Category: Living Life

Bedroom & Bathroom Safety

Two of the rooms you spend the most time in — the bedroom and the bathroom — are also the most important rooms to look at if you’re considering renovations to your home.

For seniors, one of the most dangerous rooms in a home is the bathroom. Investing in enhancements here can pay huge dividends in significantly reducing the risk of accidents and injuries later. Even what can seem like simple changes, such as creating even, single-level entry into the bathroom or installing grab bars, which offers a dual function as a light, can reduce that risk for family members of all ages.

One change that homeowners don’t often think of, is moving the bathroom faucet volume control from its typical location at the back of the sink to the front of the sink, or even installing touch-censored faucets. This can be a little more work, but allows the faucets to be more easily accessed — from both a wheel chair as well as young keiki. Installing a lighted mirror with pivots can also be an added convenience.

In the bedroom, don’t let the dangers of trip and falls keep you up at night. Installing low energy lighting along the floor and bed frame is not only quick and easy, but keeps the floor and your path visible in the dark. The best part, you’ll sleep more soundly knowing you’ve done everything you can to keep every member of your family safe.

Ventus Design | 1441 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1115
ph 808-356-5622 | c 808-358-9135
rlewis@ventusdesignhnl.com
www.ventusdesignhonolulu.com

Two of the rooms you spend the most time in — the bedroom and the bathroom — are also the most important rooms to look at if you’re considering renovations to your home. For seniors, one of the most dangerous rooms in a home is the bathroom. Investing in enhancements here can pay huge dividends…
Senior Games 2014

Above, Mayor Kirk Caldwell gives his best, while outdoor activities are enjoyed.

The games continue on: The City & County of Honolulu’s Parks and Recreations’ 25th Annual Senior Classic Games 2014. The games were created for seniors by Herbert Yasuhara, a retired Halawa Park director.

This year there were over 270 participants (not including spectators) and a total of 88 teams from 20 senior clubs entered in 4 different games: Tunnel Vision, Peg Ball, Pin Ball and Nine Gates, with age divisions: Seniors 55 – 69 and Masters 70+. There were over 40 staff members from the Department of Parks and Recreation helped with management and execution, even the Honorable Mayor Kirk Caldwell stopped by to play a few games with the seniors.

Generations Magazine sponsored the event and presented each division’s participants with certificates of achievement and medals for outstanding performance. For information and to join next year, contact Recreation Specialist, Garrett Iwai at 808-768-3030 or email, giwai1@honolulu.gov.

Garrett Iwai, Shirley & John Macadangdang and Harrry Mizushima

The games continue on: The City & County of Honolulu’s Parks and Recreations’ 25th Annual Senior Classic Games 2014. The games were created for seniors by Herbert Yasuhara, a retired Halawa Park director. This year there were over 270 participants (not including spectators) and a total of 88 teams from 20 senior clubs entered in…
Voices of Aloha

Voices of Aloha, a multi-generational and cultural choir group, directed by Mark Yasuhara (center?)

Voices of Aloha, formerly The GleemenPlus of Honolulu, traces its origins back to 1916 when the Gleemen of Honolulu, the oldest male chorus west of the Rockies, was established. In 1996, while under the direction of Shigeru Hotoke, the group was opened to women and the name was changed to The GleemenPlus of Honolulu. In 2013, the name was finally changed to Voices of Aloha. Mark Yasuhara has directed the group since 2007.

Voices of Aloha is the quintessential community choir in that most are average singers representing a cross-section of the multi-generational, cultural, racial, and religious tapestry that is Hawai’i, singing songs the community loves. Their repertoire includes classical favorites as well as original arrangements by Mark Yasuhara of Broadway and popular tunes, patriotic anthems, and of course, the songs of the people of Hawai’i.

Yasuhara says choral singing is one of the best low-impact activities for seniors. Full-voiced singing incorporates deep, core breathing, good posture and physical coordination. Learning and performing the music challenges and focuses the mind and creates natural and easy social interaction. Unlike karaoke, choral singing encourages cooperation, support and blending with other singers. Voices of Aloha members say rehearsals are stimulating, invigorating, happy affairs, a highlight of their week.

The choir perform at civic and private functions, churches, retirement centers and nursing homes. Recently, they performed at the annual Senior Classic Games at Halawa Gym coordinated by Garrett Iwai for their 25th anniversary. The Games were created in 1989 by, then, recreational director, Herb Yasuhara, Mark’s uncle. Herb was recognized and Voices of Aloha opened the Games with a half-hour concert in his honor, concluding with the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner” and “Hawai’i Pono’i.”

All ages are welcome. The group primarily consists of seniors, including a few octogenarians. They welcome, without audition, anyone who enjoys choral singing. Since many are not music readers, rehearsal CD’s are provided and director Mark Yasuhara offers a music-reading seminar in July. Most everyone who joined as a non-music reader can, at least now, follow the notes.

Voices of Aloha meet every Tuesday at 7 pm in the Annex of the Community of Christ Church at 1666 Mott-Smith Dr. in Makiki, one block makai of Roosevelt High School, from September through May.

Performance at the The City & County of Honolulu’s Parks and Recreations’ 25th Annual Senior Classic Games 2014.

Voices of Aloha, formerly The GleemenPlus of Honolulu, traces its origins back to 1916 when the Gleemen of Honolulu, the oldest male chorus west of the Rockies, was established. In 1996, while under the direction of Shigeru Hotoke, the group was opened to women and the name was changed to The GleemenPlus of Honolulu. In…
What Do You Say to a Centenarian?

Can you imagine being born a century ago? Life must have been simpler. But reaching this century-marker is certainly a privilege.

Well, at the Ko’olau Senior Hui there is always a monthly celebration of birthdays for their seniors. And in April of this year, the Ko’olau Senior Hui had a very special celebration with a special cake. It read, “Happy 100th Birthday Mildred Wong” as she celebrated her brithday at the Kaneohe Senior Center with family and friends.

Mildred, born and raised in Kaneohe, must have seen a lot. She witnessed the world and the evolution of governments, like the Statehood of the Hawaiian Islands. Watched technology progress in leaps and bounds: AM/FM, watching black & white TV, then color. Computers were only used in large companies. Now every person owns one, small and large. The thought of organic food probably wasn’t the same as it does today. To Mildred, it was her own backyard garden. You may still see her pulling weeds in her yard at home.

The point is that she’s taken care of herself and she continues to enjoy her life and her new status as a Centenarian. And there’s the secret.

So, what do you say to a centenarian? Simply, “Happy 100th Birthday, Mildred Wong!” And Generations Magazine wishes you many more to come.

If you know of any other centenarians, send us a photo and something about him/her. Contact Sherry Goya: 808-722-8487, SGoyaLLC@aol.com

Can you imagine being born a century ago? Life must have been simpler. But reaching this century-marker is certainly a privilege. Well, at the Ko’olau Senior Hui there is always a monthly celebration of birthdays for their seniors. And in April of this year, the Ko’olau Senior Hui had a very special celebration with a…
Dancing with Life

Dancing at the Palladium, Honolulu

If you find your exercise regimen becoming boring and a chore, stop fighting it and switch to ballroom dancing!

AARP The Magazine, March 24, 2011 issue, reports that dancing is not only fun, but it’s therapeutic. Dance can, among other things, boost your cardiovascular health and bone strength as well as improve balance. Joe Verghese, professor of Neurology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, reported that “unlike many other physical activities, dancing involves significant mental effort and social interactions.” Frequent dancing, which involves both intellectual and social stimulation, was reported as the only physical activity shown to reduce the risk of getting dementia.

So while learning dance steps with a partner, brain health and general well-being is improved while having fun exercising, socializing, and forming new friendships.

Herbert and Shirley Ota, President of HBDA

Retired Computer Specialist, Herbert Ota is a living testimony benefiting from ballroom dancing. While vacationing on a cruise, Herbert collapsed when the cruise ship docked in Vienna, Austria. On October 25, 2013, Herbert was immediately taken to a hospital where emergency triple by-pass surgery was performed.

Three months later, Herbert was on the dance floor with his wife Shirley eagerly learning the romantic Bolero with directors Ben & Faith Agbayani of the Hawaii Ballroom Dance Association (HBDA), Hawai‘i’s oldest and largest dance organization founded by Eugene Ichinose.

Preparing for the Cabaret III performance, (left to right) Millie Chun, Allyson Doherty, Jack Cione, Shirley Ota

They religiously attend dance rehearsals five times a week with a team of eight couples from the Pearlridge Chapter. They showcased their dance number at the HBDA 55th Anniversary Ball on May 3, 2014 at The Palladium in Honolulu. This celebration was a gala affair, with different dance exhibition teams representing different chapters, each choreographed by HBDA’s own creative dance instructors. In addition, Herbert had also rehearsed and prepared for CABARET III, an HBDA fundraiser directed by Jack Cione. It was a new extravagant musical comedy production with a cast of 82 performers in lavished costumes from the HBDA, Arcadia and Craigside.

With all of Herbert’s scheduled dance rehearsals, he is recuperating well and gaining his strength back from his open-heart surgery. He is looking simply great, a testament to the wonders of dance therapy with the HBDA.

You are never too young or too old to learn to dance. If you would like to get in good shape, stay physically fit and mentally alert, while having fun and making new friends, contact any one of our HBDA chapters.

HBDA is “the place to learn to dance”. You are invited and more than welcome to come, and dance with us!

Hawaii Ballroom Dance Association (HBDA)
808-753-8673 | hawaiiballroomdance@hawaii.rr.com
www.hbda-hawaii.org

If you find your exercise regimen becoming boring and a chore, stop fighting it and switch to ballroom dancing! AARP The Magazine, March 24, 2011 issue, reports that dancing is not only fun, but it’s therapeutic. Dance can, among other things, boost your cardiovascular health and bone strength as well as improve balance. Joe Verghese,…
A Secured Estimate is a Secured Roof

With Independence Day on the horizon and summer shifting into gear, homeowners are encouraged to address pending roof-related issues to ensure the safety and longevity of one’s home. A professional roofing company should be contacted for any roof upgrades. It is recommended that a few estimates from companies verified by the Better Business Bureau or referrals from friends and family be looked into first.

By researching the company’s portfolio and references, customers can weed out inexperienced, fly-by-night operations that could produce shoddy results, costing more in the long run.

It is also recommended that homeowners check with the State’s Regulated Industries Complaints Office: 808-587-3295 or www.cca.hawaii.gov/rico/business_online/, to determine the status of a company’s licensing information and history.

Once you’ve nailed down two or three estimates, you can do a real in-depth comparison by asking those companies for information on the industry’s new and popular roofing materials. Don’t let price be the determining factor — consider the quality of materials.

When choosing a roofing company, make sure they are licensed and bonded with a general liability insurance. This is to insure peace of mind and the safety of your home. The end result, a happy homeowner with a new roof.

This 4th of July, let’s all raise our flags to honor our veterans who sacrificed their own lives for our freedom.

Murakami Roofing | www.murakamiroofing.com
808-348-8270 | murakamiroofing@gmail.com

With Independence Day on the horizon and summer shifting into gear, homeowners are encouraged to address pending roof-related issues to ensure the safety and longevity of one’s home. A professional roofing company should be contacted for any roof upgrades. It is recommended that a few estimates from companies verified by the Better Business Bureau or…
From the Top
If your goal is to age in place, don’t let your roof age with you. Consider getting a roof inspection to determine its structural integrity and lifespan. Regular inspections — approximately every three years — can detect problems or issues before they have a chance to cause major damage.

Do not attempt to climb a ladder or inspect the roof yourself. Hire a licensed, professional roofer who can examine your roof’s structure, checking it for hazards such as:

Leaks that can cause mold to grow and lead to major health problems, especially for asthmatics and people with allergies. Mold is often devastating for furniture, carpets and curtains. Precious books, photos, artwork, video and audiotapes can also be ruined by the fungus.

Gradual breakdown of rafters and flashing can provide an inviting environment for pests, such as rats, centipedes, roaches and ground termites.

An old roof provides little protection against the most unwanted visitor of all — a hurricane. Even Hawai‘’ seasonal tropical storms can generate destructive winds, especially in neighborhoods on high ridges.

What’s a homeowner to do?

Know your roof’ history and keep track of replacement and repair dates so you’l know when it’ nearing the end of its lifecycle.

Notice signs of deterioration, such as pieces of shingle in the yard or granulated finish from shingles in the drain spout.

Keep gutters clean and hire help to trim back overhanging vegetation regularly. Maintenance is critical to a roof’ health

Murakami Roofing | www.murakamiroofing.com
808-348-8270 | murakamiroofing@gmail.com
If your goal is to age in place, don’t let your roof age with you. Consider getting a roof inspection to determine its structural integrity and lifespan. Regular inspections — approximately every three years — can detect problems or issues before they have a chance to cause major damage. Do not attempt to climb a…
Chef Michi: Hawai’i-Infused Buttermilk Buckwheat Pancakes
There’s nothing like a lazy weekend morning to enjoy a family breakfast together. This take on pancakes is healthier in many aspects, but the flavors will overcome any fear of “healthy” eating.

Ingredients:

2 cups of lowfat buttermilk, divided

1 cup buckwheat flour

1 cup all-purpose flour

1-1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. baking soda

2 eggs, lightly beaten

2 Tbsp. canola oil

2 bananas, thinly sliced

Cooking spray for pan or griddle

Sweetened, shredded coconut

1/2 cup macadamia nut, chopped

Syrup (maple or coconut)

Directions:

Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, canola oil and 1 Tbsp. of syrup. Stir the dry ingredients into the buttermilk mixture and add half of the sliced banana. Heat pan or griddle on medium heat, prepare with cooking spray and pour 2 – 3 tablespoons of batter per pancake onto the heated surface. Cook for 2 minutes or until batter starts to bubble, then flip and cook another two minutes.

To serve, top each stack of pancakes with sliced banana, coconut and chopped macadamia nut. Then let everyone drizzle on their own syrup and enjoy!

Serves: 6 | Time: 30 minutes

Chef Michi
808-286-6484 | cookingfreshforyou@gmail.com
www.cookingfreshforyou.com
There’s nothing like a lazy weekend morning to enjoy a family breakfast together. This take on pancakes is healthier in many aspects, but the flavors will overcome any fear of “healthy” eating. Ingredients: 2 cups of lowfat buttermilk, divided 1 cup buckwheat flour 1 cup all-purpose flour 1-1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4…
UH Press Presents: I RESPECTFULLY DISSENT: A BIOGRAPHY OF EDWARD H. NAKAMURA

Tom Coffman’s portrait of Supreme Court justice Edward Nakamura is both an insightful biography and an engrossing political history of Hawai‘i. The Nisei life-story may sound familiar: born to immigrant parents, graduated from McKinley High, veteran of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, attended University of Hawai‘i under the GI Bill, active during Statehood years; but it is strewn with surprise, resulting from Nakamura’s unshakable creed and unique angle of vision.

By working from the political gains of the ILWU, Justice Nakamura played a central role — unpublicized — in devising arguably the most progressive program of legislation in an American state: universal health care, temporary disability insurance, collective bargaining rights for public workers — all of which forever changed the Hawai‘i worker’s landscape.

Vaulted from relative anonymity onto the Hawai‘I Supreme Court, Nakamura was acclaimed for his powerful intellect, his writing, and, most of all, his iron will and integrity. In retirement, he became a dissenting moral force. He fought mismanagement in the State Retirement System, helped to block a highly controversial Supreme Court appointment, and agitated for separating the high court from the Bishop Estate. Nakamura in many ways acted as the public conscience and he left an inspiring legacy of far-reaching social legislation.

The book won the 2013 Ka Palapala Po‘okela Award of Excellence in nonfiction, presented by the Hawai‘i Book Publishers Association. (University of Hawai‘i Press, paperback, $14.99)

Tom Coffman’s portrait of Supreme Court justice Edward Nakamura is both an insightful biography and an engrossing political history of Hawai‘i. The Nisei life-story may sound familiar: born to immigrant parents, graduated from McKinley High, veteran of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, attended University of Hawai‘i under the GI Bill, active during Statehood years; but…
Tips for Senior Skin Care
Skin is our body’s largest organ, and it’s exposed to all the elements of our environment and lifestyles. As we age, our skin becomes dryer and thinner, which can lead to skin breakdown, especially with an immobilized person.

Skin breakdown occurs when there is unrelieved pressure to an area on the body. This pressure impedes the circulation to the skin and causes an ulcer to form. Other factors that can contribute to skin breakdown are poor hydration, poor nutrition and maceration caused by prolonged exposure to wetness.

Many families with an elderly person at home may rely on a home care agency to provide appropriate care. But here are 5 tips to keep seniors as comfortable as possible throughout the day, whether or not you have a caregiver’s helping hand:

Turn and reposition the person at least every 2 hours. Massage pressure points with each turn.

If they are incontinent, change the diaper when soiled to prevent maceration of the skin.

Clean skin well and use barrier creams with each diaper change.

Check all areas of the body daily for early signs of skin breakdown. Early signs include discoloration and redness that doesn’t go away with massage or pressure relief.

Offer plenty of fluids and meals with protein.

Caregivers are trained to observe their clients for skin issues and to report changes to the family and to their agency’s nursing supervisor. The supervisor should assist the family in determining the best plan of action for future care.

HiHealthCare, 745 Fort Street, Honolulu, HI 96813 | 808-534-7815 | info@hihealthcarehawaii.com | hihealthcarehawaii.com
Skin is our body’s largest organ, and it’s exposed to all the elements of our environment and lifestyles. As we age, our skin becomes dryer and thinner, which can lead to skin breakdown, especially with an immobilized person. Skin breakdown occurs when there is unrelieved pressure to an area on the body. This pressure impedes…
New Memoir: The Society of Seven

For five decades — from their early years in Hong Kong as the Fabulous Echoes to standing-room-only performances in clubs and concert halls around the world — the saga of the Society of Seven has been one of the most enduring success stories in show business. Now the band’s colorful history has been captured with the release of The Society of Seven: Last of the Great Show Bands, authored by the group’s longtime manager, Frances Kirk. In her lively 362-page memoir, Kirk recounts the wild ride of a revolving cast of world-class entertainers, who overcame personal tragedy to build a legacy in the roughand-tumble world of showbiz.

“Simply put,” entertainment writer Wayne Harada notes in the book’s foreword, “the SOS wouldn’t have been able to succeed without Frances, and vice versa.” In the book, Kirk recounts their journey through many shining moments, including performances on The Ed Sullivan Show, headlining for more than 40 years at the Outrigger Waikiki hotel and a series of regional hit records. It is a legacy that lives on, as the Society of Seven continues to perform today.

Intertwined with the band’s history is Kirk’s own life story. A savvy businesswoman born and raised in Hong Kong, she joined the family business, Diamond Music Company, in 1960 when her father fell gravely ill. She established the company’s recording department and concert promotion arm, building the company into a major player in the Asian entertainment industry.

Legacy Isle Publishing. Softcover, $19.95, available at bookstores. Call 866-900-BOOK or visit www.legacyislepublishing.net.

For five decades — from their early years in Hong Kong as the Fabulous Echoes to standing-room-only performances in clubs and concert halls around the world — the saga of the Society of Seven has been one of the most enduring success stories in show business. Now the band’s colorful history has been captured with…
Playing Hard

Each year, more than a dozen teams play in the softball Hinohara Cup Tournament in Japan. The tournament is named after Dr. Hinohara who is 102 years old and still goes to work every day. He believes in an active lifestyle, as well as working in an occupation for which you are passionate. With that passion, work becomes play.

In 2010, Hawai‘i was invited to participate in the tournament for the first time. Thirteen of Hawai‘i’s top senior softball players swept the competition, winning the Tokyo All Japan Cup, the Hinohara Cup, the Meya Makule Cup and the Grand Trophy. Although the team was invited back to play in 2011 and 2012, the To¯hoku earthquake and tsunami made it unfavorable to accept the invitation.

2013 Hawaii Dream Team (top row, lt.–rt.): Robert
Oshiro, Gary Yamaguchi, Robert Kunimitsu, Gordon
Okuhara, James Koishigawa, Gerard Takiguchi, and
Bobby Chinen. Kneeling (lt.–rt.): Coach Wayne Shibata,
Clinton Tanimoto, Jeffery Kamiya and Melvin Aoki.

In 2013, 22 teams from Japan, Taiwan and Hawai‘i participated in the Hinohara Cup Tournament. Taiwan and Hawai‘i are the only outside teams that are invited to play annually. The first day of the tournament was rained out. On the second day, the Dream Team won its first game but lost the second and was thereby eliminated. However, the nine-day whirlwind trip through Japan was an experience of a lifetime, and the team thanks Bobby Chinen Tours for the excellent escort services.

The team looks forward to the 2015 tournament. It will visit Hokkaido and travel to Akita to play the local team, then travel to Tokyo to play in the Hinohara Cup again.

Each year, more than a dozen teams play in the softball Hinohara Cup Tournament in Japan. The tournament is named after Dr. Hinohara who is 102 years old and still goes to work every day. He believes in an active lifestyle, as well as working in an occupation for which you are passionate. With that…