Weekly Bulletin - February 20, 2013

Luncheon speaker Lynn Brennen told us that 78 million Americans were born between 1946 to 1965. Among them are a dozen or so of our members who raised their hands when she asked, “How many of you in this room are Baby Boomers?” She gave additional data about the Baby Boom generation but focused her talk on healthy aging. She said as we age we need to keep in good physical health by exercising and eating a good diet.  Weight training, stretching and deep breathing ought to be practiced by everyone.  She urged that as we age we get regular screening for various medical conditions after turning 50.  Among the recommended screening tests is hearing.  “Loss of hearing is loss of brainpower,” she said.  She also urged, “Spirituality, because it gives peace of mind.” “You need mental stimulation to keep your mind active,” she said, and remember, "normal memory loss occurs.  That does not mean Alzheimer’s. Though we do have five million families in the U.S. caring for Alzheimer patients.”Brennen is the founder of a group in the South Bay called the Roaring  90’s Club.  It has one key requirement: a person has to be 90 years of age to join! She concluded her presentation with this word of wisdom: “Do not retire to nothing.  Volunteer.”