Category: Articles

  • Insurance You May Not Realize You Need

    Insurance is a product for the what-ifs in life. A good insurance policy can reduce the financial impact of an adverse event, mitigate financial losses, provide stability and offer some peace of mind during difficult times. Some insurance coverage is deemed so important, it’s mandated by law. But there is also lesser-known insurance coverage worth exploring. Consider these optional coverages to trade uncertainty for financial protection.

    Homeowner riders. If you have a mortgage, homeowner insurance is required. A basic homeowner policy provides standard reimbursement after a deductible for approved claims due to theft or damage to your property, dwelling, personal possessions and liability. Such coverage, however, may not be sufficient. If you have valuable art or jewelry in your home, a rider can ensure appropriate reimbursement if these items are stolen or damaged. Consider a rider to offset the liability of owning a swimming pool or trampoline, for example. Other common riders cover water damage, identity restoration and business assets (if you conduct business in your home).

    Renters insurance. If your personal property is stolen or damaged at a rented house or apartment, you may be out of luck unless you carry your own renters insurance. Look for a policy that includes liability coverage, which provides financial protection in case someone gets hurt at your rented residence.

    Travel insurance. You may want to explore travel insurance before an international trip. A policy that covers unexpected cancellations is reassuring when planning an expensive vacation with non-refundable reservations. A policy that provides international medical coverage can be a real lifesaver since most US health insurance plans do not reimburse for care provided outside the country. The most comprehensive travel policies include reimbursement for medical evacuation and repatriation of remains.

    Appliance insurance. Many utility companies offer affordable insurance plans to cover needed appliance maintenance and repairs. Coverage is usually available for major appliances, including your refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, furnace, water heater, washer, dryer and air conditioner.

    Pet insurance. Veterinary care can be expensive. A pet insurance policy can help pet owners manage the cost of owning a pet. Most policies do not cover wellness care but do cover all or part of the expense for emergency procedures and major medical interventions.

    Life insurance riders. Basic life insurance pays out for death from natural causes and most accidents. There are exceptions, however. Insurance companies generally exclude coverage for risky activities. If you participate in extreme sports or own a private plane, you may want to purchase a life insurance rider.

    Review your insurance coverages annually or when you experience a life-changing event. Be sure to comparison shop as insurance policies can vary widely in coverage and cost. A trusted financial advisor can be a great resource to help you determine if you carry sufficient levels of insurance or if additional coverage is warranted.

    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.
    © 2023 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

    Insurance is a product for the what-ifs in life. A good insurance policy can reduce the financial impact of an adverse event, mitigate financial losses, provide stability and offer some peace of mind during difficult times. Some insurance coverage is deemed so important, it’s mandated by law. But there is also lesser-known insurance coverage worth…

  • ‘We Never Talked About It’

    The patient is in a coma. The doctor at the hospital is asking, “What kind of care would your dad have wanted if he could speak?” Too often, the answer is “I wish I knew. We never talked about it.”

    Medical technology is extending our lives. But many people are dying in ways they would not choose, and many survivors are left feeling guilty and uncertain whether they made the right decisions for their loved ones. However, it doesn’t need to be this way.

    The Big Island’s Community First Hawai‘i nonprofit strives to change this scenario by holding free workshops every other month via Zoom and in person to help folks complete their Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD), a legal document that allows you to choose someone to speak for you and documents your end-of-life care choices.

    For those who already have a Living Will, Health Care Power of Attorney or an AHCD, the workshop helps in reviewing their document to ensure it meets their current needs.

    COMMUNITY FIRST HAWAI‘I (nonprofit)
    PO Box 7158, Hilo, HI 96720
    Call or email for a link to workshop recordings.
    808-756-9637 | info@communityfirsthawaii.org
    communityfirsthawaii.org/advance-health-care-directive

    The patient is in a coma. The doctor at the hospital is asking, “What kind of care would your dad have wanted if he could speak?” Too often, the answer is “I wish I knew. We never talked about it.”

  • Smiling Faces at Moloka‘i’s Friendly Places

    Senior programs on Moloka‘i are provided by a wide range of nonprofits. There is no designated “senior center,” but a number of facilities welcome program providers. The Moloka‘i Rural Health Community Association (MRHCA) is one such provider. Its Kūpuna Program was established post-COVID with funding from Maui County’s Office of Economic Development and Office on Aging to promote overall health and wellness. Program Manager Ku‘ulei Arce describes MRHCA as a “one-stop place that aims to help kūpuna live a well-rounded life.”

    The programs offered include computer classes at the Moloka‘i Education Center twice a month, weekly stretching and hula classes held at Home Pumehana, and sewing classes held at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Other offerings include pickleball, ‘ukulele and origami, healthy eating workshops, excursions and one-off events such as Christmas with Melveen Leed, which was held at the Moloka‘i Community Health Center.

    Socialization and fun

    One program that MRCHA supports is the Kupuna Fun Night put on by Hōkūlani Children’s Theatre of Molokai (HCTOM). Held once a month at Home Pumehana, it provides socialization, a congregate meal, and activities designed to “keep kūpuna engaged and provide them with tools to help them live better—like listening and remembering,” says HCTOM Founder Vicki Boswell. The participants also work on joint projects with the keiki, creating costumes, building and painting sets, and performing together for the public.

    A recent Keiki and Kūpuna Comedy Variety Show featured stand-up and mime by both age groups.

    Small but mighty

    Another nonprofit that focuses on kūpuna health and wellbeing is Mālama Molokai Wellness. Tai chi classes are held twice a week in an adjacent outdoor space. Other options include low-impact interval training and “kūpuna strong” classes. The exercise class designed to strengthen the body’s core muscles aims to aid balance, which helps prevent falls.

    Music, smiles and laughter abound, making a mighty impact in participants’ lives!

    MOLOKA‘I RURAL HEALTH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
    808-774-8991
    HCTOM KUPUNA FUN NIGHT
    808-658-0869
    instagram.com/hokulanictom
    MĀLAMA MOLOKAI WELLNESS
    808-460-7411
    facebook.com/malama.mkk.wellness

    Senior programs on Moloka‘i are provided by a wide range of nonprofits. There is no designated “senior center,” but a number of facilities welcome program providers. The Moloka‘i Rural Health Community Association (MRHCA) is one such provider. Its Kupuna Program was established post-COVID with funding from Maui County’s Office of Economic Development and Office on…

  • Preventing & Reporting Healthcare Fraud

    Close-up of mixed race attractive confident adult woman in headset, sitting in office, working as operator of call center or support service, looking directly at the camera and smiling friendlyPrevention education is the best defense in the fight against healthcare fraud and abuse. When there is malicious intent to commit fraud, the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) gets involved and works with state and federal partners to report cases for investigation.

    SMP Hawaii Volunteer Coordinator Jeff Woodland cites one recent case involving the son of an elderly couple who called the program’s helpline. An imposter had convinced his parents that their bank was under investigation and advised them to transfer their money to a Hong Kong account for safekeeping.

    SMP told him to immediately call the police and make a report. Once the case was filed, SMP worked with the family, police and bank officials to freeze the funds. Thankfully, they were able to recover almost all of the money.

    Hawai‘i leads the nation in life expectancy at 80.7 years. As this population continues to increase, fraudsters will continue to prey upon our vulnerable older adults with scams that are becoming very sophisticated, ultimately impacting the overall health of older adults.

    Volunteer with SMP Hawaii today to help protect our kūpuna! Roles include administrative support, information distribution, counselors, presenters and exhibitors.

    SENIOR MEDICARE PATROL (SMP) HAWAII
    800-296-9422 | info@smphawaii.org
    smphawaii.org | Facebook: smphawaii808

    Prevention education is the best defense in the fight against healthcare fraud and abuse. When there is malicious intent to commit fraud, the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) gets involved and works with state and federal partners to report cases for investigation.

  • Increase Your Independence

    When people hear the word “technology”, they often think of complex machines that are difficult to use. However, “AT” is a term used for any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether acquired commercially off the shelf, modified or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve functional capabilities.

    AT includes high-tech items, such as speech generating devices and smart home controls, and low-tech devices, such as jar openers, large grip utensils and magnifying glasses.

    Find more information about AT at the Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii, the State of Hawai‘i’s designated Assistive Technology Act agency helping all age groups problem solve for increased independence.

    ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY RESOURCE CENTERS OF HAWAII (nonprofit)
    200 N. Vineyard Blvd, Ste 430, Honolulu, HI 96817
    808-532-7111 | office@atrc.org | atrc.org
    ATRC does not sell products, but recommends vendors. Device demonstration and lending programs give individuals and groups the opportunity to make an informed choice about an AT device prior to acquiring one.

    Do you ever find yourself having difficulty with routine tasks that you used to be able to do with ease? Making lunch? Brushing your hair? Reading a novel? Hearing the television? Assistive technology (AT) can help with all of these and more. AT can help with a variety of challenges: hearing, vision, communication, computer/phone access,…

  • The Importance of Senior Living

    Seniors may feel hesitant about making the move to a senior living community and believe the transition will come with a decrease in independence and quality of life.

    But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

    Senior living communities help older adults lead healthier, happier lives thanks to quality care and services.

    If you are considering a move to senior living, here are some things to consider.

    • Does the environment feel welcoming?
    • What are the apartment and community amenities?
    • Are there common areas where you can connect with fellow residents?
    • Will there be help with housekeeping and maintenance?
    • Are there meal options?
    • Is transportation offered?
    • Are there recreational, spiritual and entertainment options available?

    Senior living communities should be a place of kindness, openness, empowerment, love and respect. Staff members should be available to provide support when needed. There should also be emotional, social and spiritual wellness opportunities.

    Choose a senior living community that fits your wants and needs and allows you more time to focus on the things you desire.

    GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY—POHAI NANI
    45-090 Namoku St., Kaneohe, HI 96744
    808-247-6211 | good-sam.com

    Seniors may feel hesitant about making the move to a senior living community and believe the transition will come with a decrease in independence and quality of life. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

  • Eat Superfoods to Feed Your Brain

    It turns out you can feed your mind with food in addition to knowledge. Researchers have found superfoods for the brain that are part of what’s known as the MIND diet—Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay.

    These foods are similar to what you would eat in the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets. Both diets have been shown to benefit brain and heart health. The basic advice is to eat more vegetables, fish, nuts and berries and reduce red meat, sweets, cheese, butter and margarine, and fried foods.

    Top superfoods for brain health:

    • Olive oil, green tea and leafy greens (broccoli, spinach and kale) contain antioxidants to fight inflammation.
    • Beets, tomatoes, kale, spinach and broccoli are rich in flavanols, the chemicals responsible for the bright colors in fruits and vegetables.
    • Tree nuts seem to guard against memory loss and enhance mental abilities.
    • Berries are rich in antioxidants and contain phytonutrients that play a role in improving communication between brain cells.
    • Fish, blueberries, grapes, coffee and dark chocolate increase the level of brain-derived  neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports the growth of new neurons.
    • Black beans contain significant amounts of B9 vitamins.

    To learn more, go to aarp.org/brainhealth.

    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.

    It turns out you can feed your mind with food in addition to knowledge. Researchers have found superfoods for the brain that are part of what’s known as the MIND diet—Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay.

  • The Key Ingredient for a Sweet Smile

    Sweets can be irresistible. We can easily succumb to scoops of ice cream, indulging in chocolates or falling for delectable cookies.

    There’s a simple recipe that will help maintain your healthy smile. The key ingredient is limiting the time sugary confections interact with your teeth. Sugar feeds bacteria that create erosive acids on your enamel, leading to tooth decay.

    So how can you have a dazzling smile and eat your cake, too? Here are some morsels of advice:

    • Make smart sweet choices. Avoid hard candies that take a long time to dissolve or sticky candies that can cling to your teeth. Extended time in your mouth increases tooth decay risk. Even sugar-free candies can produce high levels of acids that may damage your teeth.

    • Rinse your mouth with water. Water dilutes the acid that bacteria produce in your mouth after eating sweets.

    • Don’t end your meal with sweets. After finishing your meal, drink a cup of water and brush your teeth to deter yourself from reaching for dessert.

    Always return to the basics of good oral hygiene. Floss your teeth to remove harmful bacteria between your teeth, brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and visit a dentist regularly to maintain a strong, cavity-free smile!

    HAWAII DENTAL SERVICE (nonprofit)
    Kahala Howser, Wellness & Events Manager
    808-529-9391
    Kahala.Howser@hawaiidentalservice.com
    HawaiiDentalService.com

    Sweets can be irresistible. We can easily succumb to scoops of ice cream, indulging in chocolates or falling for delectable cookies.

  • Diabetes’ Impact on Eye Health

    In the US, a staggering 34.2 million grapple with diabetes, marking a critical public health concern, particularly for older adults. This chronic condition impacting blood sugar levels significantly threatens seniors’ eye health. Elevated blood sugar can damage delicate retinal blood vessels, leading to diabetic retinopathy—a condition that, if left untreated, can result in vision impairment and possible blindness.

    Beyond the retina, seniors with diabetes often face vision fluctuations due to the impact on the eye’s lens, causing temporary blurriness or focusing difficulties, adding an extra layer of challenge to daily activities. Diabetes also heightens the risk of other ocular complications that commonly develop as we age, including cataracts and glaucoma, further exacerbating visual challenges.

    Regular eye examinations are not merely recommended but are a critical aspect of comprehensive healthcare for seniors with diabetes or prediabetes. Early detection through these exams enables timely management, potentially preventing or minimizing the progression of debilitating eye conditions brought on by the condition. Prioritizing proper diabetes management and proactive eye care measures becomes paramount for preserving the well-being and independence of seniors, ensuring a fulfilling life with optimal health and vision.

    HAWAIIAN EYE CENTER
    606 Kilani Ave., Wahiawa, HI 96786
    808-621-8448 | Hawaiianeye.com

    In the US, a staggering 34.2 million grapple with diabetes, marking a critical public health concern, particularly for older adults. This chronic condition impacting blood sugar levels significantly threatens seniors’ eye health. Elevated blood sugar can damage delicate retinal blood vessels, leading to diabetic retinopathy—a condition that, if left untreated, can result in vision impairment…

  • Train Your Brain

    Just like it’s important to maintain your physical health by adopting an in-home exercise regime, it is important to maintain your mental health by engaging in challenging activities that promote cognitive function. Changes in cognitive function are a natural part of aging. With time, your brain loses agility and can deteriorate further if you don’t take steps to maintain it. The changes are complex and varied. But aging doesn’t have to mean an inevitable decline as individual factors like genetics, health and lifestyle come into play.

    According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia and accounts for 60 to 80% of dementia cases. Cases will almost double every 20 years. Due to the disease’s progressive nature, dementia symptoms gradually worsen over several years. Early signs of Alzheimer’s can include a decline in processing speed, working memory and long-term memory.

    Although there is no cure, there are many activities that may help reduce the risk and support cognitive health in older adults. While they should not be seen as sole preventative measures, research has demonstrated that several lifestyle modifications and even participating in games and activities may lower your risk of cognitive decline to help keep your brain as healthy as possible as you age. Research has shown that activities that provide social engagement are the best in terms of  boosting cognitive function.

    Variety is Key

    Taking proactive steps like maintaining a physically active lifestyle and engaging socially with others can significantly influence your cognitive well-being throughout life and may prevent the onset of symptoms of Alzheimer’s, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Whether you are trying to retain or increase cognitive function, it is also important to remember that variety is key. Engaging in an interactive and diverse range of activities is vital to challenging different areas of the brain. Finding activities you enjoy and can stick with also allows you to form and maintain healthier and sustainable habits.

    “To keep your mind active, it is important to seek out stimulating activities that expose your mind to new topics,” says Ivy. “When these activities include loved ones—friends, grandchildren, neighbors and other community members—there’s the added benefit of social engagement, which is associated with reduced rates of disability and mortality, and may also reduce the risk for depression.”

    Activities and Apps

    The following offer fun and engaging ways for families and grandchildren to train their brains together with their grandparents:

    A person solving a sudoku puzzle

    WORDLE is a word puzzle that gives players six tries to guess a five letter word. Each guess gives you color coded clues: green for correct letters in the right spot, yellow for correct ones in the wrong spot, and gray for ones not in the word at all. You use this feedback to strategize your next guesses. There’s a secret word each day, so everyone around the world is trying to guess the same one! Wordle is recommended for ages 14 and up, but statistically, older adults are the best Wordle players, with an average win percentage of 81%.

    Wordle promotes working memory, logic and reasoning, vocabulary building and concentration— all things that help increase cognitive function. The Wordle Together function enables you to play with friends and family. There are different versions of Wordle available online and in app stores, all of which are free; many players prefer The New York Times Wordle.

    SUDOKU is a brainteaser played on a grid. The goal is to fill the squares with numbers 1 through 9, ensuring no row, column or subgrid contains a duplicate number. It requires logical deduction.

    Regular Sudoku practice can benefit your cognitive function because it strengthens working memory by keeping track of potential placements, and improves logic and reasoning as you analyze the grid and make deductions.

    Usdoku lets multiple players play sudoku on the same board with their own devices simultaneously. Once you select the difficulty level, you take turns making moves on the grid. Sudoku and Usdoku challenge your brain and keep your cognitive skills sharp. Find free Sudoku and Usdoku online or purchase the puzzle books on Amazon or at your local bookstore.

    LIFE STORY INTERVIEW KIT is a 150-question card deck created to help capture and preserve your stories or those of your loved ones. The conversation-based card game’s questions/prompts are categorized by early life, midlife, and later life and reflection, sparking recollections of past experiences. It is a fun way to preserve memories, spend quality time with your loved ones, deepen your connection with them, and learn new things about them. Although maintaining brain fitness through challenging activities is important, activities that prompt human connection and interaction are best—no matter the age.

    The Life Story Interview Kit and similar card kits can be purchased on Amazon. Downloadable apps are also available, some of which are free.

    LUMOSITY is a popular, free brain training app designed to target and improve various cognitive skills. It offers a variety of games and activities that challenge memory, attention span, processing speed, flexibility and problem-solving.

    Lumosity promotes cognitive function in several ways. By regularly performing these targeted exercises, you can strengthen your working memory, improve your ability to focus and filter out distractions, and enhance your mental agility by tackling the game’ challenges.

    Non-apps

    Legos, puzzles, board games and word searches are also activities younger children and grandparents who don’t have or want access to electronic devices can participate in together.

    Whatever game, activity or app you choose to enhance cognitive health, remember that “Remaining socially active supports brain health and may possibly delay the onset of dementia,” says Ivy.

    ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION HAWAI‘I
    677 Ala Moana Blvd., Ste. 301, Honolulu, HI 96813
    24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900
    To join a support group or get more information:
    808-591-2771 | alz.org/Hawaii
    alz.org/help-support/i-have-alz/younger-onset

    Just like it’s important to maintain your physical health by adopting an in-home exercise regime, it is important to maintain your mental health by engaging in challenging activities that promote cognitive function. Changes in cognitive function are a natural part of aging. With time, your brain loses agility and can deteriorate further if you don’t…

  • Children’s Book Explores Dementia

    Frances H. Kakugawa, a Hawai‘i Island native, began writing poetry a half-century ago, then stopped for some years to work for the public school system. But when she became the primary caregiver for her mother, she found that writing poetry helped ease her stress.

    Her multiple award-winning 2007 children’s book, Wordsworth Dances the Waltz, is dedicated to her mother, who was afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease. It is about families living with elders impacted by dementia. In this book, children are introduced to the concept that as grandparents age, they may behave differently and sometimes forget things.

    The book illustrates aspects of dementia and how the disease affects the entire family through Wordsworth, a Hawaiian mouse, who remembers a time when he and Grandma danced around the room. But now, Wordsworth must walk softly as not to disturb her.

    Because Wordsworth loves poetry, he finds comfort in writing verses that express his confusion over his grandma’s changing behaviors, and by recalling memories of more vibrant days. His poems also help his family understand that Grandma is still his loving grandparent and an important part of the family.

    If you are looking for an excellent tool to ease fears and explain changes in an elder loved one’s behavior, this book may be helpful.

    The book is illustrated by Melissa DeSica and available through Amazon. Call your nearest bookstore to purchase a copy locally. For children 9 and older.

    Frances H. Kakugawa, a Hawai‘i Island native, began writing poetry a half-century ago, then stopped for some years to work for the public school system. But when she became the primary caregiver for her mother, she found that writing poetry helped ease her stress.