Sen. Mazie K. Hirono met with the Kupuna Collective, a network of support organizations that focus on maximizing the health, independence and engagement of Hawai‘i’s older adults, for a roundtable conversation about supporting seniors in Hawai‘i in early October 2022.
Here in Hawai‘i, the idea of multiple generations sharing meals together under one roof isn’t reserved for just the holidays. Hawai‘i has the highest percentage of multigenerational households in the country, with nearly 8 percent of households statewide classified as multigenerational — at least three generations living under one roof. This household structure represents one of the most beautiful things about Hawai‘i. It embodies the word ‘ohana and exemplifies the concept of an extended family.
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.
We all need help at some point in our lives — and this is true especially for our aging loved ones. However, it can be overwhelming to choose among the variety of help that our kūpuna can utilize as they progress into aging.
The November-December 2023 issue of GENERATIONS MAGAZINE features a cover story about two of the most well-known and most-loved coaches in Hawaii sports history – Dave Shoji and Vince Goo. Find out what they’re up to today! You’ll also get some important Medicare information – especially important during this open enrollment period. We’ll show you some self-care holiday gifts and tell you about Project Dana – who they are, how they got started and how they help our kūpuna.
The March-April issue of GENERATIONS MAGAZINE features Executive Director Connie Mitchell and her team at the Institute of Human Services who face the problems and challenges of the “unhoused” population on Oahu. Does your computer need some spring cleaning? Christopher Duque has some tips. Kristina Wong of Altres discusses caregiver compatibility and more seniors are trying marijuana! You’ll find those stories and many more in the March-April issue of GENERATIONS MAGAZINE.
The September-October 2023 issue of GENERATIONS MAGAZINE features a cover story about how long-term friendships can really make a difference in your life – and the lives of others. Youʻll learn how seeing your dentist might show signs of osteoporosis. Scott Makuakane gives some sage advice on making estate decisions. And Generations Magazine’s Wilson Angel reflects on the late Brian Suda, GMʻs photographer extraordinaire.
The July-August 2023 issue of GENERATIONS MAGAZINE features a cover story about the hottest craze sweeping the nation, Pickleball. Author Rosa Barker dives deep into the story about a sport that everyone loves, especially seniors! You’ll also read how a healthy lifestyle can help fight diabetes. Sophia Calio, director of the YMCA’s kūpuna programs, talks about all of the activities available to seniors. And Financial Advisor Michael Yee has some good words about paying off debt or investing.
The May-June issue of GENERATIONS MAGAZINE features a story about Kumu Kahua Theater in downtown Honolulu. Kathlyn Clore explores the people who contribute to Honoluluʻs home for local storytellers. Dr. Sandra von Doetinchem, a UH specialist in gerontology, discusses the benefits of learning late in life. Does Dad need help during the day and something to keep him occupied? In Kathy Wyattʻs article, she explains the benefits of kūpuna day care. And Debbie Kim Morikawa shows us the best exercises for getting up and down!
There are many questions that families have as their parents age. Many adult children have never had to provide care for a senior. When they begin, they soon find it is not an easy task. Assisting your parents as they age in place seems like a good idea until we realize how much time it takes to provide meals, and clean and maintain an additional house, along with continuing our own career and meeting life’s demands.
Regular exercise and physical activity can help to prevent disease, improve mental health, increase energy, reduce the risk of falling and much more. Here’s how!
With the holidays and the spirit of the season upon us, our energies turn toward the festivities with our friends and families. What better opportunity for us to shine the spotlight on our kūpuna than by tapping into their vast knowledge of life, wisdom and memories? A fun way to do this is through a day of “Life Stories,” where all the generations get together and share their fondest memories.
Hawai‘i is fortunate to be the home of many centenarians, and I love writing about them. Most recently, I spent time with Edward Jurkens, who celebrated his 100th birthday on December 23, 2017. We planned to talk at his apartment then go to lunch. On the way there, I thought, “Where should I park so I can drive him somewhere?”
At the YMCA of Honolulu, our programs and services are tailored to meet all ages, abilities and goals — and so are our yoga classes! All health and fitness facility Y Branches offer a range of yoga classes for kūpuna, from ones that will bring on a light sweat to others that will give you a soothing stretch while seated on a chair.
In 2017, Hawai‘i legislators and Gov. David Ige created the Kupuna Caregivers Program. This program helps family caregivers who work at least 30 hours per week outside the home by providing a $70-per-day benefit in services that could help make home caregiving for aging family members more affordable.
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
