Hawaii Island residents are living longer, more active lives, but are their homes and communities ready to meet their needs as they age?
Hawaii Island residents are living longer, more active lives, but are their homes and communities ready to meet their needs as they age?
That question is at the heart of public events co-sponsored by AARP Hawaii, the Hawaii County Office of Aging and the Disability and Communications Access Board in Kona today and Hilo on Saturday.
The events feature tips on modifying your home to enhance comfort and safety and prepare for age-related changes that can make everyday activities more challenging. Modifications range from inexpensive and easy-to-install features like cabinet door handles that are easy to grasp, to higher-end improvements such as wheelchair ramps and wider hallways.
Planning for age-friendly homes and communities is increasingly important in Hawaii County, home to one of the oldest populations in the state.
Census data indicate that seniors age 65 and older represent more than 15 percent of the Big Island’s population (28,273 people) — and their ranks are growing (the number of seniors increased by more than 33 percent from 2000 to 2010.)
“Too many people wait until a crisis occurs before they start thinking about adjusting their home to promote independent living,” said AARP Hawaii Community Outreach Director Jackie Boland. “If your home isn’t ready for you as you get older, you run the risk of having to move to a nursing home or assisted living facility when your physical needs and abilities change.”
The events feature presentations by experts in the field of active aging:
— “Home, Safe Home”: Retired Assistant Fire Chief Lloyd Narimatsu will show how to create a safer home by preventing problems that can lead to injury and loss of independence.
— “Make Your Home a Home for Life”: Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist Curt Kiriu will provide tips on how residents can modify their homes to promote independence, and how assistive technologies can help them stay in their homes longer and more safely.
— “Leaving the Hospital with Auntie Lani”: Local experts and service providers will answer questions on everything from hospital discharge to the types of care available at home.
To register, call toll-free 1-877-926-8300 or online as follows: Thursday, June 14 (8:30 – 11:30 a.m.), at the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel (http://aarp.cvent.com/HIKonacaringforfamily). Saturday, June 16 (8:30 – 11:30 a.m.) YWCA of Hawaii Island (http://aarp.cvent.com/HIHilocaringforfamily).
AARP is a membership organization for people age 50 and older with nearly 150,000 members in Hawaii. We champion access to affordable, quality health care for all generations, provide the tools needed to save for retirement, and serve as a reliable information source on issues critical to older Americans. Find out more at www.aarp.org/hi.