Category: Senior News

4th Annual Walk on the Wild Side

March is National Kidney Month! In celebration, the National Kidney Foundation of Hawai‘i will be hosting its 4th Annual Walk on the Wild Side event on Saturday, March 23, 2019 from 11am to 4pm at Fort Street Mall and Chinatown.

Bring your friends and family down for a day of live entertainment, arts and crafts, delicious food, dragon dancing, Taiko drumming, keiki activities, fashion shows by Miss Hawai‘i contestants, educational health information, vision screenings, educational information, and much more. 23, 2019 from 11 am– 4 pm at Fort St. Mall & Chinatown.

Saturday, March 23, 2019
11am-4pm
Fort St. Mall & Chinatown

Our Historical Mystery Walk is a leisurely walk around the Downtown and Chinatown areas of the event. On the day of the event, walkers will receive a scavenger map which will lead them on a self-guided tour to find the area’s hidden historical gems in addition to learning more about the rich culture that surrounds us. We encourage participants of all ages to join us in this exciting adventure!

The Historical Mystery Walk is a proud project of Historic Hawai‘i Foundation, Honolulu Exposed, and the National Kidney Foundation of Hawai‘i.

In addition to all of those amazing activities, we will also be offering our largest complimentary kidney screening of the year. Did you know that over 198,000 people in Hawai‘i are living with kidney disease? Over 4,400 people are on dialysis and more than 300 people are waiting for transplants at this very moment. Hawai‘i is also 30 percent higher than the national average for kidney disease risk and kidney failure.

The National Kidney Foundation, a major voluntary nonprofit health organization, is dedicated to prevention of kidney and urinary tract diseases, improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by kidney disease and increasing the availability of all organs for transplantation.

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NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF HAWAI‘I
1314 S. King St. #1555, Honolulu HI 96814
karwin@kidneyhi.org | www.kidneyhi.org/WOWS

March is National Kidney Month! In celebration, the National Kidney Foundation of Hawai‘i will be hosting its 4th Annual Walk on the Wild Side event on Saturday, March 23, 2019 from 11am to 4pm at Fort Street Mall and Chinatown.
Aid-in-Dying for Terminally Ill Patients

In January 1, 2019, Hawai‘i became just the seventh state in the US to permit medical aid in dying. The Our Care, Our Choice (OCOCA) law allows terminally ill adult patients with capacity to make medical decisions to be prescribed an aid-in-dying medication if all the requirements are met.

Patients who qualify must have received a terminal diagnosis of six months or less; request the OCOCA prescription directly; and be 18 years of age or older, mentally capable of making the decision, and able speak for themselves. The patient must also be physically and mentally able to take the drug themselves.

Gov. David Ige signs the Act into law at a ceremony with supporters.

Hawai‘i’s version of the law also requires patients and their physicians to go through numerous steps before an OCOCA prescription can be written. Physicians are required to talk with patients who request the prescription about alternatives or additional treatment opportunities, such as hospice care, pain management and palliative care.

Executive Director for Kōkua Mau, Jeannette Koijane, says, “Like the Hawaii Department of Health, we recommend that anyone who has a diagnosis of six months or less to live enroll in hospice and work with the trained hospice team that will address physical, emotional and spiritual suffering.” Kōkua Mau is a network of organizations and individuals that work to improve care especially for those with serious illness and at the end of life.

Under Hawai‘i law, patients cannot be denied health insurance, life insurance, or annuities because they are participating in OCOCA. Taking the drug will not be viewed as suicide, assisted suicide, homicide, mercy killing, or other criminal conduct under the law. Insurance plans are not required to cover the OCOCA prescription. Contact your health plan for details. Medicare will not cover the drugs.

Patients who go through the steps to obtain the OCOCA prescription can ultimately decide not to take the drug. Koijane adds, “We encourage people to talk with their doctor about the law as it is a personal matter between a doctor and patient.”

Learn more about the OCOCA law. Go to the Hawaii State Department of Health website at http://health.hawaii.gov/opppd/patients-family-and-care-support/.

In January 1, 2019, Hawai‘i became just the seventh state in the US to permit medical aid in dying. The Our Care, Our Choice (OCOCA) law allows terminally ill adult patients with capacity to make medical decisions to be prescribed an aid-in-dying medication if all the requirements are met.
Memories Don’t Fade

Hidenobu Hiyane

Born in October 1918 in Kapa‘a, Hidenobu Hiyane remembers growing up on Kaua‘i and graduating from McKinley High School in 1937. He served with the 100th Battalion as a radio operator, and was very lucky while serving in Europe and France: An officer using the radio was shot in the head and killed while standing next to him, and a mortar shell that fell next to him didn’t explode.

Hidenobu remembers going to Chicago on the GI Bill to learn more about the radio at a technical school. While there, he met and married a Waipahu woman, both returning home to be with her dying mother. Two daughters were born in Hawai‘i, and he has three grandsons living in California. Hidenobu worked for the Army as an Electronic Maintenance/Radio Operator for 30 years and repaired donated electrical items at the Salvation Army for 12.

Besides being very lucky, he does not take any medication nor wear glasses. He said that for many years he has cut and blended aloe leaves with water and drinks it every day. He also eats leaves from a moringa tree in a variety of dishes.

To keep his mind sharp, Hidenobu does Word Search puzzles and listens on his ham radio, deciphering Morse code from all over the world. His memory amazes me, as he said he left the Army on April 13, 1945, the day after Franklin D. Roosevelt died.

Born in October 1918 in Kapa‘a, Hidenobu Hiyane remembers growing up on Kaua‘i and graduating from McKinley High School in 1937. He served with the 100th Battalion as a radio operator, and was very lucky while serving in Europe and France: An officer using the radio was shot in the head and killed while standing…
100 Years on Kuakini Street

In September 2018, Kuakini Medical Center celebrated the 100th anniversary of its move from Liliha Street to its present location on Kuakini. Established in 1900, the medical facility has seen many changes during its 118 years of existence.

The Japanese Benevolent Society opened The Japanese Charity Hospital in Kapalama in July 1900. It was a two-story wooden building with 38 beds, where free medical care was provided to Japanese immigrant sugar workers. In 1902, the hospital moved to a larger site on Liliha Street and soon began providing care for more than just the destitute and sick.

On September 27, 1918, the hospital moved 37 patients by car and ambulance to a 16-building campus on Kuakini Street (pictured). At that time, with 120 beds and a staff of 15 physicians, it was the second-largest hospital in Hawai‘i.

That hospital is now known as Kuakini Medical Center — a licensed and accredited medical/surgical facility with services such as ambulatory care, emergency services, oncology and cardiovascular services, an orthopedic and spine center, sleep center, and renowned biomedical research programs.

With a history of 118 years of caring, Kuakini is committed to maintaining the legacy of its founders by providing safe and high-quality care to the people of Hawai‘i and improving the health status of the community.

KUAKINI HEALTH SYSTEM
347 N. Kuakini St., Honolulu HI 96817
808-536-2236 | www.kuakini.org

In September 2018, Kuakini Medical Center celebrated the 100th anniversary of its move from Liliha Street to its present location on Kuakini. Established in 1900, the medical facility has seen many changes during its 118 years of existence. The Japanese Benevolent Society opened The Japanese Charity Hospital in Kapalama in July 1900. It was a…
Honolulu Commits to Being ‘Age-Friendly’

(L–R): Pam Witty-Oakland, Mayor Kirk Caldwell, Christy Nishita, Frank Streed (back row), Barbara Kim Stanton, Dave Underriner (back row), Councilmember Ann Kobayashi, Councilmember Kymberly Pine, Momi Cazimero, Tom Dinell

Health Services

The Age-Friendly Honolulu Initiative has a vision to create a livable city that is inclusive to persons of all ages and abilities. For our kūpuna, the initiative strives to maximize opportunities for active aging, independence and community engagement. Since 2014, the Age-Friendly Honolulu Initiative, supported by Mayor Caldwell and AARP Hawaii, has involved hundreds of individuals from the public and private sector in the planning and implementation process.

Pedestrian Safety

On October 11, 2018, the Age-Friendly Honolulu
Initiative celebrated a milestone event, Mayor Caldwell’s signing of Bill 54 (2018), Relating to Age-Friendly Honolulu. The passage of this ordinance signifies a commitment by the City and County of Honolulu to be “age-friendly.” The celebration event also recognized all those involved over the past several years and highlighted successes thus far including the development of a Pedestrian Crossing Survey App, the work of Dementia Friends Hawaii, and the launch of the Kind2Kūpuna Business Program.

Transit Accessibility

Social Involvement

In the months ahead, the Age-Friendly Honolulu Initiative will proceed with implementation of the ordinance. The ordinance requires “all city departments to encourage and incorporate age-friendly city features in the planning, budgeting, design, construction, implementation, operation, and evaluation of city programs, services, facilities, and projects.” In addition, the Age-Friendly Honolulu Initiative will also establish an advisory board, train city department staff on age-friendly principles, and evaluate

AGE-FRIENDLY HONOLULU
cnishita@hawaii.edu
www.agefriendlyhonolulu.com

The Age-Friendly Honolulu Initiative has a vision to create a livable city that is inclusive to persons of all ages and abilities. For our kūpuna, the initiative strives to maximize opportunities for active aging, independence and community engagement. Since 2014, the Age-Friendly Honolulu Initiative, supported by Mayor Caldwell and AARP Hawaii, has involved hundreds of…
A Very Active Centenarian

Edward Jurkens, 100 yrs. old

Hawai‘i is fortunate to be the home of many centenarians, and I love writing about them. Most recently, I spent time with Edward Jurkens, who celebrated his 100th birthday on December 23, 2017. We planned to talk at his apartment then go to lunch. On the way there, I thought, “Where should I park so I can drive him somewhere?”

Edward was born and raised in Illinois, met his wife, Frances, in the second grade, married in 1944, had three daughters, and he’s very proud of his three grandsons, three granddaughters, nine great-granddaughters and one great-grandson.

Edward’s memory is so good we chatted about everything, from his college days at Knox College — where he got free tuition as a hurdle and high jump athlete and received his pilot’s license before signing up with the Air Force — to retiring from Hawai‘i’s CINCPAC in July 1968. Since retirement, he has had some fun and not-so-fun jobs, but found his love was in volunteering: for AARP giving driving lessons to seniors for 22 years, 13 years for the Service Core of Retired Executives, and looking after the “petting zoo” at Waikīkī Aquarium. Now, on Mondays, he volunteers at the Pacific Aviation Museum.

He credits his post-retirement longevity to all the walking he did when golfing up through his 90s, walking around Ala Moana and now on the grassy area of his condominium, eating salads, reading a lot, doing Sudoku, and exercising his arms with dumbbells as he watches TV.

For lunch, he walked to and from the restaurant near his condominium, while I scurried to keep up!

Hawai‘i is fortunate to be the home of many centenarians, and I love writing about them. Most recently, I spent time with Edward Jurkens, who celebrated his 100th birthday on December 23, 2017. We planned to talk at his apartment then go to lunch. On the way there, I thought, “Where should I park so…
New Support for UH-Mānoa Athletes

L-R: Bill Boyd, Executive Chairman of Boyd Gaming; David Lassner, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa President and Interim Chancellor; David Matlin, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa Athletics Director

If you attend any sports events involving the University of Hawai‘i’s Rainbow Warriors or Wahine, it soon becomes obvious that local kūpuna are among their most avid supporters. From attending home games, to donating to booster clubs, to picking thousands of flowers to make lei for the Women’s Volleyball Team (as seen in S1 Ep5 of GTV), Hawai‘i’s seniors are with the athletes every step of the way.

Another long-time supporter of UH-Mānoa’s athletes is a name many of our readers are very familiar with — the California Hotel in Las Vegas. On July 25, the Cal announced a $450,000 pledge to the Athletics Department for the volleyball court naming rights of the Stan Sheriff Center. A subsequent ceremony was planned for the hometown crowd at a match at the Center itself.

The pledge will be phased over several years, supporting university student athlete success initiatives by providing assistance to student-athletes in the areas of nutrition, cost of tuition, summer school and other preparatory athletic efforts.

That’s definitely something to cheer about!

If you attend any sports events involving the University of Hawai‘i’s Rainbow Warriors or Wahine, it soon becomes obvious that local kūpuna are among their most avid supporters. From attending home games, to donating to booster clubs, to picking thousands of flowers to make lei for the Women’s Volleyball Team, Hawai‘i’s seniors are with the…
Memories from the Ewa Queen

Born in ‘Ewa to plantation workers, Sadie (Yasui) Kaya had the best childhood ever. Her memory of growing up there is so strong today, at the age of 103, that she sang a childhood song to me: “Ewa is our happy home. Yes, yes, oh yes. Never from her shall we roam. No, no, oh no. Oh how happy now are we, when we see the DPD. Soon the waters we shall see. Sing, children, sing.”

Sadie, her four brothers and a sister enjoyed ‘Ewa’s playgrounds, gyms and baseball fields. Like her brothers, Sadie was quite an athlete. Her sister Lorraine owned the Ewa Tavern with husband Eddie, who Sadie said was a great cook. This well-known restaurant had patrons coming from as far as Barbers Point for delicious meals and pies.

Sadie married and worked at the Ewa School’s cafeteria on Renton Road. She told me that the “Lincoln, the Frontiersman” statue was donated by Katherine Burke. My research showed Katherine McIntosh Burke was a teacher and principal there from 1919 to 1927. The statue was unveiled on February 12, 1944 and a celebration is held every year on Lincoln’s birthday in front of it.

Her great memories of ‘Ewa make Sadie very happy. She is called the “Ewa Queen” by her friends and the staff of the Care Center of Honolulu. I thanked her for sharing those memories, which she said “many Ewa people will remember too.”

Stories for and about seniors and their caregivers are always worth sharing, such as 100th birthday announcements. Send stories and photos to Sherry Goya.
808-722-8487 | sgoyallc@aol.com

Born in ‘Ewa to plantation workers, Sadie Kaya had the best childhood ever. Her memory of growing up there is so strong today, at the age of 103, that she sang a childhood song to me: “Ewa is our happy home. Yes, yes, oh yes. Never from her shall we roam. No, no, oh no.…
WANTED: Election Day Volunteers

The Office of Elections and county clerks of Hawai’i are looking for volunteers to help conduct the 2018 General Election on Tuesday, November 6.

More than 4,000 volunteers are needed to fill various positions on Election Day which include assisting voters at the polling place, transporting election materials and supplies, and resolving inquiries from the control center.

It is a great opportunity to get involved and contribute to the community. Many volunteers choose to work at their local polling place where they can help their fellow neighbors cast their ballot. Volunteers receive a stipend ranging from $85 to $175, depending on the position. Organizations looking for fundraising opportunities can also participate as a group and donate their stipends directly to their own project.

Qualifications to volunteer:
✓ 16 years old by June 30, 2018
✓ Registered to vote in Hawai‘i
✓ Able to read and write English

Interested individuals can easily sign up at www.elections.hawaii.gov or call the Office of Elections at 808-453-VOTE (8683). For a listing of positions, visit https://elections.hawaii.gov/voters/volunteer/

The Office of Elections and county clerks of Hawai’i are looking for volunteers to help conduct the 2018 General Election on Tuesday, November 6. More than 4,000 volunteers are needed to fill various positions on Election Day which include assisting voters at the polling place, transporting election materials and supplies, and resolving inquiries from the…
YMCA Health & Fitness Day at Kahala Mall

The YMCA’s National Senior Health & Fitness Day was enjoyed by many on Wednesday, May 30th, at the Kahala Mall. The YMCA thanked the Kahala Mall and Generations Magazine for their co-sponsorship of the day. A number of nonprofit organizations participated, as well as more than 30 Generations partners, who offered valuable information to seniors and their families. Demonstrations were held throughout the day, closing with a Vacations Hawaii drawing.

The YMCA’s National Senior Health & Fitness Day was enjoyed by many on Wednesday, May 30th, at the Kahala Mall. The YMCA thanked the Kahala Mall and Generations Magazine for their co-sponsorship of the day. A number of nonprofit organizations participated, as well as more than 30 Generations partners, who offered valuable information to seniors…
Annual Senior Classic Games

The City and County of Honolulu’s annual “Senior Classic Games” was held on March 22nd at the Hālawa Recreation Center, bringing together 30 senior clubs to compete in four games — Tunnel Vision, Pin Ball, Nine Gates and Peg Ball.

The day was a little cloudy, with soft winds — perfect for 87 teams of seniors ranging in age from 55 to 93 years old. After the competition, score cards were tallied, and medals were presented to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in the Senior (55 to 74) and Master (75 and over) divisions. For the past few years, Generations Magazine has paid for all the medals, which are always well received. First-place winners also received a soda-cap ribbon lei made by the founder of the Senior Classic Games, retired Hālawa complex supervisor Herbert Yasuhara.

Punahele Crowell, Sports Specialist for the City and County, said: “I’m just happy that the Senior Classic Games have grown to what it is now. I’m also really pleased that all the seniors came out to get some exercise, have a little friendly competition, and promote wellness. These games are all about them and witnessing how much fun they have and how much they enjoy each other’s company is really something special.”

The next event for senior clubs to compete in is the annual bowling bonanza taking place in October. And throughout the year, clubs are making crafts for their annual Mayor’s Craft and Country Fair in November, which Generations co-sponsors with HMSA. For information on joining a senior club on O‘ahu, please contact Senior Section Coordinator Randy Yasuhara at 808-768-3045.

Above, I am pictured with Herbert and Martha Yasuhara, who never miss this wonderful annual event. The gymnasium was packed with excited active seniors; laughter could be heard from the rafters to the fields. Super fun day!

The day was a little cloudy, with soft winds — perfect for 87 teams of seniors ranging in age from 55 to 93 years old. After the competition, score cards were tallied and medals were presented to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in the Senior (55 to 74) and Master (75 and over) divisions. For the…
Working After 50, 60 and Beyond!

Working longer and later in life is not optional for many of us and is preferred by those of us who understand that work, in some capacity, is a gift of our longer lifetimes. It is a gift to be treasured.

Consider this: One in four of us in Hawai’i is 60 or older. As the longest-living state in the nation, our average life expectancy at birth is 82 years. At age 65, you may add 20 more years to your life expectancy. Now, look ahead a few years to 2025. Your grandchildren are expected to enjoy average life expectancies of 90 years and older. Hawaiians may add an average of 30 years at age 65.

Working after 50, 60 and beyond

The lightning bolt of reality is ready to strike those of us over 50, as we come to grips with the gift of longer lifetimes. Ask yourself: What are the implications to your emotional, financial and physical health if work isn’t part of your life?

Note that I say, “some form of work.” All of your contributions qualify as work, whether you are full-time, part-time, some-of-the-time, on-call, for money or for the good of community.

Jobs are not the only way of working.

Mature workers have many options for work. Here are some ideas:

Adjunct Faculty. If you have been a teacher or professor, adjunct work is one of the fastest-growing ways of working in colleges and universities.

Barterers. Bartering, trading and sharing are the ideas behind “collaborative consumption,” which TIME magazine called one of the “10 ideas that will change the world.”

Docents and Guides. Believe it or not, maturity is an advantage.

Freelancers. Whether you call it temping or project work, freelance jobs are booming for all ages. One
in three workers is a freelancer today, and this movement is growing exponentially.

House Sitters. Many people in our beautiful state of Hawai’i frequently travel to their homelands. Leaving houses empty, and pets uncared for, is a bad idea.

Portfolio Jugglers. Think of portfolio work as if you were managing a stock portfolio. One aspect of your portfolio is work in exchange for money. Another aspect is your investment in longer-term opportunities. A third piece of the portfolio might be dedicated to your community.

I will leave you with a final question: Do you know how to plan and prepare for your future while overcoming age biases? I will discuss this in the February/March 2018 issue of Generations Magazine.

NEW WORKFORCE HAWAI’I

Carleen MacKay | 916-316-0143
carleenmackayhi@gmail.com
www.newworkforcehawaii.com

Working longer and later in life is not optional for many of us and is preferred by those of us who understand that work, in some capacity, is a gift of our longer lifetimes. It is a gift to be treasured. Consider this: One in four of us in Hawai’i is 60 or older. As…