Navigating the complexities of financial planning for later life need not be daunting. The keys to a secure future lie in understanding the available tools and making strategic choices that bolster your financial resilience. This discourse from Senior News & Living delves into some essential measures that can shore up your financial base, allowing for peace of mind as you look toward retirement and healthcare needs.
Ensuring Income Through Insurance
It’s prudent to lay the groundwork for financial stability by securing insurance against unforeseen health events. Disability and long-term care insurance are pivotal; they act as bulwarks that shield your savings from the significant outlays that can arise from health adversities.
These policies can be the difference between a protected nest egg and financial strain because they give you support when you need it most. Remember to check resources like Senior News & Living for recommendations on Insurance providers, assisted living facilities, and more!
Strategic Investment Choices
Allocating assets with sagacity can lead to financial growth that sustains you through your retirement years. A portfolio that spreads risk and embraces various growth potentials stands as a cornerstone for enduring prosperity. Engage a financial consultant to tailor an investment approach that echoes your future aspirations so you can balance growth with stability.
Leveraging Educational Advancements
Cultivating your professional capabilities can significantly enhance financial stability and set the stage for increased revenue opportunities as you move toward retirement. A strategic investment in education, especially in sought-after fields, facilitates a seamless transition into new career paths.
By opting to get an online degree in computer science, you can leverage the convenience of digital education to refine a skill set that is highly valued in the modern marketplace. This commitment to continuous learning can not only rejuvenate your career but also provide a competitive edge that translates into a more robust income trajectory.
Establishing a Health Savings Reserve
A Health Savings Account stands out as an intelligent mechanism for managing medical expenditures. Contributions to this tax-advantaged vessel not only prepare you for future healthcare costs but also provide immediate fiscal benefits. This strategic reserve is an instrumental part of a well-rounded healthcare financial strategy.
Professional Financial Planning Collaboration
Partnering with a financial planner can illuminate the financial landscape and allow for astute choices across investment vehicles, retirement planning, and fiscal management. Their expertise can steer you toward a secure financial journey, ensuring your strategies align with your vision for the future.
Establishing a Fiscal Buffer
Maintaining a robust emergency fund serves as an essential safeguard and mitigates the financial jolts of unforeseen expenses. Diligently accumulating this reserve provides a barrier against the temptation to disrupt long-term investments or resort to borrowing, thereby ensuring the integrity of your economic base. This proactive strategy instills a sense of financial security and helps you navigate life’s unpredictable fiscal waters with confidence.
Social Security Timing for Optimal Benefit
Strategically postponing Social Security claims can be a prudent exercise in patience, leading to a significant increase in the benefits you receive over time. By delaying these benefits until reaching the full retirement age—or even beyond—you position yourself to benefit from a more substantial financial cushion during the retirement phase of life. This intentional approach ensures that when the need for these resources peaks, they’re at their most robust, giving you greater security in your later years.
Daily Savings for Long-Term Security
Effective saving is a cumulative process; even modest daily efforts can lead to substantial fiscal reserves. By implementing mindful budgeting practices, eliminating non-essential expenses, and harnessing savings opportunities, you can gradually build a formidable financial bulwark without necessitating drastic lifestyle changes.
Building a dependable financial edifice for retirement and healthcare is an active process that demands forethought and consistency. Embracing a comprehensive approach that includes insurance coverage, informed investment, and savings strategies, alongside a partnership with a financial advisor, lays the foundation for a resilient financial future. Take steps today to cement your security for tomorrow, knowing well that your future is a reflection of the choices you make now.

Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), celebrates the Red Feather Galaeach year during Native American Heritage month. This year’s occasion raised over $150,000 and will provide 30 pairs of hearing aids for patients in need.
Held at the Omni Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City, this year’s Red Feather Gala was emceed by Ali Meyer and Joleen Chaney, news anchors from KFOR. They successfully united nearly
600 supporters, including tribal representatives from various parts of Oklahoma, to contribute to OKCIC’s charitable mission. To support the cause, attendees had the opportunity to make donations through a silent and live auction and Native art.
An outstanding moment of the evening was when RADM (Ret.) Kevin Meeks received the 2023
Spirit of the Urban Indian honor. RADM Meeks was honored for his lifelong commitment to improving the well-being of Native Americans in Oklahoma. As a proud citizen of Chickasaw Nation, he currently serves as Deputy Secretary of Health. Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in the enhancement of health care services for American Indians.
“I am very honored to receive the Spirit of the Urban Indian Honor,” said RADM Meeks. “I’m so proud of Oklahoma City Indian Clinic’s accomplishments. They have created outstanding and nurtured outstanding partnerships with area tribes and the Indian Health Service. OKCIC is a great example for other urban Indian programs to emulate.”
The gala provided attendees with an opportunity to immerse themselves in Native American culture through a captivating dance performance by the Central Plains Dancers. Additionally, guests could make memories at the photo booth, while enjoying a night of dancing with live music and karaoke.

The City of Norman’s Adult Wellness and Education Center opened its doors to the community at on November 13, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing Norman Forward Quality of Life Initiative. This event was eagerly anticipated and took place at 602 N. Findlay Avenue in Norman.
The ribbon-cutting will happened at 11 a.m. with an art dedication for a mural in the natatorium entitled “Vibrant Connections” by Oklahoma artists Tiffany McKnight and Aunj Braggs taking place immediately after. “Vibrant Connections” celebrates the interconnectedness of people through a colorful palette set against an Oklahoma landscape. A luminous path symbolizes shared experiences that unite us, guiding us towards a destiny of togetherness and understanding.
Operated by Healthy Living Norman, the Adult Wellness and Education Center is a state-of-the-art facility designed to promote wellness, education, and community engagement. With a wide range of programs, classes, and services to enhance the well-being of adults 50 or better in the Norman area, this center is a cornerstone of the community.
“We believe that a healthy community is a thriving community. The Adult Wellness and Education Center will serve as a hub for adults in Norman to come together, learn, and grow, promoting a stronger, more vibrant Norman,” said Jason Olsen, Director of Parks and Recreation. “We’re grateful to Healthy Living for their partnership in bringing this center to fruition. Together, we’re shaping a healthier, happier future for Norman, one person at a time.”
The project has been in the preliminary process for over a decade, reflecting the city’s dedication to creating a facility that truly serves its residents. Input from various parts of the community has been a crucial aspect of the design process, with surveys, workshops, and ad-hoc boards providing valuable insights and shaping the center to meet the community’s diverse needs. The $14 million facility includes a walking track, warm saltwater pool, multi-purpose rooms for classes and exercise, cardio equipment, several classrooms for art, a strength training area, and a teaching kitchen, all housed within a spacious over 30,000 sq. foot facility.
Among the many programs and activities offered at the center are personal training, group exercise classes, pickleball, drawing and painting, pottery, mixed media, floral design, and healthy cooking classes. In addition to these enriching programs, the center will host events such as seminars, movie nights, and festivals.
The grand opening marked the beginning of a new era in the community for the adult residents of Norman. Attendees enjoyed live music, informative facility demonstrations, and a local food truck will be on site.
For more information about memberships, classes, and the Adult Wellness and Education Center, please visit https://www.healthylivingnorman.com/. To find out more about the ribbon-cutting ceremony, contact the Norman Parks and Recreation Department at 405-366-5472 or parksrec@normanok.gov.

By Nick Thomas

If reading bedtime stories to the grandkids is a cherished family tradition, Eddie Muller has an unusual tale to share this holiday season: a gritty feline sleuth searches for a stolen artifact while encountering a host of seedy underground characters prowling through a shadowy urban setting.
If that sounds like the plot from 1940s film noir cinema, you’re no dope. In his first published children’s book, “Kitty Feral and the Case of the Marshmallow Monkey,” the Turner Classic Movies host has channeled his film noir expertise onto the pages of a new book for kids aged 4 and up.
Toning down the traditionally dark stylized themes from early crime fiction thrillers was a no-brainer for Muller https://www.eddiemuller.com/ and Running Press Kids publishers https://www.runningpress.com/. The result is a cute mystery tale with animal characters that cleverly reference popular classic noir films, including one of the best from 1941.
“‘The Maltese Falcon’ seemed a perfect template,” said Muller from his home in the San Francisco Bay Area. “Film noir themes revolve around the most diabolical and dastardly motivations that are not suitable for a children’s book. But many are detective stories, so the idea of a simple quest, like a treasure hunt, seemed adaptable for kids.”
Just like private detective Sam Spade’s search for the precious ‘Falcon’ statuette, Kitty Feral pursues a stolen artifact (a Marshmallow Monkey) and along the way, interacts with some interesting characters, driving the plot. (Kitty is also on a mission to locate kidnapped crime-fighting partner Mitch the Mutt).
When originally approached by (co-author) Jessica Schmidt with the idea, Muller says he jumped at the opportunity provided the artwork would emulate the style of classic noir film. Drawn by Forrest Burdett in glorious noir-ish black-and-white and distinctively skewed viewer angles, the Oregon-based artist added a splash of vivid blue highlights to Kitty who roams the dark alleys, deserted city rooftops, and eerie waterfront in search of a missing Marshmallow Monkey – a stolen sweet treat.
While obviously aimed at children, adults familiar with classic movies will enjoy the subtle references to noir films. For instance, Kitty begins the search at the Acme Book Shop – similar (but naturally less risqué) to a Humphrey Bogart scene right out of 1946’s “The Big Sleep.”
A dockside warehouse image captures a scene from “99 River Street,” a theater marquee acknowledges producer Val Lewton’s “Leopard Man,” and there are plenty of obvious references to “On the Waterfront,” “Casablanca,” “Shakedown,” and “The Postman Always Rings Twice.”
As for the book’s cast of supporting characters, rotund owl boss Casper Nighthawk and sleazy Wilmer the Weasel represent villainous Kasper Gutman (Sydney Greenstreet) and Wilmer Cook (Elisha Cook Jr.) from “The Maltese Falcon.” Sinister leather-clad Johnny Gila is distinctly reptilian, a nod to William Talman’s title role in 1953’s “The Hitch-hiker.” “People have said he looked like a Gila monster,” notes Muller. And speaking of “Perry Mason” actors, there’s even a character representing Raymond Burr’s villainous roles (but we’ll leave that one for readers to uncover!).
As for Kitty, the character is modeled after actress Ella Raines, especially her sultry role in 1944’s “The Phantom Lady,” even though Muller doesn’t formally acknowledge Kitty’s gender in the pages.
“Kitty was clearly inspired by Raines – a smart, independent woman intent on solving a crime herself in the film, not the typical femme fatale character,” explained Muller. As a bonus, if reading the story to kids, grandparents can test the youngsters’ powers of observation by asking if they can spot something intentionally omitted from the artist’s images of Kitty!
Of course, most of the book’s film references will be beyond young readers, but Muller thinks adults reading the story to their little ones will enjoy opening up a monochromatic world not usually seen on cellphones, laptops, or while gaming. And, perhaps, some may even come to appreciate the screen imagery in classic films enjoyed by their parents and grandparents.
“Since the book came out, I’ve attended film festivals that lasted several days and people told me they were buying the book for their grandkids,” recalls Muller. “They’ve returned a second day, reporting they read it to them and that the kids loved it. So that’s really gratifying.”
Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, in Alabama, and has written features, columns, and interviews for numerous magazines and newspapers. See https://www.getnickt.org/.

Story and photos provided by Carmen Daugherty
Supervisory Public Affairs Officer – OKC, VA Health Care System

On Sunday, October 22, the Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs, local community, family and friends gathered at the Charity Free Will Baptist Church to honor and celebrate the 100th birthday of World War II Veteran and Pastor Lonnie Evert DaVoult. Brother Lonnie was recognized with the distinguished title of Veteran Centenarian.
Born on October 20, 1923, Brother Lonnie was the founder and 33-year-Pastor of the Charity Free Will Baptist Church. DaVoult was drafted in the U.S. Army in January 1943, and he served in the Signal Corps during World War II.

“I was grateful for serving and to the Army for giving me the opportunity to drive all over Europe,” said DaVoult. His WWII military assignment was to deliver messages to the front lines and because of his service to the nation, he was highly decorated, was wounded in action, and is the recipient of the Purple Heart Award.
“My secret to long life is because I gave myself to God, to continue teaching and preaching his mighty word and you have to stay active to stay alive,” DaVoult said. Preaching is a joy for him and he has been doing it for 73 years and doesn’t see himself quitting anytime soon. Seeing and listening to his sermon, anyone would be envious of this centenarian’s energy, passion and enthusiasm.

DaVoult was presented with a Letter of Appreciation and coin from the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. OKC VA Chaplains Office presented Brother Lonnie with a lapel pin, letter, portion of a flag (to carry it with him from a grateful nation) and hand-made quilt.
The OKC VA believes 100 years on this earth is a milestone worth celebrating and it is a priority to recognize as many Veteran centenarians as possible.
The OKC VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement program called the Centenarian Celebration Project is a special initiative honoring Veterans turning 100 years old.
Congratulations to Brother Lonnie DaVoult. The OKC VA wishes you to have many more years of preaching and teaching as you continue to inspire those around you.
Charity Free Will Baptist Church is located at 2900 S Westminster Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73130 https://www.charityfwbc.com/.
For more information about the OKC VA CDCE Centenarian Celebration Project, please contact the OKC VA website at https://www.va.gov/oklahoma-city-health-care/, contact OKCPublicAffairs@va.gov or visit the VA main page at
https://www.va.gov/ Home | Veterans Affairs.

Across
1 Kilauea flow
5 Clear dishes from
8 Jammies
11 Hosp. figures
14 Longest, as odds
16 Like many Berbers
18 *Occasion to pin back one’s coif?
19 Like village roads
20 Mediterranean country
22 Mixed martial artist Rousey
23 Girl of the fam
26 *Catchy part of a virtuous song?
29 Shortly
32 Arboreal marsupial
33 “You betcha”
34 Garage door opener brand
35 Org. that includes the TSA
38 *People born during the Era of Good Feelings?
42 Digs in the mud
43 Battery measures
44 Biblical mount
45 Bernie in his mittens, Keanu playing with puppies, etc.
46 “Yeah, that’s old news”
47 *Evening spent downloading the latest OS?
52 Manhattan option
53 Mind
54 Qualifying events
57 Calm
60 Social climbers, and what the answers to the starred clues literally have
64 Brings in
65 “You can guess the rest”
66 Put away
67 Keystone bumbler
68 Mauna __
69 Monumental
Down
1 “Geaux Tigers!” sch.
2 High point of a trip to Europe?
3 YouTube clip, for short
4 Mine, in MontrŽal
5 Capital in the Levant
6 Many an election night graphic, for short
7 Direct
8 LAX setting
9 Yak
10 Limited autonomy, so to speak
11 Pipe cleaner
12 Internet stranger
13 Quarterback maneuver
15 The Colorado fourteeners, e.g.: Abbr.
17 Hana Airport greeting
21 Compares
23 Facial cavity
24 Unsuitable
25 Watched from the sidelines
27 Left
28 Locks
30 Letters in ancient history
31 “Tell me if this is too personal, but … “
34 Understands
35 Currency of Serbia and Jordan
36 White with frost
37 Biting
39 Large volume
40 Singer Campbell
41 Draw
45 Two socks, hopefully
46 Mississippi source
47 Linguistic practices
48 Violinist/singer Haden
49 Light rail stop
50 Slop
51 Aware of
55 Cell service letters
56 Appease fully
58 Citigroup’s Jane Fraser, e.g.
59 Super vision?
61 Set component
62 Tetra- minus one
63 __ bunt

by Bobby Anderson, Staff Writer

When Casimir Sokolnicki came to Legend at Rivendell Assisted Living four years ago, nobody knew just how much of a story he had to tell.
And this December, he’ll have a few of those stories to share as he celebrates his 104th birthday.
Sokolnicki was recently honored by the Oklahoma Assisted Living Association as the oldest resident in Oklahoma.
Sokolnicki came to Legend at Rivendell Assisted Living about four years ago.
A couple of years later, Carrie McGovern started as the life enrichment coordinator.
“He is very polite, proper. I would say he’s soft-spoken and our oldest veteran,” McGovern said.
Sokolnicki’s story began on December 20, 1919, in Cleveland, Ohio.
That year, a pound of bacon was 34 cents, eggs were 55 cents a dozen, milk was 26 cents per gallon and a loaf of bread was nine cents.
He had two sisters and one brother, the latter who lived for three days before succumbing to the Spanish Flu.
He graduated from East Technical High School in 1938.
He married Lois Lorene Berry on Oct. 20, 1942.
Sokolnicki was married for 68 years. Two children, six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren would follow.
He spent time in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He dedicated 20 years of his life as an aircraft maintenance and flight engineer.
In total, his government service spanned 44 years with time spent with the Federal Aviation Administration.
Sokolnicki was responsible for running flight inspections on B-25, B-26, and B-47 airplanes, keeping thousands of lives safe at home and abroad.
He has seen so much change.
“Computers,” Sokolnicki said when asked about some of the biggest changes he’s seen. “I don’t use one but it’s amazing. I remember crystals and cat whiskers, they called them, touching together to hear radio transmissions. Now my daughter’s iPhone does everything.”
With a more than century of experience, he’s a wealth of information.
“Don’t give up,” he said when asked for his piece of advice. “Things are changing but we can’t live in the past. Just try to keep up. People have to adapt. Always look for something over the hill to push yourself.”
Sokolnicki is a regular in the Rivendell dining area and to those special events that he enjoys, particularly National Ice Cream Day.
Seeing him and the history he carries has McGovern in awe.
“It is really cool,” she said. “Most of our residents are in their 80s and 90s. It’s so cool because they have seen so much development and technology has come so far. It’s walking history really. They’ve seen things change.”
According to the not-for-profit Centenarians of Oklahoma, there are believed to be 400-500 centenarians living in Oklahoma. That’s roughly one centenarian for every 7,413 people in our state.
The Oklahoma Assisted Living Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of dignity and choice for older Oklahomans and to the quality of their care in the senior living setting.
Closing in on 104 years, Sokolnicki thinks about what he would like to be remembered for. It’s something we should all strive for.
“Forgive people,” he said. “Because a lot of times they just don’t know what they’re doing.”
Legend at Rivendell Assisted Living is located at 13200 S May Ave in Oklahoma City. Come by Legend at Rivendell or visit https://legendseniorliving.com.

by Greg Schwem

OK, China, you win. You’ve successfully infiltrated my TikTok and, in turn, my movements and my dreams. Happy?
I didn’t want to believe it. In fact, I laughed when Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signed legislation banning TikTok from mobile devices in that state, a move that will take effect Jan. 1 but is expected to be challenged in court. I laughed because I’ve been to parts of Montana where there is literally nothing to do except watch videos of wedding pranks gone awry and 30-minute Instant Pot recipes. Ban TikTok in San Diego. It’s 75 and sunny there every day. Residents should be able to find something else to do.
The first inkling I had that TikTok was watching me occurred this summer in Alaska. I’d been planning a day hike in Skagway, a panhandle town popular with cruise ship passengers. Nothing too strenuous, I texted Mike, a friend who had visited Skagway multiple times and knew the trails. Just a path I could traverse solo without getting lost. That happened once, doubling my 5-mile hike in the process.
He offered suggestions and, that morning, I prepared to tackle Lower Dewey Lake, although “tackle” may be overstating things.
“That’s the easy hike,” Mike said.
While eating breakfast I was casually scrolling TikTok, where, for the first time since I joined the platform, I was greeted by video after video of hikers.
Being chased by bears.
I have to hand it to TikTok; at least the videos offered some variety. I saw black bears, brown bears, grizzly bears, momma bears protecting cubs and daddy bears that just looked ravenous. The only thing they had in common is that all were staring at, and advancing on, hikers too stupid to do anything other than record the encounters with their iPhones.
“Don’t move, kids. Honey, don’t make a sound,” I heard one assumed husband and father say as he zoomed in on a furry beast.
“Don’t move, kids?” What kind of a vacation comes with that command? And what would happen if the wife did make a sound, like saying, “I knew marrying this idiot was a bad idea,” under her breath?
I elected to hike the trial anyway, but happily followed any sign that said “shortcut” or a synonym thereof. I completed the hike in about 30 minutes, but it was not without pain. My neck was very sore from constantly turning around to see what species of bear was following me.
A month later I dreamed I was eating dinner with Taylor Swift.
It was a quick dream; I remember we were dining al fresco and sushi was the main course. The dream also included me recounting the dinner to a friend, who demanded proof. Sadly, all of the videos I shot during our meal were of sushi. But I could hear Taylor’s voice in the background.
“That enough proof?” I asked my skeptical friend.
The dream went poof instantly, as dreams often do. I don’t even know if Taylor ordered extra wasabi, offered to pay the check, or had me beaten up by the football dude she is currently dating. What I do know is that, the following morning, my TikTok feed was full of everything Taylor Swift.
There was live concert footage from her Eras tour, Taylor singing at 11 years old, Taylor watching the boyfriend catch passes while wearing his jersey. Until now not a single Taylor Swift video had permeated my feed. Suddenly, I couldn’t get rid of her.
I am beginning to think TikTok doubles as my crystal ball or Ouija board. Perhaps I should consult it before venturing out, for it seems to know what potentially awaits me.
Which is why, as I write this column in a Los Angeles hotel room, I am afraid to leave the premises.
For, according to TikTok, I will either find myself at a gender reveal, or encounter an abandoned dog and her puppies.
Neither sounds particularly appealing. I may just have an Uber driver take me to San Diego.
(Greg Schwem is a corporate stand-up comedian and author of two books: “Text Me If You’re Breathing: Observations, Frustrations and Life Lessons From a Low-Tech Dad” and the recently released “The Road To Success Goes Through the Salad Bar: A Pile of BS From a Corporate Comedian,” available at https://www.amazon.com/. Visit Greg on the web at https://www.gregschwem.com/.
You’ve enjoyed reading, and laughing at, Greg Schwem’s monthly humor columns in Senior Living News. But did you know Greg is also a nationally touring stand-up comedian? And he loves to make audiences laugh about the joys, and frustrations, of growing older. Watch the clip and, if you’d like Greg to perform at your senior center or senior event, contact him through his website at https://www.gregschwem.com/)

mailto:billnorfleet@hotmail.com

Oklahoma woman battles a rare and debilitating disease

Story and photo by Jake Strickbine, contributing writer

We tend to take for granted things — things like our ability to walk or to tie our own shoes — until we can no longer do those things.
Emily Rogec lives that reality, and she is grateful for every movement she can still make.
Diagnosed at just six years old with a rare disorder that attacks the nervous system, the Purcell woman was in a wheelchair by 12. Friedrich’s Ataxia is so rare it impacts only one in every 50,000 people in this country.
“It’s progressive,” said Tracy Weidman, Emily’s mom. “It doesn’t just affect her walking. It’s her hands. It’s her throat. It’s her heart. It’s anything that’s muscle.”
The odds may be stacked against her, but Emily is now 27 and proves every day that she is a fighter. Emily has also found a powerful ally in Taylor Marcum, a physical therapist at Valir PT in Purcell.
“Emily’s disease affects the nervous system. So, it affects her physically, but mentally, she is sharp as a tack and witty,” Marcum explained.
Marcum admits she had not heard of Friedrich’s Ataxia before meeting Emily, but she has worked to learn more about the condition. Using that knowledge, Marcum has developed a program to help Emily retain movement.
“I think it helps with my core and a little bit with strength,” Emily said with great effort. Even the ability to talk is impacted by her disease.
Using her knowledge and skills as a physical therapist, Marcum targets specific areas of the body to help Emily maintain as much independence as possible. Her mom has seen the positive changes firsthand.
“Physically, she can hold things better,” said Weidman. “When we’re working with her hands, when I need to pick her up to transfer her, her muscles are working a little bit better. It just kind of gives her a better quality of life.”
In addition to helping with strength and movement, physical therapy helps target the pain Emily experiences as a result of sitting in a wheelchair all day.
Emily believes the team at Valir and the work they are doing together is making a difference.
“It helps my muscles contract a lot and I do think my arms are getting a little bit stronger with some of the exercises we do,” she said.
Each small gain is a big victory against a debilitating disease.
“I think for us to be able to help her in any way, shape or form that we can, whether it’s sitting more upright in her wheelchair or getting stronger – anything we can do to improve her quality of life is just a reward for everyone,” Marcum said.
Although there is no cure for Friedrich’s Ataxia, with the help of the team at Valir PT in Purcell, Emily plans to do all she can to fight back. And she remains grateful for every movement she can still make.

The brain has plasticity and can grow at any age – if you use it.
Seniors in Oklahoma City took this “use or lose it” message seriously all year long.
More than 55 people every month took advantage of free sessions called Senior LifeSkills Learning workshops. These are the people, age 50 and more, who take personal responsibility for continued learning. Senior LifeSkills Learning topics ranged from “How to Fall Correctly” to “Get a Grip on Improving Your Brain,” to “Insider Tips on Doctors Visits” and much more. All the presentations are based on approved and tested research, but presented for practical application and in “plain English.”
One of the popular workshops involved identifying and differentiating certain smells. This demonstrates strong brain activity. The sense of smell is one of the first things to change as Alzheimer’s disease takes root, even before other symptoms appear. The workshop offered a simple but valid standardized “scratch and sniff” screening to encourage intentional training of the brain to recognize smells.
VillagesOKC organizes and promotes these monthly 90-minute events in cooperation with Our Lord’s Lutheran Church which provides the space.
In order to circle the city with learning opportunities, VillagesOKC also created three Positive Aging days of learning at local campuses. The first Positive Aging was held at Rose State College, then in June one was held at Southern Nazarene University, and most recently Positive Aging: Love Your Brain was held at MetroTech Springlake campus. Combined attendance at the Positive Aging and LifeSkills Learning events totaled 839.
More than 220 individuals came for a day of learning from local professionals such as Bruce McIntyre from the Parkinson’s Foundation and Richard V. Smith, MD, Neurosurgeon at Mercy. Dr. Smith gave the latest in stroke information and prevention. Dr. Jonathan Vestal reminded attendees to “do what you did at first” – hold your head high, look straight ahead when walking, shake hands often and break bread together. He even had the crowd standing on one foot to improve balance. These daylong events were free and included a light lunch and a movie. All had one focus: improving the brain.
Everyone wants a better brain. The Netflix documentary, “Living to 100” illustrates how people around the world are living long and living well. And it all starts in the brain.
The brain represents who we are, which is why so many are eager to learn about ways to improve the brain. In the last Positive Aging event of the year, we watched the documentary, “My Love Affair with the Brain,” which is the story of Dr. Marian Diamond and her 60 years of brain research and teaching at the University of California at Berkeley. She succinctly summarized the way to keep the brain growing and improving: diet, exercise, something new, something challenging and love.
Here in Oklahoma, there are many organizations which do a magnificent job of helping when seniors are in need or in crisis. Although VillagesOKC members do help each other as good neighbors, VillagesOKC’s focus is uniquely education. We are in the business of prevention. Empowering the 370,000 adults 50 and older in greater Oklahoma City to first take personal responsibility and then help another as the very best way to provide for everyone. The village movement encourages learning so each can make the best personal choice. Learning leads to planning for the bumps in life and this leads to serving others.
In three words, VillagesOKC members: Learn. Plan. Serve.
To learn more about http://www.villagesokc.org/, call or text 405.990.6637 or email info@villagesokc.org.