Laughter
can be a life saver as we age. As the teacher and writer Bel Kaufman wrote, “Laughter
keeps you healthy. You can survive by seeing the humor in everything. Thumb
your nose at sadness; turn the tables on tragedy. You can’t laugh and be angry,
you can’t laugh and feel sad, you can’t laugh and feel envious.”
I
always enjoy a good laugh particularly at my expense, But some of the humor about
aging portrays older adults as incapable and out of touch: at home after lunch
snoring in an over-stuffed chair, still trying to learn Windows XP, or
constantly forgetting their car keys. But we know these perceptions aren’t true.
(Okay it was embarrassing when I was on the Coffeebreak last week and I
couldn’t remember the Center’s phone number. But give me a break. I don’t often
call the Center!)
But if
the underlying assumptions of these jokes are accepted, they reinforce the negative
perception of older adults - and the awe-inspiring stories of super seniors are
just the exceptions that prove the rule.
Worse though
is these stereotypical beliefs about older adults can affect how we perceive ourselves
and affecting our confidence, so some mistake we wouldn’t even thought about years
ago, becomes another indication of our declining abilities.
Sadly,
this self-doubt can limit us. We may choose to stop volunteering afraid of
making mistakes or stop walking afraid of falling or avoid new experiences because
we are afraid of looking foolish.
As we
age, we all know there are many challenges, but we needn’t underestimate
ourselves but see ourselves as capable, so when there is an obstacle or even an
opportunity, we can face it with confidence
As the
actor Alan Alda said “Laugh at yourself, but don’t ever aim your doubt at
yourself. Be bold. “
So
periodically I will share a joke I feel projects a positive view of aging. Here
is one which demonstrates the cunning of older adults.
One
day a police car pulled up to Granny’s home and Grampy got out. The deputy
explained that this elderly gentleman had said he was lost in the park.
“Why
sad Igor,” said Granny. “You’ve been going there for more than 30 years! How on
earth could you say you got lost?”
Leaning
close to Granny so the police officer couldn’t hear, he whispers, “Wasn’t
exactly lost. I was just too tired to walk home.”
One of
the Center’s most popular programs is the medical equipment loan closet. On the
average, the Center receives four requests a day, but recently we have not been
able to fill many of the requests because the Center’s cupboards are practically
bare (except for walkers which we always seem to have). If you have any
borrowed medical equipment you no longer are using just drop it off at the
Center. And if you have any medical equipment you no longer need, we would
certainly appreciate the donation.
Before
I enter the home stretch, a quick reminder. The Center and Meals-on-Wheels will
be open July 4th but closed on July 5th and there will
not be Bingo on the 4th or 6th.
Tommy
James and the Shondells sang about their baby doing the “Hanky Panky” which was
the title of their 1966 number one hit song. I received correct answers from
Mark Bartel, Jess Birge, Lana Tepfer, Jerry Phillips, Rhonda Spies, Cheri
Brent, and someone I’ve forgotten but who once I remember will be the winner of
a quilt raffle ticket.
I was
pretty naïve growing up and it wasn’t until my adult years while listening to an
oldie-but-goldie by the Starlight Vocal Band I realized “Oh, that’s what ‘afternoon
delight’ means!” There have been many controversial songs including this 1963
hit whose lyrics were so unintelligible they were thought to be obscene and was
banned by several localities including my home state of Indiana.
For
this week’s “Remember When” question what was the name of that ever-popular
party song produced by Ken Chase, a Portland radio personality on KISN radio?
And for bonus points what two Portland bands recorded the song? Email your
answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or return your
answer on the back of a photo of the plaque placed by the City of Portland at
411 SW 13th Avenue.
Well,
it’s been another week, trying to keep life in perspective. Until we meet again, stay safe and enjoy a
wonderful Independence Day.
“All
you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” Charles
Schulz
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