When the time comes for Mom and Dad to move or downsize for safety reasons, they may find it difficult to decide what to do with what they consider to be their precious heirlooms. Designating items to friends, family or charities in a will or trust will ensure their destination, while passing on these items before the inevitable occurs can give both the giver and the receiver tangible pleasure in the here and now. Whether it is decided to gift now or designate items to friends, family or charities later, the task can be a daunting one. Where to begin?
But the first steps to giving the control of what happens to these items can be facilitated by someone close to the loved one, like a son or a daughter who is also a caregiver. That is where their role as caregiver can expand in order to help parents decide what they want to do with their prized possessions (or clutter). The intimate relationship and conversations between a caregiving relative and a loved one can help retrieve memories that can help determine what may be most valued by who.
A caregiver can also invite family members to talk to Mom and Dad about items they would love to have someday. These conversations can move the senior to a comfortable mindset for getting rid of years of both trash and treasures, helping to spark the process of downsizing and decluttering.
When the time comes for Mom and Dad to move or downsize for safety reasons, they may find it difficult to decide what to do with what they consider to be their precious heirlooms. Designating items to friends, family or charities in a will or trust will ensure their destination, while passing on these items…
Every year, an increasing number of seniors are needing 24/7 care, whether it is due to a fall, heart condition or old age. Some have prepared for this, determining in advance who will be their power of attorney and who will care for them at home. Others may have already decided to go to a care home or nursing home when they can no longer care for themselves.
Often, seniors automatically think that their son or daughter will take care of them when they are old. Some children do want to become caregiver’s for their parents. Adult children may feel the need to give back to their parents as repayment for a good upbringing. And there is also that group who knows for certain that they’d rather hire a professional to care for their loved one.
The idea of becoming a caregiver can be daunting. Consider answering these questions before going all in on caregiving.
Do I have the necessary skills?
Remember, at this stage in life your loved one may need help with tasks such as toileting, showering, dressing, feeding, transferring and medication management. Using the right techniques ensures the comfort and safety of both the loved one and the caregiver.
Will this hurt me financially?
Caregivers may be required to stay home fulltime, sacrifice their careers and receive little to no income every month.
Where do I go from here?
After weighing out the pros and cons of caregiving, research what long-term care options are available in the community. There are residential care homes, assisted living communities, nursing homes and private duty home care companies whose staff is trained to care for seniors. Find out what options are affordable for your kupuna. If the final decision entails you staying home and caring for your parent or parents, get as much caregiver training as you can. People can have the best intentions when it comes to caregiving, but it is always best to prepare yourself.
Every year, an increasing number of seniors are needing 24/7 care, whether it is due to a fall, heart condition or old age. Some have prepared for this, determining in advance who will be their power of attorney and who will care for them at home. Others may have already decided to go to a…
Our kūpuna need our attention now more than ever. The pandemic hinders not only casual gatherings but also activities that contribute to the happiness of our elderly. This is especially hard for them, since they eagerly look forward to family time, when they get to truly enjoy our undivided attention and company.
Physical Distancing Not Isolation
Dr. Alicia Arbaje, an associate professor of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, says physical distancing should not be confused with social isolation. More than a year of social distancing could easily be misconstrued as a no-contact situation. Visits with our elderly, especially those in facilities, may have been affected because of this, but there are several ways to make them feel loved and cherished. Innovations such as video calling and virtual conferences are great, temporary alternatives to visitations. Families can set up video calls through their parents’ caregivers or facility management. Or we can teach our elderly to use gadgets for video conferencing. For example, I taught my 85-year-old grandfather to use Skype!
We should not forget, however, that being with them in person, face to face, is very important to their overall well-being.
Our kūpuna need our attention now more than ever. The pandemic hinders not only casual gatherings but also activities that contribute to the happiness of our elderly. This is especially hard for them, since they eagerly look forward to family time, when they get to truly enjoy our undivided attention and company.
Take inventory of your situation before you begin looking into senior retirement communities. You can start by determining your timeline and reviewing the information in this article. You will then be ready to call the senior community sales department and ask the right questions.
Below is a list of some of the services and amenities offered at senior living communities. Some are included in the standard monthly rent or fee and others incur an additional cost. Decide which are necessities and which are “nice to have.”
❏ cable TV, movies, documentaries, sports
❏ wi-fi & computer room
❏ bus service to drug stores, medical offices or shopping malls
❏ hair & nail salon
❏ physician available for on-site appointments
❏ meals & guest meals
❏ room service
❏ walking path
❏ exercise equipment & classes
❏ heated swimming pool &/or spa
❏ social activities
❏ art & music classes
❏ contemporary library
❏ utilities
❏ housekeeping
❏ parking
❏ laundry rooms
Will you need additional services, for example, assisted living services, for an additional cost?
These assisted living services could include:
❏ assistance to in-house meals and activities
❏ shower/bathing assistance
❏ assurance checks
❏ medication management
❏ personal laundry services
Ask the sales department:
❏ Do you sign a contract?
❏ Is it a month-to-month agreement with no long-term lease?
Familiarize yourself with apartment layouts, sizes and availability.
❏ Do the apartments have lanai?
❏ Are the apartments furnished or unfurnished?
❏ What is the view from the apartment?
❏ Where is the community located?
❏ Is there a waitlist?
Once you have narrowed down your search, call for a tour. Have your calendar available and know when you would be available.
Many seniors have been waiting for a reduction of the pandemic numbers before making a move. The vacant apartment inventory is limited as more seniors are arranging for tours and confirming move in dates. Begin your search today.
Take inventory of your situation before you begin looking into senior retirement communities. You can start by determining your timeline and reviewing the information in this article. You will then be ready to call the senior community sales department and ask the right questions.
Many experts believe that art therapy can help individuals with dementia express themselves — beyond words and language. “In nurturing, calm, supportive settings, they sometimes have moments of clarity and express things that shock us all,” says Ruth Drew, director of family and information services for the Alzheimer’s Association.
Creating art engages a part of the brain that is different from language. Creativity can actually emerge even after the effects of dementia have progressed. “We think that in patients with language loss, the visual side of their brain stops being inhibited by the verbal side and that allows their visual creativity to be released,” says Dr. Bruce Miller of the Memory and Aging Center at UCSF.
Project tips from The Alzheimer’s Association:
• Keep the project on an adult level. Avoid anything that might be demeaning or seem childlike.
• Build conversation. Discuss what the person is creating or reminiscing about.
• Help the person begin the activity. If painting, you may need to start the brush movement.
• Use safe materials, tools and substances.
• Relax and enjoy the process. The artist doesn’t have to finish the project in one sitting.
THE PLAZA ASSISTED LIVING
6 Locations on Oahu: Punchbowl, Mililani, Moanalua,
Pearl City, Waikiki, Kaneohe 808-900-8544 | PlazaAssistedLiving.com
Many experts believe that art therapy can help individuals with dementia express themselves — beyond words and language. “In nurturing, calm, supportive settings, they sometimes have moments of clarity and express things that shock us all,” says Ruth Drew, director of family and information services for the Alzheimer’s Association.
The unexpected can occur at any time, no matter how prepared we think we are. A crisis will bring families together in an instant. If you are distanced from the area, there are ways to manage the situation. Working as ‘ohana with strong communication will help coordinate what is needed.
Recently, I experienced a crisis when my mother fell and broke the head of her femur — otherwise known as a hip fracture. This is a common occurrence in our elderly, mostly in women. I got the call from 5,000 miles away. “Mom is having surgery on her hip tomorrow.” Emotions welled up in my chest, fears in my head and so many questions arose. How did this happen? What was she doing? Did she hit her head? Is she in pain? Is someone with her? Can I call her? Can she talk?
Relieved by the sound of her voice, I found she was coherent but loopy from the pain medication. Fortunately, she had a friend with her who had called 911 when found on the floor of her bedroom. As it turns out rubber slippers and carpet create chaos. In a moment, she was down on her side and could not get up. She was able to drag herself to the phone and call my sister, who lives 1,000 miles away. As a family, we spread the word to her children and grandchildren. Group texts went on for a week or two after that, as she made her way through surgery, into a hospital room and magically was able to stand on her new hip the very next day!
The hospital stay controlled her pain, monitored her incision, and physical therapy got her up and moving.
I called her daily and gave reports to the ‘ohana regarding what might happen next. After five days, she was moved to a rehabilitation facility, where she was given intensive therapy three times a day. I am convinced this is what enabled her to recover with confidence.
Meanwhile, the family planned a collective schedule for the next 30 days. My mother lives alone where she had been independent and providing for herself for years. She did all her own shopping, cooking, cleaning, yard work and home maintenance, and played golf four days a week. At 86 years old, she did not show any fragility. This was the first time she needed help.
My niece took the first shift by flying in and getting her home. Afterward, I flew in and spent a week taking her to follow-up appointments and driving her around. My daughter came next and at the end of her trip, it had been 25 days.
We did it by working together. Even though we all lived in different states, with our own lives, cooperation among family members, and sharing our time and our resources worked very well as we rallied for this crisis.
If not for our family’s flexibility and ability to work toward a common goal, home healthcare would also have been a viable option. We may need to call upon those services the next time.
I am happy to report that Mom has recovered and is independent once again. She has even made her way back to the golf course!
ATTENTION PLUS CARE HOME HEALTHCARE
Accredited by The Joint Commission
1580 Makaloa St., Ste. 1060, Honolulu, HI 96814 808-739-2811 | www.attentionplus.com
AGING IN HAWAII EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAM
by Attention Plus Care — a program providing resources for seniors and their families, covering different aging topics each month. For class information and upcoming topics, call 808-440-9356.
The unexpected can occur at any time, no matter how prepared we think we are. A crisis will bring families together in an instant. If you are distanced from the area, there are ways to manage the situation. Working as ‘ohana with strong communication will help coordinate what is needed. Recently, I experienced a crisis…
“You have 10 days to live,” the doctor told John. What do you do with only 10 days? John picked up his phone and called his little brother, Stan. His kidneys were failing. The next morning Stan was on a plane to Hawai‘i to be with his brother. Back in their younger days, John and Stan would spend time at the beach. Stan thought it would be wonderful to relive those brotherly memories. Navian Hawaii helped to make this possible.
Navian Hawaii’s comprehensive, interdisciplinary program of care is designed to provide patient-centered care for every life journey, offering relief from suffering, support for the entire family, and hope, compassion and love.
Navian focuses on patients’ and their families’ physical, psychosocial, emotional and spiritual well-being. United as Navian Hawaii, we are on a journey to improve the lives of Hawai‘i’s people, to celebrate every one of life’s moments and to navigate always in the direction of hope.
Originally founded as Hospice Hawaii in 1979, Navian has built a strong reputation for providing quality hospice care on O‘ahu, Molokai and Lāna‘i. In 2019, Navian expanded its services to include Integrated Care.
With this expanded model of care came the new name. “Navian,” formed from the words “navigator” and “guardian,” is a modern take on the critical roles each staff member performs. As navigators, the Navian ‘ohana provides clarity and guidance through times of uncertainty. As guardians, they provide care for people and protect their wishes.
John was provided with a special chair to keep him comfortable during outings. It was a perfect day as Stan eased John into Waikiki’s inviting waters. John felt the warm sunshine on his face, he felt the cool ocean water caress his skin and he also felt something he hadn’t felt in a while — hope — hope that his last days didn’t have to be filled with pain, but could be infused with love and wonderful memories. John surpassed his initial diagnosis and lived three additional months.
Navian continues to bring hope, reduce fear and impact lives as a trusted, local nonprofit organization, fulfilling needs in Hawai‘i by providing education, cultivating acceptance, and guiding patients and families through their journey.
Hospice Means Hope
Hospice is really about hope. Navian’s caregivers are dedicated to helping patients and their families face this transition without fear, but with hope and unconditional love.
The care Navian provides allows individuals to remain at home or in their chosen setting and to live life to the fullest with their loved ones. Navian cares for the whole family by providing relief from physical, emotional and mental suffering.
Many patients who go through our hospice care program continue to live very productive and rewarding lives — without pain and anxiety.
Many people think that hospice is only for cancer patients or the elderly, but more than half of our hospice patients are diagnosed with conditions such as heart failure, dementia or chronic lung disease. Navian also has the state’s first pediatric hospice care program that offers comprehensive care for children and their families.
Bob was diagnosed with prostate cancer and stage three kidney disease. It was difficult news for a farmer who was used to working the land and nurturing the trees. A dedicated team from Hospice Hawaii ensured that Bob was comfortable.
Navian Hawaii’s Hospice Care program provides support to enhance comfort and promote the quality of life for individuals with life-limiting conditions. Typically, hospice services are available to patients who have six months or less to live, should the disease run its course. A patient can self-refer or be referred by a physician, family member or other loved one at any time.
Hospice care is fully covered by most health insurance programs, including Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance providers. No one who is medically eligible will be turned away if they are unable to pay for the services.
Integrated Care Offers Specialized Support
People living with serious illness who aren’t ready for hospice care, but require support services to improve their quality of life can receive Integrated Care, which provides specialized medical and emotional support for patients living with serious, but treatable illness.
Meet Aaron. “He’s such a goofball,” says Tamra, when asked to describe her 5-yearold son. He has metachromatic leukodystrophy, a rare disease that attacks the nervous system. Through Navian Hawaii’s Little Things, Big Differences program, Aaron was provided assistance and care to help him breathe easier.
Seriously ill patients who live alone, and have limited resources and caregiver support may find it difficult to navigate the healthcare system. The Integrated Care program alleviates those challenges and helps end the vicious cycle of unmet care needs that often leads to hospitalization.
Anyone can refer a patient to Integrated Care and there are no time limitations on this service. Care settings may include a patient’s home, skilled nursing facility or residential care home.
How to Get Involved
• Make a Donation:Contributions directly help patients and their families. Navian raises funds throughout the year to ensure that eligible patients are never turned away.
• Volunteer:There are no words that can express the impact a regular volunteer can have on the well-being of a terminally-ill patient. New volunteers are accepted on an ongoing basis. Navian strives to align volunteers with their interests. There is a role for everyone.
• Attend Navian’s Community Connect Educational Series:This monthly series of one-hour webinars connects caregivers with community partners and resources.
• Join an Adult Grief Support Group:Navian offers ongoing support groups to help those who have lost a loved one move through the healing process. Virtual group sessions are held monthly.
• Participate in one of Navian’s Annual Events:Each year, Navian hosts A Night To Remember memorial service and a gala.
If you or a loved one are in need of hospice care or Integrated Care, contact Navian using the information below.
Navian Hawaii’s comprehensive, interdisciplinary program of care is designed to provide patient-centered care for every life journey, offering relief from suffering, support for the entire family, and hope, compassion and love.
Arthritis can be a painful condition that comes with aging. Those who have rheumatoid arthritis may have an even harder time staying on top of their oral hygiene routine due to inflammation in the joints and knuckles. Simple movements such as holding a toothbrush and floss may make it difficult to clean teeth and gums in various areas of the mouth. Here are a few tips on brushing and flossing with arthritis:
Try using an electric toothbrush. Most have a larger handle that is easier to grip than traditional toothbrushes. Electric toothbrushes also minimize the movements you need to make since the spinning brush does most of the work.
Have a seat while brushing your teeth and rest your elbow on the counter or a table for support. Flossing can present difficulties for those with joint pain or dexterity issues. A handheld flosser, such as the small, disposable interdental flossers or water flossers, can help clean those hard-to -reach areas.
Lastly, talk to your dentist about options that will best suit your needs. See a dentist regularly, brush twice a day and floss daily to help you live well and smile more!
Arthritis can be a painful condition that comes with aging. Those who have rheumatoid arthritis may have an even harder time staying on top of their oral hygiene routine due to inflammation in the joints and knuckles. Simple movements such as holding a toothbrush and floss may make it difficult to clean teeth and gums…
Do you often experience pain, numbness or tingling in your feet? Have you noticed that your balance has been affected over the past few years? Are you diabetic or prediabetic? You may be experiencing peripheral neuropathy.
What is peripheral neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is caused by nerve damage to the peripheral or small nerves of the body, usually in the hands and feet. This damage is commonly caused by poor blood flow, which causes the nerves to degenerate due to a lack of nutrient rich blood flow. PN is progressive in nature.
There are many types of PN, but the most common are diabetic, chemotherapy induced and idiopathic (meaning, there is no known cause). Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common type, and it is estimated that 60 to 70 percent of people who have been diagnosed with diabetes will go on to develop DPN.
How does peripheral neuropathy affect balance?
The most common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are pain, numbness, tingling and burning in the hands and/or feet, and balance issues. Patients may have difficulty differentiating between hot and cold, and feel like they are wearing socks or gloves when they are not.
Balance issues are often overlooked and are potentially the most debilitating symptom of PN. A study of the risk factors of falls in elderly patients with PN published in the Journal of Gerontology found that PN was significantly associated with falls. The reason for the high risk of falls is because of the loss of sensation and positional sense caused by damage to the nerves responsible for the sensations of touch, vibration and balance.
Acupuncture is an effective treatment for peripheral neuropathy.
Acupuncture has been proven to be an effective treatment method for pain, numbness and balance issues associated with PN. The goal of acupuncture treatment for PN is to increase blood flow to damaged nerves, stimulate nerve regeneration and decrease pain. Patients often find acupuncture effective after commonly prescribed medications such as gabapentin, Lyrica and Cymbalta have failed to help their PN pain.
To find out if acupuncture can help treat your PN, contact a licensed acupuncturist who can determine the best treatment strategy for you.
Do you often experience pain, numbness or tingling in your feet? Have you noticed that your balance has been affected over the past few years? Are you diabetic or prediabetic? You may be experiencing peripheral neuropathy.
Filipino veterans such as the late Domingo Los Banos worked hard to educate the community about their role in WWII.
On July 26, 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt called upon all organized military forces of the Philippines into the service under the US Army Forces in the Far East. When Pearl Harbor and Manila were attacked on Dec. 7, 1941, these soldiers were brought into direct combat as the US officially entered World War II. During the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, US and Filipino soldiers fought together in many battles across the Philippine islands, including the battles in Bataan, Corrigedor, Luzon and Leyte.
BATAAN DEATH MARCH
The Japanese army had carefully orchestrated a unified military attack to conquer the Pacific and to defeat the US. The attack of the Philippines began 10 hours after Pearl Harbor. In a mere month, the Japanese captured the capital of Manila. The combined military forces held strong for three months on Bataan and the island of Corregidor, even with no naval and air support. But ultimately, the ravages of disease and starvation led to Gen. Edward King Jr. surrendering his 76,000 troops in Bataan.
First Reconnaissance Team Parachute Company 1943.
During the Battle of Corregidor, the Japanese army forced Filipino and American prisoners of war to march 65 miles from the Bataan Peninsula to San Fernando — the brutal Bataan Death March. between 60,000 and 80,000 Filipinos and Americans marched through the jungles to confinement camps throughout the Philippines. They were deprived of food, water and medical attention — many were killed on the spot if they stopped to rest. During the march, approximately 1,000 Americans and 9,000 Filipinos died. The death march was formally designated by a military tribunal as a war crime.
Philippine soldiers of the 14th Engineers, Philippine Scouts, United States Army Forces Far East (USAFFE), prepare a railroad bridge for destruction.
JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED
President Franklin Roosevelt had promised the Filipino veterans GI benefits and the right to become US citizens to entice them to join the war. During WWII, millions of men and women of all races, from over 60 countries, served under the US flag. Despite the Japanese occupation, the Filipinos organized guerrillas in resistance and vowed to fight against the Japanese. By the end of that war, more than 260,000 individuals fought in the resistance movement. The bravery, heroism and dedication of the Filipino veterans played an integral part of leading Allied powers to victory.
However, the US consciously broke its promise to the Filipino soldiers. After the war, President Harry Truman signed laws that stripped away many promises of benefits and citizenship for Filipino veterans. The GI benefits and US citizenship promised them were denied by the Rescission Act of 1946. It stated that the service of Filipinos “shall not be deemed to be or to have been service in the military or national forces of the US or any component thereof or any law of the US conferring rights, privileges or benefits.”
Filipino veterans and their allies, including the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP), a nonpartisan, nonprofit, community-based, volunteer national initiative, had petitioned Congress to restore the promised benefits countless times over the years. Sen. Daniel Inouye from Hawai‘i submitted a Filipino Veteran’s Benefits bill every year for 18 years, but each year, Congress voted to deny those promised benefits.
FILIPINO VETERANS FINALLY RECOGNIZED
But the veterans never gave up. In 1990, Congress awarded citizenship to thousands of Filipino veterans and extended VA benefits to them. In 2009, Sen. Inouye’s bill finally passed, providing a one-time, lump sum payment to Filipino veterans. Sadly, these veterans were in their 80s or 90s by then or had passed on. Over 90 percent of the Filipino WWII veterans got nothing.
Seventy-five years after the US entered the war, Filipino veterans were nationally recognized and awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.
REPEALING THE RESCISSION ACT
Despite the long-delayed recognition of the contributions of Filipino veterans, the Rescission Act of 1946 has never been repealed.
As the FilVetREP organization (www.filvetrep.org) has stated, “It is time to repeal the Rescission Act… and correct a historic mistake upon thousands of Filipino WWII soldiers who gave their lives and limbs in a winning war in the Philippines over a brutal enemy; to restore upon them the honor, respect, and dignity they earned in war. They deserved nothing less.”
THE MISSION CONTINUES
MoveMeHawai‘i, a community education effort by the nonprofit Beta Beta Gamma Foundation, is planning an in-depth panel discussion providing more insights into this history. For dates and details about its community education plans, visit MoveMeHawaii.org. For more information about the Beta Beta Gamma Foundation, visit betabetagammafoundation.org.
On July 26, 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt called upon all organized military forces of the Philippines into the service under the US Army Forces in the Far East. When Pearl Harbor and Manila were attacked on Dec. 7, 1941, these soldiers were brought into direct combat as the US officially entered World War II. During…
“I don’t remember how to ride a bike!” “I’m too scared to ride in Honolulu traffic!” “I don’t have a bicycle.” These are some of the reasons Hawai‘i seniors give for not riding a bike.
The Hawaii Bicycling League (HBL) is here to help with the first two excuses. Honolulu-based HBL has recreational and educational programs for all ages. HBL’s Senior Cycling Program is back in action after a pandemic break. HBL is a great resource for seniors looking to get into biking for exercise and recreation. Activities for seniors include educational programs, fitness rides, group rides and even trike rides.
The Hawaii Bicycling League’s Senior Cycling Program events on the Pearl Harbor Bike Path are extremely popular. PC: Roger Au
For those who say they don’t remember how to ride, we say baloney! Scientists agree with the old expression, “just like riding a bike,” Once you learn to ride a bicycle, you never forget. According to Popular Science, cerebral coordination among several areas of the brain is so intense that the motions involved in cycling are never forgotten. It’s commonly referred to as “muscle memory.”
For those who say they’re afraid to ride in urban traffic, HBL offers route planning, precautions and other tips for riding in Honolulu. HBL Adult Education Director Malia Harunaga says maps are available that show bike lanes and which streets are the best — and the worst — for bicyclists.
Adult trikes make biking possible for people who don’t feel steady enough for a two-wheeler. HBL, through a grant from the City and County Honolulu, has purchased eight recumbent tricycles that are great for people with back problems or poor balance. Trike rides on the Pearl Harbor Bike Bath are scheduled throughout the year (visit www.hbl.org) and are broken down into rides of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty.
If you don’t have a bike, O‘ahu’s Biki Bike bike-share program is a great alternative. HBL Executive Director Lori McCarney says she knows a man with Parkinson’s disease who started riding Biki Bikes. Now he says his Parkinson’s is much better and he’s able to do more things. For a Generations Magazine article about e-bikes, go to http://bit.ly/GM-E-Bikes.
“I don’t remember how to ride a bike!” “I’m too scared to ride in Honolulu traffic!” “I don’t have a bicycle.” These are some of the reasons Hawai‘i seniors give for not riding a bike. The Hawaii Bicycling League (HBL) is here to help with the first two excuses. Honolulu-based HBL has recreational and educational…
Hanakago, woven flower baskets used for ikebana, is the theme of this year’s Splendors of Ikebana, hosted by Ikebana International Honolulu Chapter 56 on Oct. 15 and 16. This popular event will be held at the Ala Moana Hotel Ilima Room.
Throughout its 50-year history, Ikebana International Honolulu Chapter 56 has adhered to its motto of spreading “Friendship Through Flowers.” From its inception, Chapter 56 has shared a mutual love of ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, and Japanese culture through community service, educational activities and by organizing public floral exhibits.
This ancient art began over 600 years ago during the teaching of Buddhism. Originated by Buddhist priests, ikebana was initially practiced and developed among the nobility and families of the shogun. With time, the art form began to spread among samurai warriors who created arrangements prior to entering battle. Ikebana spread to people of various classes during the Edo period between 1600 and 1868.
Aspects present in ikebana are minimalism and asymmetry. Today, ikebanists from more than 60 countries belong to Ikebana International, which was founded in 1956 by Ellen Gordon Allen, a US general’s wife. Her desire was to unite and create worldwide friendship through flowers. Her friend, Pearl Jensen, founded Chapter 56 in 1961.
It is unclear how hanakago came to be. Some say they were first used in tea ceremony with the prevailing aesthetic derived from chabana practice and the 14th century influence of Chinese baskets. A legend describes how a Japanese noble riding in the country stopped at a humble farmhouse and asked for tea and a flower arrangement. The poor man took an ordinary basket, picked some wild flowers and placed it on the bare earth. It was simple, humble, yet beautiful.
Over 30 hanakago will be on display. Stop by and enjoy this ancient art. Admission is free.
Hanakago, woven flower baskets used for ikebana, is the theme of this year’s Splendors of Ikebana, hosted by Ikebana International Honolulu Chapter 56 on Oct. 15 and 16. This popular event will be held at the Ala Moana Hotel Ilima Room.
When the time comes for Mom and Dad to move or downsize for safety reasons, they may find it difficult to decide what to do with what they consider to be their precious heirlooms. Designating items to friends, family or charities in a will or trust will ensure their destination, while passing on these items before the inevitable occurs can give both the giver and the receiver tangible pleasure in the here and now. Whether it is decided to gift now or designate items to friends, family or charities later, the task can be a daunting one. Where to begin?
