Lori DeCreny

Thu, Nov 20, 2008 (midnight)

There is no way to sugar coat what is going on in the world. Our economy and those of other nations are in chaos. The Las Vegas area was once considered "recession proof," but with layoffs among some of Clark Counties largest employers, that myth is certainly busted.

What does this have to do with the Senior Center? Well first off, we are not immune from the effects of declining financial stability. We are feeding more and more people with fewer daily donations.

More importantly, we can be a buffer to the harsh realities that we must each face. While we cannot fix anyone's financial or health situation, we can provide that "soft place to fall" and help to alleviate some of the daily stress we face.

It is a proven fact that people who socialize with others regularly have overall better general health. Blood pressure is reduced, and the incidence of depression is lower.

There are other benefits to joining in our daily activities: an active brain is a healthier one, and playing cards or board games keeps the brain working. These activities can help to ward off memory loss. T'ai chi is excellent for those suffering with arthritis or other physical ailments.

Music, too, has been proven to alleviate stress and reduce general malaise. Our weekly music jam on Wednesdays is a great place to hear our local talent and to join in on the sing-a-longs. We also have a discussion group that meets twice per month and is a good place to vent. Sometimes just saying something out loud diminishes the fear. Who knows, there may be somebody else who is feeling the same way.

If you've never been to the Senior Center, keep an open mind. I've heard many 60-somethings say "I'm not old enough."

My response is, "Not old enough to share a cup of coffee with friends, play a game of cards, bingo, or poker, eat a delicious nutritious meal, or listen to music?"

Come on in and see what we are all about — people caring about other people. Have a great week!

This Week at the Senior Center

Thursday

8 a.m. — Wood carvers

9 a.m.-12 p.m. — Commodities

1 p.m. — Canasta and pinochle

1 p.m. — Chatty Hatters

Friday

8:30 a.m. — Book cleaners

9 a.m. — SHIP Medicare

9:15 a.m. — T'ai chi

12 p.m. — Duplicate bridge

12:30 p.m. — Health/Wellness discussion group

1 p.m. — 500 cards

1 p.m. — Pinochle

Saturday

9 a.m. — Weight Watchers

Sunday

10 a.m. — United Methodist Church of Boulder City

Monday

9 a.m. — Toenail clinic

11:30 a.m. — Mah jongg

1 p.m. — Wood carving

1 p.m. — Party bridge

Tuesday

10 a.m. — Coin collecting

12:45 p.m. — Poker

1 p.m. — Pinochle

6 p.m. — Weight Watchers

Wednesday

9 a.m. — Blood pressure

9 a.m. — Weight Watchers

9:15 a.m. — T'ai chi

10 a.m. — Diabetes support group

12:30 p.m. — Open music jam

12:45 p.m. — Bingo

6 p.m. — Duplicate bridge

Lunch Menu

Thursday — Turkey, stuffing, baked yams, fruit salad, rolls, pumpkin pie

Friday — Spaghetti, broccoli cuts, garlic bread

Monday — Shepherd's pie, salad bar, fruit, birthday cake and ice cream

Tuesday — Chicken pot pie, salad bar, fruit

Wednesday — Chili, salad bar, fruit