Senior Living: Don’t let anxiety keep you from traveling

But as we grow older, we can become more anxious about traveling — and it’s not surprising. We have lived long enough to know everything that could go wrong, all the what-ifs, which can spoil our desire to explore the world, both far away and nearby.

I wouldn’t say I’m anxious when I travel, but it depends. Let’s take flying.

I worry about how long I will have to stand in the TSA line. Will I forget to take off my belt — again? How long is the walk to the boarding gate? Will the flight be delayed, and delayed again, and then canceled? And I’m not even on the plane yet, where who knows what colds and germs are circulating in the cabin!

Now, my wife and I drive whenever possible. I know it isn’t as safe as flying, but I feel more in control. And I have fewer worries: where to stop every two hours, what to do if the engine light comes on, and whether I will be late because the traffic is moving as slow as Heinz ketchup.

If you feel anxious when you travel, Nancy Monson, on the Next Avenue website, wrote that even as a travel writer, she is more anxious about traveling now that she is older.

And she has some suggestions.

 • When flying, focus on something you enjoy. Write in a journal, play a game on your phone, or read a book.

 • Use calming techniques. Do some deep breathing, count five things you can see around you. Or chant calmly to yourself, “I’m not afraid. I’m not afraid.” See if that helps. Or better yet, think happy thoughts. “Oh, isn’t this fun, 10,000 feet in the air with only a 2-inch piece of metal between me and falling to my death!” Okay, maybe think of something else.

• Another option is taking a tour with friends. During my 20s, I would never have dreamed of going on a group tour. But now I am happy just to follow the pack.

• Most importantly, think about why you wanted to go on the trip in the first place. Go from anxiousness to anticipation: seeing old friends, new grandchildren, and exciting places.

Experts say travel is good for the soul, so don’t let travel anxiety stop you from making new and lasting memories. Remember, feeling anxious is just temporary.

•••

Brain Tease. Identify the next number in the following sequences.

1) 3, 6, 11, 18, 27, 38, ? 

2) 3, 6, 9, 15, 24, 39, ?

3) 2, 3, 6, 15, 42, 123, ?

•••

The device used to jump off the ground while standing, with the aid of a spring, was a Pogo Stick. I received correct answers from Donna Mollet, Judy Kiser, Marny Weting, Rhonda Spies, Dave Lutgens, Eva Summers, Bruce Johnson, Lana Tepfer, Stephen Woolpert, Keith and Marlene Clymer, Pat Evenson-Brady, Ken Jernstedt, Rebecca Abrams, Ron Nelson, and Nancy Higgins, who is this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.

During my high school days in Indianapolis, I dreamed of driving my “Woodie” to go surfing, while listening to the Beach Boys — even though there wasn’t an ocean wave within a thousand miles. 

For this week’s “Remember When” question, what was the name of the Beach Boys’ 11th studio album, released in 1966, and ranked by Rolling Stone magazine as the second greatest album of all time? Email your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788, or send it with a 45 single of “Wouldn’t It Be Nice.”

And last week, while watching Gillette’s Friday Night Fights reruns, I wondered if I had missed anyone, but for once I didn’t.

•••

Well, it’s been another week, watching families of quail parading in front of my window like kindergarten children following their teacher. Until we meet again, enjoy these wonderful spring days.

•••

“If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.”

— Dalai Lama

 •••

My once-a-month reminder of the nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals throughout the Gorge, available at noon Monday through Friday, unless otherwise noted.

Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) — Wednesdays with music on second and fourth Wednesdays; Dufur — Wednesdays at noon at 320 NE Second St.; 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 at the Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068), and in Skamania County, call Senior Services (509-427-3990).

Answers:

1) 51 - add the next consecutive odd number to each number.

2) 63 - sum of the previous two numbers.

3) 366 - equal to the previous number x3, then -3..