Senior Games Begin Later This Month
Ten days ago, the 1999 Washington State Senior Games in Spokane was in big, big trouble.
Unless an angel with deep pockets suddenly materialized out of thin air, cancellation appeared imminent.
Members of the all-volunteer unpaid board underwent some powerful soul searching (yours truly included) and reluctantly set a deadline for a vote on whether to call the event off, stop running up bills, return people’s entry fees and start looking for ways to settle up with creditors.
As directors of a nonprofit charity that planned to use proceeds from the games to provide meals for elderly shut-ins, some board members felt an ethical and moral commitment to produce the games, come what may. Others felt just as strongly that to go forward, and knowingly purchase goods or services for which the charity likely would be unable to pay was simply unacceptable. It’s been done before in Spokane by well-meaning promoters of civic causes.
In this instance, the bugaboo is a total absence of any big sponsors and a dearth of even small supporters. The area health-care industry - in the past a champion of charity efforts to foster physical and social activities central to senior health - is in utter disarray. Medicare managed-care plans are pulling out of the Spokane and Inland Northwest market en masse, leaving seniors and the Spokane Senior Games hurting.
With tensions mounting, the dreaded day of a showdown loomed.
Then, out of the blue, an angel did appear on cue - an anonymous benefactor with $35,000. The donation ensures that the senior games will go on as scheduled this year, and all signs point to a repeat performance next year.
As a newsman, I shy away from joining boards. This is my sole exception. I know not who the benefactor is. I have a strong inkling. Whoever it is, I wish to express a heartfelt thanks to him or her on behalf of Spokane and the Inland Northwest’s 50-and-over set for the generous gift to the games.
Let the games begin - Aug. 12 through 15.
In conjunction with the Spokane Senior Games, the Seniors Program at Community Colleges of Spokane is offering a day-long series of free workshops in self-publishing, fitness, genealogy, German conversation and art.
Mind-expansion classes will be Saturday, Aug. 14., at the Spokane Community College campus. Sample seminars are an excellent way for people to familiarize themselves with offerings of the community colleges that appeal to the interests of more-mature adults.
It’s not all in the genes.
Behavioral choices can significantly slow the process of aging, according to “preventive gerontologist” Dr. Michael Roizen of the University of Chicago.
In his new book, “Real Age: Are You as Young as You Can Be?” (Cliff Street Books), the doctor prescribes life choices to reduce the “real” aging rate. They include getting enough sleep and exercise, eating a healthy breakfast, keeping one’s blood pressure and cholesterol in check, taking vitamins, eating a low-fat diet, wearing a seat belt and becoming a lifelong learner.
Older women spend 20 percent more on prescription drugs than men, according to a new study by the Older Women’s League. Elderly women will spend an average of $1,200 in the year 2000, compared with $1,000 for men.