Category: April – May 2013

  • Playing for the Fun of It!

    Twenty-four years ago, Herbert Yasuhara, then Halawa Park Director, wanted to find an activity that his senior club members could participate in to keep active and exercise. He said, “You see, most of the seniors back then would come to the park and sit down and play games like Mah Jong and Hanafuda.” It’s all…

  • 101 Years . . . And Still Cookin’!

    Turning 101 is no small feat. Yet, Aunty Ida still rises before dawn to pray the rosary, attend daily mass at Carmelite Convent Chapel and decorate with flowers. For more than a century, the warm-hearted Ida has touched people’s daily lives in countless ways — including President Obama. On one of Obama’s vacation trips back to Hawai‘i,…

  • Your Favorite Charity in Your Estate Plan

    Charitable giving can be complicated, especially when it moves beyond cash or writing a check. A recent Forbes article provides some advice you may not have considered. The article is titled “Five Ways To Be Charitable Even If You Aren’t Bill Gates.” Take heart in knowing that even if you’re not Bill Gates, the “five…

  • BBB: Volunteering: Keep Yourself Active

    For the past 50 years, May has been a month to appreciate and celebrate the vitality and aspirations of older Americans and their contributions to our communities. Many seniors are productive, active, and influential members of society, sharing essential talents, as well as passing on wisdom, and life experience with their families, friends, and neighbors.…

  • Stretching to Better Health: Part II

    Last issue, Feb/Mar, I talked about the importance of stretching and staying flexible to maintain function. I focused on stretches for the lower body. In this issue, we’re going to look at some upper body stretches. First, remember to warm your muscles up. You can do arm circles to warm the shoulder joint. Shoulder rolls…

  • Sports Enthusiasts Club for All Ages

    The Honolulu Quarterback Club, one of the nation’s oldest sports clubs, began in 1947 and is still going strong. At lunch time every Monday, you can hear little known and personal stories from past and present sports greats. “You won’t find these sports stories on the front page of the newspapers,” says one long-time regular…

  • Time for a Meeting

    Many people think that when they retire they would be able to travel, or sit and read a book worry-free. Sadly, many also express that their experience during retirement is not at all that way. Some are caring for spouse’s who have dementia or other mental or physical challenges. Some are fearful that they do…

  • Adult Foster Care: A Caring Alternative

    Yes. Adult Foster Care, also known as the Community Care Foster Family Home (CCFFH), is a program that offers an alternative long-term care option to individuals who are unable to live independently and in need of medical care. This program was created to prevent the institutionalization of older adults and promote quality of life. It’s…

  • Change is Inevitable

    Change is inevitable. We all experience it on almost a daily basis. How we adapt to that change can make the difference between moving forward — or not. It may be an easier task for seniors to adapt to change that you might think. For one thing, and I know you have heard a senior friend say…

  • Fun for Life at the Y

    Fun for Life at the Y

    For generations, the Y has provided a place of wellness and community bonding for Oahu residents from across the island’s economic, social and age groups. In keeping with this tradition, the Y is now making a name for itself among local seniors. With similar activities specifically design for them, the overall experience remains, well … fun!