Q. What are you reading?

A. For work — well, it's pleasure also — I'm re-reading "Franciscans and Healthcare: Facing the Future," by Elise Sagau.

Q. What brought you back to it and what do you like about it?

A. With the economy as it is, I believe that we need to get back to our roots to be inspired for the present and to be prepared for the future. We need to get back to our raison d'etre. Since the 13th century, Franciscans have been deeply involved in healthcare. Challenges were presented to them then and they were able to embrace them rather than be subjected to them. Centuries later, their motives and foci are uniquely unchanged. Today, we serve with the same vibrant mission and with great confidence into the future.

Q. What is the future of health care, and how are you preparing St. Francis to meet that challenge locally?

A. ... Our healthcare system plans to meet the needs of Hawai'i's people into the future by providing a wide range of in-home services. For example, our Stay Healthy at Home independent living program responds to the growing need to help seniors stay at home well into their retirement years.

... Current longevity of our patients and clients has surpassed all human life cycles of previous ages. This thought urges and impels us to ask these questions: How do we embrace living longer with a basic quality of life? How do we embrace living longer lives with meaning? How do we live life to its fullest in spite of aging issues, which include health issues, mental issues, emotional issues, and spiritual issues?