Generations Magazine Staff | Dec 4, 2020 | Date, Issue, October - November 2020
he December 2020-January 2021 issue of Generations Magazine explores Chinese-American soldiers who served the United States with dignity during World War II but have never received their medals. Kathlyn Clore brings the issue and several soldiers’ stories to light. You’ll also read about age-related muscle loss, Covid testing, safe family activities for the holidays as well as caregiving tips at Christmas. You’ll also get a couple of tasty recipes for our partners’ kitchens, including Aloha Fried Rice!
Kathlyn Clore | Dec 4, 2020 | Cover Story, Dec 2020 - Jan 2021
They didn’t fight for fame or recognition, but because it was the right thing to do. Now in their 90s, events beyond their control are still shaping the lives of the Chinese American veterans of World War II. A global pandemic has now extended the delay of national and local ceremonies honoring their military service. But at long last, they will soon be recognized for their patriotism.
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Dec 4, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Wisdoms
It’s natural to experience grief when we lose a loved one. While we often associate grief with the death of a loved one, we can also experience it when we get divorced or when ties with a friend become severed. Everyone experiences grief differently. Some are able to move on, while others are unable to process their loss.
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Dec 4, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Wisdoms
When there are secrets within a family, it has been my experience that no good has ever come from them. Now, I am not talking about secrets that a family might keep from non-family members, such as, grandma is a witch and Uncle Joe has 12 toes, but secrets family members keep from each other.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Dec 3, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Wisdoms
A trust is created when a person transfers “stuff” to a trustee who will manage the stuff for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries. “Stuff” includes real property — such as land and buildings — and personal property — such as bank accounts, stocks and bonds, and personal effects. The person who transfers the stuff to the trustee is called the trustmaker.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Dec 3, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Wisdoms
Interest rates recently hit all-time lows as the Federal Reserve made cuts to mitigate the financial impacts of COVID-19. If you’re a homeowner with a monthly mortgage payment, you might be wondering if now is a good time to refinance. While a lower interest rate may yield a more affordable monthly payment, there are other factors to consider. Here are seven questions to ask yourself before making the decision to refinance…
Jane Burigsay, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Hawai‘i | Dec 3, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Programs & Services
Social Security (SS) has released a new, standardized Benefit Verification letter.
People receiving SS or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits can obtain their letter by using their personal my Social Security account. You can use the letter as proof of income for loans and housing assistance verification purposes.
Generations Magazine Staff | Dec 3, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Programs & Services
Not all elderly in Hawai‘i have ‘ohana nearby to look out for them during the deadliest global pandemic of the century. In response to COVID-19, Gabe Amey established Our Kūpuna in March to connect Hawai‘i’s seniors with community members who volunteer to provide free food, supply and medication pickup and deliver services on O‘ahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, Kaua‘i and Moloka‘i.
Generations Magazine Staff | Dec 3, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Programs & Services
I Ola Lāhui (IOL) was developed over a decade ago in response to the urgent needs of Native Hawaiian and rural, underserved communities for behavioral health services. I ola lāhui means “So that the people will live and thrive.” The IOL mission is to provide culturally-minded, evidence-based behavioral healthcare.
Kumi Macdonald, Executive Director, NAMI Hawaii | Dec 2, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Programs & Services
Working from home may include the added pressures of home schooling grandchildren, pets running in and out, and a multitude of other issues that makes them feel as if they are losing control. Stress can have such a horrendous impact on all of us no matter what the cause or what age we are. If you or someone you know just can’t handle life anymore, the National Alliance on Mental Illness Hawaii (NAMI) asks you to consider the following when reaching out for help.
Christy Nishita, PhD, & Erin Ah Sue, BSN | Dec 2, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Programs & Services
To sustain a vibrant kūpuna community, younger generations must take action. Our state needs an adequately trained workforce to care for and support our older population. In response to the need to support kūpuna and family caregivers, and expand workforce opportunities for youth, an eldercare curriculum was developed and implemented at Kahuku High School’s Health Academy on O‘ahu.
Lori Lau, Director of Lanakila Meals on Wheels | Dec 2, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Programs & Services
The onset of COVID-19 in early March sparked a drastic need for meals across our islands. Seniors, in particular, continue to be the highest risk group and many are afraid to leave their homes, even for food items. Lanakila Pacific’s Meals on Wheels program was able to respond quickly due to its strong network of partnerships and community support. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Lanakila Meals on Wheels has provided more than 370,000 meals for O‘ahu seniors, including an additional 1,000 for kūpuna. The number continues to grow.
Jason Dacumos, Owner, Physical Therapist, Makai Mobile Rehab | Dec 2, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Health
Nowadays, in-home physical therapy is more important than ever. Seniors must find creative ways in their own home area to continue exercising for mobility and strength. Walking is still a popular and convenient way to exercise. To add intensity, you can walk briskly for one minute followed by one minute at a regular pace, then repeat for 10 minutes or more. Using a kitchen counter or back of a chair, you can do a number of standing leg exercises for 10 minutes each, repeated twice:
Steven Ito, CEO of Ohana Pacific Medical LLC | Nov 29, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Health
When should you get tested for COVID-19? Which of the three main types of tests for COVID-19 will you be given?
Fran Patoskie, Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Fascianation Method Practitioner | Nov 29, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Health
Sarcopenia is age-related loss in muscle mass. Although muscle mass declines 1 to 2 percent per year after age 50, exercise can reduce this loss. Resistance training using bodyweight, machines or weights is the most effective way of building muscle. Sarcopenia makes exercising more difficult, which unfortunately, makes you want to exercise less, contributing even less stimulation of your muscles, leading to more muscle loss.
Patricia Borman, MD, Director of the Memory Disorders Center at Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience | Nov 29, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Health
Lewy body disease includes two types of dementia — Lewy body dementia (LBD) and Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD). Parkinson’s starts with an abnormal accumulation of alpha synuclein protein that is found mainly at the tips of neurons in specialized structures called “presynaptic terminals” in different parts of the brain. LBD precedes a Parkinson’s diagnosis, while PDD develops after the changes of Parkinson’s have occurred. Currently, 1.4 million people in the US are coping with LBD.
Generations Magazine Staff | Nov 29, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Health
Making healthy dietary choices can help you feel your best and stay active. It can also help you lower your risk of developing some health conditions that are common among older adults. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a tool to help you make informed food choices that can have positive effects on your health and wellness. It is called the Nutrition Facts label and you can find it on packaged foods and beverages.
Tonya Hammond Tullis, MAC, Program Specialist, Alzheimer’s Association – Hawaii Chapter | Nov 28, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Giving Care
Holidays are a time of fellowship and unity with family and friends. Yet, the holidays can be difficult for families when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Caregivers may feel overwhelmed with balancing care and managing holiday traditions.
James Carter | Nov 28, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Giving Care
My wife, May, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 at age 39. In 2015, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, she underwent a Whipple procedure, whereby some of her pancreas, small intestine, stomach and other parts were removed.
Eileen Phillips, RN, Attention Plus Care | Nov 28, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Giving Care
Amid all the COVID-19 restrictions, there is a bright spot — the opportunity for families to celebrate the holidays together by engaging creatively in a way that’s enjoyable and safe for everyone.
While younger members of the family are on the go and ready to run around the house, seniors (especially those with dementia) will prefer quieter, more structured activities.
Generations Magazine Staff | Nov 28, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Living Life
In life, we have sunshine and rainbows and clouds and storms,” says Liane K. Chong on her website. It is a apt introduction to her inspirational autobiography, Hope Inspires Strength: How One Woman Overcame Insurmountable Odds. She tells readers how she faced challenges with courage, the right mindset and by finding hope where none seemed to exist. It’s a moving, powerful story about strength, focus, perseverance and determination.
Monty Anderson-Nitahara, Deputy Director/Program Manager, ATRC | Nov 28, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Living Life
As we mature, our bodies may no longer work the way they once did — our eyes and ears are not quite as sharp; our hands not quite as steady. We may find ourselves straining to see the TV; we may no longer be able to read our favorite publications; we may need to ask people to speak up or repeat themselves. Fortunately, technology can help us regain what was lost due to aging.
Setsuko Matsuoka | Nov 28, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Living Life
When I was a newlywed, I was given this very special recipe from Aunty Matsue (Inouye) Omori, Sen. Daniel Inouye’s aunt. Aunty is remembered for her special recipes and her dedication as a third grade teacher at Pu‘unēnē School.
Lani Almanza, Owner, Alaka‘i Associates LLC | Nov 28, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Living Life
How did I get to be 65 and retired? And what happens now? Those were two questions I was asking myself this past April as my birthday and retirement occurred without much fanfare due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But, I had been planning this for over five years. So, let’s go back a few years…
Chef Kristin Michaels, Private Chef & Catering, Maui | Nov 28, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Living Life
Fried rice has long been a comfort food throughout the islands. Not only is this recipe a savvy way to repurpose leftover rice, it’s easy to dress up with vegetables and fresh pineapple. Serve it alongside meat or a hunk of grilled fish caught by one of our local fishermen, and you’ve got a Hawaiian Regional classic. Here’s the recipe.
Generations Magazine Staff | Nov 28, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Living Life
Six cultures around the world seem to have uncovered the secrets of longevity. For more than a decade, Dan Buettner, author of The Blue Zones Solution, worked to identify these hot spots of long life. Dan found places that not only had high concentrations of individuals over 100 years old, but also clusters of people who had grown old without health problems like obesity, cancer and diabetes.
Christopher Duque, Online Security Advisor | Nov 27, 2020 | Column, Dec 2020 - Jan 2021
What happens when you pass away or there’s an emergency that leaves you incapacitated, and family members need to access your mobile devices, computers, emails and social media accounts? Have you documented this important information? Here are some tips:
Leigh Dicks, Generations Magazine Staff | Nov 27, 2020 | Column, Dec 2020 - Jan 2021
As we get older, more than a few seniors have seen their body change into a shape they had hoped it never would. I was hoping mine would actually shrink, but of course that didn’t happen. After working a high stress job, gaining 25 pounds and losing lots of sleep, I decided to get off that roller coaster. I’m now semi-retired. Fortunately for me, I am rarely sick and do not take any medication. So, I’m healthy despite weighing more than I should.
Jen Angeli, Brain Education Instructor, Kaimuki | Nov 27, 2020 | Column, Dec 2020 - Jan 2021
As you look back on 2020, take a moment and ask yourself some important questions: “How much of my focus was spent being affected by news, events, personal problems and situations around me? How did that make me feel?” And most importantly, “Do I want to spend the next year feeling the same way or do I want to feel better?”
Margaret A. Perkinson, PhD, University of Hawaii at Mānoa | Nov 27, 2020 | Column, Dec 2020 - Jan 2021
Social isolation and loneliness are toxic to everyone’s health, but especially older adults. Given COVID-19 mandates to limit face-to-face contact for the foreseeable future, these feelings are certain to increase, accompanied by threats to health and well-being.
Generations Magazine Staff | Nov 27, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Senior News
It’s about time for some good news: Social Security (SS) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will increase 1.3 percent in 2021.
Sheryl Yoshimura, Registered Dietitian & Special Projects Manager, Wahiawā Health | Nov 27, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Senior News
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced health systems to rethink how to effectively manage preventive care and chronic diseases when regular in-person visits are challenging, and patients are apprehensive of conducting telehealth visits. With many adults across the county delaying preventive care, and with six in 10 having at least one chronic condition, regular health management is a matter of life and death, with added COVID-19 risks.
Generations Magazine Staff | Nov 27, 2020 | Dec 2020 - Jan 2021, Special Feature
How have seniors changed their perspective on aging over the years? We seem to be working many more with seniors than ever before. As we get to know them, they share that they seem to be more involved than ever in helping their children financially, and also support their children and grandchildren by offering childcare.
Generations Magazine Staff | Oct 9, 2020 | Date, Issue, October - November 2020
The October-November issue of Generations Magazine features the heartwarming story of popular Hawaii performer Kalani Pe’a’s grandmother and her progression into dementia from Alzheimerʻs. You’ll also read about help that’s available to kūpuna during the pandemic; a story on how the power of music helps those with dementia; we have some hearing tips for the Covid-19 days; and you’ll learn about “Purpose Pals,” a kūpuna-youth connection.
Eileen Phillips, RN, Attention Plus Care | Oct 9, 2020 | Giving Care, October - November 2020
An increasing number of family caregivers are performing more complex medical care for their family members at home. According to Home Alone Revisited: Family Caregivers Providing Complex Care, a report prepared jointly by AARP and the United Hospital Fund, there is an increase in the number of family caregivers performing tasks that would, in the past, have been provided under the direct supervision of a medical professional.
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Oct 9, 2020 | October - November 2020, Wisdoms
I recently received a call from a concerned parent of an adult special needs child. Her son was recently diagnosed with schizophrenia, refuses to take his medication and has been living on the street. Unable to physically care for her child and experiencing a health scare of her own, she decided it was time to get “her ducks in order” and contacted our office. Her main wish is to continue to provide financially for her son’s present and future care without disrupting his governmental disability benefits.
Christopher Duque, Online Security Advisor | Oct 9, 2020 | October - November 2020, Wisdoms
One of the most common problem I encounter investigating a cybercrime is that the reporting person and/or victim fail to provide any records and/or documentation to support their claim that they had been victimized — more so in cases involving online fraud. One of the simplest and quickest methods of documentation is printing out the webpage offer, sale or service.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Oct 9, 2020 | October - November 2020, Wisdoms
You may be tempted to treat a caregiver as a “private contractor” in order to avoid the humbug of tax withholding and buying the right insurance policies. You would do so at your peril. The IRS and the state will take the position that the caregiver is an employee, that you are an employer and that all of the legal obligations that attach to those labels apply to your situation.
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Oct 9, 2020 | October - November 2020, Wisdoms
In the last couple of months, I have had two people come to my office because they were not millionaires yet. You see, they each had won the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes (PCH) and had not received their monies yet.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Oct 8, 2020 | October - November 2020, Wisdoms
Investors are understandably wondering — and maybe even anxious — about how the US presidential election will affect the stock market. Election years often come with increased market uncertainty. And this year, COVID-19 and a fragile economy have added new dimensions to what may be a landmark US election cycle.
Jane Burigsay, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Hawai‘i | Oct 8, 2020 | October - November 2020, Programs & Services
Change happens. We get it. The most convenient way to change your direct deposit information with us is by creating a my Social Security account online at www.ssa.gov/myaccount. Once you create your account, you can update your bank information without leaving the comfort of your home.
Wanda Anae-Onishi, Hawaii SHIP Program Director | Oct 8, 2020 | October - November 2020, Programs & Services
Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (OEP) occurs every Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Beneficiaries may enroll in, switch to or disenroll from Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage (MA) or Part D prescription (PDP) drug coverage. Changes made during OEP take effect on Jan. 1 of the following year.
Generations Magazine Staff | Oct 8, 2020 | October - November 2020, Programs & Services
The Assistance League of Hawaii (ALH) is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization with 100-plus members and volunteers who strive to make a difference to the people of Hawai‘i. The ALH Thrift Shop in Honolulu continues to be the primary source of funding for its philanthropic programs. The shop is staffed and managed entirely by member volunteers. All monetary donations and thrift shop profits stay in Hawai‘i.
Edward Motosue, Co-Principal and Vice President of Financial Benefits Insurance Inc. | Oct 8, 2020 | October - November 2020, Programs & Services
Have you found the right Medicare plan yet? If so, stay with it. If not, you can enroll, disenroll, or change plans from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 during the Medicare Annual Election Period. Every year, plan features and prescription coverage change, so you should practice due diligence to discover what fits your current needs best.
Christy Nishita, PhD, & Erin Ah Sue, BSN | Oct 8, 2020 | October - November 2020, Programs & Services
Purpose Pals matches adults (50 and over) and youth (high school through college age) based on their interests, and fosters regular communication using Big & Mini, a web-based video conferencing platform. The program provides themed conversation starters and online activities to ensure pals have enriching conversations.
Amy Rhine, MD, Medical Director, MDX Hawai‘i | Oct 8, 2020 | October - November 2020, Programs & Services
Each year, Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 is the Medicare Annual Election Period (AEP). During AEP, you will have the opportunity to explore and choose your Medicare coverage for 2021. You will have many choices, which includes selecting a Medicare Advantage plan or staying with your current option. Even if you are satisfied with your current option, it is important to review your Medicare plan during AEP.
Christine Spencer, Maui County Regional Coordinator, Alzheimer’s Association – Hawaii | Oct 8, 2020 | October - November 2020, Programs & Services
While in 2020 the world may have felt like it’s been on hold, the threat and devastation of Alzheimer’s disease has not been. Here are four important things we learned about Alzheimer’s disease this year.
Paul K. Tanaka, DDS | Oct 8, 2020 | Health, October - November 2020
Early in my dental career, I was the dental advisor for elder care facilities in Honolulu. The most challenging tasks were demonstrations on dental care. Some patients were extraordinarily combative!
Generations Magazine Staff | Oct 8, 2020 | Health, October - November 2020
When medications are not properly administered, the result can be harmful — even fatal. Research indicates there is a vital need for people to manage their medications to avoid adverse drug reactions. This is especially true for our kūpuna.
Kahala Howser, Wellness and Events Manager, Hawai‘i Dental Service | Oct 8, 2020 | Health, October - November 2020
Most caregivers know good oral health is important at every age and is a clear indication of their patient’s overall health. Some things caregivers should look for are signs of change in the patient’s mouth. Has there been recent tooth loss, discoloration or dryness? Often, seniors may experience those conditions, which affects how they digest their food or indicates other health problems.
Jen Angeli, Brain Education Instructor, Kaimuki | Oct 8, 2020 | Health, October - November 2020
The holiday season is a time of joy, but for many, it’s a challenging time as well. When the body holds too much tension and emotional energy, it can affect the immune system, making a person more prone to illness, as well as depression. And while we all want to enjoy this time, if we’re not proactive in taking care of ourselves, we may not feel like celebrating.
Kathy K. Sato, Licensed Acupuncturist | Oct 8, 2020 | Health, October - November 2020
Chronic pain is a serious problem for many of us, including combat veterans and soldiers. Unfortunately, pain medications, including opioids, often have limited efficacy and may impose adverse effects.
Kona Smith, Director, Ohana Hearing Care | Oct 8, 2020 | Health, October - November 2020
This has been a tough year. Our lives have been disrupted at the least and dramatically changed at the worst by COVID-19. The effects are far-reaching and life-changing for us all — especially for our kūpuna. For those with hearing problems, it’s even more difficult to understand conversation when the speaker is wearing a mask.
Gary Gary A. Powell, Executive Director, The Caregiver Foundation | Oct 7, 2020 | Giving Care, October - November 2020
Guardianship, conservatorship, trustee, power of attorney, agent, healthcare surrogate and other critical decision-making positions in the life of a senior or an adult with disabilities are a complicated mixture of ethics, law and common sense. Many caregivers, however, have little or no training in these areas and can find themselves in awkward and unnerving positions.
Kathy Wyatt, RN, Founder and President of Hale Hau‘oli Hawai‘i | Oct 7, 2020 | Giving Care, October - November 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected everyone in some way. But our most vulnerable population, our senior citizens — especially those with dementia — are being particularly challenged. Our normal routines have been altered during the pandemic. This can be devastating for dementia patients, who thrive on the consistency of a regular routine.
Margaret A. Perkinson, PhD, University of Hawaii at Mānoa | Oct 7, 2020 | Giving Care, October - November 2020
Healthcare systems are changing, with radical implications for family caregiving. Cost-saving reductions in hospital stays ensure that patients are discharged “quicker and sicker.” Management of complex chronic care thus moves to the home, and responsibility for that care shifts from medical professionals to family caregivers.
Mapuana Taamu, Resident Care Manager, Kina‘ole Estate, Certified PAC Trainer & Dementia Educator | Oct 7, 2020 | Giving Care, October - November 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has all of us dealing with additional stressors in life, and many of us may
find that our abilities to deal with conflict and issues are short-fused. People living with dementia (PLWD) rely on their care partners to provide assistance with activities of daily living with kindness and compassion. PLWD also require mental stimulation, socialization and a reason to live just as much as you and I do. COVID-19 has changed our world into a place where we no longer feel safe, and social distancing has left many people feeling lonely, depressed and isolated.
Carol Hickman, CTRS Recreation Therapist at Manoa Cottage Kaimuki | Oct 7, 2020 | Giving Care, October - November 2020
Music is often the background of many of our memories. We grow up hearing it on the radio, on TV and in concerts. We sang in school and at special events. We often associate certain songs with our relationships, happy memories, sad memories, growing up and different seasons of life. Because of its constant presence in our lives, music is deeply woven into our memories, and can offer hope and helpful tools to those whose memories are fading.
Debra Lordan, Copy Editor, Generations Magazine | Oct 6, 2020 | Cover Story, October - November 2020
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease requires patience, compassion, understanding and endless, unconditional love. In the following pages, Kalani Pe‘a and his mother, Pua, share the story of Lu Kahunani; Pua’s mother, Kalani’s grandmother. “I saw her slipping away. I knew I was going to lose her one day…”
Cheryl Kakazu Park, MoveMeHawai‘i Chair | Oct 6, 2020 | Living Life, October - November 2020
This October, MoveMeHawai‘i is presenting a free, online community education program, Move US to Racial Justice, which will include an award-winning film and a lively panel discussion about racial discrimination during World War II and how we can move together to combat systemic racism that continues today.
Lori Stevens, Store Mgr., Simply Organized by City Mill | Oct 6, 2020 | Living Life, October - November 2020
As we age, staying organized and living in an uncluttered space can help reduce the stress of transitioning into different phases of life. Many seniors find themselves needing or wanting to downsize from a family home to a smaller space, such as an apartment, retirement community or multigenerational family space. Taking the time to sort through possessions accumulated over the years will make downsizing or aging in place less stressful and improve your overall health.
Fred Collins, Advanced Planning Advisor, Preplanning Webinar Speaker | Oct 6, 2020 | Living Life, October - November 2020
We will all face the inevitable some day. No one likes to think about their eventual passing, but loved ones can be spared anxiety and uncertainty about your final wishes if you take time now to preplan your cemetery and funeral arrangements.
Generations Magazine Staff | Oct 4, 2020 | Living Life, October - November 2020
If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, know that you are not alone. Know that you are not the only one who has experienced the wrath of these diseases or felt the roller coaster of emotions that accompanies watching a loved one disappear.
Generations Magazine Staff | Oct 4, 2020 | Living Life, October - November 2020
Pomai has become worried as she sees Papa, her grandfather, become more forgetful. She wants Papa to play with her, but he is losing his memory and is no longer able to make poi with her or take her to the beach. In Pomai and Her Papa: Growing Up with Memory Loss and Holding On to What Matters Most, a short, illustrated storybook, Pomai sets off on her journey to learn how to help Papa and her family.
Sherry Goya, Generations Magazine Staff | Oct 4, 2020 | October - November 2020, Senior News
The Hawaii Pacific Gerontological Society, organized in 1979, is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life of Hawai‘i’s kūpuna. One of the missions of HPGS is to raise funds and award scholarships to college students interested in careers involving aging and older people. The society just awarded three scholarships for the 2020 fall classes.
Generations Magazine Staff | Oct 4, 2020 | October - November 2020, Senior News
With the reopening of the state after shutdowns mandated by local government in recent months, kūpuna and other vulnerable people have become more fearful of venturing out into the community to shop and run errands as the coronavirus continues to spread with more people out in public. The demand for food, supplies and assistance has grown in response to unemployment. An increasing number of kūpuna say they do not have sufficient resources to feed themselves.
Sherry Goya, Generations Magazine Staff | Oct 4, 2020 | October - November 2020, Special Feature
Initially, I think the overall private transport business literally fell off a cliff in early March as tourism abruptly stopped and the State of Hawai‘i went into lockdown. The businesses in Hawai‘i quickly came together to provide solutions to safely transport our kūpuna.
Generations Magazine Staff | Aug 5, 2020 | August - September 2020, Date, Issue
The April-May 2020 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life, features an in-depth look at Leslie Wilcox, President and CEO of PBS Hawaii, we look at lifework and planning amid Covid-19, the expansion of telehealth services and a look at solutions for loneliness and housng.
Christopher Duque, Online Security Advisor | Aug 5, 2020 | August - September 2020, Wisdoms
It may be hard to believe, but even during the coronavirus pandemic, criminals are targeting and preying upon the public via phony websites, bogus emails and text messaging, and by phone.
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Aug 5, 2020 | August - September 2020, Wisdoms
As I indicated in the last issue, under Hawaii Revised Statute §514E-9, timeshare companies are required to give clients all information regarding the unit for purchase, including all the fees attributed to that unit that are due immediately and the “hidden” fees that require seemingly endless future payments — the monthly mortgage, property tax, maintenance fees and interest.
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Aug 5, 2020 | August - September 2020, Wisdoms
As a member of ACTEC, I am privileged to learn from and exchange ideas with some of the most skilled and dedicated trust and estate lawyers in Hawai‘i. I often wonder why most of our discussions focus on probate and litigation issues rather than on how we can help plan to mitigate family conflict and avoid probate.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Aug 5, 2020 | August - September 2020, Wisdoms
When I was in elementary school in the 1960s, my family’s set of encyclopedias claimed that I could expect to live to the ripe old age of 70. That seemed incredibly old to me. Fast-forward to 2020, and the current consensus is that I will live into my 80s, barring a catastrophic illness or an accident.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Aug 5, 2020 | August - September 2020, Wisdoms
In these challenging economic times, many worthwhile charitable organizations find themselves in a precarious financial position. Meanwhile, they are experiencing unprecedented demand, especially those charities that provide basic needs like food and shelter. Thankfully, new, unique provisions in the tax code have been implemented in response to the COVID-19 crisis, creating more incentives for giving.
Carole R. Richelieu, Senior Condo Specialist, Hawai‘i DCCA, Real Estate Branch | Aug 4, 2020 | August - September 2020, Wisdoms
By virtue of buying a condominium, each unit owner becomes a member of an association and agrees to share the costs of operating that association. For example, owners share the cost of community lighting, water and grounds-keeping, usually via a set monthly maintenance fee.
Jane Burigsay, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Hawai‘i | Aug 4, 2020 | August - September 2020, Programs & Services
Social Security and its Office of the Inspector General continue to receive reports about fraudulent phone calls from people claiming to be Social Security employees. These scammers try to trick people into providing personal information or money, and often threaten their victims with arrest. Don’t be fooled.
Margaret Wong, Sales & Marketing Director, Copeland Insurance Group | Aug 4, 2020 | August - September 2020, Programs & Services
Although new rules and social distancing regulations have been put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still resources available to you just a phone call away. Social Security services can be provided at no cost from the safety of your home.
Kalei Kaanoi, Owner, Plan Advisors | Aug 4, 2020 | August - September 2020, Programs & Services
There are many Medicare options available to seniors that will ensure that your medical costs and healthcare needs will be covered in your retirement. But Medicare is complex and difficult to navigate on your own, so it is important that you select a local advisor who knows the Hawai‘i market and will find the right insurance plan for you.
Pamela Cunningham, Kaiser Permanente | Aug 4, 2020 | August - September 2020, Programs & Services
Preparing yourself with the proper tools helps to make any job a bit easier. If you are baking, you need the proper ingredients. When building something, you need hammers, nails and other related items. It’s the same when you are preparing for your Health Plan Open Enrollment session; or if you are a caregiver, for your person’s Medicare Annual Enrollment.
Ku‘unani DeMonte, Caregiver’s Heart Hawaii | Aug 4, 2020 | August - September 2020, Giving Care
Deciding when is the right time to find senior care for your kupuna can be an intimidating task. You want to provide the best care possible for them, but how do you know if it’s the right time; where do you start? First, understand and identify the level of care your senior needs to conduct day-to-day activities and care for themselves.
Margaret A. Perkinson, PhD, University of Hawaii at Mānoa | Aug 4, 2020 | August - September 2020, Giving Care
Hiring a home care aide represents a major transition in family caregiving, especially when the care recipient is a person with dementia (PWD), less able to express his or her needs. Initial encounters may stress both sides.
David Troxel, MPH, Coauthor of The Best Friend’s Approach to Dementia Care | Aug 4, 2020 | August - September 2020, Giving Care
Memory care communities that first began appearing in the 1990s are an important care option today for the growing number of families caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. When considering memory care, look for a community with a rich and lively activity program, and staff who are well-trained in dementia care, and exemplify a caring and kind spirit.
Eileen Phillips, RN, Attention Plus Care | Aug 4, 2020 | August - September 2020, Giving Care
Time can stop when memories are lost for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. At certain stages, the brain loses its recent (short-term) memories. The brain — and therefore, the present — is in the past for those with memory loss. Current thoughts are drawn to distant memories.
Melissa Celebrado Bojorquez, Social Worker, Case Manager, Owner/President of CareOps Consult LLC | Aug 3, 2020 | August - September 2020, Giving Care
Having been exposed to what it takes to be a care manager at a very young age as I watched my mother tend to disabled clients in our home, I followed in my mother’s footsteps. I pursued a social work degree from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and eventually worked at HMSA as a care coordinator, supervisor and manager. After nearly 20 years at HMSA, I realized that my husband and I had become members of the “sandwich generation,” caring for three children and aging parents.
Amy Rhine, MD, Medical Director, MDX Hawai‘i | Aug 3, 2020 | August - September 2020, Health
Each year, one in four seniors suffers a fall, leading to injuries and emergency room visits. Although they are preventable, falls can lead to a loss of independence.
Generations Magazine Staff | Aug 3, 2020 | August - September 2020, Health
Forty years ago, medical exercise specialists Debbie and Norm Compton met in Hawai‘i and made fitness the key element in both their personal and professional lives. Personal training, stunt work, injuries and their continual quest for excellence compelled them to write Stacking: Your Skeletal Blueprint for Posture. In their book, the Comptons share techniques for regaining posture as you age.
Paul K. Tanaka, DDS | Aug 3, 2020 | August - September 2020, Health
I love sugar! Sugar makes desserts, candies and drinks taste wonderful! The bacteria in our mouth love sugar, too. Eating foods that contains sugar instantly activates bacteria for 20 minutes. As bacteria devour the sugar, their waste is acid. Acid is one of the few things that can destroy your enamel and may contribute to dementia.
Debbie Kim Morikawa, Owner, GYMGUYZ Urban Honolulu | Aug 3, 2020 | August - September 2020, Health
Seniors are less likely to attend community fitness classes and participate in face-to-face networking due to social distancing mandates put in place for our safety during the pandemic.
Enter virtual training!
Kahala Howser, Wellness and Events Manager, Hawai‘i Dental Service | Aug 3, 2020 | August - September 2020, Health
It’s no secret that poor oral health can lead to many overall health issues, such as heart disease, diabetes and other ailments. But studies show poor oral health may also lead to an increased risk of dementia. People who have gum disease for 10 years or more are 70 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those who have healthy gums.
Jen Angeli, Brain Education Instructor, Kaimuki | Aug 3, 2020 | August - September 2020, Health
According to the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, chronic heart disease factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity can quicken the pace of cognitive decline.
High blood pressure and diabetes can accelerate shrinkage of the brain, especially affecting the brain’s memory center, the hippocampus. When combined with other cardio risk factors, the rate at which cognitive decline advances, leading to dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Kathy K. Sato, Licensed Acupuncturist | Aug 3, 2020 | August - September 2020, Health
One would expect that an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) would be pharmacological. And yet, 99 percent of AD drug trials fail. The last time the FDA approved an AD drug was 2003. Acupuncturists might focus on neuroregeneration using neuroacupuncture. In a similar fashion, a new modality — photobiomodulation (PBM) — has been building its case as a credible treatment alternative for AD. Rather than targeting a single biological mechanism, it helps the brain repair itself.
Wainani Arnold, Pilates Instructor | Aug 3, 2020 | August - September 2020, Health
Joseph Pilates truly was ahead of his time with his holistic approach to exercise. “Contrology [now called ‘Pilates’] is designed to give you suppleness, natural grace and skill that will be unmistakably reflected in the way you walk, in the way you play and in the way you work,” Pilates said. “You will develop muscular power with corresponding endurance, ability to perform arduous duties, to play strenuous games,to walk, run or travel for long distances without undue body fatigue or mental strain.”
Dr. Poki‘i Balaz, Vice-Chair, Alzheimer’s Association – Hawaii Leadership Board | Aug 1, 2020 | August - September 2020, Special Feature
The Alzheimer’s Association, formed in 1980, is the country’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to continue to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by driving risk reduction and early detection, and by advancing vital, global research regarding treatment and prevention in it’s continuing efforts to find a cure.
Wendy Suite | Aug 1, 2020 | August - September 2020, Cover Story
Hawai‘i’s first lady, Dawn Amano-Ige, is a wife (married to Gov. David Ige), a mother of three, a sister and a daughter. Dawn’s mother, Mitsue Amano, provided childcare for the Ige kids when Dawn was a young, working mother and David was a new legislator. Today, at 94 years old, Mitsue is no longer the family’s caregiver. That’s now Dawn’s role.
Dr. Gina Fujikami, Geriatrician, The Queen’s Medical Center; Board Member, Alzheimer’s Association – Hawaii | Jul 29, 2020 | August - September 2020, Special Feature
During the coronavirus pandemic, most adult day centers and community senior centers have closed or cut their services, and families across the state have had to scramble to provide caregiver services at home. If you’re now caring for a loved one with memory or other health issues, follow these tips and find links to resources below.
Dr. Poki‘i Balaz, Vice-Chair, Alzheimer’s Association – Hawaii Leadership Board | Jul 29, 2020 | August - September 2020, Special Feature
The Alzheimer’s Association, formed in 1980, is the country’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to continue to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia by driving risk reduction and early detection, and by advancing vital, global research regarding treatment and prevention in it’s continuing efforts to find a cure.
Generations Magazine Staff | Jul 28, 2020 | August - September 2020, Living Life
Lawrence Fumio Miwa was born in Hawai‘i in 1931 and lived in Hiroshima, Japan, from age 2 to 15. Now 89, he was 14 years old when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, on Aug. 6, 1945. Although he was in school approximately 20 miles away from his Hiroshima home, he could see what happened.
Generations Magazine Staff | Jul 28, 2020 | August - September 2020, Column
Shoppers across the county and around the globe cleaned out shelves of toilet tissue, disinfectant sprays/wipes, rubbing alcohol and hand sanitizers during the beginning of the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. Stores were overwhelmed due to fears of supply chain disruptions, although none occurred.
Steven Kawamura, Advising Elder at Kalihi Union Church | Jul 28, 2020 | August - September 2020, Column
I’d like to introduce you to a friend of mine. His name is Depression. I didn’t like being around him, but he dropped in whenever he felt like it.
Ron Lockwood, Commander VFW Department of Hawaii | Jul 28, 2020 | August - September 2020, Column
As a veteran who is “getting up there,” how to live out my last years comfortably without being a burden is more than a passing thought. Fortunately, there are 100 Veterans Affairs Community Living Centers (CLCs) across the country. Their mission is to restore the veteran to his or her highest level of physical and/or psychological well-being before being discharged to their own home.”
Carleen MacKay, Emerging Workforce Expert | Jul 28, 2020 | August - September 2020, Column
There is plenty of evidence revealing that work boosts cognitive health. Delaying full-time retirement means mitigating the risk of several types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s.
