Category: Articles

  • Is Travel on Your Retirement Agenda?

    One of the great benefits of retirement is having the freedom to pursue new interests and hobbies at your leisure. For many, travel is at the top of their retirement bucket list. The key question is how to make sure your retirement savings can keep up with your travel ambitions. The following considerations can help you determine your answer:

    ◆ Make travel a part of your retirement budget. Without the funds to pursue travel, you likely won’t get too far. As you plan for your living expenses, include travel as a line item in your retirement budget. Identify a portion of your monthly income to cover travel expenses before you hit the road.

    ◆ Consider travel timing. Most retirees plan their biggest travel excursions in the early years of retirement, when health challenges may be fewer and they have more stamina. Therefore, your travel budget may represent a larger portion of your overall expenses in the first years of retirement. If this aligns with your travel vision, factor it into your retirement budgeting strategy.

    ◆ Determine your travel style. To come up with a reasonable cost estimate, identify the types of traveling you plan to do. Are you more interested in short trips to nearby locations, mostly traveling by car? Do you plan to explore the country in an RV? Are you looking to visit foreign destinations on a regular basis? Your travel goals will tell you a lot about how much you are likely to spend, which should be reflected in your retirement plan.

    ◆ Find ways to cut costs. You’re likely to face “sticker shock” when you travel. Expenses such as food (usually eating out), lodging and transportation can add up quickly. If you plan to stay in one place for an extended period, look into renting a home or apartment rather than “hoteling” it. Try to eat like the locals by buying food at grocery stores and markets. Take the time to look for flight deals or make your automobile travel routes as efficient as possible. One of the perks of being retired is that you may have more flexibility than working people to lock in deals by traveling off-season or at other unpopular times.

    ◆ Don’t overlook insurance needs. Travel insurance may be appropriate in case you get sick or lose luggage on a trip. Keep in mind that Medicare is not accepted outside the US, and even within the US, you want to be sure your health insurance has you covered in states outside your own.

    ◆ Look for discounts and rewards. Seniors have a unique advantage in that costs for some activities are reduced. Even though the discounts may be modest, every dollar helps stretch your travel budget. Check to see what discounted options are available through clubs like AAA or AARP. Also pursue smart credit card strategies that help you earn rewards like free travel or cash back on your purchases.

    If travel is in your plans when you leave the workforce, it’s key to go beyond dreaming and do some significant preparation in advance. Use the time you have now to set specific goals and build savings that will help make your dreams a reality.

    MICHAEL W. K. YEE, CFP,® CFS,® CLTC, CRPC®
    1585 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 1100, Honolulu, HI 96814
    808-952-1240 | michael.w.yee@ampf.com
    ameripriseadvisors.com/michael.w.yee
    Michael W. K. Yee, CFP®, CFS®, CLTC, CRPC ®, is a Private Wealth Advisor, Certified Financial Planner ™ practitioner, with Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC in Honolulu, HI. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 40 years. Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC.
    © 2024 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

    One of the great benefits of retirement is having the freedom to pursue new interests and hobbies at your leisure. For many, travel is at the top of their retirement bucket list. The key question is how to make sure your retirement savings can keep up with your travel ambitions. The following considerations can help…

  • Medicare Drug Costs Capped for Kūpuna

    Maui resident Susan Baylosis and her mother both use Medicare Part D insurance to pay for their medicines.

    So far, their co-payments have been manageable. They haven’t had to take expensive brand-name prescription drugs.

    But Susan, an advocate for caregivers, knows that a catastrophic illness like cancer could be financially devastating even with insurance.

    “The everyday person doesn’t want to think about it,” she says. “If I had to pay for expensive medications, I would have to find ways to cut down on other expenses, like food or gas. The average person doesn’t make that kind of money.”

    Starting next year, a new law will cap Medicare prescription drug plan out-of-pocket expenses at $2,000. Hawai‘i’s 167,422 Part D Medicare beneficiaries will have the peace of mind of knowing that they won’t be forced to choose between paying for food and medicine or not taking medicines because of the high cost of prescription drugs.

    A recent AARP study estimates that 3.2 million older Americans, including more than one in 10 Hawai‘i kūpuna with Medicare drug plans, will see lower drug costs next year because of the cap. The average savings next year will be roughly $1,500 for kūpuna who hit the drug cap.

    By 2029, about 4.1 million people, roughly 9.6% of Medicare beneficiaries, will see savings. In Hawai’i the savings will help an estimated 24,437 kūpuna, or 13% of those with Part D drug plans who do not qualify for subsidies.

    Prior to the passing of this law, Part D plans did not have a limit on out-of-pocket spending.

    “AARP was instrumental in Congress passing the prescription drug law of 2022 to lower prices and out-of-pocket costs for Medicare enrollees,” AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins says. “As we approach January 2025, we want every senior in America to know that, thanks to the new annual cap which limits their out-of-pocket costs, they will have more money to invest in their families, spend on their broader health needs or simply save to achieve greater financial stability.”

    Since Medicare Open Enrollment is in effect until Dec. 7, Medicare beneficiaries should review their Part D drug plans for changes resulting from the new law and shop around.

    The Hawai‘i State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a free service that can help answer questions about Medicare enrollment. Go to hawaiiship.org, or call the Hawai‘i SHIP Helpline at 808-586-7299 or toll-free at 1-888-875-9229.

    AARP HAWAII (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.

    Maui resident Susan Baylosis and her mother both use Medicare Part D insurance to pay for their medicines. So far, their co-payments have been manageable. They haven’t had to take expensive brand-name prescription drugs. But Susan, an advocate for caregivers, knows that a catastrophic illness like cancer could be financially devastating even with insurance. “The…

  • Helping Kūpuna Age Safely at Home

    Aging is a natural part of life, but it often comes with challenges, especially for our kūpuna who wish to remain in their own homes. Maintaining a safe and comfortable living environment can become increasingly difficult with age, but programs like “A Brush with Kindness” are stepping in to provide invaluable support.

    This Habitat for Humanity Maui initiative focuses on home preservation and aims to assist low-income homeowners with essential home repairs, maintenance and improvements at no cost.

    The program offers more than just home repair. It’s a lifeline for many kūpuna who might otherwise struggle to remain in their homes. By addressing critical home maintenance needs, the program helps prevent accidents, reduce the risk of illness and enhance overall well-being. Additionally, having a safe and well-maintained home means more than just physical security. It’s about dignity, independence and peace of mind, ensuring they can age in a safe and supportive environment.

    As we look toward the future, it’s essential to continue supporting such initiatives. We need to remember the profound impact that a helping hand can have on all of our lives — but especially the lives of our beloved kūpuna. For them, your impact is priceless.

    HABITAT FOR HUMANITY MAUI (nonprofit)
    1162 Lower Main St., Wailuku, HI 96793
    808-242-1140 | info@habitat-maui.org
    habitat-maui.org

    Aging is a natural part of life, but it often comes with challenges, especially for our kūpuna who wish to remain in their own homes. Maintaining a safe and comfortable living environment can become increasingly difficult with age, but programs like “A Brush with Kindness” are stepping in to provide invaluable support. This Habitat for…

  • Kūpuna Services Re-Emerge in Kāne‘ohe

    The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc in countless ways. Businesses closed, including services for kūpuna and their family caregivers. Unfortunately, many of these businesses did not reopen as the rest of the state began recovery from the pandemic and began to rebuild.

    Adult day care services are important to kūpuna who need supervision and socialization during the day while their caregivers work or carry out other personal chores.

    Due to the pandemic, Kāne‘ohe had been without these services for over three years.

    As the need in this area became apparent, Hale Hau‘oli Hawai‘i, a nonprofit organization with two established adult day care centers in ‘Aiea, began looking for an appropriate location in the Kāne‘ohe area for an additional adult day care center.

    After many months of delays, Hale Hau‘oli Hawai‘i was finally able to open a new center in the Windward City Shopping Center, 45-480 Kāne‘ohe Bay Drive, on Aug. 1, 2024.

    The interest in this adult day care center location has been overwhelming, showing the dire need for this type of service in this underserved community. Hale Hau‘oli Hawai‘i is honored and excited to bring this assistance to the windward side of O‘ahu.

    HALE HAU‘OLI HAWAI‘I (nonprofit)
    98-1247 Kaahumanu St., Ste. 207, Aiea, HI 96701
    808-292-4665 | kwyatt01@aol.com
    halehauolihawaii.org

    The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc in countless ways. Businesses closed, including services for kūpuna and their family caregivers. Unfortunately, many of these businesses did not reopen as the rest of the state began recovery from the pandemic and began to rebuild. Adult day care services are important to kūpuna who need supervision and socialization during…

  • The Legacy of The Salvation Army

    Since 1894, The Salvation Army, Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division, has focused its efforts on providing support, a sense of community and, most importantly, hope to those in need. For the past 130 years, their hallmark programs, such as the Red Kettle campaign and Angel Tree Giving, have played a pivotal role in ensuring that the holiday spirit reaches everyone, especially those facing financial or personal hardships.

    The Red Kettle campaign, a familiar sight during the holiday season, involves volunteers — from keiki to kūpuna — stationed outside stores, ringing bells and collecting donations. This tradition, dating back over a century, raises critical funds that support The Salvation Army’s numerous programs — emergency assistance, at-risk youth, food insecurity, substance use disorders, houselessness and more.

    Senior volunteers bring their time and energy, and a deep commitment to serving the community. Many have been involved for years, finding purpose and connection through their work. The Salvation Army welcomes individuals of all ages to join this effort, offering an opportunity to give back during the holidays while impacting families year-round.

    “I love The Salvation Army at Christmastime because it gives me a joy to help people,” said Matthew Kailihou, a Red Kettle veteran who has been ringing for nearly five decades. “I would encourage all of you volunteers to come out so we can help people who need it at this time.”

    The Angel Tree Giving program is another cornerstone of The Salvation Army’s holiday initiatives. This program brings joy to children and families who may not receive gifts during the holiday season for various reasons. Community members select tags from Angel Trees, each representing a specific child or family, and purchase items to fulfill their wish lists. The impact of this program goes beyond material gifts; it shows families that they are not alone — even during the most challenging times. Volunteers play a crucial role in organizing and distributing these gifts, making sure that every child’s wish is granted.

    Beyond these holiday-specific programs, The Salvation Army is deeply committed to supporting the community throughout the entire year.

    If disaster strikes in the community or at home, The Salvation Army is one of the first organizations to respond and often one of the last to leave. Through specialized training, the organization is able to make a difference when it matters most.

    “The truth is, it takes an army to do the work that we do every single day,” says The Salvation Army Divisional Director of Development Charmaine Hauanio-Kuewa. “Because of our donors, staff and volunteers, we have the opportunity to ensure that anybody who may be without food, a house or parents will never be without hope.”

    The Kroc Center Hawaii in Ewa Beach is one example of a Salvation Army owned-and-operated facility where people of all ages have opportunities to learn, grow, acquire new skills and build confidence. As the state’s largest community center of its kind, the Kroc Center offers a wide range of programs designed to foster connection and support development.

    The Mixed Plate program, for example, brings people together over shared meals and activities. This initiative creates a friendly environment where everyone is welcome and encouraged to connect, share stories and build lasting relationships.

    The Salvation Army’s work in Hawai‘i and across the greater Pacific is a testament to the power of collective effort and the spirit of giving and aloha. Its programs bring people together and provide much-needed assistance to some of the most vulnerable populations within our community.

    Volunteer opportunities: You can be an important part of this impactful work by volunteering, donating or simply spreading the word.

    Every contribution — no matter how big or small — helps to continue The Salvation Army’s continuing legacy of aloha in action.

    For more information on how to support The Salvation Army, Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division, please see the donation and volunteer contact information below.

    THE SALVATION ARMY (nonprofit)
    Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division
    hawaii.salvationarmy.org
    808-988-2136

    Since 1894, The Salvation Army, Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division, has focused its efforts on providing support, a sense of community and, most importantly, hope to those in need. For the past 130 years, their hallmark programs, such as the Red Kettle campaign and Angel Tree Giving, have played a pivotal role in ensuring that…

  • Case Management in Caregiving

    Case management plays a critical role by providing comprehensive support and assistance to caregivers and care recipients alike.

    Case management in caregiving involves coordinating services and resources to meet care recipients’ unique needs. It encompasses the assessment, planning, implementation, coordination, and monitoring of options and services to meet their health and human service needs. From organizing medical appointments, managing medications or ensuring the overall well-being of the recipient, case management aims to streamline the process and alleviate the burden on caregivers.

    One of the key aspects of case management in caregiving is providing personalized support tailored to the individual’s specific needs. This involves assessments to identify the care recipient’s physical, emotional and social needs, as well as evaluating the caregiver’s capabilities and challenges. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the care dynamic, case managers can develop appropriate, personalized care plans.

    Case managers also play a vital role in connecting caregivers and care recipients with relevant support services and resources. This may include assistance with accessing home care services, coordinating with healthcare providers, or providing information on financial and legal support options. By serving as a central point of contact and information, case managers can help caregivers navigate the complex network of resources, ultimately enhancing quality of care.

    Case management also involves ongoing monitoring and reassessment of the care recipient’s needs and the caregiver’s well-being. This proactive approach allows case managers to identify potential challenges or changes in the care dynamic and make necessary adjustments to the care plan for appropriate and effective support.

    For caregivers, access to professional case management services can offer invaluable support and relief, allowing them to focus on providing quality care without feeling overwhelmed or isolated. Through regular communication and collaboration, case managers can provide emotional support, guidance and advocacy to empower caregivers in their role.

    Case management serves as a vital tool in promoting a positive caregiving experience for all parties involved. By addressing their unique needs and facilitating access to essential services and resources, case managers can enhance the well-being of both the caregiver and care recipient.

    ALOHA COMPLEX CARE LLC
    808-269-5463 | alohacomplexcare@outlook.com
    alohacomplexcare.com
    Aloha Complex Care LLC is a case-management and care company, networking island wide, servicing all levels and stages of care, from the initial stages and on through hospice and bereavement.

    Case management plays a critical role by providing comprehensive support and assistance to caregivers and care recipients alike. Case management in caregiving involves coordinating services and resources to meet care recipients’ unique needs. It encompasses the assessment, planning, implementation, coordination, and monitoring of options and services to meet their health and human service needs. From…

  • Actively Aging: Safe Activities for Seniors

    Staying physically active as you age is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. Regular activity can help improve mobility, sleep and mental health, while reducing the risk of falls and injuries.

    Here are some beneficial activities:

    Walking together: Simple and effective, walking around safely with a friend inside or out can boost cardiovascular health.

    Stretching first: Gentle stretching exercises before you start moving can improve flexibility and reduce muscle stiffness throughout the day.

    Taking breaks: Where you rest is just as important as when you rest. Plan on taking short breaks where you can get in and out of a seated position easily.

    Keep moving: Enjoy music by singing, clapping or even shuffling your feet while seated to get your heart pumping.

    While these activities are beneficial, a fully licensed senior care community offers a safe and supportive environment in which kūpuna can stay safe and active. Senior care communities may offer structured programs, professional supervision and social opportunities, ensuring that seniors can enjoy a level of physical activity that can help them maintain their independence.

    ROSELANI PLACE
    88 S Papa Ave., Kahului, HI 96732
    808-871-7720 | marketing@roselaniplace.com
    roselaniplace.com

    Staying physically active as you age is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being. Regular activity can help improve mobility, sleep and mental health, while reducing the risk of falls and injuries. Here are some beneficial activities: Walking together: Simple and effective, walking around safely with a friend inside or out can boost cardiovascular health.…

  • Should Seniors Purchase Travel Insurance?

    As we age, the desire to explore new destinations and enjoy life’s adventures often grows stronger. For kūpuna in Hawai‘i, traveling overseas offers the opportunity to experience different cultures, visit loved ones or simply relax in a new environment. While planning these trips, it’s crucial to consider potential risks and ensure you’re adequately protected. One of the most important steps you can take is purchasing travel insurance, which can safeguard you against unexpected trip cancellations.

    Travel plans can change unexpectedly due to a variety of reasons, including personal health issues, family emergencies or unforeseen global events like natural disasters or pandemics. Without travel insurance, a canceled trip could result in significant financial loss, as airlines, hotels and tour operators may not provide full refunds.

    Travel insurance often includes trip cancellation coverage, which reimburses you for prepaid, nonrefundable expenses if you need to cancel your trip for a qualified reason. This can include anything from a sudden illness to severe weather conditions, giving you the flexibility to cancel your trip without the stress of financial loss.

    Travel insurance is especially important for seniors, since Medicare doesn’t cover medical expenses abroad. If you fall ill or have an accident while traveling overseas, you could be responsible for the full cost of your medical treatment. A simple medical consultation in Asia or on a cruise could set you back several hundred dollars. If you require hospitalization or emergency surgery, expenses could run into thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage ensures these costs are covered.

    When selecting travel insurance, it’s important to choose a policy that meets your specific needs. Consider factors such as your age, health condition and the destination you’re traveling to. Many insurance providers offer plans tailored to seniors, with additional coverage options that address the unique needs of older travelers.

    Read the policy details, paying attention to coverage limits, exclusions and any requirements for pre-existing conditions. It’s also a good idea to compare policies from different providers to find the best coverage at a reasonable price.

    Traveling overseas can be a rewarding and enriching experience, especially for kūpuna who have the time and freedom to explore the world. However, it’s essential to be prepared for the unexpected. Travel insurance can protect you from potential financial burdens related to medical emergencies and trip cancellations, allowing you to travel with confidence and peace of mind.

    FINANCIAL BENEFITS INSURANCE, INC.
    Hawaii National Bank Building
    1311 Kapiolani Blvd., Ste. 504, Honolulu, HI 96814
    808-792-5194 | tmotosue@fbihi.com
    fbihi.com

    As we age, the desire to explore new destinations and enjoy life’s adventures often grows stronger. For kūpuna in Hawai‘i, traveling overseas offers the opportunity to experience different cultures, visit loved ones or simply relax in a new environment. While planning these trips, it’s crucial to consider potential risks and ensure you’re adequately protected. One…

  • Beware of Scams While Shopping Online

    Holiday shopping has shifted dramatically from in-person to online in recent years. Although this change gives us new opportunities for finding unique gifts while supporting small businesses — it also comes with risks.

    With 33.2 million small businesses now able to showcase their products online, you have infinite options at your fingertips. However, the rise of e-commerce has also attracted fraudsters who create fake websites in order to steal your money and personal information.

    To shop safely online while supporting local businesses, follow these tips:

    • Do your homework. Look for a physical address and phone number on the website. If you can’t find this information, it’s best to shop elsewhere.
    • Check for customer reviews on independent sites like BBB.org and Google. Be wary of businesses with no reviews or those sounding repetitive.
    • Use a safe payment type. Pay with a credit card; avoid using pre-paid cards, payment apps or crypto.

    Keep your guard up when shopping online and utilize these steps to help protect yourself while supporting legitimate small businesses for a happy holiday season for all!

    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

    Holiday shopping has shifted dramatically from in-person to online in recent years. Although this change gives us new opportunities for finding unique gifts while supporting small businesses — it also comes with risks. With 33.2 million small businesses now able to showcase their products online, you have infinite options at your fingertips. However, the rise…

  • A Labor of Love: Sweet & Sour Chicken

    This is one of my Grandma Goya’s recipes and one that my dad requests for Father’s Day or his birthday — it’s one of his favorite meals. My family loves eating this dish, as well. It is a labor of love because it takes a long time to make, but it sure is worth the time and effort.

    Chicken Ingredients:
    2 lbs. boneless chicken pieces
    1 cup potato starch
    1 tsp. seasoned salt
    1 tsp. garlic salt
    2 eggs, beaten
    3 Tbsp. vegetable oil for frying

    Sweet & Sour Sauce Ingredients:
    ½ cup Japanese rice vinegar
    ¾ cup white sugar
    ¼ cup water
    3 Tbsp. ketchup
    ½ tsp. salt
    2 tsp. shoyu
    ¼ cup pineapple juice

    Directions:
    Prepare the chicken: Put chicken in a bag with potato starch and seasonings. Dip pieces in egg mixture. Fry in vegetable oil until golden brown.

    Create the sauce: Combine sweet and sour ingredients and cook in a sauce pan until the sugar is dissolved.

    Lay cooked chicken in a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Pour sauce over the chicken. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes. When sauce thickens and becomes like a glaze, turn the chicken to baste it with sauce.

    Prep time: 90 minutes | Serves: 4

    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.

    This is one of my Grandma Goya’s recipes and one that my dad requests for Father’s Day or his birthday — it’s one of his favorite meals. My family loves eating this dish, as well. It is a labor of love because it takes a long time to make, but it sure is worth the…

  • Hilo’s Lyman Museum is Superb!

    I’m not the first to fall in love with Mauna Kea. Sarah Lyman — a missionary who came to Hawai‘i from New England in 1832 — wrote in her journal about the beauty of Mauna Kea when the clouds and rains cleared. You can hear readings of several journal entries in one of the exhibits at the Lyman Museum, not far from the old Hilo waterfront.

    The museum has two major galleries. The entrance to the Earth Heritage Gallery on the first floor is a lava tube. Following the yellow footprints on the floor takes you around the gallery, beginning with the formation of the Hawaiian Islands, followed by the arrival of life by wind, waves and wings, and then you journey through the habitats from mauka (mountain) to makai (sea).

    The upstairs Island Heritage Gallery is also self-guided and starts with the arrival of the first Polynesian settlers. It is rich with exhibit cases displaying Hawaiian cultural items like stonework, kapa, feather work and drums.

    There are exhibits about European explorers, whalers, missionaries, plantations, the monarchy and statehood, and some contemporary oral history recordings. My favorite spot was the music nook, which has recordings from different eras.

    Accessibility and cost

    Wheelchairs, walking frames and mobility scooters are all allowed, but strollers aren’t. Just carry that mo‘opuna in your arms!

    A staff member or docent will happily transport you in a freight elevator if you can’t do stairs. Being taken in that elevator to the restrooms in the basement gets you the added bonus of seeing the archivist at work!

    All the entrance fees are less than $10. As a kama‘āina senior, I paid just $3 and spent a wonderful two hours there.

    This museum is top-notch — the Smithsonian has accredited Lyman’s gem collection in the top 10 in the nation. And, honestly, I found it far less daunting than the Bishop in Honolulu, but with the same amount of scholarship behind it.

    Tip: Call ahead to make a reservation to visit so that you don’t arrive at the same time as a tour group or a school field trip.

    LYMAN MUSEUM AND MISSION HOUSE
    276 Haili St., Hilo, HI 96720
    808-935-5021 | lymanmuseum.org

    I’m not the first to fall in love with Mauna Kea. Sarah Lyman — a missionary who came to Hawai‘i from New England in 1832 — wrote in her journal about the beauty of Mauna Kea when the clouds and rains cleared. You can hear readings of several journal entries in one of the exhibits…

  • Holidays Without Your Loved Ones

    Like birthdays and anniversaries, holidays are filled with loving memories of special times celebrated with family and friends.

    But when you have experienced the loss of a loved one and are grieving, it is sometimes difficult to authentically participate with others during the holidays.

    Your world has changed, often in profound and very personal ways. Emotions are often complex and hard to share with others.

    So how can you manage these feelings? Here are some ideas and resources that may be helpful to you this holiday season.

    ♥ Give yourself permission and space to feel what you are feeling now. Realize you won’t always feel like you do now. Reduce the expectations that you place on yourself. We each grieve in our own unique way with our own timing. These feelings can be unpredictable — much like riding a roller coaster.
    ♥ Create a new holiday custom in their memory. Consider setting a place at the holiday table for your loved one who died, lighting a candle in their honor, giving to a charity they liked or sharing loving stories which include them. Remember, love and grief go hand in hand.
    ♥ Try sharing with others what you need. Others want to help but don’t necessarily know what you need or what might be helpful for you or your family.
    ♥ Don’t feel obligated to participate socially with others. It’s okay. When invited, you can say, “Let me check my calendar and get back to you.” Or say, “I can stop by for a couple of minutes.” That way, you can stay or leave the event depending on how you feel once you are there.
    ♥ Seek the kind of people who will provide you opportunities for healing. There are others who can be a source of compassion, love and healing during your journey.

    BEREAVEMENT NETWORK OF HAWAI‘I
    Facilitated by KOKUA MAU (nonprofit)
    808-585-9977 | kokuamau.org
    kokuamau.org/grief-and-bereavement
    For more information and support:
    Hospice programs in Hawai‘i have grief support, including grief groups and holiday-related remembrance events that are open to you and your family. For a listing of hospice and other programs, go to kokuamau.org/grief-and-bereavement and click on the Bereavement Network of Hawaii (BNOH) link provided. Register for “Let’s Talk Story About Grieving During the Holidays” a free, live, Hawai‘i-based, BNOH zoom presentation on Nov. 19, 2024 from 4 to 5:30 pm. To register go to: mitsaokilegacyfoundation.org/holidays
    Resources:
    aarp.org/home-family/friends-family/info-2020/griefloss-during-holidays.html
    psychologytoday.com/us/blog/lifetime-connections/202211/working-through-grief-during-the-holidays

    Like birthdays and anniversaries, holidays are filled with loving memories of special times celebrated with family and friends. But when you have experienced the loss of a loved one and are grieving, it is sometimes difficult to authentically participate with others during the holidays. Your world has changed, often in profound and very personal ways.…