Category: Living Life

Maui Sunset Lilikoi Bars

There’s nothing better than sharing a perfect, tropical sunset with friends and family. The only thing that can enhance the experience further is sharing a favorite dessert. Here’s mine!

INGREDIENTS

Crust

1 cup butter (softened)
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour

Filling

1-1/4 cup white sugar
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (to help set)
4 eggs (slightly beaten)
1/3 cup fresh lilikoi juice without seeds (use a citrus juicer) or packaged lilikoi juice purchased online from Amazon.com or at an island grocer in Hawai‘i

INSTRUCTIONS

Crust

Preheat the oven to 350°F/175°C. Prepare the crust using a medium bowl. Blend together all of the crust ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or a mixer on low until it has a crumbly texture.

Using your hands, press the uncooked crust evenly throughout an ungreased 9-by-13-inch pan.

Bake 20 minutes until firm and golden. Timing should be just about right for the lilikoi filling after the crust is baked.

Filling

In another bowl, whisk together the white sugar and all-purpose flour. Add the four slightly beaten eggs and whisk until smooth. Add in the lilikoi juice, then whisk again together.

Once the crust is baked, pour the filling over the crust and return it to the oven for an additional 20 minutes. Then remove and let it sit to cool.

The bars will firm up as they cool completely, then you may cut the bars. (Optional: sprinkle 1-1/2 tablespoons of powdered sugar on top before cutting.)

Serve loosely on a platter and enjoy.

Serves: 30 2-by-2-inch bars

Total time: approximately 55 minutes

There’s nothing better than sharing a perfect, tropical sunset with friends and family. The only thing that can enhance the experience further is sharing a favorite dessert. Here’s mine for Maui Sunset Lilikoi Bars.
Everyone Needs a Medical Organizer

The year 2006 was a difficult time for Sandi Yorong and her family. Her father started the year undergoing treatment for low-grade prostate cancer. The mild radiation treatment made him tired, but there were no other complications. By mid-year, however, he began experiencing upper back pain. In November, he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Sandi’s father passed away in January 2007.

Sandi spent many days going back and forth to the hospital with her mother while her father received care. She juggled work demands, and coordinated information between doctors and nurses, while updating her siblings and relatives.

After customizing her own medical organizer to manage doctor updates, prescriptions, health changes, legal documents and other health-related information for her father, Sandi realized she had developed a very useful tool to communicate and coordinate with family, friends and health professionals — even when she was unavailable.

Several months later, a friend encouraged Sandi to write a book to share her experiences and her process of creating a medical organizer. She soon published Lifetime Medical Organizer: A Matter of Life and Health. Although Sandi already knew how effective it was for her family, she had an opportunity to test her concept. Her friend created an organizer following the process in Sandi’s book when her own mother needed full-time caregiving. Her friend found that the organizer served as a bridge of communication for her 10 siblings living in various parts of the country who wanted updates about their mom’s health.

After reading the book, Sandi’s doctor said he wished more families would apply the concept of a medical organizer.

“My doctor thought it was a great idea for patients, especially when they occasionally bring different family members to accompany them,” Sandi explained. “He said it would create more consistent conversations when loved ones are up to date before the appointment.”

Always the problem solver, Sandi still enjoys finding practical solutions. It doesn’t hurt that Sandi is a financial advisor with more than 24 years of experience. Helping clients find answers has become part of her DNA.

Although health information is now available electronically, Sandi believes that creating a customized medical organizer is still valuable for caregivers and loved ones in order to combine online records with other essential documents.

Yorong’s book is available at www.Amazon.com or email her at sandiyorong@gmail.com to order a personalized copy. Receive a discount when you mention Generations Magazine.

SANDI YORONG is a financial advisor at Pacific Wealth Planning Group with more than 24 years of experience helping people with retirement planning. Find her on LinkedIn or Facebook, or call 808-792-5935.

The year 2006 was a difficult time for Sandi Yorong and her family. Her father started the year undergoing treatment for low-grade prostate cancer. The mild radiation treatment made him tired, but there were no other complications. By mid-year, however, he began experiencing upper back pain. In November, he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.
Dust to Dust: Leaving a Clean Legacy

In Hawai‘i, we’ve developed a rich social discourse around issues of sustainability impacting our communities and environment during our lifetimes. The ever-increasing level of consciousness regarding single-use plastics, reusable bags, clean energy and more is an encouraging sign. But what about the eco-impact of our decisions about end-of-life space? Each year in Hawai‘i, we bury an average of 3,400 imported caskets constructed from non-biodegradable materials such as metal, polyester, lacquer, caustic glue, rubber and formaldehyde. We additionally inter hundreds of gallons of hyper-toxic embalming fluid. These are materials we would never bury on any other day of the year in our backyards. So how have we arrived at a place where our lifestyle choices for the environment look markedly different from our end-of-life choices?

This casket was made from 100 percent locally reclaimed monkeypod wood.

We live in a society where conversations about mortality are largely uncomfortable, disintegrated and oftentimes taboo. The unintended consequence is that the eco-implications of our very impactful choices in this space are also not discussed. When we don’t engage, we’re not able to make fully informed decisions and instead, fall back on what is traditionally offered. Funeral homes typically provide a standard catalog with dozens of casket options — very few of which are biodegradable. Given these items are intended to be buried in our beloved land, they should, at a minimum, be able to return to the earth.

The wonderful news is the Federal Trade Commission has established the Funeral Rule, a comprehensive set of rights and protections we all enjoy as consumers in the death space. It includes, among many other privileges, the ability to purchase a casket from any source, regardless of where you’re buried or cremated. This allows families time for an unmediated, online search from the comfort of home. It also affords them the opportunity to procure an environmentally conscious option in the event the funeral home does not offer one. The Funeral Rule is an empowering protection that allows us to leave a clean eco-legacy for future generations.

PĀHIKI ECO-CASKETS
808-542-7691 | aloha@pahikicaskets.com
www.pahikicaskets.com
https://www.instagram.com/pahikicaskets/?hl=en

Each year in Hawai‘i, we bury an average of 3,400 imported caskets constructed from non-biodegradable materials such as metal, polyester, lacquer, caustic glue, rubber and formaldehyde. We additionally inter hundreds of gallons of hyper-toxic embalming fluid. These are materials we would never bury on any other day of the year in our backyards. So how…
Create a Legacy With Your Real Estate

One of the biggest decisions we face as we age is what to do with our most valuable asset — our real estate. Our home is a precious place of comfort… well, most of the time. But perhaps a flight of stairs is becoming a struggle to climb. Maybe the house is now just too big to maintain. Where to go when it’s time to downsize is a question select real estate professionals can answer. These specialists can help you navigate your living options and help with the transition.

Another big challenge is what to do with your investment property — such as a rental that has become a burden. Experienced realtors can conduct an Asset Performance Test to see how valuable your property is performing. Is your rental generating the most Net Operating Income? If you don’t need extra income but you want to keep the real estate in the family, there are ways to transfer property to your heirs while you are still living. Building wealth through real estate is the way most “akamai” families create generational wealth. If you want a better life for you and your family, now is the time to create a legacy.

The Ihara Team
1347 Kapiolani Blvd 3rd floor
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 518-2310
Iharateam.com

One of the biggest decisions we face as we age is what to do with our most valuable asset — our real estate. Our home is a precious place of comfort… well, most of the time. But perhaps a flight of stairs is becoming a struggle to climb. Maybe the house is now just too…
Send Love to Caregivers Who Give Love

Looking for a simple, non-digital way to connect with family caregivers who take care of older adults? Send them an appreciation card to acknowledge their dedication and compassionate work.

Family caregivers devote their time and energy to provide care and to ensure quality of life for their aging loved ones. Family caregivers play a vital role in healthy aging.

With all the duties involved, family caregiving can be socially isolating, emotionally stressful, physically exhausting, mentally frustrating and financially challenging. Over time, the strain and stress of caregiving can negatively impact a caregiver’s health, according to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. To ensure our loved ones age successfully, we should also focus on the well-being of their caregivers. Their emotional and mental health are critical in performing caregiving tasks. It’s also important to reach out to family caregivers so they do not feel alone.

Family caregivers give love and should receive love, too. A greeting card that acknowledges family caregivers for their important role, recognizes their devotion, honors their work, expresses gratitude and celebrates caregiving can go a long way to shine a bright light on a deserving longtime or new caregiver.

SENIOR SHOWER PROJECT
415-529-5659 | info@seniorshowerproject.com
www.seniorshowerproject.com

Family caregivers give love and should receive love, too. A greeting card that acknowledges family caregivers for their important role, recognizes their devotion, honors their work, expresses gratitude and celebrates caregiving can go a long way to shine a bright light on a deserving longtime or new caregiver.
Dine Out or Order In Tasty, Healthy Meals

Today, innovation is changing our way of life for the better. Technology evolves to eliminate painstaking tasks and make our lives easier. Improving methods also applies to the food business, where the combination of technology and innovation enables hungry islanders to obtain their favorite meals from local restaurants with delivery to their doorsteps within minutes of ordering. We can choose snacks, meal plates or fine dining from the comfort of our home using our smartphone or laptop.

Companies involved in meal plans and food preparation services are personalizing menu items according to customers’ needs. New and improved cooking methods and recipes help chefs to retain great flavor while they provide the customers the healthiest possible meals. Freshly prepared foods do not require preservatives or MSG to boost flavor. Most restaurants have abandoned their use.

Some clients may want to consume less carbohydrates, so the meal company cuts out carbs from the meal item, and adds more proteins and vegetables instead. Seniors controlling their cholesterol need low-fat meals, which restaurants and food services are able to offer.

Cuisines from across the world have their own unique flavor profiles. One that rises to the top of the “big flavor” category is Thai food. Chefs incorporate robust herbs and spices, citrus, and “salt and sweet” Thai flavors with the best fresh ingredients so seniors and their families can enjoy healthy, delicious food without consuming excessive calories.

There is a lot more to be gained by eating 500-calorie, taste bud-satisfying veggie and protein dishes, than meals loaded with fat and bland starches. So for a better life, make healthy choices, whether you step out or order in.

ME MYSELF ’N THAI RESTAURANT AND MEAL PLAN
1336 Dillingham Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96817
Mon–Sun, 9am – 4pm | 808-693-5131
Nont Panayanggool
n.panayanggool22@gmail.com | www.memyselfnthai.com

Today, innovation is changing our way of life for the better. Technology evolves to eliminate painstaking tasks and make our lives easier. Improving methods also applies to the food business, where the combination of technology and innovation enables hungry islanders to obtain their favorite meals from local restaurants with delivery to their doorsteps within minutes…
Mom’s Date Cake – A 1945 Holiday Treat

This satisfyingly sweet and moist cake makes up in 10 minutes and a small piece turns morning coffee or afternoon tea into a special occasion. At my home, the women sat down for tea before starting to cook the evening meal or when “the people” came to visit. Funny how a sweet treat triggers fond memories.

Ingredients:

Cake:
1 cup (packed) pitted dates (cut in quarters)
1 tsp. baking soda
2 Tbsp. cubed butter
1 cup boiling water
1 egg
2/3 cup sugar
1-1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt

Icing:
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
2 Tbsp milk or cream
Dash vanilla
Pinch salt
1/2 cup+ walnuts (chopped)

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a square 9-by-9 baking pan. Spray cooking oil on the inside.

Cake:
In a medium bowl, beat all the cake ingredients into a smooth, thin batter, either using an electric beater or by hand.

Then pour into the prepared pan, place it on the middle rack of your oven and bake for 25 minutes, until brown. Remove and let it sit to cool.

Icing:
In a small bowl, beat the ingredients to a smooth consistency. Then spread evenly on top of the cooled cake. Evenly sprinkle chopped walnuts over the icing — add more walnuts if desired.

Serves: 9–16 | Total time: 35 minutes

If you’d like to share, Generations Magazine would love to list your favorite recipe and story behind it. For review, please send your story and recipe to: Generations Food & Story 1414 Dillingham Blvd., Ste. 201, Honolulu, HI 96817

This satisfyingly sweet and moist cake makes up in 10 minutes and a small piece turns morning coffee or afternoon tea into a special occasion. At my home, the women sat down for tea before starting to cook the evening meal or when “the people” came to visit. Funny how a sweet treat triggers fond…
Understanding Whole-Body Donation

Choosing end-of-life arrangements can be one of those tough decisions as a senior. However, these are very important decisions to make. With so many options available, how can anyone decide what the most cost-effective and responsible way to proceed would be? According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the trend of having an expensive burial is on the decline (down 16 percent since 2005). Cremation rates, however, are on the rise nationally (55 percent) and locally (75 percent). In recent years, a new option has become available — whole-body donation in which you donate your body to science.

You may have heard someone say they want to donate their body to science after they pass. Many people are interested for a variety of reasons, including philanthropic, wanting to give back, covering the cost of cremation or aiding in education, research and the development of new medical interventions.

According to Associated Press reports, whole-body donation is becoming a more popular option. However, in Hawai‘i, information about the process and its benefits are not well understood. For example, did you know that the decision to donate your body to science can be made in advance or can be made by a family member after one’s passing? And, you can pledge to be both an organ donor and a whole-body donor.

The decision to donate your body to science is an extremely important one and it is an opportunity to make a difference in your community.

One benefit of whole-body donation is that the cost of cremation is covered, but the benefits go far beyond just cost savings.Whole-body donor tissues are used by universities, orthopedic device developers, researchers and hospitals all over the world in order to aid in the advancement of medicine and treatment. Surgeons use donated tissue in order to learn new surgical techniques, for example. A single donor has the potential to help thousands of people all over the world.

Whole-body donation organizations are a fairly new development. Until recently, there were no alternate options in Hawai‘i until now, through Ke Ola ‘Uhane (pledges can be made on its website).

This is an important and needed service for residents of Hawai‘i, since it will directly benefit research and medical education in the state.

What is the impact of my donation?

Beyond education and research, there are also significant benefits for medical innovation. For example, Zion Harvey is the first child in the world to receive a double hand transplant. At age 2, Zion’s hands and feet were surgically amputated due to an infection. Due in part to whole-body donor organizations, Zion was able to undergo a life-changing 10-hour surgery at just 8 years old. One year later, he is able to write his name and grip a baseball bat.

KE OLA ‘UHANE (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
905 Kalanianaole Hwy., #4504, Kailua, HI 96734
808-391-6041 | F: 808-261-0245
www.keolauhane.org

Choosing end-of-life arrangements can be one of those tough decisions as a senior. However, these are very important decisions to make. With so many options available, how can anyone decide what the most cost-effective and responsible way to proceed would be? According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the trend of having an expensive burial…
Life in a Retirement Community

Retirement communities are a lot like cruise ships. There’s a lot of excitement and options to choose from, including delicious cuisine, opportunities to relax, read and watch movies. There’s also time to talk story with neighbors and participate in activities such as hula and art classes, tai chi, water aerobics and more.

You’ve worked hard all your life. Now it’s your time to be pampered and not worry about cooking, cleaning, yard and house work, grocery shopping or finding parking at the doctor’s office. Don’t let life pass you by. Don’t wait until you can’t enjoy the fun and excitement that retirement living can offer. At a retirement community, you will never even have to worry about what you’re going to do on any given day!

Aging is a natural process that no one wants to face alone. Many seniors battle silent depression, a lack of healthy meals and rapid decline of health. Start your search now for a retirement community that will support your needs. Don’t wait too long and end up saying “I should of but I didn’t!”

Many retirement communities have a full continuum of care options that allow residents to stay within one campus as they age. And as a resident in a retirement community, you become part of the ‘ohana. Explore your options now and see how your quality of life can be enhanced by living in a retirement community.

GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY – POHAI NANI
45-090 Namoku St., Kaneohe, HI 96744
808-247-6211 | www.good-sam.com/locations/pohai-nani

Retirement communities are a lot like cruise ships. There’s a lot of excitement and options to choose from, including delicious cuisine, opportunities to relax, read and watch movies. There’s also time to talk story with neighbors and participate in activities such as hula and art classes, tai chi, water aerobics and more. You’ve worked hard…
Friendship Through Flowers

Sogetsu centerpiece

Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, is also known as kadō — the way of the flowers. Based on an ancient Buddhist ritual of using flowers to honor the spirits of the dead, kadō is one of the three Japanese arts of refinement.

More than 600 years later, this ancient art form is celebrated by more than 8,500 people in more than 60 countries through Ikebana International. Started in 1956 by Ellen Gordon Allen, a U.S. general’s wife who was stationed in Japan, this international organization was founded to unite people and create a worldwide “Friendship of Flowers.”

Make & Take

Hawai‘i’s chapter began in 1961, when a friend of Ellen’s, Pearl Jensen, met local arrangers from Enshu, Ikenobo, Koryu, Ohara and Sogetsu schools while attending an exhibit at the Shirokiya Department Store. Since then, the Honolulu Chapter, known as Hawai‘i’s Ikebana International Honolulu Chapter 56, has been promoting cultural understanding and appreciation of this craft through exhibitions, demonstrations, workshops and community service projects.

The biggest exhibit is the Splendors of Ikebana held every summer in Honolulu. This year’s event brought thousands of people to the Hawai‘i State Library, with some even trying their hand at ikebana in the make-and-take workshop. While the elegant and restrained creations may seem simple, they are anything but. This delicate art form can take decades to master.

Look for other ikebana workshops and classes throughout the year at the Mo‘ili‘ili Community Center, the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu Museum of Art, Honolulu Hale, and various other schools and nonprofits.

IKEBANA INTERNATIONAL – CHAPTER 56 (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
P.O. Box 61306, Honolulu, HI 96839-1306
information@ikebana-hawaii.org
www.ikebana-hawaii.org
Facebook: @ikebanainternationalhonolulu

Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, is also known as kadō — the way of the flowers. Based on an ancient Buddhist ritual of using flowers to honor the spirits of the dead, kadō is one of the three Japanese arts of refinement.
Enjoy Life More With a Furry Best Friend

It’s always comforting to have a best friend to share in the journey of life every step of the way. For seniors, while the idea of caring for a furry friend can seem overwhelming, the benefits are highly rewarding; pets can provide a whole new experience of joy and purpose. Here are just five of the many benefits you can look forward to with a pet in your life:

❶ Companionship

Navigating new adventures in senior life can feel lonely. What better solution than to have the unconditional love from a pet to support you through it! You may even prefer the company of your pet over people!

❷ Routine

Caring for a pet can give new meaning to the same old routine. Caring for a pet requires responsibility that benefits you by creating and maintaining a solid routine. Never fear, Fido won’t let you forget breakfast, lunch or dinner (and a few fun snacks in between). What better way to organize and find purpose in each day than by spending time with your pet?

❸ Exercise

Just like humans, all pets need exercise to stay healthy and happy. Caring for a pet can provide great motivation to get up and move around, whether taking your pet for a stroll or simply walking around your house with them. The more active time you can spend with your pet, the better you will both feel.

❹ Socialization

Just like humans, pets need pet friends, too. Spending time with your pet, whether going for a walk around your neighborhood or even shopping for groceries, will give you both the chance to meet others and strike up fun interactions. You can even find local opportunities to go on group walks with your pets, giving you and your pal the chance to make more friends and enjoy all of life’s precious moments.

❺ Stress, Worry and Pain Reliever

When the stresses of everyday life reach an overwhelming level, having a pet you love can make all the difference. Scientific studies have shown that caring for a pet can lower one’s blood pressure, reduce stress and tension, and even help to alleviate chronic pain.

As seniors navigate new changes in their lives, deciding to bring a pet companion along for the journey can bring many benefits and happiness.

Not ready to commit to a pet, but want to try it out? Think about foster parenting.

The Hawaiian Humane Society’s Foster Care program is always looking for good foster parents to temporarily shelter animals in need. Go to www.hawaiianhumane.org/fostercare to find out more about the program.

KALĀKAUA GARDENS
1723 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96826
808-518-2273 | www.kalakauagardens.com

It’s always comforting to have a best friend to share in the journey of life every step of the way. For seniors, while the idea of caring for a furry friend can seem overwhelming, the benefits are highly rewarding; pets can provide a whole new experience of joy and purpose.
Maui Pink Paddlers Give Us Hope

Hope and togetherness for persons affected by cancer is Mana‘olana Pink Paddlers’ (MPP) specialty. Tuesday and Thursday mornings, cancer patients, survivors and supporters pull together, paddling their pink double-hull canoes across the ocean off Kīhei on Maui. Oct. 12 and 13 will be their 10th voyage and overnight on Lāna‘i with The Pacific Cancer Foundation’s Paddle for Life — not a race, but a fun outing (www.paddleforlifemaui.org).

“Mākaukau!” (Ready!) “Imua!” (Forward!) When all 12 paddlers are in sync, the canoe flies. In the last seat, the steersman selects the course; the first seat sets the pace. We paddle with her. After 15 strokes, seat three shouts “Hut!” (Prepare
to paddle on the other side!) and “Hoe!” (Switch!). This works both sides of the body.

This is the first exercise that I tried since my hysterectomy. Mary Dungans, president of MPP, invited me to experience what the nonprofit does for cancer patients and survivors — Wow! — training, an ocean paddle, then a healthy snack and talk story. Half the paddlers are cancer supporters like Mary. Since retiring in 2012, she devotes her skills to MPP.

Says Mary, “We all love life. Alone, we feel weak, but in our big, stable double-hull canoes, 12 easily bear the load. Kīhei morning seas are calm so we can take off safely most days. Paddling is a fun, physical activity that builds both strength and hope. Cancer isolates, but paddling connects.”

She’s right. The peace and freedom of the open ocean heal the spirit. MPP gets you there with aloha and ruthless encouragement — like pink gold. Drive on down to Sugar Beach in Kīhei any Tuesday or Thursday at 7:30 am. Look for the pink paddle. The Mana‘olana Pink Paddlers’ fleet of bright pink double-hulls take off from the north end of the beach and everyone is welcome.

To the Pink Paddlers, life is about moving forward and staying grounded. So, as they say in the canoe, “Imua!”

Enthusiasm and camaraderie! Love these Pink Paddlers who taught me how to paddle and opened up my world. We cut across a flat Ma‘alaea Harbor to see the wreckage of a WWII Hellcat fighter plane. Wow!

MANA‘OLANA PINK PADDLERS
Info@manaopinkpaddlersmaui.org
www.mauipinks.org | www.manaolanapinkpaddlersmaui.org
Facebook: Manaolana Maui and Maui Pink Paddlers
To sign up for the Lāna‘i Paddle for Life voyage with MPP or to engage MPP to schedule an Ashes to Sea ceremony, you may get the details online.

Hope and togetherness for persons affected by cancer is Mana‘olana Pink Paddlers’ specialty. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, cancer patients, survivors and supporters pull together, paddling their pink double-hull canoes across the ocean off Kīhei on Maui. Oct. 12 and 13 will be their 10th voyage and overnight on Lāna‘i with The Pacific Cancer Foundation’s…