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Helping People Move Forward with Their Lives .
Winter Wellness for the Young at Heart
In northwestern Pennsylvania , the winter months often bring national record-setting snowfalls along with crisp , beautiful days . The chilly temperatures also bring some special concerns for seniors , as well as some opportunities to embrace the season .
Take Time to Enjoy The Region
Like many other snowy communities around the country , the Erie area certainly has reason to be proud of our hardiness and enjoyment of year-round activities . Staying active by exploring your neighborhood , Asbury Woods , or Presque Isle State Park offers a chance to see your community in a whole new way , while going at your own pace . These same locations are also ideal for spotting animal footprints in the snow , or looking for winter birds , such as cardinals , finches , jays , and woodpeckers . Having a pair of binoculars can help out in keeping you from having to go too far in the cold .
Open all yearlong , wintertime is also a great time to visit our region ’ s museums and theaters . Whether it is to catch a play , a movie , listen to a musical performance , or explore our history and art , there are several thought-provoking and enjoyable opportunities all year long . Making the trek to our cultural gems might mean a little extra travel time and warmer clothing , but these activities are a few reasons that we can look forward to wintertime .
Connect With Others at a Senior Center
As winter approaches and you are thinking of things to do , consider going to your local Senior Center . Evidence based research shows that an active lifestyle has many important benefits . It reduces both the risk of depression and the decline of global cognitive functions . Other findings have shown that older adults who participate in senior center programs learn to manage and / or delay the onset of chronic disease and experience measurable improvements in their physical , social , spiritual , emotional , mental and economic well-being .
Involving yourself with other people gives a sense of purpose and confidence . It has also been proven that senior center participants have a higher level of health , and overall life satisfaction . Most importantly a senior center is a place where seniors can gather and meet other people their own age .
For a small fee most centers offer a variety of activities from which to choose , including board and card games , discussion groups , art classes , presentations , BINGO , dance and fitness classes , quilting , crocheting , knitting and parties . For example , Mercy Hilltop Center has all of this and more for the 60 plus age group . You can take in a movie and get a drink and a snack every Tuesday for just a dollar . Being engaged and staying active is important for all ages no matter what time of year . There are over 11,000 senior centers in the nation and right in our
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Millcreek | Winter 2016 | icmags . com 67