Generations Senior Fair at Windward Mall
You could feel the excitement and electricity in the center of Windward Mall in Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu, on Friday, May 19, when Generations Magazine held our first “Generations Senior Fair at Windward Mall” since January 2020. There were six rows of Generations partners, offering their services, knowledge and experience. Everyone brought their wealth of information and welcomed attendees, who were able to speak one-to-one with professionals in the many fields serving kūpuna and their families.
Real Property Tax Relief for Honolulu
If you’re a Honolulu homeowner concerned about property taxes, relief is on the horizon as the City and County of Honolulu announces its Real Property Tax Credit program, open for applications starting July 1.
Sustainable Transitions in Gerontology
The Hawaii Pacific Gerontological Society (HPGS), is thrilled to announce its 2023 biennial conference from September 7–8 following the success of its virtual conference in 2021.Designed for a diverse audience that includes kūpuna practitioners in the health and human service fields, businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations serving kūpuna, HPGS extends a warm invitation to its two-day event at the Ala Moana Hotel.
Kathy Jaycox’s Mission to Give Back
After more than 40 years teaching at secondary and post-secondary schools in Illinois and Hawai‘i, Kathy Jaycox is now dedicated to volunteering for nonprofits. The work touches her heart and soul, she says.
Carl “Kini Popo” Hebenstreit, 1929-2022
Carl “Kini Popo” Hebenstreit was well past retirement age when he made the decision to launch Generations Hawai‘i, which he described as “one of the happiest and most satisfying activities” of his life. “There is a need for it. That’s been a Trade [Media Hui] DNA tag since [1954],” when the original parent company of Generations was founded, he explained in an email to a colleague in 2006. Even then, at the age of 77 himself, Carl could tell the Great Silver Wave was nowhere near its crest.
Kupuna Collective Meets with Sen. Hirono
Sen. Mazie K. Hirono met with the Kupuna Collective, a network of support organizations that focus on maximizing the health, independence and engagement of Hawai‘i’s older adults, for a roundtable conversation about supporting seniors in Hawai‘i in early October 2022.
Social Security Benefits Increase in 2023
The 8.7 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 65 million Social Security (SS) beneficiaries in January 2023. Increased payments to more than 7 million Supplemental Social Security (SSI) beneficiaries will begin on Dec. 30, 2022.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
You probably know someone with Alzheimer’s, the most common type of dementia that’s currently affecting some 5.8 million Americans and growing so rapidly that as many as 14 million may be affected by 2060.
7 Reminders for the General Election
Ahead of the 2022 General Election on Nov. 8, the Hawai‘i Office of Elections has a few key reminders for Hawai‘i’s kūpuna voters.
Honoring Emmet White
The Hawaii Pacific Gerontological Society will honor Emmet White at its virtual fundraiser on Nov. 4. His service and dedication to so many families, and his professional career serving kūpuna through the Arcadia Family of Companies, Hawaii Long Term Care Association, Hawaii Healthcare Association and the Central Union Church are legendary.
Veterans to Gather for Memorial Celebration
For the past 20-plus years at midnight on the 23rd of December, a gathering of veterans has taken place near the Capitol, by the memorial for our Korean and Vietnam brethren. The group includes men and women who have served in various campaigns. It is a big crowd.
Gerontological Society Virtual Conference
The Hawaii Pacific Gerontological Society (HPGS) will present its biennial conference, Foresight 2021 and Beyond, on Sept. 15 and 16.
10-Digit Dialing Starts in October
Starting this October, you’ll have to dial “808” with all phone numbers you call in Hawai‘i. It seems easy, right? But the change could lead to complications. Starting Oct. 24, 2021, all calls — including those on the same island — must be dialed using 10 digits or the call will not go through.
MDX Lends a Hand to OurKupuna.com
OurKupuna.com is a Hawai‘i-based nonprofit that started in March 2020 in response to the global pandemic and its impact on the state’s seniors. In the face of this adversity, the group envisioned a Hawai‘i where all kūpuna have food security and access to essentials. Through grants and donations, the organization has made great strides in helping Hawai‘i’s aging population.
Hawai‘i Honors Its Senior Volunteers
Every May during National Older Americans Month, Hawai‘i’s four county Area Agencies on Aging recognize seniors from each county for their volunteer accomplishments. This year’s national theme was Communities of Strength. Each county received nominations from the public for Outstanding Older Americans. A man and a woman were chosen from each county.
How to Navigate Travel Requirements & Restrictions During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Whether traveling interisland or out of the state, you will first need to set up your Safe Travels account at www.travel.hawaii.gov before your arrival to Hawai‘i. You will then need to get a PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) or NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test) from a State of Hawai‘i-approved testing site within 72 hours prior to your arrival. Most results take up to 48 hours, so you will want to take that into account when scheduling your test.
Hawai‘i’s COVID-19 Vaccination Information
The Hawai‘i Department of Health (HDOH) is moving forward with its implementation of the state’s COVID-19 vaccination plan. Points of dispensing (PODs) are open across the state for the initial phases of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
As Hawai‘i continues to receive more vaccine, dosages are being distributed to vaccination PODs throughout the islands as quickly as possible.
Rotarians Hold First-Time Virtual RYLA Camp
Whoever said you can’t teach an old Rotarian new tricks doesn’t know Hawai‘i Rotarians. For the first time in the 50-year history of the annual Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) in-person camps, the Rotary Clubs of District 5000 (Hawai‘i) facilitated an all-island virtual camp with 110 participants on Feb. 26 and 27 due to the ongoing pandemic.
SS Benefits Get a Bump in 2021
It’s about time for some good news: Social Security (SS) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will increase 1.3 percent in 2021.
Transforming At-Home Care
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced health systems to rethink how to effectively manage preventive care and chronic diseases when regular in-person visits are challenging, and patients are apprehensive of conducting telehealth visits. With many adults across the county delaying preventive care, and with six in 10 having at least one chronic condition, regular health management is a matter of life and death, with added COVID-19 risks.
Educating Students Supports Our Kūpuna
The Hawaii Pacific Gerontological Society, organized in 1979, is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life of Hawai‘i’s kūpuna. One of the missions of HPGS is to raise funds and award scholarships to college students interested in careers involving aging and older people. The society just awarded three scholarships for the 2020 fall classes.
Help Is On The Way During COVID-19
With the reopening of the state after shutdowns mandated by local government in recent months, kūpuna and other vulnerable people have become more fearful of venturing out into the community to shop and run errands as the coronavirus continues to spread with more people out in public. The demand for food, supplies and assistance has grown in response to unemployment. An increasing number of kūpuna say they do not have sufficient resources to feed themselves.
Survey Says: Seniors Arenʻt Ready to Age
An AARP survey of Hawai‘i residents age 50 years old and over shows a gap between the importance they place on health and financial security and their confidence in meeting those needs. More than 9 out of 10 older residents in Hawai‘i say staying healthy, mentally sharp and having adequate health insurance coverage are extremely or very important to them. Yet only 3 out of 10 say they have everything they need relative to these concerns.
Nā Tūtū – Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
For generations grandparents in Hawai‘i have helped raise their grandchildren while the parents worked the farms or harvested the crops. While things changed in modern Hawai‘i, the tradition continued as busy parents headed off to work, grandparents often took the grandchildren to school or after school activities. And, by the late ’90s, many grandparents found themselves caring for their grandchildren on a full time, 24/7 basis.
Lanakila, a Place to Thrive
Given the rapidly growing senior populace, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i remains dedicated to creating and providing services that keep seniors engaged and independent. Services include case management, transportation, chore and housekeeping, affordable housing, respite for caregivers, socialization and volunteer opportunities.
Senior Tuition
SECOH, a private, not-for-profit provider of adult day care services, is offering tuition assistance to individuals 65 and older who are in need of but can’t afford out-of-home Adult Day Care services. The tuition assistance is made possible by a generous grant from the May Templeton Hopper Fund administered by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation.
Homeowners’ Real Property Tax Credit
The annual application filing period for the Real Property Tax Credit for Homeowners to help you reduce your real property taxes is just around the corner — July 1.
Attention: Hawai‘i Votes by Mail!
Am I registered to vote? When will I receive my ballot? As the 2020 elections approach, more and more Hawai’i voters will prepare to cast their ballot on these dates: Primary Election – Saturday, Aug. 8; General Election – Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Walk and Run With Us!
The Walk and Run Club, powered by Phiten Hawaii, a health and performance product retailer, is a co-sponsor of the nonprofit Hawaii Running Project, a new, free activity for seniors and their families. Walkers and joggers are encouraged to join the healthy fun that starts every Wednesday morning at 9 am. Fun, fitness and camaraderie are open to everyone!
Survey Winner Will Celebrate in Las Vegas!
Pearl Hakulani Robins filled out her Generations Magazine reader survey, hoping she’d win. Soon she’s headed to Las Vegas on a Vacations Hawai‘i deluxe package — no taxis, no lugging suitcases, plenty of legroom on the plane — and four nights at the newly renovated California Hotel. Congratulations Pearl!
A Senior Fair for Oahu’s Windward Side
The 2nd Annual Generations Magazine Senior Fair at Windward Mall was held on Saturday, Jan. 18. There were many visitors who received valuable information from 44 Generations Magazine partners as well as the opportunity to visit “stamp-card” participants who provided 24 door prizes worth $50 each and a Las Vegas trip from Vacations Hawaii.
US Commissaries Open to 3M More Vets
On Jan. 1, 2020, 15,000-plus veterans in Hawai‘i — a “high cost area”— became eligible to shop in military stores. Commissaries have low prices and no state tax. Commissaries are like big box stores — some brands may be missing, but they carry almost everything you need. (Note that you will pay an additional fee if you use a credit card, so use cash if you can.)
Honorees Take a Stand Against Falls
More than 9,950 injuries from falls occur annually among seniors statewide. Each year, the Hawai‘i Fall Prevention Consortium (HFPC) identifies individuals with passionate dedication to reducing the number and severity of injuries from falls among seniors and honors their efforts to promote fall prevention initiatives in the state.
2020 Census Forms Will Be Available Online
Every 10 years, the U.S. government embarks on the herculean task of counting every person in the country. An accurate decennial census count is important in order to allocate more than $675 billion in federal funds annually for community programs and services, such as healthcare services for the elderly, education programs, housing and community development, and job training. For example, in federal Fiscal Year 2016, Hawai‘i received over $3.6 billion from 55 different federal programs, including nearly $1.5 billion in Medicaid funding.
Elder Abuse: Senior Advocates & Your Rights
Senior advocates understand personal rights, elder abuse, consumer rights, the legislative process and how programs are funded. They also see that agencies correctly implement laws and draw attention to the ones needing changes. This article focuses on personal rights and elder abuse law.
Thoughts on Aging
Hawai‘i is generally a retirement-friendly state. Taxation of retirement income is relatively benign. Our warm climate and surrounding ocean allow ample opportunities for year-round outdoor exercise and connecting with nature. Our culture is generally inclusive and promotes venues for social interaction. All of these factors form a foundation for a thriving senior population that can enjoy fulfillment and longevity. The key is recognizing the treasure trove and taking full advantage of it.
Partnering for a Better Senior Community
To better serve Hawai‘i’s senior community, Generations Magazine held a networking event for its partners on Sept. 17 at 15 Craigside, where a delicious breakfast was provided, thanks to Kind2Kūpuna and Margaret Wong of Copeland Insurance Group. Generations Magazine partners met, greeted and learned about each other, making contacts with those who support and serve kūpuna and their families.
50 Years of Transplantation in Hawai‘i
On Aug. 9, 1969, a surgical team headed by Dr. Livingston Wong performed the first kidney transplant at St. Francis Hospital. Since then, more than 2,300 lives in Hawai‘i have been saved and transformed by organ transplants. To celebrate this remarkable milestone and the man whose vision drove it forward, St. Francis Healthcare System hosted a special event on Aug. 7 at its Liliha Campus.
All Vote-By-Mail Comes to Hawai‘i
Starting with the 2020 primaries, all statewide elections in Hawai‘i will be conducted by mail. This will be a big change for some Hawai‘i voters, especially those who are not accustomed to voting by absentee ballot. For those who vote by absentee ballot, the all vote-by-mail system is nothing new.
Time to Honor the 100th Battalion
Punchbowl was once used as a lookout for Hawaiian warriors. Now, it’s one of only two national memorial cemeteries in the USA — the other is Arlington, Virginia. It is the final resting place for those that have courageously served in the U.S. Armed Forces. For the 14th year, the 100th Infantry Battalion Club 100 members invite the public to help decorate 1,000 heroes’ graves with flowers Saturday, Sept. 28, from 8 to 11am.
2019 Outstanding Older Americans Awards
Gov. David Ige proclaimed May as Older American’s Month this year. Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads our nation in observance of Older Americans Month. The 2019 theme, “Connect, Create, Contribute.”
Fun Times at the 2019 Senior Games!
For over 30 years, the City and County of Honolulu have run its “Senior Classic Games” at the Halawa District Park. Games were held in the gym and on the softball fields on March 21. Generations Magazine provided the medals in two age groups. As in the past years,...The Plaza at Kaneohe Opens This Summer
The Plaza at Kaneohe, The Plaza Assisted Living’s sixth location, is undergoing construction with an anticipated opening in Summer 2019. In line with its other locations, The Plaza at Kaneohe embraces the concept of familiar faces in familiar neighborhoods, believing that people want to reside in a community that they grew up in, raised their kids, or where their adult children currently live.
Help us Sew a Lei for Memorial Day!
Each year the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation is honored to help organize the Mayor’s Memorial Day Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, commonly known as “Punchbowl” or Pūowaina. This year the ceremony marks the 70th year under the tutelage of the City and County of Honolulu, and will be held on Monday, May 27, 2019.
4th Annual Walk on the Wild Side
March is National Kidney Month! In celebration, the National Kidney Foundation of Hawai‘i will be hosting its 4th Annual Walk on the Wild Side event on Saturday, March 23, 2019 from 11am to 4pm at Fort Street Mall and Chinatown.
Aid-in-Dying for Terminally Ill Patients
In January 1, 2019, Hawai‘i became just the seventh state in the US to permit medical aid in dying. The Our Care, Our Choice (OCOCA) law allows terminally ill adult patients with capacity to make medical decisions to be prescribed an aid-in-dying medication if all the requirements are met.
Memories Don’t Fade
Born in October 1918 in Kapa‘a, Hidenobu Hiyane remembers growing up on Kaua‘i and graduating from McKinley High School in 1937. He served with the 100th Battalion as a radio operator, and was very lucky while serving in Europe and France: An officer using the radio...100 Years on Kuakini Street
In September 2018, Kuakini Medical Center celebrated the 100th anniversary of its move from Liliha Street to its present location on Kuakini. Established in 1900, the medical facility has seen many changes during its 118 years of existence. The Japanese Benevolent...Honolulu Commits to Being ‘Age-Friendly’
The Age-Friendly Honolulu Initiative has a vision to create a livable city that is inclusive to persons of all ages and abilities. For our kūpuna, the initiative strives to maximize opportunities for active aging, independence and community engagement. Since 2014, the...A Very Active Centenarian
Hawai‘i is fortunate to be the home of many centenarians, and I love writing about them. Most recently, I spent time with Edward Jurkens, who celebrated his 100th birthday on December 23, 2017. We planned to talk at his apartment then go to lunch. On the way there, I thought, “Where should I park so I can drive him somewhere?”
New Support for UH-Mānoa Athletes
If you attend any sports events involving the University of Hawai‘i’s Rainbow Warriors or Wahine, it soon becomes obvious that local kūpuna are among their most avid supporters. From attending home games, to donating to booster clubs, to picking thousands of flowers to make lei for the Women’s Volleyball Team, Hawai‘i’s seniors are with the athletes every step of the way.
Memories from the Ewa Queen
Born in ‘Ewa to plantation workers, Sadie Kaya had the best childhood ever. Her memory of growing up there is so strong today, at the age of 103, that she sang a childhood song to me: “Ewa is our happy home. Yes, yes, oh yes. Never from her shall we roam. No, no, oh no. Oh how happy now are we, when we see the DPD. Soon the waters we shall see. Sing, children, sing.”
WANTED: Election Day Volunteers
The Office of Elections and county clerks of Hawai’i are looking for volunteers to help conduct the 2018 General Election on Tuesday, November 6.
More than 4,000 volunteers are needed to fill various positions on Election Day which include assisting voters at the polling place, transporting election materials and supplies, and resolving inquiries from the control center.
YMCA Health & Fitness Day at Kahala Mall
The YMCA’s National Senior Health & Fitness Day was enjoyed by many on Wednesday, May 30th, at the Kahala Mall. The YMCA thanked the Kahala Mall and Generations Magazine for their co-sponsorship of the day. A number of nonprofit organizations participated, as well as more than 30 Generations partners, who offered valuable information to seniors and their families.
Annual Senior Classic Games
The day was a little cloudy, with soft winds — perfect for 87 teams of seniors ranging in age from 55 to 93 years old. After the competition, score cards were tallied and medals were presented to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in the Senior (55 to 74) and Master (75 and over) divisions. For the past few years, Generations Magazine has paid for all the medals, which are always well received. First-place winners also received a soda-cap ribbon lei made by the founder of the Senior Classic Games, retired Hālawa complex supervisor Herbert Yasuhara.
Working After 50, 60 and Beyond!
Working longer and later in life is not optional for many of us and is preferred by those of us who understand that work, in some capacity, is a gift of our longer lifetimes. It is a gift to be treasured. Consider this: One in four of us in Hawai’i is 60 or older. As...Deborah Stone-Walls: Sailing Forward
A storm of aging is raging in America: Waves of retiring baby boomers on a tide of super seniors in need of ever-increasing care; a torrent of requests swamping eldercare agencies and charities; and financial gales battering seniors and their families as they try to...Hawaii Seniors’ Fair: The Good Life Expo
More than 20,000 attendees and over 300 exhibitors filled the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall Sept. 23 through 25 for the Annual Hawaii Seniors’ Fair, The Good Life Expo. The 32nd annual event again focused on services, programs, workshops and other valuable resources...Senior Clubs Take Over Leeward Bowl
The City & County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation held its annual Troops for Fitness Senior Bowling event on Oct. 12 at Leeward Bowl in Pearl City. With 100 bowlers from 11 city and county senior clubs on O‘ahu, this annual event used almost every...Chef Wong: A Passion for Giving
Named one of 13 Rising Star Chefs over 20 years ago, Hawai‘i Chef Alan Wong soon became a supernova, helping to birth Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine (HRC) with other chefs determined to work with local farmers, fishermen and ranchers. HRC put Hawai‘i on the foodie map,...Older Americans Month Awardees
Older Americans Month Awardees by Generations Magazine Staff from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life