Grief & Bereavement — Part V
Clients who start the estate planning process do so with the knowledge that they will die one day. This death awareness comes with some degree of death anxiety, as well as anticipatory grief.
Hiring Strangers as Caregivers
When Hiroko hired a healthcare agency to assist her in caring for her husband, she trusted that the company would provide her with caregivers who were responsible and professional. Unfortunately, this agency sent a “caregiver” who helped herself to Hiroko’s jewelry. This is only one of many cases of caregiver abuse handled by the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, but it highlights the need for people to become aware of the risks involved when hiring a stranger as a caregiver.
Starting Your Estate Planning Journey
The first steps in your estate planning journey are learning 1) how to stay in control of your stuff while you are able to be in control and 2) how to make sure your wishes are carried out when incapacity or the grim reaper catch up with you. Sorry to rub it in, but there is a 100% probability that at least one of these things is going to happen to you and a 70% probability that both of them will.
Out-of-Pocket Healthcare Costs
The number of infants born in the US jumped significantly after World War II and continued to increase through the mid-1960s. Social scientists believe it was the result of the thousands of WWII veterans returning home to a booming economy and GI Bill benefits that provided access to home ownership, encouraging them to marry and start families. These infants born between 1946 and 1964 are known as baby boomers.
Tips for Transitioning Into Retirement
Retirement marks the end of a chapter in your career and the start of a new lifestyle. This unique transition can bring a myriad of emotions, most commonly, excitement and apprehension. If you’re pondering retiring in the next year or so, here are five tips to help you transition smoothly.
Getting Ahead of Incapacity
Many of us go through life believing everything will go according to plan. However, as the saying goes, even the best-laid plans go astray. So, to avoid unnecessary interruptions later in life that can be both financially and emotionally costly, it is wise to plan now for the possibility of incapacity.
Learn More From New SSA Statement
If you have a personal my Social Security account, you can view your Social Security Statement online to learn about your future benefits and recent earnings history. Included with the statement are fact sheets that provide useful information based on your age group and earnings situation.
How to Stop Your Gums From Receding
If you’ve noticed your teeth are getting longer and your gums are getting shorter, perhaps it’s time to see a dentist. Gum recession can affect anyone, even those who brush twice a day and floss daily. Although it can’t be reversed, there are some things you can do to stop them from receding.
A Calling to Gerontology
There are many reasons why working with seniors became my passion. One was to prepare myself to care for my loved ones as they age. We will all eventually encounter the challenges of caregiving. What better way to prepare than by choosing gerontology as a career?
Caregiver Compatibility is Key
As we age, our loss of independence can lead to reluctance to both accept or ask for help. Often, finding a caregiver who is compatible with you or your loved one and their particular personality traits can help them transition to receiving care.
Houselessness: How Can You Help?
When you see a gray-haired person clinging to the few possessions they have and wandering the streets, it is because they are trying to find shelter, a safe place to sleep and something to eat. Among Hawai‘i’s houseless population, there are aging persons unable to live in safe and healthy environments.
Helping Seniors With Technology
Technology is ever-advancing these days, with information on new devices everywhere. For early adopters, this is seen as helpful and even normal. However, for some seniors, adapting to new devices can be challenging due to physical limitations. Vision loss is one of the more common problems experienced, as is age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that typically affects older adults.
Creating Resilience
The Institute for Human Services (IHS) has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a ministry distributing peanut butter sandwiches to those sleeping on the streets of Chinatown in the late 1970s. The team Connie Mitchell put together after joining IHS in 2006 can be justly proud of how the nonprofit tackles the many challenges faced by the unhoused.
The Houseless Are Not Homeless
Growing up modestly in a suburb of Chicago, I remember the first time we went camping. I was so excited, because this was a family vacation. My brothers and sisters helped pack the hot dogs and buns, collected our sleeping bags and pillows, and gathered wood for the fire. We were thrilled to eat canned beans! It was an exciting adventure… until the doorbell rang.
Overcoming the Distance Between Us
Whether the distance spans countries or oceans, living separated from your loved ones is always difficult — especially when the loved ones are our elders — namely, our grandparents.
Medicare 2023: Hawai‘i’s Got It Good!
When my Hawai‘i Medicare Advantage members move to the mainland, they often don’t want to look for a new agent. So I find myself getting licensed in other states so I can help them find a new healthcare plan. What I keep learning is that compared with the mainland, Hawai‘i has really great plans.
More Seniors Try Marijuana
As cannabis becomes more accepted in the medical community, a rising number of seniors are trying it, especially for pain.
Spring Cleaning for Your Computer
Many of us include the ritual of spring cleaning around this time of year. Spring cleaning is all about tackling the areas you may have neglected during the rest of the year. And nothing is more satisfying than a sparkling clean home, right? But don’t forget about your computer and devices.
A Sweet Life
Many claim they are leaving a legacy, yet Henry Kapono Ka‘aihue lives his every day, instilling pure aloha into everything he does. In his alleged “Golden Years,” when most are retired or slowing down, this remarkable music man has no intention of doing any of that any time soon.
Grief & Bereavement — Part IV
All grief starts as anticipatory grief. Dr. Daniel Miller defines the term “anticipatory grief” as the “process of grieving that starts prior to a loved one passing away.”
Beware of Romance Scams
Data from the Federal Trade Commission show that more consumers than ever report falling prey to romance scamming, also called “catphishing.” The total reported lost over the past five years has now reached $1.3 billion. How Do They Do It?
Leaving a Legacy of Aloha
Estate planning involves protecting what is important and then passing it on to our loved ones and future generations. Many concepts central to Hawaiian culture are applicable to estate planning. Starting with the concept of ‘ohana, all the way through lokahi, estate planning and the culture of our islands can interweave to form a rich tapestry of aloha.
Money Management for Couples
We all know couples who fight about money. You may even be in a relationship where finances are a source of tension. It’s no mystery why these kinds of conflicts are so common — money fuels our ability to take care of ourselves and our dependents. Managing it requires discipline and a plan, but often, couples don’t see eye-to-eye on what that means.
Medicare Part B Start Date Changes
Changes are coming in 2023 regarding when Medicare Part B coverage starts. Please forward this article to those who may need it.
Lower Prescription Copays in 2023
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the number of Medicare beneficiaries in Hawai‘i has grown to 281,091. Seventy-two percent of beneficiaries have prescription drug coverage through Medicare Parts C and D. Even so, prescriptions can be expensive. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is intended to help lower copays for covered medications.
Keep Good Health Insurance
During my 12-plus years in the Medicare health insurance field, I have talked to many people aging into Medicare. In our discussions, I am consistently told that they never get sick and take few drugs, so they are just looking for the cheapest plan. I am always surprised, because I have noticed that health problems tend to manifest as seniors move into their 60s, 70s and beyond.
Prevent Identify Theft
Protect your identity and help prevent healthcare fraud by guarding your Medicare card like you would a credit card. Scammers are expanding their targets, especially kūpuna, and they can be very convincing. A fraudster recently contacted a Honolulu resident, stating the resident’s name and date of birth. The con artist then offered to replace the resident’s Medicare card if he would share his Social Security Number. Luckily, the resident did not cooperate with this scammer.
Door Opens for Those With Disabilities
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.
Get Into a Groove & Do the Move
We’ve all heard the saying, “If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything.” And while exercise is always at the top of the list of what you can do to stay healthy, it’s so easy to run out of time and defer it to tomorrow.
Wisdom of the Serving Spoon
Eating together is good. Read “Eating Together” (www.generations808.com/eatingtogether) in our last issue. But Generations overlooked something in that article.
Take Statins & Other Meds as Prescribed
Medicine is an important part of treatment for many health conditions. For medications to be most effective and work safely, you need to take them exactly as prescribed. If you experience problems, such as new symptoms or side effects, talk to your doctor immediately.
Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes
A healthy smile requires everyone to commit to three simple actions: Brush twice a day, floss daily and see your dentist twice a year. You may have also considered new technology to make your oral hygiene routine a little easier and more efficient. So, which is better, manual or electric?
Self-Renewal Tips for Caregivers
Caregivers are some of the most selfless people you will find, constantly putting the needs of others before their own. In Hawai‘i, over 65,000 people are family caregivers for almost 30,000 loved ones living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. In my seven years of experience working with family caregivers, I’ve seen caregivers who make many sacrifices, sometimes neglecting their own health and often postponing vacations for years. If this is you, it’s time to focus on self-renewal.
Benefit of Live Music in Nursing Homes
Much more than just a time-filler, live music holds therapeutic benefits for nursing home residents. According to a 2016 study, live music has been shown to reduce cortisol levels in the body, allowing for a stronger immune system, reduction in depression, better memory and many other benefits. It’s no wonder that nursing homes schedule in a healthy dose of live music!
The Gift of Caring for Others
Those of us in the home healthcare business have the opportunity to witness and share amazing stories of families in need each and every day. These stories come from the connections and meaningful moments between care providers and those they care for.
Time Flies When You’re Having Fun
I like to think of myself as a realist. I know we are all going to die and that 75 is actually not the new 50. Sorry to disappoint you. It ends up that 75 is really more like — wait for it — the old 74. What is also true is that time does fly by when you’re having fun.
McDating: Romance Under Golden Arches
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.
A Perfect Match Forged in Honesty
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.
Spreading Happiness One Chocolate at a Time
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.
How to Downsize the Right Way
Downsizing sounds like a great idea… until you begin to wrap your head around the massive task of moving. The thought of leaving a longtime home, with all of its associations — the height chart on the laundry room doorframe, the grave of a beloved pet — can be heart-wrenching. Add to that the cost of moving and the burden of offloading half (or more) of your possessions, and the project can quickly overwhelm even the most capable older adult.
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.
Grief & Bereavement — Part III
Facing one’s mortality is the unspoken uneasiness that rests just below the surface of the conversation with an estate planning attorney. Estate planning attorneys are well-versed in the law of estate planning. But as they focus heavily on probate avoidance and tax minimization, they may overlook the emotional, human side of estate planning. Therefore, the best estate planning attorneys are counselors of law with the emphasis on counselor more than law.
Wise Charitable Giving
Charities depend on gifts from people like us to do their good works. That’s why they are not shy about asking us for money. Here are some ideas about maximizing your charitable gifts.
‘Spoil’ Your Grandchildren Wisely
Many grandparents spend money on their grandkids, whether by chipping in on big expenses like tuition bills and travel expenses, or covering smaller costs like meals and holiday gifts. The inclination to be generous is understandable and many seniors say it brings them joy to support (or even occasionally spoil) their grandchildren. But lavishing them with gifts shouldn’t come at the expense of your or grandparents own financial security.
Medicare Enrollment: Stop, Look & Listen
It’s Medicare Annual Enrollment time again! So are you looking at a ton of information and videos online, and reviewing stacks of sales materials from insurance companies? Too much information can cause more questions than answers and more confusion than common sense.
Senior Resources During the Holidays
The holiday season is a joyful time to spend with loved ones. However, it can be challenging or seniors who are alone or on limited income. Getting to the market or medical appointments is difficult when you have few transportation options. For those on a limited income, it may involve making a tough choice — using their funds to buy food or pay monthly bills.
Medicare: New Regulations Start This Fall
Medicare and Medicaid agents are scheduled to begin recording calls and providing a new disclaimer at the beginning of phone calls this fall during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. These changes directly result from new compliance rules from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Beware of Holiday Charity Scams
If you are considering a donation to a charity during this season of giving, Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Hawaii warns you to be wary. Charities use the phone, face-to-face contact, email and the internet — and so do scammers. The Federal Trade Commission, an SMP partner, offers these tips to keep you safe from scammers.
Emotional Wellness During the Holidays
With the holiday season upon us, it’s important to look after one’s mental health and emotional well-being. While the season typically includes family and social gatherings, holidays can also be stressful, and trigger feelings of grief, loneliness and depression. Consider some of these steps to help support your emotional health and find joy during the holidays and beyond.
What is Telemedicine?
Telemedicine facilitates medical professionals in providing medical care to patients outside of the traditional office setting by using modern technology. “Telemedicine” and “telehealth” are often used interchangeably. However, telehealth specifically describes the electronic and communications technologies being used to provide services remotely. Telemedicine can be viewed as the professional medical consultations you may receive remotely or outside of the clinical office.
Make Naughty Sweets Nicer for Teeth
In Hawai‘i, everyone loves to spoil their loved ones with sweet treats during the holidays. It’s okay to indulge in a treat or two, but don’t forget the toll it takes on your teeth and gums. Here are some oral health tips when eating common holiday sweets.
Why Coffee Is a Health Food for Older Adults
Quit feeling guilty over your morning cup(s) of joe. Research shows that coffee can help prevent dementia, improve cardiovascular health and increase lifespan. Coffee can help seniors maintain a healthy lifestyle. That is the conclusion of a plethora of studies on the steamy liquid that is synonymous with waking up for many Americans over 60.
The Best Type of In-Home Care for You
It is important that seniors and their families understand their choices when it comes to in-home care, so they can decide what will best fit their needs. For some folks, traditional time-based in-home care services are the best option, while others will find task-based in-home assistance to be less intrusive, more affordable and an effective way to continue to live well at home independently.
The Gift of Holiday Presence
Every year at this time, The Caregiver Foundation witnesses and acknowledge the “extras” caregivers provide for individuals who would otherwise not benefit from any holiday spirit. Cleo, a caregiver for a 100-year-old bed-ridden client with dementia, brought in a dazzling Christmas tree. Lights danced in our client’s eyes; a smile in remembrance of holidays past softened her face.
A Caregiver’s Mantra
Many professional caregivers have deeply rooted memories that inspired them to pursue a career in a field — such as assisted living. My first experience with dementia, caregiving and compassion involved my own grandparents, my Lolo and Lola.
Gardening & People With Dementia
According to a 2021 research review on the impact of gardening in dementia treatment, exposure gardening activities has shown many benefits for the dementia population. Some of these benefits include reduction in depression and aggressive behaviors, an increase in engagement, improved mood and an increased sense of purpose.
Perspectives on Aging
The average life span has increased more in the past century than in all the years humans previously existed. As approximately 10,000 baby boomers (those born between 1944 and 1964) are turning 65 every day, it would appear that we will have a large influx of aging people over the next couple decades who may need services appropriate for “old people.” But is 65 really old?
Laughter is the Best Medicine
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.
Hawai‘i’s King of Tropical Music
At 71, Rolando Sanchez has the energy of a man half his age. Scratch that. He has the energy of a man a quarter of his age. If you’ve been in Hawai‘i for any length of time, you’re familiar with the charismatic percussionist/singer/band leader Rolando Sanchez, known for his high-energy shows that established Latin dance music in the islands that has continued for over 40 years.
Eating Together
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.
Giving Your Voice to Charity: Inspiring Real Change With Advocacy
Especially during this time of year, many of us shift our mindsets to consider how we can spread aloha and do good in the world. Giving back to our community comes in many forms. There are ways that take no money — donating your voice and time. “Activist philanthropy” is a newer term, but it simply relates to people who embrace the role of public advocate to raise awareness and bring precedence to essential issues. These people are speaking up and sharing their stories to inspire real change.
A Gift from the Heart
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.
Beware of ‘InstaScams’
There are always two sides of the same coin. Social media has made it possible for everyone to stay more connected over the years and across the miles. It’s reconnected old friends and kept families close. Unfortunately, it’s also given scammers the ability to become more sophisticated and creative.
A Journey of Compassion, Empathy & Courage
A common thread runs through a tapestry of three stories in the September-October 2022 issue of GENERATIONS MAGAZINE. Having experienced the caregiving role themselves, Savina Makalena, Gary Simon and Gary Powell all saw the need to support individual caregivers and the various entities involved in providing that support. And seeing that need, they all decided to help fulfill it, each in their own way.
The Book Sisters
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.”
Grief and Bereavement — Part II
Continuing from my last article, I believe that clients really want the estate planning attorney to help them meet their needs so that they can reduce their fear, anxiety and anticipatory grief in light of their knowledge of their inevitable death.
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.
Paddling Her Own Canoe
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.”
Navigating Mental Illness
One in five people are affected by mental health conditions each year. Since the pandemic, that number has been on the rise. NAMI Hawaii, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the state organization that supports our community’s mental health and gives them hope.
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.
How to Reduce Your Investment Risk
During times of market volatility like we’ve seen since the start of 2022, it’s natural to feel a bit skittish about the stock market. It’s a potent reminder that there are risks to stock ownership. Individual stocks are not guaranteed to grow and may lose value. The good news is that the stock market has historically delivered a higher rate of return than other forms of investment in the same timeframe.
How To Choose an Assisted Living Facility or Nursing Home
Finding the right place for Mom or Dad is both an art and a science. You have to do your research and trust your gut. Assisted living facilities are widely available to help take care of older adults who need help with bathing, dressing or other daily activities. When that is no longer enough, a nursing home can provide 24/7 healthcare. Either way, it is important to research facilities to determine which one seems to give the best care.
Think Ahead About Future Health Costs
Thanks to ongoing advances in medical care, people are living longer than ever before. But that longevity comes with a cost. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, roughly 70 percent of Americans over age 65 will require some type of long-term care services in their lives — costing potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Can Sugar Substitutes Harm Your Teeth?
If you’re watching your sugar intake, but need to satisfy a sweet tooth, using a sugar substitute can be less harmful to your teeth and body. Here’s a breakdown of substitutes and how they can affect your oral and overall health.
Trust Basics
A trust is created when a person transfers “stuff” to a trustee with the understanding that the trustee will manage it for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries. “Stuff” includes any kind of property you can own: real property, such as land and buildings (including timeshares) and personal property, such as bank accounts, stocks and bonds, and personal effects.
Does Dad Need More Help?
How do family members prepare for the day their senior needs more help — the kind of help that requires loved ones to re-prioritize their lives? If only there were a date set aside for this change in everyone’s life. Planning on change at this level has never been easy because a plan may not be in place. A sudden fall or illness could change everything and it could happen anytime.
The Benefits of Medicare Advantage
A recent study concluded that beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans spend almost $2,000 less per year on their healthcare costs when compared to those with Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and a stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug plan (Part D).
Guard Your SS Card
The best way to guard your Social Security card is to keep it in a safe place and share it only when required. In fact, in most cases, just knowing the Social Security number should be enough.
It’s Medicare Season Again!
You know what that means! For millions of Medicare beneficiaries with a Medicare Advantage prescription drug or stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 is the annual open enrollment period.
Grief & Bereavement — Part I
Grief is a natural response to the loss of someone special. The process of grieving allows the griever to adapt to a new world of existence without the loved one. If allowed to proceed through the grieving process with minimal guilt, anxiety, stress, unresolved issues and conflict, we can help each griever experience their grief fully and allow the griever to validate and honor the life of the deceased, and affirm and strengthen relationships with survivors.
Choosing a Dignified Death
A Provider Order regarding Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) says what measures should be used to keep you alive in a medical emergency. It is different from an Advance Directive in that it will be followed by emergency personnel, provided that they are aware of its existence. If you don’t have a POLST, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are required to do whatever they can to restore and stabilize your heartbeat and breathing and take you to an appropriate facility for treatment.
How Will Rising Interest Rates Affect You?
The Federal Reserve (the Fed) has begun what it says will be a series of interest rate increases in an effort to slow the economy and temper the current surge in the inflation rate. At the start of 2022, the federal funds rate stood at near zero percent. By May, the Fed moved the federal funds rate 75 basis points (0.75 percent) higher.
Newborns & Social Security Numbers
Getting a newborn a Social Security (SS) number is important for his or her future. Feel free to share this time-saving information with prospective parents. If the child is born in a hospital, the easiest way to apply for a SS number is right at the hospital.
Help Protect Our Kūpuna Against Crime
Every year, Hawai‘i residents are swindled out of money through many forms of crime. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that 2.4 billion robocalls made every month. Over 3,500,000 older adults are swindled out of nearly $5 billion in personal savings each year. The average loss is $34,200-plus for every senior who falls victim to a scam. More than $17 million per year are lost to internet crimes (2021) — and cases are expected to rise by 10 percent this year.
Talk Story: A Favorite Senior Pastime
Talk story is a special and cherished activity among seniors at Roselani Place. Our activities director conducts a talk story twice a month and I also offer them from time to time. Talking story with our residents allows us to not only engage with them, but also encourages them to reminisce about the good old days, and learn more about one another.
Caregivers Must Ask Others for Help
When it’s a family caregiver’s sole responsibility to manage the care of a loved one, there will come a time when stress will get to a level where the caregiver becomes unable to perform self-care or continue to provide for their loved one. Getting others involved to help the caregiver will bring much-needed relief.
The Best Summer Drinks for Your Teeth
Lemonade, iced tea, smoothies and juices all sound delicious during hot summer days. But beware of the sugar content, especially if you’re drinking more than one glass a day. You probably already guessed that the most important drink is water! It’s good for your body and teeth.
Prevent Computer Vision Syndrome
Work-from-home “virtual” employees must take precautions in order to preserve the health of their eyes. Computer vision syndrome (CVS) isn’t a specific set of symptoms — it’s an umbrella term to describe the varying eye discomfort and symptoms caused by screen-related issues. It is almost impossible to avoid progressive vision issues with regular computer use.
The Brotherhood of Senior Softball
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.
Clean Your Closet Like There’s No Tomorrow
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.
Is It Worth Switching to an Electric Car?
Considering the rising costs of gasoline, is the initial price tag of an electric vehicle (EV) worth the extra money? EVs also impact the environmental less and offer other potential benefits, but what about hidden costs?
The Rarified Air of Acceptance
Our friends, old and new, are sweetly awed when we tell them our love story. We met in college in the mid-’70s. We fell in love. We knew beyond a doubt that we were meant to be together. Yet, as fate would have it, we met at the wrong place and the wrong time for our relationship to flourish.
Facing Age Discrimination
While we are taught to treat those of a different race or religion equitably, seniors often face age discrimination. It first appears as an attempt to be helpful. Someone holds a door open for us. The bus waits a little longer for us to climb aboard. The bank teller smiles more as he hones his patience with our slowness.
Follow the Medicare Road
Not too long ago, my extended family enjoyed getting all the cousins together to watch “The Wizard of Oz” every year. We loved watching Dorothy follow the yellow brick road to Oz. It was a great bonding activity. Now those same family members are calling to ask for help with Medicare. Where did the time go?
The Slap Heard Around the World
Last March, many witnessed the slap that was heard round the world. The unrehearsed and unscripted incident played out in front of the planet’s best actors, with 17 million viewers watching from home. It occurred in supposedly one of most civilized and curated places in the land. But everyone saw that even “winners” are not immune from knee-jerk reactions when messages perceived as offensive produce hurt feelings.
Zooming Into the Future
The US Census Bureau has reported that people aged 65 and older will outnumber those under 18 years old by 2034. Every year, millions of these senior citizens look at life after retirement as an opportunity to expand their horizons and learn more. It’s a time to take special-interest lessons or even earn a degree. For some, it may even mean going back into the workforce and starting a new career.
Jobs Then, Work Now
It’s a new day and a new time in today’s world of work. A shifting economic landscape continues to drive significant changes in the American workplace. Nearly every aspect of the country’s workforce has changed in the last 50 years.
A Pioneer in Neurosurgery
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.
Protect Pets After You’re Gone
Growing up, my family always had a pet. From dogs to cats to frogs and even a chicken for a day, pets have always been a part of my life. Today, our pet family consists of three dogs, a guinea pig, a bunny and frogs. Our pets are not just animals but members of our family. And like our family members, we want to ensure that they are taken care of after we are gone.
Events in March–April 2023
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Caregiver Stress and Wellness
Caregiver Stress and Wellness
March 3, 2023
Imagine walking out of your home and seeing a bear! Feeling stressed just thinking about it? Good! These bursts of stress help keep us alive, active, and motivated. The stress of caregiving and modern life doesn't happen in short bursts like with a bear sighting. Caregiving stress is persistent and can damage our mental and physical health.
VIRTUAL• Registration (complimentary) is required
• More information is available from The Caregiver Foundation at 808-625-3782 or email to info@thecaregiverfoundation.orgCaregiver Stress and WellnessCaregiver Stress and Wellness
March 3, 2023
Imagine walking out of your home and seeing a bear! Feeling stressed just thinking about it? Good! These bursts of stress help keep us alive, active, and motivated. The stress of caregiving and modern life doesn't happen in short bursts like with a bear sighting. Caregiving stress is persistent and can damage our mental and physical health.
VIRTUAL• Registration (complimentary) is required
• More information is available from The Caregiver Foundation at 808-625-3782 or email to info@thecaregiverfoundation.org -
SMP HAWAII 2023 Web Series on Fraud and Abuse
SMP HAWAII 2023 Web Series on Fraud and Abuse
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March 13, 2023Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Hawaii invites you to its 20/23 Web Series on Fraud Prevention: Scam Free in 2023. Learn from Hawaii residents, and local and national experts, including top security officers from American Savings Bank, Bank of Hawaii and First Hawaiian Bank, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit - Hawaii Department of the Attorney General; Better Business Bureau and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Foundation.
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The Realities of Aging
The Realities of Aging
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March 15, 2023
You're invited to join host Percy Ihara today for our monthly workshop at the Ala Moana Hotel. Topics include finances, gerontology, legal mistakes, support services, long-term care options, reverse mortgages and many more. Call 808-600-4383 to RSVP. Seating is limited. 8:30am – 4:30pm
Ala Moana Hotel -
Effective Communication Strategies with Calvin Hara
Effective Communication Strategies with Calvin Hara
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March 23, 2023Alzheimer's disease and other dementias gradually diminish a person's ability to communicate. Communication with a person with Alzheimer's requires patience, understanding and good listening skills. The strategies that will be explored can help both you and the person with dementia understand each other better.
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SMP HAWAII 2023 Web Series on Fraud and Abuse
SMP HAWAII 2023 Web Series on Fraud and Abuse
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April 10, 2023Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Hawaii invites you to its 20/23 Web Series on Fraud Prevention: Scam Free in 2023. Learn from Hawaii residents, and local and national experts, including top security officers from American Savings Bank, Bank of Hawaii and First Hawaiian Bank, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit - Hawaii Department of the Attorney General; Better Business Bureau and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Foundation.
VIRTUAL -
The Realities of Aging
The Realities of Aging
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April 19, 2023
You're invited to join host Percy Ihara today for our monthly workshop at the Ala Moana Hotel. Topics include finances, gerontology, legal mistakes, support services, long-term care options, reverse mortgages and many more. Call 808-600-4383 to RSVP. Seating is limited. 8:30am – 4:30pm
Ala Moana Hotel410 Atkinson DriveHonolulu, HI