Category: Articles

Don’t Wait to Save for Retirement

By Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner

Saving for — and even thinking about retirement can be overwhelming. While it’s natural to worry about your financial future, be careful not to let preconceived notions prevent you from actively saving for tomorrow. If you find yourself having one of the following doubts, consider reframing your thinking. A perspective shift may be what you need to get on the right track.

◆ “Retirement is a long way off.” It’s easy to get wrapped up in your current financial obligations, telling yourself that you’ll prioritize your retirement next year. However, like many worthy aspirations, a sound retirement plan takes time and discipline to achieve. If your golden years seem far away, remind yourself of the power of saving early. Time allows you to tackle your retirement goals in smaller increments with the potential for compounded growth. Retirement will likely come faster than you think and your future self will thank you for planning ahead.

◆ “I’ll prioritize retirement after paying for my child’s education.” With the rising costs of college, it’s understandable and even necessary for you to help your child obtain a quality education. However, your nest egg should be the top priority. Once you reach retirement, you have limited options if your savings come up short. Alternatively, your child can secure financial aid to pay for college, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs and loans. You simply don’t have options like these to help fund your retirement. While retirement deserves the most attention, you can devise a strategy to simultaneously save for both important goals.

◆ “My retirement dreams are too expensive.” If your dreams of traveling through Europe or starting a new hobby seem expensive, give yourself a reality check. Start by comparing your dreams to your current nest egg. Calculate the amount you need to maintain your lifestyle, cover potential unexpected expenses (such as healthcare) and achieve your retirement bucket list. If your savings come up short, create a plan to fill the gap. Lofty dreams will force yourself to ask the tough question: “Do I want to adjust my current lifestyle to achieve this retirement dream?”

◆ “I won’t be able to retire when I want.” It’s true that more Americans are working longer and delaying retirement. Some simply prefer to remain active contributors in the workforce, but many others are forced to postpone retirement until they accumulate sufficient resources to retire comfortably. If you dream of retiring early, carefully assess whether your nest egg is sustainable over several decades. You’ll want to make sure the money you withdraw early in retirement doesn’t put you at risk of outliving your assets.

◆ “I can’t afford to save.” If this phrase comes to mind, give your self-talk a flip. Instead, think “I can’t afford not to save.” Setting aside even a small amount of money each month can make a big difference, as your assets can grow with the benefit of compounding. Consider increasing your monthly contribution to bulk up your nest egg.

◆ “My family will help me.” Perhaps you’re expecting a generous inheritance or hoping that your adult kids will provide a financial cushion if you experience an unexpected expense. Regardless of who you believe may come to your aid, it’s best to take your financial security into your own hands. Life is full of uncertainties that could impact bank accounts for both you and your family members. Knowing your future is under financial control may give your family peace of mind.

It’s not too late to correct misconceptions about the importance of saving for retirement. Consider working with a financial advisor to create a plan for your future. Together you can determine your savings targets and explore a wide range of strategies to meet your financial goals. It’s time to talk yourself back in to retirement.

MICHAEL W. K. YEE, CFP
1585 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 1100, Honolulu HI 96814
808-952-1222, ext. 1240 | michael.w.yee@ampf.com

Michael W. K. Yee, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC, is a Financial Advisor, Certified Financial Planner ™ practitioner with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Honolulu, HI. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 30 years.
Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser.
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.
© 2017 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. File #1753773

By Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner Saving for — and even thinking about retirement can be overwhelming. While it’s natural to worry about your financial future, be careful not to let preconceived notions prevent you from actively saving for tomorrow. If you find yourself having one of the following doubts, consider reframing…
Common Misconceptions About Medicaid

By Daniel Bonilla, MedData Community Medicaid Long-Term Care Coordinator

The decision to move into a long-term care facility can be a difficult one, especially when it comes to finances. In Hawai‘i, a long-term care facility can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $12,000 a month, which is unaffordable for many families.

Medicaid’s long-term care coverage — an option that can help — is often overlooked because of common misconceptions about who qualifies and what is covered.

Here are five misconceptions:

“I will not be approved because I am not a citizen of the U.S.”

Generally, people who have been permanent residents of the United States for more than five years or those who are from a nation under the Compacts of Free Association who are 65 or older ARE eligible for Medicaid as long as they are Hawai‘i residents.

“I make too much money to qualify for Medicaid long-term care.”

Traditional Medicaid coverage does have an in-come eligibility limit, but there is generally no income limit to qualify for Medicaid long-term care. In fact, the more money you make, the less the state incurs in expenses to pay for your coverage.

“I can’t have any money in the bank to qualify for Medicaid long-term care.”

You may have checking, savings and other assets. If you are single, you can qualify with up to $2,000 in assets. If you are married, that amount increases significantly to $119,220 in joint assets.

“I’m over the asset limit; I own my home.”

Owning a home does not disqualify you from receiving Medicaid long-term care. There are many factors that contribute to whether or not the value of your property will be included in your eligible asset limit, such as its total value or if you still have an outstanding mortgage on your home.

“I will lose my home if I obtain Medicaid long-term care.”

If you are approved for Medicaid long-term care, the state may put a lien on your home but this does not mean that you will lose it. The circumstances that determine whether the state can or cannot place a lien on your property will vary. For example, if your spouse is currently living in the home, a lien cannot be placed on your property.

MEDDATA
For free screening: 808-566-6666 | 855-690-8977
www.meddata.com

By Daniel Bonilla, MedData Community Medicaid Long-Term Care Coordinator The decision to move into a long-term care facility can be a difficult one, especially when it comes to finances. In Hawai‘i, a long-term care facility can cost anywhere from $8,000 to $12,000 a month, which is unaffordable for many families. Medicaid’s long-term care coverage — an option…
When to Start Receiving Social Security

by Jane Yamamoto-Burigsay, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Hawai‘i

Enjoying a comfortable retirement is every-one’s dream. For over 80 years, Social Security (SS) has been helping people realize those dreams, assisting them through life’s journey with a variety of benefits. It’s up to you as to when you can start retirement benefits. You could start them a little earlier or wait until your “full retirement age.” There are perks to both…

Full retirement age refers to the age when a person can receive their SS benefits without any reduction, even if they are still working part- or full-time. You don’t actually need to stop working to get your full benefits.

For people who reach age 62 in 2017 (i.e., those born between Jan. 2, 1955, and Jan. 1, 1956), full retirement age is 66 and two months. Full retirement age was age 65 for many years. However, due to a law passed by Congress in 1983, it has been gradually increasing, beginning with people born in 1938 or later, until it reaches 67 for people born after 1959.

Learn more about the full retirement age and find out how to look up your own online at
www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire/retirechart.html.

You can start receiving SS benefits as early as age 62… or any time after that. The longer you wait, the higher your monthly benefit will be, although it stops increasing at age 70. Your monthly benefits will be reduced permanently if you start them any time before your full retirement age. For example, if you start receiving benefits in 2017 at age 62, your monthly benefit amount will be reduced permanently by about 26 percent.

But, if you wait to start receiving your benefits until after your full retirement age, your monthly benefit will be higher. The amount of this increase is two-thirds of one percent for each month — or 8 percent for each year — that you delay receiving them until you reach age 70. The choices you make may affect any benefit your spouse or children can receive on your record, too. If you receive benefits early, it may reduce their potential benefit, as well as yours.

Be as informed as possible when making any decision about receiving SS benefits. Read “When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits” at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10147.pdf.

If you decide to receive benefits before you reach full retirement age, you should also understand how continuing to work can affect your benefits. SS may withhold or reduce your benefits if your annual earnings exceed a certain amount. However, for every month benefits are withheld, your future benefits increase. At your full retirement age, SS will recalculate your benefit amount to give you credit for the months they were reduced or withheld. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire/whileworking.html.

Visit the SS Retirement Planner online at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire.

For questions, online applications or to make an appointment to visit a SSA office, call from 7am–7pm, Mon–Fri:
1-800-772-1213 (toll free) | 1-800-325-0778 (TTY)
www.socialsecurity.gov

by Jane Yamamoto-Burigsay, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Hawai‘i Enjoying a comfortable retirement is every-one’s dream. For over 80 years, Social Security (SS) has been helping people realize those dreams, assisting them through life’s journey with a variety of benefits. It’s up to you as to when you can start retirement benefits. You could…
Resources to Help Aging Loved Ones

By Dan Ihara, RA, CAPS, CLHMS, Senior Real Estate Specialist, RS-65892

As we all age and watch those around us get older, concerns about the safety of our loved ones may increase. Whether it is memory loss, falls, a decrease in appetite and hygiene, or the absence of family or friends, everyone will need some kind of help sooner or later.

Some of the questions families may have are:

Should my mom be living alone since she’s fallen recently? What kind of services are available to help her in her home and how much do they cost?

For in-home care, there are home care and home healthcare options. The costs will vary based on the type and level of service needed.
Be aware that most of them will have a minimum charge per visit.

My parents are becoming more forgetful. Should they stay by themselves?

There are various options for your parents. Adult day care may be an option for companionship during the day and may accommodate even the busiest schedule. Bringing care into your home is also an option; however, its more costly than adult day care. Moving into a retirement community is also a viable option to provide a sense of community and companionship 24/7.

My uncle lives alone. Would it be safer for him to live in a retirement community? If so, what are the options?

A retirement community could be a great solution for your uncle. Retirement communities offer many services and have safety protocols in place so it is safer than living alone. There are different types of communities with various options, so it’s good to research or attend a seminar to find the one that best suits your uncle’s needs.

My neighbor has so much stuff that she could trip over! How can I get her help?

There are several declutter services that can be brought into your neighbor’s home to help remove unnecessary items. They can help sell, donate or dispose of them.

You may have other questions like those above concerning friends and family members, but rest assured that there are many resources that can provide answers and solutions to help them safely navigate this phase of life.

THE IHARA TEAM – Keller Williams Honolulu (RB-21303)
4747 Kiluaea Ave., #201, Honolulu HI 96816
808-256-7873 | Ihara@iharateam.com
www.iharateamhawaii.com

By Dan Ihara, RA, CAPS, CLHMS, Senior Real Estate Specialist, RS-65892 As we all age and watch those around us get older, concerns about the safety of our loved ones may increase. Whether it is memory loss, falls, a decrease in appetite and hygiene, or the absence of family or friends, everyone will need some…
Home Healthcare: Buyer Beware

By Eileen Phillips, RN, Attention Plus Care

Life is full of choices as a consumer. We try to make informed choices but sometimes getting there takes a bit of experience and know-how. Online product or service reviews are helpful at times but can mean different things to different people based on experience. The same can hold true when searching for home care for yourself or a loved one.

A study done by Northwestern University reveals that home care buyers should beware. Researchers who posed as consumers surveyed 108 home care agencies from around the country. Results showed they hired unqualified and possibly dangerous caregivers to work in the homes of vulnerable seniors. Not only did agencies exhibit poor hiring procedures but researchers also found that many agencies did not train, supervise, screen or test for skills competency of their caregivers. Families may not realize how unqualified a caregiver is, especially if the care is for an aging parent who has multiple chronic conditions. In the state of Hawai‘i, home care agencies are not required to obtain a license, certificate or accreditation. What’s frightening is that agencies can continue to operate without any regulating
or monitoring.

“People have a false sense of security when they hire a caregiver from an agency,” said Lee Lindquist, MD, geriatrician and author of the study. “There are good agencies out there but there are plenty of bad ones and consumers need to be aware that they may not be getting the safe, qualified caregiver they expect. It’s dangerous for the elderly patient who may be cognitively impaired. Some of the paid caregivers are so unqualified it’s scary and really puts the senior at risk. We found agencies sending caregivers out into the seniors’ home without checking,” she said. “Identifying the good agencies from the bad is difficult because many agencies have slick websites and marketing campaigns.”

The study was published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society. From the agencies surveyed, slightly half (55 percent) conducted federal background checks. Even worse, only one-third did drug testing or checked for caregiver skills competency. More surprising, many agencies allowed caregivers to assess their own skills in a self-report and lacked consistent supervision of their caregivers. “The home care study is concerning, and families will want to seek more qualified caregivers from a reputable agency that is both accredited by The Joint Commission and licensed as a home health agency,” said Attention Plus Care Chief Administrative Officer Wesley Chang. “Home health agencies in Hawai‘i that provide skilled nursing services and other therapeutic services under a physician’s direction to home-bound patients must be licensed and monitored by the Hawai‘i State Department of Health.”

To maintain accreditation by The Joint Commission, agencies undergo a rigorous comprehensive evaluation to verify if the agency is following state and federal guidelines, as well as national health standards set by The Joint Commission. The commission’s goal is to address safety and quality care, leading to continually better patient care standards and outcomes.

Now that’s a good choice.

ATTENTION PLUS CARE
Accredited by The Joint Commission
1580 Makaloa St., Ste. 1060, Honolulu HI 96814
808-739-2811 | www.attentionplus.com

Available monthly: AGING IN HAWAII EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAM by Attention Plus Care — A program to provide resources for seniors and their families, instructed by a registered nurse, who covers a different aging topic each month. For more information on upcoming topics, contact 808-440-9356.

By Eileen Phillips, RN, Attention Plus Care Life is full of choices as a consumer. We try to make informed choices but sometimes getting there takes a bit of experience and know-how. Online product or service reviews are helpful at times but can mean different things to different people based on experience. The same can…
Speed Healing with Aquatic Therapy

By Julie Moon, Physical Therapist

Back surgery is a serious procedure and often requires significant recovery time. Exercise is a critical part of healing, although during the post-operative stages, patients must be careful to avoid undue stress on the surgical site with certain activities, bending, lifting or twisting.

The gentle environment of water allows patients to perform movements that they are unable to perform on land. The warmth of the water allows patients to increase their range of motion without severe pain. Buoyancy supports weak muscles and reduces stress on the spine, while the water’s resistance improves muscle tone and increases cardiovascular function.

Janet Shaw, 75, underwent back surgery in January. Her goal was to swim in the Mermaids Hawaii Mother’s Day show in May. But her aquatic therapy program enabled her to participate in a swim show in March!

Too much activity after surgery may slow recovery or damage the surgical repair. But aquatic therapy can be a safe and effective tool during the early stages of spinal care, and facilitate an easier transition to land exercises. And just like Janet, it can help you reach your goals and return you to the activities you love as soon as possible.

MOON PHYSICAL THERAPY, LLC
320 Ward Ave., Ste. 107, Honolulu HI 96814
Aquatic, Land-based and Manual Therapy and
Cardiopulmonary Rehab Programs
808-597-1005 | www.moonpt.com
Like me on Facebook: Moon Physical Therapy, LLC

By Julie Moon, Physical Therapist Back surgery is a serious procedure and often requires significant recovery time. Exercise is a critical part of healing, although during the post-operative stages, patients must be careful to avoid undue stress on the surgical site with certain activities, bending, lifting or twisting. The gentle environment of water allows patients…
Diabetes Treatment: East Meets West

By James Carter, L.Ac

An estimated 30 million people in America have type 2 diabetes and that number is
increasing each year. Although type 2 diabetes affects many different systems and functions of the body, the most commonly known effect is its disruption of the body’s ability to regulate blood glucose levels either by a lack of production of insulin or the body’s resistance to insulin. Common causes of type 2 diabetes are poor nutrition, excess weight, lack of exercise, genetics and even certain medications. Current conventional treatments involve taking insulin and lifestyle changes. However, the consistent increase in the number of people diagnosed each year leads many to conclude that these treatments alone may not be enough. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine offer unique and integrative approaches to improving the health of those dealing with diabetes through modalities unheard of by most in the West. In a Chinese medicine approach, different treatment principles are aimed at restoring the body’s own functional physiology. Modalities are combined to help restore balance — acupuncture therapy, medicinal nutrition, auricular acupressure, herb teas, cupping therapy — as well as lifestyle changes.

These Chinese therapies, carefully combined with conventional medicine under the guidance of both practitioners, can facilitate diabetes management and create sustainable shifts in the root causes of the imbalance.

LUNA ACUPUNCTURE & WELLNESS LLC
503-853-2866 | James@LunaAcupunctureWellness.com
www.LunaAcupunctureWellness.com

By James Carter, L.Ac An estimated 30 million people in America have type 2 diabetes and that number is increasing each year. Although type 2 diabetes affects many different systems and functions of the body, the most commonly known effect is its disruption of the body’s ability to regulate blood glucose levels either by a…
Protect Your Data!

by Christopher Duque, Cybercrime Investigator. DPA

Computer users can get “victimized” online simply because they don’t spend enough time keeping their devices up to speed. Hackers are able to compromise our devices daily if we don’t update the software on our computers, tablets and cellphones.

So, do the following on a daily basis:

◆ Update your operating system (OS). Schedule automatic updates and update manually, as well.

◆ Update your security programs and apps —
especially those used for malware and virus detection. Malicious malware and viruses are created and released on the internet daily.

◆ Users should also scan their devices regularly to see if they have been infected. Do not just quarantine, but delete them completely.

◆ Also, read the instructions of the security programs and applications you use. Do not simply rely on their default settings, which may be not be enough for your devices and uses.

◆ Lastly, back up your data! Users can mistakenly delete photos, documents, messages and emails, which can’t be recovered without a backup. Save data to a USB drive, CD, DVD, The Cloud or another remote location.

Backing up your data on a regular basis is your only insurance policy when “bad things happen.” Backing up your data makes recovery much faster, easier and more successful.

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/

by Christopher Duque, Cybercrime Investigator. DPA Computer users can get “victimized” online simply because they don’t spend enough time keeping their devices up to speed. Hackers are able to compromise our devices daily if we don’t update the software on our computers, tablets and cellphones. So, do the following on a daily basis: ◆ Update…
Aging, Adversity & Resilience

by Margaret A. Perkinson, PhD, Center on Aging Director, UH-Mānoa

Aging brings its own set of commonly experienced adversities: changes in health, declining ability to conduct everyday tasks, possible relocation to residential care, and illnesses and deaths of beloved family members and friends. Some people adapt to these changes, take things in stride and continue to flourish, while others do not. What enables some people to “bounce back” from difficult situations? What are their sources of strength? Can everyone develop this kind of resilience?

Resilience, the ability to adapt after experiencing stressful situations or negative life events, is possible at any age. A recent study of older adults from the Netherlands with serious health conditions identified important sources of strength that enabled them to adapt. The following are various characteristics, coping strategies, relationships and contexts that support their adaptations. They may help you develop resilience in the face of your own challenges.

Individual qualities: Believe in your own ability and competence. Recognize and value the qualities or characteristics that help you to adapt. Accept your limitations and be aware of your vulnerabilities.

Make an effort to control what you can. Actively prepare for possible losses and take action to influence their outcomes. Master your situation to the extent you can by practicing necessary skills, such as exercise. Be open to accepting help and support.

Set aside time to reflect upon current relationships, activities, goals and beliefs. Accept the positive and the negative. Avoid taking on the victim role by making illness or adversity the center of your identity. Focus on what you can do, not on what you cannot. Take one day at a time. Live in the present; don’t dwell on the past.

Interpersonal relationships: Develop empowering relationships. Interact and cooperate with family members and health professionals to achieve goals without being overly demanding. Consider the power of giving; engage in meaningful acts of mutual support and responsibility for others. Encourage positive relationships.

Broader social and political factors: Your community’s resources and characteristics can contribute to resilience. Advocate for accessible healthcare, social supports and age-friendly policies.

You may go through stages in developing resilience. You may doubt your ability to cope, but you can develop it. By actively cultivating resilience, you can influence the impact of stresses and enable your continued personal development and quality of life.

CENTER ON AGING — University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
2430 Campus Road, Gartley Hall, 201B, Honolulu HI 96822

808-956-6124 | map3@hawaii.edu | www.hawaii.edu/aging/

by Margaret A. Perkinson, PhD, Center on Aging Director, UH-Mānoa Aging brings its own set of commonly experienced adversities: changes in health, declining ability to conduct everyday tasks, possible relocation to residential care, and illnesses and deaths of beloved family members and friends. Some people adapt to these changes, take things in stride and continue to…
Eight Words That Saved My Marriage

by Pastor Russ Higa

Judy and I were married way back in 1979. She was just 26 and I was 25. While we were dating, I had her on a pedestal. She was my princess and I would buy her gifts and treat her as the most special woman in my life. Soon after we got married, we moved to Portland, Oregon, so that I could finish my last three years of seminary school.Is it please? Thank you? Yes dear? Those are great words but a different script saved my marriage. Here’s my story.

Will you forgive me? Yes, I forgive you.

I clearly remember the first night in our new apartment. She started cooking dinner at about 8:30 pm. By 9:30, my stomach was growling and so was I. Perplexed, Judy looked at me and asked, “Why are you so grouchy?” I responded, “I’m so hungry. When are we going to eat?” She responded, “Oh, I didn’t know. I eat whenever I feel like it.” Looking back, that episode was a sign of more stress to come. I quickly realized that my wonderful wife was creative, spontaneous and free-flowing. I, on the other hand, liked everything in order, like eating at the same time and being on time. I hated being late for anything.

So, who do you think got irritated? Not Judy! I’d grumble, “We’re late again. Don’t you know I don’t want to be late?!” “Judy, why do you leave your stuff on the dinner table? The table is for food, not storage!” Marriage to a spontaneous woman was quite an adjustment for me. We had wonderful times together, but I was often impatient and irritated.

Seeking a solution, I began praying, “Lord, please change my wife. Help her to get organized!” My repeated prayer got no answer. Then one day I sensed Father God’s answer. “Russell, Judy doesn’t have to change. You have to! You must become more loving and patient!”

In spite of my protests, I knew my Father was right. It was then that I learned the words that saved my marriage. “Will you forgive me? Will you please forgive me for my impatience, for being demanding and for acting unloving?”

When Judy responded, “I forgive you,” our marriage was revitalized. We’ve been married 37 years now and from time to time we still need to say those precious words.

“Will you forgive me?” Yes, I forgive you.”

Even in your golden years, practice forgiving and asking for forgiveness. Those eight words may save a precious relationship.

STREAMS OF LIFE FELLOWSHIP
Manoa Elementary School Cafeteria
3155 Manoa Road, Honolulu HI 96822
808-554-4513 | www.streamsoflife.org
Services: Sundays, 10 am
Alternate site: Manoa District Park
2721 Ka‘aipu Ave., Honolulu HI 96822

by Pastor Russ Higa Judy and I were married way back in 1979. She was just 26 and I was 25. While we were dating, I had her on a pedestal. She was my princess and I would buy her gifts and treat her as the most special woman in my life. Soon after we…
Shining Light Awards Honor Senior Advocates

by Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans and Kokua Council

Beginning in 2008, the Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans (HARA) and Kokua Council present their Shining Light Awards to individuals and organizations who have been strong advocates for seniors, demonstrating an understanding of the important issues.

This year, the groups honored two men who represent very different advocacy traditions.

John Radcliffe has been a long-time labor leader and lobbyist for a variety of clients and causes. Recently, his personal struggle with a life-threatening illness transformed him into a passionate and effective advocate for Death with Dignity legislation. His frequent public testimony about his personal challenge is authentic and poignant.

(L–R) Felipe Tan, former EOA accountant; John G. McDermott; Serafin “Jun” Colmenares, former EOA planner.

John McDermott has been Hawai‘i’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman since 1998, protecting the state’s most vulnerable adults. Some of his major accomplishments include legislation requiring criminal background checks for those having contact with vulnerable adults, legislation requiring that annual inspection and complaint results for care facilities be posted on the state Department of Health website, and legislation restoring a fulltime ombudsman for O‘ahu and approving part-time ombudsman positions for other islands.

HARA and Kokua Council present these awards annually at their annual post-legislative session review called “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.”

HARA and Kokua Council are part of the growing number of community-driven senior advocacy groups that pay particular attention to public policy, following important pieces of legislation, meeting with legislators and staff, and providing testimony on a wide range of issues.

The review provides an opportunity for legislators to remind us of the good they have done — but also provides advocates a chance to remind elected officials what still needs to be accomplished.

This year’s meeting was a candid, open and respectful review. Concerns about the legislative process, community program oversight, quality-control systems and effectiveness were also aired.

Both organizations are always seeking more members and participants in their activities.

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

KOKUA COUNCIL at Harris United Methodist Church
20 South Vineyard Blvd., Honolulu HI 96813
Jim Shon, Kokua Council President | 808-540-1928
www.kokuacouncil.blogspot.com/

by Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans and Kokua Council Beginning in 2008, the Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans (HARA) and Kokua Council present their Shining Light Awards to individuals and organizations who have been strong advocates for seniors, demonstrating an understanding of the important issues. This year, the groups honored two men who represent very…
It’s the Good Life!

by Martha Khlopin, Radio Host of “A Medicare Moment with Martha”

The 33rd Annual Good Life Expo is returning to your favorite spot, the Blaisdell Center, for first-class entertainment and fun. A few years ago, I had the pleasure of listening to 89-year-old Tony Bennett as he astounded the audience with his greatest hits, including his classic It’s the Good Life and another showstopper, his a capella performance of I Left My Heart in San Francisco. Diana Ross, who also appeared at the Blaisdell, sang beautifully and wowed the audience with six full costume changes consisting of floor length gowns complete with feathers and sequins—all at 70 years of age. At age 69, Carlos Santana also recently performed his hits, including my favorite, Maria, Maria, as a video of his appearances in Hawai‘i from the 1960s screened.

32nd Annual Hawaii Seniors’ Fair–The Good Life Expo

What do these great performers all have in common — besides headlining at the Blaisdell? They are over 65, still working and may qualify for Medicare. If you or someone you know is 65 or will be soon, don’t miss this year’s Good Life Expo, where you can talk to experts, ask questions, find useful resources and enjoy stellar entertainment. The event is scheduled for Sept. 22, 23 and 24. I will be at the Kaiser Permanente table this year, booths 330 and 331, so please stop by and let’s talk about “The Good Life!”

by Martha Khlopin, Radio Host of “A Medicare Moment with Martha” The 33rd Annual Good Life Expo is returning to your favorite spot, the Blaisdell Center, for first-class entertainment and fun. A few years ago, I had the pleasure of listening to 89-year-old Tony Bennett as he astounded the audience with his greatest hits, including…