Embedded Files
Our members retain a wealth of knowledge...
Our members retain a wealth of knowledge...
... and finding the ways we intersect can help us apply that knowledge in meaningful ways.
... and finding the ways we intersect can help us apply that knowledge in meaningful ways.
Here you'll find descriptions of some of the overarching kūpuna topics that we're directly involved in.
Here you'll find descriptions of some of the overarching kūpuna topics that we're directly involved in.
Below that is a list of other coalitions/networks/hui that intersect our efforts. Please add to this list using the interactive form below!
Below that is a list of other coalitions/networks/hui that intersect our efforts. Please add to this list using the interactive form below!
Overarching Topics
Overarching Topics
Hawai‘i Dementia Initiative
Hawai‘i Dementia Initiative
When people think of aging, activities aimed at promoting physical mobility and well being come to mind. But brain health and wellness remain just as important aspects of healthy aging. Here in Hawai‘i there are many folks addressing this from different angles.
When it comes to dementia, the Executive Office on Aging is enacting a Hawai'i 2035: State Plan on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias. Papa Ola Lōkahi is working to understand dementia within Native Hawaiian communities and contexts.
Many local organizations implement programming and services that help keep kūpuna intellectually engaged and mentally thriving.
Get caught up and get involved:
Get caught up and get involved:
Alzheimers Association - Hawai‘i Chapter
Hawaii Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative - HADI, UH Center on Aging
Hawai‘i ADRC page on Dementia Initiatives
Hawaiʻi Dementia Initiative: Join an Action Team! Call for volunteers to implement the State Plan to address dementia for our communities. No particular experience needed.
Vaccination
Vaccination
The history of communicable diseases in Hawaiʻi is one of great loss and tragedy. Disease brought by white missionaries in the 1800s has inflicted significant devastation on the Kānaka ʻŌiwi ("Native Hawaiians"), leading to staggering depopulation estimates ranging from 70% to 90% within a mere century. Fast forward to 2020, the impact of COVID-19 has been particularly severe on kūpuna, who experienced the highest rates of serious illness and death. While the initial chaos of the pandemic has subsided, the imperative to safeguard our communities remains paramount, underscoring the ongoing need for protective measures.
Working with Catholic Charities Hawaii, Project Vision, Pear Suite, Pacific Gateway Center, and All HIM Productions we are working to increase access to covid boosters and testing, flu shots, and (pending availability) flu shots, Hep-B and Mpox vaccines, and TB testing for kūpuna and those with disabilities. Pacific Gateway Center can provide language services for these events.
Wanna know what vaccines are available near you? Visit vaccines.gov for more
Digital Inclusion
Digital Inclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted a connectivity crisis among kūpuna in Hawaiʻi. Access to a home internet connection and to a digital device is not a guarantee for all kūpuna in Hawaiʻi. Furthermore, not all kūpuna have the know-how required to effectively navigate through the complexities of technology.
Broadband Hui, the State Broadband & Digital Equity Office, and many community specific organizations or initiatives are working to secure digital equity not just for kūpuna but for other populations experiencing the digital divide.
Join the Broadband Hui for their weekly calls
Join the Broadband Hui for their weekly calls
and look out for opportunities to contribute to this long range, far reaching effort for digital equity.
Food Security
Food Security
There are more than 300,000 kūpuna living in Hawaiʻi and more than 57,000 of our kūpuna are estimated to live alone. For kūpuna living in isolation, with physical limitations, or with chronic illness, inability to regularly shop can reduce access to consistent, nutritious meals. Food service providers help meet this need by providing free or subsidized meals to kūpuna; however, these providers may not be able to reach every individual need due to geographical restrictions and limited capacity.
Food security requires both reactive and proactive work. See the links below to see what's being done in towards both.
Food security requires both reactive and proactive work. See the links below to see what's being done in towards both.
Transforming Hawai‘i's Food Systems Together - Their website retains links to island specific coalitions
Image source: SAC Foundation, found in our KFSC After Action Report
This page was designed by our previous Kūpuna Collective Special Projects Coordinator VISTA Kiara Bacasen
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