Category: Living Life

Building Senior Resilience
Most of us in Hawai‘i understand that the island chain we call home is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis. And we’ve definitely all heard how wise we’d be to plan ahead and prepare for these types of emergencies and natural disasters. The good news for you and your family is that now you’ve got a capable partner who is willing and eager to help you when you’re ready to take on this necessary and difficult challenge.

The National Disaster Preparedness Training Center (NDPTC) offers many workshops to community members free of charge. One of our latest courses targets a broad cross section of seniors, senior caregivers, family members, friends, home health providers, and medical personnel to help them better understand the actions that might be required of them during a natural disaster. Seniors are frequently the most vulnerable population during a natural disaster because they often require additional support or have special needs. This 4-hour hands-on workshop focuses specifically on planning and preparedness actions that caregivers of seniors can take to help ensure the continued health, safety, and security of the senior(s) in their care.

Natural disasters can happen with little or no warning, but that doesn’t mean that we are completely powerless to protect ourselves or that we must depend entirely on emergency management personnel to rescue us. Did you know that individuals, families and businesses in Hawai‘i should expect to be on their own for at least 7 days after a disaster? The goal of this workshop is to empower you and help minimize risks and ultimately to reduce the impact of the natural disaster on the people you love and care for.

Here’s a list of some of the topics we explore in this course:

Identifying types of hazards and their potentials to cause fatalities, injuries, property damage, infrastructure damage, damage to the environment, interruption of business, or other types of harm or loss (FEMA, 1997)

Preparing caregivers in advance to reduce vulnerabilities of seniors in emergencies

Assessing and managing constraints and vulnerabilities of older persons such as mobility issues, medical conditions, disabilities, social and economic constraints

Developing a plan of action (e.g. evacuation, sheltering, feeding, transportation, accommodating persons with disabilities, ongoing and emergency care, etc.)

Organizing an extended support system

Amassing critical equipment, resources, food and water provisions

Building resilience and attending to the overall well-being of seniors during and
after disaster

Resilience is key in dealing with any of life’s difficulties, especially in natural disasters. It means being able to rebound or recover so that you can get on with your life. For seniors, knowing that there is a specific emergency plan in place will encourage confidence and peace of mind. For caregivers, being trained and prepared to deal with natural disasters will help to reduce anxieties about their caregiving duties and
responsibilities so that they can perform them with confidence.

We hope to see you at this workshop and encourage you to contact us by phone or visit online for more information, as well as for more training opportunities and resources that we offer.

Natural Disaster Preparedness Training Center
p: 808-956-0600 | f: 808-536-9110 | ndptc.hawaii.edu
Most of us in Hawai‘i understand that the island chain we call home is particularly vulnerable to hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunamis. And we’ve definitely all heard how wise we’d be to plan ahead and prepare for these types of emergencies and natural disasters. The good news for you and your family is that now you’ve…
Baked Furikake “Fried” Chicken
Perfect holiday party dish

Ingredients:

4 lbs. assorted chicken pieces with bone & skin

1-1/2 cups low fat buttermilk

1 tsp. paprika, plus one more teaspoon

2 tsp. seasoning salt (Lawry’s, if possible)

1/2 tsp. black pepper

3 cups panko crumbs

1/4 cup furikake

Cooking spray

Directions:

In a wide shallow bowl or square baking dish, combine the buttermilk, paprika, seasoning salt and pepper. Trim off any extra fat from the chicken, then put into the dish with the buttermilk mixture, gently tossing to coat all sides of the chicken. Cover with plastic wrap and put into the refrigerator for about 1/2 hour, longer if you have time.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine the panko, furikake and a teaspoon of paprika in a bowl and toss to combine. One by one, shake excess liquid from the chicken and immediately dredge in the panko. Place onto a baking sheet coated with cooking spray and repeat until all chicken is breaded. Spray all exposed sides of the chicken with cooking spray, then bake in the oven for
30-40 minutes. Serves: 4-6. Time: 60 minutes

Chef Michi founded ‘Cooking Fresh For You’. Her recipes center on healthy and flavor-packed dishes. Visit www.cookingfreshforyou.com or contact Michi at cookingfreshforyou@gmail.com or 808-286-6484. See her NEW concession take-out at Queen’s Physician’s Office Bldg.
Perfect holiday party dish Ingredients: 4 lbs. assorted chicken pieces with bone & skin 1-1/2 cups low fat buttermilk 1 tsp. paprika, plus one more teaspoon 2 tsp. seasoning salt (Lawry’s, if possible) 1/2 tsp. black pepper 3 cups panko crumbs 1/4 cup furikake Cooking spray Directions: In a wide shallow bowl or square baking…
For Our Love of the Game

In the months of September and October, thousands of local people go to the 9th island, Las Vegas, to try their luck in the casinos. But each year more and more baby boomer men go there to test their skills in winning the softball title and a championship ring.

For the last several years, the Family Stones softball team from Honolulu, of which I am a player and member, has tried their luck at just that — being the champions of the Las Vegas Senior Softball Championships. Due to the increased popularity of senior softball, in this year the Las Vegas Senior Softball Championships. Due to the increased popularity of senior softball, in this year the Las Vegas Senior Softball Association (LVSSA) teamed up with the Senior Softball-USA (SSUSA) to hold the first annual Senior Softball World Championships. This year’s historic event created the largest tournament in the history of senior softball: combining over 450 teams in seven age brackets with nearly 5,000 players nationwide and Guam. The future of senior softball is growing for these baby boomers and older, from all over the world, and hopefully, you will see teams soon from Asia, Australia and South America.

This year’s Family Stones’ 50-year-old team entered the largest division in the tournament of 49 teams from 17 states. In the previous week, the 55 and 60 age groups played for the world championship and there were 4 teams from Hawai‘i that entered. However, they didn’t fare too well, winning only two games and losing 20.

When our 50’s team heard this news, we knew we were in for a battle of our softball careers, since we had four players over the age of 55 and three players in their 60’s. Over a three-day period to win the title in this double elimination tournament, we would have to win eight games in a row; and if we lost a game, we may have to play up to 14 games.

On the first two days of the tournament, our Stones’ team played well, winning six games and were only one of two teams undefeated while going into the final day of the tournament. In each game we were going up against bigger players, and definitely experienced and better too. Being the smaller team, it was a battle and a fight to win each game. Team captains Rudy Cagulada and Johnny Arroyo, Jr. reminded us to play as a team and keep our heads up if we make mistakes or don’t get a hit. They also reminded us that we were playing for two men who founded Family Stones some 40 years ago, Ben Naki and Bully Mactagone.

Entering the final day as one of only two undefeated teams, we faced a tough New Mexico team. We knew if we lost, we would have to play this same team again since this was a double elimination tournament.

From the first inning, our team fell behind as New Mexico went out to a huge lead, 8-1. Whether it was physical fatigue from playing seven games in three days or just nervousness, our team did not play well; and it looked like we were going to lose. By the final inning, things didn’t start out so good with the first two Stones’ batters getting out on two hard hits by Felix Mediola and Isaac Hatori. At this point, if you are a baseball fan or a Vegas gambler, you wouldn’t be betting on the losing team. Being down by four runs, two outs and no one on base, it seemed like it would take a miracle, at best, along with the baseball-God blessing the Stones’ team. “Fat chance,” said the New Mexico team, already planning to play us again for their world championship title.

Then, the Family Stones’ men suddenly woke up and hit two back-to-back singles and big Tom McCarthy hit a towering home run to centerfield to bring us within a run to tie and two runs to win the championship and title. The next two hitters and I came up with hits to set the stage with the bases loaded. Up next to bat, Joey Rodrigues comes up and singles to left field to bring in the tying and winning run with a furious slide at home plate by Fabian Loo. The whole field of Stones’ men and fans erupted as they finally won the title and World Championship! Players jumped up and down like we won the Little League World Series, hugging each other, and yes, some crying, including myself, saying, “We finally did it for Ben!”

Congratulations to our entire Family Stones’ team and fans for working and playing towards our goal for the championship and the ring. Kudos also go out to MVP Craig Ayala and all tournament players, Tom McCarthy, Johnny Arroy, Jr, Joey Rodrigues and Cris Ray. Yours truly won honorable mention from the Family Stones’ team.

On a final note at this year’s tournament, Hawai‘i should be proud as one of our own, Danny Ayala of Hilo was inducted into the Senior Softball Hall of Fame. As well as, a winner of several championship rings himself, is the father of Family Stones’ MVP shortstop, Craig Ayala. Danny was at each of his son’s games and I can still hear him yelling to me as I was ready to bat, “Take the first pitch!” I thank you Danny for all your inspirational and positive messages to all of us on the team. We finally did it for Ben…and for our love of the game.

In the months of September and October, thousands of local people go to the 9th island, Las Vegas, to try their luck in the casinos. But each year more and more baby boomer men go there to test their skills in winning the softball title and a championship ring. For the last several years, the…
A Year of Exhalation
This is your new year resolution: exhale. You’ve collected things through the years and you’re beginning to realize … there’s no room to breath — you see “clutter”. You know you need to declutter, but you just don’t know where to start.

You can start by exhaling.

Then begin with the least personal space, such as the least used room or closet. And ask yourself these questions. Do you really need it? When was the last time you’ve used it? When will you use it again? Is it replaceable? Does it fit comfortably in your home?

Next, use these 4 simple steps to conquering your clutter:

Create a goal: set a timeline in small steps.

S.O.R.T. your items in 4 piles: items to sell, offer, retain, and toss; then remove the items you’re not keeping off the property—literally.

Create a floor plan to maximize the space in your home.

Get organized by putting everything away in its “home” (its own place).

As you’ve asked yourself those questions while working through the 4 steps, you begin to process your emotions and feelings about those items. This will help you detach yourself from those things. As you declutter, you’ll find that once you get started and made progress, you’ll gain the confidence that you can actually finish it; and it will then become easier and faster.

Senior Move Managers and De-clutter Hawaii is Hawai‘i’s decluttering specialists. For information, free consultation or to learn more solutions to common decluttering issues, call 808-221-8345 or email at cynthia@smmhawaii.com. Also visit online to www.declutterhawaii.com or www.smmhawaii.com.
This is your new year resolution: exhale. You’ve collected things through the years and you’re beginning to realize … there’s no room to breath — you see “clutter”. You know you need to declutter, but you just don’t know where to start. You can start by exhaling. Then begin with the least personal space, such as the least used…
“Name the Show” and Win!
‘Olelo Community Media is honored to serve the diverse people, groups and communities of O’ahu, Hawai’i. Citizens don’t often have a voice in commercial media, so Public, Education and Governmental (PEG) Access provides them with an added source of information and opinion, a forum to discuss issues, and a means of sharing first-hand stories about O’ahu’s rich community life, to island residents and the world.

So, the City and County of Honolulu Elderly Affairs Division is excited to announce an upcoming television program that will be aired on an ‘Olelo Media television channel by the New Year, 2013. This program is intended for our island kupuna, and will showcase a mix of current events, personal interviews, recreation, sports, services, demonstrations, inter-generational opportunities, tips, etc. The program will serve as a means of obtaining information, as well as, provide entertainment and potential life lessons to our entire audience no matter their age. Best of all, the program’s segments will be produced by seniors from our very own community! It will give them the chance to share their mana‘o (knowledge), give back to their community, explore and utilize new technology. Our ku¯puna has so much to offer, and we intend on tapping into that wealth of knowledge.

So, we have this amazing vision and structure to our program, but NO name! We decided on extending the opportunity to a select population of 55 and better, to give their suggestions for the title of this new show. The winner of this contest will receive a Longs Drugs $50 gift certificate and recognition on the television program.

The following are the details to be considered when naming the show:

Must be original

Must be four words or less

Must encompass the essence of the program

Rules to enter the contest:

Must be 55 years old and better

Must be a resident of O‘ahu

Only one entry per person

All entries must be received by Dec. 31, 2012.

Click here to download the entry form
‘Olelo Community Media is honored to serve the diverse people, groups and communities of O’ahu, Hawai’i. Citizens don’t often have a voice in commercial media, so Public, Education and Governmental (PEG) Access provides them with an added source of information and opinion, a forum to discuss issues, and a means of sharing first-hand stories about…
Movie Premiere: Alliance Française Turns Fifty

Guess who else turned 50?

French in Hawaii: Alliance Française Turns Fifty
a new 54-minute documentary by Marc Delorme

Premier
Sunday, November 25 | 4 pm – 5 pm | KHON2

Honorary French Consul Patricia Lee awards Masao Tamura with the medal of the Legion of Honor.

GM: Tell us about Alliance Française.

MD: Well, if you are not familiar with the institution, you could easy mistaken it for a political action committee or something along those lines. But, in fact, Alliance Franç aise is strictly a cultural organization. It was founded in Paris in 1883 by French art and science philanthropists, such as Jules Verne French and Louis Pasteur. The alliance wanted to encourage the propagation of the French language and culture and to foster friendly relations between France and the rest of the world. Now, it has a worldwide network and our Hawai‘i chapter celebrated its 50th year during 2011-2012. The chapter sponsors French classes, conversations groups, and cultural events such as the French Film Festival at the Honolulu Museum of Art.

GM: Why focus on this organization?

MD: First, I wanted to acknowledge a cultural association,which has survived 50 years in the Islands. But, it was also an opportunity to identify a small French-speaking community within Hawai‘i’s rich diversity.

GM: What should we expect to see?

MD: I documented some of the activities of Alliance Franç aise and interviewed six local French-speakers, including the violinist Iggy Jang, Tahitian artis Jeanne Moua Larsen, astronomer Christian Veillet, French-speaking former Miss Hawai‘i Malika Dudley and her mother Kamila, Chef Mavro and Honorary French Consul Patricia Lee.

GM: Do you speak French?

MD: Yes, I am a native French speaker, along with approximately 1,000 Tahitians and 2,000 natives from the French Mainland who live in Hawai‘i.

GM: Any surprises?

MD: For me, I was pleasantly surprised when some of the interviewees really opened up in front of the camera, people like Chef Mavro and Malika Dudley.

That is always very gratifying for a filmmaker. For you, the surprise is that this documentary is 90 percent in French with English subtitles.

Guess who else turned 50? French in Hawaii: Alliance Française Turns Fifty a new 54-minute documentary by Marc Delorme Premier Sunday, November 25 | 4 pm – 5 pm | KHON2 GM: Tell us about Alliance Française. MD: Well, if you are not familiar with the institution, you could easy mistaken it for a political action…
Book Review: A Guide to Getting Affairs in Order

How to prepare for the worst case scenario.

Grief does not discriminate. No matter who you are, losing a loved one can be an overwhelming life experience. Imagine dealing with looking for important documents and organizing burial wishes while dealing with the loss. Many people don’t realize the need for getting affairs in order before they or a loved one dies. Being prepared protects families and loved ones, and alleviates stress for everyone involved.

A few years ago, Karen O’Neil, a certified wellness counselor, flew to the Mainland to her children’s aid to help cope with the passing of their father — her ex-husband. Not only did the family grieve together, but they had to work together to get all of his affairs in order. His passing was just four weeks after the terminal diagnosis of several months, and they barely got everything tended to.

Now as an author, publisher and speaker, Karen has developed the workbook, A Guide to Getting Affairs in Order. The workbook helps families have peace of mind by guiding them to communicate and to avoid an unfortunate situation during grievance. Her intent is to take the scary and uncomfortable out of the conversations people need to have so they may begin to understand the importance of organizing documents and letting their last wishes be known. There is some solace knowing someone is doing everything exactly as it was wanted.

To order a copy of the workbook, visit www.gettingaffairsinorder.com or contact Karen at (808) 782-3879.

How to prepare for the worst case scenario. Grief does not discriminate. No matter who you are, losing a loved one can be an overwhelming life experience. Imagine dealing with looking for important documents and organizing burial wishes while dealing with the loss. Many people don’t realize the need for getting affairs in order before…
Travel: Cool Cruising . . . Family Style

Family vacations are essentially quality time. It can take a lot of planning, especially if you want to visit multiple destinations on one trip. To minimize planning time and maximize quality time, choose a cruise vacation.

Cruises are all-inclusive: cooking, cleaning, serving. There’s no need to plan moving from place to place, or scheduling daily activities — where to eat or sleep — the cruise ship and crew does it all for you. It’s truly time for rest and relaxation with family and friends, like the Tan family who loves to cruise.

The only decisions you need to make are where to cruise and which shore excursions to enjoy — those are fun to decide as a family.

The Tan family on their Alaskan cruise.

For example, families love cruising the coast of Alaska — the great frontier. It offers gorgeous sceneries, spectacular mountain scapes and glaciers the size of a small state and lots of opportunities for family fun. The Inside Passage is also unforgettable, with everything from misty rainforests to craggy fjords. Many itineraries include a visit to Skagway, a town born in the excitement of the gold rush of 1898. While in port, families can visit a gold rush camp, hike on a glacier or take a wildlife-watching tour.

To explore more options for cruises, from shore excursions to discounts that will build lasting memories for your family, talk with Cruise Holidays Hawaii, your personal cruise experts. Call 808-596-7447 or visit www.chhawaii.com.

Family vacations are essentially quality time. It can take a lot of planning, especially if you want to visit multiple destinations on one trip. To minimize planning time and maximize quality time, choose a cruise vacation. Cruises are all-inclusive: cooking, cleaning, serving. There’s no need to plan moving from place to place, or scheduling daily…
Splish-Splash!
Exercises performed in water is truly magical. The liquid density in the pool increases the amount of workout that you would have compared with the equivalent exercise on land without the fear of falling or damaging fragile joints. It allows you to move in ways you never thought you were capable of. Many forms of land exercise are now being adapted to the pool.

Benefits of water exercise:

Increases flexibility and balance .

Increases muscular and bone strength.

Water’s buoyancy means less strain on knees, ankles and hips.

Improves cardiac fitness levels.

Burns calories by engaging the large muscle groups.

Relaxes the entire body.

Increases levels of serotonin resulting in overall feeling of wellness.

Types of water exercises:

Swimming — A complete whole-body and cardiovascular workout with interval training.

Water Aerobics — Whether in shallow or deep water, major muscle groups & full body movements are engaged.

Walking — Love to walk? Take it to the pool or ocean and double the output.

Aqua Zumba — A modified version of Zumba using water resistance to intensify the moves.

Ai Chi — Similar to Tai Chi. It combines deep breathing and slow/large movements.

Kick Boxing — Taking this sport from the gym to the pool using adapted punches and kicks.

Aquatic exercise is fun, challenging and gentle to your body. You receive in turn a healthier, stronger, younger and happier you.

Find out locations closest to you through the city parks and seniors club listings: 973-7258.

Joett and aqua participants at Franciscan Vista’s swimming pool.
Exercises performed in water is truly magical. The liquid density in the pool increases the amount of workout that you would have compared with the equivalent exercise on land without the fear of falling or damaging fragile joints. It allows you to move in ways you never thought you were capable of. Many forms of land exercise are now…
The Right Questions About PV Systems

There are two types of Solar Energy Systems that will significantly lower your energy bill. Solar hot water systems can provide 20% to 30% of your energy needs and photovoltaic (PV) systems can provide up to 100%. There are many issues regarding a solar system for your home which you need to understand prior to purchasing a system:

1. Does the installation include roofing industry details for roof penetrations? Many installers are voiding roof warranties by using substandard roof penetration detailing causing leaks.

2. Does the system installation come with a maintenance program? Your investment needs to be maintained and your PV system needs attention to prevent module failures.

3. Do you have a copy of the warranty prior to purchasing, so you can read the limitations? Warranties are sales tools used by companies to convey the false idea that something is guaranteed when it is not.

4. Does quality matter to you? Better quality modules will cost more but last longer and produce more power over the long haul. Many contractors buy the cheapest modules and then try to convince you they are equal.

5. How long has the manufacturer been in business making modules? Solar manufacturers are losing money due to Chinese manufacturers flooding the market with low cost products. It’s been predicted that only about 10 companies will be in this business after the smoke clears, so find out how long they have made modules and are they likely to be in solar business after the dust clears.

Pacific Islands Construction believes that an informed buyer makes the best decisions. Contact them at 841-7756 or check their website at www.pacificislandsconstruction.com.

There are two types of Solar Energy Systems that will significantly lower your energy bill. Solar hot water systems can provide 20% to 30% of your energy needs and photovoltaic (PV) systems can provide up to 100%. There are many issues regarding a solar system for your home which you need to understand prior to…
Think Green . . . Smoothie
The most important thing for our health is to get enough fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. It provides antioxidants, micronutrients, and phytochemicals to protect us from disease such as cancer and heart disease. These nutrients help us continue to function on a cellular level, keep our immune system strong and add a lot of fiber that’s needed in a healthful diet. The requirement is 5–7 servings of fruits and vegetables and 25–30 grams of fiber daily. Leafy greens like kale, collard, Swiss chard and spinach are the most nutrient-dense of all foods. Yet most people find it challenging to get this into their diets.

The easiest way I have found to get these nutrients on a daily basis is through green smoothies. Mixing the fruits and vegetables together in a Vita-Mix makes for a delicious drink, and a great way to start your day.

Ingredients

1 apple

1 banana

5 frozen strawberries

1 handful kale

1 handful spinach

1 handful mint

1 scoop ground flaxseed

1 scoop wheat germ

1 cup water or coconut water

Ice

Directions

Blend all together in a blender till all the ice is crushed and vegetables and fruits are chopped to milkshake consistency. See this video for a demo . Enjoy!
The most important thing for our health is to get enough fruits and vegetables on a daily basis. It provides antioxidants, micronutrients, and phytochemicals to protect us from disease such as cancer and heart disease. These nutrients help us continue to function on a cellular level, keep our immune system strong and add a lot…
Talk It Out at the Mediation Center

Mediation and family conferencing help families talk through difficult issues and create plans to support their Kupuna.

“I’m so frustrated. I’m spending more and more time trying to help my mom and dad, and now I feel like I’m neglecting my own family. Of course my brother and sister are absolutely no help at all. I’m so angry at them. And my parents don’t even seem to understand that I’m trying to help them. They keep telling me they can take care of themselves. They can’t!”

Comments like these are becoming all too familiar as family members struggle to support the needs of their aging parents while trying to juggle their own personal responsibilities. Emotions run high, patience grows thin and family relationships are torn apart, at times, permanently. Each family member has their own life, home, work and immediate family issues to contend with on a daily basis. When an elder family member suddenly needs support, families often react without considering all of the implications of their actions on individual family members, including the elder person.

Mediation and family conferences are processes designed to help families talk through issues and sort through emotions to create well thought out plans to support elder family members. With the assistance of an impartial third person, a mediator or facilitator, every family member has an opportunity to express their needs, perspectives, fears and concerns, before decisions are made. For example, the interest of the elder person to remain independent can be factored in with the children’s concerns about the elder family member’s safety. The importance of having every family member take an active role in developing the plan as well as implementing the plan to care for the needs of the elder member, are also addressed.

Facilitators and mediators are trained listeners who ask powerful questions that help families look at each situation from a broader perspective and gather information and resources to make thoughtful decisions and plans that support the elder family member. By talking through sensitive issues and creating family plans in mediation and family conferences, families strengthen communication, preserve their relationships and maintain the dignity of the elder family member.

The next time you hear “my siblings just aren’t helping me to support mom and dad,” suggest mediation or family conferencing. It’s a cost effective approach to helping families have powerful conversations and prevent potential conflicts
from escalating.

Tracey S. Wiltgen is the Executive Director of the Mediation Center of the Pacific, a not-for-profit corporation that assists more than 5,000 people annually.

The Mediation Center of the Pacific, Inc.
245 N. Kukui Street, Suite 206, Honolulu, HI 96817
Tel: 521-6767 Fax: 538-1454 www.mediatehawaii.org

Mediation and family conferencing help families talk through difficult issues and create plans to support their Kupuna. “I’m so frustrated. I’m spending more and more time trying to help my mom and dad, and now I feel like I’m neglecting my own family. Of course my brother and sister are absolutely no help at all.…