SENIOR CENTER: Community focal point for older adults

By Janice M. Howard / Style Editor for the Southern Standard

AARP volunteer Bill Dayton, right, looks over Frankie Golden’s income tax forms as she takes advantage of the AARP Tax Aide Program being offered at the Senior Center.

McMinnville-Warren County Senior Center serves as a community focal point for senior citizens. There, older adults come together for services and activities which enhance their dignity, support independence and encourage involvement in the city and county.

Now through April on Mondays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 12:20 p.m., volunteers from AARP will be preparing 2003 income tax returns at the Senior Center. The AARP Tax Aide Program offers free assistance to taxpayers with middle and low incomes, giving special attention to those ages 60 and older, who need help preparing their tax returns. An appointment is necessary and can be made by calling 473-6559.

Anyone seeking to take advantage of this service is asked to bring all pertinent tax papers, such as W-2 forms, 1099 interest and dividend statements, records and/or documents needed to substantiate itemized deductions or claim childcare credit, as well as a copy of last year’s tax return.

This free tax service is one of the many ways the Senior Center gives senior adults a chance to share their skills and interests with others in an environment that promotes a sense of achievement.

Daily activities at the center include exercise, one-on-one computer classes, games of pool, cards, Dominoes, Bingo, Phase 10, Kings Corner, regular Rook tournaments, quilting and tatting. There’s also occasional health fairs, day outings, special day celebrations and visits from school groups for intergenerational activities.

Tips help senior adults control portion size
Healthy portions are a key part of a healthy eating plan. This is particularly true for many older adults who may need less food – and fewer calories – than they have been used to eating.

Consuming more calories than needed can lead to weight gain, which can increase your risk for weight-related diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and some cancers.

Gaining excessive weight can also restrict mobility, turning a simple physical activity, such as walking, into a laborious task.

Knowing how to manage your calories while giving your body what it needs to stay healthy can be tricky. The experts at the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases suggest controlling your portion sizes to help control calories – and your weight.

Portion control is particularly important at restaurants. When your food arrives, remember these tips:

Share your meal.

Order a half-portion.

Order an appetizer as a main meal.

Request that half of your meal be boxed up to take home before you start eating.

When you begin to feel full, stop eating.

And who says you have to wait until you visit a restaurant to eat in moderation? Follow these suggestions for controlling food portions when dining at home:

Eat slowly so your brain can get the message that your stomach is full.

Avoid eating while you’re busy with other activities. Pay attention to what you’re eating and fully enjoy your food.

When cooking large batches, freeze food that won’t immediately be eaten.

Eat snack foods from a small plate or napkin, not right out of the box or bag.

For more information about portion control, healthful eating and physical exercise for older adults, call the Weight-control Information Network at 1-877-946-4627 or visit www.niddk.nih.gov/ health/nutrit /nutrit.htm. WIN is a national information service of the NIDDK of the National Institutes of Health, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The National Institute on Aging also offers information about healthy eating and physical activity for older adults. Log on to www.nia.nih.gov.