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 15th, 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.” Whoopi Goldberg
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