Mountain Views News          Saturday, August 10, 2013

12

THE GOOD LIFE

 Mountain Views News Saturday, August 10, 2013 

SENIOR HAPPENINGS

MUSIC THERAPY FOR ALZHEIMER’S PATIENTS

Dear Savvy Senior:

What can you tell me about music therapy for Alzheimer’s 
patients? I’m helping my dad take care 
of my 80-year-old mother who has mid-stage Alzheimer’s 
disease and thought it might be something 
worth trying. How do we proceed? Unmusical 
Mary 

Dear Mary:

Music has amazing power, especially for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown that listening 
to familiar music can significantly improve mood and alertness, reduce agitation, and can help 
with a number of behavioral issues that are common in the middle-stages of the disease. Even in the 
late-stages of Alzheimer’s a person may be able to tap a beat or sing lyrics to a song from childhood. 

Sitting and listening to music together can also provide a way for you and your dad to connect and 
bond with your mom, even after she stops recognizing your names and faces. Here are a few tips to 
help you create a music therapy program for your mom.

Create a Playlist 

Your first step is to identify the music that’s familiar and enjoyable to your mom. Does she like jazz, 
classical or Frank Sinatra? What songs make her want to get up and dance? Then go back to the era 
when she was a teenager through their early 20’s. Research shows that music during this time period 
seems to get the best response and triggers the most memories. 

If you need some help creating a playlist, the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function provides a 
suggested list of top songs by era and genre on its website at musictherapy.imnf.org – click on “Outpatient 
Services,” then on “Top 10’s For Memory.”

The website pandora.com will also tailor a radio station to match your mom’s musical taste when you 
select an artist, song or genre. And musicandmemory.org offers a free guide to creating a personalized 
playlist. 

You can also get help from a music therapist. The American Music Therapy Association offers a national 
directory of more than 6,000 therapists at musictherapy.org to help you find someone in your 
area.

To keep things fresh, it’s best to create a diverse playlist of numerous artists, with no more than five 
to 10 songs per artist. It’s also important to keep tweaking their playlist. Every week or so, ask your 
mom which songs she likes and which ones are just so-so. Remove the so-so ones, and build on the 
successful ones so you end up with 100 or 200 songs that all resonate.

Music Delivery

There are a number of ways you can deliver your mom’s favorite music: a digital listening device, CD 
player, a computer or tablet, or even an old record player. If you don’t have any music and are on a 
tight budget, check with your local public library. It may have CD selections you can check out.

Digital listening devices like an iPod or MP3 player are the most convenient and widely used options 
among music therapists for delivering music, because they’re easy to add and remove songs from. 

The $49 Apple iPod Shuffle (apple.com/ipod-shuffle), and $40 SanDisk Sansa Clip MP3 Player (sandisk.
com) that require headphones, and the $60 Peabod SweetPea3 MP3 Player (sweetpeatoyco.com) 
which has an external speaker, are three excellent devices that are extremely simple to use and very 
affordable. 

 

Another option to consider for listening to music together is through an Internet radio service like 
spotify.com and rhapsody.com. These services will let you create a customized playlist (for free or a 
small monthly subscription fee) that your mom and you can listen to via computer, mobile device, 
home entertainment system, or a home Internet radio like the $180 Logitech UE Smart Radio (ue.
logitech.com), which is a great alternative that’s simple to use and compatible with most online radio 
services. 

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.
org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

 By Pat Birdsall

FYI - DEPRESSION IN OLDER ADULTS AND THE ELDERLY- PART II

 

Self-Help for Depression

 Overcoming depression often involves finding new things you enjoy, learning to adapt to change, 
staying physically and socially active and feeling connected to your community and loved ones. If 
you’re depressed, you may not want to do anything or see anybody. But isolation and inactivity only 
make depression worse. The more active you are physically, mentally and socially, the better you’ll feel. 

*Exercise: Physical activity has powerful mood-boosting effects. In fact, research suggests it may be 
just as effective as antidepressants in relieving depression. The best part is that the benefits come 
without side effects. You don’t have to hit the gym to reap the rewards. Look for small ways to you can 
add more movement to your day: park farther from the store, take the stairs, do light housework, or 
enjoy a short walk. Even if you’re ill or frail or disabled, there are many safe exercises you can do to 
build your strength and boost your mood—even from a chair or wheelchair.*Connect with others:

 Getting the support you need plays a big role in lifting the fog of depression and keeping it away. On 
your own, it can be difficult to maintain perspective and sustain the effort required to beat depression. 
You may not feel like reaching out, but make an effort to contact others and limit the time you’re alone. 
If you can’t get out to socialize, invite loved ones to visit you, or keep in touch over the phone or by 
email. *Bring your life into balance: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress and the pressure of daily 
life, it may be time to learn new emotional management and emotional intelligence skills. 

 Other self-help tips: (1) Get enough sleep (2) Maintain a healthy diet-- avoid eating too much sugar 
and junk food (3) Participate in activities and hobbies (4) Volunteer your time-- helping others is 
the best way to feel better about yourself (5) Take care of a pet--a pet can keep you company and 
in the case of dogs, walking them is great exercise for both you and the dog (6) Learn a new skill—
Pick something you always wanted to learn or that sparks your imagination and creativity (7) Create 
opportunities to laugh—laughter provides a definite mood boost! www.helpguide.org

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HELPFUL HINT: Coffee filters work wonders with glass cleaner on windows without 
leaving streaks

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FOR YOUR FUNNY BONE - Service in the restaurant was abysmally slow. My 
husband was starting to flip out, so I tried to distract him with small talk. “You know, I said, “our 
friend Christi should be having her baby anytime now.” “Really?” my husband snapped. “She wasn’t 
even pregnant when we walked in here.”

 ~ ~ ~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! … August Birthdays

Karlene Englert, Juanita Fernandez, Jeanette Francis, Joseph Kiss, John Luke, Jacquie 
Pergola, Maury Whitaker, Pat Miranda, Phyllis Chapman, Jerry Burnett, Margaret Aroyan, 
Phyllis Burg, Beverly Clifton, Rosemary Marabito, Susan Poulsen, Dorothy Quentmeyer, 
Genevieve Stubbs, Miep Tulleners, Joy Barry, Ellie Baudino, Marcia Bent, Daryls Brechwald, 
Joan Spears, Ruth Torres, Jane Zamanzadeh and Harry Enmark. 

* To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR of birth not 
required.

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Quote of the Week: “I still have a full deck; I just shuffle slower now.”

 ~ Author Unknown~

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ACTIVITIES: Unless listed differently, all activities are at the Hart Park House 
(Senior Center) 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre

 

 YMCA San Gabriel Valley Intervale Senior Café: Monday-Friday at 12:00 Noon 

(Participants are urged to arrive no later than 11:45 A.M.) 

All seniors 60 and up can take part in the lunch program. There is a suggested donation of $2.00 for 
those 60 and over and $3.75 for non-senior guests. Daily

 reservations are necessary as space is limited. 

 Please call 24 hours in advance...626.355.0256

Free Balance Class: Every 3rd Monday for 11:00 am to 11:45 am with Shannon Vandevelde. A 
variety of balance exercises are practiced; all ability levels are encouraged and welcomed. 

NEW!

Get fit, Have Fun with Zumba Gold

Zumba Gold is a low impact fitness class based on Latin and World Music. The upbeat music creates 
a fun atmosphere with easy to follow dance moves that will have you toning your body and improving 
your stamina and balance from your very first class. No dance experience is necessary and all fitness 
levels are welcome. Class is held Mondays from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.Next session begins in September. 
$30.00 class fee. For more information or to sign up call the Community Services Department at 
(626) 355-5278.

Free Blood Pressure Testing: This month only! Thursday, August 15th 11:00 am-12:00 pm: A nurse 
from Methodist Hospital, Arcadia volunteers to do the readings. No appointment necessary.

 

Bingo: Every Tuesday afternoon from 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm Cards are only .25c each! 

Free Chair Yoga: New Hours: 11:00 to 11:45 Every Wednesday morning. Join Paul Hagen for this 
free class that focuses on senior yoga techniques. No reservation is necessary!

Free Legal Consultation: Pasadena attorney Geoffrey Chin volunteers on the 2nd Wednesday of 
the month. He focuses on estate planning, trusts, wills, probate, conservatorships and business law. 
*Appointments are a must! Please call: 626.355.7394 to make yours* Conflicting court schedules 
can occasionally cause cancellations.

Lunch and Learn: Wednesday, August 28th- 12:15 to 1:00 PM

“You Are What You Eat”- Hart Park House-Senior Center- Listen to Victoria Pacheco, a licensed 
Registered Dietician from Methodist Hospital, as she shares information on senior nutrition and brain 
health. For adults over 50, the benefits of healthy eating include increased mental acuteness, resistance 
to illness and disease, higher energy levels, faster recuperation times and better management of 
chronic health problems. As we age, eating well can also be the key to a positive outlook and staying 
emotionally balanced. But healthy eating doesn’t have to be about dieting and sacrifice. Whatever 
your age, eating well should be about fresh, colorful food, creativity in the kitchen and eating with 
friends. If you would like to have lunch during the talk, please make a lunch reservation with the 
Senior Lunch Cafe at 626.355.0256 or bring your own.

Birthday Celebrations: The 2nd Thursday of the month the Senior Center celebrates the birthdays of 
our patrons at 12:30 pm. Please join us for free cake and ice cream and “celebration.” (The cakes are 
provided due to a generous donation from the Sierra Madre Civic Club.)

Game Day: Every Thursday at 1:00pm. Poker is usually the game of choice, or should I say chance? 
Board games and other card games are also available. Outside, on the patio, a beautiful, one-of-a-kind 
chess table is anxious for players.

Free Strength Training Class: Every Friday from 1:00 pm -1:45 pm Conducted by long-time 
volunteer, Lisa Brandley. The class utilizes light weights for low-impact resistance training. Weights 
are provided by the Sierra Madre Senior Center. It’s a great way to stay in shape and to

 socialize with your peers. 

Senior Citizens Club: Every Saturday at the Hart Park House (Senior Center). Brown bag lunch at 
11:30am; Club meeting at Noon; Bingo 12:30- 3:30 pm. Only .25c per card… For more information 
call Pat Birdsall at 626.355.7290.

UPCOMING EXCURSIONS:

USS Iowa (San Pedro) Date: Friday, August 16, 2013 Time: 9:30 am to 3:00 pm

Meeting Location: Hart Park House Cost: $32.00 (Does not include lunch)

 Don’t miss the trip to the USS Iowa, designated as the “World’s Greatest Naval Ship” 
due to her big guns, heavy armor, fast speed, longevity and modernization. Visitors will 
enjoy a comprehensive tour of the ship lead by an educated docent. In addition, several short films 
on the history of USS Iowa will be shown providing an abundance of information on this historical 
ship. Lunch will not be provided, but please bring $15-$29 for lunch at the Whale and Ale. Last day 
to register is Thursday, August 1st, but those interested can be added to the wait list. (Should someone 
cancel, the waitlist participants can fill the spot).

Save the Dates!

Friday, September 13, 2013- Riley’s Farm (Oak Glen, Ca.)

Saturday, October 12, 2013- Oktoberfest (Big Bear, Ca.)

*Registering for Excursions can be done in person at the Hart Park House Senior Center and the 
Community Recreation Center or online at www.cityofsierramadre.com Cash, checks, and credit 
cards are accepted. Make checks payable “City of Sierra Madre”. Payment must be made at the time of 
reservation. CALL (626) 355-7394

 

Senior Movie Program: 

FREE movies are chosen by the seniors themselves and shown on the 1st and 
3rd Wednesdays of the month in Sierra Madre’s City Council Chambers, 232 W. 
Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. ~ Start time is 1:00pm ~

August 21st: An Affair to Remember (1957)

Starring, Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr High profile types both engaged to be 
married to other people meet and fall in love during an ocean voyage.To test 
the depth of their commitment to each other, Grant and Kerr promise that, if 
they’re still in love at the end of six months, they will meet again at the top of the 
Empire State Building. (Not rated)… Bring Kleenex

Start time: 1:00 pm (run time is 119 minutes)


EMBRACE THE LOCK!

 I have often observed an interesting variety of billboards while waiting 
through the red light at Huntington and Rosemead. For a while Trader Joe’s 
had some cryptic picture message involving an eye hovering over a rope of 
licorice, a tomato on an old fashioned scale, and a group of people drinking 
wine/champagne. I had several theories (none of which made much sense): 
“I over scale ‘Cheers!’, “Watch above tomato and enjoy responsibly,” and 
“Overlook weight and have fun!” Shopping at Trader Joe’s one day, I finally 
gave up and asked one of the checkers what it meant. I didn’t commit the phrase to memory, 
because it was something unmemorable, like “Look, buy, celebrate!” They probably put up 
that ad around the time the movie “Eat, Love, Pray” came out, and haiku-ish phrases were “in.”

 But let’s forget about the old billboards. Have 
you noticed the new one with a predatory-looking 
animal and the eerie question, “Did you remember 
to lock your door? You’re next!” I have no idea 
what this movie’s about; but I do have an opinion 
about locking your doors --do it!

 When I was growing up my parents always 
locked the doors at night and whenever we left the 
house. They instilled this habit in me along with 
wearing a seat belt and looking both ways before I 
crossed the street. It wasn’t as if my parents grew 
up in rough neighborhoods and developed paranoid 
door locking habits. It was just part of being safe. 

 So, you can imagine my surprise when I talk 
to people who purposefully leave their doors 
unlocked! I can’t tell you what to do with your 
home, but I’ve got to ask these anti-locking people, 
“Why?” The usual response is something like, 
“Oh, this is a safe neighborhood!” 

 Yes, I agree that Sierra Madre is a “safe” neighborhood, and your neighbors might be the 
sweetest, most trustworthy people in the world. But it’s not them you need to worry about. 
It’s the nuts who make a practice of breaking and entering. Or, in the unlocked cases, simply 
entering.

 It really doesn’t take much imagination to consider the potential consequences of leaving your 
home, car, or any other valuable property unsecured. All you have to do is read the police blotter 
(you’ll find several near the front pages of this newspaper). Even if you think there’s nothing in 
your home worth stealing, do you really want a stranger rifling through your belongings?

 When talking to people who leave their doors unlocked, it seems that the idea of locking 
them somehow sends an unspoken message to their neighbors that “I don’t trust you!” There’s 
also the connotation that locking your door implies you doubt mankind’s essential goodness. “I 
believe you won’t rob me, therefore I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt by leaving my home 
freely accessible.” Personally, I hold to the adage, “In God we trust, all others ring the doorbell.”


CASH FOR OLD 
STUFF

CALL 626-264-2085