Aging Well in the Gorge August 23rd 2016

John C. Maxwell, an American author and speaker, talks about two kinds of pride: “Good pride” representing our dignity and self-respect; and “bad pride” - the deadly sin of superiority composed of conceit and arrogance. As we age, sometimes we let that “bad” pride” get in the way when making decisions about our own well-being.

This may sound silly, but for example, I was proud I took only one prescribed medication. I felt special particularly when nurses were always surprised to learn I took so few for a “man of my age”. 

That was until my annual physical when I was told that according to the latest recommendations, I should be taking a statin to help reduce my cholesterol. I balked. That would mean two prescriptions. And I wouldn’t be so special!

So I went to a higher authority – my cardiologist. He explained that by taking a statin, it would increase my chances of living another twenty years. Okay, so I could be proud and take only one prescription OR I could have a better chance of living another twenty years. And since I need to work twenty more years to pay off my parent loans for my children’s college education, I decided to swallow (no pun intended) my pride and take the statin.

We would all like to feel and act as we did fifty years ago (without repeating the stupid things!). But let’s face it. It ain’t gonna happen. Instead we need to be smart and accept what “is” - and adapt the “is” to what we want it to be. And not let pride get in the way of making good choices – whether deciding to use a walker, or telling someone you were wrong or taking a recommended medication.

It’s early but save the date, October 7^th, for the annual Baby Back Rib dinner. The dinner is again sponsored by the good folks at The Springs at Mill Creek, so all the proceeds from the dinner will support Meals-on-Wheels and the Center. The cost is still only $15 - and it includes music performed by the fabulous bluegrass band Hardshell Harmony, who you may have heard at the County Fair’s Senior Picnic.  

And speaking of the Senior Picnic, it was good to see The Dalles Mayor Steve Lawrence; Wasco County Commissioners Steve Kramer and Rod Runyon; and Wasco County Clerk, Lisa Gambee, dishing out all the fried chicken and fixins. (There were others but apparently my memory’s capacity is only four names). Thanks to Flagstone, the Area Agency on Aging and Canyon Rim Manor for sponsoring this county fair tradition.

At the Center’s Saturday Night Bingo on the 27^th, there is a real good chance someone will blackout in 58 numbers on the last game and drive home with an extra $1000. Games start at 6:00 and the minimum buy-in is $10. All ages are welcome.

I know there are more great stories out there about your special grandchild experiences. Entries have to be less than 300 words - we have one entry of only 40 words, and you can even write you story on the back of a napkin. We don’t care. Prizes include a Grand prize of a $300 certificate to any Shilo Inn. You have until September 3^rd. So get a pen and napkin and start writing.

The Center’s usual fifth Tuesday band couldn’t make it, but we were able to rope in the Shades of Country to perform on Tuesday August 30th. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, and donations are appreciated.

The television broadcaster and entertainer who hosted his own Talent Scouts television show was the “Old Redhead” Arthur Godfrey. (This week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Harold Stephens.)

Back in Indianapolis, I remember watching this epic movie with my parents at one of those big motion picture palaces built in the 20’s and 30’s. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of the movie that starred Charlton Heston; and was the highest-grossing film of 1959 and winner of a record eleven Academy Awards? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or drive it to the Center in a late model chariot.

Well, it’s been another week, looking for shade on a sunny afternoon. Until we meet again, don’t let the “some things” that could happen, keep you from enjoying the “good things”.  

“I don’t intentionally spoil my grandkids. It’s just that correcting them often takes more energy than I have left.” Gene Perret