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...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...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...‘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...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...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;...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...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....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...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...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...Memorializing Can Lift the Burden of Regret
Many families in Hawai‘i now choose cremation and scattering their loved one’s ashes into nature. Scattering can be a profoundly moving experience, but it’s also a decision that should be considered very carefully — because once it’s done, it can’t be undone. Without...Get the Inside Sports Scoop
The Honolulu Quarterback Club (HQC), one of the nation’s oldest sports clubs, began in 1947 and is still going strong. There, you can hear little-known and personal stories from past and present sports greats. “You won’t find these sports stories on the front page of...Paintings, Prints & Drawings of Hawai‘i
Hot off the press, Paintings, Prints and Drawings of Hawai‘i from the Sam and Mary Cooke Collection presents for the first time the private collection of Mary and the late Sam Cooke. Published by the Ma¯noa Heritage Center, this lavishly illustrated volume by David W....Crossing Bridges: A Photography Exhibit
From ProjectFocus Hawai‘i and the Wahiawa Community Based Development Organization (WCBDO) comes a visual storytelling, from both ends of life — as partners — Crossing Bridges. On a sunny Saturday morning, students from Leilehua High School, Wahiawa Middle School,...Can We Afford to Retire in Paradise?
There’s no escaping the fact that people in Hawai‘i pay the price of living in paradise. The cost of living is about 60 percent higher than in most states, while wages are among the lowest when adjusted for Hawai‘i’s high cost of living. Housing is particularly...New Senior Center Focuses on Active Aging
Nā Kūpuna Makamae Center opened its doors on Thursday, Sept. 9, 2016, after 12 months of restoration of the 116-year-old pump station in Kaka‘ako on Ala Moana Boulevard. Over 100 invitees were welcomed by Pacific Gateway Center Executive Director Dr. Tin Myaing Thein...‘Rocks in a Box’ & Other Crimes
Over the years, we’ve covered the devastating effects of fake lotteries that have resulted in Hawai‘i seniors losing millions of dollars (even their homes); the distressed relative scam (more commonly referred to as the “Grandma Scam”); sweetheart swindles/sham...Capturing the Heart of an Estate Plan
The usual response I receive when I ask, “What brings you here?” during an initial meeting with clients, is, “To avoid probate and minimize taxes.” Avoiding probate and taxes are good goals, and easy to resolve. The much more difficult — and much more meaningful work...Make Your Giving Go Further
Technology has made all of our lives easier. Just by using a smartphone, you can talk to people all over the world, check the weather forecast or reserve a seat on a plane. The true power of the smartphone is how it combines a myriad of tools into a single, sleek...‘Test Drive’ Your Estate Plan
Kingdom Advisors founder Ron Blue takes an interesting approach to estate planning. He advocates lifetime giving as a way to assure that the objects of your bounty are worthy recipients of your wealth. This could play out a couple of different ways. As Blue points...Control Healthcare Costs in Retirement
It’s no secret that healthcare becomes a bigger concern for most of us as we grow older. More ailments are likely to develop, which means more money is spent to visit health professionals and purchase medications. Even if you remain healthy through your later years,...Make a Retirement Resolution
It’s 2017 and one year closer to retirement. Whether you’re at your very first job or wrapping up a successful career, there are always new things to learn when it comes to saving for the future. So why not make retirement planning part of your New Year’s resolution?...A Better Reason to Eat More
I have said for years that eating more may be better for weight loss than eating less. At first, people are a bit shocked to hear this until they realize that I mean eating more food — but still eating fewer calories. How is this possible? Here is a simple example. If...Gold Standard for Safe & Quality Care
The Joint Commission’s Home Care Accreditation program provides certification for more than 6,000 programs that provide home healthcare services directly or through contracted individuals or organizations. An independent, not-for-profit organization, The Joint...Strategies to Ease Morning Stiffness
Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning? Or taking longer for joints and muscles to loosen due to stiffness? The basic causes of morning stiffness are lack of physical activity, not sleeping properly and chronic conditions like arthritis. Try these strategies to...Time to Spring Into Action!
The City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is now accepting registration for spring 2017. Fun and affordable classes, such as ceramics, painting, ‘ukulele, aerobics, yoga, tai chi, swimming and more are offered. Or, if you’re looking for...‘Super’ Seniors Head to Tennis Nationals
Like the challenges of aging well, playing tennis at a mature age provides its own set of character trials and physical tests. Of the almost one million tennis players in the U.S., about 2,000 compete annually in the USTA League 65 and Over Tennis National...Partnering for Seniors
Generations Magazine has partnered with local news station KITV and its “Aging Well” weekend segments. As a resource magazine, Generations is happy and very fortunate to have local TV station KITV Channel 4 to step up to the plate and support our aging population— one...Aloha & Mahalo
Those who know retired Sen. Susie Chun Oakland are well aware of her passion for Hawai‘i’s ku¯ puna. As an original co-founder of the Ku¯ puna Caucus in early 2016, she served as lead facilitator of caucus meetings held at the State Capitol on the first Friday of...Yay for Online Religion!
Sometimes as people age, their routines limit their physical ability to attend worship services. This is a significant transition in life for those who have formed their religious practice and social connections at a particular place. The look and sound of one’s house...Long-Term Care: Where is it Heading?
The future of long-term care in Hawai‘i has long been the focus of my attention. The problems facing us and suggested reforms were carefully assessed by the Hawai‘i Long-Term Care Commission five years ago. The 2012 “Long-Term Care Reform in Hawai‘i” report gives a...February – March 2017
Jeff Apaka: Compassion in Action