Welcome to the October 2011 Seniors Digest

Kaylene Moon, Advisory Council for Aging & Disability Services

Perhaps we don’t do much leapfrogging any more, but the benefits of getting out and about cannot be overstated. The October issue of Seniors Digest emphasizes the benefits of physical activity—at whatever effort level you can muster. Our lead article by Dr. Jeannine Skinner is clear: physical activity wards off disease, helps to control weight, improves brain health and sleep quality, and brightens your outlook on life.

Exercise helps prevent many chronic diseases, like arthritis, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. On page 24 of the draft Area Plan on Aging for King County (Fig. 12), you’ll see that older King County residents experience sharp increases in these conditions. With exercise and healthy nutrition, these conditions can be avoided.

Andrea Meewes Sanchez’s article about Living Well Workshops provides a good case study of how people with chronic conditions can take control. South East Seattle Senior Center participant Carole Davis was so empowered by the workshops that she trained to become a trainer. She also encourages spouses and caregivers to take the six-week workshop.

The Mind Your Mouth Campaign article from Karen Lewis at the Washington Dental Service Foundation reminds us of the importance of dental health to our overall well-being.

Also in this issue …

• OLLI-UW Offers Stimulating Learning Opportunities for People Age 50+
• AARP Tax-Aide Seeking Volunteers for the 2012 Season
• Calendar of upcoming events
• "Be a Fall Fighter" wordfind

For More Information

See "Links You Can Use" for local websites that can direct you to services for seniors. And check out the Online Information Center, where you will find resources and information about issues of interest to 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.

Kaylene Moon, Chair
Seattle-King County Advisory Council
on Aging and Disability Services