Donating to charities can be a profoundly impactful and rewarding experience, but not all charities use donated funds responsibly. So here are three quick and easy tips to ensure your future contributions make a meaningful impact:
◆ Vet the charity: Quickly research the charities you plan to donate to. What is the charity’s BBB rating and community reputation? Does it have the necessary government registration with state authorities? If you plan to use the donation for a tax deduction, ensure the charity you’re considering qualifies; they usually need to be a 501(c)(3) organization.
◆ Ask questions: Ask the charity about its intended use of donations. How much of the funds collected are going to the intended recipients and how much does the charity or fundraising organization keep for itself?
◆ Watch for look-alikes: Impostors commonly mimic well-known charities. Carefully check URLs, logos and spelling, and educate yourself on the other telltale signs of an impostor scam.
Maximizing the impact of your charitable giving can be quick and easy. Guard against impostors. Ask questions. Do your research.
Donating to charities can be a profoundly impactful and rewarding experience, but not all charities use donated funds responsibly. So here are three quick and easy tips to ensure your future contributions make a meaningful impact: ◆ Vet the charity: Quickly research the charities you plan to donate to. What is the charity’s BBB rating…
Decluttering can bring a sense of peace, especially for seniors seeking to simplify their lives. The S.O.R.T method — Sell, Offer, Retain, Toss — provides an easy, step-by-step approach. Starting with less-used areas like storage rooms and guestrooms helps maintain momentum and make visible progress.
Step 1: Sell
Items like vintage pieces or furniture can be sold locally. Platforms such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or consignment stores allow seniors to pass items to others without needing to ship them, which reduces environmental impact.
Step 2: Offer
Friends, family or community members may appreciate items with sentimental or practical value. Passing items on is a meaningful way to preserve memories and share family traditions.
Step 3: Retain
Keeping only the essentials or items with true sentimental value helps create a home focused on functionality and joy.
Step 4: Toss
Some items simply need to go! The City and County of Honolulu provides disposal options through Opala.org, including monthly bulky item pickup. O‘ahu’s Waimanalo Gulch Landfill and similar sites on other islands handle larger items, although fees may apply.
Donation Resources
Helping Hands Hawai‘i: This organization accepts a variety of gently used household goods, benefiting programs for local families.
Goodwill Hawaii and Salvation Army: Both organizations have locations across the islands and accept many items, from clothing to small furniture.
Local Churches:Many churches hold thrift sales to support community projects. Donating items to these sales aids their charitable work and supports those in need.
Decluttering with S.O.R.T. not only creates a more organized and safer living environment for seniors, but also supports Hawai‘i’s community through donations and recycling. With a step-by-step approach, seniors can enjoy a cleaner, more serene and secure home that fosters clarity, calm and peace of mind.
Decluttering can bring a sense of peace, especially for seniors seeking to simplify their lives. The S.O.R.T method — Sell, Offer, Retain, Toss — provides an easy, step-by-step approach. Starting with less-used areas like storage rooms and guestrooms helps maintain momentum and make visible progress. Step 1: Sell Items like vintage pieces or furniture can…
China is the top rice-producing country in the world; it accounts for more than 144 million metric tons of the grain annually or 28% of the global output. The per-capita consumption of rice there is estimated to be a whopping 220 pounds per year, compared to 27 pounds for the average American and 100 pounds for Kama’aina (the most in the United States).
The Cantonese word “fan” means “meal” as well as “rice,” underscoring its importance. Here are three other tidbits that reveal the cultural and historical significance of rice to the Chinese people.
Nian Gao
Nian gao (gau), a steamed or baked Chinese New Year treat, is made of three basic ingredients — glutinous rice flour, brown sugar and water. Nian means “year,” and gao means “cake.” A homonym for gao is defined as “tall” or “high.” Thus, there’s a metaphorical association: Eating nian gao comes with the hope of personal growth, career promotions and financial success in the new year. Another translation for nian is “sticky;” the cake’s gummy texture and round shape symbolize familial harmony and unity.
One tradition related to nian gao concerns the Kitchen God, who watches over every Chinese household. At the end of every year, it is his duty to review each family’s conduct and report to the Jade Emperor, ruler of Heaven. Before New Year’s Day, families place nian gao on their home altars, next to images of the Kitchen God. They believe that when he eats that sticky, sugary offering, he will say only sweet things about them or his lips will be sealed, preventing him from divulging anything negative.
Rice-Fish Farming
Rice-fish farming is not unique to China, but scholars believe that’s where it began some 1,700 years ago to optimize land use by cultivating two types of food at the same time.
This sustainable, symbiotic ecological practice yields numerous benefits. The movement of fish through flooded fields increases the water’s oxygen level. Fish excrement adds nutrients to the soil, so fertilizer is not necessary (in particular nitrogen-based products, which release greenhouse gases). In return, rice fields provide fish with a cool, shady environment; protection from predatory birds; and plenty of food, including weeds, worms, plankton, insects and decaying leaves. This diet not only keeps the fish well fed, it reduces the risk of disease and the need for pesticides and herbicides.
About 1.5 million hectares (3.7 million acres) are being used for rice-fish farming in China, primarily in mountainous southeastern and southwestern regions, which are far from coastal fishing areas and have few bodies of water suitable for conventional aquaculture. Because of the steep terrain, rice can be grown only in small terraces, resulting in limited harvests. Concurrently farming fish in those terraces generates additional income.
The Great Wall of China
Hailed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Great Wall of China spans 13,170 miles across the country’s northern border; that’s more than half of the 24,901-mile circumference of the equator. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 as “an outstanding example of the superb military architecture, technology and art of ancient China.” And literally holding a large part of it together is rice.
Construction on the wall began around 220 BC by order of Qin Shi Huang, who unified seven warring kingdoms to establish the Qin dynasty and become the first emperor of China. His vision was to connect previous bulwarks and build new sections to create a massive barrier winding over plains, deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus to stave off invasions from the north. Work on the wall — which also includes barracks, bastions and watchtowers — continued until the Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
The most extensive and best-preserved segment of the wall — stretching 5,500 miles in Badaling, 43 miles northwest of Beijing — was erected during the Ming empire. This is the section that’s seen and photographed by more than 10 million visitors annually.
It has stood the test of time thanks to a mortar of glutinous rice paste and calcium hydroxide powder, which scientists call one of the greatest innovations of that period. Amylopectin, a type of complex carbohydrate that makes glutinous rice sticky, made the ancient mortar as strong, durable and water-resistant as concrete. This adhesive’s seal has remained so tight over 500-plus years, weeds reputedly have not grown between the Great Wall’s bricks and stone blocks.
The Hawai‘i Book of Rice Volume Two ($22.95, hardcover and spiral-bound) is available at bookstores and other retail outlets throughout the islands. It can also be purchased on amazon.com and Watermark Publishing’s website, bookshawaii.net. Watermark provides free shipping to all Hawai‘i addresses and to the mainland US for orders over $50. For more information, peruse bookshawaii.net or call 808-587-7766 or toll-free 866-900-BOOK from the neighbor islands.
China is the top rice-producing country in the world; it accounts for more than 144 million metric tons of the grain annually or 28% of the global output. The per-capita consumption of rice there is estimated to be a whopping 220 pounds per year, compared to 27 pounds for the average American and 100 pounds…
In May 2024, Hawaii Theatre Center launched a partnership with the Hawai‘i LGBT Legacy Foundation to host Kūpuna Movie Mornings, a monthly “pay what you can” film series created to provide seniors, the LGBT community and cinema lovers in general the opportunity to socialize and watch a classic movie in a safe, welcoming environment at little to no cost.
The movies are chosen by our patrons, who fill out ballots at every screening. “Some Like It Hot,” “Vertigo,” “Casablanca,” The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “The Wizard of Oz” are a few of the films we’ve shown based on audience input.
Kūpuna Movie Mornings are usually held on the second Tuesday of the month. The lobby opens at 10:30 am. Complimentary, sponsored coffee and pastries are provided so attendees have a chance to enjoy a snack and talk story time before the 11:30 am showtime.
Despite the name, Kupuna Movie Mornings attract film lovers of all ages. At our most recent show, the youngest attendee was 23; the oldest, 94.
We would love for you to join us for our next Kūpuna Movie Morning! Please visit our website (below) and click on the “Join Our Mailing List” link to learn about future shows.
In May 2024, Hawaii Theatre Center launched a partnership with the Hawai‘i LGBT Legacy Foundation to host Kūpuna Movie Mornings, a monthly “pay what you can” film series created to provide seniors, the LGBT community and cinema lovers in general the opportunity to socialize and watch a classic movie in a safe, welcoming environment at…
While delicious at any time of year, Chinese almond cookies are often made and shared during the Lunar New Year celebration. Symbolism plays an important role in the foods enjoyed during Chinese holidays; these round cookies are thought to resemble coins and signify wealth. Popo (grandma) made her Chinese almond cookies during other special occasions, as well, including Christmas. She passed them out to her friends and family and everyone enjoyed them. Third and fourth generation members of the family carry on her tradition to this day.
Ingredients 1-1/2 cup Crisco 1 cup sugar 1 egg 1-1/2 tsp. almond extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. red food coloring for decorating tops of cookies
Optional: 3–4 tsp. yellow food coloring added to the Crisco mixture
Directions Cream Crisco, sugar, egg and yellow food coloring together in a bowl. Then add the flour, almond extract, salt and baking soda to the Crisco mixture by hand.
Roll dough into 1-inch balls, place on cookie sheet, then press with a cup to flatten.
Using a chopstick, dot the center of each cookie with red food coloring.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.
Prep time: 15 minutes Makes: about 40 cookies
Do you have a favorite recipe and story to share? For consideration in the next issue, include a photo and mail them to Generations Recipe, PO Box 4213, Honolulu, HI 96812, or email them to Cynthia@generations808.com.
COOKIE RECIPE NOTE: While recipes made with Crisco are usually very crispy, butter may be substituted, yielding a soft inside with a crisp exterior. Placing a slivered almond into the center of each cookie instead of a dot of red food coloring is another popular option.
While delicious at any time of year, Chinese almond cookies are often made and shared during the Lunar New Year celebration. Symbolism plays an important role in the foods enjoyed during Chinese holidays; these round cookies are thought to resemble coins and signify wealth. Popo (grandma) made her Chinese almond cookies during other special occasions,…
People from all over the globe have made their homes in Hawai‘i. The first to migrate and settle here were the Polynesians from the Marquesas Islands and Tahiti about 1,500 years ago. Since then, Hawai‘i has continuously welcomed immigrants from every corner of the globe, cultivating and perpetuating a tapestry of diverse cultures.
In this first issue of the new year, Generations Magazine will begin to explore the myriad of cultures that make up our island ‘ohana, binding us together with a single strong thread of aloha.
This issue will focus on Hawai‘i’s Chinese population, and their cultural festivals and food.
From China to Hawai‘i
The first documented arrival of Chinese people to Hawai‘i was in the 1700s when Chinese sailors arrived with Capt. James Cook in 1789 and several more on two fur trading ships in 1789. Though the ships and their sailors came and went, Chinese people were already settled and living in Hawai‘i throughout the 1700s. From 1792 through the mid-1800s, Hawai‘i became an exporter of sandalwood to China, earning the name “Tan Heung Shan” or “Fragrant Sandalwood Hills.” Then in 1852, the first Chinese from Cantonese-speaking Southern China immigrated to Hawai‘i to work on sugar plantations. Upon their work contracts expiring, many decided to stay in Hawai‘i, pursuing education and opening businesses in areas like Chinatown. Over the course of 50 years, in 1900 the Chinese population in Hawai‘i grew to over 25,000.
Overall, the Chinese in Hawai’i constitute about 4.7% of the state’s population. This number does not include people of mixed Chinese and Hawaiian descent — if the Chinese-Hawaiians are included, they make up about one-third of Hawai‘i’s population. Without a doubt, Chinese people in the Hawaiian Islands have made and continue to make their mark on broader Hawaiian local culture. Rich with vibrant color, an accomplished history and cherished cultural heritage, the presence and influence of the Chinese culture in Hawai‘i continues with integrity and enthusiasm.
Festivals and Traditions
For Chinese families all over the world, several festivals and celebrations occur every year without fail. These festivals are for the most part largely known, even in non-Chinese circles. These celebrations include the Lunar New Year (or Chinese New Year), Ching Ming/Qingming Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival and celebrations.
Lunar New Year
Of these three major festivals, Lunar New Year is arguably the most well-known. As the event follows a lunisolar calendar, Lunar New Year occurs on the second new moon after the winter solstice. Usually, this means late January or early February. The celebration ushers in the coming of spring and new beginnings.
Certain traditions are honored during this celebration, too. Lai see, red envelopes containing cash, are given to younger folks for good luck and to ward off evil spirits. Gao, sweet rice cakes made from rice flour and brown sugar, are usually brought by families or given as gifts and eaten with others during Lunar New Year celebrations. These rice cakes symbolize growth and progress for the coming year. Fai chun are traditional decorative red banners hung in doorways or on walls with written phrases communicating prosperity and good luck.
Whether it’s giving (or receiving) lai see, picking up gao in Chinatown or hanging up fai chun with family, Lunar New Year gives everyone a cause for celebration.
This year, Lunar New Year will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 29. The Cantonese greeting “gong hei fat choy” at this time of year means “wishing you prosperity.”
Narcissus Queen Pageant
Although Hawai‘i celebrates these three main festivals with gusto, there is one Chinese festival unique to the islands: the Narcissus Queen Pageant in Chinatown. According to the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, a plan was devised to revitalize trade and the public image of Chinese people in Hawai‘i.
As the narcissus flower symbolizes fortune and rebirth, the Narcissus Festival originally was connected to Lunar New Year celebrations, but has since grown into a spring-season-long celebration showcasing banquets, fashion shows, community celebrations and more. The event culminates with the selected queen and her court touring mainland China as cultural ambassadors from Hawai‘i, demonstrating their intelligence, poise and pride.
The pageant will be held on Saturday, Jan. 4.
Ching Ming Festival
The Ching Ming Festival occurs during the third lunar month (usually in early April). During Ching Ming (Tomb-Sweeping Day), Chinese families visit the graves of loved ones, cleaning their spaces and making ritual offerings to honor their ancestors. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawai‘i will host an event on March 30 at Manoa Chinese Cemetery entitled “Significance of Ching Ming” sharing the history of Ching Ming and burial and funeral customs. This year, Ching Ming is set for Friday, Apr. 4.
Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival, an event celebrating a plentiful harvest, is held on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. Families and friends munch on mooncakes, float lanterns and give dollars to the dancing lions under the watch of a full moon. Local nonprofit Chinatown808 will host a festival celebration at the Chinese Cultural Plaza on Oct. 6.
The next article in this series will feature Hawaiian culture, highlighting the world-famous Merrie Monarch Festival.
People from all over the globe have made their homes in Hawai‘i. The first to migrate and settle here were the Polynesians from the Marquesas Islands and Tahiti about 1,500 years ago. Since then, Hawai‘i has continuously welcomed immigrants from every corner of the globe, cultivating and perpetuating a tapestry of diverse cultures. In this…
As a teen, I had a dream. It might seem common to some, yet not to others. It seemed so vivid. I was a bride, standing in a long wedding gown and there he was, a tall young man standing next to me. All I could see were our backs.
While at college at the age of 20, I met someone unexpectedly. A young man, tall, dark-haired and handsome, with beautiful blue eyes. I wondered to myself, “Is he the guy I’m going to marry?”
We talked, dated for six months, and then he proposed to me on notebook paper as we sat inside his car in front of my home. We eloped and went to Vegas. We have been married for over four decades. My dream came true.
Linda Warne was born and raised in California and attended Cerritos Community College before falling in love and marrying Joseph. At age 38, she returned to the same community college to study Early Childhood Education. She worked temporarily as a preschool teacher’s aide but found her niche as a private elementary school-age tutor. Joseph and Linda, now seniors, moved to O‘ahu in 2001. She currently leads paper crafts at two assisted living facilities: Ilima at Leihano in Kapolei and The Plaza in Pearl City. Writing poetry has been a meaningful way of self-expression since she was a teenager. She picks up her copy of Generations Magazine at Longs. If you have a poem, thoughts or a story to share, email the editor: debra@generations808.com. It may be published in Generations Magazine, Facebook or our website.
A poem by Linda Warne As a teen, I had a dream.It might seem common to some,yet not to others.It seemed so vivid.I was a bride,standing in a long wedding gownand there he was,a tall young man standing next to me.All I could see were our backs. While at college at the age of 20,I…
Lenore from Kāne‘ohe fears that one day she must choose between caring for her mother and her job and financial security. “There will come a time when Mom needs more care and supervision and it is costly to hire help,” she told us.
Unfortunately, this is a corner that many Hawai‘i residents are backed into. That’s why AARP Hawai‘i is fighting to improve paid family leave policies in our state.
Older voters overwhelmingly support paid family leave. An AARP Hawai‘i poll found 88% of voters 50 and older support paid family leave and more than half would vote for a candidate who supported paid family leave.
The poll also found strong support for other programs to help family caregivers: 56% do not believe government is doing enough to help family caregivers; 84% support increased funding for home-and-community-based services to help families keep loved ones at home as they age; and 89% support a limited state income tax credit to offset the expenses of family caregivers.
Family caregivers are the front line of defense in keeping their older loved ones living at home — where most seniors want to be — and not in costly nursing homes.
Across Hawai‘i, unpaid family caregivers provide critical assistance to help their older parents, spouses and other loved ones live independently in their homes. Most of these caregivers also juggle full- or part-time jobs.
Paid family leave not only benefits those who take care of kūpuna, but also benefits parents caring for keiki and a growing segment of the population who care for both children and parents. Those “sandwich generation” caregivers are under enough stress without the fear of losing their job or their wages.
An estimated 154,000 family caregivers in Hawai‘i contribute more than 144 million hours of unpaid care each year, valued at approximately $2.6 billion. They help older loved ones with medications and medical care, bathing and dressing, meals, chores and much more, saving the state and taxpayers in Medicaid expenditures if loved ones were in expensive nursing homes.
Paid family leave would also benefit employers because it increases employee loyalty and retention, and saves money by avoiding the cost of separation, recruiting, hiring and training. AARP Hawai‘i and other pro-family organizations are pushing for paid family leave and other bills to help caregivers.
If you want to lend your voice to help, contact AARP Hawai‘i Advocacy Director Audrey Suga-Nakagawa at asuganakagawa@aarp.org.
AARP HAWAI‘I (nonprofit) 1001 Bishop St., #625, Honolulu, HI 96813 808-545-6000 | hiaarp@aarp.org | aarp.org/hi AARP is a non-partisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age.
Lenore from Kāne‘ohe fears that one day she must choose between caring for her mother and her job and financial security. “There will come a time when Mom needs more care and supervision and it is costly to hire help,” she told us. Unfortunately, this is a corner that many Hawai‘i residents are backed into.…
Social Security (SS) benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for more than 72.5 million Americans will increase 2.5% in 2025. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $50 per month for single recipients, $75 for couples.
Nearly 68 million SS beneficiaries will see the 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase beginning in January 2025. Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million people receiving SSI began on Dec. 31, 2024 (some receive both SS and SSI).
Other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) is slated to increase from $168,600 to $176,100.
“Social Security benefits and SSI payments will increase in 2025, helping tens of millions of people keep up with expenses even as inflation has started to cool,” says Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley.
Over the last decade, the COLA increase has averaged about 2.6%. The COLA was 3.2% in 2024 and at a record high at 8.7% in 2023, due to high inflation following the pandemic.
Annual inflation rose 3.2% in October 2024 (when the Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates the Consumer Price Index (CPI) — actually, a subset CPI called the consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers (CPI-W), which measures the price changes for a particular set of goods, which is used to calculate the COLA.
Although the COLA is designed to keep payments in line with inflation, Medicare costs are not included in the CPI-W used to determine the COLA. Therefore, Medicare Part B premiums have been rising faster than COLA for years, including 2025, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, with premiums outpacing both the Social Security COLA and inflation. From 2005 to 2024, Part B premiums increased by an average of 5.5% per year, while COLAs averaged less than half that rate at just 2.6%.
In 2025, the monthly Part B premium for enrollees will rise by $10.30 (a 5.9% increase), while the COLA adjustment increase is only 2.5%, eroding away a part of the $50 SS increase. This conundrum continues to affect seniors who are concerned about how they’ll survive if SS continues to fail to keep up with the cost of living.
For more SSA information, call 7am–5pm, Mon–Fri: 1-800-772-1213 (toll free) | socialsecurity.gov Your COLA Notice Individuals who have a personal my Social Security account can view their COLA notice online, which is secure and faster than receiving a letter in the mail. Users can also receive text or email alerts when there is a new message waiting for them, including a COLA notice. Set up a my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount.
Social Security (SS) benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for more than 72.5 million Americans will increase 2.5% in 2025. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $50 per month for single recipients, $75 for couples. Nearly 68 million SS beneficiaries will see the 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase…
Appointment-based services at local Social Security offices are expanding, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced on Nov. 14, 2024. In the SSA’s ongoing commitment to serve the public more efficiently, it aims to reduce wait times, streamline service delivery, and improve the overall customer experience by scheduling appointments.
Nearly 400 field offices have already moved to appointment-based service this year. These offices have seen significant improvements in wait times due to more efficient and helpful visitor experiences and increases in the number of customers able to complete their business online.
Implementation of appointment-based services will be developed nationwide in two phases. The first phase is a transition period now through Jan. 5, 2025. The purpose of this transition period is to educate SSA’s customers about needing to schedule an appointment for SSA services. As a reminder, many of SSA’s services can be provided via phone with an appointment and do not require a customer to walk into an office for service.
Effective Jan. 6, 2025, SSA will require customers to schedule an appointment for service in its field offices, including requests for Social Security cards. SSA encourages customers to become accustomed to its online services (ssa.gov/onlineservices), where many transactions can be completed conveniently and securely, and automated services (ssa.gov/agency/contact/phone.html) available by calling 1-800-772-1213 (SSA’s national 800 number).
Customers who are not able to conduct their business online or with the automated options may call their local Social Security office or its national 800 number to schedule an appointment. Find your local Social Security office at secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp. The Honolulu office is located in the Federal Building at 300 Ala Moana Boulevard.
Those who are unable to make an appointment or do not want to make an appointment will not be turned away for service. For example, members of vulnerable populations, military personnel, people with terminal illnesses and individuals with other situations requiring immediate or specialized attention may still walk in for service at their local field office. Some SSA offices also have minimal to no wait times, and they will still serve customers who walk in.
Appointment-based services at local Social Security offices are expanding, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced on Nov. 14, 2024. In the SSA’s ongoing commitment to serve the public more efficiently, it aims to reduce wait times, streamline service delivery, and improve the overall customer experience by scheduling appointments. Nearly 400 field offices have already moved…
Multigenerational Travel Adventures with Road Scholar
What began as an educational program led by five New England universities with a few hundred senior participants has grown dramatically since the 1970s. Today, 80,000 to 100,000 people of all ages enroll each year in Road Scholar’s 665 learning adventures in 42 US states, 91 countries and aboard ships on rivers and oceans worldwide. Although Road Scholar is geared to those aged 50 and older, its multigenerational programs are increasing in popularity, retaining education as a key component of the organization’s mission.
Road Scholar offered its first grandparents-grandchildren programs in 1985, and they have grown by leaps and bounds since then. Activities are engaging and age appropriate (children’s age ranges are specified for each program). Friendly, energetic group leaders are great at helping youngsters foster friendships.
The Journey Begins
Flashback: 1974. Educator Marty Knowlton had just returned from a four-year backpacking trip across Europe that included stays in youth hostels and visits to “folk schools,” which started in Scandinavia in the early 19th century to serve rural workers who had neither the time nor the money to attend college. Instead, the schools offered an alternative form of education focused on skills and experiences instead of the usual classroom instruction. Students lived in the same community as their teachers, learning about the area’s history and customs through books, songs, crafts, traditional foods, explorations of their surroundings and more. No grades or tests were given, and frequent social gatherings cultivated a strong sense of camaraderie.
Knowlton shared story after inspiring story with his longtime friend, David Bianco, the University of New Hampshire’s director of residential life. From their animated conversations came a novel idea. UNH was looking at ways its facilities could generate income during summer breaks. So why couldn’t empty dorms be used to house adults attending folk school-based classes akin to those that Knowlton had seen on his trip? The two visionaries won support from UNH administrators, and Knowlton was hired as the director of the new American Youth Hostel program.
A Fork in the Road
One day, Bianco spotted a white-bearded buddy sitting beneath a “Youth Hostel” sign. “This campus ought not to be having a youth hostel,” Bianco reportedly told Knowlton. “It ought to be having an elder hostel.”
Thus was born Elderhostel and its mission to offer quality non-credit educational programs and modest, affordable accommodations to older adults. The concept provided a new income stream for the university and learning opportunities for active seniors still hungry for knowledge.
In the summer of 1975, 220 people attended Elderhostel’s first programs, which were led by faculty at five New England colleges, including UNH. Elderhostel became a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in 1977 and grew dramatically in subsequent years. To more accurately reflect its evolution, Elderhostel was rebranded as Road Scholar in 2010.
Multigenerational Travel Programs
“From our earliest days, we have strived to create innovative experiences for participants of all ages, and our multigenerational programming reflects that,” says Meghan Flynn, Road Scholar’s associate vice president of programs. “Grandparents think it’s important to pass on their love of learning and adventure to the young ones, and the programs are just as meaningful for kids. We’ve received feedback saying children decided to make a topic their focus in college because of a Road Scholar trip they took with their grandparents.
“We frequently hear that the grandparents and children love having time together on their own, not with the parents,” says Flynn. “It deepens their relationships, especially when both generations are trying new things and sometimes even getting out of their comfort zones. Those are the kinds of memories that last a lifetime.”
Grandparent-grandchildren programs are offered during the months of June, July and August. Over a typical summer, Road Scholar hosts about 5,000 participants on those trips. More than 60 options are available in 2025 (see Just for Grandparents and Grandchildren sidebar on page 26–27), including several new offerings.
Jane and Maya on the grounds of George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
Travels With Jane & Maya
For the past six years, Kailua resident Jane Austgen has lived around the corner, just 250 steps from her 12-year-old granddaughter, Maya Arfman (yes, she actually counted them). Before that, Jane was an even closer neighbor: She occupied the ‘ohana unit behind her daughter and son-in-law’s home.
“Because of that, I’ve been lucky—I’ve been able to help Maya’s parents, who are both busy professionals, care for her since she was an infant,” says Jane. “I take her to activities, get her ready for school and am there when she gets home in the afternoon. But she’s getting older, and I know the time will come when she won’t need me as much.”
A retired nurse, Jane, 77, keeps busy with pickleball, mahjong, travel and other activities, but she’s committed to nurturing the bond she has developed with Maya. In 2022, an acquaintance told her about Road Scholar programs geared specifically to grandparents and their grandchildren. Although Jane had never taken a trip with the nonprofit organization, she had known for years that it specialized in educational travel for adults 50 and older. Further inquiries led her to other seniors who had taken intergenerational tours with Road Scholar and thoroughly enjoyed them. It sounded like a great thing for her and Maya to do.
“We started looking at Road Scholar’s website to see what programs were available in Maya’s age range,” says Jane. “I had lived in Virginia, right outside Washington, DC, for nine years. In addition to being held in a place that was familiar to me, the itinerary for Spy Kids: Sleuths & Secrets with Your Grandchild sounded really interesting to us, so that’s what we did in July last year. At the time, Maya was going on 11 and an incoming fifth grader at ‘Aikahi Elementary School.”
Spy Kids is a six-day program for children aged 10 through 14. It was Maya’s first trip to DC. She says, “Being in a big city was very different from Hawai‘i, and I loved it! My favorite part was the International Spy Museum [ISM], where our tour group was divided into three teams. Our mission was to find the scientist who was giving classified information to the Russians, using clues we got by putting keycards into kiosks.”
ISM is the only museum in the US that’s dedicated solely to espionage. Ample time was allowed for Road Scholars young and old to peruse exhibits on their own, including the world’s largest collection of spy artifacts on public view. Among the fascinating pieces: pistols doubling as a flashlight and a lipstick holder; cameras concealed in a watch, fountain pen, cigarette lighter, even a bra; and the sleek silver Aston Martin DB5 sportscar that James Bond (Sean Connery) drove in the 1964 blockbuster “Goldfinger.”
Maya poses for a snapshot at the International Spy Museum.
Jane and Maya also learned about famous covert operations, both successes and failures, among them, the true story that inspired the movie “Argo.” Ben Affleck starred as CIA officer Tony Mendez, who helped six American diplomats escape Tehran in 1980, at the height of the Iran hostage crisis.
The highlight for Jane was Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, America’s first president. “When I lived in Virginia, it was about a 30-minute drive from my house,” she says. “When friends and family visited, I always took them there because it’s one of my favorite attractions. Thanks to the Road Scholar trip, though, I looked at Mount Vernon totally differently; I didn’t know about its spy activities before.”
Washington authorized the formation of America’s first spy network, which operated on Long Island and in and around New York from 1778 to 1783 during the Revolutionary War. It was comprised of eight primary agents, including farmer Abraham Woodhull, whose code name was Samuel Culper. “The Culper Spy Ring” gathered valuable intelligence about British military campaigns and reported its findings to Washington. The secret group played an instrumental role in the American colonists’ victory over British forces.
“When I visited Mount Vernon previously, the focus was on George and Martha Washington’s family and their lives,” says Jane. “I had taken the regular tour of the mansion and grounds many times, but our visit with Spy Kids was longer and more informative.”
She and Maya appreciated unique experiences not available on other tours, including a presentation by a former CIA agent; figuring out how to crack a code during a cryptology session; and using wigs, clothing and makeup to explore the art of disguise.
Maya was happy to find her grandmother was a compatible, laid-back travel companion. “She let me be more independent, which I liked,” she says. “It was fun doing and learning new things together and meeting people from all over.”
They went with the flow, says Jane, and relished their time together. “This was our first trip as grandmother and granddaughter, and our priority was to relax and have fun.
“Road Scholar makes everything so easy,” says Jane. “All you have to do is book your flights; they handle everything else. The night before, your guide will tell you where you’ll be going and what you’ll be doing the next day, the time and place you should meet, what you need to bring and how you should dress.”
Tips for ‘Smooth Sailing’
Although trip planning is a snap with Road Scholar, some independent thought is required to ensure a smooth trip when traveling with your grandchild. Jane offers these suggestions:
Consider your health and mobility. “One woman in our ‘Spy Kids’ group had a walker,” says Jane. “She and her husband brought three teen-aged grandchildren on the trip. If she thought an activity would be too hard for her, she didn’t go. Road Scholar accommodated her well, and I think she did just about everything even though sometimes she was a little behind. Look at itineraries closely, and be honest about your abilities. You’ll want to participate as much as possible because every activity is a chance to strengthen your relationship with your grandchild.”
Jane and Maya in front of George and Martha Washington’s tomb at Mount Vernon.
Choose a destination together. For their Road Scholar vacation this year, Jane and Maya chose the Music, Magic & Nature: The Great Smokies program in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. “Maya and I talked a lot about where we wanted to go this year, and we thought this trip would be a perfect fit.
“Maya takes piano lessons, and she loves singing and all kinds of music. She was happy to find out that learning Appalachian folk songs and building a musical instrument are on the itinerary. I love Dolly Parton, who grew up in the Great Smoky Mountains area. Music, Magic & Nature goes to Dollywood, a theme park that honors her, and I’m sure that’s going to be a highlight for me.”
Do some pre-trip reading. “Road Scholar has a recommended book list for each of its programs. To get in the right frame of mind for Spy Kids, Maya read ‘Spy Science: 40 Secret-Sleuthing, Code-Cracking, Spy-Catching Activities for Kids.’ It got her excited about things we were going to see and do on the trip.”
Pay attention to programs’ age ranges. “Even a few years makes a noticeable difference. The range for Spy Kids is 10 to 14. Maya was almost 11 when we went, and some of the activities were a bit advanced for her. She understood everything, but the older kids caught on to concepts quicker. Some of them were almost 15; four years (11 to 15) is a big gap. The range for our Great Smokies trip is 8 to 12, so Maya is at the upper end of the spectrum for that.”
For East Coast programs, arrive a day early. “It’s a long flight from Hawai‘i, so doing that will give you time to rest and adjust to the time zone change. Don’t go straight from the airport to the orientation, which begins in the late afternoon, or you’ll be exhausted from the get-go!”
Set ground rules in advance. “I limited screen time except on flights. Our itinerary was packed and there wasn’t much downtime anyway. At the most, I think Maya might have had 20 or 30 minutes on her iPad in the evening. Also, be sure you know where your grandchild is and who he or she is with at all times.”
Bedtime is non-negotiable. “You will be sharing a room. It’s important for both of you to get enough sleep because you’ll be on the go from morning to evening every day.”
Be flexible and agree there will be no arguing. “When you travel, things don’t always go exactly as planned. It’s important to hang loose and maintain a sense of humor.
“The goal is to have a good time and enjoy each other’s company. This is a great opportunity to connect with your grandchild and make wonderful memories together.”
Jane and Maya are already planning to enroll in Road Scholar’s American Mosaic: An NYC Exploration in 2025.
JUST FOR GRANDPARENTS AND GRANDCHILDREN
Road Scholar has planned more than 60 Grandparents/Grandchildren programs in 2025, all scheduled during schools’ summer break in June, July and August. These programs run from four to 14 days, and per-person costs start at $749 for kids aged 5 through 18 and $1,149 for their grandparents.
Following is a sampling of next year’s offerings. Visit roadscholar.org/grandparent for details, including descriptions of the destinations, available dates, prices, accommodations, itineraries, maps, suggested pre-trip reading and activity level (for example, how much daily walking is expected).
Exploring & Rafting the Western Grand Canyon
✿ 6 days | ages 9–13 In addition to hiking and whitewater rafting, you’ll spend a morning with a cowboy who has ranched for 40-plus years. He’ll talk about riding gear, roping techniques and the importance of cattle in the Old West. (Program 2519)
STEM Kansas: Aviation & Space Exploration
✿ 5 days | ages 10–14 Operate a shuttle simulator, take flight in a single-engine plane and discover how rockets work. Meet retired NASA astronaut Don Thomas before your training begins for a mission to orbit Earth. (Program 14914)
Culinary Curiosities: Vermont’s Farmlands ✿ 6 days | ages 11–14 You and your grandchild will enjoy harvesting fresh farm ingredients to prepare delicious meals. Also have fun making pasta, visiting an apple orchard and seeing how cheese and maple sugar are made. (Program 23093)
And… Action! New York’s Theater, Film & TV ✿ 6 days | ages 13–16 Gain insights into the fascinating entertainment world from theater, movie and TV professionals. Attend a Broadway show and a private screening of In the Heights, then visit locations where the movie was filmed. (Program 23137)
Lions, Hippos & Zebras, Oh My! Africa Safari ✿ 14 days | ages 10–17 Scenes straight from “The Lion King” unfold in Botswana, Zambia and South Africa. Among the highlights: Make a bead bracelet, get up-close with elephants and learn basic skills to survive in the bush. (Program 14302)
Rainforest Explorers: The Best of Panama ✿ 10 days | ages 9–17 Keep your eyes peeled for sloths, iguanas, monkeys and other amazing animals in a rainforest. Travel via motorized dugout canoe to the village of an indigenous tribe to learn firsthand about their way of life. (Program 23614)
Hike, Bike & Snorkel the Galapagos Islands ✿ 10 days | ages 8–15 This archipelago boasts 13 active volcanoes, 400 species of fish and the world’s only swimming lizards. Snap photos of all manner of wildlife as you hike, bike, snorkel, kayak and paddleboard in these beautiful islands. (Program 21986)
Kids in Paris: The City of Light ✿ 9 days | ages 9–13 Explore icons, including the Louvre, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. You’ll also make chocolate, cruise the Seine, have your portrait drawn by a Montmartre artist and parle un peu francais at dinner with a local family. (Program 21308)
BECOME A ROAD SCHOLAR
Trip Lengths & Price Ranges Trips in 2025 range from four days to four months; per-person prices from $799 to $95,999. All programs include experienced escorts, accommodations, most meals, activities, lectures, performances, field trips, tips, taxes and round-the-clock emergency assistance. Participants will enjoy unique, behind-the-scenes experiences not found on a commercial tour or be able to arrange on their own. Visit roadscholar.org for details.
Scholarships Road Scholar awards scholarships year-round to eligible lifelong learners who wouldn’t otherwise have the financial means to enroll (roadscholar.org/financialaid).Applicants must be 50 or older, live in the US, meet the financial requirements, not have participated in a Road Scholar program in the last two years and not be currently enrolled in one.
Caregiver Grants Road Scholar offers respite for adults who are caregivers for ill or disabled relatives. In addition to the requirements mentioned above, you can apply for a caregiver grant if:
You are the primary unpaid caregiver providing daily care and support for an ill or disabled family member (i.e., spouse, parent, adult child, partner or sibling).
Your loved one may be in an adult day care, memory care, a nursing home or comparable or related facility.
Adventures Online Scholarships Scholarships are also available for three- to five-day Adventures Online programming, which provide learning experiences from the comfort of participants’ home. All you need is a computer and reliable internet connection.
Experts in their fields present 45- to 60-minute Power Point lectures via Zoom followed by lively discussions. Virtual field trips and live musical performances are part of some offerings. Online programs qualify for scholarships. Awardees pay $50 and Road Scholar covers the rest, so scholarships range from $299 to $449. Visit road scholar .org/about/financial-assistance.
PEAR Scholarships The Professional Educator’s Assistance and Recognition (PEAR) Scholarship is geared specifically for active and retired educators who aren’t able to participate in a Road Scholar program because of financial concerns. Visit road scholar .org/about/financial-assistance/aid-for-educators.
More Economical Experiences Every month, one-hour Zoom lectures provide armchair travelers with additional learning opportunities. Some presentations are free; most cost just $25.
On Dec. 12 at 9 a.m. Hawai‘i time, Dr. Spencer Jones, senior lecturer in armed forces and war studies at the University of Wolverhampton in England, will discuss Day of Infamy: The Attack on Pearl Harbor & Its Enduring Legacy. There is no charge for Jones’ talk about that tragic event, which catapulted the United States into World War II. Enrollees will receive access to a video of it, which they can watch within two weeks of the live lecture. Visit roadscholar.org/collections/online-lectures.
Road Scholar, originally founded as Elderhostel in the 1970s, offers educational travel programs for adults aged 50 and older, with a growing focus on multigenerational trips for grandparents and grandchildren. These programs foster bonding through shared learning experiences. Jane Austgen and her granddaughter Maya participated in the “Spy Kids” program, exploring Washington, D.C., and deepening…
In our island community, where the bonds of family and tradition run deep, facing a long-term care event is one of the most challenging experiences we may encounter.
Long-term care is important to the Ignacio-Yanger family.
Such events can place emotional, physical and financial strains on even the strongest ‘ohana. Without a clear and thoughtful plan, families often find themselves making difficult decisions during a crisis, leading to stress, burnout and potential conflicts among loved ones.
As a caregiver myself, I’ve experienced the profound impact this role can have. In our close-knit community, caregiving is seen as either a blessing or a curse, depending on one’s perspective and level of preparedness. I’ve chosen to view it as a blessing, embracing the opportunity to care for my loved ones as an honor. This positive outlook is possible because of a well-thought-out plan that relieves pressure and ensures everyone knows their role in supporting our beloved kūpuna.
A well-crafted long-term care plan safeguards the future of those we care for and preserves the unity and well-being of the entire ‘ohana. It provides peace of mind, knowing that decisions have been made in advance, reducing the risk of family disputes and allowing us to focus on what truly matters — caring for one another with aloha.
In our island community, where the bonds of family and tradition run deep, facing a long-term care event is one of the most challenging experiences we may encounter. Such events can place emotional, physical and financial strains on even the strongest ‘ohana. Without a clear and thoughtful plan, families often find themselves making difficult decisions…
