Dear Savvy Senior, I’ve heard that excessive earwax can cause serious health problems in elderly seniors. What can you tell me about this? Caregiving Daughter

Dear Caregiving,
It’s true! Excessive amounts of earwax can indeed cause problems in elderly seniors including hearing loss or ringing in your ears. Some people experience vertigo, which increases the risk of falling. And there’s also a correlation between hearing loss and cognitive decline and depression.
Earwax – which is not really wax at all, but a substance called cerumen that binds with dirt, dust and debris – is normally produced by the body as a way to clean and protect the ears. In most people, the self-cleaning process works fine. But in others, including more than 30 percent of elderly people, the wax collects to the point where it can completely block or impact the ear canal.
Those that are most affected are elderly seniors, especially those living in nursing homes or assisted living centers that provide substandard hygiene. And those highest at risk are hearing-aid users because the devices push wax down into the canal.
Earwax Removal
Usually, earwax moves up and out on its own so the best way to control it is to leave it alone. But that advice can backfire for those who accumulate excessive amounts of earwax.
The symptoms of an earwax problem can include an earache, a feeling of fullness in the ear, hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, an ear infection, ear itchiness, or cough due to pressure from the blockage stimulating a nerve in the ear.
If you or your elderly loved one’s experience any of these symptoms, try using a softening agent to help the wax leave the ear or to remove it more easily.
If you prefer the natural route, try baby oil or mineral oil. Using an eyedropper, apply a drop or two into your ear, tilting your head so that the opening of the ear is pointing up toward the ceiling. Stay in that position for a minute or two to let the fluid flow down to the waxy buildup. Then tilt your head in the opposite direction to let the fluid and wax drain.
Or try an over-the-counter earwax removal solution or kit, which are sold in most pharmacies. Solutions may contain oil or hydrogen peroxide, and some kits include a bulb syringe that you squeeze to flush your ear with warm water, if needed.
You may need to repeat this wax-softening and irrigation procedure several times before getting rid of the excess earwax. If, however, the symptoms don’t improve after a few treatments, you need to see an audiologist or ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor to have the wax removed.
Earwax removal is one of the most common ENT procedures performed. They have a variety of tools that can remove hard, stubborn earwax.
It might be tempting to poke a cotton swab, bobby pin, pencil or finger into your ear to get the gunk out, but don’t go digging. Yes, it’ll remove some of the wax, but it may also push the rest deeper into the ear canal and increase your risk of injuring your eardrum and making the problem worse.
Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit www.SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.

located at 200 S Academy Road. Mercy caregivers and a chaplain gathered to celebrate the program’s start and bless it with prayers of thanksgiving.
“Anxiety and depression feel isolating to anyone, but often especially to seniors. But these are very common problems and we don’t want our neighbors to suffer alone,” said hospital Administrator Bobby Stitt. “We want everyone to know they can refer themselves, and family and friends can refer their loved ones, too.”
About Senior Life Solutions
Senior Life Solutions is an intensive outpatient group therapy program for people who are typically age 65 and older with age-related health concerns, difficult life events, transitions to new phases of life and more.
Senior Life Solutions is for people who may be experiencing:
• A traumatic event
• Anxiety
• Changes in appetite
• Depression
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feelings of sadness or grief lasting more than two weeks
• Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
• Loss of a close family member or spouse
• Loss of energy
• Loss of interest in favorite activities
Senior Life Solutions services offered include:
• A confidential, comprehensive assessment
• Individual, group and family therapy
• Medication education and management
• Aftercare planning
While most services are offered in a group setting, each person will also receive individual counseling. Mercy engages and supports participants in the program to make sure their unique needs are being met.
Staff includes a board-certified psychiatrist, licensed therapists, a registered nurse and other caregivers dedicated to the mental health care of older adults in the Logan County community.
Family members, physicians or other health care professionals can make a referral to the program.
For more information, call 405-282-6700 or visit the Mercy Hospital Logan County webpage on www.mercy.net.

Stay Active and Engaged: Senior Events at the Metropolitan Library System

The new year is a perfect time to try something new, stay active and connect with others. From fitness classes to creative workshops, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at the library. This January, the Metropolitan Library System offers endless opportunities for fitness, crafting and personal growth. You’re sure to find something that inspires you. Visit metrolibrary.org for more details and a full calendar of events.

Focus on Wellness: Maintaining good health is key to living your best life and the library has you covered with a variety of wellness programs.
Total Wellness Classes: Presented by the Oklahoma City-County Health Department, these interactive sessions help prevent diabetes and heart disease through practical tips on weight loss, healthy eating and exercise. • Almonte Library: Tuesdays at 10 a.m. – Jan. 14, 21, 28
Tai Chi: This gentle exercise enhances balance and flexibility, perfect for all fitness levels. Classes are offered at several locations: • Southern Oaks Library: Beginner classes at 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; Intermediate classes at 10:15 a.m. – Jan. 7, 9, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30 • Midwest City Library: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. – Jan. 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30
Yoga: Relax and rejuvenate with yoga sessions tailored for all levels. • Choctaw Library: Fridays at 10:15 a.m. – Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 • Del City Library: Sunset Yoga, twice a month at 6:30 p.m. – Jan. 14, 28 • Edmond Library: Yoga and Meditation, Fridays at 3 p.m. – Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26
Sound Bath: Immerse yourself in a relaxing sound bath experience led by Anna and Mark from MARKANNA Wellness. • Ralph Ellison Library: Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. • Edmond Library: Feb. 23 at 3 p.m.
Learn and Create: The start of a new year is the perfect time to explore a hobby or learn a new skill.
Sourdough Basics: Learn the art of sourdough baking, complete with a starter kit to take home. • Belle Isle Library: Jan. 4 at 10 a.m.
Beginner Line Dancing: Get moving and have fun learning the basics of line dancing. • Southern Oaks Library: Mondays at 1 p.m. – Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29
Knitting and Fiber Arts: Whether you’re new to knitting or a seasoned crafter, join these community-focused groups: • Downtown Crochet and Knit Club: Downtown Library, Jan. 4 at 2 p.m. • Fiber Arts Club: Southern Oaks Library, Jan. 7 and 21 at 1:30 p.m. • Jones Library: Jan. 7 and 21 at 6 p.m. • Fiber Arts Group: Bethany Library, Jan. 15 at 1:30 p.m. • Community Fiber Arts Group: Edmond Library, Jan. 18 at 9:30 a.m. • Crochet Night Meetup: Capitol Hill Library, Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m.
Watercolor Painting: Local artist Jim Pourtorkan leads this workshop, perfect for beginners. • Warr Acres Library: Jan. 25 at 10 a.m.
Clothed Figure Drawing: Sharpen your artistic skills in this life drawing session with a live model. • Belle Isle Library: Jan. 28 and Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m

Pancreatic cancer is known for its poor prognosis, though it can be potentially curable if caught early enough. The problem is pancreatic cancer usually shows little or no symptoms until it has advanced and spread. In these cases, the average pancreatic cancer survival time is three to three and a half years.
Exception to the Rule
William “Charley” Maynard of Oklahoma City has been living with the disease for 18 years. He was 46 years old when his cancer was discovered accidentally. “We had a pizza buffet at work, and I think I got food poisoning because I became extremely ill afterwards,” he remembers. “It got so bad I ended up going to the emergency room. It was there that they saw something suspicious on a scan.”
After further tests, Charley was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It had already metastasized to his liver. He was given two to seven months to live. “I lost it,” he admits. “I thought to myself, ‘I’m too young for this.’”
Attitude Adjustment
He acknowledges he didn’t know much about the disease then, or that it was considered by many as a death sentence. “I didn’t ask a lot of questions. I didn’t want to know all those negative things. I moped around for two or three weeks, then decided this ain’t no way to live. I made up my mind that I wasn’t going to just lay down to it. I was going to continue living my life.”
He kept working through his chemotherapy treatments that were on and off for the next several years. He is now on an oral regimen to slow the disease progression and provide comfort.
“There are certainly patients who far outlive their prognosis or even become disease-free,” says Bashar Alasad, M.D., a medical oncologist at the INTEGRIS Health Cancer Institute at INTEGRIS Health Southwest Medical Center. “Overall pancreatic cancer survival rates, while still much lower than other cancers, have gradually improved over the years. I absolutely believe that Charley’s positive attitude has played a huge role in his longevity.”
Reason for Living
“I talk to God every day and I know He’s the reason I’m still alive,” Charley confesses. “I think I’m meant to raise awareness by sharing my story. I talk to those who just got diagnosed with any type of cancer and I try to motivate them. I try to give them hope.”
He adds, “I’m 64 years old now. I’ll be 65 in January. I’m proof that you can beat this disease or at least live with it for a long time. You just got to refuse to surrender to it.”
There are not clear-cut symptoms for early-stage pancreatic cancer. However, you should see a health care provider right away if you develop jaundice, stomach or back pain, unexplained weight loss or a sudden onset of diabetes.
If you have a first-degree family member (parents or siblings) with pancreatic cancer, you should talk to your doctor about your risk of developing the disease and the current screenings and genetic tests available.

The Oklahoma Aging Advocacy Leadership Academy (OAALA) is accepting applications for 2025. For 27 years, OAALA has provided free training for individuals to be informed volunteer community leaders and advocates for Oklahoma’s aging population. Applications will be accepted until Jan. 10, 2025.
The course kicks off in February and includes coursework through Aug. 2025. Classes typically meet all day Wednesday and Thursday in Oklahoma City, but three of the sessions will be virtual in 2025. Classes are planned on the following dates. They are subject to change with as much notice to participants as possible:
• Kickoff Meeting: Feb. 13 OKC metro
• Session 1: March 12 and 13 Virtual
• Session 2: April 9 and 10 OKC metro
• Session 3: May 14 and 15 Virtual
• Session 4: June 11 and 12 OKC metro
• Session 5: July 9 and 10 Virtual
• Session 6: Aug. 6 and 7 – OKC metro
Attendance and participation are required for each full day. There is no cost to participate as tuition is covered by sponsors, including (when applicable) lunch, books, resource materials and overnight accommodations for those who qualify. Travel reimbursements may be provided under the State Travel Reimbursement Act.
Applicants should demonstrate a willingness to use constructive advocacy techniques to effect social change and a commitment to build communities that include and value all older persons and persons with disabilities. They should also demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of people and the ability to see things from the point of view of others.
“The impact OAALA graduates make in Oklahoma communities compliments our efforts to make services and supports available to older Oklahomans,” said Jeromy Buchanan, Director of Community Living, Aging and Protective Services, a division of Oklahoma Human Services. “We cannot support all the various needs of our aging population alone and are proud to serve alongside these engaged leaders and advocates in service to older adults.”
Applications are online and must be received along with a letter of support by Jan. 10, 2025.
For more information or to request a paper application, contact Jake Stover directly at 405-714-0015 or Email OAALA@okdhs.org, or call the Community Living, Aging and Protective Services main line at (405) 521-2281.

By Marise Boehs

It was my 76th birthday and I wanted a challenge. Having never ridden a mountain bike trail, I decided to try my luck on one. l found a local Facebook riders group and asked for an easy beginner trail recommendation. Off I went to ride it.

 It did not take me long to realize the gulleys and tree roots and sharp turns where not my cup of tea. I abandoned it for Lake Stanley Draper Trail.

 It was a Tuesday, so the traffic at the lake was minimal. Only a handful of bikers and walkers were on the trail. I had an excellent 10 mile ride to the back side of the lake and back across the top of the dam.

 I would certainly recommend this trail, although, be prepared for hills. Long hills. I try to avoid the longest, hardest hills. If you start on the dam side of the trail (riding south from the marina), the hills are not that bad and you can get to the back side of the lake in about 5 miles. A nice picnic table awaits and peace and quiet. Take a break. Hydrate and have a snack. 

 Riding back across the dam is flat and has a great view of the lake on your right. I would not recommend this on the weekend though because of traffic across the dam. It’s a public road, not part of the trail.

Lake Stanley Draper Trail
Lake Draper Trail is a 14-mile loop trail located near Tinker Air Force Base. It is a car-free paved trail that offers the chance to see wildlife and some beautiful native Oklahoma wildflowers, grasses and cedars.
 And it has hills. Do not confuse this with a rail trail. The terrain can be a challenge.
 The Lake Draper Marina is located at the end of SE 104th Street and provides abundant parking and easy access to the trail. The marina also has a concession building with restroom facilities. A playground is close by as well as picnic tables and benches.

By Nick Thomas

Considering its vast area, it might be surprising that Texas is home to just two National Parks. If the U.S. National Park Service ever expressed interest in adding a third, Palo Duro Canyon could be a compelling candidate – assuming the Feds could pry it away from the Texas State Park system. As the second largest canyon system in the United States, it’s no surprise this spectacular natural wonder is nicknamed the Grand Canyon of the Lone Star State.
About a half hour drive south from Amarillo in the Texas panhandle, the summers are predictably shadeless and brutally hot, so take the obvious precautions if hiking during those months. Winter, early spring, and late fall are the best times to hike any scorching trail, and there are plenty of them here – more than 15 spread over some 30 miles around the 30,000-acre State Park.
Our first stop was the Visitor Center just as it was closing, but the manager kindly invited us to look around, use the restrooms, and answered a few questions. It’s a great place to begin and to appreciate the canyon rim view from the car park.
Turning right on Park Road 5 from the Visitor Center, the road winds around a bit for about a mile to a small parking area on the right and the “C.C.C. Trail ¼ mile” sign. This is the entrance to the short Triassic Trail which, in about a quarter mile, intersects with the longer CCC trail at its approximate midpoint (a map of Palo Duro Canyon State Park trails can be downloaded from the park website).
CCC stands for the Civilian Conservation Corps, a New Deal program developed during the President Franklin D. Roosevelt administration to provide jobs for the unemployed during the Great Depression of the 1930s. The CCC built a road to the canyon floor, trails, picnic areas, small foot bridges, cabins, and the Visitor Center.
The Triassic Trail is an easy half mile to the bluff and back over a few rocks and some uneven surfaces, but affords breathtaking views of the canyon. Since the trail hugs the canyon rim, hikers can watch as cars wind down the canyon basin road below where the Pioneer Amphitheater hosts popular outdoor events throughout the year.
Pets are welcome at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, but must be leashed if taken on a hike. Aside from obviously protecting the park’s resources, cactuses dot the Triassic Trail. Dogs off a leash may regret attempting to leave their scent on prickly plants! The park also has an all-terrain wheelchair for use on some trails that may be reserved by contacting the park in advance. It can also be very gusty in the region – nearby Amarillo is one of the windiest cities in the U.S.

Other easy trails include the Pioneer Nature Trail, a short 0.4-mile loop leading to the river, and the scenic 2-mile out-and-back Paseo Del Rio Trail that follows the riverbank. Many more challenging trails await the adventurous, including the CCC Trail that offers a rugged descent into the valley. This historic path, carved into the canyon nearly 90 years ago by the Civilian Conservation Corps, stands as a testament to the men whose efforts helped shape this less-traveled gem of the Texas State Park System.
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery in Alabama and has written features, columns, and interviews for many newspapers and magazines. His hiking column describes short trails, hikes, and walks from around the country that seniors might enjoy while traveling. See
www.ItsAWonderfulHike.com.

This winter, the Metropolitan Library System invites adults to embrace the joys of reading with the return of the beloved Book Bingo Winter Reading Challenge. Running from Jan. 1 through Feb. 28, this annual program encourages participants to explore unique reading categories, connect with their community and win exciting prizes.
Winter Reading isn’t just about books-it’s a celebration of all types of reading. Whether you prefer audiobooks, e-books, magazines, bedtime stories, or physical books, all formats count toward completing the challenge. The bingo card has fun ideas like “a book with a number in the title” or “a book set in the winter” to inspire you.
“All kinds of reading count for this challenge,” said Emily Williams, Teen Services Manager. “Audiobooks provide just as much vocabulary and reading comprehension as the paper versions. E-books are a convenient way to carry dozens of books at once, plus the library’s downloadable collection is just a Wi-Fi signal away.”
Participants can look forward to the reveal of this year’s collectible campfire mug design, a coveted tradition among Winter Reading fans. Beyond the prizes, the program highlights the benefits of reading, such as reducing stress, improving sleep and making daily activities more enjoyable. “Reading can help us process our experiences, receive reinforcement for our feelings or provide a distraction from everyday stressors,” Williams added.
How to Participate in Winter Reading Book Bingo:
1. Get Your Card: Pick up a bingo card at any Metro Library location or download one at www.metrolibrary.org/winterreading.
2. Track Your Progress: Fill in your card by logging the title and author of books you’ve read in the corresponding squares. Complete any five squares for a bingo or challenge yourself to fill the entire card with 25 books. Use the Beanstack app to track your progress online.
3. Submit Your Card: Return completed cards to any library location or log your progress online by Feb. 28. Participants can submit one card to qualify for prizes.
Prizes and Rewards:
• Read 5 Books: Earn a limited-edition campfire mug (while supplies last) and be entered into a drawing for prizes like Apple AirPods.
• Read 25 Books: Enter the grand prize drawing for an iPad, VIP tickets to Literary Voices featuring Jodi Picoult, and a YMCA membership.
Need help finding your next read? Librarians are available to provide tailored recommendations through Tailored Titles, at your local branch, or by phone at (405) 231-8650.
This cherished program has become a highlight of the season for many readers, offering a chance to unwind, explore new stories and connect with others. Start your Winter Reading journey today and see if you can get a bingo! For more details, visit www.metrolibrary.org/winterreading.
The Metropolitan Library System serves Oklahoma County’s 800,000 residents across its 19 locations, welcoming over 5.4 million visits annually with more than 10 million checkouts. Explore digital resources available 24/7 at www.metrolibrary.org.

story and photo by Vickie Jenkins, Staff Writer

Located at 11501 N. Rockwell, OKC, Healthy Living OKC is a wellness center specifically designed for adults over 50. These centers offer a variety of programs and services that cater to the physical, mental and social aspects of aging. While the size of these centers can vary, most provide a combination of fitness classes, educational workshops, and social activities. The primary goal is to help seniors maintain or improve their health and independence, reduce the risk of chronic diseases and promote healthy aging by creating a supportive environment. The OKC Healthy Living Center empowers older adults to take charge of their health and well being. Below is information provided by Healthy Living Center OKC.
Healthy Living OKC for seniors is all about a balanced approach that includes walking, running and exercising to help maintain mobility, strength and improve circulation. Their center offers state of the-art exercise equipment with several personal trainers available to assist you. If you enjoy water activities, consider joining their water aerobics class. Nutrition also plays a crucial role in everyday living. Following a healthy diet can manage weight and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
Mental stimulation is just as important and can be achieved by engaging in activities like reading, solving puzzles, socializing or learning new skills to keep the mind sharp. Emotional well-being is also fostered through strong social connections with family, friends and the community, providing support, reducing feelings of loneliness, and enhancing life satisfaction. By focusing on these aspects, seniors can maintain a high quality of life and enjoy their golden years with vitality and fulfillment.
Are you looking to explore your artistic side or learn something new? They offer a variety of classes, including painting and drawing, pottery, fused glass, quilling, card making, woodworking, scrapbooking, wire and bead art, and floral arrangement. If you prefer performing arts, why not try some line dancing or Zumba? For those interested in mindfulness and fitness, they offer Yoga and Palates. Musically inclined individuals can join their guitar jam sessions or learn to play the ukulele, violin and more.
If you are interested in clubs and hobbies, they have options for everyone. Join their technology club, go birdwatching, participate in field trips or engage in sewing or cooking classes. In the mood for a movie? ‘Movie-goers’ is your way to go. Like flowers and plants? Learn all about them in their garden club. Want an adventure? Try their travel club, traveling to far away places. For those passionate about writing, they offer workshops that cover grammar, punctuation and spelling. If reading is your passion, consider joining their book clubs. Need a little support? They offer support groups for Alzheimer’s support, Grief Share, and Parkinson’s support to help manage life’s challenges. For those with a heart for giving back, you can volunteer to make angel gowns for Children’s Hospital, weave mats for the homeless, or create hats for cancer patients.
If you’re looking for a bit of action, they have bike riding groups that meet weekly. Or do you prefer ping-pong, pickleball, tai chi, kick-boxing or various games like bridge, chess, dominoes and bunco? If you enjoy crafting, they offer quilting, crocheting, knitting and embroidery classes. There’s something for everyone to enjoy and stay engaged.
Senior wellness centers promote the health, happiness ands well-being of older adults. These centers offer a safe and supportive environment where seniors can engage in a wide range of activities designed to enhance their physical, mental and emotional health. From fitness classes and arts and crafts to social gatherings and educational workshops, there is something for everyone to enjoy. As their population continues to age, the demand for these centers is likely to grow, making them an essential part of the healthcare and social support network for older adults. By providing opportunities for physical exercise, mental stimulation and social interaction, senior wellness centers help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases, combat feelings of isolation and improve the quality of life for seniors. They empower older adults to take charge of their health and well being, fostering a sense of independence and vitality. They invite you to join us in improving your physical, social, recreational, and educational well-being. As a nonprofit organization, they are dedicated to promoting health and fitness while ensuring that their members have fun and find fulfillment in their golden years. Together, they can create a vibrant, supportive community where seniors thrive and enjoy life to the fullest.
For more information, visit www.healthylivingokc.com.

UWCO Emerging Leaders spread holiday cheer to local seniors

United Way of Central Oklahoma’s (UWCO) Emerging Leaders served a warm holiday meal and more on Dec. 2 at the nonprofit’s annual Senior Holiday Gala, where nearly 200 local seniors enjoyed a festive evening at the Oklahoma History Center.
Clients of UWCO’s Partner Agencies: Catholic Charities, Metro Better Living Center, Urban League and Sunbeam were treated to a catered holiday meal, gifts, dancing and more. Members of the University of Central Oklahoma Pom and Cheer squad and Buddy the Broncho were also on hand to provide entertainment and socializing for the seniors. Santa Claus and Mrs. Clause were even in town!
“This is one of the sweetest events our Emerging Leaders put on,” UWCO President & CEO Rachel C. Holt said. “We are so grateful to have volunteers like them who put so much effort into making this event a winter wonderland for the seniors our Partner Agencies serve.”
Emerging Leaders is a UWCO affinity group for young professionals. Throughout the year, Emerging Leaders, who contribute $500 or more to UWCO, experience various social and professional development opportunities. Learn more about Emerging Leaders by emailing emergingleaders@unitedwayokc.org.