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Dozens of kupuna filled the state Capitol grounds Thursday for the annual Kupuna Power Day, an information fair designed to “empower” senior citizens with education and resources. Read more

Dozens of kupuna filled the state Capitol grounds Thursday for the annual Kupuna Power Day, an information fair designed to “empower” senior citizens with education and resources.

“This day is all about empowering the kupuna with education, entertainment and exercise,” said state Sen. Brickwood Galuteria (D, Kakaako-McCully-Waikiki), who organized the event, now in its sixth year. “Our population is aging, and we need to continue to provide our kupuna with support so they can live self-sufficiently.”

Participating vendors promoted services ranging from wellness programs and meal home delivery to legal assistance for seniors, who account for roughly 1 in 6 residents.

Lori Lau, director of Lanakila Meals on Wheels, which had a booth at the event, said while the nonprofit is known for its senior meal delivery program, it also operates five kupuna wellness centers on Oahu providing free programming for seniors age 60 and older.

“It’s really about helping kupuna enjoy this time of their life,” Lau said. “We always think about ourselves as being so much more than a meal — it’s really about enhancing the quality of lives.”

Lau said seniors can suffer from social isolation, which can have negative health impacts. “We really want our kupuna to have a place where they can get out, they can belong, be part of a community, where they can experience these healthy living and wellness services and really just enjoy,” she said.

Farah Doiguchi, coordinator for the Emeritus College at Honolulu Community College, said the college offers workshops and courses to teach kupuna the basics about computer technology and has specialty courses on using an iPhone and iPad and social media sites like Facebook.

“It’s very empowering for them to learn on these types of technologies and how to navigate them,” Doiguchi said. “A lot of seniors want to connect with grandchildren.”

Tricia Eng brought her parents, Bill, 92, and Alberta, 85, to the event. As their primary caregiver, Eng said the fair provided valuable information but a big draw was the free giveaways, including tote bags, pens and snacks.

“We liked all the free stuff and the entertainment and the speakers,” she said. “I think this is really helpful for people to know about what’s out there.”