Aging in Place

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aging in place
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BY SUSAN NOACK, CHAIR, TUALATIN AREA AGING TASK FORCE

Part of the mission and goals of the Tualatin Area Aging Task Force is to ensure the highest quality of life for the over 50 population, be a resource to support health, independence and wellbeing, and promote safety and social services.

We all know aging is inevitable but we can control how we age.

Health authorities state that older adults are more likely to experience social isolation, depression, obesity, drug dependency and pain. Did you know that arthritis is the leading cause of disability, and causes pain, aching, stiffness and swelling of joints? Over 20 million adults over the age of 65 have some form of arthritis, and 1 in 3 are inactive. About half of the adults with arthritis have heart disease, diabetes or obesity and limitations of their normal activities.

How do you combat these ailments and become more active? You can take advantage of the resources offered in our community and being informed how to monitor and improve your own health conditions.

Some of the answers are: walk at your own pace at least 15 minutes a day; eat healthy; take an exercise class; participate in a brain health workout class (ways to support daily thinking skills and reduce your risk of memory loss); socialize with others; participate in community activities and events; volunteer.

The Juanita Pohl Center for Active Aging Adults is becoming cutting edge in offering a variety of classes, experiences, day trips, a healthy lunch every week day provided by Meals on Wheels People, and a variety of ways to socialize with others. Check out the Explore Tualatin Spring Guide for all the activities at the Center.

Many levels of exercise classes are offered: Gentle Yoga, Tai Chi for Better Balance, SilverSneakers and Silver&Fit, and two different programs in April to exercise your brain (it needs a workout too). Two new programs coming in April that will be fun, informal, social and informational are: Walk with Ease supported by the Arthritis Foundation to get outside, walk with a group in Community Park (a program designed and proven to reduce pain and improve overall health and socialize) and have fun. The second program is in the classroom called Active Every Day Living, designed to help sedentary people become and stay physically active. You will learn the tools needed to become active in your own home and out.

All of the above are presented as options for the 65+ crowd to combat the loneliness, isolation, lack of movement and every day routines that we all feel sometimes. You can call the Center at 503-691-3061 for more information.

If you don’t drive or have access to public transportation, problem solved! Contact Ride Connection at 503-226-0700 to register yourself and have access to transportation where you need to go in Tualatin.

Their vans are handicap accessible with trained drivers and the best part – it’s free!

The next meeting of the Tualatin Area Aging Task Force will be on Monday, April 10, 3 pm, Juanita Pohl Center. Our guest will be Rachael Duke, Executive Director of CPAH (Community Partners for Affordable Housing). Please join us. For comments/questions, contact susancnoack@hotmail.com.

Susan Noack
Susan Noack
has lived in Tualatin for 15 years. Before retirement, she was a development director/ event planner for non-profits. Now as an “Aging in Place” senior, her passion is being an advocate for seniors and giving back to the community. She is a member of both the Meals on Wheels People and Juanita Pohl Center advisory committees and chair the Tualatin Area Aging Task Force committee.