Young at Heart

Paddling coach draws from lifelong love for watersports

• By Kyle Galdeira, Special to the Star-Advertiser
• March 29, 2017

The coach and mentor for Outrigger Canoe Club is motivated by her teammates. Read more

Grappler takes life to the mat

• By Taylor Polson
• March 29, 2017

Former wrestling coach Philip Bancel tests his skill as a 75-year-old jiujitsu competitor. Read more

Smaller working-age population puts strain on retirement funds

• By Vincent Del Giudice, Wei Lu and David Roman, Bloomberg News
• March 29, 2017

As the world’s senior population grows, fewer younger people are available to support it. Read more

Seniors are plugging in with new technology

• By Patrick Filbin, Gillette News Record
• March 29, 2017

Digital advancements help tech-savvy seniors connect with relatives hundreds of miles away. Read more

Travel companions offer seniors a helping hand

• By Julie Weed, New York Times
• March 29, 2017

Services available worldwide offer accompaniment for older travelers who need assistance. Read more

Suzi Mechler cherishes her time on the water after starting the sport at age 47

• By Kyle Galdeira Special to the Star-Advertiser
• Sept. 21, 2016

While she developed a passion for outrigger canoe paddling later in life, Suzi Mechler credits the sport for keeping her invigorated and, indeed, young at heart. Read more

Whistling never fails to uplift Peggy Harris

• By Dominique Times Special to the Star-Advertiser
• Sept. 21, 2016

If you spot Peggy Harris while out and about, ask her for a whistle. Read more

Despite an accident that left him paralyzed, Mike Prickett continues new adventures

• By Kristen Consillio
• Sept. 21, 2016

For more than three decades, Mike Prickett has filmed world-famous surfers on monstrous swells at the best surf spots across the globe. He has pursued his passion for cinematography despite two critical accidents that would test anyone’s resolve. Prickett, 51, grew up in Hawaii Kai and landed his first photography job as a 15-year-old Kaiser High School student. Read more

Hiking keeps retired professor, 82, active and sharp

• By Nina Wu
• Sept. 21, 2016

During the week, you likely won’t find retired microbiology professor John B. Hall sitting in front of the TV or teeing up on a manicured golf course. He would rather be outdoors, hiking. It’s the beauty and solitude of Hawaii’s mountain ridges, valleys and forests that keep him young at heart, and physically and mentally sharp. Read more

‘Toy’ Arre Jr. is a leader in Oahu’s Filipino community

• By Kathryn Mykleseth
• Sept. 24, 2014

Geminiano "Toy" Arre Jr. chuckled about his nickname. It means "boy," he explained. Read more

Many factors are key to seniors’ mental, physical fitness

• By Alan Titchenal and Joannie Dobbs
• Sept. 24, 2014

More than 2 million Americans are 90 years of age or older, making them part of the fastest growing age segment of the American population. It is estimated that by 2050 this age group will increase to 10 million Americans. Read more

A fast-paced sport is adapted to benefit older folks

• By Associated Press
• Sept. 24, 2014

On a recent morning in London, Lara Thomson practiced spinning on benches, swinging from metal bars and balancing off raised ledges -- all elements of a daredevil discipline known as "parkour." What was unusual about the scene is that Thomson is 79. Read more

Former dancer Brenda Wong Yim goes the distance

• By Maureen O'Connell
• Sept. 24, 2014

People lose their sense of smell as the years go by

• By McClatchy News Services
• Sept. 24, 2014

Because metabolism slows and activity declines, it's normal for elderly people to want less food. What families may not know is that, as people get older, the way food tastes changes. Read more

Surf legend China Uemura is a survivor and teacher

• By Nina Wu
• Sept. 24, 2014

Early every morning, longboard surf legend Roy "China" Uemura parks his blue van and sets up post at Ala Moana Beach Park. Read more

Paddling is a way of life for Scott Freitas and his ohana

• By Kyle Galdeira / Special to the Star-Advertiser
• Sept. 24, 2014

Much like a chess aficionado, Lanikai Canoe Club head coach Scott Freitas commits most of his time at weekly paddling regattas and races to tinkering with and reorganizing his club's various lineups while putting the proper athletes in the best positions to succeed. Read more

You made it this far … eat right and keep going

• By Alan Titchenal and Joannie Dobbs
• March 26, 2014

Many (perhaps most) of us "post-midlifers" took health and safety for granted during the first half of life. However, the second half brings some of life's greatest challenges. Read more

Plantation life didn’t leave much time for music lessons

• By Steven Mark
• March 26, 2014

Whenever Richard Afuso visited his mother-in-law at her Kauai nursing home, he noticed that music would lift her spirits. Read more