I had been preparing to write about the importance of conversation in estate planning while watching a documentary on HBO called Cries From Syria. In the midst of this heart-wrenching story about the Syrian situation—a girl, who could not have been older than 8 or 9—facing death from starvation and preparing her will. It had nothing to do with money. Her will expressed the basic foundational needs each of us as human beings share — love and caring of family, food and shelter. This experience moved me to share her will with you.
A girl living in a Syrian refugee camp.
For me, as much as I felt a deep sadness over the plight of the Syrian people, I could not help but feel gratitude for all that I have, and guilt for ever feeling a “need” for more. I hope this will from a young Syrian girl moves you as it did me.
“I felt that I was going to die. Because of that, I wrote my will. This is my will. I ask you, my mother, to remember me. Prepare my bed every night and remember my continuous smiles. And you, my sister, tell my friends that I died from starvation. And you, my brother, remember when you and I were hungry. Oh angel of death, go ahead and catch my soul so that I can eat in paradise. Don’t worry family, I will eat for you in paradise as much as I can.” N
Stephen B. Yim, Attorney at Law
2054 S. Beretania St., Honolulu HI 96826
I had been preparing to write about the importance of conversation in estate planning while watching a documentary on HBO called Cries From Syria. In the midst of this heart-wrenching story about the Syrian situation—a girl, who could not have been older than 8 or 9—facing death from starvation and preparing her will. It had…
by Michael W. K. Yee, Financial Advisor and Certified Financial Planner
According to the Family Wealth Checkup study by Ameriprise Financial, there’s a correlation between financial confidence and communication. While many families are discussing financial issues, they tend to shy away from topics like inheritance and estate planning, leaving some with unrealistic expectations. But family conversations about finances lay the foundation for a more secure financial future for the people closest to you.
Tips for Family Discussions About Finances
Don’t wait for a tragedy to bring up the topic. Nine in 10 adult children say a life-altering event triggered a financial talk with their parents. It’s best to have these conversations when all the important players in your estate plan can participate and communicate. With time on your side, you can cover topics thoroughly and have leeway to get the proper documents in place.
Families who have opened this dialogue report that it went much smoother than anticipated — conversations were straightforward and relaxed as opposed to awkward or difficult.
Schedule the conversation; make it a priority. Rather than just hope a conversation will happen, let each family member know ahead of time that you want to talk. Complex estates may require multiple discussions, so schedule a date to continue as needed. After your initial discussion, keep family members up-to-date about changes.
Share your agenda ahead of time. Consider starting the conversation by sharing your financial goals and values. Other topics on the agenda may include managing current finances, healthcare costs and legacy planning.
Manage expectations. It’s important to disclose enough detail so that your family can set appropriate expectations. If part of your legacy plan includes leaving an inheritance, consider letting your family know whether it’s an amount large enough to help fund your grandchildren’s education or closer to a down payment on a car. Only 21 percent of parents have told their kids how much they can expect to receive.
Create or update your estate plan. Pair your conversations with a comprehensive estate plan to prevent rifts that can happen when financial wishes are not clearly documented. Your estate encompasses anything you own. Creating a plan that determines what happens to these assets and accounts — no matter the size of your estate.
If you already have a plan in place, update it to mirror the blueprint you’ve shared with your family and consider providing instructions in a healthcare directive in the event that you cannot act on your own behalf in the future.
Disclose locations of important documents. Prevent headaches that can slow down the settlement of your estate by providing instructions —
where you’ve stored the safety deposit key, bank accounts, stock certificates and digital assets, etc. Ensure that your family has contact information of the professionals (lawyer, estate planner, tax, financial advisor) who are helping you plan.
Work with a financial professional. If you experience conflict in your family discussions or want some help navigating difficult topics, consider working with a neutral third party, such as a financial advisor. A financial professional can help family members understand your collective financial picture and can facilitate the transition of wealth from one generation to the next.
Ongoing dialogue about estate topics with family members can bring you closer together and pave the way for a smooth transfer of wealth —
when the day comes.
According to the Family Wealth Checkup study by Ameriprise Financial, there’s a correlation between financial confidence and communication. While many families are discussing financial issues, they tend to shy away from topics like inheritance and estate planning, leaving some with unrealistic expectations.
by Margaret A. Perkinson, Ph.D., Center on Aging Director – University of Hawai‘I
Never in the history of humankind have so many people lived so long. Anthropologists estimate that on average, Neanderthals lived little more than 20 years; only a small percent reached 40. In 15th century Europe, the average life expectancy reached a scant 35 years. Around the turn of the 20th century, however, advances in public health (clean water, waste disposal, vaccinations) decreased infectious diseases, greatly reducing infant and child mortality and increasing life expectancy. Since WWII, global average life expectancy increased from 45 to 69.6 years. By 2040, the number of people expected to reach age 65 is projected to reach 79.7 million. The number of seniors expected to reach age 80 is projected to increase 233 percent by 2040.
As a species, we have made greater gains in average life expectancy in the past 100 years than in the previous 200,000 years! To put it another way, half of all humans who ever reached age 65 are still alive today!ever in the history of humankind have so many people lived so long. Anthropologists estimate that on average, Neanderthals lived little more than 20 years; only a small percent reached 40. In 15th century Europe, the average life expectancy reached a scant 35 years. Around the turn of the 20th century, however, advances in public health (clean water, waste disposal, vaccinations) decreased infectious diseases, greatly reducing infant and child mortality and increasing life expectancy. Since WWII, global average life expectancy increased from 45 to 69.6 years. By 2040, the number of people expected to reach age 65 is projected to reach 79.7 million. The number of seniors expected to reach age 80
is projected to increase 233 percent by 2040.
Recent global declines in birth rates contributed to populations’ increased percentages of old compared to young. In the near future, persons aged 65 and over will outnumber children under age 5 for the first time in history.
These population changes will have a great impact on both individual life experiences and social institutions. As the average size and composition of families change, with multiple generations and fewer members in each succeeding generation, fewer caregivers will be tending to more older adults, in addition to raising their own children!
Older populations confront long-term, sometimes incurable health challenges, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and dementia. Chronic conditions demand reformulated forms of health-care — community-based long-term care, in-home care and support systems to enable continued independence and quality of life.
With its aloha spirit and extensive network of ‘ohana dedicated to elder well-being, Hawai‘i is the perfect place to assume a leadership role in developing service models to address the health and social challenges of aging in the modern world by providing optimal kupuna care.
CENTER ON AGING — University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
2430 Campus Rd., Gartley Hall, 201B, Honolulu HI 96822
Never in the history of humankind have so many people lived so long. Anthropologists estimate that on average, Neanderthals lived little more than 20 years; only a small percent reached 40. In 15th century Europe, the average life expectancy reached a scant 35 years. Around the turn of the 20th century, however, advances in public…
It’s a gift to give… a smile, an encouraging word, a moment of your time. And the reward? The satisfaction of knowing you helped a kūpuna in need.
Since 1979, Hawaii Meals on Wheels has been serving hot meals to the kūpuna in need in our communities. The program started as a small committee formed by former State of Hawai‘i librarian Irmgard Hörmann and the Social Ministries Committee of the Lutheran Church of Honolulu. Over time, the organization grew as it sought to provide basic nutritional and human support to seniors who are unable to fully care for themselves. What started as two routes manned by six volunteers is now a collaborative effort involving 450 volunteers and over 50 routes that served more than 97,000 meals in 2016.
Hawaii Meals on Wheels provides hot, nutritious meals for seniors, delivering them to the homes of those who are unable to shop or cook for themselves and do not have someone currently caring for them.
By the year 2020, it is estimated that 25 percent of Hawai‘i’s population will be 60 years of age or older. Compared to the nation as a whole, the Aloha State has a disproportionately large population of seniors, many of whom may be unable to sufficiently care for themselves. Organizations like Hawaii Meals on Wheels strive to help seniors maintain a comfortable standard of living. For some who depend on these services, this may be the only meal they eat per day and the only personal interaction they experience.
Nonprofit programs such as this rely heavily on volunteer support. Not only do they help deliver meals, but they also monitor the welfare of these seniors, while providing them with interaction and companionship that many home-bound kūpuna would not otherwise receive. As the senior population in Hawai‘i continues to grow, so does the need for these services. Unfortunately, because the Meals on Wheels program relies on volunteer help, donations and government funding, not everyone who applies for the program can be accommodated. Not all seniors are fortunate enough to have family members who can care for them every day, nor are they able to afford senior care homes or in-home caregivers. Part of the issue is that those who lack the mobility, energy or capability to care for themselves are also unable to leave their homes — their struggle may go unnoticed. As a result, many people are unaware of the scope of their problems and do not reach out to help the kūpuna in their communities. However, almost anyone that wishes to lend a hand can do so in some way.
Meals on Wheels is always in need of volunteer drivers. In addition, those who wish to assist in other ways can help with the September fundraiser gala or administrative projects, or serve on the advisory panel. Meals on Wheels not only helps feed and care for our seniors in need, but also provides those who are healthy and active an opportunity to give back to a generation who once fed and cared for them.
HAWAII MEALS ON WHEELS
P.O. Box 61194, Honolulu HI 96839
Since 1979, Hawaii Meals on Wheels has been serving hot meals to the ku¯puna in need in our communities. The program started as a small committee formed by former State of Hawai‘i librarian Irmgard Hörmann and the Social Ministries Committee of the Lutheran Church of Honolulu. Over time, the organization grew as it sought to…
Many of these supporters dutifully provide care without complaint. Yet, demands may start to take a toll and their own health may be compromised.t’s estimated there are more than 150,000 unpaid family caregivers in Hawai‘i. These valuable helpers are typically women in their early 60s who are caring for their husbands or elderly parents while still working. And that doesn’t take into account those who may occasionally care for their grandchildren, as well.
Professionals can provide solutions to a variety of situations. Local programs are available in Hawai‘i ensure everyone feels comfortable and confident about their caregiver role. One option is the AUW Active Aging Initiative, which strives to keep active seniors healthy and maintain strong family caregivers.
There are also practical, hands-on caregiver training classes that covers bathing an elder, proper nutrition, wheelchair-bed transfers and more.
Home care services also offer respite for caregivers who need a break or a helping hand, including light housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation…
Find a local program that fits your needs.
ST. FRANCIS HEALTHCARE SYSTEM PO Box 29700, Honolulu HI 96820
Many of these supporters dutifully provide care without complaint. Yet, demands may start to take a toll and their own health may be compromised.t’s estimated there are more than 150,000 unpaid family caregivers in Hawai‘i. These valuable helpers are typically women in their early 60s who are caring for their husbands or elderly parents while…
by Fusao Nishibun, Tax Relief Supervisor, City and County of Honolulu Property Tax Office
The City and County of Honolulu offers a real property tax credit to property owners who meet certain eligibility requirements. If you qualify, you are entitled to a tax credit equal to the amount of taxes owed for the current tax year that exceed 3 percent of the titleholders’ combined gross income.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Homeowner must have a home exemption in
effect at the time of application and for the subsequent tax year.
Any of the titleholders do not own any other property anywhere.
The combined income of all titleholders does not exceed $60,000.
How do I apply for the tax credit program?
Applications are available at the following locations beginning July 1, 2017, up to the deadline date of Oct. 2, 2017. And, importantly, you must file annually for this credit.
All Satellite City Hall locations
Treasury Division at 530 S. King St., Honolulu
Tax Relief Section at 715 S. Kings St., Honolulu
Online at www.honolulupropertytax.com
When will the tax credit be applied to my real property taxes?
If approved, the tax credit will be applied to the July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019, tax year.
*Information subject to change without notice.For more information or assistance, contact the Real Property Tax Relief Office.
The City and County of Honolulu offers a real property tax credit to property owners who meet certain eligibility requirements. If you qualify, you are entitled to a tax credit equal to the amount of taxes owed for the current tax year that exceed 3 percent of the titleholders’ combined gross income.
Henry Ford once said, “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80; anyone who keeps learning stays young.”
Na Kupuna is a program that provides seniors an opportunity to do just that. As a part of the University of Hawaii’s Student Equity Excellence Diversity (SEED) initiative, Na Kupuna opens up college courses to seniors age 60 and older, which they can attend for free. About 650 senior citizens take advantage of this program every semester!
Although no credit is awarded and no records are kept, seniors can learn more about subjects of their choice, discuss topics with their professors and ask them questions. Up to two courses can be chosen per semester.
Both “regular” students as well as other seniors attend these classes, providing a way to meet, connect and network with students of all ages who share your interests.
Because this program is free of charge, the only requirement is an email address, which the university will use to keep in contact with you throughout the semester.
Check online for the class availability for the upcoming Fall 2017 semester (August through December), as well as the description of courses:
Henry Ford once said, “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80; anyone who keeps learning stays young.” Na Kupuna is a program that provides seniors an opportunity to do just that. As a part of the University of Hawaii’s Student Equity Excellence Diversity (SEED) initiative, Na Kupuna opens up college courses…
As we age, we lose flexibility, strength and balance, which affects our general health and mobility. The good news is therapeutic exercise can help improve mobility and function.
Balance, flexibility and strength are essential to improve mobility and maintain independence.
Poor balance increases the risk of falls and when combined with osteoporosis can lead to fractures, which affect mobility. Good balance comes from strengthening the muscles of your core, back and lower extremities.
Single Leg Balance With Clock Reach
This easy exercise incorporates strengthening, stabilization and flexibility training.
Imagine you are standing in the middle of a clock. Bend legs slightly, reach forward with one foot at 12 o’clock, then move it back to the starting position. Reach toward 3 o’clock, then back and continue toward 6 and 9 o’clock. Repeat 10 times. Keep your core tight and hips level when stepping. Hold onto a chair for balance as needed.
It’s never too late to start increasing muscle strength and you don’t need fancy equipment to improve posture, mobility and function. Physical therapy can help increase mobility, return your independence and provide you with a renewed sense of confidence.
by Julie Moon, Physical Therapist HEALTH As we age, we lose flexibility, strength and balance, which affects our general health and mobility. The good news is therapeutic exercise can help improve mobility and function. Balance, flexibility and strength are essential to improve mobility and maintain independence. Poor balance increases the risk of falls and when…
More than one in four Americans suffer from a chronic pain condition. Pain is not only physically debilitating, but also affects our emotional and mental health. The primary causes of chronic pain are injuries, inflammation, poor circulation and age-related degeneration.
The most common chronic pain afflictions occur in major joints and muscle groups. Left untreated, chronic pain can worsen over time, leading to immobility and loss of independence.ore than one in four Americans suffer from a chronic pain condition. Pain is not only physically debilitating, but also affects our emotional and mental health. The primary causes of chronic pain are injuries, inflammation, poor circulation and age-related degeneration.
Fortunately, there are natural ways to alleviate these types of conditions that do not carry the side effects or risks associated with medications and surgery. Skillfully performed acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatments can alleviate chronic pain and treat a wide variety of pain conditions.
From a Chinese medicine perspective, chronic pain is seen as the body’s inability to provide proper circulation of blood, oxygen and nutrients to these painful, affected areas. One of acupuncture’s most unique features is its ability to gently stimulate the body’s tiniest nerves and create a natural healing response in areas that are painful or not functioning well. Through a series of treatments, even some of the most chronic and painful conditions can be dramatically improved.
by James Carter, L.Ac. More than one in four Americans suffer from a chronic pain condition. Pain is not only physically debilitating, but also affects our emotional and mental health. The primary causes of chronic pain are injuries, inflammation, poor circulation and age-related degeneration. The most common chronic pain afflictions occur in major joints and…
Hospice Hawaii Lāna’i is celebrating the one-year anniversary of Hope House, a home-away-from-home for many patients and their families.
“We’re so excited to celebrate this milestone with our friends at Hospice Hawaii Lānai,” said Kenneth L. Zeri, president and CPO of Hospice Hawaii. “Since opening its doors in April 2016, Hope House has served as a care center for patients and their families, and we look forward to supporting our patients on Lāna’i for many years to come.”
The Hope House offers a peaceful and supportive environment for Hospice Hawaii patients and their loved ones. The renovated two-bedroom home features a charming design while maintaining its plantation-style look for a home-like feel. The space also boasts a handicap-accessible floor plan as well as administrative offices for the Hospice Hawaii Lāna’i staff.
Patients who experience symptoms that are difficult to manage at home are encouraged to visit the Hope House and receive one-on-one care by certified professionals. The Hope House also serves as a respite for caregivers, ensuring that both families as well as patients are supported.
Hospice Hawaii first fulfilled the critical need for hospice care on Lāna’i, serving its first patient in 2014. Since then, Hospice Hawaii has cared for 20 patients on the island.
Hospice Hawaii was established in 1979 to help patients live as fully as possible, to provide com-fort and relief from pain, and to aid in symptom management. An interdisciplinary team of professionals and trained volunteers strive to meet the physical, emotional, psycho social, and spiritual needs of patients and families in the comfort of their own homes, its Kailua Home, nursing homes and other facilities.
by Generations Magazine Staff Hospice Hawaii Lāna’i is celebrating the one-year anniversary of Hope House, a home-away-from-home for many patients and their families. “We’re so excited to celebrate this milestone with our friends at Hospice Hawaii Lānai,” said Kenneth L. Zeri, president and CPO of Hospice Hawaii. “Since opening its doors in April 2016, Hope House has…
The 11th Annual Aging in Place Workshop takes place on Saturday, August 19
8:30 am – 2:30 pm
Ala Moana Hotel *No Reservations Required
Click image to enlarge
The 11th Annual Aging in Place Workshop takes place on Saturday, August 19 8:30 am – 2:30 pm Ala Moana Hotel *No Reservations Required Click image to enlarge
by Katherine Kama‘ema‘e Smith cover & feature photography by Brian Suda
The traditions and language of the original Japanese immigrants to Hawai‘i in the late 1800s survived because they taught their children to venerate and value the culture of the homeland. In over six subsequent generations of American Japanese, no single organization has nurtured language and culture more than Mo‘ili‘ili Community Center on O‘ahu. In addition to supporting a thriving Japanese Language School for children, the center opens its doors five days a week to 300 to 500 senior members who come to participate in a wide array of arts, activities, educational programs and adult day care. This private nonprofit organization is the traditional bedrock of Mo‘ili‘ili families.
Executive Director Nadine Nishioka told Generations Magazine about the 115-year history of the center. In the 1890s, children of plantation worker families in Mo‘ili‘ili attended Japanese language school in the private home of Kihachi Kashi-wabara. Mo‘ili‘ili was a large marshland area at the bottom of Manoa Valley, behind Ala Wai (then a river) and Waikiki Beach flats. Lands adjacent to the many ponds and Kapaakea Springs were cultivated with rice, lotus and various vegetables. Along the dirt trails of this farming community were small shops and businesses, and wood-framed houses. Beside the homesteads, small plumes of smoke rose from wood stoves used for ofuros and cookhouses. Customs, foods, religious beliefs and common interests knit the residents of Mo‘ili‘ili into a harmonious community.
The Center’s Heritage
In the late 1800’s, when the sugar barons of Hawai‘i wanted to expand their plantations, they recruited farm workers and engineers from Japan. The men came first and soon brought in their wives. Freedom and work opportunities in Hawai‘i offered hope to young Japanese from a homeland ravaged by decades of war with China. Chinese invaders outlawed the practice of Japanese cultural traditions and Japanese language, so schools and temples were important features of a new life in Hawai‘i. For Japanese immigrants, plantation camps promised a second chance for success. In Mo‘ili‘ili, the community drew together and in 1928, purchased the language house and land that became the community center.
During WWII, the Mo‘ili‘ili community founded a formal council association. At that time, mainland Issei and Nisei were being interned in war camps, but in Hawai‘i, the Nisei first joined the civilian volunteer brigade and later entered the U.S. Army. The council was a hub for the community to gather and support one another. After the war, in 1945, they were awarded an official charter, and 20 years later, in 1965, this private nonprofit organization was formally named “Mo‘ili‘ili Community Center.”
ADULT DAY CARE AND SENIOR ACTIVITY CLASSES AT MO’ILI’ILI COMMUNITY CENTER; COVER PHOTO OF BOARD MEMBERS, SENIOR AND CHILDREN ATTENDEES OF MO’ILI’ILI COMMUNITY CENTER; PHOTOS FOR GENERATION MAGAZINE
The Center Today
The business model for today’s center is simple and very successful. “Our members pay an annual membership fee that covers our overhead, salaries and operating expense,” said Nadine. “Next year, the fee will go up to $40 from $35 per person,” said Nadine. “Some seniors add a cash gift with their membership because they can afford it and they appreciate the benefits they are receiving here. For some seniors, the fee seems high but it all works out. We never turn away any seniors who may have difficulty paying the fee.” Professional planners say that successful community programs are designed and resourced at the grassroots level. Nadine agrees. She places the success of the center squarely on its members. “Our seniors know the programs they want and we just listen to them,” said Nadine. “They want mahjong, and they want it early in the day when they are alert and have a better chance of winning. They organize the games and find the prizes. Senior center staff members make sure the room is ready and oversee their plans. Mahjong starts at 7:30 am, and is so popular that our seniors are lined up and waiting in front of the door at 7 am.”
“Whenever MCC members have an idea for an activity or event, they make a plan and find the resources to put on the program,” said Nadine.
“We provide the space and scheduling and our members ensure the program or event’s success.”
One of the most popular weekly sessions is Rhythm & Life held every morning. This award-winning Japanese exercise and stretching program is designed for elders and choreographed to Japanese music. Rhythm & Life invites both actively mobile seniors (standing) and less mobile seniors (seated) to better fitness and improved blood circulation. The packed room is filled with intently engaged and happy faces as the participants work out to the beats of various rhythms and tunes. Other active options include outcome-based exercise, Zumba, classic tai chi and a special tai chi class for seniors with im-paired balance who want to rehabilitate themselves. This one is important for preventing falls. “I think one beauty of our center is that seniors who have lost a spouse or no longer live in their old neighborhoods may come here and socialize while they participate in healthy activities for body, mind and soul,” said Nadine. “We offer physical exercise, mental stimulation and ways to learn and participate, but socializing combats isolation and loneliness. Members have the opportunity to spend happy times with people who share memories of earlier times and traditional values.”
This benefit was certainly obvious to Generations staffers, who saw members chatting before and after yoga class and senior Zumba.
A display of the impressive artwork and handicrafts produced by MCC members proudly hangs in the center. It demonstrates the wonderful skills seniors can learn here. Traditional kumihimo is the art of braiding cords and ribbons. In ancient times, the samurai braided decorative laces for their armor; today, ties on haori jackets or obi kimono sashes are often crafted with kumihimo. When combined with beading, kumihimo art produces intricate and elegant bracelets. and festive dancing to enka music. Each year, Japanese teachers bring different traditional arts and crafts.
Art classes abound, with origami, shodo calligraphy and festive dancing to enka music. Each year, Japanese teachers bring different traditional arts and crafts.
Japanese Language at the Center
Language is the foundation of culture, and today, children are still learning Japanese at Mo‘ili‘ili. The intensely interactive program includes plays and performances that delight the whole family. The original mission of passing on the Japanese language to the next generation was a budding flower of the old Mo‘ili‘ili community. Today, the branches of that flowering plant produce a bouquet of family-based activities, arts and expressions. A few of the directors on the center’s board actually attended Japanese language classes at MCC when they were in grade school!
Today, K-5 children attend Japanese after-school classes every weekday and practice speaking Japanese with their parents, who learned it in the same facility. The whole family is able to speak Japanese with the grandparents. While many MCC programs are geared to elders, the center itself is oriented to fulfill the needs of the entire family, interacting across age groups as they do at home.
The Teens in Action program gives young volunteers in seventh grade or higher an opportunity to work as aids in the many children’s programs at MCC: After-school A+, Early Morning Care, and programs for school intercession, holidays and summer break.
Senior Programs at the Center
Cultural and community outreach events of MCC are all organized, planned and resourced by staff and member volunteers. Everyone pulls together to make the center a vibrant place where members can be proud of all they accomplish. Their volunteer work results in fun, satisfaction and benefits the community.
“Our members love singing karaoke, and performing both ‘auana hula and Japanese dance; when they learn a dance well, they like to perform it at homes for the elderly,” said Nadine.
“They recently organized performances at various senior daycare centers and nursing homes. We provide the transportation, they make their own costumes, and delight in bringing beauty and enjoyment to the other elders.” Another community service for which MCC recently became a partner is a version of Meals on Wheels. Instead of delivering meals to seniors’ homes, MCC drivers go out and bring elderly to the MCC dining hall for a hot meal. Coming to the center gives them the opportunity for socialization and conversation in a safe, happy environment. The new program is working very well. Nadine regrets that MCC does not have more space and staff for their very popular Kupuna Support Program. This adult daycare program is for frail as well as not-so-frail seniors who can use the restroom with very little assistance. They participate in a number of fun, healthy activities geared to stimulate their minds, bodies and souls. Palolo Chinese Home Catering provides a healthy lunch, which is included in the Kupuna Support Program fee — $55 a day.
“We always have a waiting list,” said Nadine. “The need for good adult care is so great that families are willing to be ‘on call’ for an opening of just one or two days when one of our regular clients is sick or traveling.”
By the end of Generation Magazine’s tour of MCC, it was clear that we could fill two issues with program details and still not cover every offering at this wonderful community center—transportation and escort services, excursions, counseling, special events and more.
Become a Center Member
If you are over 60 and live in Honolulu between Ward Avenue and Hawai‘i Kai, you are within the city area serviced by Mo‘ili‘ili Community Center. However, MCC also welcomes participants from all areas of O‘ahu. To learn more about the organization and its many programs, please visit www.moiliilicc.org.
This year, Mo‘ili‘ili Community Center is celebrating 115 years as a place of learning, health and enrichment. For many generations, the center has served families and created family ties throughout a broad community. MCC’s important work continues due to the generosity of many donors, grants and the Aloha United Way. If you wish to help them with a cash donation, remember that all donations to MCC support the programs, not the administration. Donations are tax deductible and every dollar helps the beneficiaries of the center.
MO‘ILI‘ILI COMMUNITY CENTER 2535 S King St., Honolulu HI 96826 Hours: M–F 8 am to 5 pm
808-955-1555 | Fax: 808-945-7033 | office@moiliilicc.org | www.moiliilicc.org
The traditions and language of the original Japanese immigrants to Hawai‘i in the late 1800s survived because they taught their children to venerate and value the culture of the homeland. In over six subsequent generations of American Japanese, no single organization has nurtured language and culture more than Mo‘ili‘ili Community Center on O‘ahu.
