How many times have you heard, “You aren’t going to see me at a Senior Center. They are just for “ol”d people!” Maybe you even have thought that. Sadly, they are missing out on all that senior centers have to offer.
There are over 10,000 senior centers across the country responding to the diverse needs and interests in their communities and serving as community focal points for older adults. To encourage more people to visit their local center and celebrate their contributions, September has been proclaimed National Senior Center Month.
So, this month if you haven’t already, take the time to visit your local center and discover what it has to offer. Every senior center is different, but you’ll always find opportunities to make new friends; and enjoy a healthy meal for just a donation – if you’re 60 or older. (Another advantage of getting older!)
You may also find exercise classes: Strong People, Tai Chi, or chair Yoga (same benefits of yoga but I don’t have to struggle to get up off the floor!); live music, and new learning opportunities: Medicare counseling, AARP Smart Driver classes, Senior Planet technology classes, health presentations, and book clubs.
But if you don’t find something you like, start a class! There may be others who like to play your favorite card game (anyone know how to play Euchre?). Or start an art class, a walking club, or share your travel adventures. Many activities at senior centers were started by someone like you.
Senior Centers support healthy aging by providing opportunities for older adults from the frail to the most active to explore new experiences, connect with others, and volunteer. Research has shown that senior center participants have higher levels of health, social interaction, and overall life satisfaction compared to their peers who do not participate in a senior center.
Senior Centers are not just for “old” people. Instead, think of them as a social club, recreational center, learning hub, and cafeteria all offered in one place – and where you’ll find folks who are active, fun-loving, and role models for living gracefully.
If you are a grandparent raising grandchildren, you are particularly encouraged to attend the next “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” class which offers caregivers the strategies and tools to better take care of themselves when taking care of others.
The six-week class will be offered virtually on Thursdays, September 28th through November 2nd from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. The class is free thanks to the support of the Providence Children’s Health Foundation and their generous donors. To register call 971-415-5349 or email swindells@providence.org
Brain Tease.
When I was looking in the mirror, I tried to read the artists printed on my new Motown t-shirt. It wasn’t easy! See how well you can do reading the mirror images of these seven Motown artists.
ƨɘɿobommoƆ ,ƨɒllɘbnɒV ɘʜƚ bnɒ ɒʜƚɿɒM ,ɘviᖷ noƨʞɔɒႱ ,ƨnoiƚɒƚqmɘT ,ɿɘbnoW ɘivɘƚƧ ,ƨɘmɘɿquƧ ,ƨqoT ɿuoᖷ
L.S./M.F.T. (Lucky Strikes Means Fine Tobacco) was found on a package of Lucky Strike cigarettes. I received correct answers from Sandy Haechrel, Diana Weston, Doug Nelson, Marny Weting, Dave Lutgens, Keith and Marlene Clymer, Pat Kelly, Ken Jernstedt, Donna Mollet, Anna Bolton, Kim Birge, Rhonda Spies, and Steve Nybroten who’s this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.
There were many classic game shows in the 50s and 60s including I’ve Got a Secret (1952 – 1967) hosted by Garry Moore and Groucho Marx’s You Bet Your Life (1950–1961). For this week’s “Remember When Question”, what was the name of the game show where four panelists must determine guests’ occupations by asking only “yes” or “no” questions – and where the question “Is it bigger than a bread box?” was first used by Steve Allen? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788, or drop it off with a picture of the moderator John Daly and the most frequent panelists: Dorothy Kilgallen, Arlene Francis, Bennett Cerf, and Hal Block.
Well, it’s been another week, trying to remember where I left off. Until we meet again, as Dick Van Dyke sang in Bye Bye Birdie, “Put on a happy face.”
“That’s the way I look at things – if you focus on the worst-case scenario and it happens, you’ve lived it twice. It sounds like Pollyanna-ish tripe but I’m telling you – it works for me.” Michael J. Fox
Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.
Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) – Mondays and Wednesdays; 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); Skamania County Senior Services (509-427-3990).
Answer: The answers are in the mirror.
