It is with great honor and a privilege to welcome all of you to a new season — summer! It’s a time where most of our seniors enjoy their time with friends and family. Summer months are always the busiest for family time, even our city’s Parks and Recreation will close all the Senior Clubs during the summer. However, for the kids and the ‘ohana, July is Parks and Recreation month and I am sure there are tons of activities to keep everyone busy.
June is Elder Abuse month worldwide. Here in Hawaii we need to protect our kupuna. Every year, an estimated 2.1 million older Americans are injured, exploited, or otherwise mistreated by someone whom they depend on for care or protection. It can happen anywhere and to anyone. But most of all, it does happen; and it is happening here in Hawai‘i.
Unfortunately, elder abuse is a grossly under-reported crime. It is estimated that for every case that is reported, another 25 cases remain unreported. Just as there are many reasons elder abuse is committed, there are also as many reasons why it is not reported.
If you know of someone being physically abused or merely suspect that this crime is occurring, call the Police and Adult Protective Service immediately! Also, look for our recurring article from Deputy Prosecutor Scott Spallina from the Elder Abuse Unit by clicking here.
Everyone has the right to live free of abuse, and it is up to us to come together to fight these crimes.
Finally, I want to thank retired Chief Justice Ronald Moon for graciously accepting my offer to be our cover story in Generations Magazine. His story about coming from a third generation Korean family in rural Wahiawa, then becoming our Chief Justice of Hawaii’s State Supreme Court, is not only impressive, but a display of the honor and integrity that is Ronald Moon. And yes, his daughter is one of our business partners, physical therapist Julie Moon. He is also a fellow MPI alumni along with art director Wilson Angel, myself and the late Reverend Osumi, whom you can read about it this issue’s article by clicking here.
Live well this summer!,
Percy Ihara, Editor/Publisher
PS — Don’t forget about our 8th Annual Aging in Place workshop on August 23rd at the Ala Moana Hotel (click here for a complete list of presentations). It’s FREE and no reservations required — just show up. Parking is at the Ala Moana Shopping Center.
