Category: Articles

  • Music Therapy for Continuing Wellness

    Sounding Joy Music Therapy, Hawai‘i’s first and only nonprofit music therapy organization, was established in 2002 by board-certified music therapist Keiko Kajiwara to serve diverse local communities that value music as a cultural resource for healing and empowerment. Its mission is to improve well-being and quality of life through music therapy, especially in underserved communities.…

  • Spinning a Yo-Yo, One Trick at a Time

    You might remember the yo-yo craze of the 1950s—kids rushing to grab the latest models and daring each other to master every spin, loop and flip. Amid the frenzy, young Richard Lee of Honolulu discovered a passion that would shape his life. He spent countless hours practicing at the Ben Franklin store in Kaimuki and…

  • Dinuguan (Pork Blood Stew)

    The “blood” in the name of this dish may sound unpleasant to some, but I assure you that dinuguan is well-loved among Hawai‘i locals, who have nicknamed it “chocolate meat.” It’s a traditional dish in Filipino culture, but each region of the Philippines has its own variations when it comes to spices and consistency. The…

  • Celebrating the Filipino Culture

    Since more than 1,500 years ago, Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) have welcomed immigrants from every corner of the globe, cultivating and perpetuating a tapestry of diverse cultures. In the sixth article in this ongoing series on the many cultures that comprise Hawai‘i, we will focus on the Filipino, how the people arrived in the Hawaiian…

  • The Risks of Using Artificial Intelligence, Part II

    While AI has the potential to greatly benefit seniors (see the Sept.–Oct. issue), it also presents certain risks: ◆ PRIVACY CONCERNSData Security: AI systems often collect and store personal data, which can lead to privacy breaches. Seniors may be particularly vulnerable to data theft or misuse.Surveillance: Increased use of AI in monitoring systems (home security…

  • Take Action for Peace

    Sept. 2, 2025, marked 80 years since World War II ended. I was recently interviewed by Alasdair Baverstock with CGTN TV in order to share the WWII experience in Hawai‘i and recognize this anniversary. The documentary can be found by searching the internet for “Rise from Ashes: Pearl Harbor: A turning point of WWII” or…

  • Grief & the Holidays

    As the holidays approach, we may wonder how we will handle the festivities and get-togethers without our loved ones who have passed away. It will be different each year. But what matters is how we take care of ourselves. Thich Nhat Hanh, spiritual leader and peace activist, once said, “Do whatever works and change it…

  • Medicare, Medicaid & ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’

    The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) that was signed into law this summer is big; it’s complicated and hard to explain in a short article. But know this: Most of the changes don’t take effect until 2027, so there should be time to learn how it may affect you and figure out how those who…

  • Kūpuna Caucus Promotes Aging Support

    Aging well means more than just living longer. It means staying connected, supported and empowered in our communities. Whether it’s access to affordable housing, healthcare or caregiving services, kūpuna face unique challenges that require thoughtful solutions. The Kūpuna Caucus is a group of state legislators focused on creating and advancing policies that improve the quality…

  • A Life by Design: Momi Cazimero

    To Elevate Hawai‘i While working as a graphic designer, Momi’s mission was to “elevate the images and icons of Hawai‘i and Hawaiians,” a feat she achieved through her years of dedication. “It began when I became conscious of the fact that the only thing that had a Hawaiian face on it was the Hawai‘i Visitors…

  • Documenting Your Hopes & Values

    Parents have their own unique perspective on how to raise their children, and what values and lessons to instill. They also have personal beliefs about how their children should manage money. Most parents would prefer that an inheritance serve to enrich and support their child’s life rather than replace the need to work or find…

  • Will a Will Do What You Think It Will?

    Most people think of a last will and testament as the cornerstone of an estate plan. For most of us, however, it’s a lousy cornerstone. Your will is often simply a safety net that helps make sure your overall estate plan is going to work as it was designed. Your will is like the spare…