Mountain Views News, Sierra Madre Edition [Pasadena] Saturday, April 6, 2019

THE GOOD LIFE

8

Mountain Views-News Saturday, April 6, 2019 


SENIOR HAPPENINGS

TRIKES FOR GROWN-UPS

Dear Savvy Senior:

What can you tell me about three-wheeled bicycles? 
I’m 65 years old and would like to start 
cycling again but I have some occasional balance problems and don’t trust myself on a two-
wheeler. What can you recommend? Ready to Ride

Dear Ready:

Three-wheeled bikes – also known as adult trikes – are a great cycling option for older adults, 
especially those who have concerns with their balance or stamina. Here’s what you should 
know, along with some tips to help you shop for one.

Safer Cycling

If you’d like to take up, or continue bike riding, but worry about falling, adult trikes are a smart 
option to consider because of the stability they provide. With a trike, you can ride as slow as 
you want without ever losing your balance and you can put both feet on the ground while 
seated, which is very reassuring for many older riders.

In addition, adult trikes are also made with a low “step through” design making mounting 
and dismounting easier; they typically come with big tires that ensure a smooth ride; have 
ergonomic handlebars that are easy to reach and grip; and offer oversize seats (some even 
have backrests) for comfort and support. And, other than the frame, tricycles use the same 
standard components as traditional bikes do, so replacement parts are readily available, and 
repairs are not an issue.

There are dozens of different types of adult trikes to choose from with prices ranging anywhere 
from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. To help you figure out the right kind 
of trike that meets your needs and budget, here’s a breakdown of the different styles and costs, 
along with some popular models to check out.

Upright Trikes

If you’re primarily interested in a leisurely ride around the neighborhood for pleasure, fitness 
or running errands, upright trikes are a good choice. These are traditional upright-positioned 
tricycles that come with rear cargo baskets and limited gear options, usually ranging from one 
to three-speeds.

A great choice in this category is the Sun Traditional Trike (see Sun.bike/trikes) that cost 
between $440 and $550. Or, for a less expensive option consider the Schwinn Meridian Adult 
Tricycle sold at Walmart, Target or Amazon.com for around $300.

Recumbent Trikes

These are the low-to-the-ground, stretched-out frame trikes that allow you to recline with 
your legs positioned in front of you. Available in various styles, recumbent trikes are very 
comfy, easy on the back and aerodynamic which make them ideal for longer rides.

TerraTrikes (Terratrike.com) and Catrike (Catrike.com) are two of the biggest U.S. companies 
that make tadpole-style (the two wheels are in front) recumbent trikes. Or, see Sun Seeker 
(Sunseeker.bike), which sells several Delta recumbent trikes (two wheels in back) that offer a 
higher seat level. But be aware that recumbent trikes are much more expensive, typically ranging 
between $1,000 and $4,000.

E-Trikes

If you want a boost from time-to-time, electric trikes are a great option too. These trikes are 
hybrids that have pedals and a battery powered electric motor, so you can exercise when you 
want, or when you need a boost, you can let the motor assist you. A great place to find these 
is at ElectricTrike.com, which offer a variety of options ranging from $1,500 to $3,000. You 
can also find them on e-bike sites like PedegoElectricBikes.com, ProdecoTech.com and Evelo.
com.

Folding Trikes

If you like to travel or if you have limited storage space, trikes that are designed to fold up to 
fit in tight spaces are another option. The Kent Adult Westport Folding Tricycle and Mantis 
Tri-Rad Folding Adult Tricycle sold at Amazon.com for around $300 are two popular options 
to check out.

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.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …APRIL Birthdays*

Howard Rubin, Anita Hardy, Hattie Harris, Mary Harley, Bette White, Dorothy White, 
Doris Behrens, Freda Bernard, Beth Copti, Terri Cummings, Marilyn Diaz, Virginia 
Elliott, Elma Flores, Betty Jo Gregg, Barbara Lampman, Betty Mackie, Elizabeth 
Rassmusen, Maria Reyes, Marian DeMars, Anne Schryver, Chrisine Bachwansky, 
Colleen McKernan, Sandy Swanson, Hank Landsberg, Ken Anhalt, Shannon 
Vandevelde * To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 626.355.2737. 
YEAR of birth not required 

HART PARK HOUSE MONTHLY PROGRAMS: 

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

Hawaiian & Polynesian Dance Class: Every Tuesday Morning from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 
Join the class with Instructor Barbara Dempsey as she leads you in the art of Hula!

Bingo Time: Every Tuesday beginning at 1:00 p.m. Cards are only $0.25 each! Everyone is welcome to play! Activity 
may be canceled if there are less than five people.

Free Blood Pressure Testing: 2nd Tuesdays Monthly from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

Brain Games: Every third Thursday of the month at 12:30-1:30pm Join us for Scattergories, a creative thinking game 
by naming objects within a set of categories; or Jenga, a block-building challenge that keeps you stacking and bal-ancing 
your tower. Everyone is welcome, and no experience is needed. A great way to strengthen your mind and make new 
friends... Games are facilitated by Senior Volunteers.

Free Legal Consultation: Wednesday, March 13th from 10:30 a.m. - Noon. Attorney Lem Makupson is available for 
legal consultation. Specializing in Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Estates and Injury. Please call the Hart Park

Senior Club: Meets Saturdays, Weekly at Hart Park House Brown Bag Lunch, great company and bingo at 11:30 a.m.

Chair Yoga: Mondays & Wednesdays 11:00 - 11:45 a.m. with Paul Hagen. Classes include Yoga and balance exercises. 
All ability levels are encouraged and welcomed!

Birthday Celebration: Every 2nd Thursday Monthly at the Hart Park House. Share free birthday cake and ice cream 
kindly provided by the Senior Community Commission!

Game Day: Every Thursday Monthly 12:00 Noon come into the Hart Park House and join a lively poker game with 
friends!

Free Strength Training Class: Fridays 12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. with Lisa Brandley.light weights, low impact resistance 
training and body conditioning. Class equipment provided.

TAX ASSISTANCE—Every Wednesday 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Beginning February 6th – April 10th, Don Brunner 
is available for income tax consultation. Appointments needed, call 626-355-5278 x704


OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder

I’M REALLY ENJOYING MY NAIVETY

Someone recently said to me, 
“You sure are naïve.” I’m not 
sure what the incident was 
about at the time, and I was a 
little bit hurt by that saying.

What did he mean that I am naïve? I have been giving 
this some thought and at this point, I remem-
ber quite a few people labeling me as naïve. Therefore, 
if people are right, it must be true.

Yet, is it really that bad?

Leaving the house the other day the Gracious 
Mistress of the Parsonage said, “Drive carefully.” 
I stopped, turned around, put my hands on my 
hips and said, “Wow, you just destroyed my driving. 
I was not planning on driving carefully.” She 
laughed.

The secret of naivety is taking things literally. When 
people take things literally they usually take it out 
of context and it does not sound that good. When 
the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage says, “Drive 
carefully,” all she is saying is “Goodbye, hope to see 
you later.” That is all.

I do not believe for one moment she thinks I am a 
careless driver. I have never had a serious acci-dent 
in my entire driving career. Plus, I’m the one that 
taught her how to drive a car. Don’t let that get out, 
it’s our secret.

Being naïve can have its advantages. Most people 
look at the negative side of naivety and do not consider 
there is a positive side. Being naïve simply 
means that you have a very simple approach to life.

That explains me completely. I have a very simple 
approach to everything in my life. I do not like 
complicated things.

The other week I was working on my computer and 
having all kinds of problems with it. It was very 
complicated. I took it to someone to help me with 
it, he looked at it and said, “That’s a simple fix. You 
sure are naïve.” He did not know it at the time, but 
I was taking that as a compliment.

I do not want my life complicated. I love the simple 
things in life. If somebody cannot snicker me, they 
cannot snicker anybody. I am easy prey for the simplest 
con artist.

Walking out of Publix the other day I noticed the 
Girl Scouts had a table selling cookies. I tried walking 
by, but as I passed a little girl with big brown 
eyes looked at me and said, “Sir, will you…” and before 
she could say, “buy some cookies,” I said, “Yes, 
give them all to me.”

I enjoyed those cookies, which was a result of my 
naivety. Of course, when I brought all those boxes 
of cookies home my wife looked at me, smiled and 
said, “The girls got you again.”

Because I am so naïve in many areas, I accept the 
fact that people are going to take advantage of me.

Through the years, I have learned to handle that 
and not let it affect me. If someone wants to take 
advantage of me, it says a whole lot about their life. 
If their life is so boring and complicated that they 
need to swindle me, I’m glad to help out.

I do not have to worry about my naivety because 
my backup plan is in full force. That backup plan 
keeps me from some major swindling efforts in my 
direction. I must say that that backup plan has been 
my rescue all through my life.

Of course, I am naïve. Of course, I can quickly and 
easily be swindled. But, and this is a big “but,” my 
backup plan has never failed me yet. My simplicity 
in life has been guarded and protected by this wonderful 
backup plan.

I believe in the simple things in life and I know I am 
far from being socially sophisticated. I do not know 
what that even means. I just have a hard time believing 
that anybody would lie to me. I could write 
a book about all the people that have swindled me 
and got away with it. However, here I am as happy 
and naïve as ever.

I can be naïve because I have an inner focus and 
not so much an outward focus. What is going on 
around me does not change what is going on inside 
me. That is why I depend a lot on my "Backup 
Plan.” This plan has been with me just about all my 
life and I do not know what I would do without it.

Someone once asked me, “What is this backup plan 
you talk about?” I smiled a very naïve smile and 
said most enthusiastically, “The Gracious Mistress 
of the Parsonage is my backup plan.”

If someone can snicker her, there is no help for the 
rest of the world’s population. I would hate be-ing 
the person trying to snicker her!

This Backup Plan has been my salvation through 
all the social inadequacies I have. If it were not for 
her, my naivety would have destroyed me a long 
time ago. It is nice having a reliable backup plan.

I have found another backup plan that I can rely 
upon. Solomon said, “Trust in the Lord with all 
thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he 
shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

My spiritual naivety is backed up by simply trusting 
God for everything, every day of my life. This is 
my spiritual backup plan.


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com