Mountain View News Saturday, September 19, 2026 
77SENIOR HAPPENINGS Mountain View News Saturday, September 19, 2026 
77SENIOR HAPPENINGS 
GLP-1 MEDICATIONS: A NEW OPTION FOR 
OBESITY IN OLDER ADULTS 


Obesity is not just a concern for younger adults. For seniors, carrying excess weight can increase 
the risk of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, joint problems and reduced mobility. Today, 
a new class of medications known as GLP-1 drugs is giving many older adults another option for 

managing obesity. 


This week, The Gracious 

Mistress of the Parsonage 

and I went shopping. 

Normally, I don’t go 
shopping, at least not with her. However, 
this was a special occasion, and so I tagged 
along. 

I’m not quite sure what she was shoppingfor, and after 55 years of marital bliss, I don’t 
ask. I have found that if I ask, she'll respond, 
which is more than I want. 

We were in the store for just a few moments, 
and she had to go down an aisle to get some 
stuff, so I went the other way. If I tagged 
along with her, she would say repeatedly, 
“What do you think of this? You think I 
should get this?” 

Telling her what she needs is so far above 
my pay grade that I’ll never reach it. I have 
learned to let her make her own decisions, 
which makes our home a happy place. I like 
my happy place. 

I was going down several aisles when I saw 
something I hadn't seen in a long time. 
There, in a glass case, was a large collection of 
smoking pipes. Looking at them, one flashed 
my grandfather's face back. I was stunned. 
Nothing like this had ever happened to me 
before. 

Looking at that one pipe, I realized it was 
exactly the kind my grandfather had. Since 
my grandfather died over 50 years ago, I 
was surprised I remembered what his pipe 
looked like. 


Medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide work in part by helping people feel full sooner 
and reducing appetite. They can also improve blood sugar control. For people who have struggled 
to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, these medications may provide meaningful results.
Weight management becomes especially important as we age. Losing excess weight can make 
everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs and getting out of a chair easier. However, 
weight loss in seniors needs to be approached carefully. Older adults can lose muscle along with 
body fat, making adequate protein intake and strength-building exercise important parts of a 
weight-loss program. 

GLP-1 medications are not appropriate for everyone. They can cause side effects such as nausea, 
constipation, diarrhea, stomach discomfort and, in some cases, more serious complications. 
Seniors may also take several medications or have kidney, heart or other health conditions that 
need to be considered before treatment begins. 

For that reason, older adults should not view GLP-1 medications as a quick fix or a substitute for 
healthy habits. A physician should evaluate whether the medication is appropriate and monitor 
progress, nutrition, hydration and overall health. 

For seniors struggling with obesity, GLP-1 medications represent an important development in 
treatment. When combined with sensible nutrition, physical activity and medical supervision, they 
may help older adults achieve a healthier weight while maintaining strength and quality of life. 

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A FLASHBACK TO MY RANDFATHER'S PIPE 
OUT TO PASTOR 
A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder 
I looked at it and came very close to 
purchasing it in memory of my grandfather. 
I’m sure he would’ve enjoyed that. I don’t 
smoke, and I had no plans to smoke that pipe; 
I was just looking at it and being reminded 
of my grandfather. He never went anywhere 
without that pipe. I’m not sure what that pipe 
meant to him, but he was really attached to 
it. Sometimes he had it when he wasn’t even 
smoking. 

Many times, I spent an afternoon with my 
grandfather; as we were chatting, he puffed 
on his pipe. I never could understand why he 
did that, but I watched him, and that picture 
stayed clear in my mind. I never expected 
to have this kind of experience, and I can’t 
remember the last time I thought about my 
grandfather. 

As I was enjoying my view, The Gracious 
Mistress of the Parsonage came up and said, 
“You’re not thinking what I think you’re 
thinking? Are you?” 

After all these years of marital bliss, I still 
can't figure out the latest question she throws 
my way. 

I turned around, looked at her, and said, 
“What do you think I’m thinking?” 

She just stared at me, and finally I said, “See 
that pipe right there? That is the exact pipe 
that my grandfather had when I was a youngboy.” 

She looked at it, smiled very gingerly, and 
said, “Are you thinking of buying it?” 

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FALL IS VACCINE SEASON: 
WHAT SENIORS NEED TO KNOW 

Fall is the perfect time to catch up on the vaccines seniors need to stay healthy and 
protected through the winter. 

With fall right around the corner, cooler temperatures, changing leaves and pumpkin 
spice everything are about to return. So is flu season. If you’re 65 or older, now is a good 
time to check your vaccines – because there’s more to the fall vaccine lineup than just 
the flu shot. 

Start with flu 

Flu can be especially serious for older adults. As we age, our immune systems don’t 
respond as strongly to infections, which is one reason people 65 and older account for 
most flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. 

That’s why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults 
65 and older get one of three enhanced flu vaccines instead of a standard-dose shot: 
Fluzone High-Dose, Fluad or Flublok. 

All three are designed to produce a stronger immune response in older adults, and 
studies haven’t shown one to be consistently better than the others. So there’s no need to 
track down a particular brand. Get whichever of these enhanced vaccines is available. 

There’s also a new option for the 2026-27 flu season. Moderna’s mFLUSIVA is the 
first mRNA flu vaccine authorized in the United States. It is approved for adults 
ages 50 to 64 and has received accelerated approval for those 65 and older, pendingadditional study results. For now, adults 65 and older should continue following CDC 
recommendations and choose one of the three enhanced vaccines whenever possible. 

September or October is generally the best time to get your flu shot. But if you miss 
that window, don’t skip it. A flu shot in November or later can still provide valuable 
protection. 

Medicare Part B covers one flu shot each flu season at no cost when given by a Medicare-
participating doctor, clinic or pharmacy. 

Check the rest 

While you’re getting your flu shot, take a minute to see whether you’re due for other 
vaccines, too. 

RSV: The CDC recommends a one-time RSV vaccine for everyone 75 and older, as well 
as adults ages 50 through 74 who are at increased risk for severe RSV illness. Medicare 
Part D covers RSV vaccines. 

Pneumonia: Adults 50 and older who haven’t received a pneumococcal vaccine should 
ask about getting protected against serious pneumococcal disease. The preferred 
options are Prevnar 20 (PCV20) or Capvaxive (PCV21). Most people need only one 
dose, and Medicare Part B covers these vaccines. 

Shingles: If you haven’t had Shingrix, put it on your list. The two-dose vaccine is more 
than 90 percent effective at preventing shingles and the painful nerve complications 
that can follow. Medicare Part D covers both doses. 

COVID-19: Recommendations have become more individualized, but older adults 
remain at higher risk for serious illness. Ask your healthcare provider whether an 
updated COVID-19 vaccine is appropriate for you. Medicare Part B covers COVID-19 
vaccines. 

One trip, several shots 

You generally don’t need to make separate trips for each vaccine. Flu, RSV, COVID-19 
and other recommended vaccines can usually be given during the same visit. If you’re 
concerned about temporary side effects such as fatigue, muscle aches or a sore arm, ask 
your healthcare provider or pharmacist whether spacing them out makes sense. 

To find pharmacies and other providers offering vaccines near you, visit Vaccines.gov. 

Fall is a good time to review your vaccination record and talk with your healthcare 
provider or pharmacist about any shots you may need. Staying up to date can help 
reduce your risk of serious illness and keep you healthier through the months ahead. 

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I looked at her for a moment, then looked 
back at the pipe and thought for a long time. 

“Well, I gave that a little bit of thought 
because it would be a great reminder to me 
of my grandfather. That pipe defined him in 
many regards.” 

“Where would you like to hang it at the 
house?” She asked. 

Chuckling a little, I looked back at her and 
said, “I said I gave it a little bit of thought, but 
as much as I would like to, I am not going to 
buy a pipe and take it home.” 

As we were going home in the Sissy Van, 
The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage said, 
“What is it about that pipe that reminded 
you so much of your grandfather?” 

That’s the kind of question you can’t answer 
in a few words. Thinking along those lines, 
for the first time in many years, I thought 
about my grandfather and all the good times 
we had together; he was a Class A prankster 
in many ways. If anybody could prank you, 
it was my grandfather. 

One prank I remember was when our pastor 
came to visit him, and when he left, he forgot 
his hat. That was my grandfather's cue to 
prank the pastor. 

My grandfather took the pastor’s hat to a 
friend who owned a men’s clothing store. He 
had that friend stretch the hat almost twice 
its original size. 

The next Sunday my grandfather came to 

church and brought the pastor’s hat with 
him. After the service, he went up to the 
pastor with the hat and said, “Pastor, you 
left your hat at my place this past week. I 
thought I’d bring it to you today.” 

The pastor was happy because he couldn’t 
remember where he left his hat. He took 
it from my grandfather, put it on his head, 
and it slid down to his chin. Very slowly, 
the pastor took his hat off, looked at my 
grandfather, and tried to smile. 

That’s just the beginning of the pranks I 
remember my grandfather playing. 

That event brought a Bible verse to mind. 

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, 
whom the Father will send in my name, 
he shall teach you all things, and bring all 
things to your remembrance, whatsoever I 
have said unto you” (John 14:26). 

I often get frustrated when I forget 
something. As a Christian, I can rely on the 
Holy Spirit to bring to my mind what I need 
to know and when I need to know it. 

Dr. James L. Snyder lives in Ocala, FL with 
the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. 
Telephone 1-352-216-3025, e-mail 
jamessnyder51@gmail.com, website www.
jamessnyderministries.com. 

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