In the United States, about one in three seniors older than 65, and almost one in two older than 80, will fall at least once this year — in some cases, leading to serious disability or even death.
There are a number of fall risk factors, including: being older; being female; problems with balance or walking; leg or trunk weakness; dementia; a history of falls; use of a walking device; being on more than four medications at the same time; and preexisting medical conditions, such as stroke, diabetes and Parkinson's disease.
Staying physically active as you age is critical in helping prevent falls. Fifty percent of older adults think that if they decrease their physical activity level, they will have less chance of falling.
In reality, the opposite is true.
Gardening, line dancing and yoga are among the activities that can help older adults improve balance and movement. Improving balance takes time and practice and it doesn't just happen overnight. However, with consistent practice, you should be able to improve your balance over time.
ADVERTISEMENT
The senior center offers a warm, spacious location for you to participate in activities. We have movement classes four days a week so you can participate as much or as little as you would like. Join us as winter drags on for fun and social activities.
The Senior Center is working with a local gardening club to bring raised gardening beds to the Senior Center. This is a new venture for us and we are very excited. We are looking for volunteers who are interested in helping us set this up, get vegetables planted or just get your fingers in the dirt. If this is something you love or always wanted to do contact Sara at the Center 433-2370 ext. 3 for more information. You are always welcome at the Senior Center.
Upcoming events
Tuesday
• 9 a.m., exercise with Evie Anderson.
• 12:30 p.m., Cards, pinochle, duplicate bridge.
Wednesday
ADVERTISEMENT
• 8:30 a.m., wood carving.
• 10 a.m., macular degeneration.
• 9:30 a.m., tai chi classes (Everyone welcome.)
• 12:30 p.m., cards. Cribbage tournament, duplicate bridge.
• 1 p.m., stitching bees. Bring your handiwork.
• 1 p.m., open chess.Bring a friend and join us for a chess game.
Thursday
• 9 a.m., exercise with Evie Anderson.
ADVERTISEMENT
• Noon, cards, pinochle.
• 1 p.m., open chess.
Friday
• 9:30 a.m., tai chi.
• 12:30 p.m., cards.
Weekly card results
Monday bridge tournament results for Jan. 24, with three tables playing:
First, Dave Ring; second, Ron Peters; third, Betty Jorgenson; fourth, Lois Johnson; fifth, Larry Larson and Mary Johnsen.
ADVERTISEMENT
Pinochle
Hilton Henschen.
Tuesday afternoon "500" tournament results for Jan. 25, with four tables playing:
First, Wayne Chilson; second, Betty Fisher; third, Helen Broitzman; fourth, Burt Svedine.
Friday bridge tournament results for Jan. 28, with four tables playing:
First, Lois Johnsen; second, Ron Peters; third, Dave Ring; fourth, Betty Jorgenson; fifth, Joan Daigneau; sixth, Mable Vaale.
Weekly cribbage tournament results Jan. 26, with three tables playing:
First, Jessie Swain; second, Mable Vaale; third, Hilton Henschen.
ADVERTISEMENT
Duplicate bridge
First, Jim Fisher and Bud Higgins; second, Ella Rouhoff and Connie Johnson; third, Dick Hansen and Larry Crowe; fourth, Fred Langrock and Sheryl Ehlke.
Weekly "500" tournament results for Jan. 28, with four tables playing:
First, Emma; second, Marion Zimmersman; third, Ann Voeltz; fourth, Helen Broitzman.
Semcac daily meals
Tuesday
• BBQ meatballs.
Wednesday
ADVERTISEMENT
• Pork steak.
Thursday
• Chicken square with sauce.
Friday
• Beef roast.
