Category: August – September 2016

Social Security Benefits Outside the U.S.

Over a half-million people who live outside the United States receive Social Security benefits, including retirees and people with disability, spouses, widows, widowers and children. “Outside the United States” means you’ve been outside one the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands or American Samoa for at least 30 days in a row.

If you plan to travel outside the U.S. for an extended amount of time, it’s important to notify Social Security about the dates you plan to leave and return, no matter how long you expect your travel to last. Then we can determine if your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will be affected.

Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/international/payments_outsideUS.html for an online tool to find out if you may continue to receive your Social Security benefits the entire time you are outside the U.S. Country-specific restrictions may apply. You may also find more information in our online publication, “Your Payments While You Are Outside the United States,” at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.

While you are outside the U.S., the Social Security Administration will periodically send you a questionnaire. Your answers will help us figure out if you still are eligible for benefits. Return the questionnaire promptly to keep payments flowing. In addition to responding, notify us about changes that could affect your payments. Social Security is with you through life’s journey, even when it takes you outside the country.

For questions, online applications or to make an appointment to visit a SSA office, call from 7am–7pm, Mon–Fri:
1-800-772-1213 (toll free) | 1-800-325-0778 (TTY)  | www.socialsecurity.gov

Social Security Benefits Outside the U.S. by Jane Yamamoto-Burigsay, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Hawai‘i from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Improve Memory & Reduce Pain

Two of the most common concerns of aging are dementia and chronic pain. Both problems increase with age and rob our energy, but otherwise seem unrelated. Advances in science suggest that there are new ways to improve both these problems without medication.

Preserving Nerve Function

Dementia and chronic pain are connected—memory and chronic pain both involve nerve cells. Your brain is a massive concentration of about 100 billion nerve cells. Pain sensors in your body connect to the brain through long nerve cells that course throughout the body. Nerve cells in the brain and body are some of the most energy-consuming cells in our bodies. Even an old brain and nerve cells need energy to work well.

Boosting Brain Energy Naturally

A natural way to help brain function and nerve pain is an approach that is broadly considered “energy medicine.” In the March issue of Scientific American, an article called “Electric Cures” suggests that energy medicine approaches could assist with many health conditions and even replace some medications. This is not a new concept; the ancient art of acupuncture is an “energy medicine” treatment.

Energy Field Effects

But there are promising new energy medicine approaches that are non-invasive and do not use drugs. One such approach is not a direct treatment at all. It is based on the concept of generally adding energy to the body with the use of a “scalar” energy field.

Adding energy to the whole body supposedly enhances the body’s ability to heal itself. In so doing, chronic pain may be reduced or eliminated. Adding energy may also help to awaken brain cells, giving them enough energy to function properly and improve memory.

Published Science

We have been using a scalar field generator to boost whole-body energy and we have seen some surprising results. In one case, seizures in an autistic child were reduced by 90 to 95 percent. This study appeared in the peer-reviewed Journal of Neurology Research (Vol 2, No. 4, August 2012, pg 172. Link: www.neurores.org/index.php/neurores/article/view/134/145).

Other studies suggest that scalar energy treatments may have antidepressive effects and anti-inflammatory effects.

For more information about our next free seminar on how to improve your health naturally, call 628-8784 or visit www.drshintani.com.

WELLNESS CENTER Complimentary & Alternative Medicine
600 Queen St., Ste. C2, Honolulu HI 96813
808-628-8784 | www.drshintani.com

Improve Memory & Reduce Pain by Terry Shintani, MD, JD, MPH from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Mediterranean Roasted Veggie & Garbanzo Salad

Ingredients

2 large carrots, sliced on the diagonal
2 red bell peppers, halved, sliced
4 small eggplants, sliced thin on the diagonal
2 red onions, sliced thin
2 tomatoes, diced
2 cans low-sodium garbanzos, drained, rinsed
1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing
1 bunch fresh sweet basil
2 Tbsp. Italian parsley, chopped
1/2 cup feta cheese
extra virgin olive oil
cooking spray

Directions

Preheat oven to 425°. In a large bowl, toss cut veggies with a drizzle of olive oil. Lay the veggies on two baking sheets prepared with cooking spray. Bake for 20 minutes until veggies are cooked but still crunchy. Put back into the large bowl and toss gently with the garbanzos and dressing, then place onto a large platter. Stack basil leaves. Roll them and slice them into thin strips with a sharp knife. Sprinkle basil and parsley over the veggies and top with feta cheese.

Serves: 6 | Time: 1 hour to prep

CHEF MICHI’S COOKING FRESH
cookingfreshforyou@gmail.com
Queens POB III – 550 S. Beretania St. Honolulu Community College – 874 Dillingham Blvd.
Cooking FRESH Food Truck: Corner of Pahoakalani & Cartwright

Mediterranean Roasted Veggie and Garbanzo Salad by Chef Michi from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon Oil

Wild fish is among the healthiest food in the world and wild Alaskan sockeye salmon is a nutrient-packed, very pure seafood alternative, according to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is free from pesticides and contaminates, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, D, B6, B, E and essential amino acids. Omega-3 fatty acids help to protect heart health, reduce the risk of strokes, promote healthy skin and hair, and improve the ability to burn stored fats. Omega-3 fatty acids are called essential fatty acids, yet our bodies are unable to produce them on our own, which makes it important to consume omega-3 rich foods or supplements. According to the American Heart Association, consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids is preferable, but those who may not get enough through diet alone should consult their doctors about taking a supplement. The most convenient way to harness the cariovascular benefits of wild salmon oil is to consume it as a supplement; Consumer Review suggests that a supplement should contain at least 1,500 mg of omega-3 as a daily dose. When shopping for a supplement, look for one that is made with wild Alaskan sockeye salmon oil.

KyÄni Independent Consultant #2164460
808-386-2466 | tmasudacpa@gmail.com | www. tamilynmasuda.kyani.net

The Kyäni Triangle of Health offers the power of antioxidant-rich Wild Alaskan Blueberries, tocotrienols (the most potent form of Vitamin E), Omega-3s from Wild Alaskan Salmon, and Nitric Oxide-producing  nitrates in one easy-to-use system.

Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon Oil by Tamilyn Masuda, Health Consultant from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Missions of Help and Hope

Some of the most helpful nonprofits for seniors are small operations that cannot afford to advertise. We will be helping them by getting their message to you. Read below to learn how the volunteers and coordinators in these noteworthy organizations may help you and your family.

SPECIAL EDUCATION CENTER OF HAWAI‘I

Special Education Center of Hawai‘i (SECOH) is a nonprofit organization in the State of Hawai‘i. SECOH’s mission is to provide personalized services to people with disabilities.

SECOH offers adult day care for seniors with disabilities due to aging, with a specialty in supporting those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. This service is available Monday through Friday and some weekends only at its Diamond Head location. Seniors can participate in a number of recreational and therapeutic activities, such as arts and crafts, swimming, cooking and off-site activities, as well. They also offer family counseling, referrals and resources.

Crystal Hoapili, the adult day care coordinator, said that this year marks the 50th-anniversary celebration for SECOH, which was founded in 1965 by Sister Agnes Jerome Murphy. The organization’s vision is to see that “people are valued and treated with dignity and respect.”

The Hawai‘i Community Foundation provided a Persons-in-Need Grant for Senior Day Care to SECOH from the May Templeton Hopper fund. This grant is for tuition assistance to attend its adult day care program. To qualify, individuals must be 65 or over, demonstrate financial need and show that they will benefit from SECOH’s care. Crystal urges people to call to see if funding is available to assist them.

If you would like a tour or to learn about services, please call ahead at the Diamond Head location and talk to Crystal.

DIAMOND HEAD FOUNDER’S CENTER 708 Palekaua St., Honolulu, HI 96816
Crystal Hoapili, Adult Day Care Coordinator  808-734-0234 | choapili@secoh.org
www.secoh.org

LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF HAWAI‘I: FREE LEGAL HELP FOR SENIORS

Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i (LASH) is a nonprofit law firm dedicated to providing justice and fairness to the people of Hawai‘i through representation, advocacy, community partnerships, education and outreach. Established in 1950, LASH has 10 offices statewide with over 100 staff members. They provide services to over 20,000 individuals each year.

Seniors who are 60 and older receive free legal services, regardless of their income and assets. LASH primarily focuses on family, consumer, housing and public benefits law. Clients may have consumer issues, such as bankruptcy or debt collections; housing issues, such as Section 8 or repairs; or public benefits issues with agencies like the Social Security Administration (SSA) or Aid to Aged, Blind, Disabled (AABD).

LASH offers counseling and advice, one-on-one consultations, assistance in understanding the legal process, and limited or full representation of clients in court and administrative hearings.

To find out if LASH can assist you, call its dedicated senior hotline or visit the LawHelp Hawai‘i website, a cooperative project of LASH and Legal Service Corp.

A special event will be held on Kaua‘i:

Elder Law Fair on Kaua‘i 
Friday, Sept. 30, 9:30 am – 3 pm

Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall 
4191 Hardy St., Lihue
RSVP by Sept. 27: call 808-245-4728, ext. 2210

LEGAL AID SOCIETY OF HAWAI‘I
Senior hotline:  808-536-0011 (Oahu) | 888-536-0011 (neighbor islands)
www.Lawhelp.org/hi

Missions of Help and Hope by Stephanie Kim, Generations Magazine Intern from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Put Your Voice Into Your Estate Plan

Singing has always been a passion of mine — with my brothers, in choirs or in the shower. In choir, when the director handed out new music, I remember looking at the black notes on the white sheets of paper and thinking that the music made no sense, and it’s going to be really boring to sing.

As our choral group rehearsed and blended in harmony, the melody would always come to life and become a beautiful story in song—even more so as I connected more with the composer of the music, and the meaning and emotion the author intended to convey.

Everyone’s voice is unique, textured and lovely in its own way. When everyone sings in harmony, it makes the song exponentially more beautiful.

An estate plan has been regarded “as the sole, authentic voice of a man who is dead.” However, much like that sheet of paper with notes on it during the first day of choir practice, if left as a template legal document, without the maker breathing life (voice) and personal meaning into it, the legal document will remain sterile, sometines rendering it almost meaningless.

What is at risk in this case is family harmony.

Family members will apply their own song and lyrics to the document in the absence of the ma-kers’s voice, rather than being able to hear and honor the loved one’s story.

When you work with your attorney to establish or update your plan, to ensure harmony, please remember to make sure to incorporate your unique, textured and dynamic solo voice.

Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law
2054 S. Beretania St., Honolulu HI 96826
808-524-0251 | www.stephenyimestateplanning.com

Put Your Voice Into Your Estate Plan by Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Men’s Sheds Movement Comes to Hawai‘i

Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunset steering committee organizing Hawai‘i’s first Men’s Sheds (L– R): Jerome Taniyama, Jonathan Okabe, Doug Kam-Young, Glenn Sears, Win Schoneman and David Talbert

Men’s Sheds began in Australia 10 years ago. The nonprofit is a communal version of the old-fashioned backyard shed where a man could tinker with his tools. Thousands of Men’s Sheds in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland and Finland belong to the international association, but every group is unique. Its members decide what they want to do: woodwork, metalwork, gardening, bicycle repair, cooking or bookbinding. The thing that all sheds provide is a safe, comfortable place for older men to congregate, talk and work shoulder-to-shoulder.

It might appear that a shed is just a place to work, but it is much more. Older men tend not to socialize, are reluctant to do anything new and often ignore their health. When hearing and memory start to go, it is easy to just tune out. Friends from work are not as available; old buddies move away or pass on. The Men’s Sheds is  a way to reverse the slide into isolation.

Mens Sheds Honolulu members (L– R): Jonathan Okabe, Jerry Tanyama, Doug Kam-Young, Glenn Sears, Jim Hoban and Leon Bower

We opened the first Men’s Sheds in Honolulu and are looking for a few good (old) men. We gather on Thursdays from 10am until 4pm. Hours and days will expand with membership. “If this sounds like something fun for you or for a friend, give Glenn a call for details. Come by, take a look, have a cup of coffee and talk story.

HAWAI‘I MEN’S SHEDS ASSOCIATION
Glenn Sears | 808-373-6140

Men’s Sheds Movement Comes to Hawai‘i by Glenn Sears from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Senior Travel Assistance

Recently, a longtime client of mine was looking more energetic and less arthritic than usual. I asked him what’s new and got the I-know-something grin. After checking his nasal cannula and portable oxygen concentrator, I smiled; his doctor had already given me the scoop on his Las Vegas plans. That was the reason why I was there to help him. He laughed, saying Vegas is his therapy.

As is often the case, seniors with special needs can benefit from travel assistance. Some need a little help, such as assistance with supplemental oxygen or mobility equipment. For others, it may be more involved, such as finding services for kidney dialysis, labs, or getting an MRI and other imaging done while traveling.

“Seniors want to stay active and travel longer,” said Client Service Supervisor Kari Wheeling, RN, at Attention Plus Care. More have chronic disease now and should see their doctors about risks and plans for safe travel.

The U.S. Travel Association recently held a campaign called “Travel Effect” to educate people on the positive impact traveling has on lives. “We encourage seniors to travel when they can, as there are many physical, cognitive and social benefits documented on travel,” added Wheeling. While travel may have its risks, most seniors can take precautions against health emergencies while out and about.

Consult Your Doctor

Seniors should consult their doctors before traveling. Getting advice regarding their conditions for safe travel within or outside of the country, and taking the proper steps before, during and after a trip, can help seniors stay active and healthy.

Bring Your Medication

Seniors on medication should bring enough for their entire trip and keep it safe. If they are traveling out of the country, their medications may be unavailable or not equivalent to what was prescribed. Seniors should also have all of their doctor’s contact information and a prescription copy.

Get Medication Certifications

Seniors using medications that are controlled substances should get a certification from their doctor before traveling. Find out before traveling if your medications are legal where you’re visiting. Your medications should be current, labeled and match your certifications.

Carry a Medical Alert

Seniors with medical problems or allergies should consider a medical alert bracelet or medical alert card, which will identify their particular condition. A medical alert can be a lifesaving reference for emergency responders.

Seniors needing travel assistance should call their airlines about special services for travelers. When buying your ticket, voice your special needs at least 48 hours in advance and get information about accommodations for your travel. Dr. Paul Nussbaum, a professor of neurological surgery at the University of Pittsburgh, said, “Travel is good medicine and promotes brain health and resilience across the life span.”

For our seniors, traveling to the “Ninth Island” is just what the doctor ordered.

Attention Plus Care Accredited by The Joint Commission
1580 Makaloa St., Ste. 1060, Honolulu HI 96814
808-739-2811 | www.attentionplus.com

Available monthly:
Aging in Hawaii Educational Outreach Program by Attention Plus Care — a program to provide resources for seniors and their families, instructed by a registered nurse, who covers a different aging topic each month. For more information on Travel Assistance and free community workshops on Aging in Hawai‘i hosted by Attention Plus Care, call 808-440-9356.

Senior Travel Assistance by Eileen Phillips, RN, Attention Plus Care from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Bus or Rail? How About the Rec Parks?

This column spotlights aging issues and asks random seniors their opinions. For this issue, we decided to ask about transportation and recreation: which would they use and if they’re still going to a recreational park. If you wish to comment on these questions, please visit this article on www.generations808.com and post a comment.

Alicia Nagasawa, 67

Bus or Rail?: “At this age, I’d choose the bus,” said Alicia. “I live on University Avenue. I would choose the bus; the bus stop is across from  my house. It’s convenient. I don’t think I’d use the rail — maybe just to sightsee, you know, the countryside.”

How about using the recreational parks: “No, we used to a long time ago, every weekend. Now, police chase you out at a certain time,” said  Alicia. “If I had grandchildren, I’d be at the parks more often. I wouldn’t go there at night though. It’s dangerous now.”

Melvin “Mel” Kellett, 71

Bus or Rail?: “With the rail, I would have to go down to the station. I’d have to use the bus anyway to get there.”

How about using the recreational parks: Mel shared that his family holds picnics at Ala Moana Beach Park often and that he “used to run around the park and used the exercise station… Now I hardly go because I’m 71 years old,” said Mel. “My wife and grandchildren still go.”

Bus or Rail? How About the Rec Parks? by Stephanie Kim, Generations Magazine Intern from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Avoid Luggage Injuries

Summer travel is at its peak. As a physical therapist, when I am at at the airport, I assess everyone’s posture and body mechanics. Ouch! Not good, people! Neck, shoulder or back injuries are often due to wrestling with heavy, overpacked luggage. Repetitive pulling, pushing, lifting and lugging bags in and out of cars and overhead compartments, and up and down stairs can stress your body and potentially ruin a trip.

Follow these healthy tips on your vacation

• Choose luggage that is light when empty
• Buy luggage with swivel wheels
• Use luggage with handles on two or three sides

Stand as close as possible to the luggage with your feet at least shoulder-width apart. A narrow stance causes instability. Pull your abdominal muscles in toward your belly button, and bend at the hips and knees with a straight back. Lift with your leg muscles, which are stronger than your back muscles. Once you lift the luggage, hold it close to your body.

Do not twist when lifting and carrying. Point your toes and entire body in the direction you are headed. Stop and switch sides often when carrying a duffel or shoulder bag.

Pack light, keep your core muscles activated, use good body mechanics and enjoy your trip!

Moon Physical Therapy, LLC
320 Ward Ave., Ste. 107, Honolulu HI 96814
Aquatic, Land-based and Manual Therapy and  Cardiopulmonary Rehab Programs
808-597-1005 | www.moonpt.com

Avoid Luggage Injuries by Julie Moon, Physical Therapist from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Drive-By Victims: Homeless Seniors

Charlie (not his real name) is a 68-year-old veteran who lives with several hundred people under the viaduct near Honolulu International Airport. This large group of homeless people (or as law enforcement calls them, “residentially challenged”) has formed a community. Unfortunately, as in most communities, there are persons who prey on seniors like Charlie.

One day, Charlie was sitting near his belongings when a camp member approached him, demanding his flashlight. When Charlie refused, the man hit him on the head with enough force to knock him down and create a three-inch gash.

Charlie was my introduction into the homeless senior victim arena. In 2008, when I was creating the elder abuse team at the Prosecutor’s Office, I imagined my victims to be found in care homes, relatives’ homes, or their own homes. Little did I realize that a large portion of my cases happen where the victims have no homes at all. Throughout the years, I was reminded of this fact over and over again.

My first murder case involved a homeless senior looking for shelter at a church in Mānoa. Unfortunately, he found another homeless man instead, David Orpin, who beat him to death for “invading” his territory. Another particularly violent case happened (again, near the airport viaduct) when a homeless man rode his bicycle up to a pair of senior women who were using the overpass for shelter. The bicyclist made obscene comments and exposed himself. When the younger woman ran for help, the bicyclist brutally assaulted and raped the 75-year-old.

Some of my more violent cases occur in places open to the public that most of us just drive by without notice. Our attention is only drawn when homeless encampments mar the scenery, causing many to complain about how the government needs to do something about “them” to remove the homeless from our sight. Unfortunately, removing the homeless from sight will only create an environment that will breed more crimes against our elderly homeless. Now, however, when you see the tents and cardboard box shelters lining the beaches and walkways of Hawai‘i, you will know that they house not only homeless seniors, but the criminals who prey on them.

Volunteering or donating to nonprofits that assist the homeless are good ways to help people down on their luck and to protect them.

To report suspected elder abuse, contact the Elder Abuse Unit at
808-768-7536 | ElderAbuse@honolulu.gov
www.ElderJusticeHonolulu.com

Drive-By Victims: Homeless Seniors by Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life
Aloha Festivals’ 70th Year — “Hāli‘a Aloha!”

Aloha Festivals enters its 70th year as a premier cultural celebration of Hawaiian music, dance, cuisine and art. “Hāli‘a” means cherished memory that suddenly floods mind and heart. So it was in 1946, when the Jaycees Oldtimers began “Aloha Week” to renew rich cultural traditions preserved for a century by Hawaiian musicians, kumu hula and old families.

“We’ve come a long way,” said Debbie Nakānelua-Richards, Aloha Festivals board of directors co-chair. “Hāli‘a Aloha is truly one year not to be missed.” The event is for everyone, keiki to kūpuna, and takes place at various O‘ahu locations from Sept. 3 to 24. All public events are free. Support for Aloha Festivals comes from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, private and corporate sponsors, and sales of Aloha Festivals ribbons and merchandise at all events.

Royal Court Investiture & Opening Ceremony

Sept. 3, Saturday, 3:30 pm –5:30 pm
Royal Hawaiian Hotel & Royal Hawaiian Center, Royal Grove

Imua! The Aloha Festivals Royal Court will be introduced on the grounds of Helumoa, which was originally the home of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. At the ceremony, the king, queen, prince and princess take their place on the royal court. The ali‘i court members receive their royal cloaks, helmets, feather head lei and other symbols of their reign. Traditional hula and chants make this a special event in the heart of Waikīkī.

Pearlridge Keiki Ho‘olaule‘a

Sept. 10, Saturday, 10 am – 3 pm, Pearlridge Center

Pearlridge Center will celebrate Aloha Festivals with a full day of free activities, demonstrations, arts, crafts and stage performances.

64Th Annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a

Sept. 17, Saturday, 7 pm –10 pm, Kalākaua Avenue

The Annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a is Hawai‘i’s largest block party. Thousands of people will take to the streets along Kalākaua Avenue for food, fun and entertainment. There’ll be performances of various genres of Hawaiian music and hula hālau. Hawaiian crafts, flower lei and many varieties of island cuisine will be featured throughout the event.

70th ANNUAL FLORAL PARADE

Sept. 24, Saturday, 9 am – Noon
From Ala Moana Park through Kalākaua  Avenue to Kapiolani Park

Kalākaua Avenue comes alive with a colorful procession of female and male pa‘u horseback riders, and floats covered with Hawaiian flowers, Hawaiian music, hula hālau and local marching bands add to the fun.

Watch the parade live on www.Channel808.com and www.olelo.org

ALOHA FESTIVALS

808-923-2030 | Facebook.com/AlohaFestivals
Twitter: @AlohaFstvls | Instagram: @alohafestivals
www.alohafestivals.com

Aloha Festivals’ 70th Year — “Hāli‘a Aloha!” by Generations Magazine Staff from the August-September 2016 issue of Generations Magazine, Hawai‘i’s Resource for Life