Category: Articles

Brothers & Sisters in Community Service
Donna (front row, marked) with her Beta Beta Gamma sisters.

Beta Beta Gamma (BBG) is the only Greek sorority left at University of Hawai‘i. In the ‘50s and ‘60s, students from small rural high schools could find fellowship, mentors and community at big universities by joining a sorority or fraternity. Today, BBG still brings like-minded women together for important service work.

In celebration of the sorority’s 50th anniversary in 1998, over 300 alumnae sisters were inspired to create a lasting legacy through charitable giving. The BBG Foundation, incorporated in August 1999, allows BBG sisters and donors:

to serve the community by charitable giving.

an opportunity for establishing lasting legacy for BBG Sorority in perpetuity.

an opportunity for fellowship, mentoring and networking among alumnae and actives, community service and experience working on charitable projects & fundraising.

Since 1999, BBG holds a golf tournament every fall at Mid Pacific Country Club in Kailua. Many golfers are alumni of Phi Kappa Pi Fraternity at UH. The fraternity closed in 1982, but bonds formed in college are still strong. The essence of sisterhood and brotherhood between BBG and Phi Kappa Pi resonated in a tribute to brother Dennis Taira, who passed away. Foundation Director and First Board President Donna Hoshide said:

“Dennis Carson Makoto Taira was indeed BBG’s golf hero. Since 1999 BBG sister Susie Taira’s husband Dennis brought in foursomes of his Phi Kappa Pi brothers — often over 10 teams — to support BBG. The success that we have enjoyed these 15 years would not have been possible without Dennis and those many golfers. What a tribute to Dennis this year — to have 180 golfers and so many BBG sisters attend our 16th annual golf tournament. We feel his spirit with us, we miss him dearly and still mourn his very premature passing on May 11. We will remain forever grateful to Dennis.”

The BBG Foundation endowment fund grants scholarships to UH students. They also support over 25 charities, including American Cancer Society, Resolve of Hawaii, Hawaii Meals on Wheels, American Red Cross, and Hospice Hawai‘i. Says Donna, “A grand mahalo to all!”
Beta Beta Gamma (BBG) is the only Greek sorority left at University of Hawai‘i. In the ‘50s and ‘60s, students from small rural high schools could find fellowship, mentors and community at big universities by joining a sorority or fraternity. Today, BBG still brings like-minded women together for important service work. In celebration of the…
Mahalo Volunteers!

Webster says that “Volunteerism” is the act or practice of doing volunteer work in community service. Here in Hawai‘i, many seniors volunteer their services to our community every day — in a multitude of capacities.

Nancy Shimamoto and Sherry Goya

One such volunteer is Nancy Shimamoto, who spends every Tuesday from 8 am to noon on the “front-line” at Kuakini Medical Center information desk, answering the phone, greeting visitors, and offering directions. She is an “Ambassador” for Kuakini volunteer services.

At 64, Nancy retired as principal of Aina Haina Elementary, after 38 years in education. In her 12 years with Kuakini, Nancy was Auxilliary Council President from 2008 to 2013. Today, she is on the Board of the Kuakini Health System and serves as Chairperson of the Kuakini Foundation.

Volunteering is a long tradition at Kuakini. Every volunteer is greatly appreciated — from assisting in admissions, adult day care, gift shop sales, mail delivery, medical records, imaging services, to working in the snack shop. Nancy also escorts tours, attends workshops, and participated in the First Hawaiian Bank’s PrimeTime Wellness Fair on March 5th. It was a great event. Call 808-547-9184 if you want to volunteer at Kuakini. Mahalo to Nancy and all volunteers!

A touching story is always worth sharing. So, if you have a story, or a centenarian announcement, send it to me with a photo(s), we’d love to know about it.

Sherry Goya: 808-722-8487 | SGoyaLLC@aol.com

Webster says that “Volunteerism” is the act or practice of doing volunteer work in community service. Here in Hawai‘i, many seniors volunteer their services to our community every day — in a multitude of capacities. One such volunteer is Nancy Shimamoto, who spends every Tuesday from 8 am to noon on the “front-line” at Kuakini…
Constipation in Seniors
Constipation affects approximately 2 percent of the population in the US; the elderly are more commonly affected. Constipation refers to bowel movements that are infrequent or hard to pass. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), constipation is defined as having a bowel movement less than 3 times a week.

Laxatives can help relieve constipation. Overuse of certain laxatives can lead to dependency and decreased bowel function. In general bulkforming laxatives, also referred to as fiber supplements, are the gentlest on the body and safest to use long term. However, seniors must remember to drink adequate amounts of water when taking fiber supplements like Metamucil.

Seniors need to call their physicians immediately if they have sudden constipation with abdominal cramps and are unable to pass gas. It is important to seek help if seniors have blood in the stools, constipation lasting more than 2 weeks, require use of laxatives for several weeks, experience rectal pain, unexplained weight loss, or severe abdominal pain–these may be signs of a serious underlying medical condition.

What causes constipation?

Not drinking enough liquids

Low-fiber diet

Lack of physical activity

Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement

Stress

Travel

Medical conditions — affecting the gastrointestinal, endocrine, or nervous system

Medications — iron or calcium supplements, narcotics, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and certain medications to lower blood pressure.

Which tests may help diagnose the cause of constipation?

Based on history and physical examination, a physician may order some of the following tests:

Blood tests including a complete blood count and basic metabolic profile

Colonoscopy

Proctosigmoidoscopy

Barium enema

Stool studies

X-rays of the abdomen

Anorectal manometry (pressure measurements of the anus and rectum)

What are the complications of chronic constipation?

Hemorrhoids

Anal fissures

Fecal impaction

Bowel obstruction

Rectal prolapse

How can seniors prevent constipation?

Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day

Eat lots of fiber

Exercise regularly

Do not ignore the urge to use the restroom

Eat foods that promote bowel movement: prunes, apples, papaya, banana and cabbage
Constipation affects approximately 2 percent of the population in the US; the elderly are more commonly affected. Constipation refers to bowel movements that are infrequent or hard to pass. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), constipation is defined as having a bowel movement less than 3 times a week. Laxatives can help relieve…

Do You Know IRMA?

Millions of Medicare beneficiaries with Original Medicare or other Medicare health plans understand the costs associated with their Medicare Part B coverage. The premium for Medicare Part B is usually deducted from the beneficiary’s social security payment, or can be billed separately or paid by a third party. Medicare Part B coverage is provided to help with costs of physician visits, lab work, X-rays, etc. The Medicare Part B premium is released annually and can be increased, decreased or remain at the same level from a previous year. In 2015 the Medicare Part B premium remained at the same level as 2014. It is $104.90 per month for most beneficiaries, however it can be higher based on income levels.

Recently, a reader contacted us for an explanation of a Social Security letter he received shortly after he joined a Medicare Advantage plan. His monthly premiums seemed high. He believed that he would pay a Part B premium of $104.90 and a $0 premium for his Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan. However, a letter from Social Security alerted him that he would be subject to an Income Related Medicare Adjustment (IRMA) of $42.00 additional monthly cost for his Medicare Part B premium and another $12.30 adjustment to his Medicare Part D premium. Here is what we learned:

Most people don’t qualify to pay higher premiums, and never receive an IRMA notice.
IRMA is calculated by Medicare based on your modified adjusted gross income, as reported on your IRS tax return from two years ago.
If your adjusted gross income is above a certain amount your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums may be higher.
IRMA affects less than 5 percent of people with Medicare, so most people don’t pay a higher premium.

Part B Monthly Premium

Part B premiums are paid monthly. If your modified adjusted gross income as reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago is above a certain amount, you may pay more.

If your yearly income in 2013 was filed as (in thousands=k):

Individual	Joint	Married/Separate	2015 Payment
$85k or less	$170k or less	$85k or less	$104.90
$85k-$107k	$170k-$214k	N/A	$146.90
$107k-$160k	$214k-$320k	N/A	$209.80
$160k-$214k	$320k-$428k	$85k-$129k	$272.70
above $214k	above $428k	above $129k	$335.70

Part D Monthly Premium

The chart below shows your estimated prescription drug plan monthly adjustment based on your income. The adjustment is charged addition to your plan premium.

If your yearly income in 2013 was filed as (in thousands=k):

Individual	Joint	Married/Separate	2015 Payment
$85k or less	$170k or less	$85k or less	$104.90 + plan prem.
$85k-$107k	$170k-$214k	N/A	$146.90 + plan prem.
$107k-$160k	$214k-$320k	N/A	$209.80 + plan prem.
$160k-$214k	$320k-$428k	$85k-$129k	$272.70 + plan prem.
above $214k	above $428k	above $129k	$335.70 + plan prem.

We discovered the Medicare beneficiary who contacted us was subject to IRMA for only one year when his income was high. In later years his cost came down $500; he got to know IRMA.

LiveWell Resources Hawaii
808-543-2073 | getmedicare@aol.com
Making Medicare Work For You
A radio program with Martha Khlopin
AM690: Saturdays, 11–11:30 am
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“No Sweat Cooking”

Yumm!! George Yoshida and Derek Kurisu released their new cookbook–full of tasty, local-style recipes they demonstrate on their wildly popular Hawai‘i Island daily cable TV show, “Seniors Living in Paradise.” The recipes are easy. On air and in the cookbook, that translates to “any man can cook,” “one-minute cooking,” and even “slam-’em-together gourmet cooking.”

No Sweat Cooking offers old-fashioned, easy but delicious recipes featured on Seniors Living in Paradise. The funloving culinary authors, George Yoshida and Derek Kurisu, display some of their “slam-’em-together gourmet cooking.” Yumm!

George and Derek have been entertaining cablevision audiences since 1999 with their zany and lovable antics — and cooking fabulous dishes with the freshest ingredients from KTA Superstores. “No-Sweat Cooking!” is for career women, senior citizens, college students, bachelors and anyone who suddenly finds they must cook their own meals — even lazy husbands — just kidding. Good cooks who don’t have the time to make recipes with specialty ingredients or complex preparation steps will love this book.

Now everyone can cook old-fashioned dishes with no sweat! Cookbooks cost only $15.00 each, including tax and shipping! Order from George Yoshida, 2321 Nohona St., Hilo, HI 96720; email: ciyosh@hawaiiantel.net; telephone: 808-959-8677. Buy one for a friend and treat yourself too.

Living in Paradise: Oceanic Time Warner Cable channel 27 (Big Island)

Seniors Living in Paradise Mon. – Fri.: 6:00 am – 7:00 am | Daily: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Primetime Living in Paradise Daily: 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm, 12:00 am–1:00 pm

Watch recent Youtube episodes online: www.ktasuperstores.com/living-in-paradise-show

Yumm!! George Yoshida and Derek Kurisu released their new cookbook–full of tasty, local-style recipes they demonstrate on their wildly popular Hawai‘i Island daily cable TV show, “Seniors Living in Paradise.” The recipes are easy. On air and in the cookbook, that translates to “any man can cook,” “one-minute cooking,” and even “slam-’em-together gourmet cooking.” George…
Do I Have a Tip for You!
It takes creativity to stretch our dollars, save steps and get our chores done efficiently so we have time for family and community FUN!

Let’s share what we’ve learned. Our world is changing, but not everything. The younger generation teach us technology; we teach them wisdom. In our time, “fast” and “inexpensive” was the name of the game — how to cook fast meals that don’t cost $25 plus a leg…or an arm. By the end of the week, one can save plenty of cash! Other things that we can share are new tricks that make our lives easier. To get the ball rolling, here’s something from our staff:

Bathroom tips:

Always leave a light on at night, make sure the bath mat has a non-slip bottom, and be sure cold and hot faucets are clearly marked.

How about Kitchen tips:

To see if an egg is fresh, immerse it in a container of cool, salted water. If it sinks, it’s fresh — if it floats, throw it away.

Mash and freeze ripe bananas, in one-cup portions, for use in later baking, or peel and freeze whole in a baggie — no wasted bananas!

Coffee filters can be used more than just for making coffee.Use them to cover dishes when cooking in the microwave or to soak grease after frying bacon, French fries, chicken fingers, etc.

Help us share your wisdom by giving us your Helpful Tips. Call or email Sherry Goya. 808-722-8487 | sgoyallc@aol.com
It takes creativity to stretch our dollars, save steps and get our chores done efficiently so we have time for family and community FUN! Let’s share what we’ve learned. Our world is changing, but not everything. The younger generation teach us technology; we teach them wisdom. In our time, “fast” and “inexpensive” was the name…
Lost in Translation

Did you play the game “grape vine” as a child? You whisper something to someone who whispers it to another, until the last person gets the message. The last person says the message out loud. At best, it is a very garbled version of the original message.

Think about estate planning. People tell their attorney the underlying reasons for wanting an estate plan. They share concerns for their loved ones and hopes for their future.

The attorney then translates these heartfelt wishes and intentions into legal language and writes an estate plan. It’s like speaking English to someone and asking them to write down the conversation in French. However, the translator only knows scientific French words. He gets the jist of the conversation, but fails to translate the full meaning and intent. Some of the meaning and intent is lost.

After the client dies, the trustee and beneficiaries try to understand the purpose, reasons, and meaning of the estate plan, only to find hard-tointerpret legal documents.

This grapevine way of making one’s estate plan leads to misunderstanding, lack of clarity, and different interpretations can lead to fractured family relationships. The only people who can clear up any misunderstanding and define their values and meaning are gone — often estates become “lost in translation” experiences.

We need to get away from the grapevine method of estate planning and start having family meetings to relay our intentions clearly while everyone is here — to ensure a successful estate plan.

Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law

2054 S. Beretania St., Honolulu

808-524-0251 | stephenyimestateplanning.com

Did you play the game “grape vine” as a child? You whisper something to someone who whispers it to another, until the last person gets the message. The last person says the message out loud. At best, it is a very garbled version of the original message. Think about estate planning. People tell their attorney…
Never Ever …

Retired. No gold watch. No pension. Just — retired. Now what? Since I have been retired, I realize there is really no such thing.

Life goes on. You may spend a little time watching “Family Feud.” You may spend more time working on your golf swing or with friends and relatives you haven’t seen for a while.

But sooner or later, you realize … retired or not …you still have something to share. You have spent 40 plus years working at your craft or skill. You had a passion for it then. That passion doesn’t disappear overnight. I am determined to use those talents as long as I am able to make my community a better place.

You will have more time to spend with your significant other. Stay close. Take advantage of this added dimension. The relationship may change, but that can be a good thing if you have the right attitude.

You may find yourself looking at price tags a bit closer. I’m told this is normal. Still, it could be difficult to get used to since you have more time to go to the store.

Jim Valvano, the late great coach of North Carolina State’s basketball team said, “Never give up. Never, ever give up.”

I am using that as my mantra:

Never give up . . . Never give up.

There will be more challenges and opportunities in the future, and I welcome them with open arms and an open mind.

Imua, retirees, imua.

KHON2 TV personality and journalist Kirk Matthews, a boomer, who speaks from the heart on issues concerning seniors and soon-to-be seniors. Post your questions or comments to Kirk at his column on Generations808.com.

Retired. No gold watch. No pension. Just — retired. Now what? Since I have been retired, I realize there is really no such thing. Life goes on. You may spend a little time watching “Family Feud.” You may spend more time working on your golf swing or with friends and relatives you haven’t seen for…
Social Security Brain Teasers

Test your knowledge or learn a few things today — with this in mind, tease your brain with these bits of Social Security trivia:

When was the Social Security Act signed into law, and who signed it?

When did Social Security begin paying disability benefits?

Is there any significance to the digits in your Social Security number — or are they just random?

Answers: The Social Security Act was signed into law on Aug. 14, 1935, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Check out a picture of it at: www.socialsecurity.gov/history/fdrsign.html.

Although Congress and the White House discussed Social Security disability benefits as early as 1936, they did not enact a law until 1956. Learn more about disability benefits at: www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.

If your Social Security number was first issued to you before June 2011, the first three digits indicate the geographical region where you resided. Generally, numbers were assigned beginning in the northeast and moving westward — people on the east coast got the lowest numbers; west coast got the highest numbers. The remaining six digits just aided SSA’s early manual bookkeeping operations. As of June 2011, all numbers are randomly assigned without regard to region.

There’s more history to enjoy on Social Security’s history page. Tease your brain at: www.socialsecurity.gov/history.

Questions, online applications, or to make an appointment to visit a Social Security office, contact:
1-800-772-1213 (toll free) | 1-800-325-0778 (TTY)
www.socialsecurity.gov

Test your knowledge or learn a few things today — with this in mind, tease your brain with these bits of Social Security trivia: When was the Social Security Act signed into law, and who signed it? When did Social Security begin paying disability benefits? Is there any significance to the digits in your Social…
For Love … of Money: Sham Marriages
When it comes to love and relationships, we are particularly protective of our elders. We scrutinize new companions who come into their lives; when our kupuna decide to marry, we get concerned about the new partner’s intentions.

Stephanie (not her real name) called my office, she was panicked. She just discovered a life her father had kept secret from her; he married a woman 30 years his junior recently; did not live with her; paid her rent and car payments; and that they met at a bar she worked. This upset Stephanie so much that she could only envision her father as being a helpless victim to a predatory vixen, she was calling to see if this new wife could be arrested for financial exploitation.

Stephanie did not initially see the fact that her father was a competent, lonely, older man who lost his wife a couple of years ago and liked the attention given him by this bar hostess. Although this May/December relationship greatly benefited the wife financially, Stephanie’s father consciously knew the true nature of the relationship, and was more than willing to continue this marriage. After speaking to Stephanie, she understood that because her father wanted the marriage as it was, a crime did not occur, and there were no grounds for prosecution.

Our office has been receiving more calls like this from family members or friends who are worried that a senior — seemingly competent in all other aspects of their life — are now an unwitting dupes for a gold digger.

Although these relationships have the telltale signs of financial abuse, if one were to ask the “victims” if they feel exploited — many would reply just the opposite.

Having said this, however, does not mean that all such unions should be viewed as a mutually-benefiting relationship for both spouses. There are, in fact relationships where these sham marriages can turn into abuse, harming the older spouse not only financially, but physically if the senior suffers from disabilities that are not being addressed by the spouse.

In trying to determine whether or not a marriage is a case of love or is harmful to the older partner, one should be aware of the following warning signs:

Isolation: When someone is attempting to execute a scam, the less people involved the better. It is common for predators to isolate their victims from their families and loved ones. Be involved in the lives of your Kupuna and check in often.

Loneliness: Those who are potential victims of sham marriages are often lonely and seeking companionship. This makes them increasingly vulnerable. Stay involved and help your Kupuna to find healthy companionship. Help them to get involved in community activities, take classes, or find a new hobby.

Ulterior Motives: Be cautious when the individual you are seeing has a little too much to gain through this marriage. Are they non-residents? Are they in need of a green card? Are they financially unstable?

Marriage should be a sacred bond built upon love and friendship. Unfortunately to some, marriage transforms into a dollar sign, a green card, or even a benefits package. Stay involved in your parent’s lives. The best way to protect your parents from sham marriages is to prevent them from loneliness and isolation — feeling the need to seek companionship from others that may not have their best interests at heart.

To report suspected elder abuse, contact the Elder Abuse Unit at: 808-768-7536 | ElderAbuse@honolulu.gov

www.ElderJusticeHonolulu.com
When it comes to love and relationships, we are particularly protective of our elders. We scrutinize new companions who come into their lives; when our kupuna decide to marry, we get concerned about the new partner’s intentions. Stephanie (not her real name) called my office, she was panicked. She just discovered a life her father…
Message from The Editor

“Volunteerism, the heart of community” weaves through our April/May issue. Family, neighbors, places of worship, civic and social clubs, public events and government programs all depend on the generosity of volunteers. Thank you for your service.

Highlights

An editorial featured here by Dr. Christy Nishita, at UH Center on Aging and the Hawaii Pacific Gerontological Society, discussing how the “the sandwich generation”— baby boomers with college-age children and dependent parents — impacts community health services. Next issue, a boomer you all know will tell his story from the heart.

Our cover story interview with Red Cross Hawaii CEO Coralie Chun Matayoshi will open your eyes to the largest volunteer operation in Hawai‘i. Click here and you won’t have to endure a disaster to get to know this wonderful humanitarian organization.

Click here to read about how UH sorority Beta Beta Gamma alumnae and the BBG Foundation give tribute to the late Dennis Taira, a mortgage broker and Phi Kappa Pi fraternity alumnus, supported 15 BBG Annual Golf Tournament fundraisers. Our Publisher, Percy Ihara, is a frat brother of Dennis and a fellow mortgage professional.

If you want to help your community, see our “Senior Volunteer Opportunities” Resource Guide by clicking here. Take the first step — call an organization and give a little of your time.

Click here to explore the healthy activities of Hiking and click here for Line Dancing. Click here for a fun column on “Helpful Tips.” Call, mail, email or submit online — your tips that will save readers time or effort. You send ‘em, we print ‘em.

Condolences to the Miyahira Family

Centenarian Kameko Miyahira passed away on Feb. 1. Her family wrote: “We are still incredulous that fate would take her from us so suddenly despite her vitality, vigor, and apparent good health.” Like all who came to love Kameko, author Sherry Goya was deeply saddened by this news. Our sympathy and sincere condolences go out to Kameko’s many friends and family.

Every Day is Brand New!

Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith, Associate Editor

“Volunteerism, the heart of community” weaves through our April/May issue. Family, neighbors, places of worship, civic and social clubs, public events and government programs all depend on the generosity of volunteers. Thank you for your service. Highlights An editorial featured here by Dr. Christy Nishita, at UH Center on Aging and the Hawaii Pacific Gerontological…
“I Want to Die Comfortably – at Home”

National surveys say 80 percent of people want to “die in the comfort of their home,” but in Hawai‘i, only 22 percent of families use hospice services. Hawaii also ranks high (number 2 in the U.S.) in emergency room deaths. Are we getting what we want?

Dr. Angelo Volandes from Harvard Medical School recently spoke to health care professionals in Hawai‘i about ways to find out what terminal patients really want. “We don’t live in a patient-centered health care system,” says Volandes.“ As patients, we need to take control and become the center of our care team’s attention.”

Under-utilization of hospice services is a national problem, but worse in Hawai‘i. According to a 2007 study of over four thousand terminal patients, those on hospice lived longer than patients in hospitals who opted for complex procedures to “fight for longer life.”* Obviously, being kept alive in an intensive care unit is not the same as recovering enough to go home — but by the time families figure out their loved one is not coming home, it’s too late. For ten years Dr. Volandes taught doctors how to find out their patients’ end-of-life intentions. Now he is helping educate families to start the conversation early, and to tell their doctors — if they want to die comfortably at home.

Dr. Volandes’ new book, “The Conversation,” tracks seven patients at the end of life. He says that if patients knew that surgical procedures and resuscitation at end of life often do little good, they might turn them down. Such procedures may even increase their loved one’s pain and decrease the comfort of their last days.

HMSA (Hawai‘i Medical Service Association), Dr. Volandes, and Dr. Rae Seitz from John A. Burns Medical School collaborated to make a series of videos on advanced care planning. Videos are available to Hawai‘i hospitals and health care providers in all local languages so they can open the “Conversation” about end of life care and clearly plan for the patient’s true wishes and intentions.

Dr. Volandes urges elders to take the first step — have a conversation with your loved ones — to be sure everyone in the family knows what you want. If you want to die in familiar surroundings at home, pick the person who will honor your wishes when you are no longer able to make your own decisions. For further information contact your health care provider. “The Conversation” is available in bookstores and on Amazon.com.

Theconversationbook.org
* Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
Vol. 33 No. 3 March 2007, pp.238-245

National surveys say 80 percent of people want to “die in the comfort of their home,” but in Hawai‘i, only 22 percent of families use hospice services. Hawaii also ranks high (number 2 in the U.S.) in emergency room deaths. Are we getting what we want? Dr. Angelo Volandes from Harvard Medical School recently spoke…