Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Feb 4, 2020 | Cover Story, February - March 2020
Dying at home can be traumatic for loved ones. We long for a peaceful walk into a beautiful sunset. But most have never seen anyone die and that first indelible experience will stick with us. We may wish to die in our sleep, suffer an accident where we “never knew what happened” or drop dead while enjoying a favorite activity. But the odds are even — just as many people suffer and fight death to the last breath. Loved ones who witness such death throes simply don’t talk about it.
Christopher Duque, Online Security Advisor | Feb 4, 2020 | February - March 2020, Wisdoms
Before trading in or selling your mobile devices, cellphones or tablets, be sure no sensitive data is left behind that may put you in jeopardy. Here are a few basic steps to reduce the risk of being victimized.
Scott Spallina, Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Feb 4, 2020 | February - March 2020, Wisdoms
You would not place a welcome mat outside your car for criminals or hire someone to waive around a sign by your vehicle saying “steal this,” but that is exactly what many drivers do when they leave their keys in their vehicles. As a prosecutor, no crime gets me more upset than one that could have been easily prevented.
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law | Feb 4, 2020 | February - March 2020, Wisdoms
Over 54 million adults and children in the U.S. have a disability. The concerns of parents of disabled children are the same for most any parent — ensuring that their children are safe, happy and live a meaningful life. Some children may be unable to earn a living. Both the federal and state governments understand this and provide benefits so that they receive food, shelter and medical care.
Scott A. Makuakane, Counselor at Law, Est8Planning Counsel LLLC | Feb 3, 2020 | February - March 2020, Wisdoms
Protecting personal privacy is generally a good thing, but can also have unexpected results. Consider the plight of a 90-year-old lady (“Nancy”) who was the life of her weekly exercise classes. Nancy was very well known for youthful outlook and zest for life.
So when Nancy missed class one day, her friends tried to contact her. All they were able to learn was that she had been moved to a nursing home.
Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner | Feb 3, 2020 | February - March 2020, Wisdoms
Those who do not have children tend to have more financial flexibility to pursue their goals throughout life and retirement. This makes sense when you consider that the cost of raising a child from birth to adulthood is currently estimated at $233,610 (before you factor in college). However, childless singles and couples still need to manage their future financial needs.
Jane Burigsay, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Hawai‘i | Feb 3, 2020 | February - March 2020, Programs & Services
Each year, we announce the Social Security (SS) annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). In 2020, nearly 69 million Americans are receiving a 1.6 percent increase in their SS benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.
Rick Tabor, Generations Magazine Community Development Director | Feb 3, 2020 | February - March 2020, Programs & Services
The Rotary Club of Honolulu is teaming with Miracle Ear Foundation’s Gift of Sound™ program, which provides free hearing aids to those that qualify. The application fee is $150, which includes a hearing assessment, hearing aid fittings and follow-up adjustments. While supplies last, the Rotary Club of Honolulu will assist those who can not afford the $150 application fee through its Can You Hear Us Now? program.
Tori Abe Carapelho, President and CEO, Navian Hawaii | Feb 3, 2020 | February - March 2020, Giving Care
Navian Hawaii is grounded in a comprehensive care philosophy, providing an interdisciplinary program of care to support patients and their loved ones’ physical, psycho-social, emotional and spiritual well-being. Complementary therapies are a vital part of this care philosophy.
Kona Smith, Director, Ohana Hearing Care | Feb 2, 2020 | February - March 2020, Giving Care
Evaluate the logistics and duration of the care you want and need. If seniors prefer to stay at home for comfort and convenience, the family should consider long-term, in-home caregivers who are part-time, full-time or can reside in-home. Those needing specialized care or end-of-life care often chose full-time caregivers, whose skills, credentials and fees vary.
Mark Tsuda, Executive Director, Ilima at Leihano in Kapolei | Feb 2, 2020 | February - March 2020, Giving Care
Is it the right fit? Will the community support your wants, needs and desires? When you or a loved one consider senior living, questions and options can become overwhelming.
Mapuana Taamu, Resident Care Manager, Kina‘ole Estate, Certified PAC Trainer & Dementia Educator | Feb 2, 2020 | February - March 2020, Giving Care
In previous articles that I’ve written for Generations Magazine, I mention the GEMS® states of dementia. There are six GEMS®: Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Amber, Ruby and Pearl. The last state, Pearl, signifies that the end of life is nearing. In the Pearl state, bodily functions are shutting down, the person is likely to spend most of their time in bed and may have muscle atrophy or contractures.
Eileen Phillips, RN, Attention Plus Care | Feb 2, 2020 | February - March 2020, Giving Care
As parents age and grown-up children take on more responsibilities in managing their care, unforeseen challenges often arise. The roles of parent and child reverse as adult offspring increasingly manage the often complex affairs of their parents. This change can create tension when family members share more time together, such as at get-togethers and holiday celebrations.
Randall Mau, MBA, VP Medical and Business Relations, Cardax Inc. | Feb 2, 2020 | February - March 2020, Health
As Time Magazine put it in its 2004 cover story, “Inflammation is the body’s first defense against infection, but when it goes awry, it can lead to heart attacks, colon cancer, Alzheimer’s and a host of other diseases.” Understanding and managing inflammation is key to health and longevity.
Paul K. Tanaka, DDS | Feb 2, 2020 | February - March 2020, Health
The field of dental implants is one of the fastest growing areas in dentistry. In 2019, over 3 million implants were placed in the United States and that number is predicted to grow in 2020. Dental implants are very popular due to the high success rate of the procedure (over 90 percent) and the results of these implants are very beneficial.
Christina Marzo, MD, Kuakini Primary Care Clinic | Feb 2, 2020 | February - March 2020, Health
Hawai‘i may not have snowy winters, but we still experience a seasonal increase in cold and flu infections. Here are some tips to help you and your loved ones survive the season.
Kahala Howser, Wellness and Events Manager, Hawai‘i Dental Service | Feb 2, 2020 | February - March 2020, Health
A healthy smile should last well into your retirement years. Many believe it’s natural for teeth to deteriorate as they age, but it’s possible to maintain healthy teeth and gums for life. Consider these tips to keep your smile healthy…
Amy Rhine, MD, Medical Director, MDX Hawai‘i | Feb 2, 2020 | February - March 2020, Health
February, the month that includes Valentine’s Day, is also American Heart Month, reminding us to take care of our hearts. “Heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type is coronary artery disease, which can cause a heart attack.
Jason Dacumos, Owner, Physical Therapist, Makai Mobile Rehab | Feb 2, 2020 | February - March 2020, Health
One of the most common causes of injuries in the elderly is due to falling backward. This type of fall can lead to serious injuries to the hips, spine, head, arm and/or wrists, depending on how someone lands. Ultimately, the best way to avoid serious injury is to prevent the fall from ever happening.
Kathy K. Sato, Licensed Acupuncturist | Feb 2, 2020 | February - March 2020, Health
Many people who suffer from a stroke lose hope and resign themselves to their “new normal.” But it doesn’t have to be this way. Here are some important recovery ideas. Heal the brain, heal the body. When the brain is deprived of oxygen-rich blood during a stroke, it leads to brain damage. Although this damage cannot be reversed, it is possible to train other parts of the brain to take over specific tasks.
Jen Angeli, Brain Education Instructor, Kaimuki | Feb 2, 2020 | February - March 2020, Health
Is more exercise on your list this year? Was it on last year and the previous years’ as well? Don’t feel bad — exercise holds the No. 1 spot in U.S. surveys as a resolution to be made and broken. So how can you make this year’s intention a success?
Steven Ito, CEO of Ohana Pacific Medical LLC | Feb 1, 2020 | February - March 2020, Health
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is one of the most common types of conditions primary care providers encounter in the United States. It is also the most common infectious cause of death. CAP accounts for nearly 4.5 million doctor visits annually and is the second most common cause of hospitalizations.
Fran Patoskie, Certified Personal Trainer & Functional Aging Specialist | Feb 1, 2020 | February - March 2020, Health
Chronological age does not always reflect the biological age of a person. One way to look and feel much younger than your driver’s license reveals is to stay mentally, socially and physically active. Functional mobility keeps seniors strong, active and independent for as long as possible.
Julie Moon, Physical Therapist | Jan 31, 2020 | February - March 2020, Health
Golf is a popular sports activity. Unlike most sports, it can be played throughout the golden years, if you can stay in shape and avoid injury. The American Physical Therapy Association says that older golfers often forget that while their passion for the game remains high, their bodies have aged. As we age, we lose flexibility, muscle mass and strength. Because the golf swing’s extreme bending and twisting movements are not natural for the body, senior golfers are at a greater risk of injury.
Nancy Nino, Professional Organizer of Aloha Organizers | Jan 30, 2020 | February - March 2020, Living Life
Organizing and de-cluttering your home can be daunting. Conflicting emotions are sure to arise, so first, prepare yourself mentally. When you sense these feelings bubbling up, remind yourself that this is normal. Start thinking about enlisting a support team: a trusted family member, friend or professional to help you step by step through the process.
Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith | Jan 30, 2020 | February - March 2020, Living Life
Seniors with family and friends on the mainland know what high shipping costs can do to a budget. Hawai‘i small business owners hurt even more. They pay to ship in supplies and inventory, and high shipping costs prevent them from competing with big box stores and online retailers.
Sherry Goya, Generations Magazine Staff | Jan 27, 2020 | February - March 2020, Living Life
Mellow Friends, a group of karaoke enthusiasts, visited 11 senior centers and assisted living facilities starting in 2011. Melvin Watarai, the founder of this volunteer ensemble, had the karaoke equipment and a format for the singers to perform solo songs, duets and group sing-alongs with the seniors. Three years ago, Gary Shimabukuro took the helm, adding more equipment and four more locations, increasing their total number of monthly visits to 15.
Gilda Cavallaro, Baking Enthusiast | Jan 27, 2020 | February - March 2020, Living Life
There’s nothing better than sharing a perfect, tropical sunset with friends and family. The only thing that can enhance the experience further is sharing a favorite dessert. Here’s mine for Maui Sunset Lilikoi Bars.
Carleen MacKay, Emerging Workforce Expert | Jan 27, 2020 | Column, February - March 2020
our first step in exploring your future is to take an internal journey in order to make a decision to work for pay, for fun or for the good of others. Part-time and other ways of working flexibly are bountiful. Many offer unique advantages to mature workers over that old classic — the 9-to-5 job.
Ron Lockwood, Commander VFW Department of Hawaii | Jan 26, 2020 | February - March 2020, Senior News
On Jan. 1, 2020, 15,000-plus veterans in Hawai‘i — a “high cost area”— became eligible to shop in military stores. Commissaries have low prices and no state tax. Commissaries are like big box stores — some brands may be missing, but they carry almost everything you need. (Note that you will pay an additional fee if you use a credit card, so use cash if you can.)
Stanley Michaels, Emergency Medical Services & Injury Prevention Program at DOH | Jan 26, 2020 | February - March 2020, Senior News
More than 9,950 injuries from falls occur annually among seniors statewide. Each year, the Hawai‘i Fall Prevention Consortium (HFPC) identifies individuals with passionate dedication to reducing the number and severity of injuries from falls among seniors and honors their efforts to promote fall prevention initiatives in the state.
Sandy Ma, Executive Director, Common Cause Hawaii | Jan 26, 2020 | February - March 2020, Senior News
Every 10 years, the U.S. government embarks on the herculean task of counting every person in the country. An accurate decennial census count is important in order to allocate more than $675 billion in federal funds annually for community programs and services, such as healthcare services for the elderly, education programs, housing and community development, and job training. For example, in federal Fiscal Year 2016, Hawai‘i received over $3.6 billion from 55 different federal programs, including nearly $1.5 billion in Medicaid funding.
Jim Shon, President of Kokua Council | Jan 26, 2020 | February - March 2020, Senior News
Senior advocates understand personal rights, elder abuse, consumer rights, the legislative process and how programs are funded. They also see that agencies correctly implement laws and draw attention to the ones needing changes. This article focuses on personal rights and elder abuse law.
Generations Magazine Staff | Jan 26, 2020 | Column, February - March 2020
An interview with author Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Ameriprise Certified Financial Planner
Generations Magazine Staff | Jan 21, 2020 | February - March 2020, Issue
Dying at home can be traumatic for loved ones. We long for a peaceful walk into a beautiful sunset. But most have never seen anyone die and that first indelible experience will stick with us. We may wish to die in our sleep, suffer an accident where we “never knew what happened” or drop dead while enjoying a favorite activity. But the odds are even — just as many people suffer and fight death to the last breath. Loved ones who witness such death throes simply don’t talk about it. We are compassionate people who avoid pain and go to great lengths to protect our loved ones from suffering. So why is there controversy about Hawai‘i’s Our Care, Our Choice Act, the aid-in-dying law that allows terminal patients to have medications that will ensure a peaceful passing?
