Category: Editorial

Our Las Vegas Trip Winner

Winner Jeannette Shounk and Herb Nakagawa, president of Wahiawa Rainbow Senior Club

Wahiawa – Jeanette Shounk of Wahiawa Rainbow Seniors Club won a free Vacations Hawaii Las Vegas travel package for two. The round trip air fare and four night stay is provided by Vacations Hawai‘i, the popular travel company that specializes in mainland destinations for people in Hawai‘i. Presenting the prize were both our Generations Magazine representative Sherry Goya and Wahiawa Rainbow Seniors Club President Herb Nakagawa.

Seniors were able to participate in the drawing at the GM booth at the 2015 Seniors Fair. Thousands of seniors, many accompanied by loved ones and caregivers, reviewed the many exhibits. There was a new focus on health and fitness activities and products for active seniors.

A special thank you to everyone who came by to see us, and Congratulations Jeanette!

Wahiawa – Jeanette Shounk of Wahiawa Rainbow Seniors Club won a free Vacations Hawaii Las Vegas travel package for two. The round trip air fare and four night stay is provided by Vacations Hawai‘i, the popular travel company that specializes in mainland destinations for people in Hawai‘i. Presenting the prize were both our Generations Magazine…
Hawaii Parkinson’s Association
The Hawaii Parkinson’s Association (HPA) is a nonprofit volunteer group comprised of people with Parkinson’s disease, caregivers, family members, health care professionals, educators and leaders in the business community. Our mission is to support ongoing research into the cause of and cure for Parkinson’s disease, and to educate patients, caregivers, and the public about how to live well with Parkinson’s, here and now.

Hawaii Parkinson Association was established in 1996, and in 2012 affiliated with the National Parkinson Foundation. Beginning January 1, 2016, the organization will again reorganize as HPA and all funds raised by HPA will stay in Hawai‘i to support our local mission.

In October, a large number of supporters join a walk for Parkinson’s awareness at the HPA “Moving Day” event. To learn more email: movingday@parkinson.org.

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disease that causes brain cells controlling movement to die without being replaced. The most noticeable symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include slowness of movement, tremor, rigidity and difficulty with posture and balance. Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurological disease in the nation.

In addition to having a strong support network at home and in the community, exercise and physical activity are keys to living well with Parkinson’s disease. HPA acts as the hub of information for people living with Parkinson’s disease in Hawaii as well as their caregivers.

We currently manage eight support groups for patients and caregivers. HPA also funded the development of exercise classes designed specifically for people living with Parkinson’s, which YMCA of O‘ahu offers at six of their locations. HPA offers educational seminars and workshops throughout the year on important topics: medication management, deep brain stimulation therapy, physical activity and exercise, and how patients may gain access to local clinical trials.

People living with Parkinson’s disease need not face the future alone or with uncertainty. Listen to what Sheldon Hershinow from O’ahu has to say:

“I am deeply grateful for the range of information that Hawaii Parkinson’s Foundation provides. I’ve gained valuable insights from symposia, workshops and support group meetings, allowing me to ask my own neurologist the right questions and to select the best machines for me at the gym. The organization has led me to enjoy twice-weekly movement classes that encourage me to do my best without worrying about any shortfall.”

For more information contact HPA/NPF Hawaii.

HAWAII PARKINSON’S ASSOCIATION

808-528-0935

info@parkinsonshawaii.org

www.parkinsonshawaii.org
The Hawaii Parkinson’s Association (HPA) is a nonprofit volunteer group comprised of people with Parkinson’s disease, caregivers, family members, health care professionals, educators and leaders in the business community. Our mission is to support ongoing research into the cause of and cure for Parkinson’s disease, and to educate patients, caregivers, and the public about how…
I Love New Beginnings!

I love New Year’s Day. Without Jan. 1, how would we know when to buy a new calendar? Call me old-fashioned, but I tend to look at that fresh new calendar year on paper like a crab leg and prime rib buffet spread out before me.

I have been having my share of new beginnings during this past year. Mrs. Matthews and I gave up our car. We live in downtown Honolulu for those short trips around town, we can take The Bus. Don’t you love the senior bus pass? Unless somebody is giving you free malasadas every morning, this is the best deal around. The only downside — when the driver looks at your face instead of your pass and says “Get on,” (he already knows you’re a senior).

Since retiring, I have a lot more time for reading Right now, I’m reading Medicare & You 2016, that 162-page book sent to 50 million Americans. My book club is discussing “Section 11 — Definitions.” I feel compelled to read it since so many trees gave up their lives to make the paper.

I just learned to use my DVR. It’s like a time machine! If you want to watch a TV show that comes on late at night (anytime after 9pm), just record it and watch it when you want to. Magic.

More new beginnings on the technology front. On my computer, I used to bookmark CNN, Entertainment Weekly, KHON (of course), Facebook and Yahoo! Now WebMD is at the top of the list.

Good luck with your new beginnings. I would write more, but the No. 1 to the Kalihi Transit Center just pulled up.

Retired Broadcast Personalities and Journalists Kirk Matthews and Linda Coble speak from the heart on issues concerning boomers and seniors. Post comments for them below.

I love New Year’s Day. Without Jan. 1, how would we know when to buy a new calendar? Call me old-fashioned, but I tend to look at that fresh new calendar year on paper like a crab leg and prime rib buffet spread out before me. I have been having my share of new beginnings…
Message from The Editor

The holiday season builds to a high crescendo, ending with fireworks and joyful revelry to usher in a new year. Transition is all around us — closing out accounts and starting new ventures; grieving the loss of loved ones and celebrating the birth of little ones. Whatever develops in our lives, we choose how we react to it — to respond negatively, shrug it off, or get energized. With so many things happening at once, transitions seem harder to manage. We see seniors returning to the God of their youth for comfort.

The GM photo crew, (L–R) Katherine, Fr. Pat, Fr. Bill, Imelda, Wilson and Brian at the Kauhako crater.

We asked Father Bill Petrie, pastor of St. Damien Church in Kaunakakai Moloka‘i to address transitions and new beginnings. His story takes us to Kalaupapa, where Hansen’s disease patients faced some of the most traumatic transitions in life. Saint Damien and his team were there to help them. Inspired by Damien, Father Bill spent his life helping Hansen’s disease patients in India, with Mother Teresa. His simple plan for new beginnings involves something we don’t often take time for: quiet reflection. It’s a great message for the holidays and the New Year.

We are very grateful to Wilson Angel’s cousin, Imelda Angel, a nurse who works at the medical clinic at Kalaupapa, and to Father Patrick Killilea, pastor of St. Francis Catholic Church in Kalaupapa, for inviting us to the settlement. Without their kind assistance and long hours ushering us around all the sacred sites, there would be no visual story to show. Father Patrick’s “Paddy Wagon” and Imelda’s truck carried equipment, luggage and the nosey GM crew to places most visitors never see.

In his photos, GM photographer, Brian Suda, captures the profound spiritual peace and sacredness that comforts your soul when you stand on Kalaupapa ground.

Our contributors carry the theme of new beginnings through the magazine, with resources and ideas for transitioning and taking the next step on the path of life — ways to enjoy your retirement and give back to your community. We are so grateful for all the talent and resources that come together in this issue. And to you, our readers for your wonderful support and feedback, we send our blessings for a happy, healthy 2016.

Every Day is Brand New!

Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith, Associate Editor

Addendum to Oct/Nov issue, Table of Contents pg. 5: The lovely bronze statue in Ala Moana Park that graced our October/November issue, was sculpted by Gary Alsum and dedicated by Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris in 2000, to the children of Hawai‘i.

The holiday season builds to a high crescendo, ending with fireworks and joyful revelry to usher in a new year. Transition is all around us — closing out accounts and starting new ventures; grieving the loss of loved ones and celebrating the birth of little ones. Whatever develops in our lives, we choose how we…
Playtime for Tutu

On a warm Friday morning in July, I spent some one-on-one time with my four-year old granddaughter at the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center in Kaka‘ako. We’ve been going there for over two years and love visiting all three floors. During some visits, we just spend two or three hours on one floor, and then there are times when Alexis wants to explore all three!

On this particular day, as I watched her play in the familiar “Rainforest,” where kids learn about the environment. There was a 50-50 parents-to-grandparents ratio with keiki younger than one year old to over seven. I am sure there are many grandparents in Hawai‘i who babysit, some full-time and some, like me, who watch grandchildren during holidays or school vacations.

The Discovery Center is a great place for grandparents to have a few hours of fun, education and entertainment. Share the experience of “Your Town” on the ground floor, where there is a grocery store with shopping carts and food, plus a check-out counter, a bank with a drive-up teller window, mechanic’s shop to repair a car, fireman’s truck and equipment, theater for performances in costume and even a post office with mail boxes all around the town.

To learn more, check out their website at www.discoverycenterhawaii.org. Visit them at 111 Ohe St. in Kaka‘ako or call 808-524-5437. Lastly, I’d have to say, there are lots of places to SIT and enjoy Alexis at play for this Tutu!

Stories for and about seniors and their caregivers are always worth sharing, like a 100 birthday announcement, send it to me, Sherry Goya, with a photo. 808-722-8487 | SGoyaLLC@aol.com

On a warm Friday morning in July, I spent some one-on-one time with my four-year old granddaughter at the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center in Kaka‘ako. We’ve been going there for over two years and love visiting all three floors. During some visits, we just spend two or three hours on one floor, and then there…
Record Crowd Packs 9th AIP Workshop

This year’s 9th Annual “Aging in Place Workshop” at the Ala Moana Hotel was the most successful that Generations Magazine and KHON2 Elderhood Project have ever hosted. Seventy-five exhibitors awaited the arrival of over 1,500 excited attendees. The workshop took place on Aug. 15, and between 8:30 am and 2:45 pm, 18 different sessions offered topics for seniors ranging from financial planning to healthy workout routines.

The workshop sessions educate seniors on ways to remain mobile, independent and alert so they can live independently in their own homes. AARP even hosted a birthday party to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Social Security with a visit from Sen. Brian Schatz. Seniors also had a special opportunity to meet three winners of the 2015 Ms. Medicare Pageant.

A key session on preparing to stay in your home drew a standing-room-only crowd. Attorney Stephen Yim suggested seniors be sure that their wills and trusts conform to current U.S. and Hawai‘i state regulations. Percy Ihara discussed how reverse mortgage programs can help seniors keep owning and living in their homes. Financial planner Michael W. Yee answered many questions on preparing for the costs of long-term home care.

Long life has many challenges. Gerry Silva, state president of AARP, spoke on the future of Social Security, assuring seniors that it’s “here to stay.” He said, “If it weren’t for Social Security, about half of the people over age 65 would be below the federal poverty line.”

The Aging in Place Workshop teaches ways to manage in our own homes as we age — to delay moving to a care facility as long as possible. That way, we can enjoy living in the place where we raised our children, surrounded by family and friends, and precious memories.

This year’s 9th Annual “Aging in Place Workshop” at the Ala Moana Hotel was the most successful that Generations Magazine and KHON2 Elderhood Project have ever hosted. Seventy-five exhibitors awaited the arrival of over 1,500 excited attendees. The workshop took place on Aug. 15, and between 8:30 am and 2:45 pm, 18 different sessions offered…
A Time to Ask . . . A Time to Listen

By the time you read this, I will have traveled to Oregon to visit my mother. I am lucky to have her in my life. I was one of the original baby boomers, born when my dad returned from WW II.

During our visits, we drive to many of the places where I grew up. And we will talk. This is her joy. Her long-term memories are more vivid than her recollection of what she had for breakfast. I see nothing wrong with that. Every time we talk she brings up something I never heard before.

MOM: “ That’s where the principal of the school poached a deer.”

KIRK: “You never told me that!”

MOM: “You never asked.”

Writers in this magazine always try to pass along important information. This is mine — ask while you have the opportunity.

During our trip, we will also attend Linda’s milestone 50th high school reunion. I can’t wait to see all the fat, bald guys she dated in high school! Some of these “kids” she has known since grade school. (Here’s where the “Mom” connection comes in.) Linda and her friends will remember their school days very clearly, but forget the room number at the hotel.

I look forward to driving to the places dear to my mom’s heart. Because I love her, by proxy they are dear to me, too. After more than 40 years of talking on the television, it will be pleasant just to listen for a while — and maybe ask a question or two.

Retired Broadcast Personalities and Journalists Kirk Matthews and Linda Coble speak from the heart on issues concerning boomers and seniors. Post comments for them below.

By the time you read this, I will have traveled to Oregon to visit my mother. I am lucky to have her in my life. I was one of the original baby boomers, born when my dad returned from WW II. During our visits, we drive to many of the places where I grew up.…
Message from The Editor

This issue is jammed with great information and articles about women. Starting on page 16, Martha Khlopin tells the story of three youthful senior ladies who won the 2015 Ms. Medicare pageant. She explores the “Nature of Youth”— the source of youthfulness at any age. Her conclusion may cause you to take another look in the mirror.

The connection between youthfulness and health finds the physical side with Wendell, a retiree whose doctor took him off diabetes pills because he has been controlling his sugar by living a healthy lifestyle (p.36). On the spiritual side, an exhibition of Ikebana Japanese floral arrangement comes to O‘ahu in October, promising communion with nature, quiet peace and renewed inspiration (p.24). And meet the women of Na Koa Football Club (p.28).

Other Highlights

On page 33, clinical researchers at Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience encourage us to follow a nutritious diet that can support our brains and keep them healthy longer.

We can make a difference. Our legislature is considering The Hawaii Care Act that defines instruction hospitals give to family caregivers when patients are discharged from the hospital. Learn about this issue on page 32, and how to help AARP support it.

Sherry Goya and GM Intern Brittany Nakamoto were assisted by over 15 volunteers from Project Dana and AARP — greeting and directing 1500 attendees to 9th Annual Aging in Place Workshop breakout rooms. Mahalo everyone!

The Generations Magazine and KHON2 9th Annual “Aging In Place Workshop” was a huge success! If you could not attend, our U.H. intern, Brittany Nakamoto details event highlights on page 12. We’ll be looking for you next year!

November begins the giving season. On page 52 Deputy Prosecutor, Scott Spallina tells us how to research charities so we know our gifts are getting to the people we want to help. If you are gifting part of your estate to your favorite charity, attorney Jeff Sisemoore tells how to do it on page 50.

The Generations staff and partners wish you a very happy Thanksgiving holiday. We thank our writers and advertisers for supporting Hawai‘i seniors and families. We are most grateful for you, our readers, and for the opportunity to bring you helpful resources for living.

Every Day is Brand New!

Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith, Associate Editor

This issue is jammed with great information and articles about women. Starting on page 16, Martha Khlopin tells the story of three youthful senior ladies who won the 2015 Ms. Medicare pageant. She explores the “Nature of Youth”— the source of youthfulness at any age. Her conclusion may cause you to take another look in…
Computer Savvy Seniors

As I was thinking about how many seniors don’t use email or the web, it occurred to me that perhaps they don’t have children or grandchildren who “insist” on training them. So I checked out a couple of places that specialize in teaching seniors computer skills.

Bilingual System Links, LLC

Bilingual System Links, LLC

One is Bilingual System Links LLC, which has classes personalized for seniors 60 and over in both English and Japanese. Students may bring their personal laptop, iPhone, tablet or smartphone. The instructors are very patient, speak clearly and allow students to work at their own pace. Beginners may choose to learn the basics of keyboard typing, Microsoft Word formatting, and how to save and file documents for easy retrieval. They also offer instruction on safe use of Internet/email and computer basics for Mac or PC. Intermediate level students can learn Excel, Powerpoint, Facebook, YouTube and Skype, etc. Classes are small and students learn theories and practice hands-on. Call 808-952-0712 or visit www.BSL808.com.

The Emeritus College at HCC

Emeritus College at HCC

The Emeritus College at Honolulu Community College offers adults 55-plus a wide range of computer-related courses throughout the year taught by volunteer instructors. Tuition fees are used to cover the costs of the facilities, equipment and maintenance services for the program. Class offerings include the “basics”— Internet, email, Excel, Word, Windows, iPad and other fun workshops. Senior instructors know how to work with their senior students and enjoy the interactions. Joining the Emeritus Senior Club offers member discounts for classes and includes the Open Computer Laboratory. For a course schedule and full details, call 808-845-9296. General information is available online at www.honolulu.hawaii.edu/node/387 or pcatt.org/emeritus.

If you’re on the Neighbor Islands, check with your local senior center for classes — you might just find more things to be interested in.

Whichever classes you decide to take, you will be pleased with the knowledge and care of all instructors. Don’t be afraid of the computer, because it will probably bring you closer to your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Be fearless as you join them in the “computer age!”

Stories for and about seniors and their caregivers are always worth sharing, like a 100 birthday announcement, send it to me, Sherry Goya, with a photo. 808-722-8487 | SGoyaLLC@aol.com

As I was thinking about how many seniors don’t use email or the web, it occurred to me that perhaps they don’t have children or grandchildren who “insist” on training them. So I checked out a couple of places that specialize in teaching seniors computer skills. Bilingual System Links, LLC One is Bilingual System Links…
A Random Act of Aloha

Denise Hollis, Healing Touch® Instructor and Practitioner treats a client

The trouble with traveling to the mainland for surgery is getting home. Negotiating planes, cars and vans on crutches or a walker was a problem my husband Harry faced after his total knee surgery. For seniors, decreased strength and flexibility is a distinct disadvantage in planes, airports, lavatories, security and baggage claim — all built based on military designs for 20-year-old soldiers.

After Mayo Clinic released Harry “into the community,” I drove us from Mayo to Minneapolis airport (about two hours). Harry did pretty well on his crutches, getting on and off the rental car shuttle at the airport. Then the fun began. At six feet, two inches tall and 240-pounds, he was not able to flex his operated knee enough to put his foot on the wheelchair footrest. He went through security on crutches. We figured a way he could ride and use one crutch to hold up the bad leg, so it didn’t hit the floor. Crowds of travelers, ignored our “excuse us,” as they defended their space.

Once on the plane, we discovered that bulkhead seats now have LESS leg room than regular seats. Fortunately, the stewardess said Harry could move his seat. After he was up and balanced on his crutches in the isle, she reappeared yelling, “What are you DOING?” I stammered, “You said my husband can change his seat.” She shot back, “Well. I can’t help you! We’re not allowed to assist disabled passengers.”

I was dumbfounded, but Harry was already hobbling down the isle, hoping to stretch out his leg and get some relief.

Then a sweet, calm voice said, “I’ll help you.” With three words, a very attractive woman in the row behind us taught a planeload of passengers a lesson in compassion. I thanked her for her kindness, but Harry was already flopping into his new seat, with a groan. The stark contrast between the flight attendant, the self-absorbed, now curious travelers, and this lady’s act of aloha— brought tears to my eyes. I was grateful that we were on our way home to Hawai‘i. We are so used to living aloha that we forget the mainland can be so hard and cold.

We began to chat. Her name was Denise Hollis, a Healing Touch practitioner from St Paul. She said, “Perhaps I can relieve the pain. Do you think he would be open to a treatment?” Neither Harry nor I knew what Healing Touch was, but we both said, “Yes!” For fifteen minutes Denise hovered her hands about two or three inches over Harry’s incision, to relieve the pain and encourage healing. Harry, a kidder, asked her, “Is this voo doo or woo woo?” She giggled. Harry relaxed and started to breathe normally for the first time in four hours. Soon he was asleep.

I found that Healing Touch focuses on restoring the natural energy fields that surround the body. Opening up normal energy flow that has been blocked by stress, anxiety, pain or trauma, allows the body to heal itself faster. Healing Touch schools, train practitioners to do this ancient practice of energy field therapy.

Denise’s compassion makes her well-suited to Healing Touch practice. She has never been to Hawai’i, but I told her that here, compassion is a way of life, and we call it “aloha.” She was amazed that our newspapers will often report a “random act of aloha,” a compassionate act extended to a stranger, in the moment of need.

So now I report to you, how Denise Hollis treated my husband‘s pain with Healing Touch. We found Healing Touch practitioners in Hawai‘i too. Mahalo Denise, for your aloha. You come visit Hawai‘i soon!

The trouble with traveling to the mainland for surgery is getting home. Negotiating planes, cars and vans on crutches or a walker was a problem my husband Harry faced after his total knee surgery. For seniors, decreased strength and flexibility is a distinct disadvantage in planes, airports, lavatories, security and baggage claim — all built…
Message from The Editor

How do the state and counties work together for seniors? We asked all four county executives on aging who administer and deliver services to the elderly to tell us about their favorite senior programs. There are so many departments, programs and organizations for seniors, that Wilson Angel, our art director, decided to list them for you and on the bottom of each page — like a program at a UH football game.

One thing is certain: seniors and persons with disabilities are not forgotten in Hawai‘i. You will be impressed at how much our state and counties do to support and bring services to seniors. Volunteers and non-profits come together with government and make it happen. When you visit a county agency or they come to your home, please extend your aloha for all they do. I suspect they get many requests and some complaints, but not very many thank-you’s.

Look at these two senior programs with upcoming application deadlines: Hawaii Food Bank Foodbox Program (p.46 of magazine or click here to read online) and the State Tax Relief Office Property Tax Credit for seniors (p. 37 of magazine or click here to read online).

Next, meet Barbara Service in our Volunteer Highlight (p.17of magazine or click here to read online). Barbara has found success and fulfillment, working on community initiatives at Keiki Caucus and Kupuna Caucus.

Last October, we reported on Alan Parker and his retirement as Director of Hawai‘i County Office on Aging. Alan comes back to Generations Magazine as an author with retirement lessons he learned over these past six months (p.56 of magazine or click here to read online).

On page 53 of magazine or click here to read online, learn what and Dr. Bowman are doing to diagnose and treat Alzheimer’s and dementia at their treatment center and clinical research institute.

It looks like we are in for extended “Dog Days of Summer” in this El Niño year. Get out of the heat at Generations Magazine and KHON2 Elderhood Project’s “9th Annual Aging In Place Workshop.” We also look forward to seeing you and your family at the Hawai‘i

Seniors’ Fair in September:
9th Annual Aging In Place Workshop
Saturday, Aug. 15
Ala Moana Hotel Conference Center
Hawai‘i Seniors’ Fair
Friday – Sunday, Sept. 25 – 27
Neal Blaisdell Center

Every Day is Brand New!
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith, Associate Editor

Correction June/July issue, “Keiko Matsui Higa Recalls Being Local,” pg. 31: To order copies of “Being Local in Hawaii” by Julia Keiko Higa, or book a lecture, call: 808-852-1892.

How do the state and counties work together for seniors? We asked all four county executives on aging who administer and deliver services to the elderly to tell us about their favorite senior programs. There are so many departments, programs and organizations for seniors, that Wilson Angel, our art director, decided to list them for…
Peace & Love. Not War.

Peace. That’s a word we hippies used for “goodbye.” (Yes I was, and yes, I had hair down to my shoulders.)

Peace is easy to say. As a concept, it may be harder to understand. It’s not just the absence of war. I first learned about worldwide peace when I was 16 and had the opportunity to spend a week at the United Nations. I grew up in a small town in Oregon, so you can imagine the culture shock when I saw New York. Multiply that shock a hundred times when I walked through the U.N.

There were people from countries all over the world wearing their native garb. They walked those halls with a single purpose — to represent their countries. They were looking for ways to get along with their neighbors — near and far.

Many organizations are busy trying to foster peace. Rotary comes to mind. Rotary International sponsors exchange programs for teens and peace fellowships for college students. Local Rotarians were responsible for one of three Peace Forums in the world. The work never stops.

Peace is like a good marriage. It’s working hard at communication, trust and faith. Nations find peace the same way — everyone working at it.

During this International Year of Peace, you will see the newspaper filled daily with conflicts among nations. It could be and often is discouraging. But as Bishop Desmond Tutu once told me, “Peace has to start with the individual.”

Please don’t think I’m a namedropper. I hate that. In fact, as I said to Prince Charles just the other day…

Retired Broadcast Personalities and Journalists Kirk Matthews and Linda Coble speak from the heart on issues concerning boomers and seniors. Post comments for them on below.

Peace. That’s a word we hippies used for “goodbye.” (Yes I was, and yes, I had hair down to my shoulders.) Peace is easy to say. As a concept, it may be harder to understand. It’s not just the absence of war. I first learned about worldwide peace when I was 16 and had the…

Category: Editorial

Bilingual System Links, LLC

The Emeritus College at HCC