Who says there’s hardly any fun at a county fair? Seniors attended the Mayor’s Annual Craft & County Fair, held Nov. 18 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall. Craftspeople sold beautiful handmade items and Uncle sold his paintings. Singing? Can’t go without that.
Mr. Ed Angel participated in a karaoke contest singing it his way, MC’d by Jeff Apaka. Generations Magazine partnered in the City and County’s Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation event.
Lots of smiles and laughter at these events, so be sure not to miss this year’s fair in November.
Who says there’s hardly any fun at a county fair? Seniors attended the Mayor’s Annual Craft & County Fair, held Nov. 18 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall. Craftspeople sold beautiful handmade items and Uncle sold his paintings. Singing? Can’t go without that. Mr. Ed Angel participated in a karaoke contest singing it…
WELCOME CREW: Helen Wagner (left) and Barbara Service are among the friendly faces at monthly Kokua Council meetings.FREQUENT FLYERS: (From left) Jeani Withington from Hilo, Jim Cisler from Kailua-Kona, and Adele Rugg from Kahului attend Kūpuna Caucus meetings in Honolulu.SENIOR ADVOCATES: Patricia Morrissey and David Leake, of the Center on Disability Studies at the University of Hawai’i at Ma¯noa, spread awareness about the Hawaii Visitable Housing Coalition at www.cds.hawaii.edu/projects/hvc/.FIGHT FOR RIGHTS: At the Aug. 28 Kokua Council meeting, (from left) Dianne Stevens-Poire, Kate Paine, State Rep. Matthew S. Lopresti (D-Ewa) and Lourdes Scheibert discussed condo owners’ issues.MODELS OF HEALTH: Ms. Medicare titleholders (from left) Laurie Bachran, Fay Rawles Schoch and Terri Rainey graced the annual “Good Life Expo” from Sept. 22–24 in the Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.
KOKUA COUNCIL MEETINGS: Downtown Honolulu 11:30 am–1 pm, fourth Monday Harris United Methodist Church 20 S. Vineyard Blvd. Kāne‘ohe 11:30 am–1:30 pm, second Thurs. Pohai Nani, Club Room 45-090 Namoku St. Call Larry Geller: 808-540-1928 Jim Shon: jshon@hawaii.edu KŪPUNA CAUCUS MEETINGS: Hawai’i State Capitol 1:30 pm, every first Friday 415 S. Beretania St., Room 325 Call Sen. Les Ihara’s office:…
by Margaret A. Perkinson, PhD, Center on Aging Director, UH-Mānoa
Aging brings its own set of commonly experienced adversities: changes in health, declining ability to conduct everyday tasks, possible relocation to residential care, and illnesses and deaths of beloved family members and friends. Some people adapt to these changes, take things in stride and continue to flourish, while others do not. What enables some people to “bounce back” from difficult situations? What are their sources of strength? Can everyone develop this kind of resilience?
Resilience, the ability to adapt after experiencing stressful situations or negative life events, is possible at any age. A recent study of older adults from the Netherlands with serious health conditions identified important sources of strength that enabled them to adapt. The following are various characteristics, coping strategies, relationships and contexts that support their adaptations. They may help you develop resilience in the face of your own challenges.
Individual qualities: Believe in your own ability and competence. Recognize and value the qualities or characteristics that help you to adapt. Accept your limitations and be aware of your vulnerabilities.
Make an effort to control what you can. Actively prepare for possible losses and take action to influence their outcomes. Master your situation to the extent you can by practicing necessary skills, such as exercise. Be open to accepting help and support.
Set aside time to reflect upon current relationships, activities, goals and beliefs. Accept the positive and the negative. Avoid taking on the victim role by making illness or adversity the center of your identity. Focus on what you can do, not on what you cannot. Take one day at a time. Live in the present; don’t dwell on the past.
Interpersonal relationships: Develop empowering relationships. Interact and cooperate with family members and health professionals to achieve goals without being overly demanding. Consider the power of giving; engage in meaningful acts of mutual support and responsibility for others. Encourage positive relationships.
Broader social and political factors: Your community’s resources and characteristics can contribute to resilience. Advocate for accessible healthcare, social supports and age-friendly policies.
You may go through stages in developing resilience. You may doubt your ability to cope, but you can develop it. By actively cultivating resilience, you can influence the impact of stresses and enable your continued personal development and quality of life.
CENTER ON AGING — University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
2430 Campus Road, Gartley Hall, 201B, Honolulu HI 96822
by Margaret A. Perkinson, PhD, Center on Aging Director, UH-Mānoa Aging brings its own set of commonly experienced adversities: changes in health, declining ability to conduct everyday tasks, possible relocation to residential care, and illnesses and deaths of beloved family members and friends. Some people adapt to these changes, take things in stride and continue to…
Judy and I were married way back in 1979. She was just 26 and I was 25. While we were dating, I had her on a pedestal. She was my princess and I would buy her gifts and treat her as the most special woman in my life. Soon after we got married, we moved to Portland, Oregon, so that I could finish my last three years of seminary school.Is it please? Thank you? Yes dear? Those are great words but a different script saved my marriage. Here’s my story.
Will you forgive me? Yes, I forgive you.
I clearly remember the first night in our new apartment. She started cooking dinner at about 8:30 pm. By 9:30, my stomach was growling and so was I. Perplexed, Judy looked at me and asked, “Why are you so grouchy?” I responded, “I’m so hungry. When are we going to eat?” She responded, “Oh, I didn’t know. I eat whenever I feel like it.” Looking back, that episode was a sign of more stress to come. I quickly realized that my wonderful wife was creative, spontaneous and free-flowing. I, on the other hand, liked everything in order, like eating at the same time and being on time. I hated being late for anything.
So, who do you think got irritated? Not Judy! I’d grumble, “We’re late again. Don’t you know I don’t want to be late?!” “Judy, why do you leave your stuff on the dinner table? The table is for food, not storage!” Marriage to a spontaneous woman was quite an adjustment for me. We had wonderful times together, but I was often impatient and irritated.
Seeking a solution, I began praying, “Lord, please change my wife. Help her to get organized!” My repeated prayer got no answer. Then one day I sensed Father God’s answer. “Russell, Judy doesn’t have to change. You have to! You must become more loving and patient!”
In spite of my protests, I knew my Father was right. It was then that I learned the words that saved my marriage. “Will you forgive me? Will you please forgive me for my impatience, for being demanding and for acting unloving?”
When Judy responded, “I forgive you,” our marriage was revitalized. We’ve been married 37 years now and from time to time we still need to say those precious words.
“Will you forgive me?” Yes, I forgive you.”
Even in your golden years, practice forgiving and asking for forgiveness. Those eight words may save a precious relationship.
STREAMS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP
Manoa Elementary School Cafeteria
3155 Manoa Road, Honolulu HI 96822
808-554-4513 | www.streamsoflife.org
Services: Sundays, 10 am
Alternate site: Manoa District Park
2721 Ka‘aipu Ave., Honolulu HI 96822
by Pastor Russ Higa Judy and I were married way back in 1979. She was just 26 and I was 25. While we were dating, I had her on a pedestal. She was my princess and I would buy her gifts and treat her as the most special woman in my life. Soon after we…
by Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans and Kokua Council
Beginning in 2008, the Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans (HARA) and Kokua Council present their Shining Light Awards to individuals and organizations who have been strong advocates for seniors, demonstrating an understanding of the important issues.
This year, the groups honored two men who represent very different advocacy traditions.
John Radcliffe has been a long-time labor leader and lobbyist for a variety of clients and causes. Recently, his personal struggle with a life-threatening illness transformed him into a passionate and effective advocate for Death with Dignity legislation. His frequent public testimony about his personal challenge is authentic and poignant.
(L–R) Felipe Tan, former EOA accountant; John G. McDermott; Serafin “Jun” Colmenares, former EOA planner.
John McDermott has been Hawai‘i’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman since 1998, protecting the state’s most vulnerable adults. Some of his major accomplishments include legislation requiring criminal background checks for those having contact with vulnerable adults, legislation requiring that annual inspection and complaint results for care facilities be posted on the state Department of Health website, and legislation restoring a fulltime ombudsman for O‘ahu and approving part-time ombudsman positions for other islands.
HARA and Kokua Council present these awards annually at their annual post-legislative session review called “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.”
HARA and Kokua Council are part of the growing number of community-driven senior advocacy groups that pay particular attention to public policy, following important pieces of legislation, meeting with legislators and staff, and providing testimony on a wide range of issues.
The review provides an opportunity for legislators to remind us of the good they have done — but also provides advocates a chance to remind elected officials what still needs to be accomplished.
This year’s meeting was a candid, open and respectful review. Concerns about the legislative process, community program oversight, quality-control systems and effectiveness were also aired.
Both organizations are always seeking more members and participants in their activities.
KOKUA COUNCIL at Harris United Methodist Church
20 South Vineyard Blvd., Honolulu HI 96813
Jim Shon, Kokua Council President | 808-540-1928 www.kokuacouncil.blogspot.com/
by Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans and Kokua Council Beginning in 2008, the Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans (HARA) and Kokua Council present their Shining Light Awards to individuals and organizations who have been strong advocates for seniors, demonstrating an understanding of the important issues. This year, the groups honored two men who represent very…
by Martha Khlopin, Radio Host of “A Medicare Moment with Martha”
The 33rd Annual Good Life Expo is returning to your favorite spot, the Blaisdell Center, for first-class entertainment and fun. A few years ago, I had the pleasure of listening to 89-year-old Tony Bennett as he astounded the audience with his greatest hits, including his classic It’s the Good Life and another showstopper, his a capella performance of I Left My Heart in San Francisco. Diana Ross, who also appeared at the Blaisdell, sang beautifully and wowed the audience with six full costume changes consisting of floor length gowns complete with feathers and sequins—all at 70 years of age. At age 69, Carlos Santana also recently performed his hits, including my favorite, Maria, Maria, as a video of his appearances in Hawai‘i from the 1960s screened.
32nd Annual Hawaii Seniors’ Fair–The Good Life Expo
What do these great performers all have in common — besides headlining at the Blaisdell? They are over 65, still working and may qualify for Medicare. If you or someone you know is 65 or will be soon, don’t miss this year’s Good Life Expo, where you can talk to experts, ask questions, find useful resources and enjoy stellar entertainment. The event is scheduled for Sept. 22, 23 and 24. I will be at the Kaiser Permanente table this year, booths 330 and 331, so please stop by and let’s talk about “The Good Life!”
by Martha Khlopin, Radio Host of “A Medicare Moment with Martha” The 33rd Annual Good Life Expo is returning to your favorite spot, the Blaisdell Center, for first-class entertainment and fun. A few years ago, I had the pleasure of listening to 89-year-old Tony Bennett as he astounded the audience with his greatest hits, including…
by Jim Cisler, Recognition and Awards Committee Chair
On June 2, 2017, the State Executive Office on Aging Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs hosted the 54th annual Older Americans Month Awards Ceremony and Luncheon at 15 Craigside Place in Honolulu.
Each year, the Federal Administration for Community Living provides a national theme to celebrate the accomplishments of our older citizens. This year’s theme — AGE OUT LOUD! — was meant to spotlight many important issues and trends.
This event was intended to recognize and
celebrate what “getting older” looks like today.
Increasingly, our kūpuna engage in their communities, strive for wellness, focus on independence and advocate for themselves.
(L–R, back row) MC Rep. Gregg Takayama, MCOA Deborah Stone-Walls, EAD Nalani Aki, Gov. David Ige, EOA Terri Byers, KAEA Kealoha Takahashi, HCOA C. Kimo Alameda, PABEA Joy Miyasaki, (front row) Maui – Cornelius Feenstra & Yaemi Yogi, O‘ahu – Anthony Baccay, Kaua‘i – James Jung & Sanae Morita, Hawai‘i Island – Anthony Ancheta & Doris M. Davis.
Doris “DD” Davis and Anthony “Tony” Ancheta were Hawai‘i County’s honorees. DD, vice president of the Pahala Senior Club, serves meals at the club’s nutrition center, helps delivered meals, and assists with sewing and art classes. She’s active with the Baha’i Faith Spiritual Assembly in Ka‘ū, Friends of the Ka‘ū Libraries, and the Adopt-a-Highway program.
Tony is a volunteer van driver. He a board member and coordinator for “Da Guys,” the men’s group at the Waimea Senior Citizen’s Club. He served in the Hawai‘i Army National Guard for 30 years. He assisted Hamakua plantation employees in their transition to become landowners and farmers. He even learned their language so he could help them with tax and insurance issues.
Honorees also included Sanae Morita and James “Jim” Jung from Kaua‘i County. A retired elementary school teacher, Sanae has worked with the Kaua‘i Association for Family and Community Education for more than 50 years. She is a docent for the Grove Farm Museum, a greeter at the Kaua‘i Museum and a member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program Advisory Council.
Jim is a retired public defender who volunteers at Kaua‘i Hospice and serves as an AARP driver safety instructor. The U.S. Coast Guard veteran is also an ocean safety educator with the Kaua‘i Lifeguard Association. He is a professional storyteller at the Kaua‘i Museum focusing on Polynesian migration and ocean voyaging.
Anthony “Tony” Baccay from the City and County of Honolulu was also honored. Tony is a 21-year U.S. Air Force veteran who spent another 21 years working with the county’s Elderly Affairs Division. He volunteers for Project Dana, shops for the home-bound, transports patients to doctor visits and teaches seniors how to manage medical challenges. He is also a USO volunteer at the Joint Base Peral Harbor Hickam.
Maui County residents Yaemi Yogi and Cornelius Feenstra were also honored. Yaemi, 91, has volunteered at Kaunoa Senior Services and the Maui Adult Day Care Centers for the past 17 years. She helps also helps with office tasks.
Holland native Cornelius is a concentration camp survivor. After the war, he participated in relief efforts, human rights campaigns, blood drives and fundraising for war victims. He now volunteers with the Maui Medical Center Aloha Committee, the Good Neighbors Club and the Kīhei Adult Community Center.
by Jim Cisler, Recognition and Awards Committee Chair On June 2, 2017, the State Executive Office on Aging Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs hosted the 54th annual Older Americans Month Awards Ceremony and Luncheon at 15 Craigside Place in Honolulu. Each year, the Federal Administration for Community Living provides a national theme to celebrate…
As the years roll by, it is not always easy to keep perspective on the people who mean the most to us. Sometimes we forget to show the appreciation they are due.
But it is important to remember to express our love and honor our senior citizens while they are still here.
For example, one Sunday, a celebration honoring 98-yearold auntie Jane Chang drew an adoring crowd. Her favorite color is pink, so we all wore it. Her favorite foods are nishime, mochi and undagi, so that’s what we ate (among other things). Her favorite songs were sung and we shared testimonies about how she has touched our lives. We presented gifts to her — she was treated like a queen. Auntie Jane was touched, as well as her family and friends who joined in the special celebration.
Auntie Jane Chang, above, seated with her family and friends at Sunday worship at the Ma¯noa District Park.It is good to honor seniors on their special day, and treat them with tender loving care — and don’t forget to be kind to yourself!
If you asked a senior citizen how he or she feels about themselves, how would they respond?
A typical senior, myself included, since I’m 63, would probably say, “Oh, I’m just an old fossil!” During a recent Sunday message, I took this to the test by giving each senior in our fellowship a small mirror. I asked each one to look at themselves for one minute. Then I asked, “What did you see?” They answered, wrinkles, white hair, sags, bags, receding hairlines. We all noticed our aging — even the younger ones. Then I asked, “Is that how Papa God sees you?” I went on to explain that God sees us as a unique, precious, beautiful and amazing gift! He sees us as His masterpieces!
As seniors, we often see our diminishing strength; our frailty. God wants us to see our beauty. So the next time you look into the mirror, don’t focus on your wrinkles, sags and bags.
Declare your truth. “I am beautiful. I am amazing. I am God’s masterpiece.” That’s the truth! Believe it and live it!
STREAMS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP
Ma¯noa District Park
2721 Ka‘aipu Ave, Honolulu HI 96822 808-554-4513 | www.streamsoflife.org
Services: Sundays, 10 am
Alternative site: Ma¯noa Elementary School Cafeteria
3155 Manoa Rd, Honolulu, HI 96822
As the years roll by, it is not always easy to keep perspective on the people who mean the most to us. Sometimes we forget to show the appreciation they are due. But it is important to remember to express our love and honor our senior citizens while they are still here. For example, one…
National bestseller Disrupt Aging: A Bold New Path to Living Your Best Life at Every Age by AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins is a book for anyone who wants to live a life of possibility, connection and growth.
We’ve all read it and heard it: “50 is the new 30” and “60 is the new 40.” But Jenkins disagrees. She believes 50 is the new 50, and she, for one, likes how it looks.
In what MIT Age Lab Director Joseph F. Coughlin has called “A brilliant and compelling new look at the future of aging,” the author shows us how to embrace opportunities and change the way we look at growing older. She encourages us to re-think the negative stories we tell ourselves and each other about aging and to instead view our later years as a period of continued growth and something to look forward to — not as a time of decline or something to fear.
Disrupt Aging chronicles the journeys of Jo Ann and other fearless individuals working to change what it means to age in America. In her highly focused but down-to-earth personal style, she focuses on three core areas — health, wealth and self — and offers readers a new vision and practical advice that can empower them to choose how they live as they age.
Our ability to live longer, healthier lives is one of our greatest achievements — it’s time we treat it as such. Disrupt Aging shows readers how.
Find out more about the book and where it can be purchased through a browser search or a book title search at www.aarp.org.
National bestseller Disrupt Aging: A Bold New Path to Living Your Best Life at Every Age by AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins is a book for anyone who wants to live a life of possibility, connection and growth. We’ve all read it and heard it: “50 is the new 30” and “60 is the new…
Generations Magazine roving photographer David Livingston captures movers and shakers attending senior events and facility grand openings around the islands.
Kala¯kaua Gardens, a premier senior assistedliving community, held its grand opening in early December. Residents and friends alike enjoyed stellar performances and great food.
The other grand event was, of course, GM’s brunch at Dave & Busters, where partnerships and friendships among all who support the welfare of our senior community were celebrated.
Generations Magazine roving photographer David Livingston captures movers and shakers attending senior events and facility grand openings around the islands. Kala¯kaua Gardens, a premier senior assistedliving community, held its grand opening in early December. Residents and friends alike enjoyed stellar performances and great food. The other grand event was, of course, GM’s brunch at Dave…
There’s no escaping the fact that people in Hawai‘i pay the price of living in paradise. The cost of living is about 60 percent higher than in most states, while wages are among the lowest when adjusted for Hawai‘i’s high cost of living.
Housing is particularly expensive. The Honolulu Board of Realtors reported that the median sales price of a single-family home was $750,000 in November. Meanwhile, the 2015 median monthly rental costs of a home was $1,500 (U.S. Census, American Community Survey).
It is difficult enough for working families to make ends meet with a regular paycheck, but it’s even harder when people retire and live on a fixed income that doesn’t keep pace with rising costs. And unfortunately, many residents are not saving enough for retirement.
The National Institute on Retirement Security reports that the average working household in the U.S. has virtually no retirement savings. When all households are included — not just households with retirement accounts — the median retirement account balance is $2,500 for all workingage households and $14,500 for near-retirement households. And, the growing dependence on Social Security poses an additional challenge. The program was never meant to provide more than one-third of retirement income. But in 2016, nearly 26 percent of Hawai‘i retirees relied completely on Social Security and 50 percent depended on it for half of their retirement income. The average monthly Social Security benefit of $1,408 is not enough to live on in Hawai‘i without government help or continuing to work full- or part-time.
People living only on Social Security are more likely to need taxpayer-subsidized food, medical insurance and housing.
A new AARP Hawaii survey of registered voters ages 35 to 64 found that:
49 percent feel behind in saving for retirement;
56 percent feel anxious about having enough money saved for retirement;
79 percent are concerned as taxpayers that those who are not able to save for retirement will end up on public assistance.
Heavier reliance on our social safety net programs imposes an increased tax burden for all Hawai‘i residents unless we can figure out real ways to help more workers save for retirement.
Roughly half of Hawai‘i’s workforce doesn’t have a way to save for retirement at work, even though we know that a retirement plan that lets workers save out of their regular paycheck makes them 15 times more likely to save for retirement than those without that access.
There are 216,000 private sector workers in Hawai‘i who don’t have access to retirement savings at work, even though it’s the most important factor in a person’s ability to save for retirement.
So what can Hawai‘i do to help these workers?
Eight states (California, Illinois, Oregon, Maryland, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Washington and New Jersey) have passed legislation that offers workers access to a retirement savings program. Hawai‘i is among two dozen other states considering similar steps to help future retirees.
A resolution to address this issue is before the 2017 Legislature. If passed, a work group of business and community stakeholders will study and recommend strategies to help more people save and enjoy a retirement with real possibilities in Hawai‘i Nei.
There’s no escaping the fact that people in Hawai‘i pay the price of living in paradise. The cost of living is about 60 percent higher than in most states, while wages are among the lowest when adjusted for Hawai‘i’s high cost of living. Housing is particularly expensive. The Honolulu Board of Realtors reported that the…
The day was filled with reverence and joy towards the center’s mission to serve our senior community. In the Hawaiian language, “Nā Kūpuna Makamae” means “the beloved seniors.”A group of dignitaries and staffs gathered and shared their aloha on the grand opening.
Nā Kūpuna Makamae Center opened its doors on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2016, after 12 months of restoration of the 116-year-old pump station in Kaka‘ako on Ala Moana Boulevard. Over 100 invitees were welcomed by Pacific Gateway Center Executive Director Dr. Tin Myaing Thein (right photo), who manages the new senior center. Kahu Wendell Silva began with an aloha chant followed by music and hula by the Hiwa class of Halau Ika Wekiu. A traditional Hawaiian blessing of the historic landmark led attendees into the building, where photos from before and after, stories from kūpuna, and music by Sen. Brickwood Galuteria and Mike Seda were enjoyed by all (above).
The center’s list of program activities promote: active aging with various stay-well exercises, nutrition, music, dance and art; a focus on inter generational training, in which youth exchange and learn from elders, and educate seniors through “Kūpuna Power;” a platform that seeks to educate and empower Hawai‘i’s elderly.
Program Coordinator Marlene Sai and Marketing Coordinator Valery O’Brien invite you to visit and become a member of Nā Kūpuna Makamae Center. The free-parking entrance is off of Keawe Street; TheBus bus stop is conveniently located just out front on Ala Moana Boulevard.
Nā Kūpuna Makamae Center
653 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu HI
(corner of Keawe Street & Ala Moana Boulevard) 808-773-7047 | nakupunamakamae.org
Nā Kūpuna Makamae Center opened its doors on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2016, after 12 months of restoration of the 116-year-old pump station in Kaka‘ako on Ala Moana Boulevard. Over 100 invitees were welcomed by Pacific Gateway Center Executive Director Dr. Tin Myaing Thein (right photo), who manages the new senior center. Kahu Wendell Silva began…
As the years roll by, it is not always easy to keep perspective on the people who mean the most to us. Sometimes we forget to show the appreciation they are due.
As seniors, we often see our diminishing strength; our frailty. God wants us to see our beauty. So the next time you look into the mirror, don’t focus on your wrinkles, sags and bags.
National bestseller Disrupt Aging: A Bold New Path to Living Your Best Life at Every Age by AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins is a book for anyone who wants to live a life of possibility, connection and growth.
There’s no escaping the fact that people in Hawai‘i pay the price of living in paradise. The cost of living is about 60 percent higher than in most states, while wages are among the lowest when adjusted for Hawai‘i’s high cost of living.
The day was filled with reverence and joy towards the center’s mission to serve our senior community. In the Hawaiian language, “Nā Kūpuna Makamae” means “the beloved seniors.”
