Category: Living Life

It’s Just Aging Book Engages Youth

To build a stronger community, younger generations need to understand demographic changes, think critically about the aging and take action. Honolulu’s Age-Friendly City Initiative embraces an intergenerational approach to implementing programs and other supports for an aging population. A key first step is to reduce “ageism,” or negative attitudes toward aging that children may develop.

A new intergenerational children’s book was authored by two ‘Iolani High School students, Eliah Takushi and Carly Tan, and Plaza Assisted Living Administrator Colby Takeda. They published the book as part of an ‘Iolani High School class called the “One Mile Project.” In this semester-long class, students learn about aging issues, and then develop and implement projects that benefit elders in their surrounding community. Takushi and Tan decided to write an intergenerational children’s book to teach young children about age-related changes and help them understand that these changes are normal — that kūpuna still are valuable members of our society.

Colby Takeda, Carly Tan, Eliah Takushi and Dr. Christy Nishita celebrate the publication of It’s Just Aging.

It’s Just Aging: A Story About Growing Up is about a grandma and granddaughter who go to the grocery store and bake banana bread together. Along the way, they encounter older adults with different physical and sensory limitations. The grandma helps the daughter see that “it’s just aging” and people can still have a good quality of life. While writing and developing the book, the high school students read their draft stories to ‘Iolani kindergarten and first grade classes, collected feedback from the children and revised the story. Takeda, administrator at the Plaza Assisted Living in Waikīkī, provided valuable connections to illustrator Jamie Meckel Tablason and Mutual Publishing.

It’s just Aging is one step in a larger movement to make Honolulu an “age-friendly” city by improving people’s understanding and perceptions of aging and older adults. Our youth need to understand their stake in creating a better future for themselves. When our entire community embraces aging issues, quality of life improves for all generations. Efforts to become more “age-friendly” are timely because Hawai‘i is aging more rapidly than the rest of the United States, and leads the nation in healthy life expectancy. Honolulu’s Age-Friendly City initiative is supported by Honolulu’s Mayor, Kirk Caldwell and AARP Hawaii.

Find out more about Honolulu’s Age-Friendly City Movement at www.kupunatokeiki.com or www.hawaii.edu/aging, or contact Christy Nishita, Ph.D. at cnishita@hawaii.edu.

It’s Just Aging: A Story About Growing Up  by Takushi, Tan and Takeda, ISBN 0984445868, Mutual Publishing Company, is available at local retailers and online outlets for $12.95. Publication was underwritten by Plaza Assisted Living Hawai‘i; book sales support Project Dana, a local Honolulu nonprofit that assists kūpuna.

UH CENTER ON AGING
1960 East West Rd., Bio Medical Sciences T-705B,  Honolulu HI 96822
808-956-5001 | www.hawaii.edu/aging uhcoa@hawaii.edu

It’s Just Aging Book Engages Youth by Christy Nishita, PhD, Center on Aging, University of Hawaii, Interim Director and Researcher from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Mediterranean Roasted Veggie & Garbanzo Salad

Ingredients

2 large carrots, sliced on the diagonal
2 red bell peppers, halved, sliced
4 small eggplants, sliced thin on the diagonal
2 red onions, sliced thin
2 tomatoes, diced
2 cans low-sodium garbanzos, drained, rinsed
1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing
1 bunch fresh sweet basil
2 Tbsp. Italian parsley, chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese
extra virgin olive oil
cooking spray

Directions

Preheat oven to 425°. In a large bowl, toss cut veggies with a drizzle of olive oil. Lay the veggies on two baking sheets prepared with cooking spray. Bake for 20 minutes until veggies are cooked but still crunchy. Put back into the large bowl and toss gently with the garbanzos and dressing, then place onto a large platter. Stack basil leaves. Roll them and slice them into thin strips with a sharp knife. Sprinkle basil and parsley over the veggies and top with feta cheese.

Serves: 6 | Time: 1 hour to prep

CHEF MICHI’S COOKING FRESH
cookingfreshforyou@gmail.com
Queens POB III – 550 S. Beretania St. Honolulu Community College – 874 Dillingham Blvd.
Cooking FRESH Food Truck: Corner of Pahoakalani & Cartwright

Mediterranean Roasted Veggie and Garbanzo Salad by Chef Michi from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Men’s Sheds Movement Comes to Hawai‘i

Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunset steering committee organizing Hawai‘i’s first Men’s Sheds (L– R): Jerome Taniyama, Jonathan Okabe, Doug Kam-Young, Glenn Sears, Win Schoneman and David Talbert

Men’s Sheds began in Australia 10 years ago. The nonprofit is a communal version of the old-fashioned backyard shed where a man could tinker with his tools. Thousands of Men’s Sheds in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland and Finland belong to the international association, but every group is unique. Its members decide what they want to do: woodwork, metalwork, gardening, bicycle repair, cooking or bookbinding. The thing that all sheds provide is a safe, comfortable place for older men to congregate, talk and work shoulder-to-shoulder.

It might appear that a shed is just a place to work, but it is much more. Older men tend not to socialize, are reluctant to do anything new and often ignore their health. When hearing and memory start to go, it is easy to just tune out. Friends from work are not as available; old buddies move away or pass on. The Men’s Sheds is  a way to reverse the slide into isolation.

Mens Sheds Honolulu members (L– R): Jonathan Okabe, Jerry Tanyama, Doug Kam-Young, Glenn Sears, Jim Hoban and Leon Bower

We opened the first Men’s Sheds in Honolulu and are looking for a few good (old) men. We gather on Thursdays from 10am until 4pm. Hours and days will expand with membership. “If this sounds like something fun for you or for a friend, give Glenn a call for details. Come by, take a look, have a cup of coffee and talk story.

HAWAI‘I MEN’S SHEDS ASSOCIATION
Glenn Sears | 808-373-6140

Men’s Sheds Movement Comes to Hawai‘i by Glenn Sears from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Aloha Festivals’ 70th Year — “Hāli‘a Aloha!”

Aloha Festivals enters its 70th year as a premier cultural celebration of Hawaiian music, dance, cuisine and art. “Hāli‘a” means cherished memory that suddenly floods mind and heart. So it was in 1946, when the Jaycees Oldtimers began “Aloha Week” to renew rich cultural traditions preserved for a century by Hawaiian musicians, kumu hula and old families.

“We’ve come a long way,” said Debbie Nakānelua-Richards, Aloha Festivals board of directors co-chair. “Hāli‘a Aloha is truly one year not to be missed.” The event is for everyone, keiki to kūpuna, and takes place at various O‘ahu locations from Sept. 3 to 24. All public events are free. Support for Aloha Festivals comes from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, private and corporate sponsors, and sales of Aloha Festivals ribbons and merchandise at all events.

Royal Court Investiture & Opening Ceremony

Sept. 3, Saturday, 3:30 pm –5:30 pm
Royal Hawaiian Hotel & Royal Hawaiian Center, Royal Grove

Imua! The Aloha Festivals Royal Court will be introduced on the grounds of Helumoa, which was originally the home of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. At the ceremony, the king, queen, prince and princess take their place on the royal court. The ali‘i court members receive their royal cloaks, helmets, feather head lei and other symbols of their reign. Traditional hula and chants make this a special event in the heart of Waikīkī.

Pearlridge Keiki Ho‘olaule‘a

Sept. 10, Saturday, 10 am – 3 pm, Pearlridge Center

Pearlridge Center will celebrate Aloha Festivals with a full day of free activities, demonstrations, arts, crafts and stage performances.

64Th Annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a

Sept. 17, Saturday, 7 pm –10 pm, Kalākaua Avenue

The Annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a is Hawai‘i’s largest block party. Thousands of people will take to the streets along Kalākaua Avenue for food, fun and entertainment. There’ll be performances of various genres of Hawaiian music and hula hālau. Hawaiian crafts, flower lei and many varieties of island cuisine will be featured throughout the event.

70th ANNUAL FLORAL PARADE

Sept. 24, Saturday, 9 am – Noon
From Ala Moana Park through Kalākaua  Avenue to Kapiolani Park

Kalākaua Avenue comes alive with a colorful procession of female and male pa‘u horseback riders, and floats covered with Hawaiian flowers, Hawaiian music, hula hālau and local marching bands add to the fun.

Watch the parade live on www.Channel808.com and www.olelo.org

ALOHA FESTIVALS

808-923-2030 | Facebook.com/AlohaFestivals
Twitter: @AlohaFstvls | Instagram: @alohafestivals
www.alohafestivals.com

Aloha Festivals’ 70th Year — “Hāli‘a Aloha!” by Generations Magazine Staff from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Silver Cyclists Show Pedal Power

Barry Masuda (light green and white shirt) powers through a turn at the criterium race on Kaua‘i. Photo by TBW Photo

At sports events around Hawai‘i, age categories often end at 50-plus or senior masters. For a bicycle race on Kaua‘i, enough older cyclists come out to participate each Memorial Day weekend that 60-plus and 70-plus age groups had to be added.

“Pedal to the Meadow” is a USA Cycling–sanctioned hill race on the Garden Island that climbs from hot, dry Kekaha to the rim of Waimea Canyon and cool forests of Koke‘e. This challenging course gains 3,800 feet in elevation over 16 miles.

The Men’s 70-plus “Pedal to the Meadow” race winners (L – R) County of Kaua‘i Lifeguard Roy Yamagata, 73, Honolulu resident Barry Masuda, 71, and Stevan Yee. Photo by Atomman Kimm

It took Barry Masuda, 71, of Honolulu only one hour and 39 minutes to finish, placing first in 70-plus, and 34th overall in a field with riders as young as 13. The next day, Masuda saddled up again with Cambriamento D’Andaturo Team Core Hawai‘i for the Mana Time Trial and the “Cycle on the Strip” Criterium race.

These road races are organized by Bicycle Racing Kauai, a not-for-profit hui. Race director Binney Williamson likes the senior divisions. “It’s inspiring. We younger riders hope to stay that fit.”

According to experts, riding a bike four miles a day cuts heart disease risk in half, is aerobic, but puts minimal strain on joints and muscles. Like all sports, it is good to start out slow. Biking is fun! To learn more about clycling and clubs on your island, visit your local bike shop.

To learn more about “Pedal to the Meadow,” visit:  www.PedaltotheMeadow.com and www. Facebook.com/BicycleRacingKauai

Silver Cyclists Show Pedal Power by Mary Friend Williamson, “Pedal to the Meadow” Race Coordinator from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Punahou: Celebrating 175 Years of Service

L–R: Pauline Chang Chin, Gaye Miyasaki,  Lynne Gartley Meyer, Renee Ahuna Cabrinha and  Lisa Yamaguchi Bowden.

For Punahou School’s 175th anniversary, administrators challenged alumni, teachers, students and their families to collectively perform 175 acts of community service. The Class of 1974 decided to sponsor a Kūpuna Health Seminar at Lanakila Multipurpose Senor Center. Generations Magazine, Percy Ihara helped contact educational speakers and exhibitors, such as expert Nutritionist Dr. Shintani, and Tai Chi Instructor Tommy Amina from Nu‘uanu YMCA. Class of 1974 alumni prepared and served a healthy lunch to all participants.

Since 1841, Punahou School has earned a tradition for excellent scholarship and community service. The Luke Center for Public Service teaches students social; they create their own service projects and work with Aloha United Way. Congratulations to the Class of 1974 and all Punahou alumni serving our community!

PUNAHOU SCHOOL, 1601 Punahou St., Honolulu, HI 96822
808-944-5711 | advancement@punahou.edu www.punhou.edu

Punahou: Celebrating 175 Years of Service by Gaye Miyasaki, Punahou Class of 1974 from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Making A Difference for Retirees in Hawai‘i

L–R: Justin Wong, Jean Dobashi,  Senator Maizie Hirono, Al Hamai.

The Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans (HARA) is our state affiliate of the Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA), which serves as a national umbrella organization for advocacy organizations interested in working together on aging, retirees and community issues.

Founded in 2001, HARA is comprised of eight affiliate organizations in Hawai‘i totaling more than 21,000 members, including AFT Retirees, HGEA Retirees, HSTA-Retired, Hawaii Family Caregiver Coalition, ILWU Retirees, Kokua Council, Machinist Union Retirees and UPW Retirees.

HARA works with the Legislative Kupuna Caucus and other senior/aging advocacy organizations to support legislative measures and to provide public input on issues that affect seniors. Some important examples are the Kupuna Care Program (state funds to enable the elderly and people with disabilities to remain at home) and a state-administered long-term care program. We also endorse measures to reduce the cost of prescription drugs, create permanent absentee registration and voting, and develop one-stop Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC). HARA urges support for family caregivers, affordable housing and assistance for the homeless. Besides our biennial conventions, HARA members get together with the Kokua Council to meet with members of the Hawai‘i State Legislature every May. The recent legislative session was very productive because we are in an election cycle.

HARA is part of ARA, a national grassroots movement for seniors/retirees, in which we join with 49 other independent state organizations. Our four million members work together to make our voices heard in shaping federal laws, policies, politics and institutions that affect our lives. The national ARA mission is to ensure social and economic justice and full civil rights for all citizens, so they may enjoy lives of dignity, personal and family fulfillment and security. The 2016 Legislative Session was evaluated in late May at a Legislative Review sponsored by HARA and Kokua Council.

For more information or to get involved helping other retirees, visit www.retiredamericans.org. Those who join ARA online automatically become members of HARA. Annual dues are $10. If you belong to a group of retirees who would like to align with HARA, contact President Justin Wong.

HARA officers serving Hawai‘i retirees include President Wong, Vice President Elmer Yuen, Secretary Carol Noland, Treasurer Phyllis Hiramatsu and Past President Al Hamai.

HAWAI‘I ALLIANCE OF RETIRED AMERICANS,  1953 S. Beretania St. Suite 5c, Honolulu, HI 96826
Justin Wong, President  | 808-395-9717 | wongj060@hawaii.rr.com  | www.retiredamericans.org

Making A Difference for Retirees in Hawai‘i by Justin Wong, President of Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Elks Care, Elks Share

That’s how members of the 115-year-old Honolulu Lodge 616 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks describe charitable work. Lodge members helped the community from the beginning, raising funds for charities through minstrel shows, baseball games, carnivals, circuses, dances, rodeos and boxing matches. From 1946, Ladies of the Elks, and after 1962, the Emblem Club, raised money with fashion shows, bingo and rummage sales.

From the 1930s, Elks funded lunchtime milk for schools. In the 1950s, Elks funding came from managing the Hula Bowl; “Termite Palace” football games featured milking competitions and Milk Queen contests. In 1951, Honolulu Rapid Transit and Art Rutledge’s striking Teamsters provided Hula Bowl busing. Members have also distributed Thanksgiving food baskets, children’s Christmas gifts, and hosted Kalihi Orphanage outings at Hanauma Bay and Christmas parties at children’s hospitals. They entertained students and teachers from Waimano and Diamond Head schools. A successful 1949 community toy-and-book drive filled donation barrels with Christmas gifts for children in hospitals and orphanages.

Call or go online for more information.

HONOLULU ELKS LODGE 616 , 2933 Kalākaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815
808-923-5722 | Elks616@hawaiintel.net   | www.elkslodge616.org

Elks Care, Elks Share by Anita Manning, Honolulu Elks Lodge 616 Historian from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Great Competition Among Seniors

The Tunnel Vision game requires visual stability… and of course, laughter.

March seems to be the perfect time for the Annual Senior Classic Games, which was created by Herbert Yasuhara in 1989 when he was the supervisor of the Hālawa Complex. Yasuhara started the games to get the senior citizens in the club active and moving, as an addition to sedentary activities such as cards or cribbage. The games were adopted by the De-partment of Parks and Recreation to include all those enrolled in the senior clubs islandwide.

In the past few years that Generations Magazine sponsored the 72 medals, the park was a great backdrop for a beautiful day of competition. The games were played in the gym and on the grounds outside, with names like Tunnel Vision, Nine Gates, Pin Ball and Peg Ball. The two age categories are 55 to 74, and 75 and over. The 91 teams of three members each from most O‘ahu senior clubs also brought cheerleaders who encouraged the athletes with enthusiasm — and even pompoms.

There’s always a happy ending with recognitions and a group photo with Herbert Yasuhara.

Everyone had so much fun competing in the games. I heard that there were new members of the Kailua Senior Club who were very excited that they won medals. Some teams even had fun gathering for practices before this annual event.

To join a senior club, prospective members need to be 55 years of age or older and registered at a Parks and Recreation facility that has a senior club. There are over 35 senior clubs islandwide

For more information on senior citizen programs, feel free to call Randy Yasuhara, City and County of Honolulu’s Recreation Support Services of the Senior Citizen Section, at 808-768-3045 or check out www.honolulu.gov/parks/dprseniorcitizens.htm.

Great Competition Among Seniors by Sherry Goya, Generations Magazine Staff from the June-July 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource For Life
Feeding College Athletes: Body, Mind, Soul

“Show me a university that is financially secure and I’ll show you its athletic foundation; show me a championship team and I’ll show you a student body academically driven by the same zeal of excellence.” — Gov. John A. Burns

With wisdom and vision, Gov. Burns took $8,000 from his own pocket and created ‘Ahahui Koa Ānuenue (AKA) in 1967, providing the community with a way to contribute financial support to field competitive and successful teams at the University of Hawai‘i. Today, AKA is an efficient nonprofit that raises $6 million annually. Despite its success, UH requires more community financial support than ever.

Recent NCAA rule changes allow universities to provide 24-hour buffets to all athletes, not just those with scholarships, providing the schools with a huge recruiting advantage.

UH seized this opportunity and developed its Supplemental Meal Program, which provides that all student-athletes get one full meal a day.

Coaches love this program, which literally feeds the minds, bodies and souls of UH athletes.

Visit www.koaanuenue.org and click the “Apples for Athletes” campaign button.

‘AHAHUI KOA ĀNUENUE
Jon Kobayashi, President  | 808-956-6500 | jon@koaanuenue.org |  www.koaanuenue.org

Feeding College Athletes : Body, Mind, Soul by Jon Kobayashi, President, ‘Ahahui Koa Ānuenue from the June-May 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Forever Young!

Seniors stretching and exercising at Kokua Kalihi Valley.

What image comes to mind when you think of an Elderly community center? An AARP sponsored YouTube is making the rounds “Millennials Show Us What ‘Old’ Looks Like.” Have you seen it? The video reveals an interesting perspective of what the 20-somethings think. Millennials are asked what age they consider to be “old” and to demonstrate what “old” looks like. The 20–28 year olds “act out” their images of the “old,” laughing and giggling as they imitate slow, uncoordinated individuals.

Next, the host gives them a chance to meet and interact with older people (who were secretly watching how these young adults portrayed them). The Millennials quickly discover the “old,” are physically strong, active, vibrant — living rich, satisfying lives. The shock and surprise on their faces at how some older people truly function is absolutely priceless!

As a frequent volunteer at the Kokua Kalihi Valley Elderly Center in Honolulu, I regularly witness how vibrant and active the participants are; all are 60 or older. During a recent visit, after some light, chair aerobics, about 75 participants used 5-pound dumbbells to do a couple of sets of overhead, triceps extensions. Believe me, it wasn’t easy! More evidence that active seniors are busy reshaping the image of older people. Like that old Bob Dylan song, the new “old” may become “Forever Young.”

KOKUA KALIHI VALLEY Comprehensive Family Services , 2239 North School St.,Honolulu, HI 96819
808-791-9400 | www.kkv.net/index.php/elder-care

Forever Young! by Martha Khlopin for the June-July 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource For Life
Busy Doing Good

Spenner and the UH Foundation are grateful for support from donors.

Keeping busy is important in retirement. For me, doing something meaningful is key to an enjoyable life. Before I retired, I worked in philanthropy, helping to raise funds for a highly regarded private school. I felt good assisting the school with its mission, enabling donors to do “good” for the school and helping people “achieve their heart’s desire.” My specialty is estate and gift planning — working with donors as they ponder their own mortality and decide how they can make a difference with the wealth they have accumulated. If you don’t make plans for your estate, others (including the government) will make those decisions for you after you pass. I help empower people to make bequests that can help their heirs and charities they love.

When I first retired, I lived an idyllic life. I walked along beaches, swam in the surf, trekked over mountain trails, cooked delicious meals, got a library card and read dozens of books, and napped in the afternoon. I even walked around the entire Island of O‘ahu. What’s not to love about this lifestyle? I had the money to be unemployed and self-indulgent, but I wanted to do more. I volunteered for local fundraising efforts and got quite involved with my faith community. Then one day, I received an unsolicited email from either LinkedIn or a search firm, saying, “Here’s a job that you might like.” It described exactly what I had been doing for the past 10 years. I can do this, I thought. I applied and was hired.

The work environment at the University of Hawai‘i Foundation is very enjoyable and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. The UH System, with its 10 campuses, is the only public university in the state. The future of Hawai‘i depends on us offering greater educational opportunities for students at every academic level, career aspiration and economic strata.

Now, a year later, my work has stopped being a hobby-job; it is a mission. I want to help young students pull themselves out of poverty through education, and help the brightest academic scholars continue their research and post-graduate studies at UH instead of going to the mainland. I want to show generous Hawai‘i residents that their current major gifts and planned estate gifts to the UH Foundation are living investments in the future of Hawai‘i. There is nothing more personally rewarding than when a grateful donor thanks me for helping make a profound difference in his or her life and the lives of students by crafting their legacy gift.

This is why I chose to work after retirement at a job that has become a life’s work for me.

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI‘I FOUNDATION , P.O. Box 11270, Honolulu, HI 96828-0270
1-866-846-4262 | www.uhfoundation.org

Busy Doing Good by Dale Spenner, University of Hawai‘i Foundation for the June-July 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource For Life

Category: Living Life

Ingredients

Directions

Royal Court Investiture & Opening Ceremony

Pearlridge Keiki Ho‘olaule‘a

64Th Annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a

70th ANNUAL FLORAL PARADE