5 Tips for Senior Sun Safety
Summer and family fun is right around the corner! More sunshine not only makes the great outdoors more inviting, but increased UV rays and heat also create a few risks. Seniors don’t “feel the heat” the way younger people do and might not be aware of the risks of high...Estate Planning for College Students
I recently received a call from a client who has a daughter attending college on the Mainland. Her daughter had been in a ski-accident and was in the hospital. When the mother called the hospital to find out her daughter’s status, they would not release any...Gifts Anyone Can Afford
Sometimes I am asked by people how they can help our cause without disturbing their finances. Surprisingly, there are ways to accomplish that goal. Each situation is different, so consulting your tax advisor is a good idea. You may wish to consider these ideas: •...Transition to Care at Home
“The case manager was excellent in preparing us for the care that my mother needed. She went beyond the call of duty.” “I want you to know how grateful we are and how wonderfully helpful, supportive and resourceful your social worker has been — above and beyond, and a...Asian-Style Mini Turkey Meatloaves
This recipe works as a quick weekday dinner or as a great pupu ! Adjust the portion size for muffin-size individual portions, tart-sized tantalizing bites or sliders (mini sandwiches made in dinner rolls) by flattening the tart-sized portions before cooking on a...Prescriptions or Addiction?
The pharmaceutical abuser looks like you or me … They start running out of their meds. So now, they start going to the doc to get more and more…the doc cuts them off. Then they start visiting the ER, making up injuries … Now they become our problem as law...Where Do Caregivers Find Help?
You know mom’s getting worse and you’re overwhelmed, with no time to even look for help. Don’t wait until you are running on empty and need help immediately to understand your choices, prioritize needs and know exactly how to select a qualified home health care...Someone’s Knocking at The Door
“Someone’s knockin’ at the door, somebody’s ringin’ the bell, do me a favor, open the door and let them in.” Chances are, if you recognize the lyrics to “Let Them In,” written by McCartney, you may have already gotten a knock on the door by a Medicare agent. Few...Decisions to Make as You Age
Where am I going to live as I age and will I need more assistance? Many feel overwhelmed with uncertain options, lack of assistance, decreasing energy and concern about financial burdens. What should I do? Most keep on living their lives without a plan. Some will get...Four Generations Big
What a blessing it is that my husband and I have our three children, son-in-law and granddaughter all within 10 miles of us. My parents live nearby, and four of my five siblings and their families live on O‘ahu. Four generations of my immediate family get together...Do I Have a Tip For You!
After the debut of this column in the April/May 2015 issue, family, friends and readers came up with some new tips to share. One household item that came up more than once was the fabric softener “dryer sheet.” Here are a few suggestions for its use outside of the...Another Option: Reverse Mortgage
Many families worry about the financial future of their retired parents. For peace of mind and the well-being of your parents, it’s important to talk with them about the kind of financial help they may need to “age in place.” Most people want to live out their years...Tips for Navigating Health Care Systems
Are you a family caregiver — taking care of your parents and also your own keiki? Understanding health care can be a challenge, whether you live with that family member or provide long-distance assistance. In the 2014 AARP Caregiver Survey of Hawaii Registered Voters,...Senior Classic Games 2015
It was a gorgeous day when the 26th Annual Senior Classic Games began at Halawa District Park on Thursday, March 19. There were a total of 91 teams entered from 25 district parks in four different games, totaling 273 participants, not including spectators and staff....Message from The Editor
Baby boomers — from the Vietnam era of their youth to the technology boom of their midlife upward mobility — 76 million baby boomers made news as they faced every new cycle of life. Now, their retirement and aging put strain on our nation’s health care system, and...Baby Boomers Face the Challenge
Baby Boomers who have built successful careers and investments for the future are now experiencing the physical, emotional and financial outcomes of caring for their aging parents, while they meet the expense of college or support for adult children who choose...Safe Use of Medications for the Elderly
With a growing older adult population and increasing number of prescriptions available, the potential for medication safety problems is expanding. As people age, they may be prescribed more than one medication. This increases the risk for drug interactions and side...Can You Save Your Vision?
My patients often ask: “Doctor, what can I do to save or preserve vision for myself and my family?” Prevention: Wear sunglasses! Over time, sunlight damages the lens of the eye, causing cataracts. More Medicare dollars are spent for lens replacements than for any...Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s is a progressive illness that involves the destruction of brain cells. In its earliest stages, symptoms include a decrease in short-term memory and forgetfulness, often accompanied by a diminished ability to find words. Emotional and personality changes in...Meet Joan Packet at 94
Our friend Joanie Packer says she doesn’t worry about things she can’t do anything about — so she lives in the present, works at being as healthy as possible and tries to show appreciation to those around her. At 94, how is your life different than when you first...Helping as a Representative Payee
If you handle the finances for a Social Security beneficiary or know someone who may need help managing benefits, you may consider applying to become a representative payee. A representative payee is someone who receives Social Security or Supplemental Security Income...Keiko Matsui Higa Recalls Being Local
It is said that many people want to write a book, but few do. Keiko Higa did it, and rich memories about growing up in Hawai‘i will inspire you to get started on your own story — even if it’s only for your grandchildren. Like so many “locals,” Higa comes from many...Metal-Free Biocompatible Restorations
Dental toxicity can occur when materials placed in a patient’s mouth cause that person’s immune system to react and “reject” the restoration. Serum compatibility testing provides dentists with one way to help determine which materials will react in a test tube with a...Paying for Long-Term Care
According to an article published in the Wall Street Journal on May 14, 2012, if you are married and you and your spouse both reach the age of 65, there is a 70 percent probability that one of you is going to need long-term care. As if that is not troubling enough, a...Sandwich Generation Conversation
Kirk: We hear a lot about the Sandwich Generation these days. Linda: You know me … I love a sandwich. Kirk: No, we’re talking about the generation that has to take care of their parents and their children; they’re in the middle. Linda: Baloney! Kirk: Not! Not that...Calling the Police: It’s Called ‘Tough Love’
Wanda (not her real name) took out a home equity loan on her Waianae house. She intended to renovate her home so that her adult daughter could move in, care for Wanda and help repay the loan. Once the $290,000 was in their joint checking account, however, her daughter...Total Knee Rehab and Recovery
The knee is the most often replaced joint in the body. Usually, total knee replacement (TKR) surgery is performed when people have knee damage and pain caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or alignment problems in the leg that make walking or performing...What’s the Right Life Insurance?
For most people, it isn’t a question of whether to own life insurance, but what kind of coverage is most appropriate for their circumstances. There is no “one-size-fits-all” policy. You need to determine what works best for you. Choosing life insurance involves...
June – July 2015
Sandwiched: Baby Boomers Face the Challenge