Category: Articles

Movie Premiere: Alliance Française Turns Fifty

Guess who else turned 50?

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

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

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

GM: Tell us about Alliance Française.

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

GM: Why focus on this organization?

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

GM: What should we expect to see?

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

GM: Do you speak French?

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

GM: Any surprises?

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

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

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

Question: I’m doing more things online, including shopping and paying bills. What are some things I can do at www.socialsecurity.gov?

Answer: Perhaps the most important thing you can do is to take a look at your Social Security Statement, which allows you to check your earnings record and get an estimate of your future benefits. Revisit your statement annually. If you’re ready to apply for benefits, you can do that online as well. Applying for Social Security retirement benefits online can take as little as 15 minutes. Once you’ve submitted your electronic applications, in most cases, you’re done! Also online, you can find more than 100 publications with information about Social Security and its programs. You also can estimate your future retirement benefit using our Retirement Estimator, which allows you to get personalized estimates based on different retirement ages and scenarios.

Question: I usually get my benefit payment on the third of the month. But what if the third falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday? Will my payment be late?

Answer: Just the opposite. Your payment should arrive early. For example, if you usually get your payment on the third of a month, but it falls on a Saturday like it does this November, we will make payments on Friday, November 2. Find more information on payment schedules for 2012 at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/calendar.htm. If you do ever miss a payment, be sure to wait three days before calling to report it missing. Of course, if you get your payments electronically, you’ll get your payment without having to wait for the mail. Find out more about electronic payments at www.godirect.org.

Question: I’m doing more things online, including shopping and paying bills. What are some things I can do at www.socialsecurity.gov? Answer: Perhaps the most important thing you can do is to take a look at your Social Security Statement, which allows you to check your earnings record and get an estimate of your future benefits.…
AARP: Voter Resources

Straight Talk: Social Security & Medicare

How long will Hawai‘i residents be able to work as they age? How much should seniors pay for health care? What will future retirees need, and what as a nation can we afford? These are some of the issues at stake this election season as the future of Social Security and Medicare becomes the focus of campaign ads on TV, radio, in print and online.

But confusion is running high among Hawai‘i residents, as are concerns over the future of programs vital to many seniors and their families. In response, AARP Hawai‘i is offering information about the challenges facing Social Security and Medicare so that everyone can have a voice in the debate over their future.

“You’ve Earned a Say” (www.earnedasay.org) offers Hawai‘I residents a one-stop resource with straight talk about key election issues. The website outlines the positions of candidates in the presidential, U.S. Senate and House races — in their own words — on Social Security, Medicare and financial security. The site also provides the views of Hawai‘i candidates for the state legislature on issues related to health care, long-term care, the state budget and tax reform — areas of particular concern to older voters heading to the polls in 2012.

The “You’ve Earned a Say” website provides voters with balanced information about Medicare and Social Security proposals that are being debated on the campaign trail— the pros and cons— so they can have a voice in the future of these program. In addition, “You’ve Earned a Say” events are being scheduled at locations across the state.

AARP is a nonpartisan organization for people age 50 and older with nearly 150,000 members in Hawai‘i. It does not support or oppose political candidates, nor contribute money to political action committees, campaigns or super PACs. AARP champions access to affordable, quality health care for all generations, provides the tools needed to save for retirement, and serves as a reliable information source on issues critical to older Americans.

For details and information on “You’ve Earned a Say” events, please call 808-545-6005 or visit www.earnedasay.org.

Straight Talk: Social Security & Medicare How long will Hawai‘i residents be able to work as they age? How much should seniors pay for health care? What will future retirees need, and what as a nation can we afford? These are some of the issues at stake this election season as the future of Social…
Message from the Editor – Oct / Nov 2012

This fall, I hope you will exercise your right as an American to vote on November 6th. Generations Magazine has Linda Coble to thank for our flag-waving cover story, as she is one of my favorite ladies, community leaders, and I am honored to call her my friend. We’d also like to thank Principal Shannon Goo of Lincoln Elementary School for allowing us to shoot the magazine’s cover on campus, as my son Zachary and his schoolmates had a blast. If you need some inspiration to vote this year (or general voting information), turn to our cover story, Make Your Voice Count.

With this year’s Senior Fair just finishing, it reminds me of all the great agencies and non-profit companies we have in Hawai‘i that support our ku¯ puna. My hats off to companies such as Project Dana, the Caregiver Foundation of America, Catholic Charities and government agencies like the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, Senior Companion program and Sage PLUS.

As with the past two Senior Fair’s, Generations Magazine handed out magazines and took the opportunity to talk with our readers. We also conducted our annual reader survey. We thank all those who shared comments, as we received plenty: “Great. Very Informative — Right On — Very Educational — Great Magazine! — Bright Future — Great Advice — I love the magazines — Read them faithfully — Enjoy your magazine!!! My daughter (CPA) reads it also to share info with her clients — Very good items — Great, super, informative — Please continue this wonderful service.”

We literally had several hundred readers complete our survey that automatically entered them for a free subscription drawing. We drew five winners to receive a year’s free subscription of Generations Magazine. The winners were Sandra Isokane of Honolulu, Connie Hovland of ‘Ewa Beach, W. Nemoto of Kailua, Carol Williams of Wai‘anae, and Florence Wong of Honolulu. Thank you to everyone for visiting our booth at the Senior Fair.

We enter this fall season with Medicare on our minds. Take your time to get all the information you need to make an educated decision. Each year the Executive Office on Aging’s Sage PLUS program provides wonderful information and volunteers to answer all your questions (see story on page 20).

Lastly, this is flu season so make sure you received your shots, eat healthy and exercise regularly. For a healthy, flu-fighting soup recipe, turn to page 25. For more information on flu shots, turn to page 24.

Live Well,

Percy Ihara, Editor / Publisher
808-368-6747 | Percy@Generations808.com

This fall, I hope you will exercise your right as an American to vote on November 6th. Generations Magazine has Linda Coble to thank for our flag-waving cover story, as she is one of my favorite ladies, community leaders, and I am honored to call her my friend. We’d also like to thank Principal Shannon Goo of Lincoln…
Important Tips for Giving Grandparents
If you enjoy supporting your grandchildren financially — or if this is one of your goals — you’re not alone. Eighty-four percent of seniors say that creating a financially secure life for themselves and their family is an important goal.*

Yet, deciding how to best help your grandchildren can be a struggle, especially if you share some of the same financial concerns as your peers. For example, you may be among the 27 percent of seniors who say changes to Social Security are most likely to jeopardize your retirement plans, or the 23 percent who identify health care costs as the biggest threat.

When evaluating how much financial support to provide, consider the following:

Give only what you can afford. Your financial security should be your first priority. Since there is no way to know with any certainty how long you’ll live, how the market will perform or how inflation may impact your purchasing power, make sure that you gift within your means. Doing so will help ensure your generosity today doesn’t create a financial hardship for you — or your family members — down the road.

Give equally. To help prevent family conflict and avoid damaging relationships, give equally to your grandchildren. If you need to give more to help one of them through a rough patch, adjust your will to even things out and clearly communicate your intentions.

Clarify whether you’re making a loan or giving a gift. If you’re giving a gift, familiarize yourself with federal tax rules, which are based on the calendar year. For example, in 2012 you were able to give up to $13,000 before the federal gift tax is applied. Also, be sure the recipient knows it’s a gift to alleviate any uncertainty about whether they’re required to pay you back.
If you are loaning money, be specific about the terms and repayment. Make sure you have a written document that both parties sign and date.

Discuss your intentions. Only 61 percent of seniors say they regularly discuss finances with their family. If you would like to support your grandchildren and save for their college or home down payment, be sure to communicate this with their parents. This can help your adult children with their own financial planning.

If you want to provide financial support to a family member, consider consulting a financial professional. He or she can help you evaluate your finances and goals and create a strategy. A realistic understanding of your financial picture can help you identify how much you can comfortably give, as well as the most tax-efficient and effective way to go about it.

For info, contact Michael W. K. Yee at (808) 952-1240

*The Money Across Generations IISM study was commissioned by Ameriprise Financial, Inc. and conducted by telephone by GfK in December 2011 among 1,006 affluent baby boomers (those with $100,000 or more in investable assets); 300 parents of baby boomers; and 300 children of baby boomers at least 18 years old. The margin of error is +/- three percentage points for the affluent boomers segment and +/- six percentage points for the parents and children of boomers segments.
Ameriprise Financial and its representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. Consult with your tax advisor or attorney regarding specific tax issues. Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all clients. © 2012 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. File # 143286
If you enjoy supporting your grandchildren financially — or if this is one of your goals — you’re not alone. Eighty-four percent of seniors say that creating a financially secure life for themselves and their family is an important goal.* Yet, deciding how to best help your grandchildren can be a struggle, especially if you…
Soups Up!
Diane’s Kale, Bean & Roasted Vegetable Soup

The fall season is here. What better time to prepare for flu season than with a hearty pot of immunity boosting soup.

In order to keep your immune system strong, you need to eat a nutrient dense diet rich in antioxidants and anti cancer phytochemicals, which only come from fruits and vegetables. This soup is packed with just that. Kale, bok choy, onions, garlic, mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, and red bell pepper are all micronutrient rich foods that protect us from disease. The beans add a good source of healthy protein and fiber that we need on a daily basis. Feel free to add any other vegetable or other types of beans you may like. It makes a good amount so you can freeze some for later. Know you’re getting everything your body needs to stay healthy and live strong.

PART 1

2– 3 green zucchini

1 yellow squash

1 onion

6– 8 mushrooms

1 red bellpepper

4 carrots

Handful cilantro

5– 6 cloves garlic

Olive oil

Italian seasoning

Slice vegetables onto a foil tent, pour 3-4 Tbsp. of olive oil over them and toss. Add cilantro, sprinkle with Italian seasoning and pressed garlic cloves. Toss again. Close tent and roast on the grill for 30 minutes. If roasting in the oven, bake at 475° until vegetables are tender.

PART 2

4 bunches bok choy

3 bunches kale

3 cloves garlic

Stir-fry with olive oil, garlic, bok choy and kale.

PART 3

3 boxes organic chicken broth

2 cans white cannellini bean

1 can kidney beans

2 cans low sodium diced tomatoes with

basil & garlic

2 cans summer crisp corn

1 tsp cumin

Seasalt & pepper to taste

2 Tbsp. low sodium soy sauce

Combine all of the parts in a soup pot and simmer for 20 minutes. View the video below. Enjoy; stay healthy.

Join Diane on Facebook at shapingup808.com, or call 808-221-3905; email shapingup@hawaii.rr.com.
Diane’s Kale, Bean & Roasted Vegetable Soup The fall season is here. What better time to prepare for flu season than with a hearty pot of immunity boosting soup. In order to keep your immune system strong, you need to eat a nutrient dense diet rich in antioxidants and anti cancer phytochemicals, which only come…
Kokua Council
The Kokua Council is one of Hawai‘i’s oldest advocacy groups. Kokua Council empowers seniors and other concerned citizens to be effective advocates in shaping the future and well-being of our community. The Council encourages those needing help in advocating for themselves.

Kokua Council embraces diversity and extends a special invitation to any senior or intergenerational-minded person interested in advocating for these important issues in Hawai‘i. Its monthly meetings include performances by community groups, visits by political candidates and discussions on local and national issues.

Annual membership is $10.

The public is welcome to join monthly meetings:

Date: The fourth Monday of each month

Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Location: Miyama Main Hall, Harris United Methodist Church at Nu‘uanu Ave. and South Vineyard Blvd. There is ample parking.

Lunch: Optional, with a donation of $5.

For more information, please call President of Kokua Council Larry Geller at (808) 540-1928 or visit KokuaCouncil.org.
The Kokua Council is one of Hawai‘i’s oldest advocacy groups. Kokua Council empowers seniors and other concerned citizens to be effective advocates in shaping the future and well-being of our community. The Council encourages those needing help in advocating for themselves. Kokua Council embraces diversity and extends a special invitation to any senior or intergenerational-minded…
Understanding Medicare & Medicaid

Navigating the health care system can be challenging, but for more than 9 million people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, it can be especially difficult.

Medicare and Medicaid have similar names but they are very different programs. People who are eligible for both — known as dual eligible — must understand the requirements and coverage details of each program in order to access the health care services that are available to them. This is especially important for the 60 percent of dual eligibles who suffer from multiple chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Getting the health care coverage they need to manage their conditions is critical to their well-being.

Here are a few resources to help dual eligible beneficiaries and their caregivers learn about health care options:

For more Medicare information, contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or visit Medicare.gov

For simple, easy-to-understand Medicare information, visit UnitedHealthcare’s site at MedicareMadeClear.com

For more information about Hawai‘i’s Medicaid program, call 1-800-316-8005

For free counseling and support on both Medicaid and Medicare, contact Hawai‘i’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at 1-888-875-9229.

_______________________________

Gary Asato, UnitedHealthcare Medicare Sales Director; David Heywood, Vice President.

UnitedHealthcare (Hawai‘i) Medicare Advantage and QUEST (Medicaid) main office: 808-536-8531

Navigating the health care system can be challenging, but for more than 9 million people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, it can be especially difficult. Medicare and Medicaid have similar names but they are very different programs. People who are eligible for both — known as dual eligible — must understand the…
Asbestos – Not a Thing of the Past

New data indicates that the asbestos exposure in Hawai‘i and the Pacific Islands could be significantly higher than previously thought. The finding is serious, as the latency (delayed time period) between exposure and asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis, can be up to 50 years or more.

Seniors who worked or lived near shipbuilding and repair facilities are at heightened risk. Prior to the mid-1970s, asbestos was heavily used in the maintenance and repair of ships. Pearl Harbor, Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands all had active military ports. Military and civilian workers at these sites were likely exposed to asbestos.

Hawai‘i has a history of widespread asbestos use, from public buildings to commercial establishments. Nearly every building in the state constructed before 1980 — including schools, state buildings and military bases — was built with asbestos products. As these buildings begin to deteriorate, need repair or are destroyed, they can continue to cause asbestos exposure.

Asbestos exposure is the cause of mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by the inhalation asbestos fibers. Mesothelioma victims typically do not show symptoms of the disease until 10 to 40 years after the initial exposure. Most people diagnosed with mesothelioma are in their 50s, 60s or older and only start to show symptoms in the later stages of the disease. Sadly, there is no cure.

This latency period creates information gaps regarding asbestos exposure and disease, especially in areas like the U.S. Pacific islands. The missing data is why professionals conclude that the actual prevalence of asbestos diseases is underestimated. For more information, please visit www.asbestos.com/states.

New data indicates that the asbestos exposure in Hawai‘i and the Pacific Islands could be significantly higher than previously thought. The finding is serious, as the latency (delayed time period) between exposure and asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis, can be up to 50 years or more. Seniors who worked or lived near shipbuilding…
Wire Fraud
How money coming in is actually going out

Western Union, Moneygram and similar businesses allow you to send money quickly. Their services are useful for transmitting funds to friends, relatives and others you know well. But scammers frequently take advantage of victims by convincing them to wire money to a stranger, often someone in a foreign country.

The initial hook can take many forms. In every case, the scam ends the same way … you are asked to wire money; once you do, it’s gone for good.

Consumers lose millions of dollars each year through wire fraud. Hawai‘i’s BBB receives calls often from duped residents who believed they “won a prize” or they were going to “work” as a secret shopper. Locally, we have seen consumers lose as much as $50,000, or taking a mortgage out on their house in order to claim a winning.

The most important thing for consumers to remember is this: Never wire money to someone you haven’t known for a long time. If you have truly won a lottery (which are illegal in Hawai‘i) or a sweepstakes, you would not need to pay a penny to receive your winnings.

Hawai‘i’s BBB warns residents to look for the following red flags:

You are asked to wire transfer money.

You are sent a check in connection with a payment request. Scammers often win their victims’ confidence by sending a fake check for more than the so-called processing fees, shipping costs or other expenses. It may be a cashier’s check, personal check or money order. They instruct the victim to cash the check at their personal bank account and send them a portion of the money back.

The contact indicates a confirmation code or money transfer control number (MTCN) is needed before your money can be withdrawn. Once you wire money, it can be picked up immediately.

A caller or e-mail appears to originate from overseas.

The person communicates via TTY service. TTY is used by the hearing impaired. Cons prefer the service because it disguises thick accents and makes calls untraceable.

If you are a victim of fraud, report it to the police and FBI. If you have any questions about someone who wants you to wire or tranfer money, contact Hawai‘i’s BBB for information.

Complaints or Questions, contact BBB:

808-536-6956 (O‘ahu)
877-222-6551(Neighbor Islands)
www.bbb.org/file-a-complaint/
How money coming in is actually going out Western Union, Moneygram and similar businesses allow you to send money quickly. Their services are useful for transmitting funds to friends, relatives and others you know well. But scammers frequently take advantage of victims by convincing them to wire money to a stranger, often someone in a…
I Never Want to Grow Up

Disney fun at Hi’olani Care Center

For the assisted living residents at Kahala Nui’s Hi‘olani Care Center, there is always fun to be had. Thanks to the creative staff, the center always has new, engaging activities and themes for its annual weeklong “theme week.” This year’s theme, the “wonderful world of Disney,” featured a Disney Princess dating game, Peter Pan Pizza Party and Mad Hatter Tea Party – complete with costumes and dé cor. Residents also created heir own Mickey or Minnie ears and used their culinary skills in Minnie’s kitchen to create cake pops. And of course, what’s a Disney week without movies? Each evening the center featured a different Disney movie from the original 1929 Steamboat Willie to Pirates of the Caribbean and everything in between.

Kahala Nui is a vibrant retirement community where residents enjoy the security of “Life Care,” a holistic approach to senior living that integrates a wellness-centered lifestyle with the peace of mind of onsite continuum of care choices at Hi‘olani Care Center. Kahala Nui’s Life Care plan offers a lifestyle and health care program designed to enhance and promote mental, physical and spiritual wellness throughout life. Hi‘olani Care Center at Kahala Nui offers assisted living, nursing care and memory support options for residents. Through activities such as the annual themed week, residents are given the opportunity to enjoy an active and vital lifestyle.

Disney fun at Hi’olani Care Center For the assisted living residents at Kahala Nui’s Hi‘olani Care Center, there is always fun to be had. Thanks to the creative staff, the center always has new, engaging activities and themes for its annual weeklong “theme week.” This year’s theme, the “wonderful world of Disney,” featured a Disney…
The Wisdom Tooth

QUESTION:

My dentist says I have “root caries.” What are they, what causes it, and what can be done to treat it?

ANSWER:

Root caries, or root decay, are cavities that develop in root exposed areas. It looks like brown or black spots on the area near the gum line. Early stages of root decay may have no pain associated with it. At later stages, you may start to have cold or sweet sensitivity. According to the American Dental Association, the majority of people over age 50 have tooth root decay.

Root decay can occur when the gums recede or draw away from the tooth and expose a softer root surface called cementum. The rest of the tooth surface is covered by a much harder enamel surface. The causes of gum recession include periodontal (gum) disease, stresses when teeth bite together, heredity and rough toothbrushing.

There are various ways to address this problem, depending on its severity. Treatment may include medicated mouth rinses, placing a filling at the gum line, treatment restorative veneers, root canal therapy or gum surgery. In the worse case scenario, a patient may even lose the tooth.

The best treatment, of course, is always prevention. Be sure to stay up-to-date with your examinations and cleanings. This way any problems can be caught early and addressed promptly.

Wynn H. Okuda, DMD, Inc.
808-734-1099 | www.cosmeticdentistryhawaii.com

QUESTION: My dentist says I have “root caries.” What are they, what causes it, and what can be done to treat it? ANSWER: Root caries, or root decay, are cavities that develop in root exposed areas. It looks like brown or black spots on the area near the gum line. Early stages of root decay…