September Seniors Digest Focus: Celebrations of Caring

by Timmie Faghin, Advisory Council Chair

Care for Yourself, Care for Others

Welcome to the September 2004 issue of Seniors Digest! The Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging and Disability Services is very pleased to provide state-of-the-art communication regarding services and programs in our area, as well as a picture of what is happening on the national level.

In the July 2004 Seniors Digest, we looked at one of the key elements of healthy aging: staying active and involved. (If you missed that issue or any other see the "Archives" at right.)  This month, we take a look at one great way to stay active and have fun at the same time: music and dance. If you've visited the Center House at Seattle Center recently, chances are you've seen groups of seniors having a great time out on the dance floor. Find out how you too can join the fun during National Ballroom Dance Week! And read about how seniors around the Sound are discovering the benefits of Hawaii's tradition dance form, the Hula.

Also in this issue....

This month we take a look at some of the many services available to those who are caring for family members and we ask for your feedback to help us identify the needs of family caregivers in this area. Let us know how we're doing! We would also like to call to your attention the upcoming "And Thou Shalt Honor" television program on PBS, concerning the increasing role caregiving plays in the lives of all Americans, regardless of income, ethnic background or geographic location. Also highlighted are "Take Your Loved One to the Doctor Day" and the 2004 Legislative Forum: "Leave No Person Behind."

And just for fun....

Print out this month's wordfind puzzle: "Shall We Dance?"

For more information....

"Links You Can Use" will lead you to further information about the topics of the month, as well as to contact information for accessing resources in the area.

For national online resources, be sure to check out our companion website, SeniorsDigest.org, where you'll find quick, free access to a wide array of local and national websites for older adults and their families.

We hope you will refer to our electronic pages often to obtain advice, to learn of new and exciting services, and to offer us your constructive feedback.  

Read Seniors Digest and tell us what you think.  We are here to help. 

A "retired" general contractor and former YMCA director, John Wagner still has his own business, and continues to work. He also biked from Seattle to Washington DC a few years ago for the American Lung Association. However, he has his priorities straight: at this stage in life, he refuses to let work get in the way of dance! Dance first, everything else can wait! Even after having both knees replaced in 2000, he was dancing six weeks later. John is also an active board member at the South County Senior Center, and frequently dances at the Northshore Senior Center.

About the Advisory Council

We are a volunteer citizens' group working to create choices for elders and adults with disabilities in Seattle-King County. We do this by identifying, advising and advocating for programs that promote quality of life for these populations.

(c) Aging & Disability Services, Seattle Human Services Department and The Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging