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Mountain View News Saturday, January 25, 2025


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SENIOR HAPPENINGS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …JANUARY BIRTHDAYS*

Gerald Day, Mary Tassop, Judy Webb-Martin, John Johnson, Mary 
Bickel, Marlene Enmark, Shirley Wolf, Ross Kellock, Ruth Wolter, 
Sandy Thistlewaite, Bobbi Rahmanian, Fran Syverson, Joy Painter, 
Judy Zaretzka and Becky Evans. * To add your name to this distinguished 
list, please call the paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR of birth not required 


DEALING WITH THE GRIEF OF THE EATON CANYON FIRES

Experiencing the loss of a home due to the recent Eaton Canyon fire is especially overwhelming for 
older adults. The devastation has affected many in the Pasadena and Altadena areas, and the impact 
on seniors can be particularly challenging. However, maintaining a positive mindset and finding 
ways to stay resilient is essential as you work toward recovery.

Acknowledge and Process Your Emotions

It’s natural to feel a wide range of emotions, such as sadness, fear, or even anger, after such a loss. 
Allow yourself to experience these feelings—there is no right or wrong way to feel. It’s important to 
recognize and understand your emotions so that you can start healing. Don’t hesitate to talk about 
how you feel with a trusted family member, friend, or counselor.

Seek Support and Connect with Community Resources

Reaching out for help is key to feeling less isolated during this challenging time. Organizations like 
the Red Cross Los Angeles provide immediate assistance, including shelter and essential supplies, 
and have dedicated services for seniors. The California Fire Foundation also offers financial and 
emotional support to those impacted by wildfires. Many local senior centers and community groups 
may have additional resources to help seniors affected by the fire.

Utilize Available Assistance Programs

There are several programs specifically designed to support seniors during disasters. The Los Angeles 
Housing Department can help with emergency housing options, both temporary and longer-
term, to ensure you have a safe place to stay. FEMA has established disaster recovery centers that 
provide financial assistance and other support. If you need help accessing these services, consider 
asking a trusted family member or caregiver to assist you with applications.

Focus on Small Steps Forward

Recovering from such a loss may feel overwhelming, but taking small steps forward can help you 
regain a sense of control. Start with simple tasks, such as organizing essential documents, reaching 
out to neighbors or family for emotional support, or arranging temporary housing. Each action, no 
matter how small, helps move you closer to rebuilding your life.

Practice Self-Care and Mindfulness

It’s important to take care of your emotional well-being during stressful times. Finding moments of 
peace can make a big difference. Consider activities that help calm your mind, such as sitting outside 
for fresh air, reading, or engaging in gentle stretching or mindfulness exercises. Even short moments 
of relaxation can help reduce stress and improve your overall outlook.

Stay Informed and Connected

Staying informed about recovery efforts can help you feel more connected and involved. Look for 
community meetings or local outreach events that are specifically aimed at seniors. Local organizations 
may offer updates on available resources, and these gatherings can provide valuable information 
while also helping you connect with others who are facing similar challenges.

Remember, rebuilding after the Eaton Canyon fire is a gradual process, and you don’t have to go 
through it alone. There are many resources available to support you. By acknowledging your feelings, 
seeking assistance, and taking small steps forward, you can begin to rebuild your life and find hope 
for the future.


OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder

One of my grandchildren asked me quite a penetrating question this 
week. Everybody knows how perceptive these little people are, especially 
when they are around big people. I am all for questions and 
answering questions and that sort of thing. Sometimes, however, the 
question crosses the wrong line.

“Grandpa,” one of the little people asked, “how old are you?”

I have always told the truth throughout life, which has been a great challenge.

Before I was married, there was no problem about always telling the truth. I always 
got in trouble if I did not tell the truth, so my practice has been to always tell the 
truth, no matter how difficult it might be or who it might hurt.

Then I got married. Growing up I did not have much interaction with people of the 
opposite sex. Actually, they made me nervous every time I was around them. What 
do you say? What do you talk about? After all, girls are not boys.

After being married for several years, I was presented with a question I was unprepared 
for. We were going to a banquet and just before leaving the house, my wife 
looked at me and said, “Does this dress make me look too fat?”

Where was my father when this question was posed? He never prepared me for 
such questions.

I really did not know what to say. As everybody knows, truth can be relative, especially 
when you are related to the one who was asking you the question. When it 
comes to clothing and fashion, I am completely outclassed.

After I got over being stunned by this question posed to me by my wife, a wonderful 
thought hit me. I looked at her and simply said, “I don’t know about that, but 
your hair looks beautiful.”

“Oh,” she said with a smile dancing all over her face, “thank you.”

Enough said.

Getting back to the question of the little person, I had to ponder for quite a while. 
How old am I, really?

I am not sure I can really answer that kind of question. It all depends upon your 
definition of old. When I was in my 20s, someone my current age I consider old. 
Now that I am this age, I understand the word old differently.

How old a person is, has nothing to do with the year of his or her birth. The one 
thing my father did tell me about people of the opposite sex is, “Never ask a woman 
her age.” To the best of my knowledge, I have kept to that standard.

“So, grandpa,” the curious little person asked, “how old are you?”

When you have a little person whose age is still in the single digits how do they 
know anything about age? Most of these little people are most anxious to reach 
that birthday when their age is double digits. You realize that single digits only last 
for nine years and double digits last the rest of your life!

This little person looked at me with curiosity all over her face, when a marvelous 
thought danced into my cranium. I then responded, “Well, I am not as old as your 
grandma.” For the time being, that satisfied that little slice of curiosity.

I quickly excused myself because I was quite certain the little person would approach 
her grandma with that question and I did not want to be in the room.

With all of the fads and the trends today toward looking younger what is a person 
to do. When young we want to look old and when a person gets to some magical 
age, they want to look young. What is the right age?

Looking back over my life, I do not know any year I would like to repeat. I certainly 
do not want to be a teenager again. I remember those teenage years and I 
was so glad to get out of that age group. My 20s were not any better, except it was 
during my 20s that I met the person who later became the Gracious Mistress of the 
Parsonage. Those were good years.

Then when I got into my 30s, little people started coming into our house. They arrived 
about 18 to 20 months apart and stopped when the number reached three. 
Three is a good number.

I certainly do not want to go back to when little people roamed the house day and 
night. I certainly do not want to go back to when those little people became teenagers. 
The roughest thing about having teenagers is that it is payback for when you 
were a teenager. That is why as a grandpa, I smile benignly as I watch my children 
trying to parent their teenagers.

I would like to remind those parents of what life was like for me when they were 
teenagers. It is wonderful being a grandfather who always gets the last laugh.

David understood this when he wrote, “Now also when I am old and greyheaded, 
O God, forsake me not; until I have showed thy strength unto this generation, and 
thy power to every one that is to come” (Psalms 71:18).

I am not old; I am just mature for my age.

Rev. James L. Snyder is pastor of the Family of God Fellowship, PO Box 831313, 
Ocala, FL 34483. e-mail jamessnyder51@Gmail.com or website www.jamessnyderministries.
com.

DRIVING WITH DEMENTIA AND 
KNOWING WHEN TO STOP


Dear Savvy Senior,

When should someone with dementia stop driving? My 
83-year-old father has some dementia issues but still drives himself around town pretty well.

Concerned Daughter

 

Dear Concerned,

Most doctors agree that people with moderate to severe dementia should never get behind the wheel, 
but in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia, driving performance should be the 
determining factor of when to stop driving, not the disease itself.

With that said, it’s also important to realize that as your dad’s driving skills deteriorate over time from 
the disease, he might not recognize he has a problem. So, it’s very important that you work closely 
with his doctor to monitor his driving and help him stop when it is no longer safe for him to drive. 
Here are some additional tips that can help you.

 

Watch for Warning Signs

The best way to keep tabs on your dad’s driving abilities is to take frequent rides with him and watch 
out for warning signs. For example: Does he have trouble remembering routes to familiar places? 
Does he drive at inappropriate speeds, tailgate, drift between lanes or fail to observe traffic signs? 
Does he react slowly or make poor driving decisions? Also, has your dad had any fender benders or 
tickets lately, or have you noticed any dents or scrapes on his vehicle? All of these are red flags.

 

If you need some assessment help, hire a driver rehabilitation specialist who’s trained to evaluate 
older drivers. See Myaota.aota.org/driver_search or Aded.net to locate one in your area.

 

Transition Tips

Through your assessments, if you believe it’s still safe for your dad to drive, you should start recommending 
some simple adjustments to ensure his safety, like driving only in daylight and on familiar 
routes, and avoiding busy roads and bad weather. Also, get him to sign a dementia “driving contract” 
that designates someone to tell him when it’s no longer safe to drive. Go to Alz.org/driving and click 
on the “Download” button to print one.

 

You may also want to consider getting a GPS car tracking device (like Bouncie.com or MotoSafety.
com) to help you monitor him. These devices will let you track where he’s driving and allow you to 
set up zones and speed limits that will send you alerts to your smartphone when he exits an area, or 
if he’s driving too fast or braking harshly.

 

Time to Quit

When your dad’s driving gets to the point that he can no longer drive safely, you’ll need to talk to 
him. It’s best to start having these conversations in the early stages of the disease, before he needs to 
quit driving so he can prepare himself.

 

You also need to have a plan for alternative transportation (including a list of family, friends and local 
transportation options) that will help him get around after he stops driving.

 

For tips on how to talk to your dad, the Hartford Center for Mature Market Excellence offers a helpful 
guide called “At the Crossroads: Family Conversations About Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia and 
Driving” that you can download at TheHartford.com/Publications-on-Aging.

 

Refuses to Quit

If your dad refuses to quit, you have several options. First, suggest a visit to his doctor who can give 
him a medical evaluation, and prescribe that he stops driving. Older people will often listen to their 
doctor before they will listen to their own family.

 

If he still refuses, contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to see if they can help. 
Some states will automatically revoke a license when a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, 
while many others require retaking a driving test. 

 

If these fail, consider hiding his keys or you may need to take them away. You could also disable his 
vehicle by disconnecting the battery, park it in another location so he can’t see it or have access to it, 
or sell it.

 

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.

Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737