Gardening is an excellent way for adults to meet the exercise goals for older Americans set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine — at least when the weather is warm.

Many seniors find it a good way to keep their minds busy while benefiting from hours of vigorous activity.

The CDC and the ACSM recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days of the week in order to maintain and improve optimal health. This recommendation is especially important for older Americans, who can be less likely to fulfill this requirement, yet are more at risk for chronic diseases associated with aging.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends

• Two and a half hours each week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking or,

• An hour and 15 minutes each week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity such as jogging or running.

In addition, all adults should include muscle strengthening activities that work all the major muscle groups on two or more days per week.

A previous study concluded that gardening results in improvement in mental health and depression for participants. Gardening was expected to influence whole-body bone mineral density because it included weight-bearing motions such as pushing a mower, digging holes, pulling weeds, carrying soil, and other tasks required use muscle groups in the entire body.

The variety of tasks associated with gardening is one reason older adults are more likely to stick with their regimen; gardening tasks change throughout the season and different activities are involved in daily chores. The researchers concluded that gardening is a great way for older adults to meet the physical activity recommendations set forth by the CDC and the ACSM.

If you don’t have a garden of your own the senior center is gardening this year. We have already put in several raised garden beds and have some of them planted. We have plans to add more including a greenhouse on the west side of the building.

Everyone is welcome to come in and help with the project. If you are a group looking for a summer project we would love your help. For more information please call Sara at 433-2370 ext. 3. You are always welcome at the Senior Center.

Upcoming Events

Monday: Blood pressure check, 9 a.m.; cards, 12:30 p.m.; Pinochle and Bridge

Tuesday:SilverSneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie Anderson, 9 a.m.; cards, 12:30 p.m.; Pinochle and Duplicate Bridge; SilverSneakers, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday: wood carving, 8:30 a.m.; Tai Chi classes, 9:30 a.m.; Mac Degen Support, 10 a.m.; cards, 12:30 p.m.; Cribbage and Pinocle Tournament, Duplicate Bridge; Stitching Bee’s, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.

Thursday: SilverSneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie Anderson 9 a.m.; Cards, Pinochle, 12:30 p.m.; Bingo, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.; SilverSneakers, 4:30 p.m.

Friday: Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; cards, 12:30 p.m.; Bridge Tournament.

Bridge Tournament

Weekly Card Results

Monday Bridge

Tournament results for June 13, four tables

1st Bud Higgins, 2nd Quinten Fiala, 3rd Mabel Vaale, 4th Russ Vaale, 5th Betty Jorgenson, 6th Millie Seivers

Tuesday Afternoon Bridge

June 14, six and a half tables

1st Dick Hanson, 1st Larry Crowe; 2nd Dave Ring, 2nd Loren Clealand; 3rd Ron Peters, 3rd Millie Seavers; 4th Bud Higgins, 4th Jim Fisher

Friday Bridge

Tournament results for June 17, four tables

1st Dave Ring, 2nd Larry Larson, 3rd Dave Solomonson, 4th Joanne Maxfield, 5th Lorretta Nelson, 6th Jim Fisher.

Friday Cribbage

Tournament result June 16, one and 3/4 tables

1st Mildred Ballantyne, 2nd Hilton Henschen

Tuesday Afternoon “500”

Tournament results for June 14, four tables

1st Arnold Bergstrom, 2nd Barbara Dickman, 3rd Gene Rauen, 4th Lois Anderson

Weekly Cribbage

Tournament result June 15, three and three-fourths tables

1st Jaynard Johnson, 2nd Pat Peters, 3rd Dorothy Peterson, 4th Quentin Fiala

Weekly “500”

Tournament June 17, four tables

1st Emma Heimer, 2nd Wayne Chilson, 3rd Beulah Luthe, 4th Sally Michaels

Semcac Daily Meals

Monday: Ham balls. Alternate: beef pattie

Tuesday: Beef pot roast

Wednesday: Pork steak

Thursday: Baked chicken

Friday: Taco Salad