Why do some people, as they age, “keep their smarts” — that is, they maintain their cognitive functions well — and others do not? If you are at all like me, I have always been curious about this. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to be around a lot of spunky, enthusiastic, well aged seniors. You may not know it but I am always taking note to try and figure out how I can age like them. There have been a number of longitudinal studies done that indicate the successful agers share four traits:

They are more mentally active.

They are more physically active.

They maintain a sense of their social engagement. In other words, they see themselves as still having roles to play in life — in their families, communities, or even in continuing employment.

They pay attention to controlling the risk factors for disease of the heart and brain. They may stop smoking, control their blood pressure, keep cholesterol within normal limits by diet or medications, and/or recognize and treat diabetes.

It appears that these factors reinforce one another: the more of them people follow the better.

As regards to physical activity, successful agers are not trying to make the Olympics; they are getting exercise by using stairs, walking significant distances, swimming or participating in exercise groups. The important thing is that they are exercising on a regular basis, as part of their weekly routines.

Being mentally active takes many forms: doing crossword puzzles, playing cards, reading, going to seminars and/or classes, whatever you enjoy. What you shouldn’t be doing is sitting around, passively watching TV. Challenge your brain by doing whatever turns you on — just do it!

Also, don’t be too monolithic in your approach to maintaining brain health. Focusing only on mental training to the exclusion of the other measures is not the correct thing to do. Being physically active, involved with others, and keeping your blood pressure under control may be just as important as trying the latest memory game.

If you are looking for opportunities look no further. We always have something going on here at the center. If you are interested in challenging your brain check out the latest seminars and classes we have. Your body, we have Tai-Chi once a week on Wednesdays, SilverSneakers two times per week on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and exercise with Evie’s friends three days a week, Monday afternoon, Tuesday and Thursday mornings just to name a few. If you are looking for that social opportunity we are always looking for volunteers or just come in to the coffee shop where there is always someone to talk to. If you are interested in volunteering please give Teresa a call for more information or to sign up. You are always welcome at the Mower County Senior Center.

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. Don’t forget Tuesday, July 11, is hotdish day. We are having Scalloped Potatoes and Ham for only $2. You are always welcome at the center. See you here!

Upcoming events

Monday: Blood Pressure Checks 9 a.m.; Bone Builders, 9 a.m.; Walking Club, 9 a.m.; Naps, 9:30 a.m.; Christian Women’s, 9:30 a.m.; Cards, 12:30 a.m. Pinochle, Bridge,  Exercise w/Friends, 1 p.m.;

Defensive Driving, 4:30 p.m.;

Facebook Class, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Silver Sneakers, 8:15 a.m.; Exercise w/Friends, 9 a.m.; Grief Support, 10:30 a.m.; Scalloped Potatoes & Ham, 11:30 a.m.; Cards, 12:30 p.m.; 500, Duplicate Bridge,  Pinochle Defensive Driving, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Tai Chi, 9 a.m.; Walking Club, 9 a.m.; Ron’s Massage, 10:30 a.m.; Weight Watchers, 12:15 p.m.; Cards, 12:30 p.m.; Duplicate Bridge, Pinochle, Cribbage, Stitching Bees, 1 p.m.; Open Chess, 1 p.m.

Thursday: Tops, 8 a.m.; Silver Sneakers, 8:15 a.m.; Exercise w/Friends, 9 a.m.; Cards 12:30 p.m.; Pinochle, Bingo and Open Chess, 1 p.m.; Weight Watchers, 5 p.m.

Friday: Bone Builders, 9 a.m.; Walking Club, 9 a.m.; Cards, 12:30 p.m.; Bridge Tournament, Ping Pong, 3 p.m.

Weekly Card Results

Monday Bridge

June 26, two tables

1st Millie Seiver

2nd Ann Dvorak

3rd John Karnes

4th Dave Solomonson

5th Lois Johnson

Tuesday Bridge

June 27, seven tables

1st Loren Cleland

1st Dave Ring

2nd Gene Muchow

2nd Ron Peters

3rd Larry Crowe

3rd Theresa Baldus

4th Barb Encebritson   

4th Orrion Roisen

5th Vandy Newman

5th Bud Higgins

6th Edna Knobbe

6th Rick Stroup

Tuesday 500

June 27, one table

1st Sally Michels

2nd Barb Dickman

3rd Gene Rauen

4th John Karnes

Friday  500

June 30, three tables

1st Russ Vaale

2nd Betty Fisher

3rd  Wayne Chilson

4th Carol Hamilton

Wednesday Cribbage

No Results

Pinochle

Dave Solomonson

Friday Bridge

June 30, two tables

1st Mary Johnsen

2nd Lois Johnson

3rd John Karnes

4th Carolyn Higgins