Expert Qigong instructor Cory Williams teaches the concepts of energy arts on the lawn at Kaunoa Senior Center.
Maui Mindset
The Valley Isle has some of the happiest seniors in Hawai‘i. Is it simply a Maui state of mind? Or is there more to it?
by Aimee Harris from Generations Magazine
The fact that each year people from all over the world move to Maui to retire must say something … or perhaps it says a lot.
During a recent trip to the Valley Isle, Generations Magazine found two qualities that make Maui County a magnet for the more mature crowd: Residents are very civic minded, and the county’s elected officials care for its seniors — both in word and in deed.
“What makes Maui attractive is our philosophy of taking care of each other,” says Ruth Griffith, administrator of Kaunoa Senior Services, a division of the County of Maui’s Department of Housing and Human Concerns. “Maui County is made up of small communities. We look out for one another. Even our seniors who receive support services want to give back to the community, whether its by helping our children, volunteering for local nonprofits or assisting the sick and frail. Maui seniors play a vital role in maintaining our thriving communities.”
In government, elected officials support senior health and fund senior programs even during hard times, such as the most recent recession. “Maui County is amazing in terms of its commitment to seniors,” says Griffith.
Due to the Baby Boomer generation, the number of people turning 60 in Maui County will nearly double by 2020, according to the Maui County Office On Aging. In addition, there is an unreported number of seniors who move to Maui County to retire each year.
In response to Maui’s next big wave of seniors, the county is placing more focus and funds on health, well-being and prevention. “It’s our job to find ways to keep seniors healthy, engaged and giving back to the community because they are a gold mine of information, time and wisdom,” says Griffith.
Of the many services and organizations in Maui County, Kaunoa Senior Center in Pa‘ia and the West Maui Senior Center in Lahaina serve as central hubs of activity for senior programs and activities. The centers provide opportunities for seniors to learn and grow through five ongoing, countywide programs:
● Leisure/Wellness Programs
● Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
● Congregate Nutrition Program
● Assisted Transportation Program
● Meals On Wheels
● Adventures, Ambitions & Altruism
The article is about Kaunoa in general, and the only thing about qigong here is the photo. Thank you to everyone for helping to get this image as the center two page spread lead photo. Increasing awareness about the Taoist arts is very helpful and we are very grateful to Generations Magazine for using our class as an example of “the happiest seniors in Hawai‘i.”
Read the entire article here: Generations
Taiji on Maui 
Great photo!! and the entire article was very interesting. Made me subscribe to the magazine.
As a member of this class, I can say I am one of “the happiest seniors on Maui”. This class is proving very beneficial as is my beginning Tai Chi. Both efforts improve balance, flexibility, body awareness and relaxation (stress reduction)—all in the beautiful, welcoming, and “well-kept” surroundings of the Kaunoa campus. Kaunoa also offers MEO supported transportation for those who need it.
In the last 6mos. I have also attended at least 4 other educational, one day seminars presented by very qualified instructors, as well as several fun field trips offered by Kaunoa. We,on Maui, are so fortunate to have such wonderful resources available! Thanks so much to those who make this experience available!