April – May 2019
Excerpt from April – May 2019 Issue
I Ke Aloha a Nā Mele Kahiko o Hawaiʻi (“Because for the love of the old songs of Hawai’i)
It’s Sunday afternoon! “Welcome to ‘Territorial Airwaves,’” echoes the AM940 Hawai‘i announcer, followed by a long steamy blast of a cruise ship’s horn. And then, like a playful ocean breeze, the cadence of Harry B. Soria’s happy voice bids us e komo mai and stay awhile. Gently, he calls us back to simpler days with the hapa-haole and not-so-haole music of old Hawai‘i — passed down in families and among Hawai‘i musicians for a hundred years.
Self-Care, Self-Healing the Natural Way
Last school year I fell down half a flight of stairs, bruising my left hip. It was an accident where I was just happy I didn’t break anything. At age 63, I should have been more careful! X-rays indicated the need for a hip replacement but, since I’d been practicing self-care for the past fifteen years by using wellness products, I thought I already had everything needed for my body to heal itself.
Living a Full Life of PIE
The profession of social work’s claim to fame is the theory “Person-in-Environment” or PIE. Not only does the social worker relate and deal with the person but also the environment and relationships he or she lives with; those intimate realities of life that affect the “personhood.”
Since When is work Fun? Since Now!
Let go of the past. You are both the author and central character of your Third Act. Let your imagination wander as you read about new ways people over 50, 60, 70 and beyond are having fun, making money and devoting their creativity and energy to all the areas of their jam-packed lives.
Do You Wonder if it’s Time to Move?
Is your home too large now that the kids are gone? Maybe you have a 3-, 4-, or 5-bedroom home and you’ve realized that your kids aren’t coming back home. Maybe it’s time to downsize to a condo, townhouse or retirement community.
Enriching Lives Through Work & Friendship
Many agree that those reaching the twilight years would be entitled to coast for the remainder, but the stark reality facing most seniors includes declining health, social and financial challenges, and a feeling of insecurity.
Books: Memoirs and Hiking Trails
Ever wondered if the first Filipino American Governor in the United States, Ben Cayetano, got up to mischief in his youth? Or what it was like to be sent to Kalaupapa, as Makia Malo was? Or maybe you fancy going for a hike and are wondering which ones you can do. If...Discovering Life Drawing
Drawing the human form has been done since early man lived in caves. Today, artists still use bits of charcoal to make marks on a page that transform into a likeness of a person.
Lāna‘i: The Little Island With a Big Heart
The opening lines of an ancient mele (chant) describes Lāna‘i with the following line — “Hanohano Lāna‘i i ke kauna‘oa, koku kapa ‘ahu‘ula kau po‘ohiwi…” Lāna‘i is distinguished by the lei of kauna‘oa (Cuscuta sandwichiana), which looks like a feather cloak set upon...Exercise – a Panacea. Part 1: Arthritis
A healthy joint is like two smooth pieces of paper sliding against each other. Arthritis, joint damage, is like adding crinkles to the papers, with the friction causing pain and problems. However, in severe cases, and even with bone-on-bone degeneration, having no pain with “activities of daily living” is easily obtainable with a lot of hard work and the right treatments.
Benefits of Diaphragmatic Breathing
Diaphragmatic breathing is beneficial for your physical and mental health as it reduces stress, lowers heart rate and blood pressure. For those with pulmonary disease, such as COPD, the diaphragm often becomes weakened causing it to work less efficiently. A physical therapist experienced in pulmonary rehab can teach proper breathing to reduce anxiety, slow breathing rate, increase full oxygen exchange, and improve physical activity.
Senior Day Care Offers Valuable Benefits
As our parents or loved one get older, they may need help or supervision during the day while caregivers are at work, school or other activities. Sending seniors for care during the day may be a difficult decision due to the cost and concern that they may not have “fun” or may be neglected.
Support and Resources for Family Caregivers
Because of the often debilitating nature of heart disease or stroke, the effects of those diseases often impact not just the patient, but family members who are placed in the role as caregivers.
Redirection Using Humor
Do you know a Person Living With Dementia (PLWD) who repeatedly asks the same question? Does your loved one obsess about leaving the house so that they can go home? Maybe you know of a grandmother who blames everyone in sight for stealing her items. Challenging behaviors are common among PLWD and care partners are burning out trying to address these problems.
Does Mom Need More Help?
How do family members prepare for the day their senior needs more help? The kind of help that requires loved ones to re-prioritize their lives. If only there were a date set aside for this change in everybody’s life. Planning on change at this level has never been easy because a plan may not be in place.
Military Service and Social Security
I’m planning to retire next year. I served in the Navy back in the 1960s and need to make sure I get credit for my military service. What do I need to do?
Heads up! It’s Upgrade Time!
Most people use new or upgraded versions of cars, phones, appliances and all sorts of gadgets to manage their daily lives. Yet, they seem surprised to learn of a loved one’s, a friend’s or their own need for a medical procedure to maintain or improve functional capabilities. The need for a knee or hip replacement or cataract surgery comes as a shock or a hardship.
Creating Secured Passwords
To create secure passwords, you generally want to set the minimum password length to at least eight characters, but a minimum length of 14 characters is better.
High Cost of Saving Money
It’s expensive living in paradise. It’s really expensive aging in paradise. Many seniors have had to resort to relying on the “cash economy” to help them out. “Cash economy” is the term used to refer to hiring or purchasing things“ under the table” or with cash so that there is no paper trail and therefore no taxes have to be paid.
Adequate, Equal, Equitable, or Fair?
We often struggle with the concepts of equal, equitable, fair, and adequate when it comes to the distribution of our assets among our children. Understanding the meaning of each term helps us make the decision that most closely reflects our intention.
Managing Risk at Retirement
We encounter risk in all facets of our life. Why do we take risk if we have a choice? Simply put: We take on risk in exchange for some kind of return. Generally, the potential for higher returns from investments comes with greater risks.
Blessing or Curse?
Receiving an inheritance is like winning the lottery. What could possibly be wrong with that? Callie Rogers, age 16, won $3.1 million in a British lottery. By the age of 22 she was broke, living with her mother, and working three cleaning jobs. William Post won $16.2 million in the Pennsylvania Lottery in 1988…
Making a Smart Move in Retirement
Searching for warmer weather, moving closer to adult children and grandkids or pursuing a change in scenery are just a few reasons why many Americans choose to move in retirement. These retirees often relocate for emotional reasons, but it’s important to consider the financial impacts, too.
The Plaza at Kaneohe Opens This Summer
The Plaza at Kaneohe, The Plaza Assisted Living’s sixth location, is undergoing construction with an anticipated opening in Summer 2019. In line with its other locations, The Plaza at Kaneohe embraces the concept of familiar faces in familiar neighborhoods, believing that people want to reside in a community that they grew up in, raised their kids, or where their adult children currently live.
Help us Sew a Lei for Memorial Day!
Each year the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation is honored to help organize the Mayor’s Memorial Day Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, commonly known as “Punchbowl” or Pūowaina. This year the ceremony marks the 70th year under the tutelage of the City and County of Honolulu, and will be held on Monday, May 27, 2019.
Events in May–June 2023
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SMP HAWAII 2023 Web Series on Fraud and Abuse
SMP HAWAII 2023 Web Series on Fraud and Abuse
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May 8, 2023Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Hawaii invites you to its 20/23 Web Series on Fraud Prevention: Scam Free in 2023. Learn from Hawaii residents, and local and national experts, including top security officers from American Savings Bank, Bank of Hawaii and First Hawaiian Bank, the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit - Hawaii Department of the Attorney General; Better Business Bureau and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Foundation.
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The Realities of Aging
The Realities of Aging
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May 17, 2023
You're invited to join host Percy Ihara today for our monthly workshop at the Ala Moana Hotel. Topics include finances, gerontology, legal mistakes, support services, long-term care options, reverse mortgages and many more. Call 808-600-4383 to RSVP. Seating is limited. 8:30am – 4:30pm
Ala Moana Hotel410 Atkinson DriveHonolulu, HI -
Valley of the Temples Sunday Seminar
Valley of the Temples Sunday Seminar
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May 21, 2023You're invited to enjoy a catered lunch and seminar at Valley of the Temples in Kaneohe at noon on Sundays, May 21, June 4, July 16 and July 23.
Valley of the Temples Memorial Park -
Makaha Sons & Friends benefit for Alzheimer's Association
Makaha Sons & Friends benefit for Alzheimer's Association
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May 24, 2023
Musical memories will come alive on Wednesday, May 24 at 7:00 p.m. as The Makaha Sons and Hawaii Theatre host Music & Memories, a concert to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association – Hawaii. Honoring and celebrating music’s role in our lives and the memories that come alive through music, the concert will feature a lineup of local, talented musicians including Nā 'Ukulele 'Ekolu, Kawika Kahiapo, Bobby Moderow, Jr., Robi Kahakalau, and The Makaha Sons.
Hawaii Theatre -
'Ilima at Leihano Toy & Towel Pet Supply Drive
'Ilima at Leihano Toy & Towel Pet Supply Drive
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May 25, 2023 – May 31, 2023‘Ilima at Leihano senior living community in Kapolei is hosting a Toy & Towel pet supply drive to help local shelter pets. The public is invited to take a "paws" for a good cause by simply driving up to drop off donations on a table located at the ‘Ilima front entrance, or donors can buzz the door and care associates will help to collect the items. Requested donations include unopened, unexpired pet food, supplies, towels, and toys
'Ilima at Leihano Senior Living Community -
'Ilima at Leihano Toy & Towel Pet Supply Drive
'Ilima at Leihano Toy & Towel Pet Supply Drive
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May 25, 2023 – May 31, 2023‘Ilima at Leihano senior living community in Kapolei is hosting a Toy & Towel pet supply drive to help local shelter pets. The public is invited to take a "paws" for a good cause by simply driving up to drop off donations on a table located at the ‘Ilima front entrance, or donors can buzz the door and care associates will help to collect the items. Requested donations include unopened, unexpired pet food, supplies, towels, and toys
'Ilima at Leihano Senior Living Community -
'Ilima at Leihano Toy & Towel Pet Supply Drive
'Ilima at Leihano Toy & Towel Pet Supply Drive
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May 25, 2023 – May 31, 2023‘Ilima at Leihano senior living community in Kapolei is hosting a Toy & Towel pet supply drive to help local shelter pets. The public is invited to take a "paws" for a good cause by simply driving up to drop off donations on a table located at the ‘Ilima front entrance, or donors can buzz the door and care associates will help to collect the items. Requested donations include unopened, unexpired pet food, supplies, towels, and toys
'Ilima at Leihano Senior Living CommunityContinuing Henrietta Lacks' LegacyContinuing Henrietta Lacks' Legacy
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May 27, 2023Henrietta Lacks was a Black woman who was diagnosed with cervical cancer which quickly consumed her body despite treatment. She died at only 31 years of age in 1951. While undergoing treatment, researchers took samples of her cancerous tumor and Henrietta’s HeLa cells changed the world. Henrietta's phenomenal HeLa cells continue to lead to the most significant advancements of our time, from polio to the Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines.
Hear from Alfred Lacks Carter, Jr., Henrietta’s grandson, about her story and how her descendants honor her legacy.University of Hawaii Cancer Center -
'Ilima at Leihano Toy & Towel Pet Supply Drive
'Ilima at Leihano Toy & Towel Pet Supply Drive
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May 25, 2023 – May 31, 2023‘Ilima at Leihano senior living community in Kapolei is hosting a Toy & Towel pet supply drive to help local shelter pets. The public is invited to take a "paws" for a good cause by simply driving up to drop off donations on a table located at the ‘Ilima front entrance, or donors can buzz the door and care associates will help to collect the items. Requested donations include unopened, unexpired pet food, supplies, towels, and toys
'Ilima at Leihano Senior Living Community -
'Ilima at Leihano Toy & Towel Pet Supply Drive
'Ilima at Leihano Toy & Towel Pet Supply Drive
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May 25, 2023 – May 31, 2023‘Ilima at Leihano senior living community in Kapolei is hosting a Toy & Towel pet supply drive to help local shelter pets. The public is invited to take a "paws" for a good cause by simply driving up to drop off donations on a table located at the ‘Ilima front entrance, or donors can buzz the door and care associates will help to collect the items. Requested donations include unopened, unexpired pet food, supplies, towels, and toys
'Ilima at Leihano Senior Living Community -
'Ilima at Leihano Toy & Towel Pet Supply Drive
'Ilima at Leihano Toy & Towel Pet Supply Drive
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May 25, 2023 – May 31, 2023‘Ilima at Leihano senior living community in Kapolei is hosting a Toy & Towel pet supply drive to help local shelter pets. The public is invited to take a "paws" for a good cause by simply driving up to drop off donations on a table located at the ‘Ilima front entrance, or donors can buzz the door and care associates will help to collect the items. Requested donations include unopened, unexpired pet food, supplies, towels, and toys
'Ilima at Leihano Senior Living Community -
'Ilima at Leihano Toy & Towel Pet Supply Drive
'Ilima at Leihano Toy & Towel Pet Supply Drive
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May 25, 2023 – May 31, 2023‘Ilima at Leihano senior living community in Kapolei is hosting a Toy & Towel pet supply drive to help local shelter pets. The public is invited to take a "paws" for a good cause by simply driving up to drop off donations on a table located at the ‘Ilima front entrance, or donors can buzz the door and care associates will help to collect the items. Requested donations include unopened, unexpired pet food, supplies, towels, and toys
'Ilima at Leihano Senior Living Community -
Valley of the Temples Sunday Seminar
Valley of the Temples Sunday Seminar
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June 4, 2023You're invited to enjoy a catered lunch and seminar at Valley of the Temples in Kaneohe at noon on Sundays, May 21, June 4, July 16 and July 23.
Valley of the Temples Memorial Park47-200 Kahekili HighwayKaneohe, HI 96744 -
Senior Health & Fitness Fair
Senior Health & Fitness Fair
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June 16, 2023
The Hawaii Okinawan Center presents a day of products and services for seniors, including valuable information for caregivers and their family; health, safety, financial, cultural booths. Win a 4-night stay at the California Hotel in Las Vegas courtesy of Vacations Hawaii. Free admission.