May is Older Americans Month and the theme for 2016 is “Blaze a Trail.” In so many ways, seniors in Hawai‘i are already doing just that — leading our nation in health, longevity and productivity. Four decades ago, Lanakila Multi Purpose Senior Center was an “experimental” club for seniors. Today, it’s one of the hundreds of senior clubs throughout our state where seniors may socialize, undertake meaningful activities and serve the community. In addition to clubs, seniors volunteer in nonprofits, contribute to the care of their grandchildren and support community projects and charities. Be sure to reflect on your personal achievements this year. Sustaining a healthy, active and meaningful life — regardless of age — requires focus and discipline. Supporting what is important to you and your family, and making your community just a little better takes a commitment of time and energy. We celebrate all you do to live well.
May is also Memorial Day, and the Boy Scouts of America Aloha Council prepares and will be collecting lei to decorate the graves of veterans, as a part of the Good Turn For America Service Program. Watch for publicity on your island to donate or get involved making ti leaf lei. This is a wonderful way to help youth honor our veterans.
This issue’s Giving Care section authors come at this topic from several perspectives. It drives home the idea that we are all different, with many ways of looking ahead (or avoiding) end-of-life. One common thread is that if you have expectations about your care, where you want to pass your last days, or who will receive your treasures, it’s best to make your intentions clear — while you are of sound mind and body. Our contributors share a lot of wisdom on planning, too.
As always, we thank you for supporting Generations Magazine® and our partners, who are committed to bringing excellent resource information to seniors and their families.
Every Day is Brand New!
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith, Associate Editor
A Special Note: In January, Hawai‘i lost Sam Cooke, a captain of business who de-scended from missionaries and worked tirelessly to support conservation, Hawaiian history and fine arts. Manoa Heritage Center is a living legacy of his deep love for Hawai‘i. Sam and Mary Cooke told us their story and graced our cover in Dec/Jan 2015. To their family and friends we extend our deepest condolences.
According to the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, people 60 – 69 years old take nearly 14 prescriptions per year, and those 80 – 84 take an average of 18. While medications do help improve the quality of life for seniors, so do pharmacists. A pharmacist can help you understand when and how to take your medicines, what side effects you might expect and what interactions may occur between drugs. A pharmacist can answer your questions privately in the pharmacy or over the telephone:
Many confuse rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with osteoarthritis (OA), which stems from different causes and demands a separate therapeutic program. Unlike OA, RA is an autoimmune disorder that affects any age. Onset and loss of mobility may appear almost overnight.
Hearing loss is so gradual that many are not aware their hearing has deteriorated, due to medical conditions, ear infections, ear infections, illness, traumatic injury or prolonged exposure to noise. Hearing loss is not like listening with the volume turned down. Instead, you may notice that certain spoken sounds, like “sh,” “th,” and “f” are more difficult to hear. That’s why people often say they can hear, but can’t understand what is being said.