As people with HIV live longer, how can they also age well? University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 researcher Chase Bryer was selected for a national program advancing aging research exploring that question, with a focus on improving care for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander 办奴辫耻苍补 aging with HIV.

Bryer, a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, is an assistant professor and gerontologist at the in the . He will join the third cohort of the .

“HIV is no longer a death sentence, and that means we must begin asking different questions about not just how people with HIV can live longer, but how they can thrive later in life,” said Bryer. “Through the CHANGE program, I hope to center the lived experiences and cultural knowledge of 办奴辫耻苍补 to help reimagine what HIV and aging care can look like in Hawaiʻi.”

The 18-month national program, supported by the National Institute on Aging, provides mentorship and specialized training in Native aging research. Bryer will receive $50,000 in pilot funding to support community-engaged research on HIV and aging.

Findings could help inform healthcare approaches that support the health and well-being of 办奴辫耻苍补 and those aging with HIV.

Centering 办奴辫耻苍补 experiences

In partnership with the Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center and Lei Pua 驶Ala Queer Histories of Hawaiʻi, Bryer will explore pathways to aging well with HIV and culturally grounded approaches to care.

The research team includes Thompson School co-investigators Miquela Ibrao and David Stupplebeen. Together with community partners, they aim to better understand the experiences, needs and priorities of 办奴辫耻苍补 aging with HIV.

“What drew me to Hawaiʻi was the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with communities and learn from the knowledge and experiences of 办奴辫耻苍补,” Bryer said. “I look forward to deepening those relationships and conducting research that is responsive to community priorities, with the hope of contributing to more culturally grounded approaches to HIV and aging care here in Hawaiʻi.”

A University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 nursing simulation designed by the to prepare future nurses to care for Hawaiʻi’s aging population is showing promising results.

The Aging With Grace program significantly increased nursing students’ self-reported confidence using telehealth and received high participant ratings, according to findings published in the . The simulation is now a required competency activity for undergraduate nursing and graduate nurse practitioner students.

Nearly one in five Hawaiʻi residents is 65 or older, yet only a small percentage of the state’s registered nurses and nurse practitioners hold certifications in geriatrics.

“Our novel geriatric simulation curriculum can build the knowledge, confidence and collaborative skills needed to care for older adults with increasingly complex health needs,” said Courtnee Nunokawa, assistant professor and director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. “The evidence-based Aging With Grace curriculum was designed by our faculty to address a critical workforce need.”

Following a patient’s journey

Unlike traditional simulations focused on a single medical encounter, Aging With Grace follows the same patient through three stages of care: independent living, post-stroke rehabilitation and long-term care.

Undergraduate nursing and graduate nurse practitioner students collaborate to address the patient’s changing physical, emotional and medical needs.

Trained actors from , a partnership between 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 nursing and the , portray patients to create realistic clinical experiences. Faculty also used artificial intelligence to generate a photograph of the simulated patient’s deceased spouse, adding emotional depth.

The curriculum emphasizes five components of age-friendly care: What Matters, Medication, Mentation (mental health, memory, and cognitive function), Mobility and Multimorbidity (co-occurrence of multiple chronic conditions).

The simulation involved 125 students across six sessions in March and April 2024. Of the 112 students who completed evaluations, participants rated the experience highly and reported statistically significant improvements in telehealth confidence across all measured areas.

Faculty are exploring partnerships with other health disciplines, health care organizations and community groups to expand the program.

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Hawaiʻi‘s rapidly aging population faces a higher cost of meeting basic needs, with housing costs driving much of the difference compared with the rest of the nation, according to a new (糖心视频ERO) analysis.

In a new piece published October 7, James Mak, professor emeritus of economics and a 糖心视频ERO fellow, uses the 2025 to estimate the minimum income older adults need to live independently without public or private subsidies. The Elder Index estimates basic expenses for older households but does not include costs such as dining out, vacations, savings, gifts, entertainment or long-term care.

The analysis found that for a couple in good health who rents, the estimated monthly budget is $4,585 in Hawaiʻi, compared with $3,918 nationally. For a single renter, the estimated monthly budget is $3,436, compared with $2,836 nationally.

Housing accounts for much of the difference. For older adults who rent or still have a mortgage, housing is the largest monthly expense, while health care is the largest expense for couples who have paid off their mortgages.

Basic needs differences among counties

The analysis also found significant differences among Hawaiʻi‘s counties. Honolulu County was generally the least affordable for older adults, while Hawaiʻi and Kauaʻi counties were more affordable. For example, a single renter in Honolulu County would need an estimated $3,563 per month to meet basic needs, compared with $3,106 in Kauaʻi County and $3,172 in Hawaiʻi County.

Hawaiʻi‘s aging population adds urgency to the issue. In 2024, more than 310,000 Hawaiʻi residents were 65 or older, representing 21.5% of the state’s population. A decade ago, it was only 16.2%. By 2035, one in four Hawaiʻi residents is expected to be 65 or older.

Health care a growing concern

Mak also highlighted health care as a growing concern as the state’s population of adults age 85 and older increases. Older adults in poorer health face substantially higher health care costs, and the state already faces a shortage of physicians.

Mak concludes that addressing housing affordability and health care access would benefit not only older adults but Hawaiʻi residents more broadly.

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糖心视频ERO is housed in .

The findings and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views or official positions of 糖心视频ERO, 糖心视频, or any funding or supporting organization.

University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 gerontologist Christy Nishita of the in the Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health has been selected as a by the Eisner Foundation, earning national recognition for her work advancing intergenerational connections and strengthening Hawaiʻi’s communities.

Nishita coordinates and co-founded the , a statewide network of more than 300 organizations dedicated to engaging older adults as contributors, mentors and community leaders. Her work focuses on aging, workforce development and intergenerational programs that strengthen Hawaiʻi‘s communities.

“I am deeply honored to join this inspiring cohort of Eisner Prize Fellows and look forward to creating meaningful intergenerational opportunities that make a lasting difference in Hawaiʻi‘s communities,” said Nishita.

Preparing Hawaiʻi’s future workforce

As part of the fellowship, Nishita will launch her project, Intergenerational Resilience Corps: Wisdom to Workforce, which will bring together 办奴辫耻苍补 (older adults) and high school and university students to develop a curriculum and microcredential in aging and community resilience.

By combining the lived experiences of 办奴辫耻苍补 with student learning, the initiative will prepare future professionals to better support 办奴辫耻苍补 and Hawaiʻi’s communities before, during and after natural disasters.

The project builds on Nishita’s Youth Leaders in K奴puna Health (YLKH) microcredential program which gave seven high school students hands-on experience working with nursing and activities staff at Arcadia Senior Living this summer. Students learned about aging through a strengths-based approach, created service-learning projects that benefited 办奴辫耻苍补 at Arcadia, and earned a 糖心视频 issued . YKLH provides early proof of concept for the intergenerational, workforce-building model Nishita will expand through her Eisner Prize project.

“This cohort reflects just how far the idea of intergenerational connection can stretch: into dance, radio, civic life, disaster resilience, and even role-playing games,” said Trent Stamp, CEO of The Eisner Foundation. “Each of these Fellows is building something rooted in their own community, and we’re proud to support their efforts to bring their vision to life.”

Nishita is one of six fellows selected from a highly competitive national applicant pool for yearlong fellowship, which supports leaders developing innovative approaches to fostering intergenerational connection. Each fellow receives a $10,000 stipend and up to $40,000 in project funding.

The Eisner Prize Fellowship recognizes leaders developing innovative, community-based solutions that foster meaningful connections across generations. Nishita’s project reflects that mission by helping equip the next generation of community professionals with the knowledge and skills to build a more resilient Hawaiʻi.

As Hawaiʻi鈥檚 population ages, an award-winning public health graduate student is working to improve policies that help 办奴辫耻苍补 (older adults) live safely and independently.

Kevin Peralta, a master of public health student in the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 , recently received the at the Hawaiʻi Pacific Gerontological Society 2025 conference. The award recognizes emerging leaders in aging research and highlights Peralta’s work on aging in place and fall prevention.

At the conference, Peralta delivered an oral presentation on fall risk factors, related health outcomes and the need for stronger prevention efforts.

Falls are a leading cause of injury and death among adults 65 and older in Hawaiʻi, yet prevention remains underprioritized across legislation, insurance coverage and social services. Peralta鈥檚 work aims to inform stronger policy solutions.

“Too often, I observed older adults experiencing declines in mental health after losing their ability to live independently and with dignity,” Peralta said. “Many families rely on home modifications to keep their loved ones safe, but these preventive measures are often financially out of reach for low-income households. Institutionalization should be a last resort. More can and should be done to prevent falls and support people to remain safely in their homes.”

Turning research into action

During his practicum with Thrive for Life, Peralta helped develop lobbying strategies supporting the reintroduction of a Caregiver Tax Credit bill in 2026, which would give families tax relief to help cover costs of caring for older relatives at home. He also explored ways to expedite permits for home modifications and helped plan statewide Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) rallies in July 2025.

More can and should be done to prevent falls and support people to remain safely in their homes.
—Kevin Peralta

“Aging is something we will all experience,” Peralta said. “Supporting positive changes in current health policies, implementing aging-related health interventions, and providing financial stability for the aging population, would improve the quality of life for all persons through every phase of life.”

Expected to graduate in May 2026, Peralta plans to continue advancing policy solutions that support aging with dignity in Hawaiʻi.

“Kevin is making a difference in the community by integrating his academic research with community needs and policy action in his MPH degree,” said Tetine Sentell, a professor in public health and his advisor. “We are very proud of him and happy to see these important collaborations thriving.”

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform healthcare, a University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 (COA) researcher is gaining national recognition for advancing data-driven tools that improve the lives of 办奴辫耻苍补.

Jinyoung Jenny Lee has been accepted into the competitive National Institutes of Health (NIH) program: .

Funded by the NIH through the AIM-AHEAD Coordinating Center, the program trains researchers and clinicians to use AI/ML in healthcare, strengthens infrastructure in communities and healthcare systems, and supports multidisciplinary projects that improve health outcomes. FHIR sets standards for the secure exchange of electronic health data.

“Given AI‘s current and future impact on our population’s health, I’m excited to have been selected for this multidisciplinary cohort to learn about accelerating and sustaining the adoption of AI in healthcare and research settings,” Lee said.

Translating data into tools for communities

Lee earned her PhD in public health from 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and has consistently integrated technological innovation into her work at COA. Her research focuses on program evaluation and data analytics, with an emphasis on making complex data accessible and actionable for communities.

I hope to empower individuals and communities in the practical applications of this emerging and powerful technology.
—Jinyoung Jenny Lee

Among her projects is the creation of the interactive, user-friendly web page , which provides detailed demographic information about 贬补飞补颈驶颈’s aging population. She has also designed intuitive dashboards using data she collected and analyzed through her evaluation work with community organizations.

“Through my participation in the AIM-AHEAD training program, I hope not only to increase my knowledge and awareness of AI/ML but also to help empower individuals and communities in the practical applications of this emerging and powerful technology,” she said.

This research was, in part, funded by the National Institutes of Health Agreement No. 1OT2OD032581. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of the NIH.

The Center on Aging is part of the .

As Hawaiʻi鈥檚 aging population continues to grow—with nearly one-third of residents projected to be 65 or older by 2035—second-year medical student Kristal Xie at the (JABSOM) at the is being recognized for her dedication to caring for the state鈥檚 办奴辫耻苍补.

Xie recently received the N膩 Lima K艒kua Award from the Hawaiʻi Pacific Gerontological Society, which recognizes students demonstrating exceptional dedication to gerontology. Presented in memory of the organization鈥檚 first president, Tony Lenzer, the award honors Xie鈥檚 service, research and commitment to older adults in Hawaiʻi.

“This experience has strengthened my commitment to advancing the health and well-being of older adults,” Xie said. “I鈥檓 grateful to my mentors, especially Dr. Kamal Masaki, and to my loved ones for their continued support.”

Early exposure sparks a passion for geriatrics

Xie鈥檚 interest in geriatrics began during her first year at JABSOM when medical students are required to complete community service. She was selected to participate in WISH—Wellness Initiative for Seniors in Hawaiʻi, a program that connects students with 办奴辫耻苍补 through weekly visits at Kuakini Medical Center.

Caring for our 办奴辫耻苍补 is an opportunity to serve the community that raised us.
—Kristal Xie

“Talking story with 办奴辫耻苍补 helped bring our classroom learning to life,” Xie said. “It made me more aware of how to meet patients where they are and think about what support they might need.”

Her experience with WISH inspired two research projects—one focused on strengthening family engagement in elder care and another examining the health impacts of social isolation. She is currently working on hospital discharge planning research aimed at improving communication and safety for older adults returning home.

“Caring for our 办奴辫耻苍补 is an opportunity to serve the community that raised us,” Xie said.

In addition to the N膩 Lima K艒kua Award, Xie has received multiple scholarships recognizing her work in gerontology. She is now considering a career in geriatrics, guided by mentors in JABSOM鈥檚 Department of Geriatric Medicine, one of the largest fellowship programs in the nation and serving communities across the U.S.

Read more at .

The University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 has partnered with Gachon University, part of a consortium of five South Korean universities, to advance research and collaboration on aging and population change. Led by the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 (COA) and the Humanities-Utmost-Sharing System (HUSS), a South Korean government initiative, the agreement fosters mutual learning and international exchange.

South Korea, one of the fastest-aging societies in the world, offers insights valuable to Hawaiʻi and the U.S.During an August visit, a 24-member HUSS delegation explored COA鈥檚 dementia-friendly Hoʻ艒la ʻ膧ina Pilipili garden and met with staff to learn about aging initiatives in Hawaiʻi.

“The memorandom of understanding (MOU) encourages the exchange of faculty, students, academic information and collaborative research and learning initiatives,” said Jinyoung “Jenny” Lee, COA assistant researcher. “These exchanges will enhance educational outcomes and promote mutual understanding, particularly around population aging, demographic shifts and inclusive community development.”

Hyejoong Kim of Gachon University described factors driving Korea鈥檚 population decline, including low birthrates, high housing costs, and the challenges of raising children.

“We now have become a super-aged society. Bolstering resilience and inclusion for diverse generations and environments is central to our vision,” Kim said. “Our aim is to train many students to be experts in population change.”

Kim added that visiting 糖心视频鈥檚 Center on Aging was one of the highlights of the delegation鈥檚 trip. The dementia-friendly garden, with its active volunteer engagement, left a strong impression, as such initiatives are rarely found in Korea.

The collaboration aligns with COA鈥檚 mission to advance applied, translational and community-engaged research focused on Hawaiʻi and the Asia Pacific region. COA is housed in the .

Anyone passing Krauss Hall in October may have noticed an uncommon campus sight: 办奴辫耻苍补 (older adults), m膩kua (adults) and 艒pio (youth) sharing pizza and meaningful conversation. The gathering marked the launch of the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补驶s new Age-Friendly University Initiative, a long-term effort led by the Center on Aging (COA) in the Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health, with campus partners including the 糖心视频 Retirees ʻOhana and the .

Co-planned over several months by a team led by COA gerontologist Christy Nishita and Professor Emeritus Noel Kent of ethnic studies, “Generations in Conversation” served as the initiative’s first step toward building a more inclusive, multigenerational campus. The event followed 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补’s recent acceptance into the global .

“This is an association of higher education institutions around the world that are committed to promoting positive and healthy aging and enhancing the lives of older members, which strongly aligns with the mission and goals of our Center on Aging,” Nishita said.

Conversations that bridge generational divides

Participants of all ages split into pairs and small groups to explore 36 guided questions designed to spark curiosity, deep listening and connection. Facilitator Rob Chang, whose program builds bridges in correctional settings, helped participants quickly find common ground.

“Individuals shared that they had things in common they didn’t consider before with their partner or partners and that they felt comfortable to share,” said Whitney Katsutani, a COA social worker. “Rob also shared about how he does this work with justice-involved individuals and how connection and conversation go beyond the spaces they originate in.”

As COA continues developing age-friendly programming in the coming months, Nishita said events like this lay the foundation for deeper, ongoing intergenerational engagement.

“We start there, and then evolve into conversations of deeper social impact, working toward collaborative involvement in addressing larger community issues together,” she said.

Other 糖心视频 members involved in the Age-Friendly University initiative include Joonyoung Cho, Emanuel Drechsel and Carole Mandryk.

Engaging in cultural and social activities is strongly linked to better mental health for Native Hawaiian, American Indian & Alaska Native elders, according to a new study from the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 published in .

Researchers from the analyzed survey data from more than 19,000 older adults who participated in a national assessment sponsored by the . Conducted every three years, the survey helps inform planning, long–term care discussions & grant applications for programs that support Indigenous elders.

Traditions linked to better mental health

“We found that frequent participation in traditional cultural practices & social activities was strongly associated with better mental health,” said Miquela Ibrao, assistant professor and one of the study鈥檚 lead authors from the . “In contrast, functional limitations—such as difficulties bathing, dressing, cooking & cleaning for oneself—and caregiver burden were associated with poorer mental health.”

Among the three groups studied, Native Hawaiian elders reported the highest average mental health score.

“This may be because Native Hawaiian elders were most likely to regularly participate in cultural activities, as Hawaiʻi traditions like hula & mele are celebrated across the islands,” said Kathryn Braun, professor of public health sciences. “Also, the Native Hawaiian sample had the highest proportion of retirees.”

Ibrao said the findings highlight the value of community programs that honor cultural traditions, helping Indigenous elders stay mentally & emotionally healthy.

The research was co-authored by Jane Lee, Yan Yan Wu & Jordan Lewis of the Thompson school, along with collaborators from the Center for Rural Health at the , the & Southcentral Foundation.

The children鈥檚 storybook , which helps children understand Alzheimer鈥檚 disease, has been adapted into a . The story follows P艒mai, a young girl learning to support her Papa (grandfather) as he experiences memory loss, offering a gentle, culturally grounded way for families to start conversations about dementia. First released by the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 in 2019 and translated into ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi in 2025, the story has reached keiki and caregivers across the islands.

Related 糖心视频 News story: Dementia storybook released statewide

The animation was developed by Kalilinoe Detwiler, a 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 PhD candidate in English, with the , housed in the . It brings the storybook to life with vibrant visuals, expressive characters and narration voiced by H膩 K奴puna team members.

“We hope the book and video will open conversations between children, parents and 办奴辫耻苍补 about dementia in a cultural and age-appropriate way,” said Detwiler, who is an , and co-principal investigator for the Symphony of Hawaiʻi Seas project. “I enjoy spending time with the characters, imagining their expressions and who they might sit beside in the setting. I also enjoy imagining visual representations to subtle changes in their emotions and understanding of dementia.”

The project began in January 2025 and included storyboarding, visual design, background art, voice recording, animation and editing.

“As we create resources for ʻōpio (youth) and caregivers, we recognize there are mediums that best suit the intergenerational households in Hawaiʻi,” added Detwiler. “Animation is one of those mediums. It opens possibilities for stories that can be challenging or heavy,”

“The purpose of H膩 K奴puna is to enhance understanding of 办奴辫耻苍补, celebrate their lives, and improve eldercare services,” said Shelley Muneoka, H膩 K奴puna program coordinator. “Storybooks and animation help extend this information to new audiences in a meaningful way.”

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The first comprehensive guide for conducting qualitative interviews with Native Hawaiian elders (办奴辫耻苍补) has been released, offering researchers a culturally grounded framework for building trust and reciprocity. Developed by the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 in partnership with , a nonprofit dedicated to supporting Native Hawaiian advancement, the guide aims to ensure research practices reflect Hawaiian values and benefit communities.

is a 48-page resource designed for students, faculty and community researchers. It provides practical tools for engaging 办奴辫耻苍补 in ways that honor cultural traditions, strengthen relationships and share knowledge responsibly.

“There are many past examples of extractive or harmful research practices with Indigenous people,” said Shelley Muneoka, a lead researcher on the study. “This protocol flips the script by placing cultural values, reciprocity and community well-being at the center of the research process.”

The free guide was published alongside a peer-reviewed article in and draws on more than five years of collaboration with 办奴辫耻苍补 across Hawaiʻi.

What the guide offers

The resource reflects principles of community-based participatory research and includes:

• Historical context on harmful research practices and the rise of Hawaiian-led approaches.
• Self-reflection tools for examining privilege, positionality and potential bias.
• Recommendations on entering communities, obtaining consent, conducting interviews and offering reciprocity through makana (gifts).
• Guidance on disseminating results in ways that return knowledge to participants and communities.
• Although rooted in Native Hawaiian experiences, the authors note the guide has broader relevance for research with Indigenous and marginalized communities worldwide.

“This qualitative protocol guide is about shifting historical research dynamics to recognize that Native Hawaiian elders carry the ʻike (knowledge) and values that should guide how research happens,” said Keilyn Kawakami, the article鈥檚 first author. “The guide is an important tool for students and faculty embarking on research with 办奴辫耻苍补.”

H膩 K奴puna, one of three National Resource Centers for Native Elders funded by the U.S. Administration on Aging, is housed in the .

The power of intergenerational storytelling and Indigenous-centered research through the voices of Native Hawaiian 办奴辫耻苍补 was spotlighted in a new University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 study.

The K奴puna Interview Project, published in the , offers a 360-degree view of lived experiences shared by elders across Hawaiʻi. It was developed through a partnership between 糖心视频惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 , housed in the , and ALU LIKE, Inc., a non-profit that supports Native Hawaiians with programs that foster self-sufficiency, well-being and cultural values.

Adapted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the project used three Zoom interviews per participant to foster deep pilina (relationships). These talk-story sessions revealed rich narratives on family traditions, cultural practices, childhood memories and encounters with the healthcare system. In total, 30 办奴辫耻苍补 participated in the study.

“This article format privileges the voices of participants in research and highlights how research can have a positive impact on participants as well as on researchers,” said first author Rachel Burrage, Thompson school associate professor.

In recognition of their contributions to the project, 办奴辫耻苍补 received personalized video and print transcripts, along with a two-page story to pass on to their moʻopuna (grandchildren).

Emotional, cultural value of study

Community feedback underscored the emotional and cultural value of the project.

“I love telling stories, so having the memories of my stories living on for my moʻopuna (grandkids) really means a lot,” said Aunty Lovey (Leverne Toki). “More 办奴辫耻苍补 deserve to have their stories heard, and more of our keiki deserve to connect with their culture.”

More 办奴辫耻苍补 deserve to have their stories heard, and more of our keiki deserve to connect with their culture.
—Leverne Toki

Monique Ocampo, from Molokaʻi and raised in Kapaʻakea, added, “This interview process has the potential to be a medicine that can help others. The only criterion is that you make a difference in someone’s soul.”

For student researcher Keilyn Kawakami, the work was personally meaningful. “As a Hawaiian who did not grow up in Hawaiʻi, this project has been an opportunity to connect with my culture and deepen my understanding of Kanaka Maoli traditions.”

The K奴puna Interview Project stands as a model for community-based research grounded in kuleana, pilina and the enduring power of story for future generations.

With more than 35,000 Hawaiʻi residents living with Alzheimer’s, and the state’s aging population expected to grow, early detection and brain-healthy habits are crucial. To address this urgent public health issue, a new tool has been developed and launched as part of a statewide collaboration with the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 (COA) and the Department of Public Health Sciences鈥� (DPHS)鈥� Hawaiʻi Health Data Warehouse (HHDW) team in the .

This new interactive online tool, supports the Hawaiʻi 2025 State Plan on Alzheimer鈥檚 Disease & Related Dementias, provides real-time, localized data on brain health, cognitive decline, dementia prevalence, risk factors and caregiving across the state.

Real-time data tracks trends, issues

The Healthy Brain Tracker features interactive charts and dashboards by county and demographic group, offering data on cognitive disabilities, dementia rates, risk factors, caregiver roles and more. These tools help users visualize the scope of the issue, identify service gaps, and track trends over time.

“Public health surveillance data, like the kind available in the tracker, is essential for identifying important issues,” said Julia Chosy, an epidemiologist with HHDW. 鈥淚t helps measure the impact of programs and policy changes, ultimately improving the health of all our local residents.”

Research shows that changes in the brain can begin 20 years or more before symptoms appear, making timely access to information crucial for prevention and intervention.

“Data is very powerful, and we need this kind of data in the public health realm,” said Christy Nishita, a gerontologist at the Center on Aging. “There鈥檚 a lot of concern and impact on families, and the numbers are only going to grow because of our population aging.”

The tracker was developed over the past year through COA and DPHS HHDW, the Hawaiʻi Dementia Initiative Data Action Team, and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health Executive Office on Aging, with funding from the Centers for Disease Control’s Building Our Largest Dementia Infrastructure grant.

With aging populations on the rise worldwide, the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 (COA) is strengthening ties with Japanese researchers to lead the way in gerotechnology and community-based care for older adults.

Gerontologist and then-Interim Director Christy Nishita, and researcher Jinyoung “Jenny” Lee, were invited to the for meetings and presentations aligned with the 33rd International Biomedical Engineering Seminar. Their visit builds on a 2023 memorandum of understanding aimed at fostering research and innovation to support older adults in Hawaiʻi and Japan.

During the seminar, Nishita presented the center鈥檚 efforts to address dementia care, strengthen the eldercare workforce, and reduce social isolation in Hawaiʻi. Lee shared research focused on food security among the state鈥檚 diverse aging population.

Cross-cultural collaboration on eldercare

Their joint presentation, “Critical Eldercare Issues in Hawaiʻi and Opportunities for Collaboration,” emphasized Japan鈥檚 experience, where 30% of the population is age 65 or older, as a valuable model for Hawaiʻi, which has the nation鈥檚 highest life expectancy.

“The Japanese researchers were interested in how we built these relationships with community members,” Lee said. “Much of their research takes place in the lab, while we do community-engaged studies here in Hawaiʻi.”

Japanese researchers expressed interest in the U.S. eldercare policy landscape, including Medicare and Medicaid, and shared emerging tech-based approaches like robotics, AI and virtual reality. They were also intrigued by the , a Hawaiʻi-based network of nearly 300 organizations and 500 members that addresses eldercare through community engagement.

Building age-friendly communities

The visit also included a tour of , an intergenerational gathering space introduced to them by Emi Kiyota, founder of the Ibasho movement. Operated by Keio University and the local government, the space offers both structured activities and informal connection to reduce isolation and build community.

“It was a magical experience,” said Nishita. “We saw real potential to adapt this kind of model to our age-friendly work in Hawaiʻi.”

The visit reinforced the Center on Aging鈥檚 commitment to building inclusive, supportive communities for older adults across the Asia-Pacific region through shared learning and innovation.

糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 Center on Aging is housed in the .

Hawaiʻi鈥檚 aging population is growing faster than the rest of the U.S., with more than 21% aged 65 and older (compared to less than 18% nationwide) creating an urgent need for specialized healthcare for our 办奴辫耻苍补. In response, philanthropists Allen and Anne Abaya established the Nohara-Abaya Geriatrics Fellowship Award in 2023 at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 (JABSOM). Now in its second year, the award continues to support young doctors and nursing practitioners committed to careers in geriatrics.

Related 糖心视频 News story: Critical shortage in geriatric medicine tackled by JABSOM pilot programs

“It makes you feel that what we are doing is worthwhile, you know? We鈥檙e getting more and more passionate about it because we see more examples of where the need is there,” said Anne Abaya.

Recipients make an impact

For alumnus Trace “Kaimana” Kalei, caring for 办奴辫耻苍补 is deeply personal. “In Hawaiʻi, our 办奴辫耻苍补 mean a lot to us, and being able to care for them is a way of us being able to give back to our ʻohana and to our community. It’s a privilege,” Kalei said.

Kalei also recognized the financial burden of training locally. “It’s a very valuable gift and we鈥檙e very grateful for it. It will help support many other folks down the road.”

Maxwell Shen discovered his interest in geriatrics during his JABSOM internal medicine residency program at Tripler Army Medical Center. “A lot of the patients that I took care of were the elderly population, so that鈥檚 where my interest grew,” he said. “It was really eye-opening to watch [my mentor] work, as well as giving me different types of pearls.”

Serving the elderly population has long been a goal for alumna Daniella Orias. “I, personally, have always loved geriatrics. It鈥檚 always been a huge part of my passion and so, even through my family medicine (residency) training, I鈥檝e always held a really soft spot for it,” she said. “It鈥檚 a really tremendous honor that they鈥檝e been providing this for us, so that we can keep trying to help out with our geriatric community and our 办奴辫耻苍补.”

Looking ahead

“As we look forward, the geriatric population is only going to get larger. This (program) will help to provide support for that,” Kalei said.

“We figure, anything we can do to help get those numbers up (those interested in geriatric care), it feels good,” Abaya added.

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A new study found that people who followed a dietary pattern known as the MIND diet were significantly less likely to develop Alzheimer鈥檚 disease or related forms of dementia鈥攅ven if they made brain-healthy food choices later in life.

Eating more plant-based, nutrient-rich foods—even later in life—can protect your brain.
—Song-Yi Park

The MIND diet鈥攕hort for Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay鈥攃ombines elements of the Mediterranean and DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diets. It emphasizes proven brain-healthy foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts and olive oil. The is based on data from nearly 93,000 U.S. adults in the (MEC), a landmark study co-led by the 糖心视频 Cancer Center and the University of Southern California.

“Our study findings confirm that healthy dietary patterns in mid to late life and their improvement over time may prevent Alzheimer鈥檚 and related dementias,“ said lead author Song-Yi Park, professor in the 糖心视频 Cancer Center鈥檚 Population Sciences in the Pacific Program.

Improving diet over time shows major benefits

Participants were aged 45–75 at baseline, and more than 21,000 developed dementia during the follow-up years. Those who improved their adherence to the MIND diet over 10 years had a 25% lower risk of dementia compared to those whose adherence declined.

“The take-home message is encouraging,” Park said. “It鈥檚 never too late to make changes. Eating more plant-based, nutrient-rich foods—even later in life—can protect your brain.”

Diet-dementia link varies by race, ethnicity

The results showed a stronger risk reduction among African American, Latino and White participants, but not among Native Hawaiian or Asian American groups. Researchers believe cultural dietary patterns and naturally lower dementia rates in some populations may explain the differences.

Related 糖心视频 News story: Dementia risk factors differ among ethnicities

“We found that the protective relationship between a healthy diet and dementia was more pronounced among African Americans, Latinos and Whites, while it was not as apparent among Asian Americans and showed a weaker trend in Native Hawaiians,” Park said.

The findings, released during Alzheimer鈥檚 and Brain Awareness Month, were presented at NUTRITION 2025, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition. Authors included four 糖心视频 Cancer Center researchers, Park, Lynne R. Wilkens, Lo褩c Le Marchand and Unhee Lim, and collaborators from USC and the Pacific Health Research and Education Institute.

“This study highlights the power of large datasets and research generated by our University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center researchers,” said 糖心视频 Cancer Center Director Naoto T. Ueno. “These findings offer guidance and hope.”

June is Alzheimer鈥檚 and Brain Awareness Month. Alzheimer鈥檚 disease affects an estimated 31,000 Hawaiʻi residents, about 11% of those age 65 and older. As Hawaiʻi鈥檚 population continues to age, the number of Alzheimer鈥檚 cases is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades. Gina Fujikami, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 and a geriatrics medicine physician, shares insights on prevention, early detection and advances in diagnosis and treatment.

What is Alzheimer鈥檚 disease, and how does it affect the brain?

Alzheimer鈥檚 is a type of dementia caused by a buildup of amyloid and tau protein plaques in the brain. These plaques lead to brain damage, resulting in memory loss and cognitive difficulties. While these proteins often begin accumulating in middle age, not everyone with them develops Alzheimer鈥檚, and much about the disease remains unknown.

How has diagnosis and treatment improved recently?

Diagnosis has advanced from relying mostly on clinical exams and memory tests to now include specialized blood tests and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans that detect amyloid and tau proteins in the brain. These tools enable earlier and more accurate diagnosis. In terms of treatment, new medications target these plaques to slow disease progression, though research continues on their long-term benefits.

How can people reduce their risk, and how can they tell normal forgetfulness from symptoms of the disease?

Maintaining heart health through exercise, managing blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure is important for brain health. Mental and social activities like puzzles and socializing also help. Occasional forgetfulness is normal, but consistent memory issues that interfere with daily life, such as forgetting routes home or leaving appliances on, should prompt a medical evaluation.

What is the situation with Alzheimer鈥檚 in Hawaiʻi, and what support services are available?

About 31,000 residents in Hawaiʻi鈥攁round 11% of those 65 and older鈥攁re living with Alzheimer鈥檚. Cases are expected to double by 2050, creating challenges for families and caregivers. The provides caregiver support groups, educational programs and outreach, including support groups for those in early stages of dementia.

What is the Silver Alert system, and how does it help those with cognitive impairments?

Recently implemented in Hawaiʻi in July 2024, the Silver Alert is a community notification system similar to the Maile Alert for missing children. It is used when seniors or individuals with cognitive impairments go missing, helping law enforcement and the public respond quickly to ensure their safe return.

Fujikami and colleagues will be featured in an upcoming event, Research Roundtable: The Era of Treatment, hosted by the Alzheimer驶s Association Hawaii Chapter, June 14 8:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m. at JABSOM. .

Located along Metcalf Avenue at the University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 College of Education, is both a garden and an educational hub. In April, it welcomed dozens of visitors who helped test a new inclusivity checklist developed by researchers from the . A initiative, the garden emphasizes ʻāina-based learning and community connection.

The , part of a research study “Exploring the Usability, Appropriateness, and Inclusivity of the Dementia-Friendly Garden Checklist,” is led by Melody Halzel, a PhD student in public health, and Christy Nishita, interim director of the 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 , who serves as principal investigator. The study focuses on accessible garden interventions for older adults and people with disabilities, including those with dementia and their caregivers.

“The use of this checklist is for community sites to identify and remove common barriers to inclusion,” Halzel explained. “The items are aligned with evidence-based research and the ADA-accessibility guidelines to provide recommendations to design and implement accessible garden sites in Hawaiʻi.&rdquo

Research has shown that gardening offers both physical and mental health benefits, particularly for individuals with dementia. However, traditional gardens can be difficult to navigate for older adults and people with limited mobility.

“Gardening can be a calming, non-pharmacological intervention,” said Halzel. “An age-friendly and dementia-friendly accessible garden attempts to eliminate barriers to participation鈥揳 goal the checklist was designed to support.”

Checklist walkthrough aims to improve inclusivity

Participants received a checklist with 45 items grouped into categories, such as “accessible entrance,” “garden beds and pathways,” “safety” and “sensory features.” As they walked through the garden, they checked off features they observed, including raised beds or shaded seating, and offered additional feedback.

Hoʻōla ʻĀina Pilipili, once an underutilized space in 2022, now flourishes with native plants like mamaki, a native Hawaiian plant, and kalo, ʻōlena, rosemary, lilikoʻi, cherry tomatoes and more. It features elevated planter boxes, resting areas and wide pathways, all designed with accessibility in mind.

Growing community resource

Attendees took home a clean copy of the checklist, along with a guide detailing how to build accessible gardens, including approximate costs and dimensions for beds, paths, seating and shade.

Support for the garden has come from across 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补. Summer Maunakea, associate professor of curriculum studies in the College of Education, integrates it into her ʻāina-based education classes, while the Center on Aging has offered ongoing guidance to grow the site into a model for other communities.

During the event, organizers previewed the next phase: the development of an age-friendly caf茅 and education program, offering a space for learning and connection.

Community work days

Community members are invited to take part in monthly work days this summer at Hoʻōla ʻĀina Pilipili. Held every second Saturday from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., the gatherings offer opportunities to engage in hands-on garden care, including harvesting, weeding, and preparing herbal teas and l膩驶au bundles from plants grown on-site.

Two longtime University of Hawaiʻi at 惭腻苍辞补 faculty members, Kathryn Braun and Cullen Hayashida, played key roles in the 20th anniversary conference of the (ACAP) held in Fukuoka, Japan, in March 2025. They joined a 10-member Hawaiʻi delegation, including representatives from the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health and local 办奴辫耻苍补-serving organizations.

The conference brought together experts from more than 40 countries to share knowledge on dementia-friendly communities, digital inclusion, migration and care work, and intergenerational relationships.

Braun, professor of public health at 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补 and current ACAP president, is the principal investigator of the federally-funded in the . She highlighted Hawaiʻi鈥檚 rapidly aging population and the value of learning from other countries鈥� experiences.

“Hawaiʻi is one of the most rapidly aging states in the nation, but not as fast as Japan and several other Asian countries,” said Braun. “These gatherings help us adapt successful models to meet Hawaiʻi鈥檚 unique needs.”

Hayashida, graduate affiliate faculty in 糖心视频 惭腻苍辞补鈥檚 , and , is the founding director of the K奴puna Education Center at Kapiʻolani Community College. He described ACAP as a vital network of researchers, educators, healthcare professionals, and advocates committed to active aging.

“Active retirees should pivot from just being youthful to becoming useful contributors,” he said.

ACAP welcomes members of all ages and backgrounds to participate in monthly webinars and international knowledge exchange. Membership is free. To join, email Kathryn Braun at kbraun@hawaii.edu.