Category: February – March 2015

Protect Your Property and Loved Ones
The older we get, the more closely we look at our finances, real estate and family. Thinking about our home, who will inherit it and how will we want to be remembered. Estate planning, the next step in this thought process, can be very confusing and overwhelming. Senior real estate specialists are trained to work with you every step of the way, coordinating all the professional consultants you will need along the way. Educating yourself is the key to being prepared. Can you answer these questions?

Do I need a trust? Do I have a trust?

Is my trust up to date?

Should I have a revocable or irrevocable trust?

Who should administer my estate?

What taxes affect the value of my estate?

If you do not know the answers to all these questions, LIST Sotheby’s Senior Concierge hosts free seminars year round, where experts in trusts, taxes, wills and estate planning will give you the information you need. Here are two upcoming events:

March 14, 2015 — Legal Considerations

Presenter: Scott C. Suzuki, AAL

He will cover trusts, estates and taxes.

May 2, 2015 — Decluttering, Downsizing and Selling Your Current Home

Presenter: Christina & Yumi Laney

They will cover downsizing your home.

For more information, registration (seating is limited) and a 2015 schedule of free seminars, please call 808-282-1399.

List Sotheby’s International Realty
808-282-1399 | Seniors@LaneyRE.com
www.laneyre.com.
The older we get, the more closely we look at our finances, real estate and family. Thinking about our home, who will inherit it and how will we want to be remembered. Estate planning, the next step in this thought process, can be very confusing and overwhelming. Senior real estate specialists are trained to work…
Know Your Numbers

You may have seen a report late last year explaining that Hawai‘i was the healthiest state in the nation. While good health is certainly good news, the story involved a summary of limited information, and did not reflect the current state of kidney disease in America.

Unfortunately, incidence of the disease has more than doubled in the past decade and is projected to double again in the next 10 years. Here in Hawai‘i, the incidence of kidney disease is approximately 30 percent higher than the national average: 1 in 7 people have the disease — often without realizing it during the early stages.

Chances are, unless you are already diagnosed with kidney disease, you do not “know your numbers” for healthy kidneys. Results from a simple blood test and urine analysis requested by your doctor will help you know if your numbers are good. One way to know your kidneys are healthy is to “know your numbers”— so ask your doctor. If you haven’t seen your doctor for a while, now is a good time to get a checkup. Ask your doctor about your glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Your GFR number tells you how much kidney function you have. As kidney disease worsens, kidney function declines and the GFR number decreases. Early detection can allow you to slow down or even stop the disease from worsening, by changing your lifestyle and following your doctor’s advice.

Help us reverse the trends associated with kidney disease by helping yourself. “Know your numbers.”

National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii
808-589-5976 | jeff@kidneyhi.org
For Planned Giving: www.kidneyhawaii.org
Main: www.kidneyhi.org | www.kidney.org

You may have seen a report late last year explaining that Hawai‘i was the healthiest state in the nation. While good health is certainly good news, the story involved a summary of limited information, and did not reflect the current state of kidney disease in America. Unfortunately, incidence of the disease has more than doubled…
Retiring Early? Answer 5 Questions First

While many people are forced to stop working earlier than they’d planned due to health or employer issues, others dream of early retirement. The upside of early retirement is easy to understand – more time to pursue your interests, while you are still healthy. The downside risks center on cost of retirement, and the emotional impact of changing your routine. Keep in mind that given today’s life expectancies, anybody who retires before age 65 or 66 could easily spend two or three decades in retirement. Given this reality, here are five key questions you should answer before you decide to retire early:

Q1: Do you have a realistic plan to generate income for decades?

Making realistic projections about all sources of future revenue and how much income you can draw over a lifetime really matters. Remember, cost of living will likely increase over time, requiring you to withdraw more from your nest egg in the future. To meet this financial challenge, you need a large, widely invested portfolio. Be sure to add in other sources of retirement income: Social Security, pension income and inheritance you have received or can count on receiving.

Q2: Do you have outstanding debts to pay?

If you continue to carry a home mortgage, automobile loan, credit card debt or home equity loan into retirement, ongoing payments subtract from your disposable income. The ideal situation is to have little or no debt when you head into retirement so you can be more efficient in the use of your available financial resources.

Q3: Are you going to claim Social Security benefits early?

Most people are first eligible to claim Social Security benefits at a reduced rate, when they reach age 62. Full retirement benefits are paid to persons who retire between ages 65 and 67, depending on the year of birth. Early retirees must prepare to either substitute for Social Security benefits in earlier years or accept smaller Social Security payments throughout their lives.

Q4: What is your plan for health care?

One of the costliest aspects of early retirement is paying for private health insurance after you leave work and before you are eligible for Medicare. Explore your options for health care exchanges and private insurers. Perhaps you are covered under a former employer’s plan for retirees. Remember, persons in their 50s and 60s often pay the highest premiums for health insurance, so this will represent a significant expense.

Q5: Are you emotionally prepared for a dramatic change in your life?

Leaving the routine you’ve been living for decades is a significant adjustment. Before leaving the workforce, envision your new life after retirement. Plan to stay active and connected to people; provide yourself the the kind of stimulation you were accustomed to while you worked.

Early retirement is likely to work out best for those who plan ahead. Answering these five questions in an honest and comprehensive way is a good starting point.

Michael W. K. Yee, CFP
1585 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 1100, Honolulu
808-952-1222 ext. 1240 | michael.w.yee@ampf.com
Michael W K Yee, CFP®, CFS®, CRPC®, is a Financial Advisor and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER practitioner™ with Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. in Honolulu, HI. He specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 30 years. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment advisor. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2014 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. File # 1065887

While many people are forced to stop working earlier than they’d planned due to health or employer issues, others dream of early retirement. The upside of early retirement is easy to understand – more time to pursue your interests, while you are still healthy. The downside risks center on cost of retirement, and the emotional…
Gong Hey Fat Choy!

The Year of the Sheep Chinese New Year celebrations in Honolulu include the oldest ethnic pageant in the U.S., The Narcissus Queen Pageant, and a host of free public events. The month-long celebration peaks on Feb. 14 with the Night in Chinatown Festival and Parade. New Year decorations, fireworks, lion and dragon dances, and delicious treats will bring over 3,500 visitors to Chinatown’s 12-block section of Honolulu’s business district. Traditions centered around warding off evil and wishing everyone health, happiness and prosperity for the coming year are a great way for seniors and their families to bring in the New Year.

February 13, 5pm Chinatown Open House Lion dance performances by more than 12 lions throughout Chinatown — Bethel Street to River Street, King Street to Beretania Street — kick-off at Chinatown Cultural Plaza at 5 pm. Blessing begins at the Chinese Chamber of Commerce at 8 N. King St., starting at 6 pm. Presented by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and City and County of Honolulu.

February 14 – 15, 11am – 9:30 pm Chinatown Cultural Plaza

There will be food and stage performances in the Center Stage area. This event is presented by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the City and County of Honolulu.

February 14, 8 am – 9:30 pm Night In Chinatown Festival & Parade

The largest event of the Chinese New Year celebration is a festive
block party throughout the day in the heart of Chinatown in Honolulu with more than 100 food, craft and cultural booths. Five stage performances, lion and dragon dancing and other activities from various cultural ethnic groups start at 8 am and end at 9:30 pm, on Smith, Pauahi and Maunakea Streets.
The Night in Chinatown parade starts at 3:30 pm on Hotel Street, then proceeds from the State Capital to River Street. With over 90 marching units, over 3,500 participants and cultural groups, including

2014 Chinese New Year in Chinatown.
Photos courtesy of Paul D.Y. Chun and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii

colorful lions and the dragons, the parade ends with the longest dragon in Honolulu, (approximately 150 feet). This event is presented by the Chinatown Merchants Association, Honolulu Chinese Jaycees and City and County of Honolulu.

February 19

Celebrations at other various restaurants and venues.

February 21, 11am – 2pm Ala Moana Shopping Center

Center Stage events at 11am, followed with more than 14 lion dances throughout the shopping center and ending with a meet-&-greet event at 2 pm. Presented by Ala Moana Shopping Center.

Chinatown Merchants Association
808-306-4584 | hawaiichinatown@yahoo.com

The Year of the Sheep Chinese New Year celebrations in Honolulu include the oldest ethnic pageant in the U.S., The Narcissus Queen Pageant, and a host of free public events. The month-long celebration peaks on Feb. 14 with the Night in Chinatown Festival and Parade. New Year decorations, fireworks, lion and dragon dances, and delicious…

2015 Generations Magazine Workshops

Generations Magazine workshops are specially designed to offer Hawai‘i’s seniors and their families expert knowledge and choices to improve their quality of life.

When: 3rd Thursday of every month, beginning in February

Time: 9 am – 2:30 pm

Where: Ala Moana Pacific Center, 1585 Kapiolani Blvd.

LIMITED seating, RSVP recommended*
Contact: Scott Sakata, Realtor, Seniors

Real Estate Specialist (SRES)

808-228-4916

ScottSakata@hawaii.rr.com

Certain restrictions apply. Call for details. Call for directions and parking information.

	February 19	March 19	April 16
9:00-9:50am	Fall Prevention Tips	Living With Alzheimer’s	Elder Abuse and Scams
10:00-10:50am	Interior Home Renovations	Hospice Care	10 Things to Know About PT
11:00-11:50am	In-Home Care Options	Medication Management	Aging in Place
12:30pm-1:20pm	Senior Living Projects	Staying Healthy Thru Excercise	Long Term Care Insurance
1:30-2:20pm	De-cluttering & Downsizing	Nutrition and Health Tips	Estate Planning

Generations Magazine workshops are specially designed to offer Hawai‘i’s seniors and their families expert knowledge and choices to improve their quality of life. When: 3rd Thursday of every month, beginning in February Time: 9 am – 2:30 pm Where: Ala Moana Pacific Center, 1585 Kapiolani Blvd. LIMITED seating, RSVP recommended* Contact: Scott Sakata, Realtor, Seniors…

What Level of Care and Where?

Cara had to face it — after 7 years, she couldn’t care for Dad at home any more. He needed 24/7 supervision and care and she was worn out. After calls to five facility managers, and getting no answers she collapsed in tears. Cora needed help right now…

Cara’s story replays every day. Caregivers get beyond the limit of their own strength without even realizing it. Their loved one may not qualify for skilled nursing, but is already well beyond the care limit of assisted living.

Some seniors are much happier in a small care facility that can provide increased care options when needed.

Hawai‘i has two more levels of care between Assisted and Skilled nursing: Adult Residential Care Homes (ARCH) which offers 24/7 supervision for safety and care for clients under the direction of a facility RN. An additional level of care is provided by Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF), with 24/7 care below the level of skilled nursing, but each client’s care is managed by an independent RN case manager, required by Hawaii State Department of Health. Case managers may cost an extra $500–$800 per month. Long-term care costs top out at skilled nursing facilities (SNF), which cost about $10,000/month in Hawai‘i.

Some large care facilities offer independent living and all levels of care in different branches of their complex. A change in a person’s care level would mean moving to another section of the property, away from familiar clients, personnel and surroundings. Clients who choose smaller, friendly care homes without options for increased care services may have to move to a different facility when they require more care. When looking for placement in a small care home, one should try to find one that is licensed to provide intermediate care and has an Expanded Care License for skilled nursing care. Avoid the hassle and distress of moving when the inevitable happens.

Most of all, be looking ahead, and don’t put off transition to a care facility until you are too exhausted to make a good decision. Your loved one and you will be much better off.

_________________________________

Kina ‘Ole Estates: Enriched. Dependable. Senior Living
45-225 William Henry Road, Kaneohe
808-233-4455 | bslaven@kina-ole.com
www.kinaolehomes.com

Cara had to face it — after 7 years, she couldn’t care for Dad at home any more. He needed 24/7 supervision and care and she was worn out. After calls to five facility managers, and getting no answers she collapsed in tears. Cora needed help right now… Cara’s story replays every day. Caregivers get…
A Fulfilling Life

Kameko Miyahira doesn’t look or act like a 100-year-old. She rises every day at 5 am, makes her own breakfast and lunch, exercises, does a little housekeeping, works in the yard and takes a nap. I was so impressed at how Kameko could manage all the steps in her daughter’s Aiea house, where she has lived since 2003, when her husband died at 101 years of age.

Kameko dancing Kachashi at her 100th birthday party.

Kameko was born on Maui on Nov. 3, 1914. Her parents moved the family back to Okinawa when she was in fourth grade. She was enrolled in the Japanese school system, where it was a difficult cultural adjustment. At age 17, Kameko returned to Maui, then the next year moved to Honolulu. She met the love of her life, Tokutaro, and raised two children. Kameko is also very proud of her five grandchildren and three greatgranddaughters. What a fulfilling life!

In her younger years, Kameko worked as a waitress at various restaurants before acquiring a job at the Walker Estate as a personal companion to Mrs. Puna Walker. She worked until 1996, when she retired at the age of 86. The advice Kameko gave me to live as long as her is to “take care of yourself, plus walk slowly and safely.”

If you know a centenarian, send us a photo and something about him/her. We’ll help you write their story! Contact Sherry Goya: 808-722-8487 | SGoyaLLC@aol.com

Kameko Miyahira doesn’t look or act like a 100-year-old. She rises every day at 5 am, makes her own breakfast and lunch, exercises, does a little housekeeping, works in the yard and takes a nap. I was so impressed at how Kameko could manage all the steps in her daughter’s Aiea house, where she has…
Five Reasons to Love Your Library Card!

Loving the library card, Ann and George Fujioka use it to access online and physical resources in the library.

You may not realize the endless possibilities your library card provides for exploring, enjoyment and lifelong learning at your Hawai‘i State Public Library System (HSPLS). Get a free card, at any one of your 50 public libraries.

1. Access and Assistance for “Techie” Gadgets. Enter the online world using one of our 800 public computers with Internet access, available by reservation in libraries statewide. You may also borrow a fully functional netbook for a threeweek loan period from 37 of our libraries. Use free Wi-Fi (wireless data access) on your own device at any library during public service hours. Our library staff is available to assist, and can help you set up your device to download e-books, e-audiobooks, and e-magazines from our Over- Drive and OneClickdigital online collections, or create an email or Facebook account to keep in touch with family and friends.

2. Enhance Your Travels Abroad. Explore places, people and cultures by borrowing travel books and e-books. Take Mango Languages or Powerspeak e-earning website courses to learn handy in-language catch phrases to communicate with the locals. Download reading for the “road” to your hand-held device. You may even apply for your passport at the Hawai‘i State Library’s Federal Document Section on O‘ahu and the Kea‘au Public & School Library on Hawai‘i island.

3. Get Trusted Info for Health and More. Our librarians can offer confidential, reputable reference information from databases and websites to suit your individual needs. You may also access hundreds of free instructor-led, online courses provided by Gale Courses, ranging from personal finance to digital photography, and health and wellness. We also offer free access to Microsoft IT Academy’s 250 e-Learning courses, including basic WORD, Excel spreadsheets and more.

4. Find Tax and Legal Forms. Hawai‘i State tax forms are available at your library. Some branches also provide federal tax forms. In partnership with the State Judiciary and Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i, libraries now offer self-represented litigants frequently used civil (family, consumer and housing law) legal forms on www.lawhelp.org/hi. The website guides users in filling out the forms easily and correctly. Please consult your tax and legal experts for specific questions.

5. Enjoy Leisure and Family Time. Explore your interests by borrowing popular e-magazines from Zinio. Topics include food, hobbies, sports, business, fashion and entertainment. Rent Korean TV dramas or family friendly DVDs for just $1. Most branches offer weekly preschool storytimes and year-round programs and activities. Celebrate “Heroes” during our seven-week 2015 HSPLS Summer Reading Program, which kicks off May 31. Call or visit us online for information.

Office of the State Librarian
Hawai‘i State Public Library System
808-831-6878 | lds@librarieshawaii.org
www.librarieshawaii.org

You may not realize the endless possibilities your library card provides for exploring, enjoyment and lifelong learning at your Hawai‘i State Public Library System (HSPLS). Get a free card, at any one of your 50 public libraries. 1. Access and Assistance for “Techie” Gadgets. Enter the online world using one of our 800 public computers…
Medicare Enrollment Periods and COBRA

It is February and if you have not signed up for Medicare Part B during your initial enrollment period and you are not covered by an active employer group health plan, you still may enroll until Mar. 31. Your coverage for Medicare Part B will begin July 1st and you may face a penalty.

We have individuals that call us each year with a common question: “But I had employer group coverage — COBRA. Don’t I have 8 months to sign up for Part B?” We explain that Medicare enrollment periods apply to COBRA beneficiaries too.

COBRA beneficiaries who are not currently employed and who delayed enrollment in Medicare Part B, may not qualify for a special enrollment period (SEP) to enroll in Medicare Part B after their COBRA coverage ends. They may, however, qualify for a SEP to enroll in Part D at that time, if the drug coverage they had under COBRA is creditable. Individuals on COBRA do not meet the definition of “current employment.”

What is COBRA?

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) gives workers and their families who lose their health benefits the right to continue their group health plan for a limited period of time. A worker may choose COBRA under circumstances such as voluntary or involuntary job loss, reduction in the hours worked, transition between jobs, death, divorce, and other life events. Qualified individuals may be required to pay a full premium, up to 102 percent of the cost to the plan.

In certain instances, where coverage under the plan would otherwise end, COBRA generally requires that group health plans sponsored by employers with 20 or more employees offer employees and their families a temporary extension of health coverage (called continuation coverage).

Other Special Enrollments (SEP) Available

Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period: Jan. 1– Feb. 14. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can leave your plan and switch to Original Medicare. If you choose to switch during this period, you’ll have until Feb. 14 to also join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. Your Medicare coverage will begin the first day of the month after the plan receives your enrollment form.

5-Star Special Enrollment Period. Medicare plans are rated by members, plans, health care providers surveys and data. A 5-star rating is considered excellent. You can switch to a 5-star Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare Cost Plan, or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (if one is available in your area) once each year. The SEP runs between Dec. 8 and Nov. 30 every year. Contact Hawaii SHIP for more information.

Hawaii SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program)
1-888-875-9229 | 808-586-7299
help@hawaiiship.org | www.hawaiiship.org
For 2014 Medicare updates: www.medicare.gov

It is February and if you have not signed up for Medicare Part B during your initial enrollment period and you are not covered by an active employer group health plan, you still may enroll until Mar. 31. Your coverage for Medicare Part B will begin July 1st and you may face a penalty. We…
All-On-4: The Modern Solution
Many patients today with missing teeth have opted for the All-on-4 treatment as a viable solution to permanently replace missing teeth.

All-on-4 dental implants offer you many important advantages:

A cost effective solution. Your new replacement teeth require only four implants for each jaw. Reducing the number of implants means lowering the cost of tooth replacement.
Reduced need for bone grafting. The special tilting of two of the implants ensures a secure and stable anchorage for the replaced arch, typically making bone grafting unnecessary.

Faster treatment and healing time. Your replacement arch can be attached to your implants immediately. There is no need to wait for healing time between surgery and tooth replacement. Prosthesis options. You can choose fixed (one with highest durability and chewing function, but cannot be removed) or removable (one you can remove for easy cleaning).

Scientifically proven and documented. All-on-4 is supported by good clinical outcomes in studies where four implants were proven to support a full replacement arch.
If you feel that your dentures make chewing difficult and prevent you from enjoying the foods you love, you may want to explore the possibility of implants — in particular, an All-on-4, option.

Hawaii Center for Cosmetic & Laser Dentistry
808-526-0670 | www.smilepower.net
Many patients today with missing teeth have opted for the All-on-4 treatment as a viable solution to permanently replace missing teeth. All-on-4 dental implants offer you many important advantages: A cost effective solution. Your new replacement teeth require only four implants for each jaw. Reducing the number of implants means lowering the cost of tooth…
The Joy of Retirement

I was tired yesterday and I’m tired today. So I guess I’m re-tired. It’s an old joke, but one that sort of fits my situation.

At the end of September, I left KHON2 after 27 years. It was time. I will miss my friends at the station, and I will miss having the chance to meet people all over our state who have wonderful, heart-breaking, spirit-lifting stories. But there comes a time when you have to say, “I owe more to my family and my community.” There are many ways to do that.

I will find ways to volunteer. I will find ways to have fun and share aloha. When you see me at Long’s, be sure to say hello.

There is something else that happens when you retire. You have more time for your friends. Linda and I went to Maui on a one-day trip to visit my best man and his wife. She and Linda have known each other since grade school. Maui is a beautiful place — we sat on their lanai and looked at the bay and talked for hours … just talked.

Toward the end of my television career, I found I was caught up in the day-to-day “work,” paying little attention to the joy life has to offer. Now it’s time to rediscover that.

I hope Generations magazine will continue to offer me and the rest of the contributing authors the opportunity to voice our feelings about retirement and the experiences it has to offer. I also hope you all will continue to take care of each other, which is an important part of what makes life beautiful and worthwhile.

Peace and Aloha

KHON2 TV personality and journalist Kirk Matthews, a boomer, who speaks from the heart on issues concerning seniors and soon-to-be seniors. Post your questions or comments to Kirk at his column on Generations808.com.

I was tired yesterday and I’m tired today. So I guess I’m re-tired. It’s an old joke, but one that sort of fits my situation. At the end of September, I left KHON2 after 27 years. It was time. I will miss my friends at the station, and I will miss having the chance to…
Hospice and Palliative Care
Dame Cicely Saunders (founder of the first modern hospice in London in 1968) summed up the hospice philosophy best when she told her patients:“You matter to the last moment of your life, and we will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully, but to live until you die.” Hospice care is a model for quality compassionate care for people facing a life-limiting illness. It is a team approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes.

Who is eligible for hospice care?

When the goal of treatment begins to shift from cure to providing comfort, it may be time to consider hospice for persons facing terminal cancer: end-stage heart, lung, kidney or liver disease; severe dementia; severe Parkinson’s disease; or stroke. A physician must certify that the person is in the last stages of a terminal illness.

Where is hospice care provided?

Most hospice care is provided in a person’s own home. Hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living, care or foster homes are other possible settings.

What services are covered under hospice care?

Nursing: pain and symptom management

Personal care/home health aide

Social services

Spiritual counseling

Volunteers

Respite care

Bereavement support

Who pays for hospice?

Medicare, Medicaid and all medical insurances offer hospice benefit. Durable medical equipment and medications related to the terminal diagnosis are covered. Little or no co-payment is required.

What is palliative care?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), palliative care is an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problem associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual.

How is hospice different from palliative care?

Palliative care is specialized care for persons with life-threatening illness, regardless of life expectancy. Hospice is a type of palliative care that occurs at the very end of a person’s life.

What is supportive or concurrent care?

“Supportive” or “concurrent” care is a type of palliative care that encompasses all the extra care provided in addition to regular medical care by a full team of physicians, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and aides who specialize in caring for people facing serious illness. This means that somebody with a serious illness can have all the benefits of comfort care and still receive life prolonging treatments.

Who pays for Supportive or Concurrent Care?

Hawaii Medical Service Association (HSMA) offers supportive care services for homebound members who have advanced cancer, advanced heart failure or emphysema. University Health Alliance (UHA) offers concurrent care services to persons with any serious illness. HSMA and UHA have partnered with local hospices to offer this innovative program.
Dame Cicely Saunders (founder of the first modern hospice in London in 1968) summed up the hospice philosophy best when she told her patients:“You matter to the last moment of your life, and we will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully, but to live until you die.” Hospice care is…