“Worth Repeating” is a weekly feature on the EngAGE Blog that will bring you previous posts that we think are still timely, interesting, or just plain fun! From 12/19/11:
In our society, we tend to believe that elder abuse must be almost non-existent in Chinese communities in the U.S. because of the respect accorded elders in that culture. However, that is not necessarily the case. Read more in an article from New American Media about Chinese elders in Chicago.
Our residents prepared for Thanksgiving with special crafts, then enjoyed the holiday with a tasty meal and good company. [Subscribers: There are two posts today, so be sure to see both! Click on the title of the post to go to the blog and see the photos.]
In addition to our usual services, classes, and workshops, residents enjoyed a class that offers an unusual approach to healthy eating featuring fruit carving and arranging, a special Day of the Dead celebration, music concerts, and much more. Take a look: (Subscribers: click on the title of the post to go to the blog. Also note that there are two posts today!)
Tune in to Experience Talks, our “Radio Magazine for the Experienced Listener.” Saturdays 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time on KPFK 90.7 FM Los Angeles, 98.7 FM Santa Barbara, 99.5 China Lake, 93.7 N. San Diego, streaming live online and now syndicated on up to 100 Pacifica Network stations! You can also enjoy hearing all of our previous shows on the Listen Page of our Experience Talks website.
Saturday, 12/22: Host John Semper Jr. talks with artist Andre Miripolsky
Part Two of the interview will be broadcast next week.
Miripolsky – n. 1. World renowned Los Angeles artist who pushes the limits in painting, sculpture, mobiles, graphics, sets, and costumes; 2. Born in Paris; raised in Iran, Thailand, Austria, France, Indonesia, and Korea; educated at CalArts in L.A.; name translated from Russian means fields of peace; an international creative force. 3. Maestro of his Kingdom of Color; the Cole Porter of Pop.
Andre Miripolsky’s keen understanding of pop imagery and energy has resulted in collaborations with Elton John (famous Central Park “Piano Key” costume and 1997 stage acts for his “Tonight Show” appearance), Bette Midler (album package/visual design for her worldwide “DeTour”), Quincy Jones, Rolling Stones, Gato Barbieri, Robin Williams, Beastie Boys, Cheap Trick, MTV, and “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno. His work has also been seen on the Absolut Vodka bottle as part of one of the most successful advertising campaigns of all time, featuring famous artists interpreting the brand for the label. UCLA’s center basketball court at Pauley Pavillion got a makeover for MTV when Miripolsky painted a colorful mural on it for MTV’s “Rock and Jock B-Ball Jam.”
More recently, Andre has turned his attention to projects that promote the revitalization of Los Angeles, including a large 3-D wall sculpture depicting his vision of the exploding Downtown L.A. skyline for the Central City Association of L.A. This image, coupled with his phrase “Viva L.A., ” has blossomed to much acclaim and is very well on its way in the branding of the new and improved Downtown L.A. His long-lasting stained glass “L.A. Historama” mural proposal is pending final approval for inclusion in the planned new Convention Center.
He continues to be celebrated in gallery shows and other special projects, including this year’s world-wide installation called “Play Me, I’m Yours,” a public music and art program. Literally hundreds of working pianos were placed in very public areas in major cities throughout the world. The program’s intent is to continue to beautify the world through the arts. The Miripolsky/Hollywood arts piano, decorated in a mosaic of mirror tiles to best reflect the glamour of Hollywood, resided in the forecourt of the Egyptian theatre.
Learn more about the artist’s “Kingdom of Color” at his website.
Thanks to Seniors for Living for making us aware of two organizations that are devoted to fulfilling the wishes of seniors:
Wish of a Lifetime was established by two-time Olympic Skier and former NFL football player Jeremy Bloom “to inspire an entire generation and to create a cultural shift on how we view aging.” Wishes granted range from going skydiving to playing in a band again to reconnecting with family. “More than anything, they hope their wish-granting changes the way society views elders and inspires others to help seniors in their family and social circles achieve their lifelong dreams.”
Twilight Wish is the first national senior wish-granting organization dedicated to the needs of the elderly. “Twilight Wish grants wishes to deserving elderly, age 68 and older, who earn less than 200% of poverty level annually, or who live in a nursing facility.” Wishes range from reconnecting childhood friends to seeing a basketball game in person to making it possible for a veteran to attend a reunion with his fellow Marines. Practical wishes are also granted, like building a handicapped access ramp for a senior’s home, purchasing a hearing aid, and providing transportation for a senior to relocate to a nursing home closer to her family. “By treating the elderly with compassion, we restore their dignity and bring them hope.”
Have a touch of wanderlust and want to do some good for the world? “Global Volunteers works under the direction and at the invitation of local partners. Each service program engages you and your family in important community development projects, such as teaching English, planting and maintaining community gardens, building clinics and classrooms, caring for disabled toddlers – and so much more.” Baby Boomers make up about 30% of the volunteers that work through this organization. The opportunities are short-term (one to three weeks) and volunteers cover all of their expenses plus a fee. Learn more here and read a brief article in the AARP Bulletin here.
“Charles Eugster may be 93, but he has no less spring in his step than he did as a young man. In this talk from TEDxZurich, he brings us a powerful statistic: 92% of Americans over the age of 65 have one or more chronic diseases. While many clearly cannot be avoided, Eugster points out that inactivity is to blame for many of the diseases those who have lived long lives endure.” Read more here and be sure to watch the amusing, inspiring video below in which the energetic Mr. Eugster advocates continuing work, good diet, and exercise for a healthy life in our older years. He got a well deserved standing ovation! (Subscribers: click on the title of this post to go to the blog and see the video.)
