Category: March 2011

  • Friends Forever: Pet Therapy

    Lower your blood pressure and make a new friend. The Hawaiian Humane Society brings the joy of pets to seniors with its Pet Therapy program.

    The Hawaiian Humane Society has been dedicated to teaching and promoting the bond between humans and animals since 1897. The Society believes that compassionate and responsible care toward animals develops compassionate and caring people. In essence, all life has an intrinsic value that contributes to the quality of life.

    With Pet Therapy, the Hawaiian Humane Society brings the joy of pet visits to the elderly at hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, hospices and other senior and health care facilities island-wide. The pet visits help seniors with medical and emotional issues. In fact, many medical studies have shown that pet visits reduce stress, anxiety and can even lower blood pressure. Visitations can also encourage seniors to become more physically active, emotionally responsive and cooperative with caregivers and doctors, leading to a better quality of life.

    Emotionally, pet visits enhance quality of life and bring joy to the Society’s clients. Pets provide us with entertainment, companionship, love and security. Animal visitations can ease loneliness, stress, and pain—especially for older folks.

    If you, or someone you love, is interested in pet visits, please contact the Society today.

    This Pet Therapy Program not only gives back to the community, but it also provides a way to strengthen bonds between owners and their pets. If you (and your furry friend) are interested in becoming participants, please contact the Society for details on Peet Visitation Assessments.

    Hawaiian Humane Society 356-2217 www.hawaiianhumane.org

    Lower your blood pressure and make a new friend. The Hawaiian Humane Society brings the joy of pets to seniors with its Pet Therapy program. With Pet Therapy, the Hawaiian Humane Society brings the joy of pet visits to the elderly at hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, hospices and other senior and health care facilities…

  • Elderhood Project

    In early February, seniors enjoyed the company of each other and a number of middle school students at the annual Senior Valentine Dance at Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. Oh, and by the way, there were some celebrities on hand to take a spin or two around the dance floor. I have had the pleasure in the past of taking part in this frivolity.

    The people who organize this event every year stress that it’s more than just a get-together. The seniors need the socialization that happens when they gather with their peers—and the younger people as well.

    Over the years, on the Elderhood Project, we have discovered many things. But one of the most important things we found out is that inter-generational activities benefit everybody.

    At the Valentine Dance, there were at least four generations of people laughing, dancing, talking, socializing. If you are fortunate, you have lots of family and friends who are concerned about your welfare on a daily basis. But not everybody is that lucky. That’s why it’s so important for all of us to look after one another. The more generations, the merrier.

    Whether it’s Meals on Wheels or any of a hundred other volunteer projects, think about the few minutes you could spend that would make a difference to those seniors who don’t have someone to check in on them.

    I want to take a moment to thank everyone who does volunteer, and a special thanks to Percy Ihara and the crew at Generations Magazine for their efforts on behalf of all of us … whatever generation you belong to.

    Elderhood Project airs on KHON TV2 Morning News every Thursday at 5:30 a.m. and on the afternoon segment at 5 p.m.—topics range from medical to senior life care and tips. Visit us at www.khon2.com/content/elderhood/default.aspx

    In early February, seniors enjoyed the company of each other and a number of middle school students at the annual Senior Valentine Dance at Blaisdell Exhibition Hall. Oh, and by the way, there were some celebrities on hand to take a spin or two around the dance floor. I have had the pleasure in the…

  • March 2011

    March 2011

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    AARP’s Stuart Ho: Working out the heavy issues