How often 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 story, 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 to enjoy “the life in your years.”
•••
This coming weekend is the 43rd annual Northwest Cherry Festival in downtown The Dalles. It includes the parade starting at 10 a.m., car show, open air market, food court, carnival, and entertainment. But most importantly, it includes the Cherry Festival Breakfast at the Mid-Columbia Senior Center. Why? Besides enjoying a tasty breakfast and supporting the senior center, it will be when the raffle drawing will be held for a quilt made by the Mid-Columbia Senior Center Quilters. All the “Remember When” winners will be entered and hopefully one of them will win. It has happened before!
•••
And speaking of the Mid-Columbia Senior Center, the AARP Smart Driver Course, which is open to all Oregon drivers, will be held at the center on April 25-26 from 8:35 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The cost is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members. You still have time to sign up, so call 541-296-4788.
•••
Observation for the week:
“As you get older, you’ve probably noticed that you tend to forget things. You’ll be talking with somebody at a party, and you’ll know that you know this person, but no matter how hard you try, you can’t remember his or her name. This can be very embarrassing, especially if he or she turns out to be your spouse.”
— Dave Barry
•••
Brain Tease: Instead of an actual tease, this week I’m including these number exercises that will help improve your concentration and mental endurance. Guaranteed!
1. Recite all the numbers between 1 and 100 that contain the digit 7 (7, 17, 27...).
2. Count down from 200 by fours (200, 196, 192...).
3. Recite the numbers counting up by fours and by fives (4-5, 8-10, 12-15...).
4. Start with 2 and start doubling it in your head. See how far you can get (2, 4, 8, 16, 32...).
•••
The American who defeated Russian Boris Spassky in the World Chess Championship match in 1972 that was publicized as a Cold War confrontation between the U.S. and USSR was Bobby Fischer. I received correct answers from Donna Mollet, Rebecca Abrams, Kathy Bullack, Rose Schulz, Dan Crisp, Eva Summers, Tina Castanares, Dave Lutgens and Maria Kollas, this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket. And last week I missed Ron Nelson and Craig Terry.
•••
Do you remember when there were whitewall tires?
If you do, you might just remember this car modification that was first commercially produced in 1932 but faded in popularity in the 1970s. For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name for pieces of bodywork, first described as “pants,” that were attached to the fender that covered the upper portions of the wheels of a vehicle? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, call 541-296-4788, or drop it off at my house with a blue 1952 Nash Rambler.
•••
Well, it’s been another week trying to stay focused. Until we meet again, it’s been said without money we’d all be rich.
•••
“It’s possible to own too much. A man with one watch knows what time it is; a man with two watches is never quite sure.”
— Lee Segall
•••
Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.
Meal sites in Wasco and Hood River counties:
Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) — Mondays and Wednesdays
Mt. Hood Townhall (541-308-5997) — Tuesdays
Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060)
Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191)
The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333).
For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services:
Goldendale office (509-773-3757)
White Salmon office (509-493-3068)
For meal sites in Skamania County, call Senior Services (509-427-3990).
Commented