Author Archives: mcseniorcenter

Aging Well in the Gorge September 15th 2021

Falls can be more than an inconvenience when you would just pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and move on – although often a little embarrassed. Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries. And according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four older adults will experience a fall. 

Most of the time falls and accidents don’t “just happen.” Here are a few tips to help you take care of your overall health to avoid falls and broken bones. (For an explanation of the benefits of each tip, go to the National Institute on Aging’s website https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/prevent-falls-and-fractures.) 
1. Find out about the side effects of any medicine you take. If a drug makes you sleepy or dizzy, tell your doctor or pharmacist. 
2. Stay physically active. 
3. Wear non-skid, rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes, or lace-up shoes with non-skid soles that fully support your feet. 
4. Have your eyes and hearing tested. 
5. Get enough sleep. 
6. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. 
7. Stand up slowly. 
8. Use an assistive device if you need help feeling steady when you walk. 
9. Be very careful when walking on wet or icy surfaces. 
10. Always tell your doctor if you have fallen since your last checkup, even if you aren’t hurt when you fall. 
I addition to these tips, Providence Senior Health Programs along with Oregon State University’s StrongPeople™ is offering the following free online webinars. “Making the Most of Your Mobility as You Age” on Thursday, September 23rd from 10:00 to 11:30. Providence experts will explain how to reduce your risk of falling and remain healthy and mobile as you age. Register in advance at https://forms.office.com/r/1zLuYdAc3D or contact Deana VandenHoek at 503-537-1471 or deana.vandenhoek@providence.org. 
“Falls and Incontinence: Hidden Connections and Practical Solutions” on Wednesday, September 22nd from 9:00 to 10:15. This training will provide education for men and women regarding falls and incontinence and what can be done to reduce the prevalence of these conditions. Register in advance at https://tinyurl.com/mpnj5b7c. If you have questions, contact Lauren Kraemer at Lauren.Kraemer@oregonstate.edu. 
I’ve found knowing what to do is the easy part. The hard part is doing what you know, so you can prevent falls and maintain your independence for years to come. 
Remaining answers to last week’s “Quantagories”. 4 = Quarts in a Gallon; 24 = Hours in a Day; 1 = Wheel on a Unicycle; 5 = Digits in a Zip Code; 57 = Heinz Varieties; 11 = Players on a Football Team; 1000 = Words that a Picture is Worth; 29 = Days in February in a Leap Year; and 64 = Squares on a Checkerboard. 
From two weeks ago I received the correct answer of Dinah Shore from Susan Ellis, Steven Woolpert, Billie Maxwell, Claire Zumwalt, Rhonda Spies, Barbara Cadwell, Norma Simpson, Lana Tepfer, Doug Nelson, Gene Uczen, Linda Frizzell, Dave Lutgens, Rose Schulz, Kim Birge, Tiiu Vahtel, and the winner of a quilt raffle ticket Mark Fortin who sent in the answer Dinosaur. Don’t you love autocorrect! 
The 1973 American coming-of-age comedy film starring young Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Harrison Ford that portrayed cruising and early rock ‘n’ roll was American Graffiti. I received correct answers from Susan Ellis, Doug Nelson, Rhonda Spies, Norma Simpson, Jess Birge, Jay Waterbury, Lana Tepfer, Steven Woolpert, Dave Lutgens, and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket Gene Uczen who remembered it was Suzanne Somers in the T-bird. 
When my family drove from Indiana to Florida (my dad was thrilled when the interstate highway system was built!) my sister and I would have to find ways to entertain ourselves during those long trips. One way was singing. For this week’s “Remember When” question, this song began with ninety-nine bottles of what on the wall? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with the thirteen and a half minute live recording of the song in its entirety. (Yes, there is a recording!) 
Well, it’s been another week waiting for the leaves to fall. Until we meet again, keep your head up, but watch your step. 
“I want to stay as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all kinds of things you can’t see from the center.” Kurt Vonnegut

Aging Well in the Gorge September 8th 2021

Do you feel you have lost your intellectual edge? That you may not be as mentally nimble as you once were! Join the party. But don’t fret because recent brain research suggests even though the mature brain may not be as quick, it does produce better decisions (At least that’s what I keep reminding myself!) Below is a quiz sent to me by Dan Erickson ten years ago. It may or may not tell you anything about your intelligence, but I found it fun and challenging – frustratingly challenging! But did I say it was fun? Well, I’ll let you decide. 

If you can answer correctly 18 out of 24, you will have done as well as Dan when he was a younger man. For myself, I won’t testify to how many I could solve this time around. I’m pleading the right not to incriminate my intelligence.

Each of the following phrases contains the initials of words that will make it correct. See if you can find the missing words. (Example: 16 = O in a P. Answer: Ounces in a Pound) Ready, set, GO!

1.) 26 = L of the A; 2.) 1001 = A N; 3.) 7 = W of the W; 4.) 12 = S of the Z; 5.) 54 = C in a D (with the J); 6.) 9 = P in the S S. 7.) 88 = P K; 8.) 13 = S on the A F; 9.) 32 = D F at which W F; 10.) 18 = H on a G C; 11.) 90 = D in a R A; 12.) 200 = D for P G in M; 13.) 8 = S on a S S; 14.) 3 = B M ( S H T R ); 15.) 4 = Q in a G; 16.) 24 = H in a D; 17.) 1 = W on a U; 18.) 5 = D in a Z C; 19.) 57 = H V; 20.) 11 = P on a F T; 21.) 1000 = W that a P is W; 22.) 29 = D in F in a L Y; 23.) 64 = S on a C.

The singer/actress who during her television variety show each week sang “See the U.S.A. in Your Chevrolet” was Dinah Shore. Since I had to submit this column early because of the long Labor Day weekend, I’ll mention everyone who sent in the correct answer next week.

This 1973 American coming-of-age comedy film set in Modesto, California in 1962 was directed by George Lucas and starred Richard Dreyfuss, Ron Howard, Harrison Ford, and Cindy Williams. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of the film that portrayed cruising and early rock ‘n’ roll through a series of adventures of a group of teenagers over the course of a night. E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with the name of the actress who played the blonde in the T-bird.

It looks like I am running out of space and time. So here are the answers to just the first fourteen “Quantagories” – you have one more week to figure out the rest. But if you can’t wait, you can find the answers at www.midcolumbiaseniorcenter.com under the tab Brain Challenges.


1.) 26 = Letters of the Alphabet; 2.) 1001 = Arabian Nights; 3.) 7 = Wonders of the World; 4.) 12 = Signs of the Zodiac; 5.) 54 = Cards in a Deck (with the Joker); 6.) 9 = Planets in the Solar System. 7.) 88 = Piano Keys; 8.) 13 = Stripes on the American Flag; 9.) 32 = Degrees Fahrenheit at which Water Freezes; 10.) 18 = Holes in a Golf Course; 11.) 90 = Degrees in a Right Angle; 12.) 200 = Dollars for Passing Gin Monopoly; 13.) 8 = Sides on a Stop Sign; 14) 3 = Blind Mice (See How They Run).

Well, it’s been another week, proving once again there is no such thing as normal. Until we meet again, remember the words of the venerable philosopher W.C Fields “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. Then quit. There’s no point in being a damn fool about it.”

“Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.” old farmer from Fossil”


Aging Well in the Gorge September 1st 2021

 How many of you are still working a paid job? Working as a volunteer? Or working as an unpaid caregiver for a loved one? And how many of you are gardening, painting, exercising, or doing other activities you don’t consider work?

Our ideas about age and work are changing. With advances in public health and medicine, we are living longer and can work beyond the traditional retirement age of 65. Older adults 65+ are spending more time on the job than their peers in previous years: four million in 2000 and by 2016 nine million older workers were employed full or part-time.

Reasons for this change in attitude are many. People can now work longer because of advances in health care and technology. Some folks need the extra income because a serious illness depleted their retirement savings, or their pension was inadequate. Others work to remain cognitively healthy. And then there are those who enjoy working and want to continue contributing in the workplace.

For an employer, hiring older workers is not without its challenges: chronic health conditions, disabilities such as hearing loss, and physical safety concerns. But there are many more advantages.

Older workers are generally more satisfied, loyal, reliable, and have more favorable job attitudes than younger workers. Older workers are less likely to exhibit undesirable behaviors such as aggression, on-the-job substance use, tardiness, and absenteeism. In addition, older adults are often looking for part-time work; and health insurance is not necessary because of Medicare.

After the traditional retirement age, there are many ways to enjoy the rest of our years: retiring and spending time with friends and family, volunteering at a favorite non-profit, or continuing to work. Labor Day is a time to celebrate and honor the contributions older adults have made to the health of our communities through their labors.

Communication is often difficult especially between parents and their adult children. In this month’s “Through the Eyes of an Elder” Bill Noonan describes the challenges of these complicated conversations and offers four “guardrails” to reach an understanding that is beneficial to everyone. It is another must-read!  

With the high number of COVID cases in the Gorge, you may want to take a COVID-19 test even if you are vaccinated. FREE COVID-19 tests are now available through the Hood River Health Department and North Central Public Health District. The test is a nasal self-swab test and results will be available within 3 – 5 business days. You can register and select your appointment time, or you can just walk in. To make an appointment log on to www.doineedavocid19 test.com. (Okay, I’m not the smartest cookie in the cookie jar. It took me a while to realize the site address spells out “do I need a covid19 test”!) When you register, you will be asked to complete a self-assessment and choose a location, date, and time. The next available dates are Thursday, September 2nd from 2:00 – 6:00 at the River of Life Assembly Church in Hood River and Sunday, September 4th from 10:00 – 1:00 at the North Central Public Health District office in The Dalles.

The name of the children’s show created by Bob Keeshan who played the title character was Captain Kangaroo. I received correct answers from Jeanne Pesicka, Emmett Sampson, Susan Ellis, Billie Maxwell, Steven Woolpert, Lana Tepfer, Dave Lutgens, Margo Dameier, Glenna Mahurin, Doug Nelson, Sandy Haechrel, Kim Birge, and Gene Uczen this week’s winner of a free quilt raffle ticket.

In the ’40s and ’50s, a single company would be the sole sponsor of popular television shows: Kraft Music Hall, Gillette Cavalcade of Sports, The Lucky Strike Program starring Jack Benny, and a variety show hosted by a popular vocalist at the time. For this week’s “Remember When” question, who was this singer/actress who every week during her show sang “See the U.S.A. in Your Chevrolet”? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with a picture of her and Burt Reynolds in 1972.

Well, it’s been another week looking for my missing hearing aid – again! Until we meet again, remember the lessons learned from the mistakes forgotten.

“Learning to ignore things is one of the great paths to inner peace.” (Robert J. Sawyer), or as the old farmer from Fossil once said, “Life is simpler when you plow around the stump.”

Aging Well in the Gorge August 25th 2021

 We’ve been around the block a few times – even as the blocks seem to keep getting longer. We have learned to accept the blessing and burdens of life while embracing our age. And since the days when we thought we knew it all, we’ve learned many lessons. If you were asked to share those lessons, what advice would you give?

I received an email, one of those that circulate in the Internet world, with what I thought was good advice about aging. I can’t list all of them and I have condensed the ones I have but tell me what you think of the advice this writer shares.

  • Stop worrying about the financial situation of your children and grandchildren, and don’t feel bad spending your money on yourself. The responsibility is now theirs to earn their own money.
  • Keep a healthy life, without great physical effort. Do moderate exercise like walking every day, eat well and get your sleep.
  • Don’t stress over the little things. You’ve already overcome so much in your life. You have good memories and bad ones, but the important thing is the present. Don’t let the past drag you down and don’t let the future frighten you. Feel good in the now.
  • Always stay up-to-date. Keeping in touch with what is going on and with the people you know is important at any age.
  • Respect the younger generation and their opinions. They may not have the same ideals as you, but they are the future and will take the world in their direction. Give advice, not criticism, and try to remind them that yesterday’s wisdom still applies today
  • Some people embrace their golden years, while others become bitter and surly. Life is too short to waste your days on the latter. Spend your time with positive, cheerful people, it’ll rub off on you and your days will seem that much better.
  • Don’t abandon your hobbies. If you don’t have any, make new ones. Find something you like and spend some real time having fun with it.
  • Even if you don’t feel like it, try to accept invitations: Baptisms, graduations, birthdays, weddings. Try to go. Get out of the house, meet people you haven’t seen in a while, experience something new – or something old.
  • Pain and discomfort go hand in hand with getting older. Try not to dwell on them but accept them as a part of the cycle of life we’re all going through.
  • If you’ve been offended by someone – forgive them. If you’ve offended someone – apologize. Don’t drag around resentment with you. It only serves to make you sad and bitter.
  • If you have a strong belief, savor it. But don’t waste your time trying to convince others. Live your faith and set an example.
  • Laugh a lot. Laugh at everything. Find the humor in your situation.

I had to keep it short but if you want to read the full list uncondensed, go to  www.midcolumbiseniorcenter.comand click on the tab: ADVICE TO LIVE BY.

The children who watched from the on-stage bleachers in the pioneering children’s show Howdy Doody were called the “peanut gallery.” I received correct answers from Jeanne Pesicka, Susan Ellis, Gene Uczen, Doug Nelson, Lana Tepfer, Tina Castanares, Dave Lutgens, and Jack Lorts, this week’s winner of a free raffle ticket. Last week I missed Keith Clymer.

Moving from Howdy Doody to another morning children’s show, the first actor to play the baggy pants horn honking Clarabell the Clown on Howdy Doody was Bob Keeshan who created and played the title character in another children’s TV show. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of this children’s show that aired from 1955 through 1984 and revolved around life in the “Treasure House” where the captain would tell stories, meet guests, and indulge in silly stunts. E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or drop it off while wearing a blue coat with large pockets.

Well, it’s been another week enjoying the ride even with the random bumps and bruises. Until we meet again, I realized while driving that a benefit of age is I don’t feel I must drive fast to impress my peers. I can go as unhurried as I want!

 “Everywhere is within walking distance – if you have the time.” Steven Wright

Aging Well in the Gorge August 18th, 2021

Do you feel like you’ve been singing the same old song and now your voice is getting hoarse? With the new Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus, we seem to be turning back the hands of time to a place we didn’t want to go again. But here we are. The positive cases of COVID-19 are increasing, hospitals beds are getting critically low, care facilities are limiting outside visitors, and once again we need to wear masks indoors in public places.

It’s frustrating and confusing because everything keeps changing – what we should and should not do. It feels like a moving target. But this virus is new and is continuously being studied with decisions made on the best science at the time. And then new variants such as the Delta variant show up and change the whole equation.

The good news is because the most vulnerable are highly vaccinated the number of deaths is significantly lower. But being vaccinated doesn’t protect you 100%. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or if you were in close contact with someone with COVID-19, you should get tested regardless of whether you’ve been vaccinated or not. Home testing kits are available at most pharmacies for around $20 and Walgreen’s offers drive through testing, but appointments are limited. Check with your insurance company firt.

Most people who get COVID-19 have mild or moderate symptoms and can recover. But we need to keeping singing that familiar chorus: wear a mask, keep socially distanced, and get vaccinated. And if we sing loud enough, hopefully, this latest surge will soon subside.

Two weeks ago, I wrote about the serious problem of older adults being financially abused. To reduce the risk, older adults should make sure their financial affairs are in order – and as we all know that is not always easy.  

One program that can help reduce the risk of financial abuse while promoting independent living is the Money Management Program offered by CAPECO – the Area Agency on Aging serving older adults in Sherman, Wasco, and Hood River Counties. (In Washington, supports for older adults are provided through the counties: Klickitat Senior Services (509) 773-3757 or Skamania Senior Services (509) 427-3990.)

CAPECO Money Management Program provides Representative Payee services to help individuals maintain independence, obtain financial security, and prevent financial abuse. The program is certified and approved by the Social Security Administration and the Veterans Administration.

When you are enrolled in the program, an individualized budget is prepared. All bills and bank accounts are handled by this program with assistance from the participant. The benefit is that the Representative Payees will ensure that basic expenses and necessary payments are given priority – and not the bail money to the fake grandson in Arizona.

The CAPECO Money Management Program is personalized, confidential, and safe, and is available to low-income adults. If you know someone who has difficulty managing their finances, call 541-276-1926 to learn more about this valuable program.

Archie’s best friend was the easy-going but lazy and slightly nonconformist friend Forsythe Pendleton Jones III more commonly known as Jughead. I received correct answers from Jeanne Pesicka, Susan Ellis, Emmett Sampson, Sam Bilyeu, Glenna McCarger, Gene Uczen, Dave Lutgens, Jim Tindall, Margo Dameier, Richard Shaw, Doug Nelson, and Gloria Krantz, this week’s winner of a free raffle ticket. Last week I only missed Doug Nelson – unless someone tells me otherwise.

Let’s go back to childhood memories of watching Saturday morning TV. You may remember Howdy Doody, a pioneer in children’s television, broadcast on NBC from 1947 until 1960, and one of the first TV shows to include audience participation. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what were the children called who watched from the on-stage bleachers? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or drop it off with a replica of the puppet Phineas T. Bluster: mayor of Doodyville.

Well, it’s been another week enjoying “those hazy, crazy days of summer”. Until we meet again, remember what your teachers always told you, “Pay attention!”

“No matter how one may think himself accomplished, when he sets out to learn a new language, science, or the bicycle, he has entered a new realm as truly as if he were a child newly born into the world.” Francis Willard author of “How I Learned to Ride the Bicycle”

Aging Well in the Gorge August 11th 2021

 When you arrive back home after visiting your health care provider, do you ever ask yourself “Now what did she mean?” I may not be the sharpest bulb in the drawer, but I am literate and can read, write, and comprehend most things, but health literacy is difficult. Health Literacy defined by the Health and Human Services (HHS) Healthy People 2030 Initiative is “the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others”.

Today, I can find the notes and visit summaries of all my medical visits on MyChart so finding the information is the easiest part. But to understand and use the information is the challenge.

Your primary care provider’s responsibility is to help you understand and use the information so you can better manage your health. But it is also your responsibility to be an active participant in your health care. To do that here are several suggestions you can use when speaking with your primary care provider.

1.) Ask questions. And make sure you get the answers to those questions. “Why are you ordering this test? Why are you prescribing this medication? What side effects can it cause?

2.) Be your own pharmacist. Bring your medicines with you including your over-the-counter and prescription medicines, supplements, vitamins, and herbal medicines to make sure there are no drug interactions. Medline Plus is an excellent resource to better understand the medications you are taking.

3.) Tell the truth. This can be tough. You don’t want to give the impression you are slacking: not exercising or flossing, or worse yet not taking your medications. If you want the most accurate diagnosis and treatment you need to say it like it is.

4.) Bring someone with you. When it is more than my annual checkups, I bring my wife so there is another set of ears – and a better memory.

5.) Know your medical history. The more you know about your health history the better you can participate in your own health decisions.

6.) Tell them if you have a disability that may make communication more difficult. If it is hearing loss, remind them that talking louder helps, but talking clearly and facing you works better.

7.) Don’t walk away in the dark. Your health care provider wants to help you make the best health care decisions, so make sure you understand what your provider said. You can ask clarifying questions such as “Let me see if I understand this”.

With the advances in health care, information is more available but also more complicated and confusing even to the most educated people. Today it is important to not only know how to find your medical information but to also understand and use that information to better manage your health. 

The series of signs which usually consisted of six consecutive small signs creating a short catchy verse advertised Burma Shave. (If you want to read all 600 Burma Shave jingles you can find them on the Internet at http://burma-shave.org/jingles/.) I received correct answers from Clare Zumwalt, Jay Gasperson, Billie Maxwell, Jeanne Pesicka, Al Winans, Susan Ellis, Norma Simpson, Linda Frizzell, Patty Burnet, Barbara Cadwell, Richard Shaw, Dave Lutgens, Margo Dameier, Pat Kelly, Gene Uczen, Keith Clymer, Lana Tepfer, and Glenna Mahurin this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket. Last week I missed Sam Bilyeu, Jeanne Pesicka, Susan Ellis and Ron Nelson.

Last week it was highway literature but this week it is the fine literature of my youth. Well sort of. Archie Comics published comic books featuring stories of five high school friends: Archie, Reggie, Veronica, Betty, and Archie’s best friend the easy-going but lazy and slightly nonconformist friend Forsythe Pendleton Jones III. What was the nickname for Archie’s best friend? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on the inside cover of a 1941 Riverdale High School Yearbook.

Well, that is the end of another box of cereal – and I still haven’t found the prize! Until we meet again, before you start making a big fuss consider what Vic Gold said. “The squeaking wheel doesn’t always get the grease. Sometimes it gets replaced!”

“If you keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, it’s just possible you haven’t grasped the situation.” Jean Kerr, writer

Aging Well in the Gorge August 4th, 2021

You’ve been caring for your elderly mom for years making sure her bills are paid and taking her to her doctor’s appointments. But recently you were laid off from your job and bills are piling up. You’re desperate and you think your mom won’t care. And besides, it will be your inheritance anyway, so you take her money as a “loan”.

This may not be a typical example, but elder financial abuse has become a serious problem nationwide. (In Oregon the average loss to a victim is nearly seventeen thousand dollars.) But what is typical is that the victims of financial abuse are more often women than men by nearly a 2:1 margin, and the highest percentage of perpetrators are family members and others that are in a close relationship with the victim.

Elder financial abuse occurs when someone steals money or other things of value from an older person such as stealing an elder’s valuables, using the elder’s cash or credit cards, or taking control of an elder’s power of attorney. The long-term consequences can be devastating. To stop the financial abuse, look for these red flags: significant withdrawals from accounts; unpaid bills or lack of medical care; unnecessary services, goods, or subscriptions; and financial activity the elder couldn’t have done.

Any older adult is at risk of financial abuse. But those who are particularly vulnerable are isolated older adults who do not have a trusted person checking on them, who have dementia which limits their ability to make decisions, think clearly, and care for themselves; and those older adults who have found a “New Best Friend” who tries to befriend them and take their money when there is not a trusted friend or family member close by.

But why would anyone take financial advantage of a vulnerable older adult? The perpetrator may feel that the elderly person’s belongings are rightfully theirs through inheritance; the elder will use all their savings and leave nothing for the family, or the abuser wants to keep other family members from inheriting the elderly person’s assets. (I’m the only one who has been caring for mom!) And then there are family members who just feel their mom doesn’t need the money – and they do.

We all want to be trusting of others, but we should also be aware of the consequences when we trust someone who we feel is looking after our best interests – but aren’t.                                                         

If you suspect possible financial abuse in Oregon call the local Aging and People with Disabilities office or call Oregon’s toll-free hotline: 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). In Washington contact Washington Adult Protective Services in your community or call 1-866-363-4276.

In today’s Gorge News you’ll find this month’s “Through the Eyes of an Elder” a monthly column where older adults share thoughts and experiences we don’t often hear. This month’s writer is Joel Kabakov who shares his story about aging and the natural wonders of the Gorge.

The name of the television variety show starring Buck Owens and Roy Clark featuring country music and humor was Hee Haw.I received correct answers from Barbara Cadwell, Gene Uczen, Richard Shaw, Pat Still, Dave Lutgens, Doug Nelson, Rhonda Spies, Jess Birge, Keith Clymer, Joan Chantler, Stephen Woolpert, and this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket, Super Duck Mike Kilkenny. Last week I missed Jay Waterbury, Judy and Dave, and Gene Uczen.

This week’s “Remember When” question is from the category – highway literature. From 1925 until 1963 these series of signs were popular along America’s expanding roadway system and usually consisted of six consecutive small signs creating a short catchy verse advertising a particular product. One example was “Listen Birds/ These signs cost money/ So sit a spell/ But don’t get funny”. What was the name of the product advertised on these roadside billboards? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or leave it inside a case of Vintage Gillette Safety Shaving Razors. 

Well, it’s been another week trying to find the energy to do what needs to be done. Until we meet again, it’s been said that it’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get back up – but getting up sure takes a lot longer these days!

“The past is a good place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there.” Author Unknown

Aging Well in the Gorge July 28th 2021

I’ve found that after I’ve asked someone to repeat themselves – for the third time, they just shake their head with that look that says “Oh, never mind. It’s not that important – even though your house is on fire!” Or when someone asks me a question, I often just silently nod, with a goofy smile, hoping I just didn’t agree to something I’ll regret. Ah, the joys of living with hearing loss.

This became particularly evident during my family reunion in Montana. The eight of us spent most of the time around the table sharing childhood memories, discussing sports and politics, and deciding who is going when to visit what the next day. But often I found it difficult to understand the conversation and would turn to my wife and ask, “What did they say?”. I felt like a tourist in a foreign land with my interpreter!

Those familiar with hearing loss get it. But those who aren’t, or experience it only once a year at a family reunion, often don’t understand. So how do you describe hearing loss to others?

Recently I read “How to Explain Hearing Loss to the Uninitiated” by Shari Eberts on the Living with Hearing Loss blog that offers several suggestions

Explain that hearing loss Is like playing Wheel of Fortune. On Wheel of Fortune, the contestants try to identify a phrase with only some of the letters visible. With hearing loss, you are trying to do the same, but with sounds instead of letters. You are constantly combining these incomplete sounds with other clues: lipreading (Masks don’t help.), body language (You need to face me!), and the context within the conversation to come up with something coherent. 

They may also believe hearings aids work like glasses and can give you 20-20 hearing. Hearing aids make sounds louder but are not always good at differentiating among sounds so the sounds often remain muffled or unclear making it harder to hear particularly in a noisy environment.

She has several other suggestions but those two I found most helpful in explaining hearing loss to my family so conversations don’t lead to frustration, anger, name-calling – which is sometimes my wife’s reaction when I can’t understand her. And she loves me!

Good news! Many senior and community centers have or will soon welcome folks back for in-person activities and meals. For example, the Hood River Valley Adult Center will be open starting August 2nd. Masks will be required except when eating and there will be few other safety requirements which are a small inconvenience so we can gather again safely. Check with the meal site in your area to learn more.

The broadcast journalist who served as anchorman for the CBS Evening News for nineteen years and during that time reported on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and other significant events was Walter Cronkite. I received correct answers from Rhonda Spies, Doug Nelson, Barbara Cadwell, Jess Birge, Margo Dameier, Stephen Woolpert, Susan Ellis, and the winner of a quilt raffle ticket Alan Winans. 

And for the previous week’s Paul Lynde question, I received correct answers from Susan Ellis, Barbara Cadwell, Doug Nelson, Kim Birge, Dave Lutgens, Margo Dameier, Lana Tepfer, Rhonda Spies, Keith Clymer, Gene Uczen, and that week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket “CK the DJ” Courtney Kiser.

Even furrrrrrther back I missed Keith Clymer, Pat Kelly, J Chantler, and Clare Zumwalt, and in my coming and going I probably missed a few more.

I know many of you are country music fans so you may have watched this show starring Buck Owens and Roy Clark. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of the television variety show aired on CBS-TV from 1969–1971 (before going into syndication) and featured country music and humor from the fictional rural Kornfield Kounty? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or drop it off with a greasy hamburger from Lulu’s Truck Stop.

Well, it’s been another week, trying to resist the irresistible. Until we meet again, in life there are good days – and then there are days when you feel like “Lonesome” George Gobel when he asked, “Did you ever get the feeling that the world was a tuxedo and you were a pair of brown shoes?”

“Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest.” Larry Lorenzoni 

Aging Well in the Gorge July 21st 2021

  

It’s summer in the Gorge: hot, dry, and windy. Perfect conditions for wildfires. There have already been several in the Gorge, and even though we wish and hope there won’t be any more, there probably will be. Besides the personal and economic harm wildfires can cause, the smoke from wildfires can be damaging to our health causing burning eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, headaches, and illnessesuch as bronchitis. The smoke can also worsen chronic heart and lung disease including asthma, emphysema, and COPD 

 

So how do we prepare and protect ourselves from wildfire smoke?  

 

A mask is one way to protect yourself when outdoorsWe have all become accustomed to wearing cloth masks during the pandemic, but cloth masks offer little protection against wildfire smoke because they do not effectively catch the harmful small particles when you breathe in. But as we know the masks are effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19 by blocking respiratory droplets you breathe out.  

 

N95 and KN95 particulate respirator face masks can provide protection from both: wildfire smoke and from getting and spreading COVID-19. The benefit of an N95 and KN95 respirators is that they filter up to 95% of particles in the air as long as they meet the right requirements, are not counterfeit/fake, and fit properlyBut many folks find them uncomfortable – when they fit properly, they often require more effort to breathe. They also are more expensive and are meant to be used only once 

 

N95 NIOSH-approved masks which are commonly used in the United States are the gold standard and the supply has increased significantly over the last several months. Make sure you purchase NIOSH approved N95 mask. KN95 respirators are commonly made in China and are similar to N95 masks, but only a few Chinese manufacturers have been approved by the FDA for emergency use. You can find online a list of the NIOSH approved N95 and the FDAapproved KN95 respirator face masks. 

 

Besides wearing protective mask when the air quality deteriorates because of wildfire smoke, you can create cleaner air space at homeKeep doors and windows closedand if you have onecontinuously run a portable air purifier in one or more roomsIf you don’t have an air purifier, an inexpensive and surprisingly effective alternative is making your own DIY filtration unit by sealing a 20inch square furnace filter (which you can find at any hardware store) with clear pro-strength packing tape to a 20inch box fan 

If you have a forcedair system in your home, you may need to talk to qualified heating and cooling professional about different filters and settings you can use to reduce indoor smoke. (Set to recirculate” and “on” rather than “auto”.) 

 

If you want to know more about the air quality in your area, you can find up-to-date information by going to AirNow.gov on your computer or smartphoneAirNow is one-stop source for air quality data including the air quality index (AQI) for your area, a smoke and fire map, and AQI forecast You can also find air quality information on several weather apps such as Weather Bug. 

 

Besides spoiling the scenic beauty of the Gorge, wildfire smoke can be detrimental to our health and should be avoided if possible. Because we know who’s at risk. Us!   

 

Some of my most vivid memories are from watching the evening news: the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the Vietnam War, Watergate. This week’s “Remember When” question is who was the broadcast journalist who served as anchorman for the CBS Evening News for nineteen years; often cited as the most trusted man in America”; and always signed off with “And that’s the way it is? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with the last episode of The Twentieth Century.  

 

The comedian/actor who found his greatest fame occupying the middle square of the game show Hollywood Squares was Paul LyndeSince I will be out of town (yes, again, this time for the annual reunion with my sister and brother), I’ll mention those who submitted correct answers next week. 

 

Well, it’s been another week running so fast I feel like I’m moving backward. Until we meet again, when the going gets tough, the tough – take a nap? 

 
If stupidity got us into this mess, then why can’t it get us out? Will Rogers 

Aging Well in the Gorge July 14th 2021

Lets’ face it – we aren’t getting any younger (or better looking – although I have noticed I find grey much more attractive these days!) And at some point in our lives, we will likely have difficulty caring for ourselves. It may be anticipated or unexpected; shortterm or unending, because life happens and not always the way we wish. 

 
But do we plan or even discuss how to deal with these possibilities? Rarely. Maybe we think if we ignore the possibility it won’t happen – like believing if you don’t buy snow tires, it won’t snow. But no matter our current health or living situation, we should plan to make sure our wishes are known and to avoid the problems and confusion that may occur when something does happen. 

A great resource is a planning guide for families called “Prepare to Care”, primarily for the adult child but also helpful for the older parent, produced and distributed by the AARP Foundation (https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/prepare-to-care-planning-guide/) “Prepare to Care” offers more information than I can share in this column, but here are several points I found particularly helpful. 
 
First, don’t try to avoid these difficult conversations by making decisions unilaterally. If you are the adult child, you should never make a plan affecting your parent without their knowledge and consent – both to protect your parent and also to protect you – the caregiver – from allegations of abuse and fraud. 
 
Secondly, it is never too early to start the conversation. Ideally, this conversation should take place over a period of time before there is an immediate need – to nurture trusting relationships and to create a plan agreeable to all. 
 
Lastly, use the following ground rules to help navigate these or any difficult conversations. 
 
1. Don’t start with preconceived ideas. You can’t assume what your loved ones will think or how they will respond. 2. Enter into the conversation with the idea of listening instead of telling. No one wants to be told what to do. 3. Be direct with the facts of the situation. Don’t hide or sugar coat them but also don’t embellish them to fit your point of view. 5. Ask questions so that your loved ones can draw their own conclusions and make their own decisions. 6. Allow for anger and upset feelings. But respond calmly and with respect. 7. Don’t push for a decision. You can always come back to the conversation which also allows everyone time to think about it. 8. Make sure everyone participates in the planning. You may need to coax a response out of the more reserved members of the family. 9. End the conversation on a positive note. Do something fun together – reminding everyone you are all family with common experiences and close relationships. 
 
When the future may not seem as appealing as when you were twentyone, discussing and planning may be difficult, but even more necessary. Start the conversation, sooner than later, and with respect and understanding, so you will be prepared when life does happen. 

One, two, three, four/Tell the people what she wore/“. It was an “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini”. I received correct answers from Steven Woolpert, Susan Ellis, Barbara Cadwell, Norma Simpson, Margo DameierLana Tepfer, Gene UczenBarb Blair, Dave Lutgens, Diana WestonKeith Clymer and Clair Zumwalt this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket. I’m always missing someone and last week I missed both Clair Zumwalt and Karen AsaiBut there have been a few of you I haven’t realized I missed. My apologies but keep sending in your answers. I appreciate hearing from you. 

 

The first version of Hollywood Squares ran from 1966 through 198and featured such celebrities as George Gobel, Rose Marie, Cliff Arquette (as Charley Weaver), and Wally Cox. This week’s “Remember When” question is who was the comedian/actor who found his greatest fame occupying the middle square from 1968 to 1981? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or write it on the back of a celebrity photo of Uncle Arthur from the TV series Bewitched.  

 

Well, it’s been another week watching buzzards circling gracefully in the air. Until we meet again, as my wife affectionately reminded me, “Don’t try to be humble. You aren’t that good.” 

 

“The first rule of holes: When you’re in one, stop digging.” Molly Ivins