Author: Kirk Matthews of KHON’s The Elderhood Project

  • Elderhood Project

    In early February, seniors enjoyed the company of each other and a number of middle school students at the annual Senior Valentine Dance at Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. Oh, and by the way, there were some celebrities on hand to take a spin or two around the dance floor. I have had the pleasure in the…

  • Elderhood Project

    Mrs. Matthews, Linda Coble, and I just celebrated our birthdays. I’m not going to say how old we are but I will say that we’ve had our AARP cards for quite a while. We are boomers and our generation has often been referred to as the “Me” generation. That may have been appropriate at some…

  • Elderhood Project

    Last week, Mrs. Matthews—Linda Coble— had back surgery. The doctor was pleased with the results and four days later, she came home from the hospital. The doctor said to me, “This will be tougher on you than it is on her.” In some ways, he was right. I watch her like a hawk so she…

  • Elderhood Project

    In Hawai‘i, our life expectancy is 80 years old. It’s among the longest in the nation (and the world). Living longer is a good thing. However, it also places a new burden on each of us to stay healthy longer. It behooves us to take care of ourselves.

  • Elderhood Project

    My mother just got her first cell phone. It doesn’t take pictures or play music — it just makes phone calls. It took her a while to get used to the idea — she would talk into the wrong end of the phone in the beginning. But she’s got the technology figured out and now…

  • Never Ever …

    Retired. No gold watch. No pension. Just — retired. Now what? Since I have been retired, I realize there is really no such thing. Life goes on. You may spend a little time watching “Family Feud.” You may spend more time working on your golf swing or with friends and relatives you haven’t seen for…

  • The Joy of Retirement

    I was tired yesterday and I’m tired today. So I guess I’m re-tired. It’s an old joke, but one that sort of fits my situation. At the end of September, I left KHON2 after 27 years. It was time. I will miss my friends at the station, and I will miss having the chance to…

  • It’s Not A House – It’s HOME

    In 1992, when Hurricane Iniki hit the islands, my mother-in-law refused to leave the house. Both Linda and I were working and we called her over and over, trying to get her to go to a shelter. She wouldn’t leave her beloved dog behind and at that time, not many shelters accepted pets. Fortunately, she…

  • It’s Not A House – It’s HOME

    In 1992, when Hurricane Iniki hit the islands, my mother-in-law refused to leave the house. Both Linda and I were working and we called her over and over, trying to get her to go to a shelter. She wouldn’t leave her beloved dog behind and at that time, not many shelters accepted pets. Fortunately, she…

  • But, I Have Never Been to Vegas!

    In Hawaii, that’s considered heresy. Some call Vegas the 9th island. I’m not a gambler. I’m not much for crowds and bright lights. Mrs. Matthews says we need to go there for “the shows.” The fact, she entertains me every day. Why would I want anything else? Okay, okay — I know there are some…