OUR COVER STORY -​ Dying at home can be traumatic for loved ones. We long for a peaceful walk into a beautiful sunset. But most have never seen anyone die and that first indelible experience will stick with us. We may wish to die in our sleep, suffer an accident where we “never knew what happened” or drop dead while enjoying a favorite activity. But the odds are even — just as many people suffer and fight death to the last breath. Loved ones who witness such death throes simply don’t talk about it. We are compassionate people who avoid pain and go to great lengths to protect our loved ones from suffering. So why is there controversy about Hawai‘i’s Our Care, Our Choice Act, the aid-in-dying law that allows terminal patients to have  medications that will ensure a peaceful passing?

An interview with author Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Ameriprise Certified Financial Planner. Michael is asked, “Are Hawai‘i seniors living well and thriving?” Michael answers: “Hawai‘i is the best place to retire and thrive. The climate and culture of ‘ohana is second to none for living a good life with family and friends. Also on the plus side, seniors get to enjoy more quality of life here. It’s no surprise Hawai‘i has the highest longevity in the country…

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is one of the most common types of conditions primary care providers encounter in the United States. It is also the most common infectious cause of death. CAP accounts for nearly 4.5 million doctor visits annually and is the second most common cause of hospitalizations. Risk factors for contracting CAP include: Older age; Chronic respiratory disease; Chronic diseases such as diabetes, congestive heart failure or stroke; and other immunocompromising conditions, such as asplenia and HIV…

​The Rotary Club of Honolulu is teaming with Miracle Ear Foundation’s Gift of Sound™ program, which provides free hearing aids to those that qualify. The application fee is $150, which includes a hearing assessment, hearing aid fittings and follow-up adjustments. While supplies last, the Rotary Club of Honolulu will assist those who can not afford the $150 application fee through its Can You Hear Us Now? program.

Those who do not have children tend to have more financial flexibility to pursue their goals throughout life and retirement. This makes sense when you consider that the cost of raising a child from birth to adulthood is currently estimated at $233,610 (before you factor in college). However, childless singles and couples still need to manage their future financial needs. Many mistakenly assume the absence of heirs removes the weight of retirement and legacy planning from their shoulders. Don’t fall victim to this myth. Financial planning is just as important for childless adults as it is for anyone else.