Grief is a natural response to the loss of someone special. The process of grieving allows the griever to adapt to a new world of existence without the loved one. If allowed to proceed through the grieving process with minimal guilt, anxiety, stress, unresolved issues and conflict, we can help each griever experience their grief fully and allow the griever to validate and honor the life of the deceased, and affirm and strengthen relationships with survivors.
When one thinks of making an estate plan, visions of rolling-hill estates and large brokerage accounts may come to mind. Clients often say that they want to establish an estate plan “to minimize tax and avoid probate.” Attorneys spend a great deal of time in post-graduate law school to learn the complex tax and probate laws to help clients with these goals. When we examine these goals in more depth, we find that they often represent unmet human needs which are expressed by avoiding probate and minimizing taxes. Clients experience these needs with emotions and feelings.
In realizing that each one of us will die one day, to different degrees, we experience fear, anxiety and anticipatory grief, because unlike any other living species existing on the planet, we humans share an acute awareness of our ultimate demise.
Grief is a natural response to the loss of someone special. The process of grieving allows the griever to adapt to a new world of existence without the loved one. If allowed to proceed through the grieving process with minimal guilt, anxiety, stress, unresolved issues and conflict, we can help each griever experience their grief…
A Provider Order regarding Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) says what measures should be used to keep you alive in a medical emergency. It is different from an Advance Directive in that it will be followed by emergency personnel, provided that they are aware of its existence. If you don’t have a POLST, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are required to do whatever they can to restore and stabilize your heartbeat and breathing and take you to an appropriate facility for treatment. They will not read your Advance Directive and try to figure out how it might apply to your situation.
In some cases, resuscitation is not appropriate or wanted. A POLST, being a medical provider’s order, will be followed by the EMTs. Your Advance Directive will not come into play until you are in the hospital. At that point, the EMTs may not have done you any favors by keeping you alive. If you would not want to be resuscitated, talk with your doctor about having a POLST. If you would want the EMTs to follow normal lifesaving procedures, you do not need a POLST.
Your POLST should be printed on lime green paper so it is immediately recognizable. Post a copy by your bed and carry one with you when you leave home. Make sure loved ones know where to find it in an emergency.
A Provider Order regarding Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) says what measures should be used to keep you alive in a medical emergency. It is different from an Advance Directive in that it will be followed by emergency personnel, provided that they are aware of its existence. If you don’t have a POLST, emergency medical technicians…
The Federal Reserve (the Fed) has begun what it says will be a series of interest rate increases in an effort to slow the economy and temper the current surge in the inflation rate. At the start of 2022, the federal funds rate stood at near zero percent. By May, the Fed moved the federal funds rate 75 basis points (0.75 percent) higher.
What does this mean for you and your money? While Fed actions directly impact large financial institutions, they also resonate throughout the financial markets. In indirect ways, your personal finances can be affected by Fed policy.
Four ways the Fed’s rate hikes in 2022 could impact your bottom line:
1. HIGHER BORROWING COSTS
While the Fed’s rate hikes don’t directly affect most types of consumer loans, the direction the Fed sets on interest rates tends to carry over throughout debt markets. This could include:
• Home mortgages: Adjustable-rate mortgages will be the most directly affected, as they change in conjunction with general interest rate trends in the market. If you have a fixed rate mortgage, you won’t see any change.
• Automobile loans: While a variety of factors affect how interest rates are set on vehicle loans, you can expect these rates to increase as well.
• Student loans: Federal student loan rates are set and will not be directly affected. However, borrowers working with private lenders will likely see rates move higher as they are tied to the Fed funds rate.
2. MODESTLY HIGHER SAVINGS RATES
Investors have not earned much in terms of interest on bank savings accounts, money market accounts or certificates of deposit in recent memory. While it seems reasonable to expect that yields may improve modestly, the change may not be dramatic. Even with historically low interest rates, investors have directed significant sums to these types of vehicles. In the current market environment, some investors still have a desire for such “safe haven,” high liquidity investments regardless of the interest rate earned.
3. THE BOND MARKET
Fed interest rates strategies don’t impact the bond market directly, but Fed policy is watched closely by bond investors. This year, along with raising short-term rates, the Fed has also begun reducing the role it plays as a buyer in the broader bond market. That action could lessen demand for longer-term bonds, which can drive up interest rates. Even before the Fed initiated its new policies, the bond market already anticipated the change and interest rates began moving higher on most types of bonds.
4. THE STOCK MARKET
The stock market also tends to react to the Fed’s news, and with the central bank taking steps to slow the economy, investors anticipated the potential negative effects on publicly-traded companies. As a result of this and other factors, stocks lost value at the start of the year. It may be a good time to talk with your financial advisor about whether any of the changes mentioned above require you to update your financial plan.
The Federal Reserve (the Fed) has begun what it says will be a series of interest rate increases in an effort to slow the economy and temper the current surge in the inflation rate. At the start of 2022, the federal funds rate stood at near zero percent. By May, the Fed moved the federal…
Getting a newborn a Social Security (SS) number is important for his or her future. Feel free to share this time-saving information with prospective parents.
If the child is born in a hospital, the easiest way to apply for a SS number is right at the hospital. When information for the child’s birth certificate is given at the hospital, parents will also be asked whether they want to apply for a SS number for the child. If the parents say “yes,” they will be asked to provide both of their SS numbers, if possible. Even if the parents don’t know both of their SS numbers, they can still apply for a number for their child.
There are many reasons why a child should have a SS number. For example, a SS number is needed to claim a child as a dependent on income tax returns. A child may also need a number if parents plan to do the following for the child:
• Open a bank account.
• Buy savings bonds.
• Get medical coverage.
• Apply for government services.
Read Social Security Numbers for Children at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10023.pdf.
Applying at the hospital will allow parents to focus on the new family member.
Getting a newborn a Social Security (SS) number is important for his or her future. Feel free to share this time-saving information with prospective parents. If the child is born in a hospital, the easiest way to apply for a SS number is right at the hospital.
Every year, Hawai‘i residents are swindled out of money through many forms of crime. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that 2.4 billion robocalls made every month. Over 3,500,000 older adults are swindled out of nearly $5 billion in personal savings each year. The average loss is $34,200-plus for every senior who falls victim to a scam. More than $17 million per year are lost to internet crimes (2021) — and cases are expected to rise by 10 percent this year. During the first two years of the pandemic, the US Office of the Inspector General received over 1,500 COVID-related complaints. In addition, Medicare loses $70 billion per year to fraudulent claims.
Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Hawaii aims to mitigate those losses through the help of volunteers who educate and empower kūpuna and their ‘ohana before they become victims of healthcare fraud or another scam.
You can help protect our kūpuna by becoming a volunteer. You can choose to be a counselor, presenter, information distributor, fair exhibitor or provider of clerical support. Training is available and volunteers learn at their own pace.
Gaining satisfaction from helping others without ever leaving home is just one of the benefits of becoming an SMP volunteer. Becoming a volunteer also offers the opportunity to stay informed of latest scams, such as phony government agencies, fake tech support, family or friends imposters, online shopping gimmicks, romance scam artists… the list goes on. Volunteers can also sharpen their computer skills to become a tech savvy senior, and learn about Medicare and community resources while having fun and making new friends who also have an interest in championing a worthy cause.
SENIOR MEDICARE PATROL (SMP) HAWAII
Department of Health — Executive Office on Aging
250 S. Hotel St., Ste. 406, Honolulu, HI 96813 808-586-7281 | Toll Free: 1-800-296-9422 info@smphawaii.org | smphawaii.org This project was supported in part by grant number 90MPPG0053 from the US Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC, 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy. *Sources: Star Advertiser, March 27, 2022; Consumer Affairs, Nov. 25, 2021; Comparitech, Jan. 11, 2022
Every year, Hawai‘i residents are swindled out of money through many forms of crime. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that 2.4 billion robocalls made every month. Over 3,500,000 older adults are swindled out of nearly $5 billion in personal savings each year. The average loss is $34,200-plus for every senior who falls victim to a…
Talk story is a special and cherished activity among seniors at Roselani Place. Our activities director conducts a talk story twice a month and I also offer them from time to time. Talking story with our residents allows us to not only engage with them, but also encourages them to reminisce about the good old days, and learn more about one another.
Talk story — sharing history, ideas, opinions and the events of the day with others — is one of the great oral traditions in Hawai‘i. Ancient Hawaiians were known to be great storytellers. Formal storytelling would usually take place in the chief’s court, where renowned orators would perform. Talk story continues to culturally sustain us and keeps us connected with others.
Talking story in today’s world entails getting together with old friends or new acquaintances to socialize. Small talk and pleasantries naturally develop into in-depth conversations in which treasures of the past are recalled and revealed. Through talk story, we can discover and share where we grew up, where we are from, what school we attended, who we know and who we are related to. The reservoir of topics is endless.
And when I talk story with our residents, I realize just how memorable talk story can be.
Talk story is a special and cherished activity among seniors at Roselani Place. Our activities director conducts a talk story twice a month and I also offer them from time to time. Talking story with our residents allows us to not only engage with them, but also encourages them to reminisce about the good old…
When it’s a family caregiver’s sole responsibility to manage the care of a loved one, there will come a time when stress will get to a level where the caregiver becomes unable to perform self-care or continue to provide for their loved one. Getting others involved to help the caregiver will bring much-needed relief. Family caregivers can feel emotionally and physically drained with the constant tasks that come up, sometimes unexpectedly. Here are some examples of unexpected events:
FALLS: A loved one may be fragile enough to experience a fall that may result in some devastating outcomes, including head trauma, a broken hip or another broken bone. This would involve a trip to the emergency room and a call to the doctor to report the fall.
SKIN TEARS: Open skin is a magnet for infections, which will only serve to complicate care. Skin tears need proper attention.
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS: UTIs are hard to recognize when caregivers are busy. A sudden change in behavior, more confusion than usual or hallucinations are among the first signs. Often, our kūpuna do not have strong immune systems that signal the presence of a UTI with a fever or other typical sign of infection.
These challenges are common when caring for an elderly loved one and family caregivers need to be prepared to manage them and also allow others to step in to help as needed. Communicating the plan to others will make these problems seem less traumatic. Consider these recommendations for involving others when providing primary care for a loved one in need.
• Allow family members/friends to manage others that may be dependent as well, such as children, grandchildren or siblings.
• Seek out healthcare agencies that can provide respite and take over the family caregiver’s tasks a few times a week for a number of hours, or even a full day.
• Ask friends to run errands, such as picking up prescriptions, food and supplies, etc.
• Keep family members informed of all situations so they know when the tasks will increase as the loved one needs more advanced care. Plans can be altered to include other family members and friends.
• Just because family lives far away does not mean they cannot contribute. Ask for funds to pay for services and supplies.
• Consider support groups, including those online, to prevent feeling isolated. You may learn some new ways to feel more at peace.
• Find something to be grateful for every day. Meditate on these before starting your caretaking day, so you have a centered heart.
As the family caregiver takes on more tasks for their loved one, a wider circle of support should be available to routinely step in to provide ongoing respite. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! It will give both the caregiver and the loved one a better quality of life.
ATTENTION PLUS CARE HOME HEALTHCARE
Accredited by The Joint Commission
1580 Makaloa St., Ste. 1060, Honolulu, HI 96814 808-739-2811 | www.attentionplus.com AGING IN HAWAII EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAM by Attention Plus Care — a program providing resources for seniors and their families, covering different aging topics each month. For class information and upcoming topics, call 808-440-9356.
When it’s a family caregiver’s sole responsibility to manage the care of a loved one, there will come a time when stress will get to a level where the caregiver becomes unable to perform self-care or continue to provide for their loved one. Getting others involved to help the caregiver will bring much-needed relief.
Lemonade, iced tea, smoothies and juices all sound delicious during hot summer days. But beware of the sugar content, especially if you’re drinking more than one glass a day.
You probably already guessed that the most important drink is water! It’s good for your body and teeth. Most flavored and carbonated drinks have high sugar content, dehydrating additives and other chemicals to enhance flavor, and make you feel like you’re quenching your thirst.
Water helps cleanse your palate, dilute the acids in your mouth, and rinse away bacteria or food debris from your teeth and gums. Water also regulates your brain function and energy levels and helps fight dry mouth caused by some medications. Dry mouth isn’t only uncomfortable, it also raises your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. It’s best to keep a bottle of water nearby and sip from it throughout the day.
If you must indulge in a sweet drink or food occasionally, be sure to rinse your mouth with water to flush out sugar and acids that can break down the enamel of your teeth. Also, be sure to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily and see your dentist twice a year to live well and smile more at every age.
Lemonade, iced tea, smoothies and juices all sound delicious during hot summer days. But beware of the sugar content, especially if you’re drinking more than one glass a day. You probably already guessed that the most important drink is water! It’s good for your body and teeth.
Work-from-home “virtual” employees must take precautions in order to preserve the health of their eyes.
Computer vision syndrome (CVS) isn’t a specific set of symptoms — it’s an umbrella term to describe the varying eye discomfort and symptoms caused by screen-related issues. It is almost impossible to avoid progressive vision issues with regular computer use. Adding some basic tools to your home office is vital to help maintain your ability to work via a screen on a regular basis.
Studies have estimated that between 70 to 90 percent of workers worldwide who use computers regularly experience symptoms related to CVS. CVS, also known as digital eye strain, can occur from extensive use of any device with a digital screen. Symptoms include dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and neck and shoulder pain. Any combination of the following factors can lead to CVS: uncorrected refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism), poor lighting, screen glare, and poor workstation setup for posture and viewing.
Some experts believe daily computer use may be a contributing factor to the rise in nearsightedness and dry eye disease.
The first step in protecting yourself from CVS is to correct any refractive error by visiting your eye care professional. Having the proper glasses, contact lenses or surgery to correct these issues will decrease any added strain on your eyes.
Next, make sure to properly arrange your workstation by:
• Positioning your monitor between 20 and 28 inches away from your eyes. • Adjusting your chair to allow you to view the screen’s center just below eye level at 15 to 20 degree downward angle. • Changing screen contrast and brightness to a level comparable to the surrounding light. • Using screen covers, lower lighting and curtains or blinds to reduce glare.
Also, take regular breaks and blink frequently to rehydrate your eyes; every 20 minutes, focus on an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds (the 20/20/20 rule); and try over-the-counter lubricating eye drops.
If CVS symptoms become chronic, speak with your eye care professional about computer glasses or treatment for dry eyes.
Work-from-home “virtual” employees must take precautions in order to preserve the health of their eyes. Computer vision syndrome (CVS) isn’t a specific set of symptoms — it’s an umbrella term to describe the varying eye discomfort and symptoms caused by screen-related issues. It is almost impossible to avoid progressive vision issues with regular computer use.
Seniors take their sports seriously, but with perspective gained over years of competition, the element of fun has become paramount for most players. Although they have a passion for playing, winning isn’t everything. Camaraderie, reunion and ‘ohana, fitness and fun are the most important elements of a senior’s game plan.
Baseball may be America’s pastime, but softball is the the No. 1 sport among seniors in Hawai‘i. There are a lot of fields and a lot of leagues. Each league has eight to 20 teams. There can be 20-plus players on a team roster. It can be played year-round, it doesn’t cost much to play and costs nothing to watch.
Kūpuna softball has been played on O‘ahu for the past 46 years. The goal is to keep kūpuna healthy and active through an activity they enjoy.
The seniors league runs year-round and is mainly played at the Patsy Mink Central O‘ahu Regional Park (CORP) in Waipahu. There is also a seniors league in Kohala, Manoa, Ala Wai and others that play on different days of the week at other fields. There is a league of some kind just about every day of the week. Over 400 seniors participate in leagues throughout the islands.
Makua Ali‘i Softball League
Fetuosasae “Fetu” Sua, 64, and Randy Madeiros, 69, have played together on teams and leagues in the past. Now, Fetu is the catcher and outfielder for Bad Company and Randy is the captain and pitcher for the Hawaiians.
“I play on a Friday league for 50-and-over players,” says Randy, who has been playing softball since age 20 and in the senior league for 11 years. “I also play on a Saturday league at Kapi‘olani, which is an 18-and-over league. I’m the old guy out there in that league. I also play in a co-ed league on Sunday in Kailua. I play a lot.”
Fetuosasae “Fetu” Sua (left), 64, and Randy Madeiros, 69, are looking forward to the 46th Annual Hawai‘i State Senior Tournament. PC: Jeffery Kimoto
But the name of the slow-pitch softball league he enjoys on Wednesdays is the Makua Ali‘i Softball League. There are 22 teams in the league on O‘ahu that play all year long. Three other islands participate in the statewide league in addition to O‘ahu: Kaua‘i, Maui and the Big Island. Each island has its own competition. Winning teams on each island meet up at the annual tournament.
Players must be 60 and over to participate in the league. Age brackets are 60 to 65, 65 to 70 and 70-plus. The older you are, the more age brackets you can play in. If you are a very competitive senior, you can play in a younger age group. But the younger players can’t play in an older age group.
Each team is also allowed one 55 to 59 year old on the field. “The young whippersnappers want to hit it out of the ballpark — but consistency is the key,” says Randy, who was 58 when he joined the league as the “young guy.”
“A player 55 to 59 years old is considered to be a young puppy,” says Randy. “There are many 70 and over players. We have a few players in their 80s. A retired fireman on the Firehouse team is still in the league at 87. Valued senior players are consistent and maybe place the ball over the second or third baseman’s head instead of trying to hit out of the park… just out of his reach.”
“There are guys over 70 who will play on the 60 to 65 team because they are competitive,” says Fetu. “They may be 72 but they hit like they are 67,” Fetu laughs. “But age takes its toll after a while.” Fetu is in his third year in the Makua Ali‘i Senior Softball League.
The Competition
“The Makua Ali‘i Softball League can be a real competitive league,” says Fetu. “Although I want to compete at the highest level, I also want to have fun. And anyway, any team on any given day can be the worst or can be the best. It depends on who shows up to play. As for me, I get good respect when I step into the batter’s box. I am a pretty big individual.”
“We’re not getting paid for this… it’s about bragging rights,” Fetu adds. “You are really lucky if you get a trophy, too.”
Hawaiian team members include (L–R) Jacob Thomas, 59, shortstop; Warren Ho‘ohuli, second base/catcher; and John Iokia, 68, first base/third base. PC: Jeffery Kimoto
‘Ohana & Exercise
“After a game, we talk about the game… the best hit you had, how fast you ran, great catches,” says Fetu. “The next thing you know, we are having a barbecue and a few beers and talking story until midnight.”
“At this age, instead of sitting around in a rocking chair, it is really good exercise,” says Fetu. “We may not run as fast but we do try to run.”
“The brotherhood of softball definitely requires some physical activity!” adds Randy. “At our ages, that’s a good thing.”
For Love of the Game
The competition level within each team depends on the team’s philosophy.
“But the bottom line is, it’s all for fun,” says Randy. “When we unite together and play the game we love, it’s awesome! I look forward to Wednesdays. Yes, it’s mainly a fun thing, but then again, we don’t show up on Wednesdays to lose! We have fun and we try to win. I look forward to participating every week and being part of the brotherhood of softball — players my age — and having a fun time.”
“Competing is important, but so is just having fun,” says Fetu. “We just want to go out there and have a good game. We may win or lose, but we wish everybody the best — for nobody to get hurt and go home safely to their families.”
The statewide tournament will be held Tuesday through Friday, Aug. 2 to 5, at CORP on O‘ahu. More than 60 teams may be participating.
How to Get On a Team
There are no tryouts for the Makua Ali‘i Softball League. If you fit the age requirement, let the individual team know you have been watching and let them know you want to play ball.
Seniors take their sports seriously, but with perspective gained over years of competition, the element of fun has become paramount for most players. Although they have a passion for playing, winning isn’t everything. Camaraderie, reunion and ‘ohana, fitness and fun are the most important elements of a senior’s game plan.
It’s shocking! How did I accumulate all this stuff? An embarrassment of riches may be a first-world problem — having too much of too many good things — but it is a reality for many of us, even those who don’t qualify as full-fledged hoarders. But even simple clutter has its own risks; for starters, the chronic and repeated stress caused by frantic and frustrated searching, and the risk of falling over precious possessions left in precarious places. In addition, clutter is distracting, saps time and energy, diminishes productivity and steals attention from more worthy endeavors. Overabundance can suck the pleasure right out of all this privilege.
The reasons why we clutter are numerous, some rooted deep in the limbic system of the brain. What would happen if we ran out? And who hasn’t indulged in retail therapy to offset a bad day? It’s actually kind of patriotic to support our economy, right? Another good rationale is holding onto the past. Out of guilt or sentiment, you can collect trunks of useless gifts, for example. And if you don’t have a use for them, chances are very good that no one else will, either. But I think that if I dispose of something, I will need it, so there it sits, collecting dust and causing guilt.
Whatever the reason for our lifelong accumulation of treasures, sadly, the burden of clutter doesn’t even end when we die. If you have ever been left with a loved one’s home full of belonging, you may realize the impact that a cluttered home can have on others after we are gone. The process of disposing of an estate at an already stressful time can be costly and time-consuming.
No, Ingrid, you can’t take it with you.
From the country that brought us an adult playground filled with budget-friendly, flat-packed DIY furniture comes a methodology that also exemplifies the sleek, stoic and sparse sensibilities of the Swedish lifestyle and hallmarks of Scandinavian minimalism.
Döstädning (pronounced duo-stad-ning), or Swedish death cleaning, is a decluttering and organization method stemming from the Swedish words “dö” (death) and “städning,” (cleaning). As the name denotes, death cleaning is designed to help its practitioners prepare for death. But it isn’t as morbid as it sounds. It is simply a way to make the downsizing process efficient and uplifting rather than overwhelming and depressing.
Döstädning is not about everyday dusting or mopping — it is about a permanent state of organization that makes your everyday life run more smoothly in the present, with an eye toward the future. The practical and pragmatic exercise involves getting rid of all the stuff you don’t need anymore so that no one else will be burdened with the task after you are gone. As it has often been described, it is meant to help you “clean your closet like there’s no tomorrow.”
And no, you don’t have to be Swedish to do it. The task of clearing out unnecessary belongings can be undertaken at any stage of life. But the goal is to do it well before others must do it for you… Unburdened by baggage (emotional and actual), you may find yourself less stressed and more focused once you’re living in a clean, organized space.
So let go of what doesn’t matter. Dig deeper into what is important. By “cleaning up your act,” you will be doing yourself a favor as well as those who will survive you. And getting rid of items can serve as a reminder that things don’t last forever, including us.
How Do You Start the Cleanse?
There have been many recent books written on the subject. Just search the internet for “Swedish death cleaning” and you will come upon many books that capture this bit of Scandinavian wisdom, encouraging readers to embrace minimalism, put things in order and possibly even broach sensitive conversations. Some of them have step-by-step instructions in addition to a description of the philosophy behind the methodology. If you want to get going immediately, here is a starter from “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning.” and “Swedish Death Cleaning: A Beginner’s Guide (with Tips & Things to Know).”
Approach the project with this in mind: Which items will be of any value to others after you die?
STEP 1: Once you have evaluated your intent and mindset, begin the process. Reach out to friends and family and gently inform them of what you are doing, assuring them that you are simply decluttering your home. Explain the philosophy behind this method — that this cleaning strategy is ultimately about decreasing their stress. Discuss which belongings they would be interested in preserving. Affirm that your feelings will not be hurt if they do not want a particular item.
STEP 2: Deal with items with high sentimental value last as to avoid getting lost in reminiscence. Put these aside for later. Start with items that you cannot see — belongings stored in attics, closets and drawers that are generally of little sentimental value and easier to part with. Move on to bigger items, such as furniture, collectibles and books. Donate or sell everything that your friends and family members do not want.
STEP 3: Next, organize your closets, clothes and shoes. Now is the time to get rid of all the things you have been holding on to “just in case.” The rule is, if you have not worn it within the last year, donate or sell it. Just like other possessions, if a certain clothing item has sentimental value to you, ask a loved one if it is something they would like to keep. If their answer is no, donate or sell it. Take comfort knowing that your favorite dress will “spark joy” for its new owner. Neatly organize your remaining clothes.
STEP 4: Lastly, sort through sentimental items — photographs, heirlooms and letters. Again, discuss with loved ones which items they would like to keep; create a box for the rest. This box will contain those belongings that are special to you but insignificant to others. Leave instructions stating what should be done with the box — even if that means throwing it away.
Remember, if any of the items you are keeping have significant value, leave instructions for whoever will clear out your home. Remember, Swedish death cleaning is meant to be an invaluable gift that you can give your loved ones that simplifies their lives, as well as yours.
It’s shocking! How did I accumulate all this stuff? An embarrassment of riches may be a first-world problem — having too much of too many good things — but it is a reality for many of us, even those who don’t qualify as full-fledged hoarders. But even simple clutter has its own risks; for starters,…
Considering the rising costs of gasoline, is the initial price tag of an electric vehicle (EV) worth the extra money? EVs also impact the environmental less and offer other potential benefits, but what about hidden costs?
If you are thinking about getting a new car, you have likely considered buying an EV. Whether or not to invest in an electric vehicle is a personal decision and one not to be made lightly, considering the cost of a car these days.
An increasing number of them will be hitting the roads as the auto industry transforms from producing primarily internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric models. Zero-emission vehicles will account for 70 percent of new passenger vehicles globally by 2040.
ICE engines generally cost less upfront, people are familiar with the operating systems, and refueling is fast and easy to access. On the other hand, EVs are better for the environment, cheaper to charge than fuel with gasoline and less expensive to maintain. But what are the real numbers?
■ Maintenance: The US Department of Energy commissioned research that examined the maintenance costs of EVs versus gas-powered vehicles. After accounting for all aspects of service, the study found that light-duty gas vehicles cost 10.1 cents per mile to maintain, whereas similar battery electric vehicles could be serviced for 6.1 cents per mile. That is a difference of $8,000 if each car travels 200,000 miles, the average expected lifetime of a gas-fueled car. But EVs are made to last an average of 300,000 miles, putting the cost savings at $12,000.
■ Fuel:Energy costs for gasoline, and especially electricity, vary from state to state. Currently, there is no gas tax for electric cars, although some states add a tax to EVs to replicate it. Since 2019, a special registration fee of $50 is assessed for plug-in EVs in Hawai‘i. According to AAA, the average fuel cost for an EV is between 4 and 5 cents per mile. If gas is $3 a gallon and your ICE car gets 35 miles per gallon, then it costs 8.6 cents per mile to operate, or nearly double the EV fuel cost. As we have seen this summer, gas prices have risen much higher than that at over $5 per gallon, making the cost for a gas-powered vehicle over 14 cents per mile.
Hidden costs associated with driving EVs
• The cost of a home charger. It is always cheapest to charge your car at home. Level 1 home chargers cost between $300 and $600. It can take up to 20 hours to charge your car. A faster Level 2 charger runs $500 to $700. Add $1,200 to $2,000 for the installation charge.
• Commercial charging. If you want to take your EV on road trips, if you travel more than about 100 miles from home or you forget to charge it, costs will rise significantly. Commercial charges cost three to four times that of residential rates; some charge a one-time fee to use them.
• The EV tax. Some states currently charge an EV tax to make up for the losses of taxable gas vehicles. Currently, Hawai‘i does not assess this tax.
• Deadhead miles. These are hours you may spend driving around, searching for a charger. The “EV Stations Hawaii” app utilizes the Hawai‘i State Energy Office’s database of publicly available EV charging stations, which is also available online at www.electricvehicle.hawaii.gov.
■ Subsidies: Most EVs and plugin hybrids are eligible for up to a $7,500 federal subsidy on the purchase price. The amount you get will depend on factors like battery capacity. Unfortunately, most Teslas are no longer eligible for the credit. Once the company sold 200,000 vehicles, the credit phased out. The Build Back Better Act, if passed into law, would include significant refundable tax credits that include Teslas. Currently, Hawai‘i does not offer state tax credits or rebates.
■ EV Fun Factor: Driving one can be thrilling; they can accelerate amazingly fast. They are also at the forefront of the self-driving car movement.
Are EVs Really All That Green?
The short answer is yes. But just because EVs have no exhaust emissions does not mean that there are no associated environmental impacts.
■ Power plants that rely that rely on coal to generate electricity emit carbon pollution. Energy generated by renewable resources such as wind and solar have an extremely small carbon footprint.
■ Cobalt and lithium are required in lithium-ion cells. Cobalt is mined largely in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where a large proportion of mines are unregulated. The mining produces waste that can leach into the environment. The smelting process can emit harmful air pollution. Lithium mining uses groundwater, reducing the amount available for farmers and herders in mining areas in Argentina, Bolivia and Chile.
■ Spent batteries are difficult to reuse and recycle. While 99 percent of lead-acid batteries are recycled in the US, only 5 percent of lithium-ion batteries are recycled. Some 12 million tons of lithium-ion batteries are projected to retire between now and 2030.
The Choice is Yours:Maybe you are convinced that EVs are the way to go. Or will you just sit back and hold onto the old SUV in your garage another year, watching as more and more EVs roll out? Before you make up your mind, take these variables and a plethora of others into account.
CSA (Society of Certified Senior Advisors) 1-800-653-1875 | www.csa.us Blog posting provided by Society of Certified Senior Advisors, Apr 13, 2022
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