Community Highlights: August

Posted on September 24, 2012 by EngAGE

The EngAGE Senior Olympics are scheduled for September 29th, so preparation and practice has been going on all summer. Below, a group from Solara Court rehearses. Regional Programs Director Nancy Goodhart comments:

“Twelve performers gather weekly to rehearse their chair dance performance. Without language as instruction, movement has shown to be a powerful teacher, as movements are choreographed and synchronized to every beat. Residents have been seen to throw their pompoms when they realize they have missed a beat! Airborne pompoms may have to be included in this performance. Hold on to the pompoms, please!”

Nancy also reports from Heritage Park Anaheim:

“Pictured below, Elaine displays her prize garden zucchini, the main ingredient in her famous zucchini bread.  She made enough for all residents to enjoy after Olympic practice.”

Be sure to take a look at this post, too, to see photos from the art show held in August at Burbank Senior Artist’s Colony.

Click on any picture to enlarge it.

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Experience Talks Online: Active Octogenarians

Posted on September 23, 2012 by EngAGE

Join us for Experience Talks Online, exclusive podcast interviews posted on our website. Carrying on the same tradition as our KPFK-FM/Pacifica Network syndicated radio show, the podcasts feature talented, creative people with experience worth talking about. Find our podcasts on the Listen Page of our website. They’ll post on an intermittent basis, so read this blog for updates about new podcasts as well as new Experience Talks radio shows. You can also like Experience Talks on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get the latest news. ET Online is produced and hosted by John Semper Jr. and Cynthia Friedlob.

POSTED NOW – CLICK HERE to listen any time!

This week: ACTIVE OCTOGENARIANS

Host Cynthia Friedlob talks with actor/producer Jackie Goldberg, author Sunie Levin, and pianist Jim Maurer

JACKIE GOLDBERG, known as Pink Lady, is a teacher, actor, writer, and toastmaster. For over 40 years, she was in the fashion industry as a Womens’ Wear marketing & sales rep. Ten years ago, at age 70, she developed a series of seminars called “Get Up, Get Out, & Get a Life,” to encourage fellow seniors to embrace new challenges. She also began an acting career. This led to her creation of Senior Star Power Productions and an annual live stage show featuring performers over the age of sixty. This year’s show, “Rockin’ with the Ages – The Beat Goes On,” opens at the Theatre of Arts Arena Stage in Hollywood on October 4th. Click here for more about Jackie; click here for more about Senior Star Power Productions.

SUNIE LEVIN holds degrees in Psychology and Education as well as a Master’s degree in remedial reading. She founded the Midwest Reading and Dyslexia Clinic in Kansas City, Missouri, for children and adults with learning problems. She’s also an author who’s written books about grandparenting, the importance of making new friends when you’re older, and how to choose a retirement community. She’s conducted workshops and seminars throughout the country and was a syndicated columnist for many newspapers. Click here to learn more about Sunie and her book, Make New Friends…Live Longer: A Guide for Seniors. Click here for a list of all of her books available on Amazon.

JIM MAURER grew up playing piano, having started at the age of five. He has played in some of the most famous hotels in Los Angeles, including the St. James Club, an art deco hotel on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, for the club’s nearly ten-year existence. He’s also played piano at private parties for scores of Hollywood film, television and theatre elite. For the past eight years, Jim has volunteered at Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Burbank, CA, playing the piano every afternoon in the lobby. His community service has been acknowledged with awards from Women in Theatre, the City of Burbank, the California State Senate, and KNX radio. Click here to learn more about Jim and click here to listen to some of Jim’s music on YouTube. His album, “Romantic Christmas Classics,” is available here.

 

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Worth Repeating: Simplified Computers for Seniors

Posted on September 22, 2012 by EngAGE

WORTH-REPEATING“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 9/27/11:

If you’re reading this on your own computer right now, you already have some knowledge about how computers work. But many older people find using a computer daunting. Would the process be more inviting if there were no keyboard and everything could be done by touching the screen?

A new, simplified computer that offers that kind of interface is being marketed to seniors. It’s called Telikin and it’s designed to be “an easy-to-use, easy-to-read touch-screen computer (although a keyboard is provided, for those so inclined) that comes with software fully installed.” It’s no bargain at $699 for the 18.5″ or $999 for the larger 20″ monitor, but ease of use is the selling point.

“The interface is dominated by a row of big, blue buttons down the left side of the screen, with labels like Email, Photos, Calendar, Web and so forth. Large windows display content, and emails use a big, bold font for easy reading. The home page prominently displays news headlines and weather, and even a quote of the day. There is a built-in feature called Tech Buddy that allows a friend or relative to remotely take over the computer, with permission, to provide help.”

According to one reviewer, Telikin still has signifiant software bugs that need to be worked out, so investigate thoroughly before buying if you’re interested in it.

There are alternatives to consider, too, including other manufacturers of simplified computers for seniors; Kiwi PC is an example. Hewlitt Packard offers computers that come with already-installed “user-friendly software specifically geared to senior living.” Software such as BigScreenLive that can be installed on any PC is available. The user-friendly, touch screen Apple iPad is also an option.

Would something simpler make you or a senior you know more interested in using a computer?

(EngAGE has no financial interest in any of the companies or products mentioned and recommends that you do research before making any purchases.)

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Advanced Style Flash Mob Fashion Show

Posted on September 21, 2012 by EngAGE

vector illustration of a black bow tie in low-polygonal style. mThe delightful ladies featured on Ari Seth Cohen’s Advanced Style blog and in his book took to the “runway” at Lincoln Center for Fashion Week, which traditionally ignores older women.  Ari’s report: “Amazing ladies, aged 60 to 95 years old,  showed up to model their favorite looks and prove that fashion is not just for the young. The women had a blast and crowds of people came to see the impromptu show. The event ended with celebratory applause right before the police told us that we would have to leave the area.”

Read more and see more pictures here.

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Burbank Senior Artists Colony Has Art Show

Posted on September 20, 2012 by EngAGE

On August 24th, BSAC celebrated the talents of some of the resident artists with an art show.  Here’s the report from Amanda, the BSAC Programs Manager, who collected work from many new residents as well as longtime resident artists who had never shown their art before. “The art show was planned as the culmination show for the drawing class, but because of the talent at BSAC, the Programs Manager decided to make it an inclusive show. The BSAC clubroom was transformed into a gallery. Grid walls and easels were set up in the middle of the room. Resident Melva, who was showing her work but could not attend the opening due to prior commitments, came down early to help set up the show with the EngAGE Team. The Programs Manager catered the event and resident Vartuhi was inspired to artistically display the food.  Local Jazz Guitarist Doug MacDonald, who had played at BSAC before, was hired to play his guitar and add to the artistic ambiance  which he did for two hours. Resident artists who have been to many gallery opening nights said that the atmosphere had been captured accurately and complimented the Programs Manager. Everybody enjoyed themselves and all look forward to the next show. The Programs Manager’s goal was to get the ball rolling to get BSAC residents engaged in the event. The hope is to have another bigger and better event in 3 – 4 months. Non-residents also were invited to the evening, and those that could make it were amazed at the quality and skill of the artists who live at BSAC.”

Click on any picture to enlarge it.

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America’s Oldest Brands

Posted on September 19, 2012 by EngAGE

 

FYIWe like to celebrate the longevity of centenarians, so why not also offer some acknowledgement to brands that have stood the test of time for over one hundred years? Click here to read a countdown of the ten oldest brands in America. You might be surprised!

 

 

 

 

 

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Bedtime Snacks for Better Sleep

Posted on September 18, 2012 by EngAGE

HEALTHInsomnia doesn’t affect only stressed young people; it can plague their elders, too. “Counting sheep isn’t the only way to get yourself to sleep—what you eat right before you go to bed can also play a role. While no particular foods are known to induce sleep; knowing what, when, and how much to eat and drink can up your chances for a sound snooze.” Click here for a list of six things to consider when choosing your bedtime snacks.

 

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