Start a New Tradition with Social Security
The holiday season has arrived — a time of year that is steeped in tradition. We’d like to suggest that you start a new tradition. It actually starts with breaking the old tradition of trudging to an office when you need to do business with Social Security. Sometimes...Lotteries & Sweepstakes: You’re Not That Lucky
When Betty Lau (victim’s name changed) of Kaimuki opened her mail, she could not believe how lucky she was to find out that she won the $3-million Australian Lottery. The official looking letter explained that an unnamed company bought her a ticket as a promotional...Home Equity Into Retirement Income
The long-struggling housing market is finally showing signs of recovery, giving many homeowners more equity in their properties. This is prompting more pre-retirees to consider if, and how, home equity can be turned into a source of cash to help fund their retirement....Cataracts: Serious But Treatable
Cataracts affect more than 24 million Americans, with nearly 115,000 of them right here in Hawai‘i. A cataract is when the normally clear lens of the eye starts to become cloudy, which blocks and distorts light necessary for the retina to process images. The disease...Is Physician-Assisted Suicide Legal in Hawaii?
A large, well-funded national organization has been taking out print ads and airing TV commercials that claim that doctors in Hawai‘i are providing lethal doses of medication to individuals who desire “aid in dying.” According to the ads and commercials, this is...All-in-One Services Help Seniors Stay Home
It is no secret that the number of individuals over the age of 60 is increasing exponentially. Without massive changes to operations, there will be no way to effectively meet the needs of seniors in the future. This we know. What may not be so evident are the strides...Are You ‘Good to Go?’
We all know death is a natural part of life and something we will all experience. But have you thought about how you want to be treated during your final days? How you would like to die? Though it’s not an easy topic, and most of us avoid thinking about it, consider...Preventing Falls with Aquatic Exercises
One-third of the population over the age of 65 falls each year, and the risk increases proportionately with age. At 80 years, over half of seniors fall annually. Those who take a spill often develop a fear of falling. Fear gone unchecked may lead to limiting...8 Things on My Medicare To-Do List
Planning ahead for 2014, made me stop and ponder for a moment … what are the things that are really important to me? First thing that came to my mind was my family. Second was the health of my family and myself. This article is dedicated to Medicare recipients and...Healthy Food Tips for Your Kidney
Are you aware of the caution about drinking cola drinks? According to a 2007 study, “carbonated beverage consumption has been linked with diabetes, hypertension and kidney stones, all risk factors for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Cola beverages, in particular,...Legal: Siblingship
siblingship [sib-ling-ship] noun (November 9, 2013): 1. The state of being related or interrelated 2. A state of affairs existing between one of two or more individuals having one common parent. You will not find this word in the dictionary — it is a new word as of...Frank, as Always: Big-Band Musical Baggage
When Generations invited me to write an article about my high school days, one of the first memories that came to mind was of riding in the backseat of my dad’s 1959 Chevy Impala every morning, heading to school and listening to his favorite radio program. In the 50s,...Important Notice: Your Medicare Plan Not Offered in 2014?
Every year, a few weeks before Halloween, I get dozens of calls from Medicare beneficiaries with questions about Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period, which begins October 15 and ends December 7. It is the time when Medicare beneficiaries can decide to keep their...Maui Mindset
The Valley Isle has some of the happiest seniors in Hawai‘i. Is it simply a Maui state of mind? Or is there more to it? The fact that each year people from all over the world move to Maui to retire must say something…or perhaps it says a lot. During a recent...Solar Savvy: Tips from the Industry Pros
Look around. Gleaming new solar panels are going up on roofs all over Hawai‘i. It’s no wonder — with our exorbitant electricity rates, year-round sun and substantial tax credits, installing a PV system in Hawai‘i makes so much sense, especially if you’re on a fixed...Welcome to the Generations808.com Homepage
Main navigation menu: Use these topics to navigate to the various pages in our site. As you run the cursor over the word, it’ll become bold. These topics will always exist on every page. Throughout the homepage, there are also various other buttons that’ll take you to...UH Press Presents: IF IT SWINGS, IT’S MUSIC: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF HAWAI’I’S GABE BALTAZAR, JR.
Hawai‘i’s legendary jazz musician Gabe Baltazar, Jr. has thrilled audiences since the late 1940s with his powerful and passionate playing. In his memoir, If It Swings, It’s Music, Gabe takes readers along the long road to becoming one of the very few Asian Americans...Hawaii Connector Must Be Consumer Friendly, Accountable and Sustainable
Beginning in January 2014, Hawai‘i residents who are without health insurance, small businesses, and those who are self-employed will be able to be covered by insurance purchased through an online marketplace known as the Hawaii Health Connector. The Connector was...Home Care for Stroke Survivors
Caring for stroke survivors at home can be overwhelming for anyone. Getting outside help from home care agencies can make a difference in your ability to balance your life with your loved one’s needs. Ask the following questions to find a trustworthy company with...Represent: Neighbor Island Seniors
I was attending a legislative hearing some years ago dealing with senior issues. The hearing went on for some time as the committee members talked about significant health care problems affecting seniors in Honolulu. At some point, a respected senior advocate from...Mind & Body: Sober Seniors
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health conducted in 2012, nearly 41 percent of adults 65 years of age or older drink alcohol. Most of them don’t have a drinking problem, but some of them drink too much. Men are more likely than women to have...Conversations About Wishes
Auntie K was having trouble breathing at home and her son called 911. She is now in the Intensive Care Unit. The doctor asks the family, “What would your mother want us to do if she could speak for herself right now? She’s having more trouble breathing. Do you want us...Downsize & Declutter the Easy Way
Most of us who have lived in the same home for decades have collected a good amount of personal treasures. And before you know it, you’re shocked by all the things you own. Some people may call these things clutter or trash, but to the owner these things could be a...Message from The Editor – December / January 2014
The end of this year was highlighted with an island hop to Maui, where Generations Magazine discovered why some of the happiest seniors in Hawai‘i call the Valley Isle home. The cover story, Maui Mindset, explores how Maui County is committed to its seniors and their...Adaptive Paddling on Maui
It is the third Monday of the month … early morning at Ka Lae Pohaku Beach, the home of the Kihei Canoe Club. The Maui Economic Opportunity busses, filled with happy faces of all ages, begin to arrive. These paddlers are ready for their monthly ‘adaptive paddling’...Creating Ageless Kitchens
As we grow older, the need to renovate our home to meet evolving needs grows … but so can the headache from all of the labor involved. Your home should represent who you are and your lifestyle. It should be a space that has great energy and is a source of pride. And,...
December – January 2014
Why the Valley Isle Has Some of the Happiest Seniors