Senior housing projects foster independent living

• Among O'ahu's newest senior-living projects

By Zenaida Serrano Espanol
Advertiser Staff Writer

Retired public-relations specialist Harry Cooper, 86, relaxes on the lanai of his home at Kaluanui, a senior-living project in Hawai'i Kai. Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser

If lifestyles were any indication of age, the gym-going and line-dancing couple could easily be in their 30s. In reality, they're well into their golden years.

The Katayamas have found a retirement community that caters to their independent and active lives. The couple currently live in a Nu'uanu condo, but will move into the Kahala Nui senior-living project, expected to open next year.

"We're looking forward to having available to us all those recreational and organized social activities there," said Robert Katayama, 79, an attorney who continues to practice part-time.

The Katayamas are among a growing number of seniors getting ready for the next chapter of their lives, looking into senior-living projects offering services and programs that will meet their present and future needs. A handful of such projects have opened or will open within a year, including fee-simple condominiums, rentals and continuing-care retirement communities.

Among the Kahala Nui features that attracted Robert Katayama are its gym and wellness program.

While such communities are helping active seniors continue their way of living, some projects are giving the not-so-active renewed hope.

"It's a new life again," said Earling Wong, resident of The Plaza at Punchbowl. "It's like I'm born again."

Wong, a retired public-affairs specialist in his 70s, was one of the first residents of the senior rental project after moving there from his Makiki apartment in January. He quickly took advantage of the exercise program offered at the Plaza.

After suffering a stroke two years ago, Wong said, he lost the use of his right arm. But after only six days in the program, which worked both his arms and legs, Wong said he could once again do simple things he hadn't been able to do for years, such as putting on his trademark "bull's horn" gold necklace and reclining his La-Z-Boy chair.

"My next goal is to be able to dance again," Wong said.

Ella Ing, in her late 70s, moved from a Nu'uanu apartment into the Plaza in February. She especially enjoys the apartment complex's social offerings, including mahjong tournaments and card games.

"Oh, yes, they have a nice program here," Ing said.

At the Plaza's Valentine's Day dinner and dance, Ing got all dolled up for the event and even turned prom queen for the night, being named Queen of the Sweetheart's Ball.

Fitness programs and social activities weren't Harry Cooper's priorities when he looked at moving out of his pricey Hawai'i Kai condo. The retired public-relations specialist, 86, moved into an affordable senior-housing project called Kaluanui when it opened in November.

"I have enough to do," Cooper said. "I'm active in my Lions Club and my church."

Cooper, a widower, has three grown children: a son who lives here, and two daughters who live out of state. He's also a new great-grandfather of twin boys.

For Cooper, a world traveler who has visited 127 countries, affordability mattered more than the availability of physical activities.

Jeanne and Robert Katayama work out at the gym in their Nu'uanu condominium. They are looking forward to taking advantage of the recreational and social activities offered at Kahala Nui, where they will move next year. Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser

A bonus for Cooper is that his new Hawai'i Kai digs have become quite the sanctuary, providing the perfect escape for relaxation.

"I spend a fair amount of time here," he said. I've got a nice lanai ... that's a good place for getting a tan, and the view is gorgeous."

With thousands of Hawai'i seniors nearing that age of well-deserved relaxation — about 93,685, or 8 percent of the state's population, are 65 to 75, according to the state Executive Office on Aging — providing them the opportunity to continue a comfortable, independent lifestyle should be a priority, experts say.

"It's been proven that the more active and more engaged in life that seniors are, the longer they'll live and the happier they are," said Terry Peacock, marketing director for Kahala Nui.

"And this will keep them out of the healthcare center and needing assistance," he said.

Senior-housing projects such as the Plaza offer such fulfillment, said Plaza resident Ella Ing.

"It's nice to come in and enjoy our senior, late years, and still be able to do the things we've enjoyed doing," she said.

Reach Zenaida Serrano Espanol at zespanol@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-8174.

Among O'ahu's newest senior-living projects

Kaluanui, 6950 Hawai'i Kai Drive, offers affordable rentals ranging up to $733 a month. The senior-housing project, which opened in November, has 31 units.

Kaluanui is within walking distance of Hawai'i Kai Recreation Center, Hawai'i Kai Shopping Center and Hawai'i Kai Towne Center.

The Plaza at Punchbowl, 918 Lunalilo St., has 137 beds spread over 108 assisted-living apartments. It opened Jan. 19. Rental prices at the $22 million project range from $2,875 to $4,800 a month.

The rental retirement community was designed to foster independent living among its residents. Activities and programs offered include exercise classes in a fitness room, mahjong and card games, karaoke time, excursions to places such as Ala Moana Center and the Waikiki Aquarium, a reading club and computer lessons.

The Plaza also provides cleaning service and meals for independent seniors.

Kahala Nui, a continuing-care retirement community or life-care community, will house its first residents in January 2005. The $183 million project has 393 units, including 270 independent-living apartments. Monthly fees for the one- to three-bedroom units range from $1,695 to $3,795 single occupancy (add $895 for a couple), including housekeeping, one meal a day in the dining hall and recreational facilities.

Active-living amenities include a fitness center with exercise equipment and fitness instructors, a pool and walking paths. Kahala Nui also will offer residents water aerobics, tai-chi lessons, and computer and Internet classes.