LIFE, HEALTH & HAPPINESS FOR NORTH WHIDBEY’S 50-PLUS CROWD VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 12 • MAY 2014 “What’s most exciting about this study is that it challenges established scientific beliefs about how people can manage their day-to-day moods in a healthy and natural way,” said Jeannette HavilandJones, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at Rutgers and lead researcher on the study.
Costco is coming! On May 5, 2:30pm, Costco will be visiting our Senior Center with goodies and information. Sign up today to welcome Costco and be part of something exciting!
IMPROVE YOUR DRIVING SKILLS AARP Driver Safety Course will boost safety awareness, refresh and improve driving skills, minimize crash risk, increase confidence, and maintain independence. Check your insurance for discounts. Class will be held at the Oak Harbor Senior Center, Saturday, May 31 from 9:00-5:00pm. Cost is $15.00 AARP members and $20.00 nonmembers. Must register at the Oak Harbor Senior Center or call 279-4580. Class is limited to 22 people. PLEASE BRING YOUR LUNCH.
Meals on Wheels Benefit Luncheon June 21st at 12:00 pm
Oak Harbor Senior Center is holding a Benefit Luncheon for Meals on Wheels! A delicious Japanese meal and amazing entertainment . $20.00 per ticket. This luncheon will fill up quickly. Reserve your place at the table ASAP at the Front Desk or call 360-2794580.
Flower Power By Barb Spence How often do we see articles written about our high stressed, high-tech and fast-paced lifestyle taking its daily toll on our lives, and the experts advice about exercise and other personal lifestyle changes to relieve stress? According to behavioral research conducted at Rutgers University, flowers should be added to that list. The presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life satisfaction, and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed.
It’s almost here! We will be kicking off the 2014 Step It Up 12 week walking program on July 7th with a Kick Off Party. All participants will challenge themselves to their personal best during the 12 week program. Are you up for it? Last summer we had over 75 people taking on the challenge. Can we top 100 this year? Look for the announcement in June’s Second Wind for details on registration and answers to your questions. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience.
The study showed that flowers are a natural and healthful moderator of moods. Flowers have an immediate impact on happiness. All study participants expressed “true” or “excited” smiles upon receiving flowers, demonstrating extraordinary delight and gratitude. This reaction was universal, occurring in all age groups. Flowers make intimate connections. The presence of flowers lead to increased contact with family and friends. The Rutgers study also explored where in their homes people display flowers. The arrangements FLOWER continued on page 2
THANK YOU We want to give a big Thank You to these Navy personnel and NW Lions who participated in the Lions Paint Project on March 22, 2014. From left to right: North Whidbey Lions and Navy Volunteers Reid Benson, VAQ-133, Jeanette Benson, Chorvin Chim, Lions James Blair, Lion Chadd Davis, Joshua Murphy. Not pictured: Lion Doug Tyler and Lion Richard Mack. These great folks painted our Arts and Crafts Room. You did a fabulous job and we thank you for the incredible generosity of your time.
WHEN TO GET INVOLVED… By Nadine Joy, Information & Assistance Couselor
“STEP IT UP” IS COMING
The study came up with some interesting conclusions.
I get a lot of calls from people concerned about a family member, friend or neighbor that they believe is doing poorly and needs help. What I find interesting is that most of the time, no one has talked to the person of concern. I talk to people all the time that are living alone and dealing with many, or all parts of their lives that are spinning out of control. Most of the time, the person who is experiencing the changes in their world, is able and willing to talk about it. Sometimes they are happy and relieved that someone cares enough to ask, and they can finally say aloud what has been “eating” at them. One of the most challenging things for friends and family of someone that is failing or having an overall hard time is knowing when and how to help. All of us value our independence, and some elders may resent relatives or friends stepping in to help them with the best intentions. Helpers or helpers-to-be often don’t know exactly when it is the right time to intervene since a person’s decline is generally gradual and sometimes imperceptible if around the person on a regular basis. Here are some suggestions for how and when to step in to help … Communicate
It may seem obvious, but ask the person you are concerned about how they are doing. Find a time Involved continued on page 3
INSIDE THIS EDITION Guest Spot............... Pg. 2 Classes.................... Pg. 2 Groups.................... Pg. 3 Travel...................... Pg. 4 Calendar................. Pg. 5 Games.................... Pg. 6 Health..................... Pg. 6 Menu...................... Pg. 6 Events..................... Pg. 7 Volunteer Showcase. Pg. 7