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
Citizens for a Fair ADA Ride (CFADAR) is a volunteer organization that advocates and lobbies for seniors and disabled customers of paratransit transportation on the City of Honolulu’s TheBus or TheHandi-Van.
Henrietta Mahuna learned Hawaiian quilting from another Hawaiian quilter. The handicraft has been passed down for two centuries — since the Hawaiians learned the echo style of quilting from New England missionaries. First, appliques are stitched to a plain field. Quilting follows the shape of the applique, first on the outside edge. The next row of quilting runs parallel but a short distance away, like a ripple in a pond. Soon the whole blanket is quilted. A style fashionable in the early 1800s was preserved and became a treasured tradition in Hawai‘i.
In Dodd’s new book, Yes! A Memoir of Modern Hawai‘i, he shows how dreams and schemes become a reality for corporations like First Hawaiian Bank, and state officials like governors Cayetano and Ariyoshi and U.S. Sen. Inouye. It’s a fascinating view of events we only know from the outside — the savings and loan disaster or Ariyoshi’s journey from, “who’s he?” to a household name. Dods’ candid account of the 2008 HawaiianTel bankruptcy and First Hawaiian’s debut venture in Japan define the high stakes he faced. Sober analysis and backing up his “Yes!” with results is an important lesson for all executives.