Forever Young

The City’s Forever Young Awards Honor Seven Individuals Older Than 65 Who Are Working And Making A Positive Impact On Hawaii, And Changing The Way We Look At Aging. Are we headed to a perfect storm regarding our aging population? We see all the warning signs: Elderly population will double by 2030.

Wednesday - October 01, 2008

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in 1995.

Successful aging: Community service is a way of life. The spirit of giving and volunteering is ageless. Evidently, it is “timeless” as well. Don’t be surprised to get e-mail from her written and sent between 1 and 3 a.m.

Tom Moffatt, owner, Tom Moffatt Productions.

Career: “Mr. Entertainment” helps performers find their audiences and vividly showcase their artistic endeavors. From being “Uncle Tom” on local radio to producing the first music videos - featuring Jim Hendrix, Aretha Franklin and The Who - he has never slowed down. If the show’s “A Tom Moffatt Production,” it’s a sell-out.

Successful aging: Moderation in all things and avoid shortcuts. Takes the stairs to his office, prefers to communicate in person, and maintains an active lifestyle including swimming several times a week. Oh, and he writes a weekly column for MidWeek. And MidWeek cover subject in 1987 and again in 2006

Rose Nakamura, 80, co-founder and administrator, Project Dana.

Career: Grew up in Hilo, taught health and physical education at UH-Hilo, eventually earning a position at the East-West Center working with international students. Started a second career upon retirement, co-founding Project Dana, an interfaith caregiver’s coalition of 33 churches and more than 750 volunteers. MidWeek cover subject in 1994.

Successful aging: Nakamura, who receives the City’s Forever Young Pro Bono Award, lives by the Buddhist principle of dana (“dah-nah”), which is selfless giving of time and energy without expecting reward and recognition. She is a hands-on, fully engaged leader who often serves herself as a volunteer companion to frail and disabled kupuna.

William Paty, 87, trustee, Mark A. Robinson Trust

Career: Bill Paty is a natural leader, starting in World War II as an officer and continuing to present as a successful civic and business influencer. Has worn many hats - plantation manager, state land and natural resources administrator, Big Five corporate officer, constitutional convention leader, military adviser. MidWeek cover subject in 1988.

Successful aging: Live and lead by example. Always be in front of people when leading, but when it comes to taking bows, move to the back. And don’t try to pass up Paty in a seniors 10K race. He’s already a proven winner in that feat.

James Wong

James W.Y. Wong, 84, president, James Wong & Associates

Career: Started as an accountant, becoming one of Hawaii’s most recognized and respected real estate developers with projects such as Paradise Park. Founded the Hawaii Tax Institute at Chaminade University, serves on the City’s Real Property Tax Review Board and continues to lead a three-generation business planning firm.

Successful aging: Balance business and personal life with selfless community engagement in activities such as Boy Scouts of America, Catholic Church in Hawaii, and advocacy for needy children and adults. Wong feeds the homeless each week at Ala Moana or Kakaako Park, and serves holiday dinner to homebound elderly.

For tickets to Honolulu Forever Young awards luncheon on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at the Hawaii Prince Hotel, call 768-7760.

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