Studies have consistently shown that individuals who were 75 years of age who regularly read books, played games and exercise each week were much less likely to get dementia.

The brain is a part of your body, and you must exercise it if you want to have a sharp memory. The connection between mental stimulation and memory is strong. The good thing about exercising your mind is that it can be done for free, or at an extremely low cost. For example, there are a number of IQ tests available online which are free to take.

We often talk about the mind and body as though they are completely separate — but they aren’t. The mind can’t function unless your body is working properly — but it also works the other way. The state of your mind affects your body. So how can we start to get more active, day to day?

You may be turned off by the word “exercise” because:

•I’ve never done it

•It won’t help unless it hurts  — “No pain, no gain”

•It’s sweaty and uncomfortable

•It’s expensive

•I think it will make me feel worse

•I don’t have anyone to do it with

•I don’t know where, when or how to start.

I can find a lot of reasons not to exercise too. Let’s let our brain win this time when it tells us it’s the healthy and smart thing to do. The senior center makes it easy for you to exercise.

Here are some reasons to start:

•You can make new friend by attending our many exercise programs

•We have 15 exercise classes a week to choose from

•If you are just starting to exercise we have beginner classes for your success

•You can get rid of that walker, just by attending a couple of exercise classes a week.

•It will help you become more active

•Reduce your limitations

•Keeping your brain more active

•Many of our exercise classes are free

Whenever you make the decision to get out of the house, the senior center is here for you. Come down and check us out, you won’t be sorry.

You may not be old now, but if you’re lucky, one day you will be. We look forward to seeing you at our many programs at the senior center. Don’t forget our coffee shop where every day you can have homemade soup for $1 and sandwich for 50 cents. Tuesday is hotdish day. We are having tuna noodle hotdish for only $2. You are always welcome at the center. See you here.

Upcoming Events

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: Silver Sneakers, 8:15 a.m.; Exercise with Evies Friends,  9 a.m.; Tuna noodle hotdish,11:30 a.m.;

Cards (500, Duplicate Bridge,  Pinochle), 12:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Wood Carvers, 8:30 a.m.; Bake Sale, 9 a.m.; Tai Chi,  9 a.m.; Walking Club, 9 a.m.; Weight Watchers, 12:15 p.m.; Cards (Duplicate Bridge, Pinochle, Cribbage), 12:30 p.m.; Stitching Bees, 1 p.m.; Open Chess, 1 p.m.

Thursday: Silver Sneakers, 8:15 a.m.; Bake Sale, 9 a.m.; Exercise with Evies Friends, 9 a.m.; Cards (Pinochle), 12:30 p.m.; Bingo and open Chess, 1 p.m.; Weight Watchers, 5 p.m.; Zumba, 5:45 p.m.

Friday: Closed

Weekly Card Results

Monday Bridge

No Results

Tuesday Duplicate Bridge

Dec. 13th, 5.5 tables

1st Judy Bungum, 1st Dave Solomonson; 2nd Joyce Crowe, 2nd Millie Seiver; 3rd Gene Domino, 3rd Rick Stroup; 4th Vandy Newman, 4th Bud Higgins; 5th Barb Engrebritsen, 5th Orrion Roison