Health-related programs on schedule for August at CSAC

Here we are at the end of another month. July was filled with activities here at the Clinchfield Senior Center. The older I get, the faster time seems to slip on by. Looking back, it feels like I was just a teenager living under my parent's roof. Often, I will sit down with some of our seniors and just talk to them about their lives. I love hearing stories about how they met their spouse, settled in and had children. Each story is unique and special. Something that really surprised me is that in each person I speak to, they all had one thing in common. Each person told me that they still feel like they are young, just in an older body. Their mind is still fresh with the memories of years gone by. The expression on their faces as they speak of the life they once knew is something that will both warm your heart and break it. The aging process is such a beautiful part of life, and I am so happy that I get to experience with our seniors. It really is an honor and privilege to be able to say that you are a senior. All the stories combined with life experiences are priceless. Doing some digging, I found some interesting facts about aging. The study of human aging is called gerontology. Studies show that people reach the peak of happiness between the ages of 60 to 80 years of age. The main cause of death in senior adults is heart disease, stroke and lung disease. Factors such as history of physical activity and social environments are most likely to affect seniors more than genetics. The oldest living person ever recorded was a woman by the name of Louise Calment of France. Born in 1875, she lived to be 122 years old. Here at the center, we want to be part of your peak happiness through social activities, fitness programs and Health presentations. I strongly suggest that you watch the calendar for health programs coming up. I try to schedule programs that target body systems that fit with senior development. Upcoming in August we have hearing acuity testing and a presentation and lunch with the Greens in Erwin. These two programs will be very beneficial and have health information and demonstrations for you or the senior in your life. Hope to see you soon. If you are not a member, I hope you have read about us enough to realize why being a part of the center is so important. It really can add to the joy in your life and give you an amazing social experience. Check out our Facebook where we keep up with recent photos of our trips and activities. We also have our website clinchfieldseniors.com Our Meals on Wheels coordinator is looking for a weekday driver to volunteer for the Unicoi route from 10:30 a.m. to noon. No experience is required; training is provided so drivers feel confident with the route and comfortable serving the seniors who depend on these meals. For details or to volunteer, call Meal Coordinator Carol Custer at (423) 330-6904. If you're 50 or older and looking for friends, fitness and fun, our center is the perfect place to connect. We're not a healthcare or assisted living facility. We are a community hub focused on activities, wellness, and relationships. Membership is just $25 a year, and some insurance plans (United Healthcare and Humana) may cover your membership at no cost. Bring your photo ID and insurance card, and our staff can check for you. Membership Perks• Bingo: A member favorite, thanks to our generous business and healthcare sponsors.• Day Trips: Ride our Center bus for shopping, dining, educational outings and recreational adventures.• Fitness Room: Treadmills, NuStep, bicycles, strength equipment, free weights, yoga mats and more.• Blood Pressure Clinic: Free checks every Monday at 9 with Diane Banks.• Drums Alive: A fun, music‑based fitness class led by certified instructor Lisa Wright.• Circuit Aerobics: Cardio with bands, weights, and balls—chair‑friendly and adaptable for all mobility levels. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m.• Tai chi: Improve balance with Bob Hechemovich's gentle, guided movements. Fridays• Congregate Meals: Daily lunch for ages 60 and older with a suggested $3 donation. Sign up three days in advance.• Arts & Crafts Room: A fully stocked creative space open to all members.• Library: Take‑a‑book/return‑a‑book for easy reading.• Billiards: A newly renovated room with morning play and a women's team on Wednesdays at 1 p.m.• Computer Lab: New computers available during operating hours; printing is 25 cents per page.• Homemade Goods: Apple relish, pie filling, cookie mixes, tea blends, granola, and fresh nuts prepared by our wonderful volunteers.• Volunteer Opportunities: Help with Meals on Wheels or the Veterans Food Truck.• Veteran Services: An onsite Veterans Service Officer is available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and, by appointment, on Saturdays. Upcoming activitiesJuly 22: Gut Health by Unicoi County Health Department at 10 a.m.July 22: Wii Bowling at noonJuly 22: Ladies Billiards at 2 p.m.July 23: Group Journaling at 10 a.m.July 24: Ping Pong at 9 a.m.July 24: Pictionary at 10 a.m.July 24: Tai chi at 11:30 a.m.July 24: Card Club at noonJuly 27: Blood pressure checks at 9 a.m.July 27: Bingo with Silver Angels at 10 a.m.July 27: Drums Alive at noonJuly 27: Art Class at 1 p.m. July 28: Devotions at 9 a.m.July 28: Early American Writers at 9:30 a.m.July 28: Diamond Art Class at 2 p.m.July 29: Swap Shop at 10 a.m.July 29: Family Feud at noonJuly 29: Ladies Billiards at 2 p.m.July 30: Group Journaling at 10 a.m.July 31: Ping Pong at 9 a.m.July 31: Pictionary at 10 a.m.July 31: Tai chi at 11:30 a.m.July 31: Card Club at noon Upcoming Lunch MenuJuly 27: Oven fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, broccoli, graham cracker, rollJuly 28: Pizza casserole, cauliflower, baked apples, rollJuly 29: Barbecue chicken, sweet potatoes, green beans, pineapple, rollJuly 30: Tuna salad, lettuce, tomato and bread, broccoli salad, fruited Jell-OJuly 31: Breaded fish with tartar sauce, macaroni and tomatoes, mixed greens, fudge cookie, roll We hope to see you soon. Pay us a visit soon. The center is located at 220 Union St., Erwin. For more information, call (423) 743-5111. ••• Lacie Barrett is the activities coordinator at the Clinchfield Senior Adult Center.