Aging Well January 6th 2015

Last week I shared twenty tips I’ve learned over the last eight years about aging well. I hope you found them useful, but I imagine some of you might have thought they were just a bunch of hooey. (Does anyone use the word “hooey” anymore besides myself and Dick Cheney?)

So this week I am going to a more respected source, the International Council on Active Aging, and summarize for you their 10 research based tips on how to lead healthier lives in 2015. (You will find these tips apply to all ages including your adult children - if they would only listen.)

1. Think positive. Negative thoughts can become self-fulfilling. And never let your age be an excuse.

2. Turn your spark into a flame. Find your passion and nurture it.  

3. Keep your motor running. Don’t underestimate the ability to recharge through lifestyle changes and “attitude” adjustments. 

4. Eat a balanced diet. Use a common-sense approach – lots of fruits and vegetables, go easy on the sugar and salt.

5. Regular Exercise. If you're already exercising regularly, congratulations. If you are starting, set realistic goals. Remember you are exercising the body you have now, not the one you had fifty years ago - or even 10 years ago. 

6. Connect with people. Keep socially active. Volunteering and other kinds of civic involvement can contribute to better health.

7. Don’t STAY down. Feeling down at times is normal but it can sap your energy and interest. If you're feeling out of sorts for two weeks or more, talk with your doctor.

8. Keep learning. You may not be Grandma Moses but you can start learning new subjects or pick up a new skill at any age. So why not start today?

9. INVEST in you. It may take energy and effort, but the results will be worth it.

10. Have fun! Fill your life with joy and laughter. Have a good time and make 2015 the best year ever to be alive.

Now will you consider those suggestions? And even though we may try our best to stay healthy, we don’t live in Shangri-La. I was reminded of that recently when I received an early birthday card from my friends in the local chapter of the Oregon Retired Educators Association that asked. “What happens when people eat right, exercise and really take care of themselves? They get old anyway!” Ah, so true. But we can still wring every last drop of excitement, adventure and laughter out of these remaining years, because life is worth living.

The Creative Arts Program at the Center has been a tremendous success thanks to the efforts of Debra Jones and the support from local artists and businesses that have provided professional instruction as well as class supplies. The classes have offered an opportunity for older adults to explore a variety of artistic mediums from water colors and glass design to card making and flower arranging. Now, thanks to a Wasco County Cultural Trust Grant, the classes will continue this spring. Debra Jones is already planning for the classes and once they are scheduled, I will make sure you know.

Last week the three missing consonants were f, h and s. How about one more time for the “Gipper”, but this week only two consonants are missing.

For uesday Nigh Music a he Cener on January 13^h, Marin and Friends wi be performing. Music sars at 7:00 bu you can arrive as eary as 6:00 when he coffee wi be ready for you. Anyone can aend and your donaions wi keep the music fowing.

The name of the critically acclaimed Cold War spy novel, which was at the top of the New York Times’ best seller list for 34 weeks in 1964 was The Spy Who Came in from the Cold written by British author John le Carré. (And the winner of a Saturday breakfast in April is Alex Currie.) 

Now time for this week’s “Remember When” question. What is the name of the actor who starred in a popular TV western series before finding international fame in Italy where he starred in three “spaghetti” westerns from 1964 through 1966? E-mail your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788 or drop it off with a picture of the “Man with No Name”.

Well, it’s been another week, trying to tie up some loose ends without tripping over the string. Until we meet again, if you are going to be a fool, be a big fool – at least you’ll be entertaining.

“I think in terms of the day's resolutions, not the years'.” Henry Moore