Veteran “Mad Men” Want to Sell to Older People

Posted on January 16, 2012 by EngAGE

FYIAn article in The New York Observer suggests: “Picture Don Draper a few years down the road, gripping an AARP card instead of a  tumbler of Canadian Club, and you’ve got Don Blauweiss.”

Blauweiss, 78, and his co-horts (Chuck Schroeder, Ed Griles and Sid Myers, all ad agency stars responsible for some of the most revolutionary advertising created during the ’60s) have formed Senior Creative People, an ad agency geared toward selling to seniors. Anyone who remembers the Volkwagen “Lemon” and  “Think Small” ads will know that they can handle the job.

Part of the impetus behind the group lies in an aging population: As baby boomers are entering the senior-citizen designation, they’re considered to be a viable target with spending power. “Agencies and marketers are trying to figure out how to speak to an audience they ignored before,” Mr. Schroeder, 68, told Ad Age. Read more about their plans here and here.

 

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News from Andalucia

Posted on January 15, 2012 by EngAGE

Yoga instructor Nina concluded her class. We are sorry to see her go! ~ With four computers available now, instructor Pauline can spend more time working individually with her students. In December, they explored Amazon, began learning and using Skype. They love to search and print out coupons! ~ This is the first year that the Irish Klawitter Theatre Group came to Andalucia and their stories and songs were a big hit. ~ This is the second year that we’ve had jazz pianist Louahn come to play for us at Christmas. I made up musical sheet books for the residents so they had the lyrics handy and we sang and sang. Our group rendition of “Silent Night” sounded every bit as good as any choir I’ve ever heard. ~ Residents gather weekly to socialize, hear announcements, and discuss programs and ideas that can benefit the community.  This month, we ended the meeting by giving a round of applause to Louis, our new Manager at Andalucia.

Contributed by Elizabeth Sampson

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Experience Talks 1/14: Tuskegee Airmen Legacy Series Continues with Craig Huntley

Posted on January 13, 2012 by EngAGE

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 hear previous shows on the Listen Page of our Experience Talks website.

This week: Host Bobbee Zeno continues his series, “The Tuskegee Airmen Legacy,” with historian, Craig Huntly. They’ll explore the life of Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Jr., who broke color barriers and shattered racial myths as the commander of the World War II Tuskegee Airmen and the first African-American general in the United States Air Force.

Read details about Gen. Davis’ career at the official website of the U.S. Air Force and at Aviation-History.com. The story of the Tuskegee Airmen has been made into a new film executive produced by George Lucas entitled, Red Tails. See a preview here.

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News from Solara Court

Posted on January 12, 2012 by EngAGE

December attracted almost fifty enthused residents with food to share at our Birthday/Potluck monthly event.  Rosemary Austin, pictured below, led a sing-a-long during the Potluck. Ethelwyn was the grand prize winner of a crock-pot, presented by Jewel.

Resident Choon, pictured below, never misses an exercise class and even attends the exercise class at neighboring Villa Anaheim on the other days of the week.

Crafts Class offers the opportunity for creative expression as well as community-building conversation. It’s evolving into Art Class, as instructor Jewel has inspired many of her students to explore their artistic abilities. (Remember to click on a picture to enlarge it!)

Contributed by Nancy Goodhart

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News from Heritage Park Duarte

Posted on January 11, 2012 by EngAGE

In December, the residents combined their monthly birthday gathering with a Christmas party for the holidays. The party marked a particularly special occasion: Annie Beckwith’s 100th birthday! The residents celebrated over a wonderful Christmas meal which was served by volunteers, staff and Annie’s supportive family. Everyone had an opportunity to learn about Annie’s wonderful life and accomplishments. The event concluded with music, dessert, and singing. A fine time was had by all!

Contributed by Vanessa Martin

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Gay Seniors: Housing and Community Options

Posted on January 10, 2012 by EngAGE

Home-Sweet-HomeWe posted last fall about limited housing options for gay and lesbian seniors. (See here and here.) This article in USA Today offers information about the current situation in Philadelphia, a city we consider senior-friendly in many ways. (See here.)  Smart Money offers this article about housing and other community options, including community centers like the one pictured at left that caters to gay seniors.

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Seniors and Smartphones

Posted on January 9, 2012 by EngAGE

INTERNATIONAL-PERSPECTIVESeniors across the world are dealing with changing technology. In this LA Times story, South Korean seniors tackle smartphones — with varying degrees of success — in a class that offers tutoring from college-age volunteers. The take-away quote is from one of the 21-year-old tutors: “I lived with my grandmother once and I saw that many elderly people have a passion to learn new things,” she said. “This isn’t just a technology for the young. They can use it, too.”

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