Laughing is good for you because it lowers the levels of stress hormones and strengthens the immune system.

According to the 2010 US Census, there are close to 23 million women over 65 living in the United states and only 17 million men. Some of the reasons for this difference is that, in the past, men have been put into more dangerous situations such as being soldiers in a war and having dangerous careers such as mining.

However, the mortality gap is closing and life expectancy might be about equal by 2035 as women join men in some of this dangerous work.

Another reason, however, may be because women tend to see their physicians more often for preventive health checks and care than do men.

For the most part Seniors are not left alone and don’t live alone. Most adults older than 65 live with a husband, wife or other family members.

• About 8 of every 10 older men live in family settings.

• About 6 of every 10 older women live in family settings.

• Less than 5 percent of people over age 65 live in nursing homes.

One of the primary concerns (and fears) of people as they grow older is that they may have to leave their home — a major disruption and cause of stress and unhappiness for them.

Having to move out of their home means leaving behind a comfortable, setting, a community that is familiar to them, a sense of ‘fitting in’ and many memories.

There are many reasons for this strong desire among American Seniors to stay at home and age in place:

• Home represents comfortable, familiar, personal surroundings.

• Home provides a sense of control and independence.

• It means they are still a part of the outside world.

• Living at home offers them a sense of safety and security.

• Home means family, friends and neighbors are still nearby

Changing medical and health care needs are good reasons for seniors to consider their housing needs, and make plans for the future. This is especially true if Seniors want to age at home.

By anticipating and planning for your changing health and care needs — and making modifications to your home before the need arises — can help you live comfortably and more safely at home.

The goal of the chore program at the senior center is to keep people in their own homes as long as possible.

If you are finding things in your home you can’t keep up with such as general housekeeping or lawn care give Brent Johnson a call at 434-2188 and see how we can help.

 Upcoming Events

Monday: Blood pressure, 9 a.m.; Defensive driving, 12:30 p.m.; cards (Pinochle, Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Evies Exercise, 1 p.m.

Tuesday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.;

SilverSneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba Gold, 4 p.m.; Zumba, 5:30 p.m.; Movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Wood Carvers, 8:30 a.m.; Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Cribbage), 12:30 p.m.; Stitching Bees, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.

Thursday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.;

Bingo, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.; Computer Class, 2 p.m.; Silver Sneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba Gold, 4 p.m.; Zumba 5:30 p.m.

Friday: Closed

Weekly Card Results

Monday Bridge

March 19, three tables

1st Russ Vaale, 2nd Bud Higgins, 3rd Mary Johnsen, 4th Jaynard Johnson, 5th Mabel Vaale

Tuesday Duplicate Bridge

March 2, 3.5 tables

1st Larry Crowe, 1st Dick Hansen; 2nd, Bud Higgins, 2nd Jim Fischer; 3rd Joyce Crowe, 3rd Marge Blaser; 4th Ray Schmidt, 4th Gale Schmidt

Tuesday “500”

March 20, three tables

1st Gene Rauen, 2nd Wayne Chilson, 3rd Dorothy Stern, 4th Lois Anderson

Pinochle

1st David Solomonson, 1st Hilton Henschen, 1st Jaynard Johnson

Friday Bridge

March 16, three tables

1st Jim Fischer, 2nd Betty Jorgenson, 3rd Jaynard Johnson, 4th Larry Larson, 5th Russ Vaale

Weekly Cribbage

March 21, three tables

1st Burt Suedine, 2nd Hilton Henshen, 3rd Jaynard Johnson

Weekly “500”

March 23, four tables

1st Dorothy Schloo, 2nd Dennis Bray, 3rd Arnold Bergstrom, 4th Helen Broitzmen

 Semcac Daily Meals

Monday: Onion smothered beef steak

Tuesday: Grilled chicken salad

Wednesday: Baked ham

Thursday: Spaghetti

Friday: Baked fish. Alternative: Pork steak