Category: Articles

  • Poem: Wobbly

    Poem: Wobbly

    My legs are a bit wobbly.My balance is off.My thinking was hazy,so I just took a nap.And now I must tell you,I’m still feeling lazyand that makes me cross. I still move with ease.When told to touch toes,I flatten my hands on the floor.While others may groan,I try for one more.But when told to stand…

  • SSA Removes SSI Payment Barriers

    SSA Removes SSI Payment Barriers

    The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced two of several updates to its Supplemental Security Income (SSI) regulations that will help people receiving and applying for benefits offered through this federal program. SSI provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness, and to adults aged 65 and older who have limited income…

  • Kūpuna Prevail in 2024 State Legislature

    Kūpuna Prevail in 2024 State Legislature

    It was another great year for kūpuna. Gov. Josh Green signed into law bills that both enhance healthy aging and improve care for the frail. With support from the Council of State Governments Interagency Task Force on Sustainable Long-Term Care, the Kupuna Caucus convened a long-termcare summit of 64 organizations in February 2024, with a…

  • Honoring a Dementia Champion

    Honoring a Dementia Champion

    The 2024 Hawaii Pacific Gerontological Society (HPGS) honoree is Dorothy Colby. Dorothy is a highly regarded dementia care specialist with more than 25 years of professional and personal experiencein caring for people living with dementia. She is a Certified Positive Approach to Care trainer and mentor, as well as a Hawai‘i Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative Memory…

  • Having the Time of My Life!

    Having the Time of My Life!

    When my position as the vice president of operations for a large real estate franchise was eliminated, I created my own business consulting company in August 1993. It was also in 1993 that I took over the ownership of a real estate referral company. I have enjoyed over 30 years of being self-employed. All of…

  • Melveen Leed – From My Heart to Yours

    Melveen Leed – From My Heart to Yours

    Every Sunday from 11am until 1pm HST, viewers from across the islands, the nation and the world join Melveen Leed’s Facebook livestream. Leaving their daily cares behind, they are uplifted by the singer’s distinctive voice and her words of wisdom, spiced up with humor and “Moloka‘i Tita” sass. By casting her throw net worldwide, Melveen…

  • SECURE Act 2.0

    According to a Federal Reserve System report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2022–May 2023 in 2023, “3/4 of non-retired adults had at least some retirement savings, about 28% did not have any. This share who did not report any retirement savings was up from 25% in 2021. While most non-retired adults had…

  • The Mom Who Ran Out of Time

    Having spent over 14 years handling elder issues, the one thing I have seen seniors do repeatedly is not plan for their passing because they think there will be time do it later. This naïve mindset causes so much frustration and anger that instead of leaving behind a legacy of love and fond memories, ill…

  • It’s Your Funeral

    You own your body after you die and you can say what happens to it. If you say nothing, it will be up to your next of kin, such as your spouse, your children and then more distant relatives. By planning your funeral in advance, you can spare your loved ones stress and conflict. Your…

  • Should I Downsize After Retirement?

    If you are approaching retirement or are already there, you may be considering downsizing your home. It’s a big decision, with ramifications for both your finances and your lifestyle. Here are some things to keep in mind:■ Decide if a move makes sense. Your needs and priorities may shift in retirement. Perhaps you won’t require…