Senior Living

From the Greatest Generation to the beginning of Generation X, all are 50-Plus

Four distinct generations make up the 50-plus community. On any given day, folks from all of these generations can be found at the Westlake Center for Senior & Community Services: The Greatest Generation (people born from 1901-1925), The Silent Generation (1926-1944), The Baby Boomers (1945-1964) and the early part of Generation X (1965-1984).

Since Generation X is just beginning to enter the 50-plus scene, we don't see or hear as much about them. Most of the focus is on The Baby Boomers, as they now constitute more than two-thirds of the 50-plus population.

So why is this important?  Critics may say we are going overboard in labeling people, but not if the labels are just intended as generalities to help understand people. As long as we avoid utilizing them as cookie-cutter definitions, I think that they do provide some general guidance in understanding different people of different ages.

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Volume 11, Issue 8, Posted 9:46 AM, 04.16.2019

Senior Strong: Far West Center partners with area senior centers

Over a year ago, eight West Shore senior centers (Avon, Bay Village, Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, North Ridgeville, Rocky River and Westlake) worked on a collaborative website, combining eight different activity calendars and newsletter information in one place. The result, www.westshoreseniors.org, provides an easier platform to obtain resources and information from surrounding communities. The participating senior centers already enjoyed a strong collaborative relationship, so we were natural partners.

Hearing about our collaboration sparked an idea for Kelly Dylag, president and CEO of the Far West Center, a community mental health center serving the West Shore community. The Far West Center strives to help persons achieve their highest level of mental health and well-being.

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Volume 11, Issue 7, Posted 9:50 AM, 04.02.2019

The joy of grocery shopping with your dad

You’re good to your dad – always looking for ways to get him out, to spend time with him, and to make sure his pantry is stocked. Taking him to the grocery store is the ideal way to check all of these boxes at once.

Here are nine pro tips to maximize your shopping experience with him, from someone who has the sincere privilege of shopping with our parents’ generation a few times every week.  

1. Check your “obligation” mindset at the door. Don’t think of this outing as a weekly nutritional imperative. With the right attitude, it can be the buddy movie you never got around to making: “Dad and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.”

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Volume 11, Issue 7, Posted 9:49 AM, 04.02.2019

Boomer Bash to be held May 1 at LaCentre

The date is set for Boomer Bash West 2019 for Wednesday, May 1, from 4 -7 p.m. at LaCentre in Westlake. The event is one not to miss! An entertaining and educational event for 50+ adults, presented by Northeast Ohio Boomer and Beyond Magazine.

The night will include a mix of entertainment, education, raffle/giveaways, complimentary small bites, happy hour priced cocktails, photo booth fun and much more. “We are thrilled to be returning to LaCentre for Boomer Bash West again this Spring,” notes publisher Brad MItchell. “The positive energy that the vendors and attendees bring to the event truly makes the Bash a Celebration of Life After 50!”

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Volume 11, Issue 7, Posted 9:45 AM, 04.02.2019

Making senior social connections

Personal connections are the basis of being human. We cannot survive without the care of someone else in our infant stage. We cannot learn the fundamental skills of evolving into a person without being taught to eat, walk, speak and learn. We need each other.

Social ties are important not only to one's quality of life, but also one's longevity. Studies indicate that lonesomeness can be as much a health concern as high blood pressure, obesity and alcoholism.

In senior living, making a social connection and meeting new people can be layered with the unsettled emotions of a young adult going out into the world for the first time. However, in senior living, the next chapter of life seems to be spelled in a common language of understanding what it is like to meet new neighbors and make new friends. How about re-connections with friends from your childhood, school days, neighbors where you raised your families, co-workers and colleagues?

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Volume 11, Issue 6, Posted 10:09 AM, 03.19.2019

Cooking demo awakens senses

The senses come alive at Brookdale Westlake Village. Childhood memories are recaptured at unexpected moments as the pages of our lives turn each new day. A memory in song, an emotion tugged by the smile of a child, a hug for a friend that goes through grief, and the aromas of the kitchen that evoke fond memories of food.

It is human nature to enjoy a good meal. You inhale a deep breath as you walk into a kitchen that has the warm smells of cookies in the oven, a skillet sizzling with bacon, a delicious dish passed down through generations like stuffed cabbage rolls, paprikash, Grandma's sauce, or the many delicate pastries like baklava and kolachis.

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Volume 11, Issue 5, Posted 9:54 AM, 03.05.2019

For Mom's doctors appointments, remember the three P's

Doctors appointments can be tough on your mom, when she’s faced with ever-changing offices and doctors, distant parking, check-in terminals, increased testing, shorter appointments ... all at an age when her hearing, vision, thinking and confidence aren’t where they were even five to 10 years ago. 

To improve the odds of her staying healthier and happier, and living longer, it helps to focus on the three P’s to improve the outcomes of her appointments.

Preparation

The days before her appointment are as important as the 20 minutes your mom will spend with the doctor. It’s time to discuss who she’ll be seeing, why, where and when, and to create a plan for the day.

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Volume 11, Issue 4, Posted 9:56 AM, 02.19.2019

Seniors find 'bonus' love

February is the month of love. Cupid is the most recognized symbol of love in Roman mythology. The myth of Cupid’s arrow is known to cause a person to be “struck” to fall in love and no one is entirely immune to Cupid’s arrow.

This holds true in the community of Brookdale Westlake Village where there is no age limit to finding love … again. A new love among seniors that have been widowed can be delicate. There is a sensitivity on many levels when love opens a new chapter in one’s life.

Ageism, a form of discrimination that, at times, silently exists in how we view being “senior” has struggled with finding love after the loss of a spouse. In a senior living community, the language of loss is common and it is the thread that weaves new friendships.

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Volume 11, Issue 4, Posted 10:02 AM, 02.19.2019

Exercise classes just for seniors

So how are you doing on that New Year’s resolution to get into better shape? Did you start that exercise program yet? Is it because you really don’t like to exercise? Do you know why?

For some older adults, the thought of going to a gym with people of all shapes, ages and sizes is intimidating and overwhelming. This feeling turns to hopelessness if that same person has any trouble with mobility, pain, vision or even hearing. How many times have you heard someone say, I can’t exercise because of my (fill in the blank) condition?

There is an alternative for older adults that is far more compatible, and dare I say fun? All of the West Shore area senior centers offer an array of exercise classes that are geared toward seniors; a senior-only gym, if you will.

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Volume 11, Issue 2, Posted 10:04 AM, 01.22.2019

Chair volleyball comes to the Westlake Senior Center

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 40 percent of American adults sit for more than 8 hours per day; 40 percent are physically inactive with no moderate exercise during the week, and an additional 10 percent fit into both categories. These percentages increase with age.

But sitting doesn’t have to mean inactivity. If you’ve ever taken a spinning class, you know what I mean. Chair yoga is another (less intense) option that is very popular with seniors, giving a full work-out regardless of balance and mobility issues.

Now there’s another fun option in town that is also a team sport. Indoor chair volleyball is a new activity taking senior centers across the country by storm. It is played with two teams of at least six players, with a shorter, 5-foot-high net. The “volleyball” is actually a beach ball. Rules are similar to regular volleyball except for the “one cheek on the chair” rule. Yes, I said one cheek on the chair; think about it.

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Volume 11, Issue 1, Posted 9:49 AM, 01.08.2019

10 resolutions for dealing with aging parents

It’s a whole new ballgame when our parents enter their 80s, and it’s easy to fall into bad habits when we’re with them. In 2019 I resolve to:

  1. Stop “dealing” with them: Language matters, and if I’m not careful, Mom will think I consider her a burden, which is not the case. 
  2. Walk in their shoes: Imagine you’ve lost your spouse or home or driving privileges – or all three. Would you be sad now and then? Angry? Confused? I resolve to work on my empathy muscles in 2019.
  3. Consider they might be right: My dad made it to 87 without organic kale juice every morning, so I need to stop sniping about his hot dogs and Pop-Tarts. And I resolve to drop off Dortmunder 12-packs now and then.
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Volume 11, Issue 1, Posted 9:48 AM, 01.08.2019

Join a Fifty-Plus trivia challenge team

Here's a trivia question: What show has been running for the past 50-plus years, primarily on WEWS Channel 5 on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m.? Hint: Don Webster was one of the long-running hosts of this 12-time Emmy Award-winning program.

If you guessed "Academic Challenge," you are correct. If you are 50+ and guessed "Academic Challenge," you should try out for our team!

The senior center in the city of Westlake is participating in an Academic Challenge-style trivia contest which includes 30 senior centers from Northeast Ohio, and we need to form a team! You do not need to live in Westlake to participate, but you do need to be 50 or older, and enjoy trivia competitions.

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Volume 10, Issue 24, Posted 10:04 AM, 12.18.2018

Take the 12 Days of Christmas Challenge to beat the holiday blues

The holidays can offer tidings of comfort and joy, but for some, they are tidings of distress and sadness. In particular, seniors who are coping with losses may experience a more pronounced sense of loneliness over this time of year when expectations are heightened, but daylight is lessened. 

If you are Plus-50 and fall into this category, or in general are looking for ways to better manage your holiday stress, I urge you to take the 12 Days of Christmas Senior Center Challenge.  The challenge is simple, visit one or several of your local senior centers 12 times between now and the end of the year. How will this help? I will give you a dozen ideas to illustrate.

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Volume 10, Issue 22, Posted 9:34 AM, 11.20.2018

Dedication to boating rewarded

Nate Cullinan inducted into Spirit of America National Youth Boating Hall of Fame

On Sept. 24, the Spirit of America Foundation announced the establishment of the first National Youth Boating Hall of Fame and Nate Cullinan from Bay Village was selected as one of four inductees. 

In the 24 years of the Spirit of America Foundation's existence, this new national honor has been presented to the first four young nominees for their truly inspiring dedication to boating and water safety education and the manner in which they have gone above and beyond to share their knowledge with others at such a young age.

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Volume 10, Issue 21, Posted 9:56 AM, 11.06.2018

Arden Courts Westlake recognized for outstanding resident satisfaction

Arden Courts Westlake received the Excellence in Action award from NRC Health. This honor, awarded exclusively to NRC Health post-acute clients, recognizes organizations that achieve the highest overall resident or employee satisfaction scores in the NRC Health database – the largest source of long-term care and senior-living satisfaction metrics in the nation. Arden Courts received the customer satisfaction award.

“It’s NRC Health’s great pride to partner with organizations that show such a strong commitment to service,” said Helen Hrdy, senior vice president of client services. “Their sense of mission, and their ability to realize a compassionate vision of care, has elevated them to peak performance in the long-term care and senior living industry. They couldn’t be more deserving of this award, and we’re thrilled to commend and congratulate them.”

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Volume 10, Issue 20, Posted 10:09 AM, 10.16.2018

What seniors have to say

"I know more about being young than you know about being old!" That was a comeback suggested by one of our patrons to the gentleman who expressed his pet peeve that the young people in his life seem to "talk over him."

"I may be old, but I still have a lot to offer" – everyone in the room nodded in agreement. One person suggested that we make a sign for our building and post that as our new motto. The 30 people in the room had a good laugh over that one.

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Volume 10, Issue 19, Posted 9:57 AM, 10.02.2018

Bay Village launches BV60+ activities for active seniors

The Bay Village Senior Center has launched BV60+, a new group for more active “seniors,” along with activities to appeal to this population.

While anyone age 55+ may actually come to the senior center, focus groups revealed that “younger seniors” do not want to come to a senior center because 1) they are still working, and 2) they do not consider themselves seniors. We also learned, however, that this age group wants to socialize and get to know people in their age group and community.

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Volume 10, Issue 18, Posted 10:04 AM, 09.18.2018

Top 10 reasons to visit the Westlake Senior Center in September

People love Top 10 lists. David Letterman made them a part of our pop culture, and the internet assures an ongoing supply. We like them for a number of reasons: they're memorable, educational, practical, motivational and give us a platform to rank our views, express our opinions and have something to talk about over cocktails or coffee. Senior centers are likable for the same reasons!

In honor of the Top 10 list, here are the Top 10 Reasons why you (who are Plus 50) should visit the Westlake Senior Center in September:

  1. Aging Alone (a paradoxical monthly group with topics to help seniors aging alone, not age alone), on Tuesday, Sept. 4, 10 a.m. The topic will be "Conversation with a Fireman" – Westlake's Assistant Fire Chief, Mike Freeman, will join us to discuss safety in your home. RSVP by Aug. 31.
  2. Through the Eyes of an Artist, a weekly series on Thursdays at 10 a.m., beginning Sept. 6. Felicia Zavarella entertains and educates us about the history and lives of artists: Monet, Remington, Gauguin and Picasso. Learn some of the back-stories of their lives as you view their work with a better understanding. Cost is $12 for series, payable by Sept. 5.
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Volume 10, Issue 16, Posted 8:48 AM, 08.21.2018

Living with dementia in an artful way

The mission of the Carolyn L. Farrell Foundation for Brain Health at the Center for Artful Living is to enrich the lives of families touched by dementia through the arts and community outreach. Dr. Charles Farrell established the Foundation in 2011 to honor his wife, Carolyn, who died in 2015 after touched by dementia for 10 years. 

Earlier this year, the Foundation celebrated the grand opening of its new location with a ribbon cutting ceremony by Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough and Westlake officials.

Enrichment sessions offered include visual art, music, dance/movement, creative storytelling as well as other activities. Although not therapy, the activities try to engage the individuals by incorporating all five senses to strengthen communication and stimulate opportunities for engagement and socialization. These activities are provided free of charge to both the individual and caregiver.

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Volume 10, Issue 16, Posted 8:47 AM, 08.21.2018

Bring it on! Senior walking challenge for the West Shore

Spearheaded by UH St. John Medical Center, seven area senior centers are forming walking teams for the hospital's six-week-long "Bring it On! Senior Walking and Wellness Challenge." Competing senior centers include: Westlake, Bay Village, Lakewood, North Olmsted, North Ridgeville, Rocky River and Avon.

This friendly challenge offers great motivation to start that walking program you have been promising to do. If you are already physically active, this is a great way to stay motivated and maybe "up your game," to shed those unwanted, stubborn pounds. If you aren't fit, it is a great way to start moving.

While this is a team challenge, it is also really a personal challenge. All fitness levels are welcome. If, at the end of the program, you have increased your average number of steps per day, then you are a winner.

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Volume 10, Issue 13, Posted 9:26 AM, 07.03.2018

Free estate planning discussion at BAYarts

A special Friends Forever Luncheon is happening at noon on Friday, June 1, in the BAYarts Fuller House.

It will be facilitated by Brian R. Hassett, vice president and wealth strategist at PNC Ohio Trust Company. Estate planning will be discussed, along with the new tax reform laws and how they affect estate planning and charitable giving strategies. This free talk also includes a free lunch.

RSVP by May 25 to info@bayarts.net or 440-871-6543.

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Volume 10, Issue 10, Posted 9:41 AM, 05.15.2018

My parents and technology

I just returned from my trip to the Philippines to visit my parents whom I had not seen for two years. My dad celebrated his 84th birthday. It was a wonderful trip to catch up for the lost time and spend time with them but as is always the case, leaving my parents was very difficult. I was talking to a friend about it and she said, “It’s the reality.” She was right. It’s the reality of living thousands of miles away.

But there is one saving grace. Technology. With the iPad, my dad sends me texts and emails. We also chat via FaceTime, Duo or Hangouts. My dad even got to meet my son’s baseball teammates during one of his practices.

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Volume 10, Issue 9, Posted 10:00 AM, 05.01.2018

With the right bucket list, 78 can be the new 64

It’s true that people who dream the big dreams, with the gaudiest aspirational goals, make the world go round. But as we age, humility and perspective become more valuable than our time in the 40-yard dash. One successful aging strategy is creating a Monthly Bucket List — short-term and attainable. Make your own list, of course, but here are nine possibilities to get you started.

Leave your town. You don’t need to Uber to Hopkins for this one. Get a ride to a restaurant or mall, or better yet go downtown for any reason. Just get out of your neighborhood for a few hours.

Meet a friend for lunch. Has it been too long since you’ve seen a dear friend? Invite her over. Or invite yourself over. Or meet at a restaurant. Connecting warms your soul on a cold day.

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Volume 10, Issue 6, Posted 10:16 AM, 03.20.2018

Can a senior center improve your health?

How important is social support as a person ages? This may seem like an easy question to answer. Most people would not choose isolation and loneliness versus spending time with friends and loved ones. However, can lack of social support really hinder a person’s overall quality of life?

In a word, yes.

Lack of social support is related to negative impacts on health and well-being, especially for seniors. Having a variety of positive social supports can contribute to psychological and physical wellness of the elderly. While the relationship between physical activity and vitality is well-documented, multiple recent studies have also revealed an increasingly stronger link between social interaction and mental and physical well-being for seniors.

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Volume 10, Issue 5, Posted 9:32 AM, 03.06.2018

Loneliness is the new chronic illness

According to a report last year in Medical News Today, loneliness is a bigger killer than obesity. It is reported to have surpassed obesity and even smoking as a risk factor for premature death. A meta-analysis of research in this area from 1980-2014 finds that social isolation increases risk of death by 30-60 percent. Unfortunately, more and more people report being lonely. Since the 1980s the percentage of Americans who say they are lonely has doubled from 20 percent to 40 percent (according to the New York Times, 2016). For these reasons, loneliness is emerging as a new chronic illness.

Since many seniors live alone and/or have experienced many losses, they are an "at-risk" group for loneliness.

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Volume 10, Issue 5, Posted 9:32 AM, 03.06.2018

It’s time for 'National Give Your Adult Daughter a Break Week'

Strolling through Heinen’s the other day I was surprised to find a 4-year-old girl roaming the store by herself. I peered around the corner behind me and saw that all was well; her mom and grandma were just an aisle behind her.

It’s a regular sight these days – the multi-generational shopping trip – and if there were a club for its practitioners the logo would be a mom face-planted near the dairy section, with Gumby arms stretched halfway up adjacent aisles by a toddler and a grandma.

These are perilous times for so-called sandwich moms, in large part because their own moms don’t understand what the big deal is. The Big Deal is that 1978 Mom and 2018 Mom are as similar as a Ford Country Squire and a Mitsubishi Outlander.

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Volume 10, Issue 5, Posted 9:32 AM, 03.06.2018

Teamwork and compassion help weather the storm

I recently learned about something very special that occurred on the campus of Lutheran Home at Concord Reserve. A couple weeks ago, many of the staff members of this senior living campus in Westlake were keeping a close watch on the winter storm warning for northeast Ohio. A bad wintry mix of rain turning to ice, plus 8-12 inches of snowfall was possible. Those icy conditions and snowfall can cause power outages and hazardous road conditions.

The daily challenges of operating a senior healthcare facility intensify during bad weather, especially if deliveries are late, staff cannot safely drive to work or there is a sudden loss of power. CEO Charlie Rinne, administrator Kevin Kilbane and a team of managers began planning for the worst conditions and how to ensure the safety and well-being of its 152 residents.

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Volume 10, Issue 2, Posted 9:20 AM, 01.23.2018

Westlake man turns 100, celebrates with Meals on Wheels

Westlake Meals on Wheels’ oldest client turned 100 years old and the City declared Dec. 14 Preston Symon Day.

Volunteers and family gathered to celebrate this milestone. Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough read and presented a proclamation from the City outlining Symon’s distinguished military career – he earned a Purple Heart in WWII – and other major milestones in his life. Symon married Olga, the girl across the street, who was the love of his life until she died in 1998. They had a son, Dennis, who married Angel and had two children, Nichole and Michael. Preston has three grandchildren.  He was an avid golfer and bowler until his early 90s when health reasons slowed him down. Preston continues to live on his own watching sports, old westerns and his grandson Michael on "The Chew."

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Volume 9, Issue 24, Posted 9:55 AM, 12.19.2017

Seniors dance the night away

Great fun was had by all at O'Neill Healthcare Bay Village's Steppin’ Out community senior dance. Several of the local senior communities joined to together to orchestrate an evening of food, fun and dancing. St. Ladislas Catholic Church in Westlake provided the ballroom. Even “Chomps,” the mascot for the Cleveland Browns, joined in the fun.

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Volume 9, Issue 20, Posted 9:46 AM, 10.17.2017

Westshore senior centers collaborate

Eight Westshore senior centers have joined forces with Center For Aging in the Digital World to create a “one-stop” website for seniors residing in the western suburbs of Cleveland. Senior center directors from the cities of Westlake, Bay Village, Avon, Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, North Ridgeville and Rocky River have formed a strong collaborative relationship in their efforts to provide quality services and programs to older adults in their communities.

Two years ago at the annual Westshore senior center directors' retreat, the group thought it would be a great service if one website could be created that would contain easily accessible information pertinent to all eight communities. While several people choose to participate at senior centers, the directors realized that there are still many people living in isolation who are unaware of the many services, programs and friendships that are available at their local centers. The hope is to cast a broader "net" of information.

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Volume 9, Issue 18, Posted 10:17 AM, 09.19.2017

A father-daughter dance to remember

One magical evening, the “Central Station” of Arden Courts Memory Care Community in Westlake was transformed into a room of soft music, twinkling starlight, white linens, and a lively dance floor to fulfill a father’s heart's desire.

With the assistance of the helpful, caring and responsive staff and their families, Mike, a resident who is diagnosed with Frontotemporal Degeneration-type dementia, was able to enjoy a father-daughter dinner and dance with his two girls. The team went the whole nine yards to prepare and ensure everything was just right. The special night was part of an Arden Courts program called "Heart's Desire," where the staff fulfill a resident's wish.

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Volume 9, Issue 17, Posted 9:47 AM, 09.06.2017

Free motivation to take charge of your health

Do you find yourself losing interest in exercising and eating a healthy diet, or worse, not even willing to try? Are you frustrated by repeated attempts to change your habits, convinced that you just don’t have the willpower to carry through? You are not alone.

Most of us know what we are supposed to do to get healthier, but somehow that doesn’t translate into doing it.

What if you could tackle a few simple, manageable changes at a time? Studies show that the majority of successful healthy lifestyle changes happen after tackling your problem with minor tweaks, one at a time.

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Volume 9, Issue 16, Posted 10:12 AM, 08.15.2017

Eat ice cream for a good cause at the Westlake Center

I dread hearing people talk about the end of summer, when in Cleveland we are really just smack dab in the middle of it. Seeing school supplies and, even worse, Halloween candy already making its way to the store shelves doesn't help. Personally, I find that ice cream usually helps extend the summer joy. (It doesn't hurt too badly during the other seasons either). Ice cream with lots and lots of caramel and whipped cream is especially something to rejoice. 

If you are looking for some fun summer activities for the "50 Plus" crowd, join us for ice cream and more at the Westlake Center for Community Services. If you haven't visited us before, put us on your list of things to do. We are located at 29694 Center Ridge Road. Our phone number is 899-3544 and website is www.cityofwestlake.org/community-services.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL – Tuesday Aug. 22, 11:00 a.m.

Devon Oaks has offered to provide the ice cream and all the toppings for this senior activities fundraiser. For the admission price of $3 you can create the sundae of your dreams, visit with friends, and tour the center if you've never been here before. RSVP to 899-3544; admission payable by Aug. 17.

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Volume 9, Issue 15, Posted 9:29 AM, 08.01.2017

Beat the heat at the Dwyer Senior Center

The Dwyer Senior Center has a full slate of activities for those looking to make the most of the summer. From margaritas to ice cream, there are all kinds of fun ways to beat the heat! For more information on these programs, or to register, call 440-835-6565 or stop in to the Dwyer Center at 300 Bryson Lane.

SUMMER FITNESS: HOW TO STAY SAFE IN THE HEAT – Wednesday, Aug. 9, 11 a.m.

August in Bay Village brings the lazy days of summer! We will talk about safe summer activities that will help keep you fit right here in Northeast Ohio – or if you move on to Florida and extend your summer. Additionally, we will discuss the changes you will want to make as you “Fall Into Fitness.” Talk given by Victoria Yannie, fitness consultant and personal trainer. FREE; please RSVP.

LUNCH BUNCH: MARGARITAVILLE – Thursday, Aug. 10, 11 a.m.

Don’t waste another day before registering to visit the new Jimmy Buffett-inspired Margaritaville restaurant in the Cleveland Flats. There’s an island theme to the location and the ceiling is covered with a sprawling mural depicting an idyllic oceanic map of the Caribbean. The menu boasts beach tacos, jambalaya, fried chicken and steaks with tropical elixirs and of course a wide range of margaritas. They also serve the famous “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” Cost is $10 at registration for transportation. In-person registration only.

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Volume 9, Issue 15, Posted 9:27 AM, 08.01.2017

Staying independent through aging

The Westlake Center for Community Services will be offer a free course this fall on independence and aging. The series of six lessons will be held on Mondays, Oct. 2-Nov. 6, from 1-2 p.m. The focus of the course is building an "independence toolkit" that will allow seniors to remain in their homes as they age.

Most of us want to stay in our own home throughout our lifetime. The cost effective way to avoid calamity is for seniors (and their adult children) to educate themselves about how to plan for the future. Each lesson will be presented by experts from hospitals and area senior care initiatives. Participants completing the course will have the tools and contacts to create their personal plan. Seniors and their adult children are invited and encouraged to plan together.

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Volume 9, Issue 15, Posted 9:27 AM, 08.01.2017

Get rolling on the bocce court at Westlake Community Services

Wanted: Bocce players, especially for Men's Group on Thursday mornings. No experience required! Offers great health benefits.

Bocce is an outdoor game that can be played by folks from any age or skill level. It can be played by two people or by two teams of two to four people. The rules are relatively simple. One player (or team) begins by rolling a smaller ball, known as the “palina,” onto the court. Turns are then taken as each player (or team) attempts to bowl his or her balls closest to the palina.

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Volume 9, Issue 12, Posted 9:23 AM, 06.20.2017

Join the senior walking challenge!

Note: The phone number in the print edition of this article is incorrect. Call 440-899-3544 to register.

You’ve heard this before: Walking is great exercise, ESPECIALLY for seniors. We have known this for a long time. Hippocrates declared that “walking is man’s best medicine.” Unfortunately, it doesn’t make it on our medication lists. Let’s face it, as we age, the urge to become sedentary increases and is accompanied by myriad health problems.

The good news is that people who start a regular walking program reap numerous health benefits including: decreasing their blood pressure, as well as their cholesterol, blood sugar and even stress and depression levels. Furthermore, a walking program improves oxygen to the body, provides for a healthier heart, improves balance and coordination, muscle strength, mobility, eliminates fluid build-up and helps fight weight gain. Taking a 10-minute walk can change your body chemistry enough to boost you out of a bad mood. Do any of these benefits appeal to you? Of course they do. Who doesn’t want to feel better?

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Volume 9, Issue 10, Posted 9:39 AM, 05.16.2017

Appreciating generational differences

A hot topic in the world of continuing education is how to manage a multigenerational work environment. Recently, in a leadership class, the young man seated next to me groaned when he heard that was going to be that day's topic. He interpreted multigenerational work environment to be synonymous with millenial bashing. 

Not being a millenial, I was interested in hearing the information from his perspective and thought he had a point, until I heard some baby boomer bashing – and then felt a little defensive. One young man blamed the baby boomers for ruining our country, and expressed his viewpoint that these folks needed to stop being greedy and retire already, making room for the young to be in charge. Yes, the room was quite charged indeed.

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Volume 9, Issue 7, Posted 9:18 AM, 04.04.2017

Celebrating Westlake's most senior citizens

What do Columbo, Alfalfa and James Bond (portrayed by Roger Moore) have in common?

Besides being famously quirky characters, probably not a whole lot except that the actors who portrayed them were all born in 1927. This means that they would be turning 90 this year. Roger Moore is the only one of this trio who is still living (although "fake news" wrongly reported his death earlier this month). If he lived in Westlake, we would be happy to add him to our Over 90s Birthday Celebration guest list; a list that grows year after year.

This year, the Westlake Community Services Department mailed 109 invitations to the 90-plus-year-old Westlake residents we know who live independently. Three of the invitations included couples who are both over 90. Additionally, we sent invitations to the Westlake-based assisted living facilities, as each of them bring a healthy contingent of nonagenerians and centenarians to the table. Of course, we don't know everyone, so please contact us if your nonagenerian didn't receive an invite, and we will happily add them to our guest list.

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Volume 9, Issue 6, Posted 10:10 AM, 03.21.2017

Is a senior center right for you?

What do you think of when someone says the words "senior center"? Do you picture a bunch of old people (much older than you, of course) sitting around talking about the old days?

If so, it’s time to adjust your vision. Today’s senior centers, including the Bay Village Dwyer Senior Center, are vibrant, lively, active places that offer a variety of programs and opportunities to appeal to almost everyone. And by everyone, we mean adults age 55 and older!

So what does one do at a senior center? If you were to stop by the Dwyer Center, you would find:

  • Health and Wellness Programs: A variety of exercise options, nutrition classes and cooking demonstrations, health screenings and a large vegetable garden to grow our own produce are just a sampling of the programs offered at the Dwyer Center. Our goal is to provide the key elements that will help our participants stay healthy and independent as they age.                  
  • Lifelong Learning: Curiosity and the desire to learn do not decrease with age, and help keep our brains stimulated. Whether attending a Lunch and Learn session on a topic of interest or a multiple-week training program, we offer a wide variety of programs to keep our participants informed and engaged.   
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Volume 9, Issue 5, Posted 9:32 AM, 03.07.2017