Caydie Furutani and I are 9th graders at Moanalua High School on O‘ahu. For our social studies project, our teacher asked us to identify ways in which we could positively impact our community on a local or national level. We brainstormed and came up with three different ideas. Eventually, we chose to focus our attention on our local kūpuna community. Our project centered on efforts to improve the mental and emotional health of our kūpuna.
Because some kūpuna may not have grandchildren near them, we came up with the simple idea to hang out with them, play games, talk story and bring them homemade snacks, in hopes that socializing with fun young people would make them feel happy and less lonely. And it would be fun for us to engage with the older generation.
When I was born, my mom, Cynthia Arnold, was working to help seniors downsize and move to senior living facilities. She helped many move into 15 Craigside Retirement Community, which had just opened. She continues to this day.
My mom told me that when I was little, she brought me there every Christmastime and we’d give out homemade cookies and treats to all her past clients. Some of them remembered me as a little one, but all I remember is this was the home where all the GGs (great-grandparents) lived. This is the reason that 15 Craigside Retirement Community was the perfect location for our social studies project.
We brought them homemade brownies, broken glass jello and manju. We talked and played “Thanksgiving Catch Phrase” to stimulate their minds in a fun and friendly environment. Some of the residents were surprisingly competitive, but everyone laughed and had a great time. And all the treats were eaten by the end of our visit.
While talking story with them, we found out what they had done for a living and how they are now enjoying their later years. Some even gave us some life lessons, such as, “take the negativity out of your life” and “do yoga to keep looking young!” It was a great time of laughing and learning.
Besides getting an “A” on our project, we took away many happy memories we can share with others. We want to go back again soon!
Lexie Arnold is a 9th grader at Moanalua High School and the daughter of GM Publisher Cynthia Arnold. She loves to dance and play softball, hang out with her friends and volunteer for organizations on the island.
If you have a story to share, email the editor: debra@generations808.com.
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