Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Jan 1, 2023 | Programs & Services
There is nothing a grandparent gets greater satisfaction from than helping their mo‘opuna. This may be especially true if the grandchild has special needs. Their ongoing health and financial welfare is priority one. But for too long, people with disabilities could not save for the future out of fear of losing essential government benefits — the ones they depend upon each and every day.
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Jan 1, 2023 | Health, Jan - Feb 2023
Eating together is good. Read “Eating Together” (www.generations808.com/eatingtogether) in our last issue. But Generations overlooked something in that article.
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Jan 1, 2023 | Jan - Feb 2023, Living Life
Turns out, you just might find more than two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun at your local McDonald’s. Venetia Angel, 63, routinely visited her local McDonald’s in Pukalani on Maui. One evening, she approached a group of senior ladies who were playing cards. She noticed them there often. That evening, she asked what they were playing. Although she did not know the game called “books and straights,” they insisted she join them the next night.
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Dec 31, 2022 | Jan - Feb 2023, Living Life
Rose Singarella and Mladen Karcic, both 53 when they met through an online dating site, did not wade in the shallows during their initial conversations, but plunged right into the deep end. Mladen’s mother was seriously ill; Rose was still recovering from the loss of her fiance. She had promised him that she would look for love again. So with pain still fresh from her own loss, Rose sought to help Mladen grapple with his mother’s illness and eventual death. It just doesn’t get any deeper than that.
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Dec 31, 2022 | Jan - Feb 2023, Living Life
Valley Isle Chocolates, a small family business on Maui, is beginning the New Year with a new kitchen space, new equipment, new packaging and new ideas for the future. Now, they are very busy making chocolates, developing recipes and selling their wares at many farmers markets and local brick-and-mortar stores. At the end of last year, Susan Schwartzkopf “and sons” moved production from their certified home kitchen to a commercial kitchen space in Kahului.
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Dec 31, 2022 | Jan - Feb 2023, Senior News
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.
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Nov 2, 2022 | Living Life, Nov - Dec 2022
Many forms of yoga have been developed over the centuries by serious practitioners who strive for the benefits of mind-body balance. Popular styles of yoga include Ashtanga, Hatha, Iyengar and many more. But if the thought of mindful meditation in a somber setting is not your cup of chai tea, there is good news for you. Laughter Yoga, a relatively new, alternative form of yoga that incorporates laughter with movement and breathing exercises, aims to cultivate joy, spark creativity, reduce stress and even boost your immune system, says Jenna Pascual, a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader and Life Coach on Maui.
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Nov 2, 2022 | Column, Nov - Dec 2022
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.
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Nov 1, 2022 | Cover Story, Nov - Dec 2022
The mission of Blood Bank of Hawaii is to provide a safe and adequate blood supply for all the civilian hospitals throughout the state to meet patients’ needs. Each and every day patients count on volunteer donors. One in seven people entering the hospital will need blood. Blood cannot be produced in a lab or anywhere else. It only has one source — volunteer donors. In Hawai‘i alone, 200 donors are needed every single day, yet only 2 percent of Hawai‘i’s population are donors.
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Sep 1, 2022 | Living Life, Sept - Oct 2022
It’s not your ordinary book club. This all-women book club has a long history, having begun around 1980, says Ginny Meade, who joined in mid-’81. “It’s an amazing group of women from all walks of life. It all started because of our love of books and reading.”
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Sep 1, 2022 | Living Life, Sept - Oct 2022
Kīhei resident Franny Durham unknowingly serves as an inspiration to those around her through her indomitable spirit, positive attitude and boundless energy. When asked about her secret to her physical health and spiritual well-being, she replied, “Moderation is the key.”
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Jun 25, 2022 | July - August 2022, Living Life
Seniors take their sports seriously, but with perspective gained over years of competition, the element of fun has become paramount for most players. Although they have a passion for playing, winning isn’t everything. Camaraderie, reunion and ‘ohana, fitness and fun are the most important elements of a senior’s game plan.
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Jun 25, 2022 | July - August 2022, Living Life
It’s shocking! How did I accumulate all this stuff? An embarrassment of riches may be a first-world problem — having too much of too many good things — but it is a reality for many of us, even those who don’t qualify as full-fledged hoarders. But even simple clutter has its own risks; for starters, the chronic and repeated stress caused by frantic and frustrated searching, and the risk of falling over precious possessions left in precarious places.
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Jun 19, 2022 | Cover Story, July - August 2022, Special Feature
Dr. William “Bill” Won, one of Honolulu’s foremost brain surgeons, was the first Hawai‘i-born Chinese American neurosurgeon in the state and only the second person born in the state to become a neurosurgeon. Dr. Won, now age 90, practiced from 1965 to 1996. After a stellar career, the quiet and humble retired brain surgeon continues to contribute to the community through a scholarship fund that was made possible through a beloved, lifelong hobby.
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | May 5, 2022 | Giving Care, May - June 2022
The woman in line in front of me was tending to her father who apparently suffered from dementia. Suddenly, she completely lost it and was yelling at him. I thought she was going to hit him! He looked frightened, dazed and confused. When I tried to console the woman, she yelled back at me, ‘YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT I’M GOING THROUGH!’”
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | May 4, 2022 | Life & Pet, May - June 2022
Illness and/or old age and its associated maladies are a fact of life for us all — even our pets. And grief over the loss of a beloved pet may be as intense and as lengthy as when a significant person in our life dies. Those who have lost a pet know the full extent of this agonizing pain.
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | May 4, 2022 | Life & Pet, May - June 2022
There is no time like the present to prepare for another hurricane season. As our emergency agencies remind us every year, it is a matter of when, not if… Not only should families have an evacuation and shelter plan… that goes for your little dog, too! Being prepared for a disaster means also having a plan in place for your pets. Dorothy and Toto were sadly unprepared. Don’t be like Dorothy and Toto
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | May 4, 2022 | Living Life, May - June 2022
In the early hours of a chilly October morning, Rick donned his bomber jacket and hat, and stealthily snuck into the carport, his trusty shaving kit in hand. He quietly pushed his golf cart down the long gravel driveway before starting it, as to not wake his wife. The former Korean War pilot navigated back roads to the bank, where he withdrew $1,000.
Wendy Suite and Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Mar 6, 2022 | Cover Story, Health, March-April 2022
Here in Hawai‘i, we’re lucky to live on beautiful islands with multigenerational families in multicultural communities. We have city life, country life, sunshine every day and some of the best food in the world. But our lifestyle, diet and even our genes can put us at risk for cancer. Yes, even here in paradise.
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Feb 27, 2022 | Health, March-April 2022
Although glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, the most common presentation of glaucoma often has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages. When glaucoma develops, vision loss progresses so gradually that the people affected are often unaware of it until their sight has already been compromised.
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Feb 27, 2022 | Health, March-April 2022
It has long been established that consistently wearing a proper-fitting mask over your nose and mouth is critical in preventing the spread of COVID-19. In January, nearly two years into the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its mask recommendations, because as the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus changes and mutates, producing a bounty of variants, we must adapt.
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Feb 27, 2022 | Living Life, March-April 2022
Elton Goo was surfing in Peru when the government closed its borders to fight COVID-19 in March 2020. As an avid surfer, being temporarily stranded in one of the best countries in the world to score some “epic surf” might not have been such a bad thing, but unfortunately, Elton, who was diagnosed in 2016 with terminal lung cancer at age 55, was running out of his medication.
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Dec 31, 2021 | January - February 2022, Living Life
Lot Lau is putting his lifelong love of trees to good use. At age 81, he is a member of a Citizen Forester group whose efforts are aimed at helping to save the planet — one tree at a time. “When I was young, I thought of trees only for climbing to get the fruit,” he recounts. “I preferred the Samoan palm variety. They bear coconuts much lower to the ground and are tall, stately, durable and strong. They sway gently in the breeze like a hula dancer. They give of themselves to benefit others.”
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Sep 30, 2021 | Cover Story, Living Life, October-November 2021
Lei Day, May 1, is dedicated to the Hawaiian tradition of making and giving lei. But some may not know the the tradition entails much more than the officially dedicated day. The traditions that surround lei make them appropriate for many occasions. Hawaiian tradition also offers particular lei for celebrations and seasonal events.
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Jun 4, 2021 | Cover Story, June-July 2021
Larry David Price prefers to be known as a coach and educator, rather than a media personality. Although those who know of his many accomplishments, talents, awards and accolades may entertain the descriptor Renaissance man, he’ll always be remembered simply and reverently as “Coach” to those whose hearts and lives he has touched.
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Jun 4, 2021 | June-July 2021, Living Life
E-bikes are revolutionizing cycling for senior adults, allowing us to ride longer, faster and with little or no pain. The low-impact exercise is simply easier on an aging body. With an e-bike, “over-the-hill” boomers can get a little help getting over that hill without injuring muscles and joints.
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Apr 4, 2021 | April - May 2021, Living Life
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.
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Apr 4, 2021 | April - May 2021, Living Life
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.
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Jan 31, 2021 | Cover Story, February - March 2021
KTA Super Stores began and continues to operate by honoring the partnerships built by previous generations. These principles and values continue today from the founders as the basis of the development and growth of KTA’s business model and its relationships with its partners, customers, staff and each other.
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Jan 31, 2021 | February - March 2021, Living Life
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.
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Jan 31, 2021 | February - March 2021, Living Life
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.
Debra Lordan, GM Senior Editor | Oct 6, 2020 | Cover Story, October - November 2020
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease requires patience, compassion, understanding and endless, unconditional love. In the following pages, Kalani Pe‘a and his mother, Pua, share the story of Lu Kahunani; Pua’s mother, Kalani’s grandmother. “I saw her slipping away. I knew I was going to lose her one day…”