Category: Articles

  • Smart Home Modifications Now

    Accessing the second story of your home using a wheelchair may not be something you have ever even considered. But planning proactively and modifying your home now can help you stay independent and comfortable as you age in place.

    You may not even feel old yet, but it’s important to consider what you may need in the future as the realities of aging approach. Caregivers can also benefit from home modifications by reducing physical and mental stress.

    Modifications such as installing an elevator lift, or making doorways wider or constructing ramps for easier wheelchair access can make a significant difference in a senior’s quality of life.

    Home modifications do not have to be complicated or expensive, however. And aesthetically pleasing options are available, such as bathroom grab bars that look like ordinary towel bars or soap holders.

    Making modifications can help prevent falls, secure your independence and ensure safety. And knowing your home will support you through each stage of life can bring peace of mind.

    Talk to your doctor about getting a home modification assessment completed by an occupational therapist (OT). OTs ensure modifications will align with your health needs, as certain conditions may require specific accommodations.

    THRIVE FOR LIFE, LLC
    1441 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 1114, Honolulu, HI 96814
    808-797-2590 | info@thriveforlife.com
    thriveforlife.com

    Accessing the second story of your home using a wheelchair may not be something you have ever even considered. But planning proactively and modifying your home now can help you stay independent and comfortable as you age in place. You may not even feel old yet, but it’s important to consider what you may need…

  • BBB: Ethical & Trustworthy Online Shopping

    Internet shopping continues to evolve quickly. Today, anyone can set up an online store and start selling, even without a business license. With both good and bad online businesses to choose from, consumers now have more opportunities than ever to support and encourage ethical online stores. Here are five BBB recommendations on how to do so:

    1. Leave reviews. Whether it’s positive or negative, help evaluate a seller’s legitimacy by leaving a review on BBB.org.
    2. Reward security. Let business owners know that you’ll only shop at companies with a commitment to customer privacy and data protection. Look for websites with secure URLs that start with “https” and show the secure lock icon.
    3. Comment. Your social media comments can let future customers know about a business’s quality, service and practices.
    4. Do the survey. Most businesses have a feedback form or survey request. Tell them what they are doing right that you enjoy and how they can improve to better earn your trust.
    5. Recommend BBB. If there’s a business that’s gone above and beyond for you — tell them about BBB. They can benefit from being in our community of Accredited Businesses.

    BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU GREAT WEST + PACIFIC (nonprofit)
    800-460-0910 | info@thebbb.org | thebbb.org
    Ad or company clarification: bbb.org
    Report a scam: bbb.org/scamtracker
    File a complaint: bbb.org/file-a-complaint

    Internet shopping continues to evolve quickly. Today, anyone can set up an online store and start selling, even without a business license. With both good and bad online businesses to choose from, consumers now have more opportunities than ever to support and encourage ethical online stores. Here are five BBB recommendations on how to do…

  • Seminars Explore Smart Homes, Brain Health

    Remember those kitschy “Clap on! Clap off!” commercials of the 1980s? (See one below). Who would have guessed that “The Clapper” device they advertised to turn your lights on and off with a clap of your hand was ahead of its time?

    Now we have entire homes with smart devices and voice assistants. Instead of clapping, we say, “Hey, Alexa,” “Hey, Google” or “Hey, Siri.”

    If you’re still stuck in the ’80s and clapping to turn on a light or manually using light switches, AARP is offering a free seminar just for you at the Generations Magazine Aging in Place Workshop on Aug. 3, Saturday, this year.

    An instructor from Senior Planet, an AARP affiliated charity dedicated to helping older adults thrive in today’s digital age, will teach participants about smart homes and how they can help caregivers and kūpuna age in place. Smart homes can do so much more than just control your lights. Using technology, you can monitor your body health, visit with doctors and nurses through telehealth, detect falls or wandering, detect fires or unsafe situations and call for emergency assistance.

    Other seminars AARP is offering will cover the importance of sleep in keeping your brain healthy and strategies to fight insomnia, streaming and smart TVs, how to use a digital wallet, transportation alternatives and more.

    There’s no pre-registration and seating is first come, first served. You don’t have to be an AARP member, nor of AARP age to attend the Aging in Place Workshop or AARP’s seminars.

    Learn more about Senior Planet classes and resources: Seniorplanet.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.

    Remember those kitschy “Clap on! Clap off!” commercials of the 1980s? (See one below). Who would have guessed that “The Clapper” device they advertised to turn your lights on and off with a clap of your hand was ahead of its time? Now we have entire homes with smart devices and voice assistants. Instead of…

  • It’s Obon Season Again!

    Each summer from June to August, communities across the State of Hawai‘i gather for the annual Bon dance festivals.

    Many generations of both Buddhists and non-Buddhists gather to honor the memories of their ancestors, while nurturing the community through dancing, fellowship and, of course, food, at the same time.

    Obon, or just Bon, is a fusion of the ancient Japanese belief in ancestral spirits and a Japanese Buddhist custom to honor the spirits of one’s ancestors. It is believed that a follower’s mother was saved by the Buddha, who danced with joy.

    Bon dance has undergone a modernization, while attempting to maintain the tradition. With the resurgence of Obon after the pandemic, we see that Obon maintains its ability to reconnect/connect everyone through “Okage Sama De” (I am who I am because of you/You are who you are because of me). Obon also fosters the importance of who we are because of our families, community and place in an ever-changing world.

    Today, kūpuna and keiki alike travel across the state to be immersed in the experiences of traditional Bon dances and massive festivals, such as the Mo’ili’ili Summer Fest and Megabon on July 6.

    With so much going on in the world, Obon offers great opportunities to be able to escape — even for just a moment — to dance the night away in joy and appreciation, patronize local vendors or temple booths, and celebrate the life that we have. Hope to see you there!

    MŌ‘ILI‘ILI HONGWANJI
    902 University Ave., Honolulu, HI 96826-3249
    808-949-1659 | mhm@moiliilihongwanji.org
    moiliilihongwanji.org

    Each summer from June to August, communities across the State of Hawai‘i gather for the annual Bon dance festivals. Many generations of both Buddhists and non-Buddhists gather to honor the memories of their ancestors, while nurturing the community through dancing, fellowship and, of course, food, at the same time. Obon, or just Bon, is a…

  • Ice Cream Dreams

    Alexis Arnold and her Tamaoka cousins celebrate summer
    with a sundae bar offering several Roselani ice
    cream flavors and a variety of toppings — gummy bears,
    marshmallows, bananas, and of course, chocolate syrup!

    Everyone enjoys a scoop now and then, especially during those hot summer days. For something a little different, the sweet folks at Roselani Ice Cream were kind enough to share their expert ideas about how to make a good thing even better. With 42 flavors of their ice cream to choose from, their recipes are virtually infinite. These simple recipes may spark some of your own ideas for ice cream creations… they did for our staff, who also contributed a favorite. All you need is a dish or a tall glass, a spoon and a reusable straw. Eat your heart out, Ben & Jerry!

    Mahealani Deloso, sales assistant at the Frozen Products Division of Maui Soda & Ice Works, shared some of her favorite concoctions:

    Kūlolo & Haupia: Kūlolo a traditional Hawaiian dessert made of taro, coconut cream and sugar. Flatten the block of kūlolo and toast it in a frying pan, then top it with Roselani Haupia ice cream.

    Lilikoi Mimosa: Scoop Lilikoi sherbet into a glass of champagne. It was a spur of the moment creation — her aunt had champagne and she brought the Roselani. “It’s my contribution to every party I go to.”

    Ube & Oreo Shake: For a vivid, violet Hawaiian vacation in a glass, scoop Ube (purple sweet potato) ice cream into a blender with oat milk, blend well, add oreos and blend some more. Pour into a tall glass and crush cookies on top. Grab a straw and a spoon, and enjoy.

    Pa‘uwela Sunrise Float: Sail into summer with a scoop of Pa‘uwela Sunrise ice cream in a tall glass of orange soda for a delicious, pineapple-creamsicle float.

    Grilled Pineapple Mac Nut a la Mode: He is not just Generations Magazine’s art director. Wilson Angel is also the patron saint of a heavenly dessert that is Hawaiian through and through.

    Peel a ripe pineapple and cut it into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Spread honey on both sides and grill until caramelized. Serve the grilled slices with a large scoop of Roselani Macadamia Nut ice cream for a taste of the tropics. “Fo’ sho’ broke da mouth. And no shame, mop ’em!”

    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.

    Everyone enjoys a scoop now and then, especially during those hot summer days. For something a little different, the sweet folks at Roselani Ice Cream were kind enough to share their expert ideas about how to make a good thing even better. With 42 flavors of their ice cream to choose from, their recipes are…

  • Palliative Care Enhances Quality of Life

    After a heart attack, 69-year-old Kumu Hula Tutu Malia developed heart failure, resulting in four trips to the ER and several hospital stays within three months.

    When a friend informed Tutu Malia about palliative care, she asked her doctor about it and he referred her to a new, home-based palliative care program. The program includes a nurse and a social worker who come to her home and provide nursing care and social support for her and her family. And there is no cost to her — it is covered by her insurance.

    Palliative care offers extra support in your home from a caring team who helps you:

    • Enjoy more days at home with family and have fewer visits to the hospital
    • Experience less stress and burden on caregivers
    • Receive 24/7 phone support if there’s a health concern
    • Receive management of symptoms of your illness, such as pain, shortness of breath and nausea
    • Understand explanations about care and treatment options
    • Receive referrals to other resources

    Since she started participating in the palliative care program, Tutu Malia hasn’t gone back to the hospital. Instead, she spends much more time enjoying visits with her ‘ohana and friends.

    KŌKUA MAU (nonprofit)
    PO Box 62155, Honolulu, HI 96839
    808-585-9977 | info@kokuamau.org
    kokuamau.org/palliative-care-for-patients-and-families

    After a heart attack, 69-year-old Kumu Hula Tutu Malia developed heart failure, resulting in four trips to the ER and several hospital stays within three months. When a friend informed Tutu Malia about palliative care, she asked her doctor about it and he referred her to a new, home-based palliative care program. The program includes…

  • It’s Never Too Early to Plan Ahead

    A smart person is one who plans for the future. I truly believe that being prepared NOW can never be too late, unless time passes you by.

    Here are a couple personal examples that I would like to share with you… one being that my husband and I installed a walk-in shower when we were only 67 years old because we wanted to upgrade our 36-year-old tub. Why wait until we need one, right?

    I know that thinking ahead about a funeral plan will make it less stressful for your family. This “thinking ahead” has helped my family twice and will be helpful to my cousin and my children in the future. The idea of a funeral plan started when I began caregiving for my oldest cousin who never married and had no children.

    With my help, she got a plan she wanted and I wrote down all her important information in the funeral guidebook.

    That same year, my husband and I purchased our own funeral plans.

    A couple years later, my parents decided to get their funeral plans when I said, “Valley of the Temples can live-stream a funeral” as we drove past it from their house.

    In 2022 and 2023, I found out how having a funeral plan made the mourning for my mother, then father, bearable and allowed us to just focus entirely on their memory.

    If you have a story you’d like to share or know of someone celebrating their centenarian year, contact Sherry Goya at 808-722-8487 or email sgoyallc@aol.com.

    A smart person is one who plans for the future. I truly believe that being prepared NOW can never be too late, unless time passes you by. Here are a couple personal examples that I would like to share with you… one being that my husband and I installed a walk-in shower when we were…

  • Real Property Tax Relief for Honolulu

    The City and County of Honolulu announces its 2025–26 Real Property Tax Credit program will open for applications starting July 1.

    From July 1 until Sept. 30, 2024, eligible homeowners can apply for a tax credit to help alleviate their real property tax. To qualify for this tax credit for the 2025–26 tax year, applicants must:

     Have a home exemption on their property.
     Ensure that none of the titleholders own other property anywhere.
     Confirm that the combined gross income of all titleholders does not exceed $80,000.

    The amount of credit homeowners will receive, if qualified, is based on their income and current property tax amount. The program intends to provide relief to homeowners affected by rising property taxes or on a fixed income.

    Qualified 2024–25 tax credit

    Homeowners who qualified for this credit during the 2024–25 tax year may receive an application in the mail in early July.

    Contact the Tax Relief Office for an application or download one at honolulu.gov/treasury starting July 1.

    TAX RELIEF OFFICE
    For more information, call 808-768-3205
    or visit honolulu.gov/treasury
    (Information furnished is subject to change without notice.)

    The City and County of Honolulu announces its 2025–26 Real Property Tax Credit program will open for applications starting July 1. From July 1 until Sept. 30, 2024, eligible homeowners can apply for a tax credit to help alleviate their real property tax. To qualify for this tax credit for the 2025–26 tax year, applicants…

  • 5 Primary Election Reminders

    Ahead of the 2024 Primary Election on Aug. 10, the Office of Elections offers a few key reminders for Hawai‘i voters.

    ➊ Hawai‘i is a vote-by-mail state. Your Primary Election ballot will arrive by mail. Registered Hawai‘i voters automatically receive a mail ballot for every election.
    ➋ Check that your voter registration is current. Visit elections.hawaii.gov or call 808-453-VOTE(8683) to verify that your voter registration is accurate. If you have moved or changed your mailing address, you must update your voter registration. Update online or by submitting a Voter Registration Application (link at end of article).
    ➌ You must sign your ballot return envelope for your ballot to be counted. You can expect to receive your ballot packet by July 23 for the Primary Election. Before your ballot arrives, review candidate statements at elections.hawaii.gov.
    ➍ Ballot must be received by 7pm on Aug. 10. Ballots can be returned by mail or put in a ballot drop box. Visit elections.hawaii.gov for location details. Ballots received late cannot be counted.
    ➎ Assistance is available. In need of assistance? Consider the following accessible options:

    • Visit a voter service center to vote using accessible voting equipment.
    • Request an electronic ballot and mark your ballot using your personal compatible device.

    STATE OF HAWAI‘I, OFFICE OF ELECTIONS
    802 Lehua Ave., Pearl City, HI 96782
    808-453-VOTE (8683) | elections@hawaii.gov
    elections.hawaii.gov
    Voter Registration Application:
    elections.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/
    1436986-01-Hawaii-Votes_application_final.pdf

    Ahead of the 2024 Primary Election on Aug. 10, the Office of Elections offers a few key reminders for Hawai‘i voters. ➊ Hawai‘i is a vote-by-mail state. Your Primary Election ballot will arrive by mail. Registered Hawai‘i voters automatically receive a mail ballot for every election.➋ Check that your voter registration is current. Visit elections.hawaii.gov…

  • Spreading Alzheimer’s Awareness & Aloha

    Born and raised in Honolulu, Steven Tam spent many years recruiting and then training recruits at Prudential Locations Real Estate. Steven’s ability to connect with others not only made him an effective leader, but an impactful volunteer, as well.

    Alzheimer’s Awareness Begins

    When Steven’s father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2009, he left his full-time real estate career to assist his mother with caregiving. Steven knew nothing about Alzheimer’s, so he decided to attend a presentation by the Alzheimer’s Association — a crash course about the disease. There began a beautiful relationship. The Alzheimer’s Association provided him with resources and a network of others in same situation. Empathetic staff and volunteers taught him what to expect as the disease progressed.

    The interaction with the Alzheimer’s Association prompted Steven to look for professional opportunities to help the community. What he found there was a need to support caregivers. That led him to AARP, where he headed long-term care, caregiving and financial security campaigns. He also managed BrightStar Care of Honolulu, which provides in-home services to those with dementia and other disabilities.

    Following his father’s passing in 2013, his desire to make a difference in the lives those affected by Alzheimer’s increased. He became a volunteer at the Hawai‘i chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, helping with programs and events. He became more involved and was eventually became the director of development. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing the fundraising programs. After three years, he retired in 2020.

    Volunteering With Aloha

    Steven has volunteered as a community educator for about 10 years. He encourages others to volunteer and urges caregivers to seek support.

    “Remember, you are not alone and be willing to ask for help — because people are willing to help more than you know,” says Steven.

    ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION (nonprofit)
    677 Ala Moana Blvd., Ste. 301, Honolulu, HI 96813
    To volunteer: alz.org/volunteer, alohainfo@alz.org
    808-591-2771 | alz.org

    Born and raised in Honolulu, Steven Tam spent many years recruiting and then training recruits at Prudential Locations Real Estate. Steven’s ability to connect with others not only made him an effective leader, but an impactful volunteer, as well. Alzheimer’s Awareness Begins When Steven’s father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2009, he left his…

  • You Just Might Be a Senior Citizen If…

    As my introduction, let me just say that “senior editor” isn’t solely a job title. Yes, I am an editor, but I’m also a bona fide senior citizen. I rarely even thought about “it,” until one day… I applied for the editor position at Generations Magazine and was asked how I was preparing for my senior years. I was like, “Who, me?” If a glance into a mirror doesn’t remind you of the passing years, I guess one can always depend on the astute observations of others.

    I got an early start in the publishing industry delivering newspapers via Schwinn in a Chicago suburb. As a teen, I worked at a printing factory during summer vacations. There, my first “editing job” was removing badly printed Libby’s labels from huge stacks of them. You can’t have magenta beans adorning cans of haricot vert.

    In high school, I wrote social commentary about teen angst and the Vietnam War. After high school, I rambled on for an underground newspaper. While attending college, I worked as a graphic artist for science agencies such as NOAA and at CU’s planetarium, and on Maui, for the NifTAL Project and a book publisher. I exchanged my art degree, X-Acto knife and loupe for a red pen when I took the editor job at a newspaper. I have also worked for online news outlets.

    While working at GM for over 10 years, I have learned many reasons why it is prudent to prepare for senior citizenship. If you are lucky like me, “it” could happen to you, too. When store clerks begin to ask, “Do you need help with your groceries, auntie?”— you just might be a senior citizen. Read this magazine just in case…

    As my introduction, let me just say that “senior editor” isn’t solely a job title. Yes, I am an editor, but I’m also a bona fide senior citizen. I rarely even thought about “it,” until one day… I applied for the editor position at Generations Magazine and was asked how I was preparing for my…

  • Communication & Grief

    Grief is a natural response to the loss of someone special. The process of grieving allows the griever to adapt to a new world of existence without the loved one.

    The success rate of an estate plan reflects and reveals the need for the estate planning attorney to expand his or her skill set in benefit of each client. Rather than simply focusing on lineal legal and tax matters, the estate planning attorney can incorporate counseling skills and engage the client through a virtuous circle of communication, so that the client and his or her survivors can proceed through the natural grieving process, which begins with anticipatory grief.

    If allowed to proceed through the grieving process with minimal guilt, anxiety, stress, unresolved issues with the decedent and conflict, we can help each griever experience fully their grief and allow the griever to validate and honor the life of the deceased, and affirm and strengthen relationships with survivors.

    The sooner the planning begins, the more options exist to minimize the risk of conflict among family members. Maintaining open communication maintains trust, and thereby reduces resentment and conflict.

    STEPHEN B. YIM, ATTORNEY AT LAW
    2054 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96826
    808-524-0251 | stephenyimestateplanning.com

    Grief is a natural response to the loss of someone special. The process of grieving allows the griever to adapt to a new world of existence without the loved one.