80-year-old Gloria Tolaro prepares to enter the pool at the aquatic center in Centralia Feb. 10.
Fun in the Water
Brandon Swanson / bswanson@chronline.com
WA State Senior Olympian
Rochester 80-Year-Old Sets Regional Senior Olympian Records By Victoria Stewart
not a lot of junk, and I never go to fast food,” Tolaro said. “My husband’s Italian, so we eat lots For The Chronicle of pasta, not too much fat, and lots of fruits and Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow nor heat vegetables.” keeps Gloria Tolaro from her appointed rounds. Tolaro always enjoyed outdoor sports, including Rounds of swimming, that is, at the aquatic center running, but wasn’t much of a swimmer during at Thorbecke’s Fitlife Center in Centralia, where most of her adult life. the 80-year-old from Rochester trains three days a “I was a kid swimmer and a lifeguard, but I didn’t get back into swimming until I was 66 years week. old,” she explained. As a Senior “I was working at Olympian, Tolaro the YMCA and they takes her swimming were just getting practice seriously ... people interested in and enjoyably. the Senior Games And on Feb. 5, and the Olympics. all that swimming By Victoria Stewart I went to my first paid off as Tolaro For The Chronicle national games in broke three The Washington State Senior Games (WSSG) 1999.” Pacific Northwest includes a wide variety of events for all activity levels While Tolaro Association and interests — from powerlifting to cowboy action said she only did records in the 80shooting. “okay” at the to 84-year-old Events include: first games, she age group of the Archery, bowling, dance, pool/8-ball, racquetball, was immediately Washington State shuffleboard, swimming, track and field, badminton, hooked. With Senior Olympics. cowboy action shooting, golf, powerlifting, road run games held every Despite her (5K and 10K), soccer, table tennis, volleyball, basketball, year somewhere embarrassment at cycling, pickleball, race walking, rowing, softball and around the country, the media attention, tennis. Tolaro has been Tolaro agreed to For more information check out the Washington State attending ever an interview “If,” Senior Games (WSSG) at: www.pugetsoundgames. since. She has been she stressed, “it com to games in Florida, encourages other Gloria Tolaro is the commissioner for the swimming Louisiana, Virginia, older people to division of the WSSG. For more information on the P e n n s y l v a n i a , swim and exercise.” swimming senior Olympic division, contact her at: Kentucky and San Exercise and 19gloria@sprintmail.com. Francisco, among maintaining a her travels. healthy lifestyle are These national important to this games are in addition to yearly local Senior retired occupational therapist, who spent her career Olympics, and numerous other regional swim working with improving the functional capacity of meets. people with disabilities. Her background training prepared her for entering and maintaining her Married to husband Jay for 56 years, Tolaro own senior years. This includes maintaining a laughs when asked if any of her family also swims. With two grown children in Arizona and Texas, healthy diet as well.
Washington State Senior Games
“I generally eat low fat and try to eat healthy,
Continued on SWW Seniors Pg 2
Gloria Tolaro Stats Residence: Rochester Age: 80 Height: 5 foot 10 inches Weight: 160 Homeland: Northern Illinois Married: For 56 years to husband Jay Career: Retired occupational therapist Children: Two Grandchildren: Three Swim practice: Three days a week Hobbies: Gardening and quilting
SWW Seniors • February 2011
Seniors Southwest Washington
2 • SWW Seniors • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011
SWW Seniors • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011 • 3
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LiPo Ching/San Jose Mercury News/MCT Bill Denison, 79, from left, and Daisy Ung, 81, receive instruction from SeniorNet computer class instructor Jerry White at the Willow Glen Community and Senior Center in Willow Glen, California, January 19, 2011.
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Gloria Tolaro broke three Pacific Northwest Association (PNA) records in the 80- to 84-year-old age group. 200 Yard Freestyle Age Group 80-84 Years Old Previous Record Held By: Pat Matthiesen 4:15.88 Set on Feb. 16, 1997 New Record: Gloria Tolaro 4:07.67 Set on Feb. 5, 2011
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50 Yard Backstroke Age Group 80-84 Years Old Previous Record Held By: Bernice Phillips 51.82 Set on May 4, 2008 New Record: Gloria Tolaro 50.74 Set on Feb. 5, 2011
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SAN JOSE, Calif. _ About 60 people recently filled the multi-use room at the Willow Glen Community Center in San Jose, Calif., for a discussion about Gmail, Google's free e-mail service. After an overview from Walt Cole, a computer instructor and retired IBM engineer, the attendees started firing questions. One wanted to know how Gmail worked with Google Voice, the company's Internet calling service. Another wanted to know if there was a way to sync Gmail with phone-based e-mail programs. Yet another wanted to know how to move calendar entries from Microsoft's Outlook program to Google. The gathering was remarkable not because of the questions or the topic _ this is Silicon Valley, after all, and technology is part of the very air we breathe. What made it remarkable was that nearly everyone in the room appeared to be older than 55, and many were much older than that. When it comes to technology, many seniors are out of the loop. A much smaller proportion of older Americans use computers or the Internet than Americans in other age groups. But as the community center gathering indicated, seniors have begun to embrace technology. Computer use among Americans 65 and older has doubled in the past 10 years, while Internet usage among that age group has more than tripled, according to the Pew Internet Project. Just seven years ago, most volunteers on AARP California's mailing list didn't have an e-mail address, noted Christina Clem, a spokeswoman for the senior advocacy organization. Now the AARP has e-mail addresses for all but a few volunteers in the entire state. The digital divide "is not as big as it used to be," Clem said. Senior advocates and researchers say that's partly because of the aging of baby boomers who have used computers for much of their working lives. But it's also because of the pervasiveness of technology in American lives, as well as the desire of seniors to stay in touch with children and grandchildren who tend to communicate via the Internet. "The real trick is getting them over the initial hump" of using computers, said Aaron Smith, a senior research specialist with Pew Internet. "Once they're involved, they are as active or more active than other users." The gathering at the community center was part of a years-long effort to help San Jose seniors get over that hump and keep up with the latest tech trends. It was sponsored by the local branch of SeniorNet, a national nonprofit group that offers technology courses to seniors. For more than 12 years, the Serving SeniorNet center LewiS County in Willow Glen has supplemented its classes with Compassionate Consultation • Locally Owned User Group, a monthly meeting •Artificial Limbs • Knee Braces that focuses on • Leg Braces • Arch Supports technology topics of interest to • Diabetic Shoes members. • Repairs & Adjustments In addition to Gmail, User • Home Or Office Visits Group has recently looked at computer (360) 330-1602 security, Facebook 1720 Cooks Hill Rd. and Windows 7. Raymond Frieszell, MS, CPO Centralia, Wa Licensed Prosthetist/Orthotist Upcoming topics Office Hours by Appointment include blogging, MEDICARE • VA • DSHS • L & I • ALL INSURANCES online tax
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50 Yard Freestyle Age Group 80-84 Years Old Previous Record Held By: Muriel Flynn 49:69 Set on April 10, 2004 New Record: Gloria Tolaro 47.43 Set on Feb. 5, 2011
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preparation, Adobe Photoshop Elements and smartphones. Attendees tend to change from month to month depending on the topic, say the regulars. "These are people who are interested in what's going on," said Miles Welter, a SeniorNet teacher and longtime User Group participant. Some in the group, like Helen Stolin, have worked in technology. She's a retired software engineer who has attended the meetings off an on since 2002. She attended a session last year on Windows 7 because she didn't have the software on her home computer and wanted to learn more about it. "It's nice to be on the edge of technology," she said. Others come to learn more about technology useful for hobbies they've nurtured since retiring. Tom Barashas, 59, a photography enthusiast, mainly attends meetings that relate to digital photography. User Group "has been very informative in helping me decide what to purchase," he said. Still others use the group to acquaint themselves with websites or technology that they've heard about from family or friends, but don't know how to use. That's why Joyce Monda, 72, attended the meeting on Gmail. "I was interested in switching," she said, adding that after learning more at the User Group meeting, "I'm not sure I want to now." Learning about technology is not the only reason some attend the meetings. Organizers and participants say they give seniors a chance to socialize. Indeed, some attend sessions "just to get out of the house," said Welter, adding, "A lot of seniors just like to talk to other people." Roger Fong started the User Group in 1998 after becoming involved with SeniorNet two years earlier, after his retirement as a systems engineer at Lockheed. His aim was to supplement SeniorNet's computer classes. User Group was patterned after similar meetings he had attended while at Lockheed, where technology vendors would come to get feedback on their products from actual users. The Willow Glen User Group has met monthly, with occasional breaks, since 1999. "One of the problems with (SeniorNet) was after you take a class, what do you do next?" said Fong. "How do you keep people interested? How do you keep up with the state of the art? I was hoping the User Group could be the answer." Phil Carnahan, one of founders of San Jose's SeniorNet, said he's pleased with how User Group has turned out. "It's a really neat thing for people," he said. SWWS
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knees — or if you have bad feet, like I do, it is wonderful. You can keep on getting your aerobic workout.” Among her swimming partners is Evelyn Hoffman, a 92-year-old fellow Senior Olympian. Hoffman concurs with Tolaro’s assessment of swimming as the ideal exercise for all ages. “I don’t like exercise per se,” Hoffman said. “It never appealed to me. But when I swim, I get exercise and the joy of being in the water.” Hoffman also had praise for Gloria’s speed and swimming style. “Gloria is of course younger and taller than I am, so there is no way I could ever compete with her,” said Hoffman, who swims often with her friend at a pool in Olympia. “She’s done a wonderful job as far as getting us all together and doing things as a swim commissioner for the games.” SWWS ••• Victoria Stewart is a freelance writer and photographer. She can be reached at creative01writer@yahoo.com.
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and three grandchildren, she realized not a one of them could be considered a swimmer — like the medal-winning matriarch of the family. At Thorbecke’s, Tolaro is a member of the South Sound Master Swimmers with swim team members ranging in age from their 20s on up. Tolaro swims under the direction of coach Heather Graham, swimming three days a week plus time in the gym. “Gloria is consistent, long and strong,” Graham said in praise of Tolaro’s style. “And when she swims, she doesn’t give up. I always forget she’s 80 years old. She’s like, ‘go, go, go, go, go!’ She shows up for practice, and she’s not an excuse maker.” Tolaro noted that swimming offers much in the way of physical benefits for seniors, as well as people of all ages and capabilities. “As you get toward the eighties, (muscles) are starting to thin out a little, but there is still something there,” Tolaro said. “Swimming is much easier on your joints, without putting pressure on your
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Brandon Swanson / bswanson@chronline.com Above: Evelyn Hoffman, 92, right, lifts up her swimming cap in order to hear Gloria Tolaro, 80, as they chat at the aquatic center in Centralia Feb. 10. "I can't see, and I can't hear, but I can swim," Hoffman joked. Below: Members of an adult swim team talk about what kind of strokes they will practice at the aquatic center in Centralia Feb. 10. Clockwise from left, Evelyn Hoffman, 92, Gloria Tolaro, 80, Brook Malayoshi, 29, and Betsy Kassen, 58.
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4 • SWW Seniors • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011
SWW Seniors • The Chronicle, Centralia/Chehalis, Wash. Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011 • 5
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Creativity will also help tap into your mother’s long term memory. Ask her about her favorite music. I always try to find songs from the era when my clients were 15 to 30 years old. I’ll sing their favorite songs, and even pass around sheet music so other family members can sing along. You can also use music as a way to introduce dancing so your mother gets some exercise. My clients often dig their heels in about exercise, but they usually love to dance. The creative juices flow more freely when a person is moving their body.
My new office is located in Morton General Hospital’s Internal Medicine Clinic. Call 360-496-3641 for appointments.
For those who aren't fitness fanatics, getting back in shape is a goal to strive for. Though rates of overweight and obesity are high, society has also grown increasingly health-conscious in the last 10-20 years, as the growing number of gyms and other fitness centers can attest. Still, for those hoping to shed a few extra pounds, the first step toward doing so can be the hardest. Many instantly think of the oftintimidating nature of the local gym, where muscular fitness enthusiasts dominate the landscape. However, getting fit does not have to include weight training. While weight training can be a valuable means to get healthier and shedding pounds, there are a host of other exercise options that can lead to very positive results.
Much of yoga is concerned with helping you become stronger, more balanced, focused, and flexible. If you're looking for a non-competitive environment where you can move at your own pace, this might be the best workout program for you. SWWS
Over the last 40 years, Dr. Marion (Marion Somers, Ph.D.) has worked with thousands of seniors and their caregivers as a geriatric care manager and elder care expert. It is now her goal to help caregivers everywhere through her book (“Elder Care Made Easier"), iPhone apps (www.elder911.net) web site, columns, public service announcements, and more. For more information, visit www.DrMarion.com
Aqua aerobics.
For those who enjoy time in the pool, you could consider an aqua aerobics class. For those who love swimming, choose a gym that has a pool, and that offers some derivation of aqua aerobics which consists of intense cardio movements mixed with some strength training. The chief benefit of a good aqua aerobics workout is that it will work all your muscle groups with low impact on joints -- making it ideal for seniors.
The popularity of pilates classes is now so great that many gyms offer classes several times per day. Not unlike yoga, pilates is both a physical and mental exercise. The exercises themselves can be quite demanding, focusing on stretching and breathing that strengthens the abdominal core.
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Fusion.
For those who subscribe to the idiom that "variety is the spice of life," fusion classes (also known as total body conditioning) classes could be the perfect fit. That's because such classes are a combination of other classes. Because they combine so many different elements, these classes tend to run a little longer in length, oftentimes exceeding an hour in length. The benefit of these is that they build up your cardiovascular as well as muscular strength.
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The senior population is one of the fastest-growing demographics, thus making it a very influential one. There are currently about 500 million people age 65 or older around the world. And many seniors are living longer than ever before. Statistics project that there will be 580,605 centenarians in the United States in 2040. Also, by 2050, seniors will make up 21 percent of the population. While there is no singular reason for seniors living longer, advancements in medicine no doubt have played a major role in the average life expectancy increasing over the last several years. According to a study from the American Cancer Society released in 2010, age-standardized cancer death rates have been decreasing since the early 1990s, a welcome development the study's author feels is a direct result of reductions in tobacco use, increased cancer screening that help detect cancer earlier and improvements in treatment for specific cancers.
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Spinning is a popular and valuable alternative exercise option. However, because it can be so demanding, spinning can be a tough routine for those making a lifestyle change. Once you've gotten into an exercise groove, spinning might be something to explore. Often set to aggressive, pulsating music, spinning involves riding a stationary bike through demanding courses featuring hills and other difficult terrain.
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If your mother is confined to the house, bring creativity to her. If she can’t write any longer, have her speak her stories into a tape recorder. If she likes to draw, make sure that paint, pencils, markers, crayons, and pens are available. Also, be sure to accommodate the little things, like having enough light or providing a left-handed person with lefthanded scissors. Many of my clients enjoy making collages out of old photos. We also make a family tree. The key is to have fun with it. Creative pursuits will give your mother something to look forward to and talk about. She might even better understand herself and discover a new talent after all these years. I guarantee she’ll be in better spirits, enjoy improved mental acuity, a better appetite, and be more social. SWWS ---
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Creativity works wonders for the elderly. Whether it’s singing, painting, playing an instrument, dancing, or writing poetry or a journal, creativity keeps a person in the here and now. I had one client, a real street-tough guy, who started writing the tenderest poetry at the age of 89. He entered a contest for poets over 75, and darn it if he didn’t win. His poetry changed the way he looked at the world – and himself, and it did wonders for his mental outlook and energy level. Getting in touch with her creative self will allow your mother to stay connected to the wonders of life. She might even draw on creative impulses and abilities she never knew she had, or never had the time to nurture.
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5. Install a telephone inside of the bathroom in case of an emergency situation. A person who has fallen or is ill can easily reach the phone and contact a loved one or emergency services personnel.
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2. Walk-in baths are available for those who have trouble stepping inside of a traditional bathtub. Most feature a waterproof swing-out door that enables the bather to simply walk into the bathtub enclosure. If a bathtub overhaul
4. Consider a raised toilet seat. Bending to sit on the commode and lifting oneself back to a standing position can be difficult for a person with a disability. A raised toilet seat reduces the distance an individual has to bend. Used in conjunction with a grab bar by the toilet, injuries can be reduced.
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1. Install grab bars in the shower and by the toilet. Bars enable an individual to steady himself or herself and provide support.
3. Only use bath mats that have secure, non-slip backings. Bath mats absorb dripped water and can help prevent falls on slippery tile floors. However, without a skid-resistant backing on the mat, the rug is rendered unsafe.
7. Install soap and shampoo holders at a comfortable height. Bending or reaching for bathing necessities can be dangerous when contending with slippery wet conditions. Keep products at a height that is safe and convenient.
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Disabled individuals and seniors who have reduced mobility are often looking for ways to modify their living and working spaces to improve functionality. One of the areas typically given the most careful consideration is the bathroom. According to United States National Health Statistics, roughly 200,000 bathroom-related accidents occur each year. Many of these accidents are falls. The Public Health Agency of Canada says that 1 in 3 seniors will experience a fall each year, and many seniors fall more than once. The bathroom and stairs are listed as particularly dangerous areas for falls. Simple modifications can make the bathroom safer for someone with special needs. Here are some renovations to consider.
6. Clear out extraneous clutter. Most bathrooms are modest in size, which can make maneuvering challenging. Keeping the decor and accoutrements sparse reduces the chances of tripping.