Quad City Times, IA
03-31-06
Breaking the hold of senior stress
By Ann McGlynn
The issues can be overwhelming.
Lost vision. Lost companionship. Lost independence.
On Tuesday, April 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Senior Voice will host “Senior
Stress
Busters,” a seminar that will focus on how to relieve some of the stress that comes with growing older. It will be in the Keppy Building on the Mississippi
Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport.
“There are so many issues in everyday life that seniors have,” said Gloria Fisher of Senior Voice, which is sponsoring the event.
“We are going to focus on very pertinent stress factors, including handling certain financial conditions, transportation, foot problems, general aches and pains, eye conditions, eating alone,” Fisher said.
Among the presenters: Doctors from Trinity Medical Center and Eye Surgeons
Associates will take questions about health issues.
A specialist from the Iowa State University Extension will offer simple tips on how to make good food for one. The director of Riverbend Transit will talk about transportation. A retired physical education teacher will offer information about simple exercises.
Trinity is sponsoring a free lunch. Reservations are required, by Friday, April 7, by calling (563) 421-2198.
Ruth Johnson, a retired physical education teacher from Davenport West High
School, will be talking about relaxation and exercise, two of the things she believes are vital to good health for everyone.
“It’s never too late to start. You simply start by starting gently. It’s so important for seniors,” she said.
Her voice mail message reveals her commitment to exercise. “Have you done your exercise today?” she asks before requesting the caller leave a message.
Johnson, for example, swims. It provides her with a
“complete washing away of the tension the body gathers.”

Ann McGlynn can be contacted at
(563) 383-2336 or amcglynn@qctimes.com