
Mountain View News June 27, 2026 88 THE GOOD LIFETHE GOOD LIFE Mountain View News June 27, 2026 88 THE GOOD LIFETHE GOOD LIFE
CHAIR YOGA:
A SAFE AND
EFFECTIVE WAY
FOR SENIORS
TO STAY
ACTIVE
As we age, staying physicallyactive becomes increasinglyimportant, but traditional
exercise programs can sometimesbe challenging due to joint pain,
balance concerns, or limited
mobility. Chair yoga has emerged as a popular and effective solution for older adults who want toimprove their health while exercising safely.
Chair yoga adapts traditional yoga movements by using a sturdy chair for support. The exercises canbe performed while seated or while standing and holding onto the chair for balance. Research hasshown that chair yoga can help improve flexibility, strength, balance, posture, and overall quality of lifefor seniors. It may also reduce stress, promote relaxation, and increase confidence in daily activities.
(Healthline)
One of the greatest advantages of chair yoga is accessibility. Seniors who may have difficulty gettingdown to the floor can still enjoy many of the benefits of yoga without placing excessive strain on theirjoints. Regular practice can help maintain independence by improving mobility and reducing the risk offalls. (Medical News Today)
Simple Chair Yoga Exercises for Seniors
• Seated Mountain Pose – Sit tall with feet flat on the floor, shoulders relaxed, and spine lengthened.
• Chair Cat-Cow Stretch – Alternate between arching and rounding the back to improve spinal flexibility.
• Seated Side Stretch – Raise one arm overhead and gently lean to the opposite side.
• Seated Spinal Twist – Slowly rotate the upper body to each side while keeping the hips facing forward.
• Seated Marches – Lift one knee at a time to strengthen the core and improve coordination.
• Seated Leg Extensions – Extend one leg forward and hold briefly to strengthen the thighs.
Before beginning any new exercise program, seniors should consult their healthcare provider. With justa sturdy chair and a few minutes each day, chair yoga can help older adults stay active, flexible, andconfident.
F
I
R
E
C
R
A
C
K
E
R
5
K
FamilyFunRun
Fun
for
the
whole
family!
Join
your
neighbors
and
show
your
spirit
as
you
kick
off
Independence
Day
with
a
walk,
jog,
or
run
down
Sierra
Madre
Blvd!
Saturday,
4TH
of
July
7:30am
start
Price:
Adults: $35
Kids 5-12 years: $30
T-shirt
included
for
first
200
registrants
For more information:
Pasadena-Sierra Madre YMCA
611 E Sierra Madre Blvd. Sierra Madre
626-355-5261
RegisterToday!
SENIOR HAPPENINGS
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …JUNE BIRTHDAYS*
Beth Copti, Marilyn Diaz, Anne Schryver, Jo Ann Williams, Paul Hagan, Lenore
Crilly, Joann Serrato-Chi, Harriett Lyle, Jean Coleman, Birgitta Gerlinger, Luciana
Rosenzweig, Linda Wochnik, Marian Woodford, Debbie Sheridan, Joanne Anthony,
Carole Axline, Kika Downey, Shirley Hall, Janet Ten Eyck, Jane Thomas, Ray Burley,
Bridget Flanagan,Donna Mathisen,Vicky Ryan, Grace Sanders. * To add your name
to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR of birth not
required
HOW TO USE
AI SAFELY
AND PROTECT
YOURSELF FROM
SCAMS
Dear Savvy Senior,
I keep hearing about AI in the news and how it’s being used in scams. I’m not very tech savvy and find
it confusing. What should I know to protect myself? --Cautious Senior
Dear Cautious,
You’re not alone. Many older adults are asking the same question. Artificial intelligence, or
AI, is becoming part of everyday life, from smartphones and internet searches to banking and
customer service. It’s also making scams more convincing and harder to spot, which is why a basic
understanding helps. The good news is you don’t need to be a tech expert to use AI safely and with
confidence.
Know the basics
AI is technology that can create and analyze information in ways that seem human. It can write
emails, answer questions, recommend products, generate images and even mimic voices. While
this can be helpful, it also means things you see or hear online may not always be accurate. If
something seems unusual or too good to be true, take a closer look.
Use it wiselyA good way to get comfortable with AI is to start small. Many smartphones include voice assistants
like Siri or Google Assistant that can set reminders, check the weather or answer questions. You
can also try tools like ChatGPT or Claude to explain a news story, suggest recipes or help draft a
message.
AI can also be useful for everyday tasks like comparing products, planning trips or organizing a
to-do list. Think of it as a helpful assistant, not a decision-maker.
Keep in mind that AI isn’t perfect. It can give answers that sound confident but may be outdated or
incorrect. For important matters like your health, finances or legal issues, always double-check with
a trusted source such as your doctor, bank or a government website.
Watch for scams
Scammers are using AI to make their schemes more convincing. You may receive an email that
appears to be from your bank or Medicare or a phone call that sounds like a family member. Be
especially wary of urgent messages that pressure you to act quickly or warn that your account will
be closed.
Protect yourselfThe most important habit for avoiding scams is to slow down. If you receive a suspicious call, text or
email, stop and assess the message. Don’t click links, download attachments or respond right away.
Instead, contact the company or person directly using a phone number or website you trust – not
the one provided in the message.
Scammers now use AI to mimic voices and write convincing messages. Even if something sounds
like it’s from a family member, friend or company, verify it another way before taking action.
Never share sensitive information like your Social Security number, bank details or passwords
unless you initiated the contact and trust the source. Banks and government agencies, includingMedicare and Social Security, will not ask for this information by phone or email. Urgent requests
for payment by gift card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency are also red flags.
For added protection, use two-factor authentication, and keep your devices updated. You can even
consider call-blocking services from your mobile service provider.
If something doesn’t look right, take time to check it or ask a trusted friend or family member before
responding.
Keep learningTechnology is always changing, but there are ways to stay informed. Many libraries and senior
centers offer free classes on digital skills and online safety. Trusted resources like AARP’s Fraud
Watch Network (aarp.org/fraudwatch) and the Federal Trade Commission (consumer.ftc.gov) also
provide up-to-date scam alerts and protection tips. In addition, internet and mobile provider Cox
Mobile (cox.com/mobilesafety) offers a library of research, tips and online safety tools to keep you
informed and secure online.
AI may seem complicated at first, but a little awareness goes a long way. By staying cautious and
building a few smart habits, you can protect yourself and make this technology work for you.
Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443,
Norman, OK 73070
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
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