It’s May Day – a day we used to celebrate as children with folded paper May Day baskets filled with wildflowers, and a dance with colored ribbons around the maypole. But it is also the first day of Older Americans Month, celebrated since 1963, where communities across the country show their gratitude for the contributions of older adults.
This year’s theme is “Powered by Connection” which recognizes the profound impact of meaningful relationships and social connections. Often as we age, we find ourselves spending more time alone, leaving us more vulnerable to loneliness and social isolation which can affect our health and well-being – and independence.
But for many of us, it is not easy to stay connected: mobility difficulties; loss of sight or hearing; loss of a spouse. But there are ways to stay connected even with the challenges we may face.
- Find an activity that you enjoy, restart an old hobby, or take a class to learn something new where you might meet people with similar interests.
- Schedule time each day to stay in touch with family, friends, and neighbors whether in person, through texts, email, social media, or virtual calls. Or write a letter. Does anyone handwrite letters anymore?
- Talk with people you trust and share your feelings.
- Introduce yourself to your neighbors.
- Find a faith-based organization where you can deepen your spirituality and engage with others in activities and events.
- Stay physically active by participating in an exercise class at your local senior or community center such as the popular Strong People class. But be warned, the classes are way too much fun!
There are also resources and programs at your local senior center and public library.
“Conversations for The Curious” at the Hood River Valley Adult Center from 10:30 – 12:00 on May 15th – discussing how to keep your financial affairs in order. Then on June 12th – how to have important and sometimes difficult conversations with family. For more information contact Claire Culbertson at claireculbertson@gmail.com.
Age Café at The Dalles Wasco County Library on May 6th from 2:00 – 3:00 and May 20th from 1:00 – 2:00. The Age Cafe offers an opportunity to engage in thoughtful small-group conversations on various topics relevant to older adults. Contact Roni Hyde at rhyde@gobhi.org or 541-705-4870.
“Let’s Talk” is a monthly session hosted by Noelle Savatta at the Pioneer Center Senior Center in White Salmon where you can find support or guidance about the challenges you may be facing in your life. For information about the next session call Noelle at 503-893-4669.
Older adults are a vital part of our society and it’s important that we stay connected with others to maintain our health and well-being, while also giving our time and effort to help keep our communities strong and vibrant.
BRAIN TEASE:
What are the next two numbers in this sequence? 7, 14, 17, 21, 27, 28, 35, 37, ?, ?
The 1968 song sung by Jeannie C. Riley that tells the story of Mrs. Johnson barging into a PTA meeting and revealing a long list of the members’ private indiscretions was Harper Valley PTA. I received correct answers from Sam Bilyeu, Donna Mollet, Rebecca Abrams, Kathy Bullack, Judy Kiser, Marny Weting, Jim Tindall, Lana Tepfer, Carolyn Bondurant, Rhonda Spies, Jay Waterbury, David and Sharrie Ray, Doug Nelson, Kim Birge, Keith and Marlene Clymer, Craig Terry and David Liberty – this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket. And last week my mind must have been playing in the clouds because I missed both Judy Kiser and Lana Tepfer.
In grade school during the 50s, I remember every Friday for lunch a particular food was served. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what food was it? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or send it stuck to a vintage lunch tray with instant mashed potatoes, peas, a cookie, and a carton of milk.
Well, it’s been another week, trying to make the best of every day – or at least get close. Until we meet again, make sure to take care of your future self.
“Life is trying things to see if they work.” Ray Bradbury
Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.
Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) – Wednesdays with music on 2nd and 4th Wednesdays; Mt. Hood Townhall (541-308-5997) – Tuesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333).
For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services: Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).
Answer: (The answer is again upside down. See if you can decipher it.)
.7 ʎq ǝןqısıʌıp ǝɹɐ ɹo 7 ʇıƃıp ǝɥʇ uıɐʇuoɔ ɹǝɥʇıǝ ʇɐɥʇ sɹǝqɯnu ǝɥʇ ǝɹɐ ʎǝɥʇ .74 ,24
