Category: Articles

Social Security Goes for the Gold!

Millions of Americans are following the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. And just months before, Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, announced that in less than two months’ time, 1 million people have gone online, created a My Social Security account and viewed their Social Security Statement.

If there was an Olympics for customer services available online, the services at www.socialsecurity.gov would be the Phelps of that competition. Over the years, Social Security’s online services have been rated the best in government and in all other industries.

“The online Social Security Statement is a huge success,” Commissioner Astrue said. “The online Statement meets our commitment to provide Americans with an easy, efficient process to obtain an estimate of their potential Social Security benefits. I recommend that everyone get in the habit of checking their online Statement each year, around their birthday, for example.”

The online Statement provides estimates for retirement, disability and survivors benefits. It also provides workers as young as 18 a convenient year-round way to determine whether their earnings are accurately posted to their Social Security records, which was not possible when the agency mailed paper Statements only to those 25 and older.

On May 1, Social Security unveiled this new addition to its popular suite of electronic services at www.socialsecurity.gov/mystatement, which allows people to access their Social Security earnings and benefit information securely and conveniently.

To access your online Statement, you must be at least 18 years old, have a Social Security number, have a valid email address and have a U.S. mailing address.

According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), users are giving the online Statement a score of 89 — making it competitive with Social Security’s other top-rated, best-in-government online services, such as the Retirement Estimator and online retirement application. The ACSI tracks trends in customer’s satisfaction and provides valuable benchmarking insights for companies and government agencies.

Whether you want to plan for or apply for your retirement, look into other benefits or learn about the history of the program, you can take a break from the Summer Olympics, visit the Olympian of online services at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Millions of Americans are following the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London. And just months before, Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, announced that in less than two months’ time, 1 million people have gone online, created a My Social Security account and viewed their Social Security Statement. If there was an Olympics for…
Now & Then: A Way of Harmony

In 1957, brothers Al and Clayton Naluai attended Glendale Junior College in California where they befriended two other Native Hawaiians, Bernie Ching and Pat Sylva. They started to compile Hawaiian tunes together for the choir director and came up with a signature harmonizing style. They did concerts up and down the West Coast. While singing in a backyard luau, a friend tape recorded them for fun. One thing led to another and they were discovered by Hi Fi Records. The group was named “The Surfers,” and they cut their first album, “The Surfers on the Rocks.” It became a local best seller.

The quartet embarked on a sensational career that took them through the next 26 years!

At age 43, Clayton learned that his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer. Up to that point, his life had been defined by show biz, but it was time to do something else. In 1980, he left the business and turned his focus toward family.

Over the years Clayton had studied Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido under the late Master Koichi Tohei. The master taught the principles of unifying mind and body and its application to daily life.

Fifty years later, Clayton is a 6th Dan Black Belt and a founder of Lokahi Ki Society, where he serves as its senior advisor. He has dedicated his life to creating programs for people to experience the power they naturally have through unification of mind and body.

Clayton is particularly passionate about keeping seniors active. So, I asked Clayton is it ever too late for a senior to consider training through Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido’s mind and body unification? He replied, “It’s never too late.”

I have been attending Clayton’s classes for the past two years. The exercises have greatly improved my physical flexibility, balance, strength and fluidity. It helps me stay in a calm and focused state of mind. Practicing the same state of mind outside of the dojo I can now deal with life’s challenges one at a time — more calmly, more clearly, more focused. Most importantly, it has improved my outlook on life, diet, exercise and hope for mankind. I’ve dropped 25 pounds, lowered my blood pressure and put off my diabetes.

You may also experience many benefits through practicing, studying and experiencing this form of Aikido. For more info, contact Lokahi Ki Society:

phone(s): 808-372-7724, 489-5255, 258-6814
email: lokahiki@me.com
www.lokahiki.com/Lokahi_Ki_Society/Welcome.html

In 1957, brothers Al and Clayton Naluai attended Glendale Junior College in California where they befriended two other Native Hawaiians, Bernie Ching and Pat Sylva. They started to compile Hawaiian tunes together for the choir director and came up with a signature harmonizing style. They did concerts up and down the West Coast. While singing in…
AARP Hawaii: Driving to Fight Senior Hunger

AARP Hawai‘i has launched an initiative to raise awareness and help non-profits meet the growing demand for food among Hawai‘i’s frail elderly population. The initiative, part of the national AARP Foundation Drive to End Hunger, supports the efforts of Lanakila Meals on Wheels and Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels — organizations that provide home-delivered meals to seniors unable to cook or shop for themselves.

Drive to End Hunger focuses on a specific challenge the two organizations face in meeting the growing demand for services for Hawai‘i’s aging population: the shortage of volunteer drivers. Drivers are a critical link to the elder community, not only because of the meals they deliver but also due to the contact they have with many seniors who are otherwise isolated.

Without volunteer drivers, Hawai‘i’s Meals on Wheels organizations can’t keep up with the growing demand for their services. “We have a wait list of 400 residents who’ve requested meal service that we’re not able to provide at current volunteer staffing and funding levels,” said Lanakila Meals on Wheels Director Lyn Moku. Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels Executive Director Claire Shimabukuro faces a similar predicament. “We would like to deliver more meals to seniors in need, but our ability to increase the number of existing routes is tied to the number of available drivers,” she said.

Victoria Howarth and Les Miller

Both Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels and Lanakila Meals on Wheels host monthly orientation sessions where individuals can ask questions and get a feel for what it takes to volunteer. In general, volunteer drivers need to be patient, reliable and friendly. They should have a car with valid insurance and safety sticker and be available for up to three hours, every other week. According to research commissioned by AARP Foundation in 2011, Hawai‘i ranked 25th in the country in the number of adults age 50 and older who were food insecure (6.68 percent of older residents affected). Food insecurity is also associated with numerous negative health outcomes among the elderly — including poorer health and higher probability of being hospitalized.

Drive to End Hunger is part of a nation-wide AARP Foundation assault on the hunger problem among Americans 50+. We’re taking steps to feed those who are hungry now, while developing long-term, sustainable answers that address the root causes of hunger among those 50+.

For more information & volunteer, call:

LANAKILA MEALS ON WHEELS
531-0555 | www.lanakilapacific.org

HAWAI‘I MEALS ON WHEELS
988-6747 | www.hmow.org

aarp.org/hi | facebook.com/AARPHawaii | twitter.com/AARPHawaii

AARP Hawai‘i has launched an initiative to raise awareness and help non-profits meet the growing demand for food among Hawai‘i’s frail elderly population. The initiative, part of the national AARP Foundation Drive to End Hunger, supports the efforts of Lanakila Meals on Wheels and Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels — organizations that provide home-delivered meals to seniors unable…
Your Mind & Body: Controlling Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a type of fat which occurs naturally in the body. It has both good and bad effects on the body. The body uses cholesterol to make hormones and to build and maintain nerve cells. However, when the body has too much cholesterol deposits of fat called plaques form inside blood vessel walls. The blood vessel walls thicken and the vessels become narrower. This change in the blood vessels reduces blood flow through the blood vessels contributing to heart attacks and strokes.

Types of Cholesterol:

Cholesterol travels through the blood attached to a protein. This cholesterol-protein package is called a lipoprotein. Lipoproteins are classified as high density, low density, or very low density, depending on how much protein there is in relation to fat.

Low density lipoproteins (LDL): LDL, also called “bad” cholesterol, can cause buildup of plaque on the walls of arteries. The more LDL there is in the blood, the greater the risk of heart disease.

High density lipoproteins (HDL): HDL, also called “good” cholesterol, helps the body get rid of bad cholesterol in the blood. The higher the level of HDL cholesterol, the better. If your levels of HDL are low, your risk of heart disease increases.

Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL): VLDL is similar to LDL cholesterol in that it contains mostly fat and not much protein.

Triglycerides: Triglycerides are another type of fat that is carried in the blood by very low density lipoproteins.

Diet guidelines to help control your cholesterol:

Check labels for fat and cholesterol content.

Eat fruits and vegetables, beans, and whole grains daily. The fiber in these foods helps lower cholesterol.

Reduce the amount of cholesterol in your diet.

Eat less fat. Limit the amount of butter and margarine you eat.

Use sunflower, safflower, soybean, canola, corn, or olive oil.

Use egg whites or egg substitutes rather than whole eggs.

Replace whole-milk dairy products with nonfat or low-fat milk, cheese, spreads.

Eat skinless chicken, turkey, and fish more often than red meat.

Choose lean cuts of meat; trim off all visible fat.

Avoid fatty desserts: ice cream, cream-filled cakes, and cheesecakes.

Reduce amount of fried foods and fast foods.

Where does cholesterol come from?

Cholesterol comes from 2 sources — most are synthesized by the liver. Major dietary sources of cholesterol include animal products, meat, egg yolks, cheese, fish, and shrimp.

How is cholesterol measured?

It is measured by a blood test called fasting lipid profile. A total cholesterol of less than 200 mg/dl is considered good.

What is the target LDL goal?

The goal is less than 160 mg/dl if your risk of heart disease is low, less than 130 mg/dl if you have a moderate risk, or less than 100 mg/dl if you’re a high risk of heart disease or diabetes.

How can seniors control cholesterol?

Eating right and exercising can usually control cholesterol levels. If you have a high risk for heart disease, your health care provider may prescribe cholesterol lowering medications as well as changes in lifestyle. Statin drugs such as Lipitor, Crestor, Zocor, Pravachol, Mevacor, all lower LDL cholesterol. Niacin, a B vitamin, increases HDL cholesterol.
Cholesterol is a type of fat which occurs naturally in the body. It has both good and bad effects on the body. The body uses cholesterol to make hormones and to build and maintain nerve cells. However, when the body has too much cholesterol deposits of fat called plaques form inside blood vessel walls. The…
Medicare: What’s What and Who Pays For It?
We at Sage PLUS Program/Hawaii SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) often get calls on our hotline from individuals who are confused about “who pays for what,” especially when it comes to care facilities (nursing homes, care homes, assisted living facilities and foster family homes). Let’s take a look at each care facility option, and the payment resources.

Long-term care is often thought of to refer to all kinds of assistance to the the elderly or the disabled, whether that care is given in a patient’s home, a community care home or nursing home. This is a common mistake.

Long-term care includes a wide range of support services for patients with a degenerative condition, prolonged illness or cognitive disorder. Also known as “custodial care,” long-term care primarily involves assistance with the activities of daily living (walking, personal hygiene, dressing, eating, etc.) or supervision of someone who is cognitively impaired.

Common Payment Sources:

Medicare (federal health insurance for those 65 years and older or with certain disabilities who qualify through Social Security Administration). Medicare does not pay for “custodial” care.

Medicare may pay for “Skilled Nursing Facility Care”- the individual has to meet the guidelines for coverage. Medicare will only cover inpatient care in a certified Medicare Facility.

There is also a “home health care” benefit that may cover for a short period of time, again if the person meets the guidelines for coverage. For more information you can check the Medicare & You handbook, go to www.medicare.gov or call the Hawaii SHIP.

Medicaid (Hawaii’s Medical Assistance Program)

Individuals qualify based on income and assets. They have a program for long-term care and also for medical coverage (coverage for someone living at home who needs help paying for doctor’s visits, x-rays, lab tests). In Hawaii the program
is administered by the Department of Human Services. Programs are currently provided by QUEST Expanded Access Plans.

If a person qualifies for long-term coverage, Medicaid may pay for a skilled nursing facility, community care home and foster family home. In some cases if the person chooses to stay at home Medicaid may pay for services to be delivered there.

TriCare for Life (military benefit for those with 20 years of service or other eligibility).

May pay for skilled nursing care in a Medicare certified facility or home health care, but it does not pay for custodial care.

Veteran’s Administration Benefits (VA)

VA may provide coverage in certain approved facilities. You may have to qualify to be eligible for these benefits. Call your local VA office for more information.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Depending on the plan purchased, insurance may provide coverage in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, foster and community care facilities or for services brought into the person’s home. Each plan is very individual, and coverage and price vary.

For more information on coverage for individuals with Medicare, call the Hawaii SHIP/Sage PLUS Program at 1-888-875-9229 or go to the National Clearinghouse for Long Term Care Information at www.longtermcare.gov.
We at Sage PLUS Program/Hawaii SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) often get calls on our hotline from individuals who are confused about “who pays for what,” especially when it comes to care facilities (nursing homes, care homes, assisted living facilities and foster family homes). Let’s take a look at each care facility option, and…
What is The Office of The Ombudsman?

The Ombudsman is an officer of the legislature who investigates complaints about actions of executive branch agencies of the state and county governments. Our office has the power to obtain necessary information for an investigation and to recommend corrective action if a complaint is found to be substantiated.

State Ombudsman Robin Matsunaga

The Ombudsman serves as a neutral, independent intermediary between the citizen and the agency. We conduct our investigations in a fair and impartial manner. We do not provide legal advice, nor do we serve as legal counsel, advocate, or representative on behalf of any person or agency.

What should you do if you have a complaint?

In fairness to the agency involved, you should first try to resolve the complaint directly with the agency. Many times agency officials are eager to explain what they did and why they did it, or will correct the problem to your satisfaction. In many cases, you will be able to settle the problem on your own.

Here are some good common sense steps to take in trying to resolve any “consumer” problem, whether it involves a government agency or a company in the private sector:

Be prepared. Know what questions you are going to ask (it helps to write them down). Be sure to have any relevant information you need available before you contact the agency.

Keep records. Take notes, ask for the names and titles of employees you speak with, and save all of your correspondence.

If you do not want to contact the agency yourself, or if you complain to the agency and are not satisfied with its response, then feel free to contact us. We can conduct an investigation on your behalf.

We are authorized by law to receive inquiries on a confidential basis. If we can, we will investigate your complaint without revealing your identity, although this is not always possible. If you have concerns about confidentiality, please feel free to discuss them with us.

Most complaints can be made by telephone with no forms to fill out. Ways to contact us are either by phone, email, or mail:

Phone: 808-587-0770, Fax: 808-587-0773, TTY: 808-587-0774
Hawai`i: 974-4000, Maui: 984-2400, Kaua‘i: 274-3141, Moloka‘i/Lanai: 800-468-4644
e-mail: complaints@ombudsman.hawaii.gov

Office of the Ombudsman
465 South King Street, 4th Flr.,
Honolulu, HI 96813

Open from 7:45 a.m.– 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, except for state holidays.

The Ombudsman is an officer of the legislature who investigates complaints about actions of executive branch agencies of the state and county governments. Our office has the power to obtain necessary information for an investigation and to recommend corrective action if a complaint is found to be substantiated. The Ombudsman serves as a neutral, independent…
Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan
In March of 2010, Congress passed and President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act — the new health insurance law. The law creates a new program — the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan — to make health insurance available to you if you have been denied coverage by private insurance companies due to of a pre-existing condition.

If you’ve been locked out of the insurance market, the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan program may be able to help you through 2014. In 2014, you will have access to affordable health insurance choices through a new competitive marketplace called an Exchange and you will no longer be discriminated against based on a pre-existing condition.

The Program:

Covers a broad range of health benefits, including primary and specialty care, hospital care, and prescription drugs. All covered benefits are available to you, even to treat a pre-existing condition.

Doesn’t charge you a higher premium just because of your medical condition.

Doesn’t base eligibility on income.

ELIGIBILITY

There are a few requirements to meet before you can enroll in the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan – regardless of whether your program is run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or your state. Applicants must:

Be a citizen or national of the United States or reside in the U.S. legally.

Have been without health coverage for at least the last six months. Please note that if you currently have insurance coverage that doesn’t cover your medical condition or are enrolled in a state high risk pool, you are not eligible for the Pre-

Existing Condition Insurance Plan.

Have a pre-existing condition or have been denied coverage because of your health condition.

If the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan in your state is run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, you can call 1-866-717-5826 (TTY 1-866-561-1604) and ask for an application or go to www.pcip.gov and go to “apply”.

How to Apply in Hawai‘i for the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan

To apply, you will need to provide a copy of one of the following documents, which will be used to make a decision on your application:

A denial letter from an insurance company licensed in your state for individual insurance coverage (not health insurance offered through a job) that is dated within the past 12 months. Or, you may provide a letter dated in the past 12 months from an insurance agent or broker licensed in your state that shows you aren’t eligible for individual insurance coverage from one or more insurance companies because of your medical condition.

An offer of individual insurance coverage (not health insurance offered through a job) that you did not accept from an insurance company licensed in your state that is dated within the past 12 months. This offer of coverage has a rider that says your medical condition won’t be covered if you accept the offer.

A letter from a doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner dated within the past 12 months stating your name and current or past medical condition, disability, or illness. This letter must also include the name, license number, state of licensure, and original signature of the doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.

For more information or the rates in Hawai‘i, please call the Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)/ Sage PLUS Program at 586-7299 or 1-888-875-9229. We are a volunteer based Medicare counseling program for the State of Hawai‘i.
In March of 2010, Congress passed and President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act — the new health insurance law. The law creates a new program — the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan — to make health insurance available to you if you have been denied coverage by private insurance companies due to of a pre-existing condition. If you’ve been locked out…
Good Health and Living
Hawaiian Seniors live long with good food, song and dance

Ke Ola Pono No Na Kupuna Program (KOPP), meaning “good health and living for elders” is one of many projects operating within ALU LIKE Inc., a state-wide non-profit agency that helps Native Hawaiians achieve their potential for themselves, families and communities. KOPP enriches the lives of Native Hawaiian elders by preserving and restoring their health, sense of dignity and self-respect, while promoting cultural education and lifelong learning.

KOPP provides nutrition and supportive services to independent Native Hawaiians 60 years of age or older on the islands of Hawai‘i, Kaua‘i, Maui, Moloka‘i and O‘ahu.

KOPP offers Native Hawaiian seniors with several critical services. Daily nutritious congregate meals are available at project sites, whereas home delivered meals are provided to qualified individuals who are unable to attend site activities. To ensure that seniors have access to healthy meals, the program offers limited transportation services to/from the project sites and for shopping and health-related needs during regular program hours. In addition, outreach and referral services link participants to extra services such as recreation, education, health monitoring and nutrition counseling.

KOPP has also been very involved with the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program (CDSMP) through collaborations with the state Executive Office on Aging and the four county offices on aging. This evidence-based program, developed at Stanford University, has proven to be helpful for kupuna who are trying to manage one or more chronic condition.

Hawaiian cultural activities are an important part of the program. Participants may say they do not want to exercise, but they have no problem performing hula or playing their ‘ukulele or guitar for up to two hours. Kupuna love to entertain at senior fairs and other community events, however, the main focus is having a good time with each other. Kupuna are welcome to participate in mele (music) activities if they are experienced, or learning it for the first time.

Kupuna also engage in additional Hawaiian cultural activities including, ‘olelo (Hawaiian language), history, arts and crafts. Intergenerational cultural projects give ku¯puna a chance to give back to their community. Both kupuna and keiki benefit by creating a much-needed bridge between the generations and allow kupuna to return to their traditional role as cultural teachers.

For more information, please contact the Kupuna Program. Below are meeting times for every week of the month, except where noted.

O‘ahu: (808) 535-6700

Nanakuli: Mon. & Fri. 9:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m.

Papakolea: Tues. 9:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m.

Waimanalo: Wed. & Thur. 9:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m.

Hawai‘i: (808) 961-2625

Kona: Mon. (once a month) 10 a.m.– 12 p.m.

Hilo: Tue., Thur. & Fri., 9 a.m.– 1 p.m.

Pahoa: Wed. 9 a.m.– 1 p.m.

Maui: (808) 242-9774

Paukukalo: Mon. thru Thur. 9 a.m.– 12 p.m.

Kaua‘i: (808) 245-8545

Anahola: Wed. 9:30 a.m.– 1 p.m.

Waimea: Thur. & Fri.9:30 a.m.– 1 p.m.

Moloka‘i: (808) 560-5393

Kaunakakai: Mon. & Thur. 9 a.m.– 1 p.m.

Ho‘olehua: Wed. 9 a.m.– 1 p.m.
Hawaiian Seniors live long with good food, song and dance Ke Ola Pono No Na Kupuna Program (KOPP), meaning “good health and living for elders” is one of many projects operating within ALU LIKE Inc., a state-wide non-profit agency that helps Native Hawaiians achieve their potential for themselves, families and communities. KOPP enriches the lives…
Our Kupuna, Our Kuleana
Decades of service protect seniors from fraud

This year, Hawai‘i’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) will be turning 67 years old. The bureau was here from when Hawai‘i became a state to when one of its citizens became the U.S. President — and it’s still going strong. In fact, you could say that the BBB is a kupuna of local business.

As the BBB continues to grow and serve the people of Hawai‘i, it takes on local culture, values and traditions. The bureau’s position has become much like the kupuna of Hawaiian culture; a major source of wisdom and the transmitters of knowledge and training to younger generations. Simultaneously, it helps to keep kupuna safe as consumers.

While being the revered segment of Hawai‘i’s society, many of our kupuna are still at risk for becoming victims of fraud. According to Consumer Sentinel and the bureau’s own data, the rate of fraud against seniors continues to rise. With Hawai‘i’s senior population growing faster than the rest of the country (State of Hawai‘i Executive Office on Aging report and the 2010 US Census Data), it is safe to say that Hawai‘i’s kupuna could use every extra set of eyes and ears to help watch over them.

Hawai‘i’s BBB, through the BBB Foundation of Hawai‘i, contributes to the protection of kupuna through various educational outreaches. It offers informational presentations to many senior clubs on O‘ahu and the Neighbor Islands. It also staffs a table at every major senior fair in the state. Additionally, it serves on the Advisory Council of the Executive Office on Aging’s Senior Medicare Patrol program.

Hawai‘i’s BBB is the first place you come to get the answers if:

You are looking for an ethical business to patronize

You are looking for an honorable charity

You have questions about the trustworthiness of a business or charity

You have questions about a letter, email or phone call you’ve received

You have a complaint against a business or charity you would like resolved

Just as the Hawaiian culture believes one’s life essence (i.e., spiritual energy and ancestral knowledge) can be transmitted through the sharing of the ha, Hawai‘i’s BBB believes that it facilitates the perpetuation of our local culture and protects kupuna through sharing knowledge with seniors and the next generation.

Better Business Bureau of Hawai‘i
1132 Bishop Street #615, Honolulu, HI 96813-2813
Phone & Phone Hours: 808-536-6956 (O‘ahu) | 877-222-6551 (Neighbor Islands) | 808-628-3970 (Fax) 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, Mon. – Thurs., 9:00 am – Noon, Friday
File Complaint: www.bbb.org/file-a-complaint/
Decades of service protect seniors from fraud This year, Hawai‘i’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) will be turning 67 years old. The bureau was here from when Hawai‘i became a state to when one of its citizens became the U.S. President — and it’s still going strong. In fact, you could say that the BBB is a kupuna…
The Hidden Epidemic – Dementia

How and why we’re not prepared for an increase in cases

Dementia is a degenerative neurological disease, which is incurable and fatal, rendering a person unable to care for himself/herself. It can deplete family members emotionally and financially, yet there is insufficient funding to research this disease.

In America more than 5.4 million people are presently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. It is the sixth leading cause of death. Neurological diseases cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed down. Major diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular and HIV have decreased in death rates, whereas Alzheimer’s disease has increased by 66%, even though it is underdiagnosed.

Dr. Ken Dychtwald, founder and president of Age Wave, speaks of the “longevity revolution” caused by the progressive creation of antibiotics in the 1920s, the polio vaccine in 1950s, the increase in chronic disease management and the progress of medications, which have resulted in “more old people.” In 1900, the average age of death was 47 years, whereas in 2000 the average age of death was 78 years.

Dychtwald focused on the majority of the population, which is noted as the baby boomers born in 1946-1964. In the years 2000-2020, Dychtwald noted that a large portion of the population will be 55 or older. He states that society’s single greatest challenge will be that 1 in 2 people who are 85 or older will have dementia. There will not be enough resources to deal with this disease. Dychtwald calls for research to “wipe the disease out!”

Meryl Comer, CEO and president of Goeffrey Beene Foundation – Alzheimer’s Initiative, shares how caregivers hide the disease, bearing the brunt of the consequences while carefully protecting the dignity of the loved one.

Harry John, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, notes that our country spends $6 billion dollars on cancer research yearly, $4 billion on heart research yearly and $3 billion on HIV research yearly, whereas we only spend $1.5 billion on dementia. Results from this include decrease in deaths of a negative 3% to 8% in cancer, a negative 13% to 20% cardiovascular deaths, a negative 29% in HIV deaths and an increase of a positive 66% deaths in dementia. This does not reflect the huge number of the undiagnosed population with dementia.

Now is the time to act! Go to www.alz.org. Hit the ‘Advocate or Walk to End Alzheimer’s’ tab. Help in any way you feel comfortable. Help on the micro level by helping someone you know who is forgetful. Help on the macro level by speaking to our politicians and advocating for those inflicted Alzheimer’s.

For more information, contact Chris Ridley of the Alzheimer’s Association at 443-7360.

How and why we’re not prepared for an increase in cases Dementia is a degenerative neurological disease, which is incurable and fatal, rendering a person unable to care for himself/herself. It can deplete family members emotionally and financially, yet there is insufficient funding to research this disease. In America more than 5.4 million people are…
Message from the Editor – June / July 2012

Aloha mai ka kou. I would like to introduce myself. My name is Wilson Angel. I am the art director for Generations Magazine; and a close friend and classmate of Percy Ihara, the publisher of this magazine.

In this issue, Generations Magazine wanted to direct our reader’s attention to the Hawaiian concept of kuleana. Growing up, I only knew kuleana simply as “your business,”—as in “mind your own business.” Not much depth to it. However, I never realized how much weight the word actually carried…until now.

As we mature and as we experience more of life, we all come to realize our own kuleana, or our own deep sense of responsibility.
My first, were my parents. I moved back to Hawai‘i after realizing my place was to be near them. And to care for them. It certainly was a big shift in my life that transcended outwards to everything around me. I had learned much from that point on. Which leads me to this issue’s cover story.

I am greatly fortunate in coming to know Kimokeo Kapahulehua, my kahu. As you will read about him, to me, he epitomizes kuleana…and aloha. Both words intertwined. Both words containing selflessness. In this day and age, we search for that purpose within us—when in fact, it always existed—we just need to be aware of it when it arises. As for Kimokeo, his awareness came as quick as a light bulb turning on. He has focused his kuleana to his ‘aina (land), his ‘ohana (family of all races), his culture and his spirit. He moves with determination and with loving embrace of aloha (sharing of the breath), selflessly contributing his time and energy to so many various organizations
and programs that support seniors, cancer survivors, the environment, whale and ocean protections, etc. So with his example of selflessness, it practically beckons us to also look into ourselves and ask what is our responsibility?

In coming to know your own kuleana, know this—it doesn’t have to be grand. It simply needs to be honest (from your heart) and true (from your soul). And with those, you then apply commitment (your action). It can be as simple as giving your aloha

Malama pono,

Wilson Angel, Art Director | Generations Magazine

Aloha mai ka kou. I would like to introduce myself. My name is Wilson Angel. I am the art director for Generations Magazine; and a close friend and classmate of Percy Ihara, the publisher of this magazine. In this issue, Generations Magazine wanted to direct our reader’s attention to the Hawaiian concept of kuleana. Growing up, I only…
Are You a Planner?
The end of your life begins now

While more Americans are living longer, they will inevitably cope with one or more chronic conditions and disability. Recent statistics reveal that more than 70 percent of individuals in their 80s have some degree of dementia or diminished capacity. In order to ensure that your wishes are followed, that you are properly cared for, and that you and your family do not experience undue stress or conflict—planning is no longer just a good idea, it is imperative. And, there’s no time like the present, as the Chinese proverb so poetically suggests. Many families wait until it is too late to engage in proper planning. This leaves them and their families in a crisis, often with family members (brothers/sisters) fighting with each other, causing unnecessary stress and leaving the family member (father/mother) without proper care.

Research is also revealing that traditional planning — estate plan, durable general power of attorney, advance healthcare directive and a trust — is sometimes not as effective as one had planned.

There are many reasons for this, including:

after signing estate plans, people do not fully understand what they completed or the decisions that will have to be made in the future

the documents that make up an estate plan do not usually provide much guidance in and of themelves

our goals and preferences may change, and few people review their plans from time to time to accommodate these changes

the appointed agents, representatives and trustees seldom understand the maker’s wishes

the maker’s wishes are not entirely known, and thus not fully honored

I suggest that we change our view so that signing one’s estate planning documents does not signify the completion of planning — rather, it represents the beginning of the planning process.

Estate planning should be less of an “transactional model” (the making and signing of our documents) and more of a “communications model” (the start of a conversation with our family, agents, trustees and care providers, who are the central role in this estate planning process).

“Only 29 percent of people create a living will or power of attorney for health care.”

~ 2007 AARP poll

The Communications Model to estate planning involves a 5-step approach:

Reflect on your personal experiences, values, desires and preferences

Talk to the person you are considering appointing to make medical or financial decisions for you should you become incapacitated

Appoint the person to speak for you when you are no longer able to speak. Work with a qualified estate planning attorney to create, review and tailor your advance health care directive, durable general power of attorney and trust

Share your ideas, wishes and decisions regarding your financial and health care preferences with family, friends, agents, trustees, health care providers

Review your estate plan from time to time to accommodate change (adding properties, changing beneficiaries, etc.).

Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law

2054 S. Beretania Street, Honolulu, HI 96826

(808) 524-0251 | stephenyimestateplanning.com
The end of your life begins now While more Americans are living longer, they will inevitably cope with one or more chronic conditions and disability. Recent statistics reveal that more than 70 percent of individuals in their 80s have some degree of dementia or diminished capacity. In order to ensure that your wishes are followed,…