Category: Column

  • Striving for Peace 80 Years After WWII

    This year marks 80 years since World War II ended. To me, this is a time to reflect on the horrors of war and remind ourselves to take steps to resolve conflict without violence. Hawai‘i is in a unique position as the steward of two icons of WWII history. The USS Arizona Memorial, a powerful…

  • Benefits of Using Artificial Intelligence, Part I

    In this two-part series, the benefits, risks and how seniors can reduce the possibility of being negatively impacted by artificial intelligence (AI) will be explored, beginning here by examining how AI can significantly enhance the lives of seniors by promoting independence, improving health management and providing companionship and support. HOW DOES AI WORK? AI learns…

  • Why Seniors Should Keep Working

    Retirement isn’t one-size-fits-all. For many seniors in Hawai‘i and beyond, continuing to work—whether full-time, part-time or on a volunteer basis—offers benefits that extend far beyond a paycheck. Staying in the workforce can sharpen the mind, support physical health and bring daily structure that gives life meaning. Stay Mentally Sharp Just as vital as mental stimulation…

  • Staying in the Driver’s Seat

    After receiving a well-worded summons from the Department of Motor Vehicles stating that at my age, I needed to take the road test to renew my driving license, I kept a low profile, hoping it would go away. My 80th birthday was fast approaching. I pictured this uniformed wiseacre 30-something yelling, “I said left Mrs.…

  • Grieving With Humor

    When we navigate grief or loss, we may find ourselves feeling guilty when we smile or have a good day. It’s common to get stuck in the darkness of this journey as you ride the waves of emotions and confusion that play out. The purpose of humor in grief is not to diminish the seriousness…

  • Bop, Bang, Bling!

    Pickleball is not only a great game for seniors, but for all ages. For example, my daughter, Lexie, who is 13, and her partner, Chacha, have had a lot of fun playing in King Intermediate School tournaments. My sister, Cat, who is 34, plays in the 5.0 division for both women’s and mixed doubles. She’s…

  • Hawai‘i Veteran Thomas Taro Higa

    It is an honor to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Okinawan immigration to Hawai‘i with the inspiring story of Thomas Taro Higa, a 100th Infantry Battalion WWII Veteran of Okinawan descent (generations808.com/125th-anniversary-of-okinawans-in-hawaii). Thomas was born in 1916 in Kahalu‘u, Hawai‘i, but was sent to Okinawa as a young child, where he gained a strong command…

  • Finding Peace at the End of Life

    In American society, we are often anxious and afraid to look directly at death and accept it as a mysterious, important and integral aspect of our living. So, we ignore death and do not explore, discuss and plan for our end-of-life care. We are too often unprepared when the time comes and we are told…

  • Who’s in Charge?

    “We’re not in charge anymore” is the phrase I find myself repeating over and over again to my husband, Bill. The first time I heard myself say that to him was when he complained about waiting for our son and his partner to choose a date in September to move some of our furniture from…

  • Students Promote Fall Safety

    Strength and balance are essential to staying independent as we age. But fall prevention isn’t just about exercise — it’s also about confidence. To that end, McKinley High School’s occupational therapy students recently partnered with kūpuna at the Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center, guiding them through exercises designed to improve stability and mobility. Coached by a…

  • Hawai‘i Veteran Dr. Takashi Manago

    Dr. Takashi Manago is one of six known living veterans of the mostly Hawai‘i-born, Japanese American unit — the 100th Infantry Battalion (the 100th). At age 101, Dr. Manago is an active member of the 100th Infantry Battalion Veterans organization, affectionally called “Club 100” and tirelessly makes public appearances to represent those killed in action…

  • Remember Our Veterans

    I’m honored to write a column about “veterans,” a word that brings tears to my eyes. My brother, Capt. Edwin Hayashi, was killed in a C-130 plane crash during the Vietnam era. He didn’t make it back to be a “veteran.” Veterans are survivors. When I spoke to the Vietnam Veterans of America – Chapter…