Senior Living March 18, 2008
I have mentioned how the brain adapts and continues to evolve with age. Our brains may not be as agile or fast as in our youth but with our wealth of experiences and knowledge we are hopefully wiser. Because of my interest in the connection between aging and wisdom, I found a web site called “The Gathering of Wisdom People” at www.wisdompeople.org . On their site they posted interviews with several seniors and I particularly enjoyed the response of Reginald Harling, age 96, when asked how he lived so long?
1. I selected the right parents (they and their parents) lived into their nineties,
2. Of course, the usual reasons about not smoking and not drinking,
3. Keeping away from doctors (most of my friends who died were involved with doctors in one way or another),
4. Keeping out of bed as much as possible-bed is a very DANGEROUS place, more people die in bed than anywhere else
5. But longevity is mainly a matter of luck – luck in health, in congenial occupation, in marriage, in family relationships.
But we don’t have to go to a web site to find such insightful and humorous answers to life’s questions. We can find them right here in our communities if we just listen to the “wisdom people” all around us.
It has been a while since I mentioned the AARP Driver’s Safety Class at the Senior Center taught by Dick Frost. The class is a great review, identifies the latest changes in the driving laws and may even save you a little money on your auto insurance. I was kicking myself for not announcing the class last week, when I realized this month’s class in on the fourth Monday and Tuesday, March 24 and 25 from 9:00 – 1:00 instead of the usual third. So you still have a chance to sign up by calling the Senior Center at 296-4788.
The Meals-on-Wheels board has created a PR committee to spread the word about how Meals-on-Wheels with its many committed volunteers help support the nutritional and social needs of seniors. The committee would like you to know they serve a great wholesome meal every weekday at noon. If you are 60 and over the suggested donation in $3.00 and if you are under 60 you have to pay a little more for your lack of experience and knowledge with a suggested donation of $5.00. I particularly like the Meals-on-Wheels lunch because when my wife asks if I have had my vegetables for the day I can emphatically answer YES!
The “Jazz Generations” will be playing the big band sounds of the 20s through 60s for your dancing and listening pleasure at the Senior Center’s Tuesday Night Music program on March 25 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. All ages are welcome, admission is free, but donations are gladly accepted. Coffee and goodies provided.
I want to thank the Dallesport Jammers for playing to a packed house this last Sunday at the Senior Center. It was fun listening and dancing to the country sounds of musicians who just love to play. It was announced that they will start playing again in Dallesport on the third Sunday of every month. On the other Sundays they play at their regular Sunday venues including the Cherry Park Grange and White Salmon. So you will be able to find the Jammers someplace in the Gorge playing their fine country music the first through fourth Sundays from 2:00 – 5:00 pm.
Last reminder: Tonight at the Senior Center we will be celebrating Carl Kramer’s 100th birthday with some special birthday presentations. Truman Boler will be returning to play for this special occasion. As usual, admission is free and all ages are welcome.
At the Next Chapter Lecture Series on Tuesday at 11:00, Dr. Hodge will discuss “Hypertension – High Blood Pressure – Why do I have to take these pills, Doc?” Dr. Hodge will be explaining the cause and effects of high blood pressure and answer any of your questions. But just to test your knowledge before the presentation I found a short True or False quiz on WebMD. (I will give you the answers at the end only if you promise to attend the presentation next Tuesday.) True or False? 1) A healthy adult blood pressure is 140/90. 2) High Blood pressure can cause damage to the brain, eyes, kidneys, and blood vessels. 3) Most cases of hypertension are caused by kidney disease. 4) There are numerous factors that may increase your risk for high blood pressure. 5) Most doctors suggest changing your lifestyle in addition to prescribing drugs to help treat high blood pressure.
On Thursdays before lunch Nise Patton, the Director of Meals-on-Wheels, and myself have been playing a game of Wii bowling just to show how much fun it is and to get other folks interested in playing. I think it’s working, because after last Thursday when we had eight people in line to bowl, we started thinking, we need another Wii! With the building interest, I can see in the future competing in a 60+ Wii bowling tournament, but only after we order our bowling shirts. (If we can’t beat them with skill, we will beat them with flash.)
Well it is that time again. Spring is just a few steps away, the plants are beginning to stir, and the ants are about to march out. So until we meet again, sit up straight and don’t forget your vegetables.
