Mountain Views News          Saturday, March 15, 2014

Mountain Views News Saturday, March 15, 2014 
12 THE GOOD LIFE Mountain Views News Saturday, March 15, 2014 
12 THE GOOD LIFE 
AUTOMOBILE AIDS THAT 
CAN HELP ELDERLY 
DRIVERS 


Dear Savvy Senior: 
Can you recommend any products that can help 
older drivers with their vehicles? My 84-year-old mother is still a pretty good driver, but she has arthritis, 
which limits her range of motion and hinders her driving. Searching Son 



Dear Searching:
To help keep older drivers safe and extend their driving years, there are a number of affordable products 
you can purchase today that can easily be added to your mom’s vehicle to help with many different 
needs. Here are several to consider. 


Entry and Exit
If your mom’s limited range of motion is hampering her ability to get into and out of her vehicle, 
consider these products: 


• Standers Metro Car Handle: This is a small portable support handle that inserts into the U-
shaped striker plate on the doorframe that helps with getting out of a car. 
• CarCaddie: This is a nylon strap handle that hooks around the top of the door window frame 
for entry and exiting help. 
• Swivel Seat Cushion: A round portable cushion that turns 360 degrees to help drivers and 
passengers rotate their body into and out of their vehicle. 
Vision HelpersIf your mom has a difficult time looking over her shoulder to back-up or merge into traffic, or struggles 
with sensitivity to glare, these products can help. 

• AllView Mirror: This is an oversized rear view mirror that attaches to the existing rear view 
mirror to widen her rear visibility and eliminate blind spots so your mom can see traffic without significant 
neck or body rotation. It also helps during parking. 
• Blind Spot Mirrors: These are small convex mirrors that stick to the corner of the side view 
mirrors to improve side and rear vision. 
• Backup Camera: To eliminate blind spots and avoid turning around when backing up, this 
device (which costs around $100) comes with a wireless night vision camera that attaches to the license 
plate and a small monitor that mounts to the dash or windshield. 
• Sun Zapper Glare Shield: This plastic tinted visor clips on to the existing sun visor to remove 
sun glare without obstructing vision. It also has a special sliding shield that lets you block extra-bright 
glare spots. 
Arthritic Hands 
If your mom’s arthritis makes turning the ignition key, twisting open the gas cap, or gripping the 
steering wheel difficult and painful, consider these devices: 

• Key Turner: This is a small plastic handle that attaches to the car keys to provide additional 
leverage making it easier to turn the key in the ignition or door. 
• Gas Cap Removal Tool: To help at the pump this long handled device works like a wrench to 
make loosening and tightening the gas cap much easier and it fits most gas caps. 
• Steering Wheel Cover: It fits over the steering wheel to make it larger in size and easier to grip. 
Short Drivers 
If your mom has shrunk a little over the years to the point she needs help seeing over the steering 
wheel or reaching the pedals, consider a “wedge seat cushion” which is an orthopedic cushion that 
supports the back and elevates her a few inches. Or, “foot pedal extensions,” (see pedalextenders.net, 
drive-master.com or summiteasy.com) that allow her to reach the pedals while keeping her 10-to12-
inches from the steering wheel. 

Seat Belt Aids 
The “Easy Reach Seat Belt Handle” is a six-inch rubber extension handle that attaches to the seat belt 
strap to make it easier to reach for seniors with mobility loss. And a “seat belt shoulder pad” that fits 
around the shoulder strap protects the neck and shoulder from rubbing and chafing. 

Where to BuyAll of these items (except the pedal extensions and backup camera) cost under $50, and can be found 
online at amazon.com. Type the product name in the search bar to get a variety of options. 

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. 


KATIE Tse.....................This and That 


“ISN’T IT ORGANIC!” 

What does March 13th mean to you? Probably nothing. But it’s my mom’s 
birthday! She’s 64! Woo Hoo! A lot of us start dreading our birthdays after we 
hit 30 or 40. I know many women who treat their age like it’s a matter of national 
security --right up their with their social 
security number. 

 Not my mom! She’s always loved her birthday and 
has never shied away from revealing her age, no matter 
how advanced it is. When she taught third grade, she 
got a kick out of her students’ shocked expressions when 
they found out she was older than their grandparents. 
Sometimes their behavior would even improve with this 
knowledge. “We better be nice to Mrs. Hopkins. She’s 
really old!” 


 Being a Baby Boomer, my mom’s been dwelling on The 
Beatle’s “When I’m 64.” I’ve tried explaining to her that 
since 30 is the new 20, 60 is practically like what being 40 
used to be. Except now (thank God!) she’s a lot healthier 
and happier than when she was 40. A lot of this because 
of retirement, regular exercise, and her vegan diet.


 Being a vegan isn’t easy. You’ve got to be vigilant about 
ingredients, which generally means restaurant food is off
limits. Veganism usually requires multiple trips to the 
market for fresh produce. It is possible to be a lazy vegan 
and live off frozen dinners and instant meals. But unless 
you’re cool with eating the same things day in and day 
out, the boredom might drive you to a meat binge! And 
then there’s the question of whether or not your green 
leafies are GMOs laced with enough pesticides to make 
you glow in the dark. It’s at this point that the label “organic” becomes very attractive.


 
As you probably guessed, organic foods aren’t usually on sale along with the Velveeta “cheese” and 
Hamburger Helper for “just $1.99!” Somewhere along your vegan journey you’ll most likely find 
yourself waiting in line to pay $50 for a few apples and a bunch of spinach at Whole Foods. Heck, just 
parking there is taking your life in your hands!

 But in the long run, you’ll feel a lot better knowing your salad is from a field rather than a test tube. 
You might even feel like singing my mom’s reinvented lyrics to Rodgers & Hart’s classic tune, “Isn’t It 
Romantic.” Even if your wallet is a bit lighter...

 Isn’t it organic? 
Veggies pure and ripe that never have been sprayed 
Isn’t it organic? 
Collards, kale and spinach lead the green parade 
I browse the aisles of produce --there! What do I see? 
Fresh green and purple cabbage --and no DDT! 
Isn’t it organic? 
Merely to be shopping for a fig or two 
Isn’t it organic? 
Queue up to the check stand. Bid your cash adieu 
Three plums for twenty dollars


 Do you mean that I must pay that price titanic? 
Yes, but it’s organic! 


* My mom said she’d try to get around to recording her piano rendition of the song on her website 
http://readysets.com/ Check it out! (I can’t promise it will be there by the time you read this, but 
check it out anyway!) What can I say? I can’t force her to record it on time. It is her birthday, after all! 
SENIOR HAPPENINGS 


FYI: TIPS FOR STAYING HEALTHY IN YOUR 70S, 80S, 90S...

 Aging can be defined as: “progressive changes related to the passing of time.” While physiological 
changes that occur with age may prevent life in your 70s, 80s and beyond from being what it was in 
your younger years, there’s a lot you can do to improve your health and longevity and reduce your risk 
for physical and mental disability as you get older.

 Research shows that you’re likely to live an average of about 10 years longer than your parents—
and not only that, but you’re likely to live healthier longer too. According to the U.S. Department of 
Health and Human Services, 40.4 million Americans (about 13 percent) were 65 years of age or older 
in 2010 and by the year 2030, almost 20 percent of the total U.S. population will be 65+.
So how do you give yourself the best possible chance for a long, healthy life? Although you aren’t able 
to control every factor that affects health as you age, many are in your hands. Some keys to living a 
long, healthy life include:

Make healthful lifestyle choices—don’t smoke, eat right, practice good hygiene, and reduce stress in 

your lifeHave a positive outlookStay as active as possible—mentally and physicallyTake safety precautionsSee your health care provider regularly and follow his or her recommendations for screening 
and preventative measures

 One of the most important things you can do to stay healthy in your golden years is to maintain your 
sense of purpose by staying connected to people and things that matter to you. However, this isn’t 
always easy—especially in a society that all-too-often views older people as a burden.

 Visit your local senior center. Spend time with at least one person—a family member, friend or 
neighbor—every day. Volunteer in your community, attend a local event, join a club or take up a new 
hobby. 

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HELPFUL HINT: Natural Insect Repellent - Mix 2 drops of oil of peppermint or lavender 
with 2 teaspoons of almond or sweet oil and dab on the skin 
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FOR YOUR FUNNY BONE - There was a farmer who planted apples. He was 
disturbed by some local kids who would sneak into his farm at night and eat the apples. He came up 
with a clever idea that he thought would scare the kids away for sure. He made up a sign and posted it 
in the field. The next day the kids showed up and they saw a sign hanging that read, “Warning!! One 
of the apples on these trees has been injected with cyanide.” So the kids ran off, made up their own 
sign and posted it next to the sign that the farmer made. The farmer showed up the following week. 
He looked over the field and he noticed that no apples were missing, but a new sign hung next to his. 
He drove up to the sign and read: “Now there are two”.

 ~ ~ ~ 


HAPPY BIRTHDAY! … March Birthdays 

Clare Marquardt, Karen Blachly, Carla Duplex, Ella Guttman, Viky Tchatlian, Mary 
Cooper, Georgina “Snooky” Greger, Sun Liu, Helen Wallis, Joan Crow, Nancy Fox, Nan 
Carlton, Martha Cassara, Rita Johnson, Mercedes Campos, Dorothy Webster,Terri Elder, 
Carol Cerrina, Amy Putnam, Sally Contreras and Lori Cooper. (Thanks Pat Birdsall for 
putting this list together.) To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper 

at 626.355.2737. YEAR of birth not required, however you must be 60 years old or more. 

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Quote of the Week: Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but rising every time we 
fall. - Confusious 
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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: Monday, January 27th 11:00 to 11:45 with Shannon Vandevelde. A variety of 
balance exercises are practiced; all ability levels are encouraged and welcomed. 

Free Blood Pressure Testing: Held Second Tuesday of the month from 11:00 am-12:00 pm: No 
appointment necessary. 

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

Free Chair Yoga: 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 Lem Makupson 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 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Lunch and Learn- “The Story of Old Pasadena”
Wednesday, February 26th- 12:00- 1:00 pm Hart Park House Senior CenterPresentation by The Pasadena Heritage will give an overview of the original downtown, which is now 
listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Pasadena was incorporated in 1886.During the 
next 14 years the population of Pasadena exploded to more than 30,000 inhabitants. Learn why many 
of old Pasadena buildings have split personalities, hear the story of the Castle Green and the snake 
oil salesman who built it. And experience the real Old Pasadena with its fascinating array of historic 
buildings. Mark your calendars and don’t miss this great presentation. If you would like to have lunch 
during the talk, please make a lunch reservation with the Senior Lunch Café at 626.355.0256 or bring 
your own. 


UPCOMING EXCURSIONS: 

Whale Watching (Long Beach, Ca.) Date: Saturday, March 22, 2014 

Time: 10:00 am-3:30 pm Meeting Location: Community Recreation Center 
Cost: $31.00 (does not include lunch)
Don’t miss the Community Services Department’s annual whale watching excursion. The 2014 
excursion will visit the same whale watching Charter Company as 2013, which features a narrated 
cruise by Aquarium of the Pacific staff and with indoor and outdoor seating. Participants can bring 
their own lunch to enjoy on the boat, or purchase snack items on board. Children 2 and under are 
free. Last day to register is Tuesday, March 11th. 
Level of Walking: Minimal 

*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. 

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