The National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) recently held its annual conference for over 400 members who were there to learn, network and share ideas.
NASMM is recognized for its innovative programs and expertise related to senior move management, transition and relocation issues affecting older adults.
NASMM companies specialize in assisting older adults and their families with the emotional and physical aspects of relocation and/or “aging in place.”
NASMM members are experienced professionals bound by a pledge of integrity, committed to safety and ethics, and dedicated to development.
NASMM is comprised of a very small group of companies. Although they compete with one another, it was apparent at the conference that there is a common spirit of cooperation and “‘ohana.”
When seniors move — for whatever reason — their lifetime of possessions and precious memories may require downsizing and selling — all done with tender, loving care and compassion.
NASMM members aim to meet each client’s personalized needs.
When seniors move — for whatever reason — their lifetime of possessions and precious memories may require downsizing and selling — all done with tender, loving care and compassion. NASMM members aim to meet each client’s personalized needs.
A Greek proverb says, “A society grows great when old people plant trees under whose shade they will never sit.” This is the basis for an expanding network that is harnessing the power of the over-50 age group.
The demographic landscape has changed over time, requiring a paradigm shift regarding what we think and how we feel about people over 50 — including how they work and contribute to society.
There are more people in the U.S. over 50 today than there are under 18. By 2035, 140 million Americans — more than 1 in 3 — will be over 50. With decades of productivity ahead, adults 50 and over are a growing and renewable resource. Encore.org’s goal is to help those decades become a time of social contribution and impact in order to leave the world better than we found it.
Encore.org addresses this shift by outlining changes that need to be made and innovating new ideas and models to leverage the skills and talents of experienced adults. It is also the hub for a growing group of leaders advancing the Encore Movement, which aims to solve social problems by making use of the experience of people in midlife and beyond. It includes people in or aspiring to transition to their encores, the people and organizations working to enable encores and the organizations tapping encore talent.
The many organizations that were spawned by or are aligned with the Encore Movement are organized into the Encore Network, a global coalition of leaders and organizations committed to turning our longer lives into a valuable asset.
An “encore” or “encore career” is continued work in the second half of life that combines social impact, purpose, and often, continued income. An encore can be paid or volunteer and doesn’t have to be limited to the nonprofit sector.
Although it’s much more about life stage than age, the encore phase of life sits squarely in those years that used to comprise retirement. Many people plan for their encores in their late 40s or early 50s and move into encore work in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond.
If you are thinking about your own encore, look under the “Resources” section of Encore.org, where you’ll see a page called “For Encore Seekers” that will suggest ideas and resources, including The Encore Career Handbook.
There are Encore Networks in 33 states and 12 countries, but none have been established in Hawai‘i. You can change that. Together, we can create a better future for future generations.
A Greek proverb says, “A society grows great when old people plant trees under whose shade they will never sit.” This is the basis for an expanding network that is harnessing the power of the over-50 age group. The demographic landscape has changed over time, requiring a paradigm shift regarding what we think and how…
The HOT HULA fitness® Matua workout provides exhilarating exercise using Polynesian dance moves. Matua is a Māori word meaning elder or parent, so this fitness routine is geared to seniors, but can also be enjoyed by all age groups and fitness levels. Anyone who enjoys dancing and keeping fit can benefit from this exercise with a Polynesian flair.
HOT HULA fitness® Matua is a low-impact, yet heart-pumping cardio workout that targets larger muscle groups to increase strength and definition of your core (abs), glutes, quads and arms. This action-packed dance provides a 60-minute, total body workout.
HOT HULA fitness has four basic moves: 1) Tamau is hitting your hips side to side; 2) Ami is a circle movement; 3) Afata is a box movement by which you are drawing a box with your hips, hitting all four corners; and 4) Varu, a figure eight (the infinity symbol).
Inspired by the dances of the Pacific Islands, HOT HULA fitness® movements are set to the sounds of traditional Polynesian drumbeats fused with funky Reggae music. The instructor breaks down each choreographed siva (dance) into easy sections. The founder, Anna Rita Sloss, believed in helping her ‘aiga (family) as she searched for a program that would help move her people toward an active lifestyle.
“Our people can relate to drumbeats. When they hear it, they start moving and swaying their hips — enticed to get off their bums and move!” she says. Numerous studies show how dancing benefits benefits mind and body by getting your heart pumping and your blood flowing — a plus for joints, heart and brain. Dancing helps participants lose weight and manage stress. It also instills grace and exercises memory to help curb development of dementia.
Studies also show that dancing lifts the spirit, which is one of the many reasons I love teaching this format.
The exercise pace of HOT HULA fitness® Matua is slower and each move is specially modified for the matua. However, students may opt to execute either the full movements or the modified version. The health benefits are the same.
I encourage my HOT HULA fitness® Matua class to “move at your own pace and listen to your body. Keep moving your feet and make those big circles with your hips.”
HAWAII BALLROOM DANCE ASSOCIATION
98-019 Kamehameha Highway, Ste. 211A, Aiea, HI 96701 808-753-8673
The HOT HULA fitness® Matua workout provides exhilarating exercise using Polynesian dance moves. Matua is a Māori word meaning elder or parent, so this fitness routine is geared to seniors, but can also be enjoyed by all age groups and fitness levels. Anyone who enjoys dancing and keeping fit can benefit from this exercise with…
Do you recall in your younger days having lots of friends? Did you have so many that your social calendar always seemed full?
As we age, our social network changes. Our friends may move away, enter careers that take us in different directions, or get busy with family activities. While our social network may look different now, it is still important to maintain a group of family and friends. Studies have shown a direct correlation between life satisfaction and the presence of social networks with older adults 50 and over.
Many factors will influence who will be in your social network. Perhaps it is your family who you live with, a church group or even former high school classmates who you feel most comfortable socializing with. Sometimes transportation or mobility issues may lead you to limit your social network to your neighborhood or those who are in the vicinity. A social network becomes a resource and sounding board to discuss topics that make our lives better. Socialization has been proven to decrease feelings of loneliness or isolation.
So whether you meet others to walk the mall or catch up over coffee every Wednesday at a nearby café or you join a formal networking group, don’t ignore the importance of interacting with others. It may be just what you need or you may be exactly what someone else really needs.
Do you recall in your younger days having lots of friends? Did you have so many that your social calendar always seemed full? As we age, our social network changes. Our friends may move away, enter careers that take us in different directions, or get busy with family activities. While our social network may look…
Spring cleaning can be a satisfying experience for seniors, but it’s important to do it safely. Take your time, rest often and stay hydrated. Do not climb on furniture or a ladder. Ask for help. Staying safe is more than wearing an alert device. Work safely so you don’t have to activate it!
Use Careful Cleaning Methods.Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin from harsh chemicals. Senior skin is thinner and more sensitive.
Declutter.Clutter poses a falling risk for seniors — especially when reorganizing closets. “De-junking” surfaces and floors reduces that risk.
Clean Hidden Sources of Germs in the Kitchen.Sponges harbor food-borne bacteria like E. coli and salmonella. Disinfect sponges with bleach every day. Clean countertops and everyday kitchen items with disinfectant, followed by hot, soapy water.
Take Fire Safety Precautions. Replace batteries in smoke detectors, keep the stovetop area free of flammables, and clean the lint filter in the dryer before and after each load.
Clean the Air.Seniors with asthma may be even more sensitive to pollutants like dust. Replace your HVAC filter often. Choose a HEPA filter, which removes dust, mold and pollen.
Spring cleaning can be a satisfying experience for seniors, but it’s important to do it safely. Take your time, rest often and stay hydrated. Do not climb on furniture or a ladder. Ask for help. Staying safe is more than wearing an alert device. Work safely so you don’t have to activate it!
The Hawai‘i State Archives is a little-known, virtually untapped (by most of us) compilation of Hawai‘i’s history.
It’s mission is to ensure open government by preserving and making accessible the historic records of state government and to partner with state agencies to manage their records. The division is organized into two branches — the Historical Records Branch, which is accessible to the public, and the Records Management Branch, which does not offer services directly to the public.
The Historical Records Branch preserves and provides public access to the state’s government archives and special collections through the Hawai‘i State Archives. These government records date from the monarchy to the current legislative session, and include photographs, maps, artifacts, 19th century newspapers, rare books, and library collections specializing in Hawaiian history, culture
and Pacific voyages, and private collections.
The archives opened to the public in 1906. As caretakers of irreplaceable historical treasures, the Hawai‘i State Archives has the responsibility of ensuring the materials are available for research, study and viewing by the public. Therefore new security measures are being implemented:
• Upon entering, all visitors will check in using
the Patron Registration system.
• All visitors will check in with the security guard
and surrender a current government-issued photo
ID (i.e. driver’s license, state ID, passport, etc.) in
exchange for a research badge.
• All bags, purses, folders and containers must be
stored in your free locker.
• Loose papers entering the research room will be
stapled by the guard (or leave them in a locker).
• Only bound materials (notebooks, books, papers
bound in binders) are allowed, which will be inspected
before entry and again as you exit.
• No food or drinks are allowed.
Summary of rules and procedures can be found on the archive website, ags.hawaii.gov/archives: search for “Public Use of Archives.”
HAWAI‘I STATE ARCHIVES
Kekāuluohi Building, ‘Iolani Palace Grounds
364 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96813 808-586-0329 | archives@hawaii.gov ags.hawaii.gov/archives Business Hours: Mon–Fri 9 am to 4 pm; Closed Sat, Sun, state holidays
The Hawai‘i State Archives is a little-known, virtually untapped (by most of us) compilation of Hawai‘i’s history. It’s mission is to ensure open government by preserving and making accessible the historic records of state government and to partner with state agencies to manage their records. The division is organized into two branches — the Historical…
The Shim family documents their genealogy to Emperor Hwang Ti, China’s first emperor, who began building the Great Wall. In the 1860s, Shims from Kwangtung Province across the China Sea from Hong Kong took advantage of agricultural and business opportunities in Kula, and worked hard to improve life in Upcountry Maui.
Goong Goong (grandfather) Shim Bow was a herbalist healer. He died at age 58, but Popo (grandmother) worked her farm, still carrying avocados uphill when she was in her 80s. She lived to 104, had excellent hearing and vision, no diseases and very little white in her hair.
Our uncle, Shim Mook, was a prominent business man who supervised the building of the Kula pipeline in 1905. His mule teams pulled loads of pipes as far as the mules could go; then Chinese workers carried them the rest of the way. A Chinese teacher was needed in Kula, so he wrote to China and they sent Rev. Shim Yin Chin. It took remarkable dedication and courage to leave his family and come to Hawai‘i, but he was ordained here, and in 1907, opened the doors of St. John’s Episcopal Church.
Rev. Shim successfully lobbied to amend the Homestead Act in 1911 to keep Chinese farmers from losing their land. The Legislature agreed: “Chinese who had been long resident in the district, and whose children, seventeen or eighteen years of age who had been born here, would be granted leases on the premises which they had occupied and improved.”
Grandma’s Coffee House and Henry Fong Store.
Shim Mook’s grandson, Herbert, was a farmer, rancher, conservationist and founder of the first Upcountry farmers’ market. His brother, Richard Shim, is called “The Mayor of Kēōkea,” a place once known as “China Town.” He loves to share the history of Kēōkea Sun Yat-sen Park and the Kwock Hing Society hall with family and visitors.
Next door to Fong Store in Kēōkea is Grandma’s Coffee House. That building was Shim’s Restaurant, opened by Shim Bow’s son, Harold, and his wife, Hannah, during WWII. They kept the military men well fed!
Casey Shim picking coffee on his farm.
At 89, nephew Casey Shim works the rich soil of his Kula farm, called “Utopia.” His one-man coffee and botanical farm wins many accolades from connoisseurs across the country. Casey attributes his green thumb to his ancestors. He says, “Being among plants is very relaxing and healing. If you’re around nature a lot, you won’t ever need a psychiatrist.” Even at his advanced age, harvesting 3,700 pounds of coffee beans each year by himself is something he enjoys!
Shim generations gather at the Kwock Hing Society.
Many Shims were founding members of the Kwock Hing Society, erected in 1907 as a place where Chinese families could get information from China. (Dr. Sun Yat-sen came here to plan his overthrow of the Manchu Dynasty.) Today, our family still gathers at Kwock Hing to socialize and share our Chinese cultural events, traditions and rituals. On April 22, we will celebrate Ching Ming
grave-cleaning day with prayers and a community banquet.
Bibliography: Talk-story sessions with Harold Shim, Herbert Shim, Richard Shim, Casey Shim; St. John’s Church Archive, Kwock Hing Society Archive.
The Shim family documents their genealogy to Emperor Hwang Ti, China’s first emperor, who began building the Great Wall. In the 1860s, Shims from Kwangtung Province across the China Sea from Hong Kong took advantage of agricultural and business opportunities in Kula, and worked hard to improve life in Upcountry Maui.
Jane Hiranaga volunteers as a greeter for her senior community at The Plaza Assisted Living at Waikīkī. She also organizes group outings to Mānoa Valley to visit her granddaughter, Erin Uehara, a specialty chocolatier and owner of the Choco Le‘a chocolate shop.
“Who doesn’t love chocolate?” says Erin. “Seniors especially love our shop because it is like the candy stores of long ago. Tutus tell me the chocolate aroma and display cases evoke the nostalgia of going to their favorite candy store when they were keiki.”
The shop sources its chocolate locally and from Europe, making the ganache and fondant centers from exclusively local ingredients. Creamy caramels, butterscotch and crunchy nut clusters are customer favorites, but Erin raises the bar with her own local-flair creations, like creamy, chocolate truffles that surprise the palate with bits of tangy, tropical fruit jelly, or smooth kaki mochi. The truffles are a kūpuna favorite. For Chinese New Year, she makes gau truffles to bring good luck and satisfy the local custom and taste buds.
The benefits of consuming chocolate go beyond flavor — the sweet treat actually contains a molecule that is the same natural substance the body produces when falling in love! Made from the seed of the cocoa tree, it is one of the best sources of antioxidants on the planet. And dark chocolate has added health benefits as well, including reducing the risk of heart disease and lowering blood pressure. Research also shows that dark chocolate may also improve the function of your brain! So Jane’s sweet outings offer seniors a happy and healthy trip down memory lane. Maybe that’s why they are always packed!
Jane Hiranaga volunteers as a greeter for her senior community at The Plaza Assisted Living at Waikīkī. She also organizes group outings to Mānoa Valley to visit her granddaughter, Erin Uehara, a specialty chocolatier and owner of the Choco Le‘a chocolate shop. “Who doesn’t love chocolate?” says Erin.
Even the most solid sibling dynamic can erupt into arguments when it comes to the health and welfare of beloved parents who are beginning to show signs of frailty.
You: “Hey. Mom and Dad fell twice; why don’t we hire a helper each day?”
Your sister: “Nah, they’re OK — you’re hyper.”
Your brother: “The doctor says they are fine. So what — you’re our expert now?”
You: “DAD WAS ON THE FLOOR FOR AN HOUR!
Mom couldn’t find her cell phone to call us! Me hyper? If something BAD happens, it’s your fault!”
Siblings duking it out without parental input can result in complete caregiving failure. On the other hand, wise families collaborate without meltdowns or muzzling each other.
Three Smart ABC Steps to Building a Family Dream Team
1. ATTITUDE. Switch negative thoughts into positive language and behaviors.
Tip:Perceptive families tactfully welcome and value new ideas. They are patient and kind regarding each other’s opinions and suggestions.
2. BRAINSTORMING. Tough topics require discussion: financing caregiving, selling vs. renting the family home, dividing assets, sharing caregiving responsibilities. Savvy families form judgment-free zones where everyone is protected from criticism when they voice their suggestions. They must also be understanding when their ideas are not accepted by all.
Tip:Circulate a “WHAT IF?” list to gather ideas and suggestions from everyone in order to give all time to think about them in depth rather than responding quickly with an emotional outburst.
3. COMMAND CENTRAL. Akamai families prepare ahead by finding out their parents’ wishes instead of guessing in order to carry out their desires. They prepare for financial outcomes, and have easy access to advanced directives and wills. Clarity saves time and money.
Tip:Gather documents in a binder to serve as a treasure trove of parents’ wishes and resources that everyone can refer to. This paves a smooth road ahead by avoiding unwanted potholes and excess stress at an already stressful time.
ANNETTE PANG
Family Caregiver Coach and Life Transition Advisor 808-372-3478 | ap@annettepang.com Annette Pang offers workshops, online training and one-to-one private life coaching. She has owned two adult residential care homes since 2000. She adores her four siblings and her husband’s four siblings—all smart and kind.
Even the most solid sibling dynamic can erupt into arguments when it comes to the health and welfare of beloved parents who are beginning to show signs of frailty.
Organizing and de-cluttering your home can be daunting. Conflicting emotions are sure to arise, so first, prepare yourself mentally. When you sense these feelings bubbling up, remind yourself that this is normal. Start thinking about enlisting a support team: a trusted family member, friend or professional to help you step by step through the process. Here are some initial helpful hints:
◆ Clear Pathways. Cluttered or disorganized floor spaces or stairs are major safety concerns. De-clutter walkways first so you can ensure ease of movement throughout your home.
◆ Use Clear Containers. Clear containers allow you to easily see what’s stored where. In the kitchen, OXO Pop containers designed for people with arthritis open easily and seal in freshness.
◆ Maximize Vertical Space. Over-the-door storage racks and wall hooks help turn an ordinary wall or door into efficient storage space. These items are particularly useful if you’ve already downsized to a smaller space and are still needing homes for some of your belongings.
◆ Optimize Closet Organization. An organized closet makes getting dressed much easier. Organize your pantry for more effective meal preparation. The freedomRail® closet system provides a sturdy, flexible and economical solution to pantry, closet and storage area organization.
Organizing and de-cluttering your home can be daunting. Conflicting emotions are sure to arise, so first, prepare yourself mentally. When you sense these feelings bubbling up, remind yourself that this is normal. Start thinking about enlisting a support team: a trusted family member, friend or professional to help you step by step through the process.
Seniors with family and friends on the mainland know what high shipping costs can do to a budget. Hawai‘i small business owners hurt even more. They pay to ship in supplies and inventory, and high shipping costs prevent them from competing with big box stores and online retailers.
Supporting our local economy keeps our neighborhood stores open. But families and seniors on fixed incomes are forced to look for the lowest prices, so here are some tips when looking for the best shipping costs.
If you can’t find what you need locally, visit webstores that will ship via the United States Postal Service. USPS is our fairest, lowest cost shipper. Retailers who really want our Hawai‘i business may also offer UPS standard air, which runs a bit higher and takes at least as long to get here. However, UPS also offers retailers an economy service that only ships to “48 contiguous states.” So, search for shipping options before your browse a site to avoid disappointment at checkout.
SHIPPING TIPS
■ Rule No.1: “Free shipping” never applies to Hawai‘i. Even Amazon.com Prime charges a membership fee and then still adds a shipping premium to many “free shipping” items.
■ Avoid “UPS Ground” shipping to Hawai‘i. This means your goods will come via an expediter on a container ship that may take six weeks to arrive!
■ Don’t buy from online sites that require “special quotes for International shipping” after you have input your payment information. If you got there from an ad, send feedback to Google.
■ Don’t waste your time trying to buy pieces of furniture or other heavy items from mainland outlets. Shipping costs may run more than the item you want! By the way, most online furniture stores are owned by Wayfair, whose shipping policies are unfavorable for Hawai‘i. Buy new or used furniture locally. Buy locally when you can, be smart when buying online and when you get the chance, ask our state legislators and members of Congress to support the Post Office and prevent us from getting cut off from family, friends and business on the mainland.
HONU MEDIA, LLC
Freelance Writing Services
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith 808-268-0787
Seniors with family and friends on the mainland know what high shipping costs can do to a budget. Hawai‘i small business owners hurt even more. They pay to ship in supplies and inventory, and high shipping costs prevent them from competing with big box stores and online retailers.
Mellow Friends, a group of karaoke enthusiasts, visited 11 senior centers and assisted living facilities starting in 2011. Melvin Watarai, the founder of this volunteer ensemble, had the karaoke equipment and a format for the singers to perform solo songs, duets and group sing-alongs with the seniors. Three years ago, Gary Shimabukuro took the helm, adding more equipment and four more locations, increasing their total number of monthly visits to 15.
(L–R, sitting) Simon Sanidad, Mel Watarai, Gary Shimabukuro, Al Sakihara, (standing) Roy Hamasaki, Woody Batula, Mae Fujimoto, Clarence Kane, Jean Yamanaka, Jennie Wolfe, Yvonne Watarai and Florence Matsukado.
One of the locations that Mellow Friends visits is Manoa Cottage Kaimuki. Executive Director and Administrator Calvin Hara says, “The music of Mellow Friends provides comfort and local style to our residents. The songs of yesteryear reach into the residents’ memories as they reminisce and enjoy social stimulation with others.”
Mellow Friends volunteers are multi-talented seniors who dance hula and sing a variety of songs in different languages. Seniors look forward to their monthly visits to sing along loud and proud.
For the last four years at the annual Generations Senior Karaoke Contest at the Mayor’s Craft & Country Fair, Simon Sanidad and Al Sakihara have provided Gary valuable assistance.
Mellow Friends, a group of karaoke enthusiasts, visited 11 senior centers and assisted living facilities starting in 2011. Melvin Watarai, the founder of this volunteer ensemble, had the karaoke equipment and a format for the singers to perform solo songs, duets and group sing-alongs with the seniors. Three years ago, Gary Shimabukuro took the helm,…
The National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) recently held its annual conference for over 400 members who were there to learn, network and share ideas.
