Welcome to the June 2005 Seniors Digest!

by Timmie Faghin

Welcome to the June 2005 issue of Seniors Digest! Summer is almost here, and we've already had plenty of warm days and that means more increased opportunities to go out and get active. And just in time! It seems that every day, there's a new finding in the news about the benefits of exercise and activity.

Read on to find out about the upcoming Greater Seattle Senior Games, to be held June 24-26, where people "50 and better" will find the opportunity to participate in a social, competitive, recreational, and athletic event.

Transportation is another ingredient for getting out and about. "Driving Safety for Older Adults" offers information about how the changes of age affect driving ability, and what you can do to update your skills and safety level.

Also in this issue:

• Respite Care Program Provides Caregiver Support
• Brain Fitness Quiz
• Driver Safety Wordfind
• Links You Can Use

* More About Norm Ward

Several years ago, Norm Ward was challenged to a table tennis match by his 84-year-old friend, Del. Norm thought to himself, "OK, I'll go easy on him." As it turned out, Norm struggled to keep up! The experience showed him that age isn't everything: staying active and keeping in shape are more important than how old you are.

Norm is retired from his position as a research chemical engineer at the UW, and he still does occasional consulting work in that field. He serves as a board member for the Greater Seattle Senior Games and for the Washington State Senior Games.  He wants to make sure that people know that the focus of the Senior Games isn't about winning.  "It's about giving people the motivation to stay physically and socially active," he says. "All abilities and skill levels are encouraged. Just show up and give it a try!"

Norm enjoys playing table tennis both for the challenge, and because it is a great way to stay in shape, improving the cardiovascular system, reflexes and mental stamina. The sport appeals to people of all ages and abilities because it can be played at many levels casual and slow, energetic with lots of movement, or somewhere in between.

Having seen many older adults become bored and lose interest in their exercise programs, Norm hopes that events like the Senior Games will show people that staying active needn't be a chore.  "If you enjoy what you are doing, you don't even think of it is as exercise."