Category: February – March 2017

  • Senior Movers & Shakers About Town

    Generations Magazine roving photographer David Livingston captures movers and shakers attending senior events and facility grand openings around the islands. Kala¯kaua Gardens, a premier senior assistedliving community, held its grand opening in early December. Residents and friends alike enjoyed stellar performances and great food. The other grand event was, of course, GM’s brunch at Dave…

  • Jeff Apaka: Compassion in Action

    Jeff Apaka: Compassion in Action

      Hawai‘i greets the rest of the world at Waikīkī. Each year, millions of tourists compare their Hawai‘i brochures to the first impressions they get from the world’s most famous beach community. Jeff Apaka grew up there, entertains there, works as community relations director for Waikīkī Community Center and sits on the Waikīkī Neighborhood Board…

  • Medical Aid in Dying: Is Hawai‘i Next?

    Ten thousand people die each year in Hawai‘i. For some terminally ill, the medical care they receive is insufficient to ease their pain, loss of autonomy or feelings of indignity as they begin the dying process. In Hawai‘i, these individuals have limited options to end their suffering if the dying process becomes unbearable. Current choices…

  • Progressive Program Improves Balance

    Balance. It’s something everyone takes for granted without a second thought about how crucial it is to daily living. However, it’s wise not to underestimate the importance of having good balance, especially in our senior years. In addition to an increased risk of falls, poor balance and mobility can limit daily living activities and participation…

  • ‘It’s a Natural Part of Aging…’ Not So Fast!

    Aches and pains, having to avoid certain things, imbalance — people often have the misconception that these problems are a natural part of aging. There are physiological changes that naturally occur with aging, but these should only be contributing factors rather than the determining factor. The key factor is that the human body is highly…

  • Homeopathy Demystified

    In the world of natural medicine, nothing is so commonly misunderstood as homeopathy. Even among well-educated consumers who can name the best supplements for every condition under the sun, mystery prevails… Homeopathy is vastly different than allopathic medicine. Food, herbs, supplements and most allopathic medicines work on the biochemical level: Chemical constituents are digested and…

  • Aging in Place: a Workforce Challenge

    The in-home care business is one of the fastest and largest growing industries nationwide, and the demand for services will continue to grow into the foreseeable future. In fact, over the next 15 years, the entire baby boomer generation will pass the age of 65; consequently, when that occurs, there will be nearly 84 million…

  • A Stairlift Can Help

    Do you know someone who has fallen and experienced detrimental effects on their physical health, confidence and emotional state? A “stairlift” is a viable solution for those who want to stay in their homes and it provides peace of mind for the family. Wearing the correct foot wear does not in itself prevent a fall.…

  • A Labor of Love

    Every year, 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Of those, many will rely on their families for support. We often define illness as a term relevant only to the one suffering from a particular disease, yet PD reaches far beyond the individual. For example, those serving as caregivers for their loved ones often…

  • The Unexpected Blessings of Caregiving

    I’ve been a volunteer caregiver for about 25 years now and know well that it is undoubtedly the most difficult and underappreciated job on the planet. However, in caring for my own father, I found that it is also a privilege and a sacred trust, sharing the most meaningful moments of your loved one’s life.…

  • Priority No. 1: The Welfare of Our Seniors

    Kokua Council, one of the oldest senior citizen advocacy groups in Hawai‘i, plays an important role in a complex web of community organizations. Kokua’s main focus is on the informational, advocacy and educational needs of seniors. Kokua complements and supplements the agendas and actions of national and local agencies, and coalitions such as AARP, HGEA…

  • Meals at the Kupuna Wellness Centers

    The Kupuna Wellness Centers provide free lifestyle and wellness programs for older adults (60 years and over) operated by Lanakila Meals on Wheels. The centers provide a wide range of activities to support the physical fitness, cognition and emotional well-being of its participants. Activities include fitness classes, nutritional education, crafts, guest speakers and outings. The…