisted living facilities starting in 2011. Melvin Watarai, the founder of this volunteer ensemble, had the karaoke equipment and a format for the singers to perform solo songs, duets and group sing-alongs with the seniors. Three years ago, Gary Shimabukuro took the helm, adding more equipment and four more locations, increasing their total number of monthly visits to 15.
There’s nothing better than sharing a perfect, tropical sunset with friends and family. The only thing that can enhance the experience further is sharing a favorite dessert. Here’s mine for Maui Sunset Lilikoi Bars.
The year 2006 was a difficult time for Sandi Yorong and her family. Her father started the year undergoing treatment for low-grade prostate cancer. The mild radiation treatment made him tired, but there were no other complications. By mid-year, however, he began experiencing upper back pain. In November, he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.
Each year in Hawai‘i, we bury an average of 3,400 imported caskets constructed from non-biodegradable materials such as metal, polyester, lacquer, caustic glue, rubber and formaldehyde. We additionally inter hundreds of gallons of hyper-toxic embalming fluid. These are materials we would never bury on any other day of the year in our backyards. So how have we arrived at a place where our lifestyle choices for the environment look markedly different from our end-of-life choices?
One of the biggest decisions we face as we age is what to do with our most valuable asset — our real estate. Our home is a precious place of comfort… well, most of the time. But perhaps a flight of stairs is becoming a struggle to climb. Maybe the house is now just too big to maintain. Where to go when it’s time to downsize is a question select real estate professionals can answer.
Family caregivers give love and should receive love, too. A greeting card that acknowledges family caregivers for their important role, recognizes their devotion, honors their work, expresses gratitude and celebrates caregiving can go a long way to shine a bright light on a deserving longtime or new caregiver.
Today, innovation is changing our way of life for the better. Technology evolves to eliminate painstaking tasks and make our lives easier. Improving methods also applies to the food business, where the combination of technology and innovation enables hungry islanders to obtain their favorite meals from local restaurants with delivery to their doorsteps within minutes of ordering. We can choose snacks, meal plates or fine dining from the comfort of our home using our smartphone or laptop.
This satisfyingly sweet and moist cake makes up in 10 minutes and a small piece turns morning coffee or afternoon tea into a special occasion. At my home, the women sat down for tea before starting to cook the evening meal or when “the people” came to visit. Funny how a sweet treat triggers fond memories.
Choosing end-of-life arrangements can be one of those tough decisions as a senior. However, these are very important decisions to make. With so many options available, how can anyone decide what the most cost-effective and responsible way to proceed would be? According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the trend of having an expensive burial is on the decline.
Retirement communities are a lot like cruise ships. There’s a lot of excitement and options to choose from, including delicious cuisine, opportunities to relax, read and watch movies. There’s also time to talk story with neighbors and participate in activities such as hula and art classes, tai chi, water aerobics and more. You’ve worked hard all your life. Now it’s your time to be pampered and not worry.
Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, is also known as kadō — the way of the flowers. Based on an ancient Buddhist ritual of using flowers to honor the spirits of the dead, kadō is one of the three Japanese arts of refinement.
It’s always comforting to have a best friend to share in the journey of life every step of the way. For seniors, while the idea of caring for a furry friend can seem overwhelming, the benefits are highly rewarding; pets can provide a whole new experience of joy and purpose.
Hope and togetherness for persons affected by cancer is Mana‘olana Pink Paddlers’ specialty. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, cancer patients, survivors and supporters pull together, paddling their pink double-hull canoes across the ocean off Kīhei on Maui. Oct. 12 and 13 will be their 10th voyage and overnight on Lāna‘i with The Pacific Cancer Foundation’s Paddle for Life — not a race, but a fun outing
Tammy Osurman of West Maui has competed in 10 Nā Wāhine o Ke Kai canoe races — a grueling 42-mile paddle across the treacherous Kaiwi Channel from Moloka‘i to Waikīkī. This “Paddle Bunny” is in the canoe three days a week with the North Shore Renegades. Tammy has paddled in all 10 of the Pacific Cancer Foundation’s Paddle for Life: Voyage to Lāna‘i Events.
You see the term “active aging” quite frequently, but what does it mean? Active aging is a term describing people and populations who live life as fully as possible. Particularly, they live within the seven dimensions of wellness — emotional, vocational, physical, spiritual, intellectual, social and environmental.
Like cilantro, beets are one of those foods that spark strong feelings. Whether you think they taste like dirt or you love their earthy sweetness, most people know that beets are healthy — and now there is science to back that up.
If something happens and you are in need of help, will your family and friends be fumbling at a time when every minute counts? Do they know where you keep your keys, computer passwords, bank account numbers, meds, medical directives, will and estate plan?
When someone says the word “preschool,” you might think of drop-off centers, where dozens of children are offloaded to bustling classrooms with strictly scheduled snack times, naps and play. Such an image couldn’t be farther from reality with Partners in Development Foundation’s Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool.
In July, City Mill Ltd. will celebrate 120 years of business in Honolulu. Their success is grounded in four generations of family wisdom. Our grandparents and parents loved shopping there, and today, we receive that same kindly respect and assistance every time we visit the store. Vice President Carol Ai May and President Steven Ai are the third generation of their family running City Mill. This brother and sister are also part of a group of family caregivers who assist their mother and stepmother, now in their nineties. Their family culture of helping others began in the 1890s.
This is a great appetizer because of its big, two-level crunch — first, the happy pop of the tobikko and then the satisfying crunch of the crostini. It’s perfect for afternoon gatherings with a favorite white wine or beer.
A lot of people, especially those new to the islands, say Hawai‘i doesn’t have seasons, but longtime locals know that’s not true — we have whale season, hurricane season and the most important, mango season! Whether you prefer to eat your mango in bread, jam or just off the tree, come celebrate Hawai‘i’s favorite fruit at Mango Jam Honolulu. It’s a free annual event for the whole family with live entertainment, food and craft booths, cultural activities, a beer garden and a farmers market.
If hula is the heartbeat of the Hawaiian people, then get ready for some cardio, because the 42nd Annual Prince Lot Hula Festival is almost here! Featuring two days of hula, a Hawaiian-themed craft fair, cultural demonstrations and more, the largest non-competitive hula event in Hawai‘i returns for the third year on Saturday and Sunday, July 20 & 21, 2019, at ʻIolani Palace
Is your home too large now that the kids are gone? Maybe you have a 3-, 4-, or 5-bedroom home and you’ve realized that your kids aren’t coming back home. Maybe it’s time to downsize to a condo, townhouse or retirement community.
Many agree that those reaching the twilight years would be entitled to coast for the remainder, but the stark reality facing most seniors includes declining health, social and financial challenges, and a feeling of insecurity.
Drawing the human form has been done since early man lived in caves. Today, artists still use bits of charcoal to make marks on a page that transform into a likeness of a person.
Most of life’s memorable experiences are memorable because they’re shared. What if there were an easy way to not only write down your memories for family and friends but to also give them the opportunity to reminisce with you about them? There is! Developed by a team right here in Hawai‘i — led by local entrepreneur Beth N. Carvin — JamBios is an easy-to-use memoir writing platform that lets you write one story at a time while also keeping you organized.
Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis and is played either indoors or outdoors on a 20×44-foot court. Players use a paddle, perforated ball similar to a whiffle ball, and a 3-foot-high net. Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles and it’s like playing ping pong on the ground.
With the holidays and the spirit of the season upon us, our energies turn toward the festivities with our friends and families. What better opportunity for us to shine the spotlight on our kūpuna than by tapping into their vast knowledge of life, wisdom and memories? A fun way to do this is through a day of “Life Stories,” where all the generations get together and share their fondest memories.
There is no perfect time to discuss end-of-life care. Most seniors would prefer to age in place at home, as independently as possible. But too few take the time to discuss their preferences with their family, leaving family caregivers
stressed and scrambling. The most important thing any family can do to prepare for a loved one to live at home is to talk about it today.
When I moved from Moloka‘i to Kapolei earlier this year, my goals for retirement were to spend time with my granddaughter, become involved
in my new community by volunteering at the library and local school, and to continue what I enjoy doing — walking daily, reading, acrylic painting, gardening, cooking healthy meals, attending art shows and educational workshops, and hosting new students from Southeast Asian countries who are currently pursuing their degrees at UH-Mānoa.
One of the pleasures of being a grandparent is spending time with the grandkids, and reading books together is a wonderful way to do just that — whether introducing a toddler to the alphabet or helping a sixth-grader research a project. Here are some ideas for locally published books to share with your special keiki.
The day I visit the Molokai Arts Center, Betty West is teaching a kūpuna ceramics class. Betty was one of the founders of the center, which grew from an idea discussed at the local pizza café by locals — mostly seniors — who felt the island needed a place to nurture the arts. Between 2010 and 2012, the group incorporated as a nonprofit, raised funds and applied for grants, and were offered a home on the property of Coffees of Hawaii in Kualapu‘u.
Not all fine art is in museums or galleries. These two seniors found other ways to enjoy fine art up close. Both have a connection to the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational art event on Maui — coming up Feb. 16–24, 2019.
As hearing loss progresses, it often becomes more difficult to understand what is being said over the telephone. While texting on a mobile phone is one solution, the loss of manual dexterity as we age can make that very frustrating. It’s disheartening not to be able to communicate easily with loved ones and friends.
One of the trending online fraud schemes involves being contacted by either friends or relatives via email or through social networking services like Facebook about receiving large amounts of money through investments, a class action lawsuit, or even a random contest drawing. However, these “friends” or “relatives” are NOT who they claim to be.
Right here in Waikīkī there is more to learn about our famous nisei “Go For Broke” 442nd Infantry Regiment — at the U.S. Army Museum of Hawaii. It’s on the corner of Kalia and Saratoga Roads inside Fort DeRussy Military Reservation park.
The measures that came into effect in wartime Hawai‘i were described by one man who helped create them, Maj. Gen. Thomas H. Green, as “a new experiment in government — a joint operation of the military, civilian business and the general public.” A great number of the general public were, of course, women and they played many roles on the home front.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is for the physically challenged and disabled community. The elevator industry, with the help of the government and educators in civil law, has been addressing ADA issues over the years. Elevator and lift manufacturers have many solutions to meet and exceed the ADA requirements.
Many seniors, especially those who live alone, might not realize that there are items they should have in their hurricane emergency kit other than Spam, baked beans and Vienna sausage. June marks the beginning of the six-month-long hurricane season and reminders about being prepared are all over the media.
Telephone scams have been around for years, even before the birth of the internet, and they are just as dangerous as their online counterparts. Because modern telephone networks use digital technology, it is easy for cybercriminals to manipulate what appears in the Caller ID to trick you into thinking you are receiving a call from a trusted source. This tactic is called “spoofing.”
At Common Cause Hawaii, we believe that the more people who participate in civic engagement, the more representative our democracy. Participation can come in the form of service, or testifying on an important issue, but the most important way to get involved is through voting.
Giving back. That’s the theme and the name of a special — and talented — seniors group who entertain other seniors as a way of giving enjoyment back to their community.
Project Giving Back is a group of 36 singers, ranging in age from 60 to 87, who are now in their 8th year of performing. Wayne Uejo is the founder and administrator of the group, overseeing the singers and coordinating the concert schedule at venues across O‘ahu.
It’s hard to believe 22 years have passed since the renovated Hawaii Theatre Center reopened its doors to the public following a decade-long effort by community volunteers to raise $32 million and save the historic structure from the developer’s wrecking ball. Today, volunteerism is still the lifeblood of the Hawaii Theatre Center.
The One Mile Project at ‘Iolani stands out from traditional academic classes. It is a high school class that centers on building empathy and understanding for kūpuna in our
local community; it seeks to address the challenges that many kūpuna face in their daily lives. Students learn about aging, then develop and implement their own projects.
Children who attend Seagull Schools in Kapolei have a special bond with seniors at Seagulls Adult Day Center. Not only do the kūpuna and keiki regularly meet to play bingo, exercise on the lawn and do arts and crafts, but they also dine together.