First
and most important, PAY ATTENTION. Often when we forgot something, we just weren’t
paying attention. For example, I couldn’t remember where I laid the car keys
because when I came home, I was too focused on how fast I could get to the
bathroom!
Second. Avoid multi-tasking. It is a myth that your brain can focus on two tasks at the
same time. What your brain actually does is quickly switch back and forth between
the two tasks. But as we age, our brains can’t switch as fast and at the same
time are more easily distracted.
Third. Write it down. I am often frustrated when I have an earth-shattering idea that
will bring peace and harmony to the world - or at least make my life a little
better - and I forget it! I’ve adapted and you’ll see plenty of sticky notes
around my house.
Fourth. Establish
a routine. Do you use a pill box? I never wanted to because I thought it was an
indisputable sign I was getting “old”. But after several times not remembering
whether I took my pills, (which is not a good thing) a pill box has become an
essential part of my morning routine.
Fifth. And
relax. Don’t stress out when you forget where you parked the car. You always find
it, right? During my younger days there were many times when I couldn’t think
of a word using “whatsimacallit” or “thingamajig” instead. But did I worry that
it was an indication of early dementia? No! And today with all the instant
electronic notifications and distractions, I’m sure young people have many of
their own “senior” moments.
If you
want to learn more, you can join the Center’s Brain Fitness Club which meets
every Monday at 1:00. For the next several weeks, we’ll be learning more about
the brain by developing the curriculum for a brain fitness class starting sometime
in April.
I’ve
mentioned before that if you have Medicare questions you can call SHIBA
Medicare counseling at 541-288-8341 or the Center at 541-296-4788 to schedule a
free appointment.
But
if your questions aren’t urgent, you can attend one of the free Medicare 101
classes at CGCC on Tuesday, April 9. To register for the 9:00 – 1:00 class at
the Hood River campus call 541-308-8202; and to register for the 1:00 – 3:00
class at The Dalles campus call 541-506-6011.
Until
then here is a “Medicare Minute” to store in your long-term memory for future
use.
If
you find your Medicare supplement premiums keep going up, one option is to
change to a cheaper policy. But in most states that means going through
underwriting which often makes it difficult to change because of pre-existing
conditions.
But
Medicare beneficiaries in Oregon are fortunate. During the thirty days
following your birthday, you can change from one Medicare supplement to another
of equal benefits with no underwriting. You can find which companies have lower
rates by consulting the 2019 Oregon Guide to Medicare Insurance Plans which you
can pick up at the Center or by calling 541-298-8341.
When
television stations signed off, the picture design following the national
anthem was called a Test Pattern. I received correct answers from Sandy and Bob
Haechrel, Cheri Brent, Jerry Phillips, Lana Tepfer and this week’s winner of a
quilt raffle ticket, who I didn’t miss this time, Mike Carrico.
In
July of 1962 the first commercial communications satellite was launched and
within a year successfully relayed through space the first telephone call, telegraph
image and the first live transatlantic television feed. For this week’s
“Remember When” question what was the name of this communication satellite? Email
your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or
return your answer with a 45 record of the song that was named after the
satellite which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in December of
1962.
Well,
it’s been another week, knowing it’s all good. Until we meet again, keep
reaching for the stars – even though takes a little more effort.
“There
is an art to flying, or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw
yourself at the ground and miss.” Douglas Adams
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