It was bound to happen. My son has started sending me articles on what I should do as I enter this “oldie but goldie” stage of life. (I’m just an old 45 on the turntable of life!) Next will be the oughta’s. “You know, Dad, you oughta move someplace where they will take good care of you.” And then the inevitable final step. “Dad we have decided to move you into this really nice retirement home. Oh, by the way, we have also taken your car keys away.”
I figure this first step is just payback for the years I worried about his future and bought him books and educational toys for Christmas when he really wanted a Laser 4000.
But just as he found Harry Potter exciting – which was my recommendation before the series became an international hit – I do appreciate the articles he sends.
The most recent was a New York Times article on “How to Train the Aging Brain” by Barbara Strauch. She points out that the brain continues to develop as you age and although you may have more difficulty remembering facts you are more prepared than younger folks to recognize patterns which helps in finding solutions and seeing the consequences. But that only occurs if you keep your brain in shape.
I have mentioned many times the need to stretch your brain by breaking patterns; taking the path less traveled. But this article suggests that engaging in conversations that challenge your ideas and forces you to critically reflect on new ideas may also be a way to keep your brain in shape. Or in the words of Dr. Taylor, professor at St. Mary’s College of California, each day you need to “jiggle your synapses a bit” and find a way to “scramble your cognitive egg”.
Even though you may not see or hear as well or run any faster – or can’t run at all, you may still be better prepared to understand the big picture if you stay actively engage, seek out new ideas and continue to challenge yourself.
La Clinic del Carino, MCMC and Nuestra Comunidad Sana of the Next Door, Inc will be presenting “Steps to Wellness” for anyone who is overweight or had diabetes and would like help and support to eat better, exercise more and live healthier. The classes will be taught in English and meet at the Senior Center on Wednesday evenings from 6 – 8 pm for 15 weeks beginning February 3, 2010. It is free with prizes, healthy foods and a good dose of fun. For more information call Eli Bello at 541-296-4610. And to learn more about Diabetes and this valuable class (and the services provided by La Clinica), Eli will be the speaker for the Center’s Next Chapter Lecture at 11:00 on Tuesday, January 19th.
Next Tuesday bring your dancing shoes and your derby hats to the Center and enjoy the sounds of the Sugar Daddies. They have played all over the Gorge including the Mint downtown. And tonight Truman Boler’s one man band will be playing his Country Gold. The music’s good, the price is right and tonight’s the night.
What can you do with your grandkids that is fun, clean and the both of you can enjoy? Youththink is sponsoring Free Saturday Kid Movies at Columbia Cinema every Saturday for the next seven weeks. The doors open at 9:15 and movies start at 10:00. And this coming Saturday the featured movie is Madagascar 2.
The answer to last week’s “Remember When” question was “The Phil Silver Show” (originally titled “You’ll Never Get Rich”) where the role of Sergeant Bilko made Phil Silvers a national star. Loretta Commander’s name was drawn and won the box of chocolates. This week’s question is “What character in the 1950’s television series was famous for the following line “All we want are the facts, ma’ma.”? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or drop it off at the Center for a chance to win a free Saturday Night bingo packet.
Well as Porky Pig said, Th-th-th-that’s all folks! Until we meet again, I know I should enjoy this season as much as the others, but all I keep thinking is – only sixty-seven more days till spring.
“Live each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each.” Henry David Thoreau
