Category: Living Life

  • A Life Shared is a Life Well-Lived

    Most of life’s memorable experiences are memorable because they’re shared. What if there were an easy way to not only write down your memories for family and friends but to also give them the opportunity to reminisce with you about them?

    There is! Developed by a team right here in Hawai‘i — led by local entrepreneur Beth N. Carvin — JamBios is an easy-to-use memoir writing platform that lets you write one story at a time while also keeping you organized. Nobody can see, comment on, or add to your memoir unless you invite them to. And if any of those you’ve invited add something to it, you are notified.

    It may sound a lot like Facebook, but there are several important differences based on JamBios’ specific focus on a memoir format, such as:

    • Pre-defined chapters
    • 1000s of memory prompts
    • The option to create a keepsake book with a few clicks

    No professional writing skills are required and you are guided through the process of creating the pages and chapters of your memoir. You can write as much or as little as you wish, and add photos, audio and video links. There is no cost to create your JamBio, but you will have to sign up on the website to get started. Before signing up, you can check out example galleries of pages created by users who have opted to have them showcased.

    There is no time like the present to remember and share the past!

    ————————

    JAMBIOS
    hello@jambios.com  |  www.jambios.com

    Most of life’s memorable experiences are memorable because they’re shared. What if there were an easy way to not only write down your memories for family and friends but to also give them the opportunity to reminisce with you about them? There is! Developed by a team right here in Hawai‘i — led by local…

  • What’s Pickleball?

    Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis and is played either indoors or outdoors on a 20×44-foot court. Players use a paddle, perforated ball similar to a whiffle ball, and a 3-foot-high net. Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles and it’s like playing ping pong on the ground.

    Because the serve is underhand, and players cannot hit the ball within 7 feet of the net without letting it bounce first, it is less a game of power and more one of finesse and placement. Hence, younger players do not have as much advantage as they might in other sports, like tennis, where power plays a greater role.

    Making friends and building community while getting healthy

    Rather than playing with the same partner for multiple games, players during open-play typically change partners and opponents after every game, which creates a highly social environment where many new friendships are made. Sports with a social component may improve physical, mental and emotional well-being, and longevity more than non-social sports.

    Pickleball helps to increase fitness, create inter-generational social opportunities, and build community ties. It is easy to learn; most people can gain an understanding of the basic rules and can start playing games after a single lesson.

    Where can I learn and play?

    The Oahu Pickleball Association hosts community events, clinics and tournaments. It’s not un-likely to find a very diverse group of approximately 20-40 people showing up to the free open-play sessions at various sites across the island. Pickleball players set up nets in public parks — usually on volleyball or basketball courts.

    The Oahu Pickleball Association is a nonprofit and its passion, mission and purpose is to pro-mote, inform, instruct and organize pickleball on O‘ahu. Other pickleball groups throughout Hawai‘i are listed below. The sport is governed by the USA Pickleball Association, and you can search for the nearly 6,000 places to play in the United States on its website www.usapa.org

    ————————–

    OAHU PICKLEBALL ASSOCIATION
    808-351-1567
    www.meetup.com/Oahu-Pickleball-Association/Facebook: @OahuPickleballAssociation

    KAUA‘I
    www.kauaipickleball.shutterfly.com/

    MAUI
    808-250-1766  |  www.pickleballmaui.com

    HAWAI‘I
    808-331-2255  |  Facebook: KonaPickleballHui

    Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis and is played either indoors or outdoors on a 20×44-foot court. Players use a paddle, perforated ball similar to a whiffle ball, and a 3-foot-high net. Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles and it’s like playing ping pong on the ground.

  • Variety is the Spice of Life

    The annual Senior Classic Games is sponsored by Generations Magazine.
    The annual Senior Classic Games is sponsored by Generations Magazine.

    The motto of the City and County of Honolulu, Department of Parks and Recreation is “We Add Quality to Life” and the public programs it provides, along with the events it hosts and participates in, are a reflection of that aim. Concerts, fairs, cultural exhibitions and the longest-running non-competitive hula event in the state are all on the agenda for the coming year.

    As well as the many opportunities it makes available for individual exercise — swimming, gym workouts, walking at a beach or park — the department schedules exercise classes for kūpuna.

    Senior Golf Program

    • March 8, Friday; Ewa Villages Golf Course
    • May 10, Friday; West Loch Golf Course
    • July 12, Friday; Ala Wai Golf Course
    • March 8, Friday; Ewa Villages Golf Course
    • May 10, Friday; West Loch Golf Course
    • July 12, Friday; Ala Wai Golf Course

    Call for details & time: 808-768-3030 Senior Classic Games

    • March 21, Thursday, 8 am – 12 pm Halawa District Park

    Senior Fun Walk

    • April 5, Friday, Check-in 8:30 am; 9 am start Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park

    92nd Annual Lei Day Celebration

    • May 1, Wednesday, 9 am – 5:30 pm Kapi‘olani Park

    Nā Hula Festival

    • August 4, Sunday, 9 am – 2 pm Kapi‘olani Park Bandstand

    Talk Story Festival

    • October 11, Friday, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm Mission Memorial Auditorium

    45th Annual Mayor’s Craft & Country Fair

    • November 23, Saturday, 9 am – 1 pm Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall

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    DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & RECREATION

    City and County of Honolulu
    1000 Uluohia St., Suite 309, Kapolei HI 96707
    808-768-3003  |  parks@honolulu.gov
    www.honolulu.gov/parks

    Kaua‘i County

    4444 Rice St., Mo‘ikeha Bldg., Suite 105, Lihue HI 96766
    808-241-4460  |  www.kauai.gov/Parks

    Maui County

    700 Halia Nakoa St. Unit 2, Wailuku HI 96793
    808-270-7230  |  parks.dept@mauicounty.gov
    www.mauicounty.gov/119/Parks-Recreation

    Hawai‘i County

    East: Aupuni Ctr., 101 Pauahi St., Suite 6, Hilo HI 96720
    808-961-8311

    West: West Hawai‘i Civic Ctr., Bldg. B, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
    808-323-4322

    parks_recreation@hawaiicounty.gov
    hawaiicounty.gov/parks-and-recreation/

    The motto of the City and County of Honolulu, Department of Parks and Recreation is “We Add Quality to Life” and the public programs it provides, along with the events it hosts and participates in, are a reflection of that aim. Concerts, fairs, cultural exhibitions and the longest-running non-competitive hula event in the state are…

  • ‘Life Stories’: A Spotlight on Our Kūpuna

    With the holidays and the spirit of the season upon us, our energies turn toward the festivities with our friends and families. What better opportunity for us to shine the spotlight on our kūpuna than by tapping into their vast knowledge of life, wisdom and memories? A fun way to do this is through a day of “Life Stories,” where all the generations get together and share their fondest memories.

    Using photographs that each person brings to the gathering, you can create a collage to be displayed on your wall and enjoyed throughout the coming year. Being the center of this activity can give your kūpuna a sense of renewed purpose and of belonging. It may also enable those with dementia or Alzheimer’s to speak more cohesively as they become engaged in sharing their memories and experiences.

    Family and friends will have a fun, touching and enlightening time as the collage is pieced together. You can create your own “Life Stories” collage with just a few simple items: photos, card stock or poster board, glue sticks, markers, scissors (child-safe ones), and lots of smiles!

    May the joy of the holidays bring an extra special touch to your “Life Stories.”

    REGENERATIVE LIVING

    808-295-5585  |  info@regenliv.com
    www.regenliv.com

    With the holidays and the spirit of the season upon us, our energies turn toward the festivities with our friends and families. What better opportunity for us to shine the spotlight on our kūpuna than by tapping into their vast knowledge of life, wisdom and memories? A fun way to do this is through a…

  • 3 Tips to Help Discuss Aging in Place

    There is no perfect time to discuss end-of-life care. Most seniors would prefer to age in place at home, as independently as possible. But too few take the time to discuss their preferences with their family, leaving family caregivers
    stressed and scrambling. The most important thing any family can do to prepare for a loved one to live at home is to talk about it today.

    Here are three tips to keep in mind as you discuss and plan how to spend those precious golden years.

    Tip #1: Don’t wait for a perfect moment. Bring up the topic casually at family dinners and get-togethers, so everyone is present to hear your wish.

    Tip #2: Be alert for behavior and lifestyle changes. If you notice changes, have a conversation with a medical professional about what kind of caregiving support might be needed.

    Tip #3: Have the conversation by age 60, at the latest! This is a natural age when retirement, healthcare and financial planning conversations are happening. Include aging-in-place planning in that mix.

    Above all, consider working together with caring professionals to help your kūpuna live long, independent, and comfortable lives.

    HOME CARE BY ALTRES MEDICAL

    808-591-4930  |  homecare@altres.com
    www.altreshomecare.com

    There is no perfect time to discuss end-of-life care. Most seniors would prefer to age in place at home, as independently as possible. But too few take the time to discuss their preferences with their family, leaving family caregivers stressed and scrambling. The most important thing any family can do to prepare for a loved…

  • Making the Most of Retirement

    When I moved from Moloka‘i to Kapolei earlier this year, my goals for retirement were to spend time with my granddaughter, become involved
    in my new community by volunteering at the library and local school, and to continue what I enjoy doing — walking daily, reading, acrylic painting, gardening, cooking healthy meals, attending art shows and educational workshops, and hosting new students from Southeast Asian countries who are currently pursuing their degrees at UH-Mānoa.

    I also have the pleasure and great opportunity to attend the Intermediate Level Hawaiian Language class at UH-West O‘ahu this Fall semester. The class consists of regular students taking it for credit, and non-credit students, like myself, taking it through the Senior Citizen Visitor Program/Nā Kūpuna. The class meets three times a week in the afternoon and we also have the option of attending a conversation session on Wednesday mornings at the student lounge where we can communicate in Hawaiian with students from other classes.

    We have been learning some sentence patterns and new words, as well as familiarizing ourselves with Hawaiian websites and databases. We navigate the internet to read “old” Hawaiian newspapers to practice our reading, pronunciation and comprehension. In class, our instructor encourages his students to speak in Hawaiian and, every other week, we take written quizzes.

    To learn more about free enrollment in UH courses through the Senior Citizen Visitor Program/Nā Kūpuna, call 808-956-4642.

    https://generations808.com/never-late-learn/

    hawaii.edu/diversity/seed-programs/na-kupuna-program/

    When I moved from Moloka‘i to Kapolei earlier this year, my goals for retirement were to spend time with my granddaughter, become involved in my new community by volunteering at the library and local school, and to continue what I enjoy doing — walking daily, reading, acrylic painting, gardening, cooking healthy meals, attending art shows and educational…

  • Sharing a Love of Books

    One of the pleasures of being a grandparent is spending time with the grandkids, and reading books together is a wonderful way to do just that — whether introducing a toddler to the alphabet or helping a sixth-grader research a project. Here are some ideas for locally published books to share with your special keiki.

    Young children will delight in the newly redesigned second edition of A is for Aloha, now with bold color photographs. First published in 1980, the original edition used black-and-white photos showing familiar island experiences as a way for Hawai‘i’s children to learn their ABCs. Early-education experts Stephanie Feeney and Eva Moravcik, and photographer Jeff Reese have made this classic freshly appealing with full-color images of everyday activities: eating noodle soup, dancing hula, and watching birds and geckos. Ages 2 to 6. (University of Hawai‘i Press, 2018)

    Written by columnist Lee Cataluna, Ordinary ‘Ohana assures readers that a diverse family is a normal family. The story unfolds through the experiences of a young boy named Kainoa, who introduces the various members of his ‘ohana. With playful illustrations by Cheyne Gallarde, the book shows that one’s family is who you choose and there’s always room for more at Sunday dinner, even if it’s on Saturday night, or Wednesday night, or whenever. Ages 4 to 8. (Bess Press, 2016)

    By valuing creative play, imagination, and the fun of the outdoors over the allure of video games, computers, and cellular phones, Wordsworth, It’s In Your Pocket! by Frances Kakugawa is a gentle reminder that it’s important for young minds to unplug and enjoy real-world friends and activities. This entertaining, yet thought-provoking, Wordsworth adventure is the fourth book in the award-winning series featuring the poetry-loving mouse. Ages 8 to 12. (Watermark Publishing, 2015)

    Hawai‘i’s Animals Do the Most Amazing Things! by Marion Coste and illustrated by Rena Ekmanis is jam-packed with information about native species of our islands, including birds, insects, and sea creatures found nowhere else in the world. Older children — and adults as well — will enjoy the fascinating facts about the natural habitat and unusual animals of the Hawaiian Islands. The book would also be a useful resource for science reports. Ages 9 and up. (UH Press, 2015)

    Find these at your favorite bookstore or order directly from the publishers.

    University of Hawai‘i Press: www.uhpress.hawaii.edu

    Bess Press: www.besspress.com

    Watermark Publishing: www.bookshawaii.net

    One of the pleasures of being a grandparent is spending time with the grandkids, and reading books together is a wonderful way to do just that — whether introducing a toddler to the alphabet or helping a sixth-grader research a project. Here are some ideas for locally published books to share with your special keiki.

  • Molokai Arts Center

    The day I visit the Molokai Arts Center, Betty West is teaching a kūpuna ceramics class. Betty was one of the founders of the center, which grew from an idea discussed at the local pizza café by locals — mostly seniors — who felt the island needed a place to nurture the arts. Between 2010 and 2012, the group incorporated as a nonprofit, raised funds and applied for grants, and were offered a home on the property of Coffees of Hawaii in Kualapu‘u.

    The class in progress is one of the activities offered on Moloka‘i by Alu Like, a nonprofit whose mission is to help Hawaiian Natives achieve their full potential. One of the students, Darlene Johns, describes for me the process of taking the raw clay and fashioning it ready for the first firing to produce a bisque, which is then glazed and fired in the kiln again to create the finished item.

    Betty West
    Betty West
    L-R, Marshelle Castro and Darlene Johns
    L-R, Marshelle Castro and Darlene Johns
    2018 Member Art Show exhibits
    2018 Member Art Show exhibits

    Dan Bennett, also a co-founder, is quick to acknowledge the role volunteers play in the organization: “If we didn’t have volunteers, this place wouldn’t be here. Different people volunteer their different expertise and services.” The center is also very open to ideas for classes suggested by students or to anyone who would like to share their skills by teaching.

    A popular stained glass class came about in just that way — a student suggestion and the discovery that several people on the island had experience with that art form. Recently, the center was gifted a treasure trove of panes of colored glass. It’s the center’s connection to the community that enables it to flourish.

    Each year, a juried exhibition of members’ works is shown at a reception open to the local community. Of the 36 exhibits at the 2018 event, 22 were created by seniors, who can attend any of the center’s adult classes and its workshops.

    Board member Paula Scott feels that “retirement should not equal stagnant. Retirement should equal learning new things, seizing the opportunity.”

    “My philosophy is that people are infinitely creative,” Dan says. “It’s just a matter of jumping into it.”

    MOLOKAI ARTS CENTER

    808-567-9696  |  www.molokaiartscenter.com

    The day I visit the Molokai Arts Center, Betty West is teaching a kūpuna ceramics class. Betty was one of the founders of the center, which grew from an idea discussed at the local pizza café by locals — mostly seniors — who felt the island needed a place to nurture the arts. Between 2010 and 2012, the group…

  • Put Fine Art in Your Life

    Not all fine art is in museums or galleries. These two seniors found other ways to enjoy fine art up close. Both have a connection to the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational art event on Maui — coming up Feb. 16–24, 2019.

    Spectators gather to watch plein air artists create their magic.
    Spectators gather to watch plein air artists create their magic.

    Plein air is French for “outdoors.” Impressionist painters like Monet and Renoir attempted to capture the mood of a scene, including weather and time of day. Today, artists paint plein air landscapes in less than four hours, before the sun moves on. The paintings inspire  memories of breezes, sounds and fragrances. Every February, Maui Arts League assembles 25 award-winning plein air artists from Hawai‘i, the mainland and Australia to paint scenes of Maui and sell the fresh originals.

    Ann Ahlbrecht volunteering at one of the annual MPAPI gallery events.
    Ann Ahlbrecht volunteering at one of the annual MPAPI gallery events.

    Ann Ahlbrecht of Kā‘anapali volunteers at the art event. “I love watching people from our community enjoy the magnificent art created in their own backyard. Our events are outdoors, open and available
    to everyone,”  says Ann.

    Working the event allows her plenty of time to study and enjoy each painting and meet the artists. As an art lover, Ann wants every family to have the opportunity to experience fine art.

    Ed Bartholomew with one of his favorite paintings.
    Ed Bartholomew with one of his favorite paintings.

    Ed Bartholomew of Lahaina is a retired high school and UHMC biology teacher. These days he sells his own paintings at Lahaina Art Society Gallery and collects art. One of Ed’s favorites is “Man in the Boat” by Leon Holmes of Perth, Australia.

    “Wow!” says Ed as sunlight hits the canvas. “This painting still grabs me — that’s why I decided to buy it. It inspires me.

    I bought my first painting in the ’70s at the fence by the Waikiki Zoo. That picture of a sunset gave me pleasure every day. Now my eclectic art collection  brings me joy, and helps support artists raising their families. Good all around.”

    It’s Your Beach! by Ronaldo Macedo 2018
    It’s Your Beach! by Ronaldo Macedo 2018

    Ann and Ed discovered two ways to support their community through art, and enjoy the talent of our Hawai‘i artists. Visit an art museum, gallery or event — maybe invest in an original oil, watercolor or pastel that “grabs” you.

    MAUI PLEIN AIR PAINTING INVITATIONAL

    808-268-0787  |  katherine.pleinair@gmail.com
    www.CelebrateArtOnMaui.org

    Not all fine art is in museums or galleries. These two seniors found other ways to enjoy fine art up close. Both have a connection to the Maui Plein Air Painting Invitational art event on Maui — coming up Feb. 16–24, 2019.

  • An Innovative Way to Keep in Touch

    As hearing loss progresses, it often becomes more difficult to understand what is being said over the telephone. While texting on a mobile phone is one solution, the loss of manual dexterity as we age can make that very frustrating. It’s disheartening not to be able to communicate easily with loved ones and friends.This challenge has led to the development of technology that brings together captioning and a telephone. This has become known as the “captioned telephone.”

    A captioned telephone enables a conversation to be conducted using a built-in screen to display the written words as they are spoken. It can restore your confidence in communicating over the phone, so you can connect with the people you care about, just like you used to. The equipment is simple to use and is available for free in the State of Hawai‘i if the applicant meets certain eligibility requirements.

    If you have a friend or loved one who has hearing loss and has difficulty understanding on the telephone, encourage them to check out this innovative solution and help them reconnect!

     

    HAWAII CAPTEL®
    877-805-5845 (toll-free) | info@captel.com
    www.hawaiicaptel.com

    As hearing loss progresses, it often becomes more difficult to understand what is being said over the telephone. While texting on a mobile phone is one solution, the loss of manual dexterity as we age can make that very frustrating. It’s disheartening not to be able to communicate easily with loved ones and friends.

  • When a ‘Friend’ is Not a Friend

    One of the trending online fraud schemes involves being contacted by either friends or relatives via email or through social networking services like Facebook about receiving large amounts of money through investments, a class action lawsuit, or even a random contest drawing.

    However, these “friends” or “relatives” are NOT who they claim to be, but online fraudsters impersonating the subject’s real friends and relatives. They try to convince the subject that the scheme, whatever it may be, is legitimate and, once doing so, then introduce them to another party to assist the subject in obtaining the funds. Again, this person is just another fraudster in the scam and may even be the same person who claims to be the subject’s friend/relative!

    The best thing to do in these situations is not respond at all. If it becomes a nuisance, block the sender or unfriend that “friend.”

    THE DEPARTMENT OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
    1060 Richards St., Honolulu HI 96813
    808-768-7400  |  Office hrs: Mon – Fri, 7:45 am – 4:30 pm
    www.honoluluprosecutor.org/contact-us/

    One of the trending online fraud schemes involves being contacted by either friends or relatives via email or through social networking services like Facebook about receiving large amounts of money through investments, a class action lawsuit, or even a random contest drawing. However, these “friends” or “relatives” are NOT who they claim to be.

  • Tips for Buying Medications Online

    Purchasing medication and even filling prescriptions online can be a risky process, but the chances of being victimized can be greatly reduced by taking a few necessary precautions.

    Avoid email scams
    Try not to respond to email “spam.” But if you are inclined to do so, do your research to see how reputable the company is and make sure the email address is legitimate. Also check where the company is based and where the products are being shipped from. Steer clear of foreign-based companies.
    Save all email correspondence until you have received your product and are satisfied.

    Be website-wary
    If you are dealing with a vendor on a website, look closely at the URL to check that it’s not a slight misspelling of a trusted company, created to fool you. Also, check that it starts with “https:” and has a padlock icon on the left.
    It is also good practice to take a screencap of the webpage listing the product you’re buying. Press Help if you are unsure how to do this.

    Minimize credit card risk
    If you are using a credit card, use one with a low line of credit but enough to make the purchase.
    If a purchase was made by mistake, contact your credit card company’s fraud and security department immediately. They will flag any unauthorized billings from that company.

    And finally, review your credit card statements regularly to detect any inconsistencies.

    THE DEPARTMENT OF THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
    1060 Richards St., Honolulu HI 96813
    808-768-7400 | Office hrs: Mon – Fri, 7:45 am – 4:30 pm
    www.honoluluprosecutor.org/contact-us/

    Purchasing medication and even filling prescriptions online can be a risky process, but the chances of being victimized can be greatly reduced by taking a few necessary precautions. Avoid email scams Try not to respond to email “spam.” But if you are inclined to do so, do your research to see how reputable the company…