Tag: games

  • Lanakila Serves as Model Senior Center

    In the former location of taro patches and rice paddies, Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center (LMPSC) managed by Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, nestled in Liliha in the heart of Honolulu, offers camaraderie, education, recreation, exercise, health promotion, volunteer opportunities and more for kūpuna 60 years of age and older from diverse ethnic, cultural and career backgrounds.

    LMPSC, the oldest and largest senior center in Hawai‘i, was created by the state in 1969 as part of Hawai‘i’s comprehensive response to the passage of the Older Americans Act of the 1960s. Devoted elected officials and other community leaders supported and funded this much-used gathering place.

    There is no membership fee. Those who are able to participate safely on their own without supervision are welcome to visit and observe the activities of the senior center twice. If they feel comfortable, make an appointment with the LMPSC’s membership specialist (see below).

    Currently, there are about 2,000 members participating in over 50 classes a week, including pickleball, ping pong, yoga, cultural dances, ‘ukulele and guitar, language and calligraphy classes, technology training, arts and crafts, line dancing, stretching and toning, tai chi, fitness fusion, American Sign Language, board games, singing and performing arts, and much more.

    LMPSC members attend hundreds of educational presentations and workshops, excursions, and social and volunteer activities throughout the year. LMPSC has demonstrated for over five decades the importance of social engagement, sharing talents and knowledge for the betterment of the community, recreation and lifelong learning opportunities to keep older adults happy, healthy, and living independent and productive lives.

    CCH CEO Rob Van Tassell emphasized that “the annual cost of two nursing home patients equates to the operating costs associated with this senior center. Public and private sector support for senior centers throughout Hawai‘i would be a very good investment for the state.”

    Long-time Lanakila member Mary Sueda was touched every day by the caring and kindness that members and staff shared with one another. She is happy that her mom was able to enjoy such wonderful times with friends at Lanakila, too.

    Sen. Carol Fukunaga believes that the center “can serve as a role model that can be incorporated into future community developments and redevelopments, because it encourages healthy aging and effectively keeps our kūpuna active and independent!”

    LANAKILA SENIOR CENTER managed by CATHOLIC CHARITIES HAWAI‘I (501(c) 3 nonprofit)
    1640 Lanakila Ave., Honolulu, HI 96817
    Membership Specialist Iris Hiramoto: 808-847-1322
    suzanne.oakland@catholiccharitieshawaii.org
    catholiccharitieshawaii.org
    Check online for Catholic Charities Hawaii offices on the Neighbor Islands: Hawai‘i Island, Maui and Kaua‘i.

    In the former location of taro patches and rice paddies, Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center (LMPSC) managed by Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, nestled in Liliha in the heart of Honolulu, offers camaraderie, education, recreation, exercise, health promotion, volunteer opportunities and more for kūpuna 60 years of age and older from diverse ethnic, cultural and career backgrounds. LMPSC,…

  • Fun Times at the 2019 Senior Games!

    For over 30 years, the City and County of Honolulu have run its “Senior Classic Games” at the Halawa District Park. Games were held in the gym and on the softball fields on March 21. Generations Magazine provided the medals in two age groups. As in the past years, Herbert Yasuhara, the founder of these games which brings the city’s senior clubs together, was in attendance. He and all who attended had a great time!

    For over 30 years, the City and County of Honolulu have run its “Senior Classic Games” at the Halawa District Park. Games were held in the gym and on the softball fields on March 21. Generations Magazine provided the medals in two age groups. As in the past years, Herbert Yasuhara, the founder of these…

  • Hawai‘i and Hanafuda Pō‘ai

    Helen Nakano, at top, enjoys a game with the ladies and cherishes her grandchildren, Arielle, 15, and Matthew, 10 months.
    Helen Nakano, at top, enjoys a game with the ladies and cherishes her grandchildren, Arielle, 15, and Matthew, 10 months.

    I started Hanafuda Po¯‘ai (friendship circles), where players of all ages can come together to play, socialize. We now have two groups, Na Ku¯puna Makamae at the historic pumping station in Kakaako, and at Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center. We want to grow our po¯‘ai. A lot of seniors live by themselves. When you see a young kid playing with an old person, it’s very magical and wonderful!

    My granddaughter, Arielle Spivack, is 15, but she was just 5 when I taught her to play hanafuda on one of our trips to her home in California.

    I advised Arielle to play hanafuda with boys she was interested in dating later. I told her, “You can find out if they are poor losers, impatient with slower players, or gracious winners.” These are character traits that carry over into their daily interactions with people, young and old.

    My grandson, Matthew Nakano, is just a baby and is great fun. I can’t wait to teach him how to play hanafuda! He giggles a lot and loves people.

    It will be great fun to see if all his “Hanafuda Aunties” and I can develop the winning skills of Hawaii’s youngest hanafuda player!

    HANAFUDA PO‘AI

    808-927-0993   |  www.hanafudahawaii.com

    I started Hanafuda Po¯‘ai where players of all ages can come together to play, socialize. We now have two groups, at the historic pumping station in Kakaako, and at Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center. A lot of seniors live by themselves. When you see a young kid playing with an old person, it’s very magical