Category: Editor’s Note

You Just Might Be a Senior Citizen If…

As my introduction, let me just say that “senior editor” isn’t solely a job title. Yes, I am an editor, but I’m also a bona fide senior citizen. I rarely even thought about “it,” until one day… I applied for the editor position at Generations Magazine and was asked how I was preparing for my senior years. I was like, “Who, me?” If a glance into a mirror doesn’t remind you of the passing years, I guess one can always depend on the astute observations of others.

I got an early start in the publishing industry delivering newspapers via Schwinn in a Chicago suburb. As a teen, I worked at a printing factory during summer vacations. There, my first “editing job” was removing badly printed Libby’s labels from huge stacks of them. You can’t have magenta beans adorning cans of haricot vert.

In high school, I wrote social commentary about teen angst and the Vietnam War. After high school, I rambled on for an underground newspaper. While attending college, I worked as a graphic artist for science agencies such as NOAA and at CU’s planetarium, and on Maui, for the NifTAL Project and a book publisher. I exchanged my art degree, X-Acto knife and loupe for a red pen when I took the editor job at a newspaper. I have also worked for online news outlets.

While working at GM for over 10 years, I have learned many reasons why it is prudent to prepare for senior citizenship. If you are lucky like me, “it” could happen to you, too. When store clerks begin to ask, “Do you need help with your groceries, auntie?”— you just might be a senior citizen. Read this magazine just in case…

As my introduction, let me just say that “senior editor” isn’t solely a job title. Yes, I am an editor, but I’m also a bona fide senior citizen. I rarely even thought about “it,” until one day… I applied for the editor position at Generations Magazine and was asked how I was preparing for my…
GM Website Aids for Hearing, Sight Impaired

Those with hearing or visual challenges can find useful tools at the bottom, right-hand corner
of every Generations Magazine website page (Generations808.com). The Screen Reader control
panel has three sets of tools to help make it easier to hear and read text: Audio Read, Letter Size
and Visual Contrast. Hover your mouse over a tool for a few seconds to see a label for each tool.

These special website tools were developed to enhance your experience on Generations808.com.
Explore all of Generations Magazine’s archived issues, TV episodes, past and current radio shows/podcasts,
and a calendar of events relating to seniors. Don’t miss GM’s new Brown Bag Lunch Webinars.

Those with hearing or visual challenges can find useful tools at the bottom, right-hand corner of every Generations Magazine website page. The Screen Reader control panel has three sets of tools to help make it easier to hear and read text.
GM Community Development Director

Generations Magazine welcomes Rick Tabor as its community development director. Rick’s experience in the fields of mental health and senior home care perfectly complement the magazine’s mission as the resource in Hawai‘i for news and information about and for seniors. Rick is very active with many nonprofit organizations and community-related senior issues.

“I look forward to helping enhance the lives of those we serve, together,” says Rick.

Rick will lead the magazine in promoting its partners, finding experts who are qualified to provide resource articles and expanding senior-related events for GM’s online calendar (www.generations808.com/calendar) around the state.

We encourage businesses and nonprofits that focus on the wellbeing of Hawai‘i’s senior population to contact Rick for more information about providing editorial content, having your events on GM’s online calendar, taking advantage of being a part of our additional media resources — the returning GM Radio Show on KORL 101.1FM and the new Generations Brown Bag Lunch Webinars on Zoom that will be held on the third Wednesday of each month from 11:30 am to 1pm. GM webinars will be offered to all aging marketplace entities. They will be available via Facebook and archived on Generations808.com as recorded segments.

You are welcome to explore Generations Magazine online and become part of our mission to provide valuable resources to our kūpuna.

RICK TABOR, Community Development Director
808-285-5936 | Rick@Generations808.com

Generations Magazine welcomes Rick Tabor as its community development director. Rick’s experience in the fields of mental health and senior home care perfectly complement the magazine’s mission as the resource in Hawai‘i for news and information about and for seniors.
The Longevity Revolution

It’s called the “Longevity Revolution” as our world’s population is getting older. We all know that we are living longer these days; however, when you think about the history of humanity, we have never lived this long at any time in the past. In the United States, we have more people over the age of 65 than the whole population of Canada. Its unprecedented, daunting and challenging — all at the same time.

Researchers who have been studying this aging phenomenon tell us that we have someone on this Earth right now who will live to 120 and probably even longer. The fastest growing numbers of the aging are the 80-plus age group — that’s not even counting the baby boomers just yet. We are simply living longer than ever before and living to 100 will be our new norm. According to Aging Guru Dr. Ken Dychtwald, “We’re not only living longer, we are staying older longer than ever before.”

Hawai‘i is the healthiest state with the longest life expectancy (average around 81 to 82). Going forward in the next 10 to 20 years, we will push these statistics even higher to nearly 90 years of age. And that’s if you think you are average. What’s next for our kūpuna in Hawai‘i?

Baby boomers are leading the way in changing aging in this world as we see it. Boomers are the ones who will challenge ageism, bring more into our world with the use of technology, improving and demanding better caregiving services, fighting elder abuse and creating the new normal of our aging process, redefining what “old” means.

Lastly, most people in our country and Hawai‘i think Medicare will pay for long-term care services and the cost of dealing with Alzheimer’s care. The fact is Medicare won’t cover those services.

We at Generations Magazine, GM Radio/TV shows, our social media platforms, and including all our workshops, promote active aging and the need to start planning your long-term care needs going forward — from this day onward.

It’s called the “Longevity Revolution” as our world’s population is getting older. We all know that we are living longer these days; however, when you think about the history of humanity, we have never lived this long at any time in the past. In the United States, we have more people over the age of…
Message from the Editor

This issue takes a broad look at “legacy.” What we leave to our families and our extended community can take many shapes. Sometimes, we know how our actions or gifts help others. Other times, the good we do goes without recognition, but in either case, our hope rests with the generations to come. Enjoy learning about how our contributing authors look at legacy.

Summer graduations and wedding celebrations mark important family milestones. As elders, we may be seated up front or have our plate brought to us instead of standing in the buffet line. Perhaps we help with food preparation or keep track of grandchildren during the bustling event. Whatever the role, celebrate your family and be thankful for a joyous opportunity for all generations to mingle. Create good memories, laugh heartily, stay out of direct sun, use mosquito repellent and drink water to stay hydrated.

We look forward to seeing our Generations family of readers, contributing experts, advertisers and partners at our Generations Magazine’s Aging in Place Workshop in the Ala Moana Hotel Conference Center on Saturday, Aug. 20, from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. This event celebrates our 10th year! Mark your calendars for a full day of learning from top experts. Bring a friend who needs to know more about aging well.

One of the few annual events for seniors living in Leeward O‘ahu is the Senior Health & Fitness Fair at the Hawaii Okinawan Center in Waipi‘o on June 17 from 9 am to 1pm. Admission is free, and workshops will be full of valuable information.

Another reason for gathering is to honor our departed loved ones. In April, Generations Magazine Feature Photographer Brian Suda lost his mother, Tokiko Suda. She lived a full 98 years at home. Brian and his wife, Pamela Cunningham, cared for Tokiko many years and helped her meet the challenges of dementia at the end of her life. Brian and Pamela are grateful for the friends, professionals, agencies and organizations that kindly assisted Tokiko, and helped them honor her.

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

Message from the Editor by Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Message From The Editor – April / May 2016

May is Older Americans Month and the theme for 2016 is “Blaze a Trail.” In so many ways, seniors in Hawai‘i are already doing just that — leading our nation in health, longevity and productivity. Four decades ago, Lanakila Multi Purpose Senior Center was an “experimental” club for seniors. Today, it’s one of the hundreds of senior clubs throughout our state where seniors may socialize, undertake meaningful activities and serve the community. In addition to clubs, seniors volunteer in nonprofits, contribute to the care of their grandchildren and support community projects and charities. Be sure to reflect on your personal achievements this year. Sustaining a healthy, active and meaningful life — regardless of age — requires focus and discipline. Supporting what is important to you and your family, and making your community just a little better takes a commitment of time and energy. We celebrate all you do to live well.

May is also Memorial Day, and the Boy Scouts of America Aloha Council prepares and will be collecting lei to decorate the graves of veterans, as a part of the Good Turn For America Service Program. Watch for publicity on your island to donate or get involved making ti leaf lei. This is a wonderful way to help youth honor our veterans.

This issue’s Giving Care section authors come at this topic from several perspectives. It drives home the idea that we are all different, with many ways of looking ahead (or avoiding) end-of-life. One common thread is that if you have expectations about your care, where you want to pass your last days, or who will receive your treasures, it’s best to make your intentions clear — while you are of sound mind and body. Our contributors share a lot of wisdom on planning, too.

As always, we thank you for supporting Generations Magazine® and our partners, who are committed to bringing excellent resource information to seniors and their families.

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

A Special Note: In January, Hawai‘i lost Sam Cooke, a captain of business who de-scended from missionaries and worked tirelessly to support conservation, Hawaiian history and fine arts. Manoa Heritage Center is a living legacy of his deep love for Hawai‘i. Sam and Mary Cooke told us their story and graced our cover in Dec/Jan 2015. To their family and friends we extend our deepest condolences.

May is Older Americans Month and the theme for 2016 is “Blaze a Trail.” In so many ways, seniors in Hawai‘i are already doing just that — leading our nation in health, longevity and productivity. Four decades ago, Lanakila Multi Purpose Senior Center was an “experimental” club for seniors. Today, it’s one of the hundreds of senior…
Message from The Editor – February / March 2015

2015 is taking off like a rocket, overcoming inertia, pushing upward! People are hopeful — visitor season in full swing, gas prices going down and our new Governor hard at work. The last of three New Year celebrations in Hawaii — Hawaiian Makahiki in November, Western New Year January 1, and soon, on the February new moon, Chinese New Year — is in full swing with festivities until the full moon in March. See our listing of Honolulu Chinese New Year events by clicking here.

“Gong Hey Fat Choy!” from Publisher Percy Ihara and Dr. and Mrs. Young

Dr. Joseph W.C. Young, Honolulu’s delightful and wise Mayor of Chinatown, took time to tell us about his community role as spokesperson and liaison for the over 100 Chinatown clubs and societies. You will be fascinated with his story, Page 14. If you like to cook and enjoy Chinese food, check out a New Year recipe by clicking here — from June Kam Tong’s classic Chinese cookbook, Popo’s Kitchen, volume 2. The recipes are yummy and adapted for the modern cook.

Ever wonder why sweepstakes and get rich scams sucker so many seniors? Click here to read Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and elder abuse expert Scott Spallina’s wisdom tells how, and what we can do about it. Pass it on.

Generations Magazine will now be available in all Public Libraries throughout Hawai‘i. The State Library System is a great supporter of seniors — after all, we love to read! Click here to learn about all the services you can access with your free library card.

All our contributors have created wonderful resources for you in this issue. While most of our authors are expert in senior services, they are not retirees themselves. However — our friend, TV personality and journalist Kirk Matthews recently retired. Now his column (click here) will recount his personal experience as a senior retiree — with wonderful insights. We are delighted that he decided to continue his column; be sure to go to our website and wish him well.

Every Day is Brand New!

Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith, Associate Editor

2015 is taking off like a rocket, overcoming inertia, pushing upward! People are hopeful — visitor season in full swing, gas prices going down and our new Governor hard at work. The last of three New Year celebrations in Hawaii — Hawaiian Makahiki in November, Western New Year January 1, and soon, on the February…
Message from The Editor – December / January 2015

Manoa Heritage Center red ‘Ohi‘a lehua blossoms — another gift!

“Giving” flows through every page of this issue of Generations Magazine. We feature Sam and Mary Cooke, who preserved an ancient Hawaiian earthwork and created Manoa Heritage Center for our community. This educational site and beautiful native Hawaiian gardens are close by, but a world away from modern Honolulu — a ‘must see’ for your family.

A companion story about retired dermatologist, Dr. Dan Palmer (click here), shows how big a simple hobby can become. His collection of Hawai‘i ferns is now the standard book botany students and conservationists use to identify ferns. He donated all his work to UH.

Volunteers are always givers, like 83 year-old Irene Oficial, who provides transportation for other seniors through Na Hoaloha neighbor-to-neighbor services on Maui (click here). Every Caregiver provides for the needs of others. Our professional contributing authors give us the benefit of their training and expertise so we can make better decisions on Medicare, Social Security, health care, financial planning, retirement and improving our homes. Giving is the foundation of our community.

Take a moment to recognize how much time and resources YOU give your own family, friends and community. Our Generations Team applauds you! Whatever you give — a tune to lift the spirit, a hot meal to fill an empty belly, or greeting your grandchildren home from school every day — you are an honored “giver,” and this issue is for you.

Maintain a Normal Pace

The holiday bustle can be very stimulating, but it disrupts the healthy routines that keep us rested and strong all year. I have to remind myself that it’s okay to say “no” to some invitations, and forego that second helping of a treat that only comes once a year. Let’s all stay healthy and make sure we get sufficient rest and quiet time. Check out two cultural traditions in Hawaii (click here) that are daytime events and don’t involve alcohol — Japanese Mochitsuki and Hawaiian Makahiki.

The holidays are also great times to curl up with a good book. Our resource page (click here) lists all the libraries in Hawai‘i and their hours.

May the joy of giving be yours!

Every Day is New!

Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith, Associate Editor

Corrections:

Aug./Sep. issue, “Senior Discounts” Resource Guide: Longs Drug/CVS does not offer daily senior discounts; their current CVS programs and offers are a benefit to all Hawai’i shoppers.

Oct./Nov. issue, “When Hiring Private Caregivers…” by Kathy Newkirk Leong, RN, CEO Kahu Malama Nurses Inc. The acronym RICO stands for Regulated Industries Complaints Office in Hawai‘i. We apologize for the misquote.

“Giving” flows through every page of this issue of Generations Magazine. We feature Sam and Mary Cooke, who preserved an ancient Hawaiian earthwork and created Manoa Heritage Center for our community. This educational site and beautiful native Hawaiian gardens are close by, but a world away from modern Honolulu — a ‘must see’ for your…
Message from The Editor – December / January 2014

The end of this year was highlighted with an island hop to Maui, where Generations Magazine discovered why some of the happiest seniors in Hawai‘i call the Valley Isle home. The cover story, Maui Mindset, explores how Maui County is committed to its seniors and their families … and how seniors are eager to give back.

Part of the “Maui Mindset” is the county’s philosophy of taking care of each other, says Ruth Griffith, Kaunoa Senior Services administrator. In the story she noted, “Maui County is made up small communities and residents are very civic minded. We look out for one another. Even our seniors who receive support services want to give back to the community in any way they can. Maui seniors play a vital role in maintaining our thriving communities.”

However, just as with many other areas, Maui is facing a growing senior population. By 2020, the county expects the number of people turning 60 to double. In response, Maui is working with its Baby Boomers to redefine what it will mean to be a healthy and engaged senior over the next two decades.

Thank you to our Generations Magazine staff for venturing to Maui for a whirlwind tour of Maui — including a 3 a.m. wake up call to catch sunrise at Haleakala.

Generations Magazine is now in its fourth year and we are so excited to move further into our communities and bring you more engaging stories, trusted resources and valuable programs and services.

For 2014, we look forward to expanding our distribution points and posting more information on our website (www.Generations808.com). We’re also planning on more workshops, presentations and our 8th annual KHON2 Elderhood Project Aging in Place Workshop on Saturday August 23 at the Ala Moana Hotel. And going forward, we’re offering free digital copies of each magazine … just email a request at Percy@Generations808.com.

Starting with this issue, we welcomed our new full-time associate editor Aimee Harris. She will be handling all of the magazine’s editorial content, so if you have stories or programs that would be of interest to our seniors, feel free to contact her at Aimee@Generations808.com.

Live well,

Percy Ihara, Editor/Publisher

P.S. A special mahalo to Dana Acosta of Kaunoa Senior Services for coordinating a full day of interviews and events for Generations Magazine.

Generations enjoys breakfast at Kula Lodge, Maui, aftera stunning Haleakala¯ sunrise (left to right): Aimee, Percy, Peterson and Wilson.

Aimee and Percy, bundled up for Haleakala sunrise

The end of this year was highlighted with an island hop to Maui, where Generations Magazine discovered why some of the happiest seniors in Hawai‘i call the Valley Isle home. The cover story, Maui Mindset, explores how Maui County is committed to its seniors and their families … and how seniors are eager to give…
Message from The Editor – August / September 2013

Wow, where has the time gone! Generations Magazine is entering its 4th year of being Hawai‘i’s “Resource for Life.” We strive to educate and inform families and our senior community on a wide range of topics, from health and active living to caregiving and scam alerts… and much more!

Heading into another year of publishing, the magazine and its business partners will continue to provide resourceful and current information. For example, this issue’s Resource Guide is a new “Speakers Bureau” list. The guide lists trusted resources of Generations Magazine that are available for presentations to senior clubs, church groups and other organizations. There is no charge, sales or solicitations by our participating speakers. Please contact anyone listed for more information or to schedule an appointment.

As the magazine continues to grow, we’re always looking to work with like-minded businesses and organizations. Our newest partner is physical therapist Julie Moon, who has Honolulu’s only heated endless pool to get you back on your feet and moving. We also welcome Cardon Outreach, a Medicare and Medicaid provider of services.

On a more serious note, we all need to protect ourselves against fraud, theft, stolen identity and other crimes. To help, the magazine has solicited the expertise of Scott Spallina of the Elder Abuse Justice Unit in the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. For this month’s article, Sweetheart Swindles, turn to page 35.

Also, we will again be distributed at the annual Hawaii Seniors’ Fair Good Life Expo on Sept. 27– 29 at the Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. With more than 300 vendors, this three day event provides an array of services, programs, educational workshops and additional support for Hawai‘i seniors. Al Harrington, who is on the cover of this month’s issue, is the event’s ambassador. Al believes that regardless of age, there is always room for personal growth. We all need to be proactive and look for ways to improve our lives, and, as I always say, “Live Well!”

Happy Nationnal Grandparents Day
to my parents who are proud grandparents of fourteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

As we celebrate aging in Hawai‘i, we cannot forget all the wonderful volunteers who assist in so many senior programs throughout the Islands. In this issue we highlight the 2013 Older Americans Month Honorees who were recognized by local agencies and Gov. Abercrombie. To view this year’s eight recipients, turn to page 12.

And, to top it off, please join us in celebrating National Grandparents Day on September 8th.

Live Well,

Percy Ihara, Editor/Publisher

Wow, where has the time gone! Generations Magazine is entering its 4th year of being Hawai‘i’s “Resource for Life.” We strive to educate and inform families and our senior community on a wide range of topics, from health and active living to caregiving and scam alerts… and much more! Heading into another year of publishing,…
Message from the Editor – June / July 2013

Summer is upon us and it is time to get out and enjoy all of what Hawai‘i’s cultures offer. The list includes everything from the Asian Pacific Arts Dance Festival with Hawaiian Hula and Ukulele performances, to Korean Changgo drums and a whole list of
great events so check out page 24. If you love Sake like I do, there is no better event in Hawai‘i then the “Taste of Sake” tasting so get your tickets for this August 16th celebration at the Convention Center.

As one of the so-called “Late Boomers” born 1956-65, I am always in awe of our cover stories as they are so inspirational to me and I know to all our readers. There is no better icon in football than Norm Chow as he is, for 67, truly the new 47 year old. Please don’t call coach Chow a senior though as he doesn’t consider himself one. As I first met coach Chow for our interview and photo shoot, he literally looked at me and asked why “him”—he said, “I’m not a senior.” I told him he is a role model for all of us and our readers will love his story of his energy, love for football and his young players. I will say at 67, coach Chow, you are in exceptional shape and no senior in my eyes.

In this issue look for our new regular business partners in Aloha Care’s Medicare column, Hawaii Pacific Health’s Straub Hospital informational page (this month is a “Fall Prevention” event) and read our newest columnist Frank B. Shaner’s “Frankly Speaking” thoughts and words.

Les Ihara

Lastly, Happy Father’s Day as we celebrate all our Dads on June 16. I do want to send out a special Happy Father’s Day to my father Les Ihara, as for over 17 years, our family vacations are paid by our parents and have made him happy to see his children, spouses, grandchildren and now great-grandchildren enjoy a great family bond. Thankful as well for all the great experiences we had growing up all over the world because of his Army career—how much we learned about different people, weather and cultures.

Live Well,

Percy Ihara, Editor/Publisher

Summer is upon us and it is time to get out and enjoy all of what Hawai‘i’s cultures offer. The list includes everything from the Asian Pacific Arts Dance Festival with Hawaiian Hula and Ukulele performances, to Korean Changgo drums and a whole list of great events so check out page 24. If you love Sake like…
Message from the Editor – April / May 2013

Spring is here and it’s time to get moving! More and more research is telling us that as we age, we need to get in shape to stay out of the hospital. Generations Magazine will feature more proactive resourceful information to do just that. As a baby boomer, I have begun my quest to keep myself healthy and help my peers to do the same.

Thanks to the YMCA, we can all do more to live active lives. As the Y’s CEO Michael Broderick points out, exercising is only the beginning. The Y also offers many social and emotional benefits, especially for seniors who enjoy the Y’s activities and cultural classes…and making friends along the way.

If you are 65 or turning 65, remember that some Medicare plans offer free YMCA membership. Yes, free membership. Check with your plan and ask for all the benefits. If you are one of the 86,000-plus older residents in Hawai‘i, check out the YMCA.

Percy, Dan, Les (Dad), Shirley (Mom), Sherry, Arlene and Cathy; missing is Les, Jr.

With Mother’s Day right around the corner, I wanted to send my thoughts and thanks to my mother, Shirley Ihara. My mom raised my brood of siblings with never ending care, instilling values and endless love to us all. To this day, I don’t know how she did it all—the grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, vacuuming, laundry, chauffeuring, assisting with our homework and traveling around the country lugging six kids for more than 30 years as my father was a career Army officer. Can you imagine that? I still remember my mom’s words “We will always love and be here for you.” Mom, I send you my love, along with my siblings, and all of your 14 grandkids and four great-grandchildren send their love on Mother’s Day!

And lastly, SAVE THESE DATES!

ARTHRITIS WALK–May 5th at Kaka‘ako Waterfront Park 7:30a.m.–11a.m.
Join in for great fun, resourceful information and for a wonderful cause.
For details call the Arthritis Foundation at 596-2900.

2013 Elderhood Project’s 7th Annual “AGING IN PLACE” WORKSHOP August 9th at the Ala Moana Hotel 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Come listen to presentations on Financial/Legal Issues, Caregiving Resource’s, Healthy Living Tips and State/Federal Programs for Seniors and their families.

Live Well,

Percy Ihara, Editor/Publisher

Spring is here and it’s time to get moving! More and more research is telling us that as we age, we need to get in shape to stay out of the hospital. Generations Magazine will feature more proactive resourceful information to do just that. As a baby boomer, I have begun my quest to keep myself…