There are two reasons we’re excited about next year’s international conference. First, will it be the first time we convened a conference outside
of D.C. Secondly, it's in Honolulu, Hawai'i!
Our guest blogger, ASN Consulting Services' Audrey
Suga-Nakagawa, explains the significance of an intergenerational conference convening
in Hawai'i.
Hawai'i is one of the most racially diverse places in the
world.
It has become home to many different ethnic groups over the
last 200 years, as each ethnic group has added elements of its own culture to
local life.
Hawai'i's variety of cultures can be traced back to the old
“plantation days” in the Islands, when various ethnic groups from all over
migrated to Hawai'i to earn a living and support their growing families.
Today,
contemporary culture in Hawai'i is a mix of the different cultures and ethnic
groups that make up its unique population.
The State also enjoys one of the longest life expectancy
in the nation and the world. The average 65-year-old woman in Hawai'i today has a life expectancy of 88 years while men can expect to live past 84
years of age.
Hawai'i’s respect and reverence for its kupuna (Hawaiian for elder, grandparent or older person) deeply
rooted in the local culture.
A kupuna is an honored elder who has
acquired enough life experience to become a family and community leader.
In
ancient times, they were teachers and caretakers of grandchildren and that bond
was especially strong. Even today, the kupuna is expected to speak out and help
make decisions on important issues for both the family and the community.
Many
are actively engaged as volunteers in our schools, hospitals, community service
organizations, churches, ethnic and cultural clubs and continue to play a vital
role in their multigenerational households.
Our kupuna show how rich a resource
they are and why they should be tapped to contribute to the betterment of
Hawai'i, for they truly represent one of Hawai'i's fastest growing natural
resources.
The City and County of Honolulu is currently engaged in
becoming an internationally recognized Age Friendly City, a prestigious
designation by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Network of Age
Friendly Cities and Communities.
1 comment:
As someone who has lived and worked in Honolulu and throughout the state Audrey has captured some of the aloha spirit that is there. Please join us at the conference. It promises to be special.
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