Tag: senior activities on Molokai

  • Moloka‘i Kupuna Program Fills the Gap

    Imagine living and working on Moloka‘i most or all your life. Now you’re a kūpuna and many of your ‘ohana members have moved out of the family home or off the island, leaving you to live alone. You begin to feel depressed and cut off from family and even friends.

    To fill this gap, the Moloka‘i Rural Health Community Association (MRHCA) runs the Moloka‘i Kupuna Program, a comprehensive program developed to provide a wide range of services, activities and socialization opportunities for seniors. Funded by the County of Maui’s Office of Economic Development (OED) and the Office of Aging (MCOA), the program is under the direction and coordination of myself and my staff.

    Activities: MRHCA has partnered with programs and individuals who provide kupuna-friendly activities, such as hula, theater, ceramics, online painting, leihulu (feather lei making), ‘ukulele classes, lauhala weaving, origami and other cultural activities. One of the program’s primary goals is to provide outlets for socialization and talk story time for kūpuna and their peers as they participate in these activities.

    Health: Exercise classes, tai-chi and stretching sessions help loosen up ku¯puna’s stiff muscles. In collaboration with Sustainable Moloka‘i, ku¯puna receive free bags of fresh produce. Outreach workers visit the homebound in tandem with our public health nurses.

    Education: Computer classes and online classes in Social Security, Medicare and gerontology are also offered.

    Services: Kūpuna who have received haircuts, lomilomi massages or footcare from the podiatrist often say they “feel like a million dollars.” Yard and house cleaning services are also available.

    The MRHCA is very grateful to provide these services to our island kūpuna and we are happy that they entrust us with their daily needs.

    MOLOKA‘I RURAL HEALTH COMMUNITY ASSOC.
    PO Box 290614, Hoolehua, HI 96729
    808-774-8991 | kupunaprogram.wixsite.com

    Imagine living and working on Moloka‘i most or all your life. Now you’re a kūpuna and many of your ‘ohana members have moved out of the family home or off the island, leaving you to live alone. You begin to feel depressed and cut off from family and even friends. To fill this gap, the…

  • Smiling Faces at Moloka‘i’s Friendly Places

    Senior programs on Moloka‘i are provided by a wide range of nonprofits. There is no designated “senior center,” but a number of facilities welcome program providers. The Moloka‘i Rural Health Community Association (MRHCA) is one such provider. Its Kūpuna Program was established post-COVID with funding from Maui County’s Office of Economic Development and Office on Aging to promote overall health and wellness. Program Manager Ku‘ulei Arce describes MRHCA as a “one-stop place that aims to help kūpuna live a well-rounded life.”

    The programs offered include computer classes at the Moloka‘i Education Center twice a month, weekly stretching and hula classes held at Home Pumehana, and sewing classes held at the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Other offerings include pickleball, ‘ukulele and origami, healthy eating workshops, excursions and one-off events such as Christmas with Melveen Leed, which was held at the Moloka‘i Community Health Center.

    Socialization and fun

    One program that MRCHA supports is the Kupuna Fun Night put on by Hōkūlani Children’s Theatre of Molokai (HCTOM). Held once a month at Home Pumehana, it provides socialization, a congregate meal, and activities designed to “keep kūpuna engaged and provide them with tools to help them live better—like listening and remembering,” says HCTOM Founder Vicki Boswell. The participants also work on joint projects with the keiki, creating costumes, building and painting sets, and performing together for the public.

    A recent Keiki and Kūpuna Comedy Variety Show featured stand-up and mime by both age groups.

    Small but mighty

    Another nonprofit that focuses on kūpuna health and wellbeing is Mālama Molokai Wellness. Tai chi classes are held twice a week in an adjacent outdoor space. Other options include low-impact interval training and “kūpuna strong” classes. The exercise class designed to strengthen the body’s core muscles aims to aid balance, which helps prevent falls.

    Music, smiles and laughter abound, making a mighty impact in participants’ lives!

    MOLOKA‘I RURAL HEALTH COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
    808-774-8991
    HCTOM KUPUNA FUN NIGHT
    808-658-0869
    instagram.com/hokulanictom
    MĀLAMA MOLOKAI WELLNESS
    808-460-7411
    facebook.com/malama.mkk.wellness

    Senior programs on Moloka‘i are provided by a wide range of nonprofits. There is no designated “senior center,” but a number of facilities welcome program providers. The Moloka‘i Rural Health Community Association (MRHCA) is one such provider. Its Kupuna Program was established post-COVID with funding from Maui County’s Office of Economic Development and Office on…