Aging Well April 8th

How many times do you hear of new products or research findings that will help you live longer? Take this pill or that, eat less fat and more fiber, hit the gym, and lift those weights.

But many folks ignore it all because they believe when their time is up, there ain’t nothing you can do about it. So why change old habits. “Que Sera, Sera. Whatever will be, will be”.

But in many ways the focus on living longer is not really the point. More importantly, the reason you should consider eating better, moving and stretching more, and exploring new possibilities is to enjoy the years you have left - no matter how many there are. Or to paraphrase “It’s not to add years to your life, but to enjoy the life in your years”.

These latter years are not a mere holding pattern – riding an antique Piper Cub going nowhere as it circles for its last and final landing. But a time to play with the grandchildren, write your life history, learn to use a smartphone, or even meet a new love and dance the night away. So consider what you can do to stay as healthy and active as possible in order to enjoy “the life in your years”.

I often mention the various activities and programs at the Center, but there are other services the Center offers that are often overlooked.

At the top of the list is the Center’s loan closet: used medical equipment to borrow for any length of time for a small donation. But we can only lend what has been donated. And currently the Center is in need of wheelchairs, commodes, and transfer benches. But we do have walkers, crutches, canes (including quad canes), and a few toilet seat risers.

You may be thinking of downsizing or “de-cluttering” and that often includes confidential documents. Gorge Security Shred (541-490-7078) will be happy to make arrangements to pick up your documents. But if you have smaller amounts, less than twenty pounds, you can drop them off in the secure container at the Center for a donation of forty cents a pound. Or you can catch Gorge Security Shred around noon, most every Friday when they stop by the Center.

The Center also received a donation of large print books that are now available to borrow. And the Center has a collection of old classic movies to loan - mostly VHS from John Wayne to the Marx Brothers.  

And lastly, if you have any questions about services for older adults from phone numbers for Legal Aid to in-home care options, give the Center a call. I won’t guarantee we will have all the answers, but if we don’t, we will do our best to direct you to the right place.

With the Uplifting Elevator fundraising campaign in full swing, I was asked what happened to the donations made during the previous fundraising campaign in ‘08 to build the more expansive addition. I can report all of those donations, totaling nearly $35,000, have been saved. And with the approximately $10,000 raised in the new Uplifting Elevator campaign, we are almost halfway to the $100,000 needed for the local match requested by foundations to show community support for the project. Thanks to everyone who has contributed over the years to help make it possible to install an elevator at the Center.

As I promised, the Center’s music announcement is straight with no chaser. At the Center on Tuesday April 15^th, Truman will be playing his Country Gold, Silver and Bronze. The doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00 and you can be in your car with your gal leaving for the drive-in by 9:00. Open to everyone and donations are always appreciated.

The comedian who was a child actor, a radio show regular during the 30’s and 40’s, and known as Mr. Television was (Uncle Miltie) Milton Berle. (And the winner of a Cherry Festival Breakfast is Evelyn Uhalde.) 

Okay, this may be another easy one, but it’s timely. What was the name of the automobile, first of its kind introduced 50 years ago in April of 1964, that was affordable (base price $2368), and compact with a sporty image. E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or send it with the James Bond movie Goldfinger in which the car appeared.

Well, it has been another week trying to make heads or tails of the ups and downs of life. Until we meet again, keep searching for the new and novel, while savoring the old and reliable.

“There is only one alternative to getting older, so suck it up.”m Whoopi Goldberg