Anaheim Senior Center Courier Newsletter for May 2024

"You define your own life. Don't let other people write your script."

— Oprah Winfrey

While I have been out recuperating from hip replacement surgery and subsequent fall, I would like to take a minute to thank Sherida Ruiz, our 1st Vice President for taking charge and carrying on with club business. I am pleased to say we have a terrific group of individuals serving on the board as well as those who volunteered their time to step up in other areas of need. My sincere thanks to all.

to all who took on leadership rolls and those who donated all those tasty baked goods.

Speaking of baked goods, in December we will have a Christmas Cookie Exchange, so start planning what you will bake and share. I do not know if it is too early to start baking and freezing your cookies, but you will be want to bring six dozen.

Our annual Spring Boutique held on April 20th was again a successful event. Thanks

Should you ever wish to reach me, my email address is ierose@sbcglobal.net or you can reach me at (714) 765-4960, extension 5456 and leave a message. Stay tuned and stay safe.

……….1-714-765-4510

ASCC Courier Email address: anaheimseniorcitizensclub@gmail.com

Hours: Monday-Friday9am-4:45 pm,Saturday11 am-3:45 pm,SundaySeniorwing closed, DACC willstill be openon Sundays forTable Tennis. TRAVEL @ Downtown Center, Tuesday & Thursday, 10-2 pm …... 1-714-765-4520

MEMBERSHIP-Downtown Center, M-F, 9-3 pm ……………..……….... 1-714-765-4510

BROOKHURST COMMUNITY CENTER / BCC / BROOKHURST

2271 W. Crescent AVE., Anaheim, CA.. 92801 1-714-765-3415

Hours: Monday-Friday 9 am – 1:00 pm, Closed on Saturday and Sunday.

EAST ANAHEIM COMMUNITYCENTER/ EACC / EAST ANAHEIM 8201 E. SantaAna Canyon Rd.,Anaheim Hills,CA92808 1-714-765-3904

Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 7pm, Closed Saturday and Sunday.

CENTERS ARE CLOSED ON HOLIDAYS

Fireor Life Threatening Emergency (fromCenter) 9911 Anaheim Police or Other Emergency 1-714-765-1900

Anaheim Public Information Office: PIO, 1-714-765-5162

Anaheim Anytime 311

“Sometimes people are beautiful. Not in looks.

Not in what they say. Just in what they are.”

― Markus Zusak

Irene Rose, President

Sherida Ruiz, 1st Vice President

Jeff DeVore, 2nd Vice President

Raejean Goodrich, Recording Secretary

Open, Corresponding Secretary

Sue Baltazar, Treasurer

Pam Carter, Board Member

Mary Nelson, Board Member

Sergey Yartsev, Board Member

Doug Fernandes , Board Member

Raejean Goodrich, Parliamentarian

LUNCHEONSANDTICKETS,CHAIRPERSONS,

Tuesday, May 14th, at noon, only $8

KFC Pot Pies, Dessert, Drinks

Come join us—Card Bingo follows—Purchase your ticket by Friday, May 3rd (by 3 pm)

Saturday, May 18th at 12 noon, only $10

Chicken & Cheese Enchiladas, Beans & Rice, Nachos, Dessert, Drinks

CELEBRATING our VETERANS!

“Come join a fun, educational & interactive lunch featuring our very own local team of American Legion Family educators & friends.” (Any Veteran who is a current member of our Senior Center is invited to have lunch free). You must call, 714-7654510, or sign up at the reception desk by May 22.”

Purchase your ticket by 3 pm, Wednesday, May 22nd

ATTENTION MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON PARTICIPANTS

It has come to our aÑenCon that some members are not buying their luncheon Cckets in advance. Early Purchase of Cckets gives us an accurate head count for our luncheons so we prepare enough food. We are strongly suggesCng to everyone that you prepay for your luncheon Ccket. If you cannot prepay and paying at the door is necessary kindly contact the receptionist and let them know you plan to aÑend the luncheon. Our goal is to provide a nice meal with dessert for everyone. We need your help to insure this happens. Prepaying allows us to make sure we have prepared enough food foreveryone. Thankyou sovery muchfor helping us beÑer serve you. The Luncheon Crew

BINGO: DACC on Thursday-----------———--------Susan Sutter BINGO: DACC on Saturday—————-————Theresa Ring BRIDGE: BCC - PARTY------------------------------Rosemary Ford

BRIDGE: EACC - Duplicate—--------------------Martin Goldsmith BRIDGE: DACC - PARTY-----------------------------Rosemary Ford CAKES———–-----------------------------------------—-Helen Kulper BUNCO—-----------------------–------------———-—— Connie Vogt COURIER ADVERTISING--------------——---------—--–—–Open COURIER BILLING------------------------------------------Irene Rose COURIER NEWSLETTER EDITOR----------------Bob Prichard COURIER ON THE INTERNET-----------------------Bob Prichard CROCHET GROUP-----------------------------———–Mary Nelson DECORATIONS, LUNCHEONS---------------------Susan Baltazar ENTERTAINMENT: Members’ Luncheon————Sherida Ruiz FRIENDSHIP LUNCHEON—————————Susan Baltazar GAME DAY —————————————–——————–Open GIFT SHOP----------------------------------------—-—----Mary Nelson GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE--------------------------------------- Open MEMBERSHIP----------------------------------------------Mary Nelson MONTHLY MOVIES————------------------------—Oscar Cando PINOCHLE——————————-—————-Roland Roberts POOL ROOM-------------------------------------------Alberto Jimenez RECEPTIONISTS: DACC----------------------------------Irene Rose

PURCHASING: Pantry Supplies—--—----------—Susan Baltazar SUNSHINE--------------------------------------------------Mary Nelson TABLE TENNIS---------------------------------------—-----Warren Hoo TRAVEL------------------------------------------------Sandy Halliburton VOLUNTEER HOURS--------------------------------------Irene Rose VOLUNTEER AWARD Committee------------—--------Irene Rose

PLEASE CALL 714-765-4510 and inform the Receptionist. “WHY?” Because the Post Office charges us $0.74 for every undeliverable Courier!

The Anaheim Senior Citizens’ Club Inc., a non-profit volunteer organization,aka: ASCC,located at250 E.Center Street, Anaheim, CA 92805-3205, pays for the COURIER newsletter and publishes it monthly. The latest Volume, Date and Issue Number are listed on the cover.

The Anaheim Senior Center’s purpose is to communicate with, educate, socialize and promote the health and interests of senior citizens. The senior center strives to enhance seniors’ quality of life by offering an opportunity to travel, learn, promote good health by providing exercise classes and services, foster social interaction and independence, and provide a climate-controlled environment for senior citizens.

ASCC volunteers prepare the newsletter, and the Club pays tohave theCOURIER printedand mailedto members,

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to address below. donors and supporters.

Anaheim Senior Citizens’ Club Courier Advertising and Editorial Offices 250 E. Center Street, Anaheim, CA 92805-3205 Courier Email: anaheimseniorcentercourier@gmail.com Bob Prichard, Courier Editor - 1-714-765-4510 Commercial Advertising Information and Rates: Call (714) 765-4510

Movies This Month

EACC -Wednesdy, May 1, 2024

DACC - Wednesday, May 8,2024

DACC - Wednesday, May 15, 2024

DACC - Wednesday, May 22, 2024

DACC - Wednesday, May 29, 2024

DACC – Downtown Anaheim Community Center

250 E. Center Street, Anaheim, CA 992805

EACC – East Anaheim Community Center

8201 E Santa Ana Canyon Rd, Anaheim, CA 92808

Additional movie going opportunities will be available at Brookhurst Community Center, East Anaheim Community Center, Miraloma Family Resource Center, Ponderosa Family Resource Center, and West Anaheim Youth Center. Please call 714-765-4511 for additional information.

Table Tennis Schedule

Monday - Visual Arts ….. 2:15-6pm Wednesday - Visual Arts . 2:15-6pm Friday - Visual Arts … 2:15-5:45pm

Performing Arts ………… 2:15-6pm

Saturday - VisualArts …..… 8-12pm

Performing Arts …..………. 12-6pm

Sunday - PerformingArts 2:15-6pm

6 MAY TRAVEL

TRAVEL NEWS

May, 2024

Since the first two weeks of April the Anaheim Senior Citizens Center was closed for annual maintenance, there was only one main trip for April.

April 25th is HARRAH’S CASINO in Valley Center (Funner) Rincon Reservation. We always have a good turn-out, as we usually do for casino trips. As of the writing of this article, the trip has not occurred yet. Will update you next month regarding any shenanigans or big winners..

MAY EXCURSIONS:

May 7th (Tues) LUNCH @ ROCKWELLS BAKERY CAFÉ AND BAR IN SAN CLEMENTE

(located in the San Clemente Outlets Mall) Yes, there will be time to shop

Member price will be $6.00 and you pay for your own meal. Reservation at 11:30 a.m.

We will leave the Senior Center at 10:00 a.m. & return approx. 5:30 p.m.

DEADLINE TO SIGN-UP IS: Thursday May 2nd, 2024.

May 20th (Monday) BACK TO BALBOA PIER AND FUN ZONE

Member price will be $6.00 and you are ready to enjoy shops, eateries, boat tours & more. We will leave the Senior Center at 10:00 a.m. & return approx. 5:30 p.m.

DEADLINE TO SIGN-UP IS: Thursday May 16th, 2024.

*PLEASE REMEMBER* If you have any kind of an issue getting home after dark, please let me know and we will make arrangements to be sure you CAN attend our functions, regardless of time. Don’t worry, we will get you home safe and sound. Future outings being planned are: An afternoon at Danny K’s Sports Bar and Restaurant with free pool, darts, foosball, shuffleboard, and tasty food with a wide variety of great choices on the menu.

I am also working on days at Laguna Beach, San Clemente Pier, or maybe Dana Point. Pirates Dinner Theater and Show. Maybe even a daytime baseball game or a train trip somewhere.

I am continually working on trips to fun and exciting places to visit. And of course, our lunch and dinner outings will continue each month as promised, with casino trips every other month. If you have a favorite restaurant or place you would like to visit and think others would enjoy, please let me know and I will check it out. I am always looking for new places and suggestions.

Due to the continual high prices of buses, I will be concentrating on more local outings for a while where we can use the Senior Wheels program to help keep the costs down so more members can attend. Of course, our casino trips will continue with outside bus transportation as long as we can meet the minimums to cover the high prices.

Don’t forget to keep checking my door for NEW flyers. You never know what we’re going to come up with!

As always, if you are here in the center, and I am in, feel free to stop by my office and say hello. If for some reason I am not in my office, PLEASE leave me a note with your phone number and ask the receptionist to please put it in my mailbox. I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Have an awesome day,

Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 P.M

EAST/WEST ANAHEIM CENTERS, WAYC

WEST ANAHEIM SENIOR PROGRAMS

BROOKHURST COMMUNITY CENTER

2271 W CrescentAvenue,Anaheim, CA92801 Phone-714 - 765-4511

The Congregate Meal Program serves nutritious meals to older adults in a group setting with an opportunity to socialize with others. The program also provides nutrition education, nutrition risk screening, and, in some areas, nutrition counseling. Voluntary contributions are welcome, but not required. Suggested donation: age 60 plus $3.00, and under age 60 $5.00.

The Congregate Meal program is available at Brookhurst Community Center, 2271 W. CrescentAvenue,Anaheim, CA 92801. The program is offered from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Monday - Friday. Transportation is available. Entertainment is available most Thursdays. Please call 714-765-4511 for more information.

STAINED GLASS CLASS

This workshop is held on Mondays from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at Brookhurst Community Center. Please feel free to drop in and see if this is an activity you would enjoy.

WEST ANAHEIM YOUTH CENTER

Thursday, Chair Volleyball 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Volleyball 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Monday, Friday - Pickleball 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday - Tai Chi (Health & Wellness) 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Above activities held in the Gym)

320 S Beach Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92804 Phone -714-765-4511

(EAG) 9:30-12:30

*Please check for possible time adjustments to gym events during the summer season.

About Getting Older 8 MOTHER’S DAY, INNER PEACE, CLASSES

As Benjamin Franklin once pointed out, nothing is certain except death and taxes. And the fact that your skin is destined to lose its fight with gravity. You don’t have to like it, but at least you can laugh about it thanks to these silly old-people jokes that poke fun at the inevitable.

1. What’s the secret to having a smoking hot body as a senior? Cremation.

2. What is a prize old people can win for aging? Atrophy.

3. I used to know a couple who grew fruit trees together. They lived to a ripe old age.

4. What’s the best part of old age? That it doesn’t last very long.

5. These are not gray hairs! They are wisdom highlights.

6. Which underwear brand do seniors love best? It Depends.

7. Old age makes us great multitaskers. Why, I can sneeze and pee at the same time!

8. One benefit of old age is that your secrets are always safe with your friends … because they can’t remember them!

9. Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind getting older, then it really doesn’t matter.

10. Why do old people love English muffins so much?

All the nooks and grannies.

11. Stop thinking of them as “hot flashes.” Think of them as your inner child playing with matches.

12. How is the moon like dentures? Both come out at night.

13. Now that I’ve gotten older, everything’s finally starting to click for me. My knees, my back, my neck

14. I’ve decided: Whatever age I am is the new 30!

15. What goes up but never comes down? Your age.

16. I called the incontinence hotline recently. They asked if I could hold.

Inner

Peace Workshop

Join us for new classes

Needlecraft, Knitting, Crochet for Older Adults

You will learn the practical application, knowledge and skills required to create knitted, needlepoint and cross-stitched hand-made items.

Fridays -4/12-5/24 9:30 a.m.-11:20 a.m. Register on site at the DACC.

OPEN Monday thru Friday

ASCC MEMBER SUPPORT

If you are going through a health issue, or other difficult problem, please call the Center receptionist at 714-765-4510 or Irene Rose at 714-765-4510 extension 5456. The club can be of support with prayer and food if needed. If you are aware of another club member in need, please let us know via the above phone numbers.

Come join the professionals from Anaheim Public Library as they host a book club discussion at 9 am on the second Wednesday of the month in the Activity Center at the Downtown Anaheim Community Center. Books will be brought to you at the events. For more information, please call 714765-4511.

MothersDay

MAY DAY, WHY DO WE CELEBRATE IT?

May Day, also known as Labour Day or International Workers’ Day, is a public holiday celebrated on May 1st every year. It is a holiday that is recognized in many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. But why do we celebrate, and what is its significance?

Labor movement

May Day has its roots in the labor movement of the late 19th century. In the United States, the holiday was first celebrated in 1886, as part of the struggle for the eight-hour workday. On May 1st of that year, hundreds of thousands of workers across the country went on strike, demanding better working conditions and shorter working hours. The strike was peaceful at first, but on May 4th, a bomb exploded at a labor demonstration in Chicago’s Haymarket Square, killing several people and injuring many others. The incident sparked a restraint on labor activism, but it also invigorated the labor movement and led to the establishment of May Day as a day of labor solidarity and protest.

Pagan traditions

In other parts of the world, the holiday has a different history. In Europe, for example, it finds its roots in pagan traditions, particularly the celebration of Beltane, a Gaelic festival marking the beginning of summer. In Germany, the day is known as Maifeiertag and is celebrated with dancing, singing and the raising of maypoles. In Finland and Sweden, May Day is celebrated with picnics and outdoor activities, while in the United Kingdom, the celebration includes Morris dancing and other traditional folk customs.

Political activism and social justice

Regardless of its origins, May 1st has become a day for workers to come together and demand better working conditions, fair wages and other labor rights. In many countries, labor unions and other worker organizations hold parades, rallies, and other events to celebrate the achievements of the labor movement and to call for further improvements in working conditions. It’s also a day for political activism and social justice, and a time for protests and demonstrations on a wide range of issues, from environmentalism to antiwar activism to LGBTQ+ rights. May Day has become a day for people to come together and demand a more just and equitable society for all.

About Moms

The greatest adventure

When doctors told us we would never have children, we decided to travel and seek adventure around the world. Shows at the Sydney Opera House. Tables and buffets in Las Vegas. Majestic fjords in Bergen. Tranquil beaches in Honolulu. Abandoned castles and old churches in the Scottish Isles. Endless pools in the Bahamas. Races at Daytona. We were about to book a trip to the Blue Lagoon when we learned I was pregnant. Now, with our toddler, we travel very little. Parenting, it turns out, is the greatest adventure of all.

—Katherine Colandrea, Winter Garden, Florida.

The reason why

I was rushed to the emergency room with complications from my high-risk pregnancy. After weeks of mandated bed rest in the hospital, I found myself suffering from an unfamiliar sadness. One day, my nurse brought a surprise to my room—a newborn named James.

James’ mom (who also experienced a high-risk pregnancy) sent her precious, healthy son for me to hold, along with an encouraging message: “This is the reason you are here in the hospital.” Three decades later, my heart is still full of gratitude for Baby James and his mom. And, I am thankful for my own healthy son, Hunter. —Lisa Stevens, The Woodlands, Texas.

Open house

We lived in the Bronx, all seven of us kids and my single mom. It was mid-January and a huge snowstorm hit. The snow was so thick, the highways came to a complete stop. We lived a half of a block from the highway. The darkness of night was approaching. There were several cars stuck with people and their families and or pets inside.

Mom stood up and said to my brother “I will open my house to the stranded people on the highway.” She said, “Please go and invite them to our house.” We had thirteen families come. Our living room was covered in sleeping bags, blankets, and pillows. In the morning, we had three pots of coffee, one huge pot of hot chocolate, bacon, eggs, and warm French bread. Everyone showed such gratitude. Mom’s act of kindness and humanity was so profound to me. She showed us all the selflessness of helping others. — Submitted by Diana Allen Castaic, California.

Talent Show

The senior talent show will be on June 22nd. Get your act together and call Sherida at 714-765-4510.

Bursting with talent, June 22 will be our talent show during our membership luncheon. We need some talent to perform. Can you tell a joke, do a magic trick, sing, recite poetry, dance? Is there something you do with your grown children or grandchildren to perform for us. Sign up at the reception desk or call and leave a message.

8 Tips to Live to a Healthy 100

Would you like to live to 100 and beyond with a great quality of life?

In 2021, 89,739 centenarians — people who live to 100 or older — were reported to be living in the U.S. While that number is a small fraction of the population, about 2.7%, it has been increasing over the last two decades. We can learn valuable lessons from this small population.

Data from the nationally representative Health and Retirement study, “Becoming centenarians: disease and functioning trajectories of older U.S. adults as they survive to 100,” suggest that centenarians are generally healthier than other people of their generation. Many reach 100 with no major chronic diseases or disability, and more than half have no cognitive impairment.

Longevity may in part result from location. Researchers studying longevity in places where people live the longest around the world, called “blue zones,” found residents had similar habits that support good health:

��They prioritize stress relief throughout the day.

��They largely eat a plant-based diet, don’t overeat and drink alcohol in moderation.

��People in these areas stay active throughout the day, working, walking and playing together.

��Community plays a big part in their lives: They feel connected to their community and have a sense of purpose and belonging. Family, whether biological or chosen, comes first for them. These social circles reinforce support healthy behaviors.

You don’t have to move to another part of the world, though, to enhance your health and well-being. Instead, focus on choosing healthy behaviors, because even small changes can make a large impact on your life. We know that while genetic makeup plays a part in overall health, over 80% of chronic disease can be prevented with healthy behaviors.

Here are eight evidenced-based tips to age healthily, no matter where you live: Move more, sit less. Just 30 minutes of exercise five days a week reduces risk of cardiovascular disease, the No. 1 killer of men and women; even 11 minutes a day has been shown to have heart health benefits.

Eat and drink healthily. Strive for five servings of fruits and vegetables a day and if you drink alcohol, don’t drink more than one standard drink a day. Don’t use tobacco — or quit if you do.

Get regular checkups. Catching problems early can be key to prevention and treatment.

Know your family history. Don’t wait — ask your family members about chronic diseases and mental health disorders they have experienced and gather information about deceased relatives. Learning your family’s health history can give your health care provider important clues to help diagnose problems as you age.

Be aware of changes in brain health. A little memory loss is normal as we age. However, if cognitive problems make it hard to get through the day for you, your family member or friend, reach out to your health care professional for help.

Sleep seven hours a night, at least.

Reduce stress by building your resilience skills, such as practicing gratitude and mindfulness, finding a sense of purpose and building connections with others.

MAY BIRTHDAYS

Here are the May birthdays that we have on file. Many members choose not to record their birth dates. So if you are one of those who are not listed but have a May birthday, best wishes to you as well. Everyone deserves to be remembered on their birthday!

The Crucial Role of Hydration in Hot Weather

Senior Health

Proper hydration is the key to maintaining overall health and well-being, especially during hot weather. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of staying hydrated and the numerous benefits it offers in combating the effects of soaring temperatures.

Understanding the Importance of Hydration: Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. It can lead to a range of health issues, such as dizziness, fatigue, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke. By staying adequately hydrated, we can help our bodies function optimally and prevent these risks.

Hydration and Regulating Body Temperature:

Water plays a critical role in regulating our body temperature. When the temperature rises, our bodies perspire to cool down. Sweating leads to fluid loss, which must be replenished promptly to prevent dehydration and maintain a stable body temperature.

Enhancing Physical Performance:

Hydration directly impacts physical performance, making it crucial for athletes and individuals engaging in outdoor activities during hot weather. Proper hydration supports muscle function, joint lubrication, and nutrient transportation, allowing us to perform at our best.

Good Hydration Boosts Cognitive Function:

Did you know that dehydration can impair cognitive function? Research shows that even mild dehydration can negatively affect mood, concentration, and memory. By drinking enough water, we can keep our brains hydrated and maintain mental clarity, focus, and productivity.

Tips for Staying Hydrated:

To ensure adequate hydration, follow these simple tips: Carry a refillable water bottle wherever you go, ensuring easy access to water.

Set reminders or use hydration tracking apps to monitor your water intake throughout the day.

Consume hydrating foods such as watermelon, cucumbers, and oranges.

Limit the intake of dehydrating beverages such as alcohol and caffeinated drinks.

Conclusion:

As the heat rises, prioritizing hydration becomes paramount for our overall well-being. By recognizing the importance of proper hydration during hot weather, we can protect ourselves from the risks of dehydration, and optimize our physical and cognitive performance. So, let’s make hydration a top priority this summer and stay refreshed, energized, and healthy.

Woman Finds Good Karma Writing and Handing Out 20,000 Love Letters to First Responders

Natalie’s Mom was coming off of 19 rounds of chemotherapy in February of 2016. It was a tough go for them both! They were looking for something to take their minds off of their own misery, her mom as a cancer patient and Natalie as her daughter/caregiver, and so one day they went out into the world with a simple idea. Together, they reignited the old tradition of handwriting ‘Love Notes’ to heroes--veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters and the like. It didn't take them long to realize they were onto something special! A website was created: NothingButLoveNotes.

It has been four years since Natalie Reilly first began writing love notes to first responders with her mother—and despite her mom losing a long battle with cancer, Reilly is still going strong. Ever since her mother passed away the Arizona daughter has been managing Nothing But Love Notes, an organization dedicated to writing cards to firefighters and police officers.

To date, Reilly has written and distributed more than twenty thousand cards.

“Somewhere along the way I lost my mother, my best friend and biggest cheerleader, but I gained something I never would have expected … an entire community of amazing people who support me, our mission, and our nation’s heroes!” writes Reilly.

But that’s not all!

Not only have her letters helped to cheer thousands of people, her labor of love also led to love for herself—a new boyfriend, a retired police officer who received one of her letters lasthazelx4520@gmail.comhazelx4520@gmail.com.

Senior Spotlight

May 2024 Presents Hazel Alberas

Former ASCC President

TEXAS!!! WHY TEXAS??? Our reacCon when our daughter decided to work towards her PhD in Chemistry here at UT. She got it and even an MRS. with another PhD candidate: aTexan!!! And being my only child, it was Cme to relocate near her in my now doddering stage of life.

I live at the Conservatory at North Austin which is located between where my daughter lives and where she works. My apartment has 2 bedroom-2 bath, full kitchen and balcony. TransportaCon is provided to doctors appointments and shopping centers so I gave up my car to my grandson.

I don’t cook, clean, or worry about maintenance. But just keep occupied with fun stuff. We had a total eclipse party at poolside and saw it happen just aĬer the clouds parted. We had our March Madness where we shot baskets; I wasrunner up toa guy who played basketball. Our current contest is with radishes...who grows the biggest, heaviest. We were given 3 Cny, Cny seeds; 2 of mine are growing nicely; the other is a dud. We sCll have week to go.

We went to Brenham to see the Blue Bonnets and other colorful wild flowers Inever knew existed, have lunch out and then visit the Blue Bell Ice Cream Factory. I am learning to play bridge and just recently have beenasked toplay withthe “bigguns.” 50 cents for the aĬernoon. I lost it all! I haven’t been asked since. I play Bingo to win my stash of chocolates. Iam gung ho towards the exercise classes since the desserts are so tempCng and so difficult to resist but most of all, because I want to keep my girlish figure... So, if you decide to follow me here to the Conservatory, please say that I enCced you so I can get $3,000 offmy rent. Thanks.

Hazel’s address in Texas is: 14320 Tandem Blvd, Apt 1202, AusCn, TX 78728 And her email is: hazelx4520@gmail.com

Ten Ways ChatGPT is Helping Seniors

Since Kaz has been teaching so many senior citizens, I've put together a list of common ways that older folks are using and benefiting from ChatGPT. I've also included sample language ("prompts") that one can paste into ChatGPT for each use case.

1. Easily Produce Written Content: From drafting a letter to a congressperson, penning a complaint to an airline, writing a heartfelt condolence letter, to creating a poem for a special occasion, ChatGPT is assisting seniors in articulating their thoughts eloquently. Sample prompt: "Please draft a letter to my congressperson to urge them to [briefly describe the recommended action]."

2. Tech Support: Navigating the digitalworld can sometimes be challenging. ChatGPT is providing guidance on using gadgets, apps, andwebsites, makingtechnology moreaccessible. Sample prompt: "I'm having trouble with my iPhone. Please guide me on its basic functions."

3. Social Media Guidance: From setting up profiles to understanding privacy settings, ChatGPT is guiding seniors through the basics of social media, helping them connect with loved ones and theworld. Sample prompt: "I'mnew to Facebook. lease guide me on setting up a profile."

4. Instant Information: Whether it's a historical event, a recipe, or general knowledge, ChatGPT is providing seniors with quick info on a wide range of topics. Sample topic: "I'd like to learn about thehistory ofthe EiffelTower. Pleasegive mean overview."

5. Health and Wellness Tips: While not a replacement for medical advice, ChatGPT is offering health and wellness info. Sample prompt: "Please summarize the best non-medical ways to treat [insert ailment]."

6. Brain Games and Puzzles: Keeping the mind sharp is crucial. ChatGPT is introducing seniors to a variety of brain games, quizzes, and puzzles, offering entertainment and cognitive stimulation. Sample prompt: "I'd like to challenge my mind so please engage with me with fun brain teasers and riddles."

7. Digital Companionship: Combatting loneliness, ChatGPT is engaging in meaningful conversations, providing folks with a sense of connection and companionship anytime they desire. Sample prompt: "Let's do a story completion about [insert story opic]."

8. Language Learning and Translation: Whether rekindling a passion for a previously learned language or starting anew, ChatGPT is aiding in language learning and providing general translations based on its training data. Sample prompt: "I want to practice my French. Please help me with some basic conversational phrases."

9. Engaging in Thought Experiments: Seniors are using ChatGPT to debate on various topics, explore hypothetical scenarios, and even reflect on philosophical questions, stimulating critical thinking and keeping their minds active.

HI-CAP AT THE DACC

HICAP is part of the national network of State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) and is the most dependable source of unbiased and accurate Medicare related information. They provide free, unbiased Medicare counseling and community education.

The Council on Aging’s HICAP counselors are trained California stateregisteredstaffandvolunteers. Formore information and to make reservations please call 714-765-4511.

Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program

MONDAYS - RSVP………..9-12 PM

At the Downtown Anaheim Community Center. One on one counseling appointments are becoming available. Call 714-765-4511 to schedule an appointment. Counseling is provided by reservation to:

• Persons 65 years of age or older and are eligible for Medicare

• Persons younger than age 65 years of age with a disability and are eligible for Medicare

• Persons soon to be eligible for Medicare

Sample prompt: "Debate with me as if you were [insert name of famous person].”

10. Personalized Entertainment: Whether it's recommending a classic movie, suggesting a genre of music, or introducing a z, ChatGPT is curating entertainment options based on individual preferences and its training data. Sample prompt: "Please recommend some criticallyacclaimed [insert movietype] from the 1960s."

From our vantage point, as ChatGPT is becoming incorporated into the daily lives of seniors, it's not only offering novel solutions but also enhancing their overall quality of life.

So far, so good!