Senior Living January 29, 2008

I have come to realize what many of you already know: aging is not something to fear or avoid (as if we have a choice) but actually a remarkable adventure. Dr. Sherwin Nuland in his book “The Art of Aging” shares three key qualities that can help us navigate this adventure as we strive to age well.

First, is our physical condition and the need to remain physically active throughout our entire life. Even though in our late 50’s we start to lose one third of our muscle strength, in our 70’s and 80’s we can double our muscle strength in as little as six weeks with appropriate exercise. Creativity is the second important quality that helps us age well as we look forward to the next day knowing there will be something new to discover, experience or create which will make us a little better. But most important to successful aging are our relationships with others. They require work and nurturing but give meaning to our lives and become increasingly important as we age. The last years of our lives can be both enriching and creative all the way into our 100s, but much of how we age is our choice and now is the time to change the habits that will effect how we live the next several decades.

One activity that we have initiated at the Senior Center to give you something to think about is the “Next Chapter” Lecture Series. This coming Tuesday February 5^th Jerry Jeffers will present “A Photographic Trip through the Owyhee River Gorge- an Oregon Treasure”. Jerry is a local photographer and retired owner of Melo’s Camera Store and is widely known as one of the premier photographers in the Mid-Columbia.

Performing at the Senior Center’s Tuesday Night Music Program at 7:00 are the Young-at-Heart Serenaders leading a Mitch Miller like Sing-a-Long. Next Tuesday (February 5^th) at 7:00 the Senior Center welcomes Lloyd Walworth and his The Dalles Wahtonka High School vocalists. It is a joy to hear the young singing talent in The Dalles and they always put on a fine show. All ages are welcome especially parents and friends of the performers. Admission is free and donations are gladly accepted.

Wii Bowling has come to the Senior Center. On Thursdays Denise Patton, the director of Meals-on-Wheels, and I have scheduled time to bowl against each other to show how much fun and easy the game is (there is a reason it is the number 1 video game player in America) and so far we are tied one victory a piece. This is just another way to be active while having fun and as Oliver Wendell Holmes reminds us, “Men do not quit playing games because they grow old; they grow old because they quit playing games.”

Computer Classes:

We have finally started our computer classes. There are two Computer Basics Classes explaining the fundamentals of how to use a computer. The first started Monday the 28^th from 10:30 t0 12:00 and will last for four consecutive Mondays. The second Computer Basics Class will start on Wednesday the 30^th also from 10:30 – 12:00 and continue for four consecutive Wednesdays. On Friday February 1^st a class on E-mail Basics will start for those who know how to use a computer and now want to learn more about e-mail. The class will be from 10:30 – 12:00 and will last two consecutive Fridays. There is also a Help Lab with a volunteer instructor every Tuesday from 1:00 – 2:30 for anyone who has computer questions. Between 9:00 and 4:00 when there are no classes scheduled, the lab will be open if you want to use the computers on your own. We hope to get everyone through at least one class in the next two months and if you have haven’t sign-up call the Senior Center (296-4788) and we will get you on the list.

There is a fine group of Quilters at the Senior Center who spend many, many hours stitching quilts to raffle for the Senior Center. (We are currently selling raffle tickets for a beautiful queen size quilt that is hanging in the Center.) They also want everyone to know they are willing to quilt for hire to raise money for the Senior Center. For more information stop and see the Quilters in the Senior Center’s basement on Mondays from 10:00 – 3:00 or call Peggy Johnson at 296-2024.

From the Bulletin Board: The Dalles Eagles are presenting A Mardi Gras Party featuring the “The Rose City Kings” a popular band out of Portland and the winner of the Cascade Blues Association Muddy Award for “Best Contemporary Blues Act”. The show is on Saturday February 2^nd and music starts at 8:30 PM.

I will close this week with one of my son’s favorite passages: the last lines from Ulysses by Alfred Lord Tennyson. So until we meet again, keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel, it’s slippery out there.

Tho’ much is taken, much abides; and tho’
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are,
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

Meals-on-Wheels Menu:
Wednesday (30th) Pork Chop with Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Thursday (31st) Baked Salmon or Chicken with Baked Potato

Friday (1st) Stuffed Green Pepper and Carrots

Monday (4th) Chicken Fried Steak and Mashed Potatoes

Tuesday (5th) Oven Baked Chicken, Garlic Rice and Green Bean Casserole

Senior Center Activity Schedule:

Tuesday: Yoga 9:30; Next Chapter Lecture Series: Jason Corey: Wills and Estates; Computer Help Lab 1:00 – 2:30; Music: Young-at-Heart Serenaders Sing-a-long 7:00

Wed: Seniorcise 9:15; Computer Basics Class 10:30 – 12:00; “Young at Heart” Serenaders 10:30; Strong Women 2:00

Thursday: Yoga 9:30; Tap and Clogging 10:00; Pinochle 1:00; MOW Bingo 6:00

Friday: Seniorcise 9:15; E-mail Basics Computer Class 10:30- 12:00; Bridge 1:30; AARP Tax Aide 4:00 – 6:30

Saturday: Coffee and Cards 9:00; AARP Tax Aide 9:00 – 2:00; MCSC Bingo 6:00 PM

Monday: Seniorcise 9:15; Computer Basics Class 10:30-12:00; Quilters 10:00; Strong Women 2:00

Tuesday: Yoga 9:30; Next Chapter Lecture Series: Jerry Jeffers “A Photographic Trip through the Owyhee River Gorge- an Oregon Treasure” 11:00; Music: “Lloyd Walworth and the TDWHS Singers” 7:00 pm