Columns

It is critically important that senior citizens get out of the house. Aging is not for sissies. 

A Fountain Valley woman got the idea for Senior Comedy Afternoons after taking her nineties mother to a standard improvisional theater show. Her mother hated it. But senior-geared events catering to this age group presented at least two problems: businesses that do not believe in the senior marketplace, and finding age-appropriate talent. For a few hours at Senior Comedy Afternoon, aging is funny.  

Personally, I don’t find funny the topics that are said to appeal to these southern California seniors—memory loss, spoiled grandchildren, treacherous roadways. There is reportedly no profanity, no raunchy talk, just old-school, G-rated humor for people who say their brand of entertainment is in short supply these days. The show rotates venues: Don the Beachcomber, Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, and the Improv at the Irving Spectrum. For $38.50 a person, they drink spiced tea and enjoy a simple meal of time-tested dishes and ice cream before the show begins.  

Depression, loneliness, isolation are unhealthy. Social media don’t literally, bodily get seniors out and about. But social media are ubiquitously accessible. A PC (personal computer can provide many services.  

A recent Pew Research Center survey found that people younger than 50 use social-networking websites to stay in touch with friends, while people older than 50 use them to connect with family. The number of seniors using social networking websites has risen to 33% of Internet users ages 65+ in 2011, compared with 13% in 2009.  

Retirees who use the Internet regularly are less likely to be classified as depressed, according to a sociology study published in the March Computers in Human Behavior journal because of the connection and sense of community that the Internet provides.  

The Internet is a global system – a network of networks—that consists of millions of private, public, academic, business and government networks, of local to global scope. It carries an extensive range of information sources and services, documents on the World Wide Web (WWW), and the infrastructure to support E-mail.  

Public libraries provide their patrons with Internet access. At the public library in Muncie, Indiana, seniors learn how to create a Facebook account, use its fundamental features, download photos and adjust the privacy settings to make their accounts more secure. The immediacy of Facebook is what attracts them to take the class and create an account. The Fort Bend County, Texas community library instructs patrons in Facebook use. The class is open to people of all ages but most students are senior citizens.  

Not all seniors are ready to join the millions of Facebook addicts. Retired teacher Betty Goodykoontz, 101, of Birmingham, Alabama has owned a computer for several years but doesn’t plan to create a Facebook account. “I am just not interested in all these people and what they are doing,” she says. I don’t have a Facebook account. I don’t have any living family members (Yes, it’s possible.) I am hearing-impaired and rely on email to communicate.  

Facebook is a free social networking service whose website was launched in February 2004. As of May 2012, Facebook has 900+ million active users. The name is derived from the colloquial name for the book given to students at the start of the academic year by some university administrations to help students get to know each other. Facebook allows any users who declare themselves to be at least 13 years old to register and use the site. They may create a personal profile, add other users as friends, and exchange messages, including automatic notifications when they update their profile. Users may join common-interest user groups organized by workplace, school, college or other characteristics, and categorize their friends into such lists as People From Work or Close Friends.  

I asked several other senior citizens whether they have Facebook, and if not, why, and if so, why? Dorothy Bryant responded, “No, I don’t have a Facebook account. The reason—pure lack of interest. Unless I become convinced that I NEED something on the internet, I don’t bother. I’d rather read a book or take a walk, and communicate directly with friends or family than spend any more time than I have to looking at a screen. I’m grateful for the conveniences of email (to my cousins in Italy) and for transmitting articles electronically when required, but I’m grateful that I am not part of the workforce required to sit in front of a computer all day. If that limits my contact with some people who love Facebook, etc., I haven’t become aware of what I may be missing.”  

Margot Gray Panthers Smith has a Facebook account “because I can see my kids, grandkids and greatgrandkids and enjoy their activities and pictures. I don’t use it for politics or other stuff because it is a complete waste of time.” 

It took Sayre Friends of the Library Van Young “a while to start using it (after it became really popular), and longer still to figure out its busily convoluted nuances, but I do enjoy it. I make comments sparingly, but it helps me keep track of what friends and family are reading or are interested in. Infrequently I’ll view a suggested video or download a really wonderful sign or motto or cartoon. And having 3 family babies born within a month of each other, I do enjoy all the baby pictures. But the trick, I have found, is to check Facebook no more than once a day. Anything important, they can call me. Anything detailed, they can e-mail me. Like so many thing son the Web, Facebook can easily become a time and energy sink. One must hold the line.”  

Lenore Waters’ daughters insisted that she sign up for Facebook. “I do use it to catch up on relatives, young and old. At times I will send articles, serious, and funny that I think hey would like. I enjoy my friends’ photos (I, however have no idea how to do this..) I found a second cousin on Facebook simply by entering his name (both his first and last names are unusual). We had an online chat. My daughter who lives in New York City has quite an interesting life. It is much easier to keep up with her via Facebook than to leave messages on each other’s phone. I can keep up with my friends who live quite far away. In many counties, mail is ridiculously slow. The internet is everywhere. I hope this helps people understand that the internet is not a diabolical trap!!!!”  

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NEWS 

On June 25, 2012, current and former residents of Creekside Health Care Center in San Pablo, California filed a lawsuit against the facility and its parent corporation, Mariner Health Care, Inc. of Georgia alleging serious and continuing residents’ rights violations. 

The lawsuit, filed by Stebner & Associations, a San Francisco elder advocacy firm, alleges that Creekside does not have adequate numbers of nursing staff to meet resident needs or provide a safe environment. The complaint, filed in Contra Costa County Superior Court, can be read online at California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (CANHR). Stebner & Associates is at 415-362-9800.  

Medicare compares nursing and long term care facilities based on self-reported information by the nursing home and gathered during the most recent health inspection. This star rating system is for overall staffing hours. A rating of 5 stars is the most a nursing home can get; one star is the fewest. 

Medicare’s website lists Creekside Healthcare Center as an 80-bed, for-profit provider with an incredible Overall rating of 3 out of 5 possible stars; Health inspections 4 of 5 possible stars; Nursing home staffing 4 of 5 possible stars; and Quality measures 1 of 5 possible stars. The fact that Creekside has a 3 (of 5) star rating is indicative of the limitations of the 5-star rating system. Additionally, there are numerous quality of care measures for nursing homes—looking at a facility’s enforcement history, staffing ratios, and staffing turnover, for example. Check CANHR’s website – www.nursinghomeguide.org. Ultimately, obtaining a court injunction against a bad nursing home can be the most effective tool for improving the lives of residents.  

The Contra Costa County Long Term Care Ombudsman is part of the District Attorney’s office, whose website declares that “abuse that occurs within a long-term care facility (such as a nursing home) should be reported to the Ombudsman.” It is my understanding that this Ombudsman has been made aware of conditions at Creekside. “The Ombudsman's office is staffed with specially trained volunteers who promote the development, coordination and utilization of resources to meet long-term care needs.
They are required to investigate reports of known or suspected abuse within long-term care facilities. In a potentially criminal case, their reports can go to local law enforcement and the local District Attorney's Office for investigation and prosecution - or they can go through the Department of Health Services to the California State Attorney General's Office for investigation and prosecution. For more information or to report abuse, call (925) 646-2070.” 

An invitation. Candidates for election are welcome to share statements of their accomplishments and plans vis a vis senior citizens and elders. Please email them to me at pen136@dslextreme.com.  

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Be sure to confirm. Readers are welcome to share by email news of future events and deadlines that may interest boomers, seniors and elders. Daytime, free, and Bay Area events preferred. pen136@dslextreme.com.  

Until August 31. Environmental Education Center in Tilden Regional Park. North End Central Park Drive. Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 A.M.-4:30 P.M. Tilden Exhibit Celebrates Conservation Successes. Art exhibit celebrating the successes of conservation in the region, state and nationally. Works by 60 artists portraying plants and animals no longer listed as endangered species due to conservation efforts. Exhibit sponsors include the East Bay Regional Park District and the Merritt College Environmental Management and Technology Dept. Free. www.ebparks.org 

Until Sept. 29. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 1-4 P.M. Joanna Gewertz Harris, Ph.D, Bay Area dancer, dance historian and author of Beyond Isadora: Bay Area Dancing 1915-1965, will discuss the history of East Bay performers, choreographers and pioneers of today’s dance community. The exhibit explores dance in the East Bay and includes a video by Margaretta Mitchell, an interview with Frank Shawl, and archival footage of Hanya Holm. Jeanine Castello-Lin and Tonya Staros, Co-Curators. Wheelchair accessible. Berkeley History Center, 1931 Center St. Free. 510-848-0181 

Starting Tuesday, June 19. 10 A.M. Class will meet Tuesday and Thursday mornings for 4 weeks. Mastick Senior Center, 1155 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda. Victoria’s Legacy on the Island. Judith Lynch (local author, teacher and resident) serving on the City 

of Alameda Historical Advisory Board will provide an overview on Victorian history and culture, highlighting the 19th century buildings of Alameda. Will include 6 slide presentations and 2 walking tours to show you how to recognize architectural details and distinguish among the various styles of fancywork homes that abound here. Sign up in the Mastick Office or call 747-7506. Free. Class limited to 25 participants. 

Fridays, July 6, 13, 20 and 27. 3 P.M. Central Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. Super Cinema. Explore a different theme or genre in film each month. July: Our Weeks With Marilyn. July 6: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Free. 510-981-6241.  

Sunday, July 8. 1 – 4:30 P.M. The 2012 Berkeley Rent Board Convention will be held in the main meeting room of the downtown, central Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge, corner of Shattuck. A slate of candidates for the November 2012 election will be chosen. Contact: www.berkeleyrentboard.org 510-981-6100. 

Mondays, July 9, 16, 23 and 30. 6 P.M. Evening Computer Class at Central Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. Free. 510-981-6241.  

Monday, July 9. 7 P.M. Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. Author Talk and Slide Show. Author-naturalist Laura Cunningham will discuss her book A State of Change: forgotten landscapes of California. Cunningham has not only written the text but has also lavishly illustrated this lovely book. She has written and painted a picture of what California was like before European contact. Free. 510-524-3043 

Wednesday, July 11. Also August 1, Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5. 6-8 P.M. Lawyer in the Library. Albany Library, 1247 Marin Av. Free 15 minute consultation with an attorney who will clarify your situation, advise you of your options, get you started with a solution, and make a referral when needed. Sign up in person at the Reference desk or call 510-526-3720 ext. 5 during library hours. 

Thursday, July 12. Also July 19 and 26. 6 P.M. Lawyers in the Library. North branch, Berkeley Public Library, 1170 The Alameda. Free. 510-981-6250.  

Saturday, July 14. 12 Noon – 2 P.M. Writers on Writing. Rockridge Branch of Oakland Public Library, 5366 College Av. This workshop is for writers. Australian author-journalist Stephanie Dale will help authors. Authors Teresa LeYung-Ryan, Yolande Barial and Joan Gelfanc will discuss the writing process. Reception and book signing follow. Free. Contact: Artsinthevalley.wordpress.com  

Fridays, July 13 – July 27. 3 P.M. Central Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. Super Cinema. Explore a different theme or genre in film each month. July: Our Weeks With Marilyn. July 13: All About Eve. Free. 510-981-6241.  

Saturday, July 14. 1 – 3 P.M. Origami Earring workshop. North Berkeley Public Library, 1170 The Alameda. Learn to make your own origami earrings. Taught by Nga Trinh. 510-981-6250. 

Monday, July 16, 7:00 P.M. Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Av. “Author Village Rhythms: African Village Celebration.” Laura Cunningham. Onye Onyemaechi, master percussionist, educator and performing musician, engages students and families in a participatory experience of African Village life. His repertoire involves student participation in African drumming, dancing, songs and stories. Free 45-minute program part of Contra Costa County Library’s Summer Reading Festival. 510-524-3043. 

Thursday, July 19. 12:15 – 2:15 P.M. Literacy reading club, with Lisa Wenzel. Practice English conversation, meet other adults, build confidence in your speaking and discuss a good book. Albany branch, Alameda County Library, 1247 Marin Av. Free. 510-526-3720. Also July 26. 

Fridays, July 20– July 27. 3 P.M. Central Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. Super Cinema. Explore a different theme or genre in film each month. July: Our Weeks With Marilyn. July 20: Monkey Business. Free. 510-981-6241. Also July 27.  

Saturday, July 21. 11 A. M. Free counseling for landlords and tenants. Central Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. Free. 510- 981-6241. 

Saturday, July 21. 1 – 5 P.M. Rockridge Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 5366 College Av. California Writers’ Club – a workshop open to all writers. Free. Contact: Anne Fox 510-420-8775. Also August 18.  

Monday, July 23. 7 P.M. Kensington Library Book Club. Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. The Great Fire by Shirley Hazzard. Free. 510-524-3043. Also August 27. 

Tuesday, July 24. 7 P. M. Readers Anonymous book club. Amor’s Towles’ Rules of Civility. El Cerrito Library of the Contra Costa County Library. 6510 Stockton Avenue. Free. 510-526-7512. 

Wednesday, July 25. 1:30 – 2:30 P.M. Great Books discussion group: Reader’s choice. Rosalie Gonzales facilitator. Albany branch, Alameda County Library, 1247 Marin Av. Free. 510-526-3720.  

Thursday, July 26. 7 P.M. Down to the bone: Understanding bone health & Osteoporosis prevention. Dr. Lani Simpson will discuss bone density testing and diagnosis, how to build quality bone with nutrition and healthy digestion, and safe exercises. El Cerrito Library of the Contra Costa County Library. 6510 Stockton Avenue. Free 510-526-7512.  

Friday, July 27. 3 P.M. Central Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. Super Cinema. Explore a different theme or genre in film each month. July: Our Weeks With Marilyn. July 27: The Seven Year Itch. Free. 510-981-6241.  

Wednesday, August 1. 6-8 P.M. Lawyer in the Library. Albany Library, 1247 Marin Av. Free 15 minute consultation with an attorney who will clarify your situation, advise you of your options, get you started with a solution, and make a referral when needed. Sign up in person at the Reference desk or call 510-526-3720 ext. 5 during library hours. 

Also Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5.  

Thursday, August 2. 12:15-2:15 P.M. Literacy Reading Club with Lisa Wenzel. Albany Library, 1247 Marin Av. Practice English conversation, meet other adults, discuss a good book. Free. 510-526-3720. Also August 9 and 16.  

Thursday, August 2. 10 A.M. Computers for beginners. Central Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. Free. 510-981-6241. Also August 10, 16, 23, and 30. 

Thursday, August 2. 1:30-2:30 P.M. HEALTHY EATING FOR OLDER ADULTS: My Neighbor's Kitchen Table. Nutritionists Mary Collett, MPH and RD, Mary Louise Zernicke, MS, MPH, RD, CSG will discuss the special nutritional needs of seniors, including how our traditional foods can fit into a healthy eating plan, taking supplements and much more. Albany Library, 1247 Marin Av. 510-526-3720. Note: This free Alameda County Library program will be presented at 7 libraries. For information about dates and addresses for San Lorenzo, Dublin, Newark, Castro Valley, Union City and Fremont Main libraries, contact Patricia Ruscher, Older Adult Services at 510-745-1491. 

Monday, August 6. 6 P.M. Evening computer class. Central Berkeley Public Library. Central Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. Free. 510-981-6241. Also August 13, 20, and 27. 

Monday, August 6. 6:30 P.M. "Castoffs" - Knitting Group at Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Av. All levels are welcome and some help will be provided. Free. Louise O’Dea, 510-524-3043 

Tuesday, August 7. 7 P.M. ESL Conversation Group. El Cerrito Library of the Contra Costa County Library. 6510 Stockton Avenue. Free 510-526-7512  

Wednesday, August 8. Annual Healthy Aging Fair. Chabot College, 25555 Hesperian Blvd., Hayward. Free. A wheel-chair accessible BART Shuttle will operate from the South Hayward BART station between 8:30 A.M. and 3 P.M. Transportation will also be available from some senior centers. Contact: Delbert Walker 510-577-3532, Amy Holloway 510-577-3540.  

Tuesday, August 14. 2 P.M. How to self publish, with author Stella Baker. North branch, Berkeley Public Library. 1170 The Alameda. Free. 510-981-6250. 

Saturday, August 18. 1 – 5 P.M. Rockridge Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 5366 College Av. California Writers’ Club – a workshop open to all writers. Free. Contact: Anne Fox 510-420-8775.  

Wednesday, August 22. 1:30-2:30P.M. Great Books discussion group. Selections from The Bhagavad Gita. Rosalie Gonzales, group facilitator. Albany Library, 1247 Marin Av. Free. 510-526-3720.  

Monday, August 27. 7 P.M. Kensington Library Book Club. Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. August’s book is Wilkie Collins’ Moonstone. Free. 510-524-3043.  

Tuesday, August 28. 7 P.M. Readers Anonymous. Book Club. Moshin Hamid’s Reluctant Fundamentalist. El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Avenue. Free. 510-526-7512. 

Wednesday, Sept. 5. 6-8 P.M. Lawyer in the Library. Albany Library, 1247 Marin Av. Free 15 minute consultation with an attorney who will clarify your situation, advise you of your options, get you started with a solution, and make a referral when needed. Sign up in person at the Reference desk or call 510-526-3720 ext. 5 during library hours. 

Also Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5.  

Thursday, Sept. 6. 10 A.M. Computers for beginners. Central Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge Free. 510-981-6241. Also Sept. 13, 20 and 27.  

Monday, Sept. 10. Evening Computer Class. Central Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge. Free. 510-981-6241. Also Sept. 17 and 24. 

Thursday, Sept. 13. 6 P.M. Lawyers in the Library. Central Berkeley Public Library. , 2090 Kittredge. Free. 510-981-6241. Also Sept. 20 and 27. 

Wednesday, Sept. 26. 1:30-2:30P.M. Great Books discussion group. Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart. Rosalie Gonzales, group facilitator. Free. Albany Library, 1247 Marin Av. 510-526-3720.  

Wednesday, Oct. 3. 6-8 P.M. Lawyer in the Library. Albany Library, 1247 Marin Av. Free 15 minute consultation with an attorney who will clarify your situation, advise you of your options, get you started with a solution, and make a referral when needed. Sign up in person at the Reference desk or call 510-526-3720 ext. 5 during library hours. 

Also Nov. 7 and Dec. 5.  

Wednesday, October 24. 1:30-2:30P.M. Great Books discussion group. Troth, by Gregor von Rezzori. Rosalie Gonzales, group facilitator. Albany Library, 1247 Marin Av. 510-526-3720.  

Wednesday, Nov. 7. 6-8 P.M. Lawyer in the Library. Albany Library, 1247 Marin Av. Free 15 minute consultation with an attorney who will clarify your situation, advise you of your options, get you started with a solution, and make a referral when needed. Sign up in person at the Reference desk or call 510-526-3720 ext. 5 during library hours. Also Dec. 5.  

Wednesday, November 28. 1:30-2:30P.M. Great Books discussion group. Sunday Morning, by Wallace Stevens. Rosalie Gonzales, group facilitator. Albany Library, 1247 Marin Av. 510-526-3720.  

Wednesday, Dec. 5. 6-8 P.M. Lawyer in the Library. Albany Library, 1247 Marin Av. Free 15 minute consultation with an attorney who will clarify your situation, advise you of your options, get you started with a solution, and make a referral when needed. Sign up in person at the Reference desk or call 510-526-3720 ext. 5 during library hours.