Welcome to the May 2011 Seniors Digest

Kaylene Moon, Advisory Council Chair

_____________ This month, we'd like to share some great stories about seniors who are combining physical exercise and civic engagement. We call these dynamic people "active activists"! _____________

Meet Faith Callahan (above), who at 106 attends water aerobics three times a week at the Mount Rainier Pool. In 2009, Faith joined other pool users of all ages to save the pool from closure. Faith says, "It's kept me active and I really believe that's why I'm still here!" Faith is a great reminder that activism is a powerful tonic for healthy aging! See the next article, "106-Year-Old Swimmer Still Makes Waves," to learn more about Faith and the effect of exercise on healthy aging.

Then, read on to learn about Forest Lane, who after experiencing positive effects on his Parkinson's disease from bike riding, has participated in the Seattle to Portland (STP) Bicycle Classic to raise funds to promote and support quality of life for everyone in the Parkinson's community.

An Aging and Disability Services Planner also shares her own "conversion experience," when she resolved to take healthy lifestyle steps of her own. She tells us about some great resources to help older adults in our area take charge of their own wellness.

Also in this issue of Seniors Digest….

• Story Circle participants share some fun memories of Seattle's days past.
  
  
• The Farm to Table program brings fresh, local produce to senior meal programs.
  
  
• Food columnist Katy Wilkens provides fun and healthy variations on ramen recipes.
  
  
• AARP's Frank Bailey offers tips on managing caregiver stress.
  
  
• Learn about a major Medicare aging study that will soon be underway.
  
  
• For Mother's Day, help Mom access "Extra Help" for prescription drug costs.
  
  
• Save the date for an array of upcoming community events.
  
  
• Give your brain a workout with the "Feast Your Eyes" wordfind.