the community newspaper for east oahu since 1987

The Secret to Looking Young at 86

by CHELSEY KOBATAKE
Sun Correspondent
Archived July 2008 article

For Margaret Smith, conversation is her favorite hobby. At the age of 86, her self-proclaimed secret to looking and feeling young is, "having a great attitude. It doesn't matter what happened, if you are positive, it's better." Whether she is speaking in English or Hawaiian, she absolutely loves the interaction with her peers and finds joy in making people laugh. "I love talking to people. Sometimes they don't talk back, or just nod, but I keep talking and I like it when I can make them laugh." She is full of stories of living in Liliha, working at Kaiser Hospital and Kamehameha Schools, her three children, grandchildren, outings and moving to Hawaii Kai with her daughter.

Margaret is one of many who participate in the respite program at the Lunalilo Home. Three mornings a week she is dropped off by one of her children to spend the day with peers. They go on excursions, exercise, eat, watch local entertainment, participate in arts and crafts, or just talk story. "I just love to socialize," says Smith. And the Hawaiian, Korean and Caucasian mix is indeed a social butterfly. She is well aware of her surroundings, what's going on, who is sitting where, which staff is on duty, who is new and who has left early. During this interview, she was also well aware that lunch had started without her and that the interview would need to either be sped up or cut short, for fear of missing an opportunity to eat with her friends. Her request was obliged.

Lunalilo Home sits on the slopes of Koko Head Crater, unassumingly, between Kaiser High School and a residential community. Sitting high, it can be seen from many parts of Hawaii Kai and offers a unique glimpse of Hawaii history. By trust of King William Charles Lunalilo, it began operations in 1883, originally located in Makiki offering elderly care for residents of Hawaiian ancestry. In 1927 the Lunalilo Home found a new location on the base of Koko Head Crater and has been offering expanded services to all.

Saturday, July 19th, Lunalilo Home will host an open house from 9 A.M.-12 P.M. Tours will be given and light refreshments served. The open house is free and open to the public.

For more information call (808) 395-4065 or visit www.kinglunaliloadc.org. The home is located at 501 Kekauluohi Street.