In an article entitled, “Technology Is Not Friendly to the Elderly,” writer Janice Broughton, MD, opines the difficulties older people face when they’re introduced to high tech devices: “Computers, at their best, make our worlds larger and extend the capacity of our minds. This is just what we need as we get older. But computers, with their infernal passwords and vulnerabilities to security breaches, their little bitty buttons and sometimes tiny screens, their failing wireless modems and misleading advertising, are making the old feel older.”
To deal with the varied challenges that technology poses (and not just to older people!), residents at many of our communities get the benefit of access to computers and Tech Classes that help with learning how to use them, as well as other devices like tablets and smart phones.
Metro Hollywood
Magnoia@9th
Metro Compton
Magnolia@9th
Olivera
~ Photos: Regional Program Directors Meloney Morse, Sandra Vargas, and Alma Wright
DENISE LIKAR is the Vice President for Independence at Home (IAH), a SCAN Community service, where she has responsibility for all non-health plan home and community-based programs. This includes oversight of SCAN’s grant program and extensive volunteer efforts. Over her 15-year tenure with SCAN, Denise has led her management team and staff in providing quality care management and supportive services, including the largest Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) in California, as well as other county contract programs. She has also overseen the growth of the organization’s resource and referral line, providing support for seniors and their caregivers who need assistance to remain safely in their homes. In addition, she oversees the organization’s health and wellness education efforts, Volunteer Action for Aging and Community Giving. Denise received her Masters in Social Work from the USC and her BA in Psychology from Loyola Marymount University. More
SLATER BARRON is a prolific artist who works from a conceptual foundation, trying to use the media that best fits the idea. Recycled materials are often her media of choice. She likes to make objects, usually trying to do things she may not be able to pull off. The process of problem solving becomes obsessive and joyful. While attaining her M.F.A. at California State University, Long Beach, and Bachelor’s degree at the University of California, Irvine, she had the privilege of studying with art notables John Paul Jones and William Wegman. Now Slater is internationally known for making art using dryer lint as her medium. She is inspired by her surroundings and those she holds dear, as well as many social causes she feels strongly about. Visit 
ETHEL GROSS is an artist and resident at Long Beach Senior Arts Colony. All potential EngAGE arts colony residents must declare what their art is on their rental applications. When applying to move into LBSAC, Ethel stated that her art was singing because she sang in the Sweet Adeline’s chorus for many years. It wasn’t until taking the art classes offered at LBSAC that she discovered that she also has a knack for painting. Her favorite pieces are the chairs she has painted. One, in particular, is called “Starry Night,” and is a rendering reminiscent of the famous work by Van Gogh. In addition to making art and taking art classes at a LBSAC, Ethel is also an avid gardener and is a founding member of the community’s garden club. She also takes classes there in yoga, Tai Chi, needle crafts, and ceramics. Ethel has plenty of inspiration for her creative efforts. Starting in the 1980’s she was part-owner of a travel agency for 20 years, which allowed her to travel the world, everywhere except South America. Ethel appeared as a featured artist in a wonderful video about EngAGE artists entitled, 
