Category Archives: Aging Well in the Gorge

Welcome to Aging Well in the Gorge, the Mid-Columbia Senior Center’s article series by former director Scott McKay.

Aging Well in the Gorge September 25th 2019

Aging Well in the Gorge No Comments

Several years ago, to celebrate their 30th Anniversary, One Community Health created Gorge Happiness Month. Since then Gorge Happiness Month has grown – forming its own non-profit with the support of over a hundred businesses, organizations and local governments.
Gorge Happiness Month is based on the idea that even though fifty percent of our happiness is genetic, and ten percent is environmental, we can affect the remaining forty percent by including these three habits into our daily routine.
Gratitude: Find time each day to list three things for which you are thankful: your morning walk with friends, a beautiful sunrise or a surprise visit by your grandchildren. It doesn’t matter whether it is simple or grand. It’s the act of gratitude that counts.
Acts of kindness: This can be as easy as smiling at a cashier, saying thank you to a co-worker, or picking up trash during your walk. And if you don’t already, find a way to volunteer. Meals-on-Wheels is always looking for new drivers.
Moments of Silence: Sit silently for just five minutes each day – which means no distractions: TV, computer, radio, and cell phone. Keep your eyes closed if you want or just look at one thing about three feet in front of you. Observe the thoughts in your head, the sounds you hear around you or other sensations that come and go. If your mind wanders – just notice it and come back to observing and listening.  
During the month of October there are activities scheduled and a calendar of suggested daily actions designed to help you be happier and make our community healthier. For example, on the first day of October why not thank the first person you see; and then on the 2nd compliment a stranger.
No matter your situation, try incorporating into your daily routine the three habits for happiness: Gratitude, Act of Kindness and Moment of Silence and see if you don’t feel happier. You can find the latest at their website by searching gorge happiness month.
In October the Center will be starting a series of creative arts classes thanks to the partnership with the Columbia Center for the Arts. The classes will be led by several regional artists including Kristyn Fix who does Poetry, Creative Writing, and Haikus; Abigail Agersea who is an artist working with pen and ink and drawing florals;
Danielle Forsyth who is a glass artist; and Ruth Barnes a fiber artist working with yarn to knit or crochet. Once I finalize the dates and times, I will share them next week and on the Center’s website.
Now that it is beginning to cool off, it is a great time to start the Zumba Gold class at the Center taught by Marsha Morrison. Zumba Gold introduces easy-to-follow Zumba choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion and coordination. The benefits are many: cardiovascular, muscular conditioning, flexibility and balance! And since the Center is a Silver and Fit member, PacificSource and Moda Medicare Advantage plans will pay for the Zumba Gold classes you attend. There is no membership fee. Just sign in when you come. And if you aren’t enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, the cost is only $3 per class.
The “Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz” jingle first introduced in the early 60’s advertised Alka Seltzer. And “Oh, what a relief it is” that Julie Carter, Barbara Cadwell, Jim and Betsy Ayres, Cheri Brent, and Laura Comini answered the question correctly as well as Becky Roberts the winner of a quilt raffle ticket.
When I was in grade school, I didn’t enjoy reading except for this mystery series created by American publisher Edward Stratemeyer and ghostwritten by many under the name of Frank W. Dixon. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of this mystery series first published in 1927 that revolved around two teenage boys acting as amateur detectives? And for bonus points what was the name of the series for girls also published by Stratemeyer and ghostwritten under the name of Carolyn Keene?  Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or send it with the first edition of The Great Airport Mystery published in 1930.  
Well, it’s been another week, trying to connect the dots that are always moving. Until we meet again, when life gets difficult, relax and take a deep breath – or maybe two.
“I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life, and I’ve never let it keep me from doing a single thing that I wanted to do.” Georgia O’Keeffe

Aging Well in the Gorge September 18th 2019

Aging Well in the Gorge No Comments

What time is it? No, it’s not Howdy Doody time, but time for the start of the inevitable flu season. And since seasonal flu outbreaks can happen as early as October, the Center is again offering flu shots in cooperation with Rite-Aid on Wednesday, September 25th from 10:00 until 2:00. You can call the Center to reserve one of the 5-minute time slots or you can just drop in.
The flu vaccine is the best way to avoid the flu and avoid becoming one of the over 200,000 Americans who are hospitalized with the flu every year. For the vaccine to be the most effective, the flu vaccines are updated before each flu season to protect you against the flu viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. But even in a well-matched year, the flu vaccine is only 60 to 90 percent effective.
Therefore, you should take these additional steps to help protect yourself from the flu and other viruses.
1. Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and water and use an alcohol-based sanitizer on your hands if soap and water aren’t available. 2. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth whenever possible. 3. Avoid crowds when the flu is most prevalent in your area. 4. Sneeze into your elbow not your hands. 5. Practice good health habits:  get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly, drink plenty of fluids, eat a nutritious diet and manage your stress – which are also the basics for good heart and brain health.
If you do start experiencing flu symptoms, seek medical advice quickly to determine if you need treatment with antiviral drugs since they should be administered early.
But how do you know if you have the flu or just a cold? It is hard to tell because colds and flu share many symptoms: fever (but not always), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue; and some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. But the primary difference is that cold symptoms are generally milder than the symptoms of flu.
And no, you can’t get the flu from a flu shot. But after receiving you flu vaccination, you could develop flu-like symptoms: low-grade fever, headache and muscle aches. There are several possible reasons. You may have a cold and not the flu. You may have caught the flu during the two weeks before the flu shot took effect. Or the flu virus you picked up is not one of the influenza viruses used for the vaccine.
The flu vaccine will not totally eliminate the possibility of the flu, but it will lower your risks. And that’s a big deal now that we are older. Some ailments we once thought were just inconvenient can have serious health implications.
Since I am writing about preventive vaccines, don’t forget to get your Shingles vaccine especially now that the newer more effective vaccine is available. And make sure you are up to date with your pneumococcal vaccination since one of the flu-related complications that can cause death is pneumococcal pneumonia.
The name of the sport that was popular in the late 50’s and 60’s (and is experiencing a revival with our own Gorge Roller Girls); consisted of two teams that included jammers, blockers and a pivot for two minute periods called “jams”; and competed on an oval track was Roller Derby. I received correct answers from Carol Earl, Cheri Brent, Lana Tepfer, Jerry Phillips, Barbara Cadwell, Julie Carter (who remembers her mom cheering on the Bay Area Bombers), and several other who told me the correct answer, but I failed to write down their names. And this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Rhonda Spies whose grandmother took her to see Roller Derby live at the Armory in Salem.  
There were many memorable TV jingles introduced in the 50’s and 60’s. For this week’s “Remember When” question, the TV jingle first introduced in the early 60’s that went “Plop, Plop, Fizz, Fizz” advertised what product? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or send it with a recording of “The Red Rubber Ball” sung by The Cyrkle whose band member Tom Dawes wrote the jingle.
Well, it’s been another week, trying to stay awake at 3:00 pm. Until we meet again,
do you ever feel you can recall more of what happened in your dreams than what happened last week?
“We are on earth to fart around. Don’t let anybody tell you different.” Kurt Vonnegut, writer

Aging Well in the Gorge September 11th 2019

Aging Well in the Gorge No Comments

At every stage of life there are challenges. (Thankfully we don’t have to worry about pimples anymore!) But there is always something to laugh about – although it is often hard to find jokes and anecdotes about older adults that don’t reinforce negative stereotypes.
But as I was surfing the Internet looking for a topic for this week’s column, I came across an article by Greg Daugherty on the Next Avenue website where he interviewed Andy Landorf and John Colquhoun the creators of a new comic strip titled “The New 60”. They both had worked for the same advertising agency and started the comic after the agency was bought and started downsizing. In the comic, they poke fun at themselves and the everyday experiences they and their sixty-something friends encounter.
As Landorf explains, “I think in general we’re trying to look at the universality of what it means to be at this stage of life — what’s alike about all of us, as opposed to what’s different.
And Colquhoun adds, “So it’s not all ‘Gee, we’re getting old, our bodies don’t work like they used to.’ We wanted it to be more upbeat about the possibilities, what you can do now that the kids are out of the house and you have some time and you can travel. Or you’re reaching the end of one career and possibly starting another. We had one of our characters looking into a new franchise we invented called Pizza on a Stick.”
Landorf and Colquhoun show you can reinvent yourself at any age by following your passions whether it is growing a fantastic vegetable garden, making walking sticks or creating a comic strip. They believe it is easier today than ever to start your own thing; and if you have a passion you want to explore, go for it.
You can find their comics at https://www.thenew60comic.com/ or on Facebook; and enjoy a few laughs we can all relate to.
If you interested in changing jobs are looking for a new one, AARP is offering a Flexible Work Online Expo where you can explore the possibilities of flexible work options such as telework, seasonal, part-time and more. The online expo is Tuesday, September 24, 2019 from 11:00 – 2:00 pm PST. You can learn more and register by googling “flexible work online expo”.
Before you call, the Center is working with RiteAid to schedule a Flu Shot clinic at the Center. I should know a date by next week.
Last week, I forgot to mention the Mid-Columbia Community Concert Association’s (MCCCA) 2019-2020 season and their first performance by the Alley Cats last Friday. But you can still purchase a season pass for the four remaining concerts. In addition, you can purchase tickets for the always popular “Dancing with The Gorge Stars” which is their fundraiser and not included in the season pass. MCCCA has been around since 1937 and is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization which has brought outstanding, on-stage entertainment to the Mid-Columbia area at affordable prices. For more information and to purchase tickets visit their website at http://midcolumbiacommunityconcerts.org.
Tom Graff is back! He has been traveling during the month of August but is now once again singing on Thursdays from 11:00 – 12:00 before the Meals-on-Wheels dinner. Stop by and enjoy some good old country music.
On November 29, 1948 this sport debuted on television and during the late 1950s and 1960s was broadcast on several networks becoming so popular the Bay Bombers sold out arenas from coast to coast. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of this sport that consisted of two teams competing on an oval track and each fielding five members that included jammers, blockers and a pivot for two minute periods called “jams”? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or write it on the back of a photograph of the Gorge’s own amateur women’s team.
I knew last week’s question would be tough since it was about local lore. But the Mosier swimming hole popular during the 60’s and 70’s was called by many “16 Hole” although Ruth Radcliff remembered it as the “Pocket”. I did receive correct answers from Cheri Brent and Tammy Berthold who is this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.
Well, it’s been another week, swinging from limb to limb. Until we meet again,
I know I’m getting older when the hardest part of my swim workout is taking off my swimsuit while standing in the shower!
“It is better to be approximately right than precisely wrong.” Warren Buffett

Aging in the Gorge September 4th 2019

Aging Well in the Gorge No Comments

September 4th 2019
When we were children, play was our vocation: pick-up basketball games, playing Monopoly or charades. We did it purely for the enjoyment and amusement without any other reason. But we grew up, started working or raising a family and play took a back seat.
Now that most of us have retired we would think there would be more time to just play. But we may not have the energy of a ten year old. Let me correct that. We don’t have the energy of a ten-year old – as we are reminded when we spend time with our young grandchildren or great grandchildren.
But we still need to find time to play – doing something just for the fun of it for all the social, physical and mental benefits. It could be Pickle Ball, planting a garden or playing pinochle. (I’ll skip the pickup basketball games. I’m not sure I could even get the ball to the hoop.)
So, the saying “Play – Rest – Repeat” is advice we should consider no matter our age. Because as George Bernard Shaw once said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”
Every non-profit has those special volunteers who put in the extra time and are always there. I want to take a moment to acknowledge two of the Center’s super volunteers. At the Center’s annual meeting in July, we presented for the first time The Betty Harlan Memorial Volunteer of the Year award named after Betty Harlan who gave so much of her time both professionally and as a volunteer to the Center and particularly The Dalles Meals on Wheels. This year Betty Dahlberg and Martha Williams received the award for recognition of their many, many years running the Center’s Nu-2-U shop which meant being there every weekday from 10:00 – 2:30 during the stores operating hours. That is truly a monumental commitment. Thank-you Betty and Martha!
Thanks for everyone for their donations and returned medical equipment because our cupboard is now full. We have all the popular items to loan: shower seats, transfer benches, commodes, walkers, rollators, and crutches.
One last reminder for those who enjoy good music. Nehemiah Brown will be performing, possibly for his last time, at the Center on Friday September 6thfrom 11:30 – 1:30 during the Meals-on-Wheels lunch which starts at 12:00. There is no cost thanks to the sponsorship by The Dalles Health and Rehabilitation Center, but you are encouraged to enjoy a delicious lunch for a donation of $4.00 if you are sixty and over or $6.00 for everyone else.
A couple of the many events occurring in the next several weeks are the annual community gathering for the Kiwanis Steak Feed from 5:00 – 7:00 on Thursday September 5that Sorosis Park. It’s such a tradition, I don’t think I need to say any more.
And Flagstone is having a “Spark of Creativity” event on September 14that 2:00 PM to help celebrate National Assisted Living Week. This is an opportunity for anyone in the community to share their hidden or not so hidden talents which could be painting, writing, singing or whatever creative endeavor you enjoy. If you have a specific talent to share, call Karees at 541-35-4949.
Those who two weeks ago answered correctly Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello were Cheri Brent, Dale Roberts, Michael Carrico, Barbara Cadwell, Delores Schrader, and Julie Carter winner of a quilt raffle ticket.
And from last week, the bestselling recording during the summer of 1963 was “Fingertips Pt 2” sung by thirteen year old Little Stevie Wonder. I received correct answers from Rhonda Spies, Delores Schrader, and Lana Tepfer this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.
This question came from Michael Carrico for all the Gorge natives. For this week’s “Remember When” question what was the nickname for the swimming hole in Mosier where young people swam during the 60’s and early 70’s to find a reprieve from the summer heat? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or write it on the back of a picture of yourself in a bathing suit back in the day when many of us used baby oil instead of sunscreen and never heard of skin cancer.
Well, it’s been another week, and another doctor poking my body. Until we meet again,
there will be times when you’ll feel down, but just know you will bounce back.
“To get through the hardest journey we need take only one step at a time, but we must keep stepping.” Chinese Proverb

Aging Well in the Gorge August 28th 2019

Aging Well in the Gorge No Comments

As you read this, my wife and I are in Montreal for a family reunion/vacation. My idea of a vacation is doing nothing, hanging out at coffee shops drinking Chai Tea Lattes and shooting the breeze (Do people say that anymore? Shooting the breeze.) But my sister, who has lived most of her life in the Washington DC area (although we grew up in Indianapolis and she and her husband have moved back to Indy), wanted to go someplace more exciting! So we’ll be visiting Montreal and Quebec City which my wife and I don’t mind because Montreal will be the closest we’ll ever get to Paris. My sister is learning French so she can better appreciate the culture since Montreal is the second largest primarily French speaking city in the world. I have difficulty pronouncing English words so I’m skipping that effort. Except I have learned one phrase that might come in handy, “Où sont les toilettes?” which translates to “Where is the toilet?”
So I’ve decided to punt this week and use that age old trick of repeating part of a previous column from 2014 where I shared the insights I had learned over the years as Director of the Center. Some are original but most I have gather from others, James Dean and Adeline Knorr for example, and I hope you will find some of them useful as we share this journey of life.
1. What is good for your heart is good for your brain.
2. Learn something new without worrying how good you’ll be.
3. First steps to improve your memory: focus and pay attention.
4. Most things don’t really matter, but a few really do.
5. The goal is not to get faster, but to keep from slowing down.
6. Getting older beats the alternative, but it is hard work.
7. Accept what you can’t control – and then adapt.
8. Live in the now.
9. Know what you want and let others know – particularly your adult children.
10. “Dream as if you will live forever and live as if you will die tomorrow.” James Dean
11. Age is in your attitude.
12. “Avoid the five S’s: Sugar, Salt, Seconds, Soda and Shortening.” Adeline Knorr
13. Add color to your meals i.e. eat vegetables!
14. Isolation kills. Stay connected.
15. Keep moving – at least 30 minutes a day.
16. Breathe from your belly.
17. See the world with virgin eyes and you’ll find the extraordinary in the ordinary.
18. Relationships are more important than things (although I do have an unhealthy relationship with my iPhone).
 19. Grey hair is cool.
 20. And as the late Carl Kramer once said, breathe in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out and before you know it, you are 100 years old.
Looking back, now that I’m 71 compared to when I was a young whipper snapper at 66, I wouldn’t change anything on the list. But there are two more insights I would add: “Denial is not a good strategy” and “Play – Rest – Repeat” which I will discuss in future columns. But what is exciting is knowing there is still more to discover about living healthy with courage, compassion and purpose.
Nehemiah Brown will be back one more time singing at the Center during the Meals-on-Wheels lunch on September 6th starting at 11:30. Unfortunately this may be his last performance since he and Carol will be moving to Arizona.
The names of the two stars of the first five beach party movies produced in the 1960’s were Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello. Since I am enjoying the coffee shops and shooting the breeze in Montreal, I’ll mention everyone with correct answers next week.
Now that we’re near the end of another summer, I thought I’d see if you remember this bestselling recording of the summer of ‘63. For this week’s “Remember When” question, who at the age of 13 recorded live the summer hit “Fingertips Pt 2” and went on to be one of the best-selling musicians of all time? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or drop the answer off at the Center with a Hohner Chromonica 280/64 Harmonica.
Well, it’s been another week, filed away in the file drawer. Until we meet again, enjoy a beautiful Labor Day remembering all those who labored to make this country what it is today.
“For age is opportunity no less
Than youth itself, though in another dress
And as the evening twilight fades away
The sky is filled with stars, invisible by day.”

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Aging in the Gorge August 14th 2019

Aging Well in the Gorge No Comments

At Nicole Pashek’s excellent presentation on “Normal Memory Loss and Aging” information was shared that you might find helpful. So bear with me as I spend one more week talking about brain health.
Because of the brain’s ability to change and adapt which is known as neuroplasticity, there are actions you can take to maintain your brain health and memory. Seven of them are described in a handout Nicole distributed called “Tips for Maintaining and Improving Your Memory”. See how many of these seven tips you are currently practicing.
1. Socialize. Participation in social and community activities improves mood and memory function by giving you a chance to think on your feet and build supportive relationships.
2. Get moving! You’ve heard it before “What is good for your heart is good for your brain”. Physical activities and exercise such as brisk walking helps boost and maintain brain function. Try starting your own walking group and then you can cover these first two tips at the same time.
3. Train your brain. Using mnemonic strategies to remember names improves learning and memory. (Mnemonics are tricks and techniques for remembering information that is difficult to recall. For example, the mnemonic “Will A Jolly Man Make A Jolly Visitor? is used to remember the first eight U.S. presidents – which are?)  And I would add, learn something new every day whether by watching the National Geographic television station, taking classes at CGCC (and some classes are discounted for older people) to attending presentations at the Center, the Library, the Discovery Center and the Art Center – or just by trying to operate your new smartphone.
4. Don’t buy into negative ageist stereotypes! Studies have shown that having a positive belief about aging can improve memory performance in older people.
5. It’s difficult to gain knowledge if you can’t see or hear well. For example, if you have difficulty hearing it is hard to socialize (see tip number one). I’ve found hearing aids won’t give me 20/20 hearing but they sure help. And take time to clean them regularly because they don’t help when they’re clogged.   
6. Keep a sense of control and confidence in your memory. A little memory loss is normal. I’ve had memory loss since high school. “Mom, I forgot when you said I was supposed to be home after the party. It wasn’t 2:00 am? But there are memory aids (I use plenty of notes) to help maintain confidence in your memory.
7. Avoid distractions that divert your attention. If information doesn’t get encoded in your brain, it’s not going to be remembered. Distractions can be as simple as a loud noise to something more complex as trying to do several things at once or listening to those conversations in your head.
To maintain your general health as well as your brain health, Nicole also suggested you take advantage of your annual Medicare Wellness exam which is available once every twelve months. There is not a co-pay; and if you often felt rushed at your regular doctor appointments your wellness exam is for sixty minutes. This gives you an opportunity to share your concerns and discuss what you can do to improve your health. As the say, “An ounce of prevention is … well, you know the rest.
The two seater introduced by Ford in 1955 in response to the Corvette was the Ford Thunderbird. I received correct answers from Jess Birge, Rhonda Spies, Cheri Brent, Tiiu Vahtel, Jerry Phillips, Sandy Haechrel and Lee Kaseberg, – this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket. And once again, I missed someone last week and this time it was Dave Sturgeon.
Clothing styles are always changing, hemlines going up and then down, (remember the kneeling test to see if a girl’s skirt was too short); tight pants to baggy to something in between. Some styles last a while and others are just a blip in the fashion world as was this style of jacket. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of the hip-length tailored jacket with a mandarin collar warn by the Prime Minister of India and was popular in the mid-60’s? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or drop your answer off with one of the 200 jackets of this style owned by Sammy Davis, Jr.
Well, it’s been another week, complaining when the wind blows and then again when it doesn’t. Until we meet again, enjoy every day because you can’t take anything for granted.
 “When all else fails, there’s always delusion.” Conan O’Brien

Aging Well in the Gorge August 7th 2019

Aging Well in the Gorge No Comments

As I am writing this on Sunday, we have avoided the triple digit weather but as sure as the Klickitats turn brown in June, those days are coming. But most of us can’t tolerate the heat as well as when we were growing up – staying cool without air conditioners by using fans, dehumidifiers (my family’s favorite method in Indiana) swimming holes and ice packs. We managed and we still can if we take the necessary precautions.
Even in the Gorge where your shirt doesn’t stick to your back during the summers (if you are from back east you know what I mean), dehydration is still a major health concern. The Oregon Department of Human Services cautions, “Not getting enough fluids each day can take a tremendous toll on every aspect of bodily functions, including possible changes in memory, vision, and kidney and heart function.” This is especially true for older people because the percentage of a person’s weight in water changes significantly as we age and consequently, any decrease in fluid consumption can cause proportionately more dehydration.
To prevent dehydration, you should drink at least six cups of liquids regularly throughout the day and avoid caffeinated drinks which act as diuretics. Instead, try drinking flavored carbonated water, decaffeinated ice teas or just add a slice of lemon to a glass of ice cold water.
It doesn’t take a U of O graduate to know to stay cool, but not everyone has air conditioning or good insulation in their homes. And with a prolonged heat wave homes can get dangerously warm. This summer take care of yourself and take time to check on your neighbors to make sure they can handle the heat.
But if you need a refreshing interlude, imagine cruising along the Willamette River on the Portland Spirit enjoying delicious Northwest cuisine and amazing views of Portland. It has been one of the Center’s most popular trips and this year it will be on Wednesday, August 14th. The cost is $85 which includes the lunch cruise and transportation. Reserve your seat now by calling the Center at 541-298-4788.
The Dalles will be busy this weekend with the “Neon Cruise” downtown on Friday night, “Show in the Shade” at Sorosis Park on Saturday and then on Sunday the “Classic Drags” at the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport and the “Dufur Classic Car Show”. And if you enjoy Northwest Country music, Friday night the Brewers Grade Band (named after Brewery Grade) will be performing at the Rib Kickin’ Boot Stompin’ Benefit for Breast Health for Strong Families at the corner of 2nd and Washington.
I need to give a “Staying Sharp” award to Donna Guth. The answer to the puzzle from two weeks ago where one letter is removed at a time was snowing, sowing, owing, wing, win, in, I. But Donna Guth found another correct answer. By dropping the o in sowing, you end up with snowing, sowing, swing, wing, win, in, I. Good job using those “grey cells”.
The airline founded in 1930 and in its heyday carried the most transatlantic passengers of any airline but in 2001 ceased operations was Trans World Airlines or TWA. I received correct answers from Cheri Brent with the help of Charles Hooser, Jerry Phillips, Jess Birge, Carol Earl, and Delores Schrader this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket. And last week I thought I was missing someone – and it was Rhonda Spies.
During the 1950’s the number of registered automobiles exploded from 25 million in 1950 to 67 million in 1958 creating the environment for such social innovations as the drive through and drive-in restaurant, the drive-in movie theater (where many of us enjoyed more than just the movie); and a high school student’s favorite weekend pursuit “cruising the gut”.
During that decade one of the automotive advancements was the Chevrolet Corvette which was a two-door, two-passenger sports car first introduced in 1953. In response Ford introduced a two seater in 1955 but it wasn’t marketed as a sports car but as a “personal luxury vehicle”. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of this Ford model?  Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or drop the answer off with the keys to this model preferably one from 1957.
Well, it’s been another week, wondering if the wind will ever stop. Until we meet again, as I am often reminded, nothing is without risk.
“I’m a peripheral visionary. I can see into the future but way off to the side.” Steven Wright

Aging Well in the Gorge July 31st 2019

Aging Well in the Gorge No Comments

As we grow older, we really can’t imagine what it will be like. Okay, maybe we can: working in the garden or the shop at our own home; traveling across the country visiting grandkids; or just relaxing with not a cloud in the sky or a worry to fret about. But the older we get the better we know that may not be exactly how it turns out. There will be plenty of good times and great experiences, but there will be potholes and detours along the way. As my 97 year old relative who is recovering from his second broken hip said, “This is not what I expected”.
To prepare for the unexpected, Robert Mauterstock posted on the Forbes website “Three Important Questions You Must Ask Your Aging Parents”. But considering that many of you are the aging parents, I suggest asking yourself these questions or initiating the discussion with your adult children. I know they may want to avoid thinking about your future. But let’s face it, denial is not a good strategy.
The first question is: “If one of you becomes disabled or requires long term care, where do you plan to live?” If the answer is your home, how accessible is it? Are there stairs? Are the doors wide enough for a wheelchair or walker if needed?
The second question is: “If one of you needs continuing care, who will provide it?
Who is going to take care of the one in need of care? The other spouse, one of the adult children? Does everyone understand what it means to be a caregiver particularly 24/7? And if outside help is needed what are the costs?
Which leads to the third and last question. “If one of you needs long term care, how do you expect to pay for that care? Long term care insurance? But there are conditions and limitations, and most people don’t carry that kind of insurance. Medicare? Contrary to what many people believe, Medicare doesn’t pay for long term care. So, most likely long term care will have to be paid by personal resources until those resources are spent down to when the person qualifies for Medicaid.
We don’t know what to expect but the unexpected. And discussing these questions with your spouse, adult children, or loved ones now instead of later will give you a clearer understanding of what your options are so you will be better prepared to meet your future long term care needs.
Now time for a pop quiz from last week’s lesson. This is a self-graded test, but If you pass, you can be confident that you haven’t totally lost it! #1. Here are the answers from last week, but what were the three questions? Snowing, sowing, owing, wing, win, in, I. The numbers are ordered alphabetically based on their English spelling. 40 dollars. #2 When will Nicole Pashek be speaking at the Center on “Normal Memory Loss and Aging”? #3 What were the three words I wanted to remember during my health assessment?
Last week’s question was a tough one, but the name of the fortified diet drink introduced in the early 1960’s that I was thinking of was not Tang (which Julie Carter and Mike Carrico answered and I remember my family drinking because it was what the astronauts drank), but Metracal. I only received two correct answers (if I didn’t miss anyone) from Lana Tepfer and Elaine Lee this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket. And last week I missed Carol Earl.
During the 50’s and 60’s there were fewer airlines and flying was twice as expensive. But in 1978 the Airline Deregulation Act passed which changed the commercial flying landscape and not all airlines were able to survive. For this week’s “Remember When” question what airline was founded in 1930 and in its heyday carried the most transatlantic passengers of any airline, but in 2001 ceased operations ten years after its rival Pan American World Airways filed for bankruptcy? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or return your answer with a picture of Howard Hughes who acquired control in 1939 after which the airline became known as the “airline of the stars”.
Well, it’s been another week, trying to steer my way through the rapids to clear water. Until we meet again, don’t let feeling tired always keep you from doing what you want to do.
“Aging seems to be the only available way to live a long life.” Kitty O’Neill Collins

Aging Well in the Gorge July 24th 2019

Aging Well in the Gorge No Comments

If you’re like me, you worry about memory loss: can’t remember a friend’s name; where you parked the car or why is my banana in the freezer? But memory loss can have more serious consequences: forgetting to turn off the stove or taking your medications.
So how do you know if your memory loss is normal or an indication of future difficulties? One method is a simple memory test such as I was given during my in-home health assessment provided by my Medicare Advantage Plan.
During the health assessment, I was asked to repeat three words: dog, couch, pizza. And since I’m concerned about my memory, I knew I had better remember those three words because I would be asked to repeat them later. But I was prepared!
I knew from the Center’s Brain Fitness Club a good technique to remember several words is to visualize them together. So, I created a mental picture of a “DOG, lying on a COUCH eating PIZZA”. (It also pictured quite a mess and my wife really wasn’t happy!)
I was then asked several more questions testing my memory: what day is it? what time does a picture of a clock without the numerals represent? I answered them both correctly as I kept mentally focused on a picture of a “DOG on COUCH eating PIZZA”.
There were more general health related questions and I seemed to remember being told what vaccines the “DOG on the COUCH eating PIZZA” needed and something about an Advanced Directive that all “DOGS on COUCHES eating PIZZA” should have.
As expected at the end of my interview I was asked to repeat those three words and I calmly answered, “WIFE chasing me around LIVING ROOM with a BROOM!”. No, that’s the wrong picture. It’s “DOG on a COUCH eating PIZZA”.
The good news is I passed the memory test. But unfortunately, if you asked me to repeat anything else I was told – I wouldn’t have a clue.
If you are concerned about your own memory (and who isn’t), you will want to attend Nicole Pashek’s presentation about “Normal Memory Loss and Aging” on Wednesday, August 7th at 11:00 at the Center. Write it down!
Until then here are three riddles to work your brain’s neurons and synapses. (Answers will be in next week’s column or you can find them on the Center’s website: www.midcolumbiaseniorcenter.com.)
#1. One snowy morning, Jane awoke to find that her bedroom window was misty with condensation. She drew the word “SNOWING” on it with her finger. Then she crossed out the letter N, turning it into another English word: “SOWING.” She continued this way, removing one letter at a time, until there was just one letter remaining, which is itself a word. What words did Jane make, and in what order?
#2. The Number Row. The numbers one through 10, below, are listed in the following order: 8 5 4 9 1 7 6 10 3 2. What is the rule that causes them to be in this order? (Hint – don’t think mathematically.)
#3. Counting Bills. I had a wad of money in my pocket. I gave half away and of what remained, I spent half. Then, I lost five dollars. That left me with just five bucks. How much money did I start with?
The Danny Thomas Show ran on CBS from 1957 through 1964, but it first aired on ABC in 1953 as Make Room for Daddy. I received correct answers from Rhonda Spies, Alice Mattox, Cheri Brent, Beverly McKinney, Mike Carrico, Jess Birge, Betsy Ayres and Debra Sorrels this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.
I enjoy scanning the advertisements in magazines from the 50’s and 60’s and reminiscing about some of the products that have faded away. Jean Hockman and I were doing just that when looking through a Life magazine, Jean came across an advertisement for a popular diet product – before the days of Slimfast.
For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of this brand of diet drink introduced in the early 1960’s that originally came as a powder fortified with vitamins and minerals which was to be mixed with water? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or return your answer with the November 20th, 1964 edition of Life magazine.
Well, it’s been another week, keeping my cool. Until we meet again, if you are going to walk on the moon you have to get there first.
“I am never upset for the reason I think.” Helen Schueman

Aging Well in the Gorge July 17th 2019

Aging Well in the Gorge No Comments

Does anyone have a crystal ball I could borrow? Because wouldn’t it be nice to know what our future looks like so we could be better prepared – but on the other hand maybe not? Well, I’ll leave that discussion for another day.
But we don’t know what unexpected events may come our way; what’s going to slap us across the face. We’d like to consider what we would do if we won the Power Ball jackpot (And when you do, the Center, Meals-on-Wheels and other non-profits are always looking for donations!) rather than what we would do if there was a train derailment or a threatening forest fire. So, we don’t prepare believing it won’t happen to us until the unexpected happens and it does.
Let’s take a minute then to think about this situation. If there was an emergency and you had to leave your home immediately with all your important documents, what documents would you take?
Here is a list of documents from an article Donnamae Grannemann emailed me titled “Key Documents You Need to Take with You in an Emergency” that the author suggests putting together in an easily accessible Go-To-File.
1.) Important contacts such as family members, doctors, dentist, lawyer, insurance broker and other key resources.
2.) Cash because if the power goes down and the ATM’s and other machines no longer work you won’t have time to find all your extra cash you have hidden around the house.
3.) Identification records such as original documents of your birth certificate, passport and Social Security card. (I am assuming you are always caring your driver’s license, bank and credit cards, and health insurance identification cards.)
4.) A video of your residence and possessions which you can easily record using your cell phone camera.
5.) Copies of your insurance policies, especially for home and auto insurance, to contact your insurer if you need to start a claim.
6.) Recent financial statements such as your most recent statements from your credit card companies, banks, brokerage firm, retirement accounts, car loan and company in case you also need to contact them.
7.) Tax returns – at least the last three years.
8.) Legal documents such as your car registration and car title; your property deed and mortgage papers; as well as your will, power of attorney, and other legal documents.
And let me add one more item that wasn’t mentioned in the article, but I would be up a deep creek if I lost them – my passwords! How many times have I forgotten my Apple or Google password and had to go to my little black book to find it? As we do more of our business online, knowing our passwords is essential.
Having these important documents in a Go-To-File is not only helpful in emergencies, it is just a good idea for any unexpected situation. If you and your spouse or loved ones know where to find the information, it can save you and your family from additional stress that you don’t need during difficult times. If you want to learn more, you can find the complete article on the Center’s website at www.midcolumbiaseniorcenter.com.
The baseball coach who led the New York Yankees to nine World Series during the 1950’s and returned to coach the expansion team New York Mets in 1962 (who won only forty games and lost 120 games that first season) was Casey Stengel. I received correct answers from Rhonda Spies, Jim Ayres, Mike Carrico, Jess Birge, Tiiu Vahtel, Jack Lorts, Doug Bloomdahl and Rhonda Austin who wins a free quilt raffle ticket for her persistence.
Let’s dial the time machine back to the 1950‘s again, but this time looking at the fast growing medium: television. From 1957 through 1964, the Danny Thomas Show was usually one of the top ten shows on television. For this week’s “Remember When” question what was the original title for the show when it first aired in 1954? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or return your answer on the back of a picture of Angela Cartwright who played Danny’s adopted daughter.
Well, it’s been another week, dodging arrows that keep coming.  Until we meet again, you discover at a certain age modesty is no longer something you can afford so you might as well wrap it up and mail it to your 18-year-old granddaughter who could probably use it.
“Life literally abounds in comedy if you just look around you.” Mel Brooks