On September 6, 2023, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami officially proclaimed September as both National Healthy Aging Month and National Senior Center Month. The announcement was made during a ceremony attended by representatives from the county’s Agency on Elderly Affairs, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and notable local elders, including Janice Bond and Phil Worwa, known as Santa in Paradise. This initiative aims to highlight the significance of healthy living, community involvement, and resources dedicated to supporting older adults.
The proclamation emphasizes that “healthy aging is not just about living longer — it is about living better,” according to Emily Ishida, Executive of the Agency on Elderly Affairs. She added, “This month, we celebrate the vitality, wisdom, and resilience of our kupuna, and reaffirm our commitment to creating an age-friendly community.”
Local events throughout the month reflect this commitment. For instance, at 10 a.m. today, the Kauai Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), in collaboration with AmeriCorps Senior, is hosting the National Day of Service and Remembrance at the Kukui Grove Center. This event serves as a tribute to first responders and survivors of the September 11 attacks. “We, the Agency on Elderly Affairs, will be there with a table,” said Johnny Yago of the Agency on Elderly Affairs. “We are promoting the wide variety of services we provide kupuna.”
Additionally, the annual Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital Healthy Living Fall Celebration is scheduled for Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the KVMH campus. This event is part of ongoing efforts to foster well-being among the island’s seniors.
The proclamation acknowledges the contributions of local elders, noting that they have enriched the community through their service and dedication. Kawakami expressed concern over the loneliness and isolation many kupuna experience, a challenge that became especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Every kupuna, regardless of age or ability, can participate in activities and programs that promote well-being, whether through exercise, social gatherings, creative pursuits, or community service,” the proclamation states. These activities are essential for cultivating a healthier and more vibrant Kauai.
Kawakami encourages all residents to support local organizations and senior centers that empower kupuna to lead active, engaged, and fulfilling lives. “Let us celebrate and take part in the efforts that help our elders live with purpose and joy,” he said.
September presents an opportunity for the community to come together, promote healthy living, and honor the contributions of its older generations.
