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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (April 25, 2018)
Wednesday, April 25, 2018 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Of a certain AGE Sue Stafford Columnist Live until I die “The afternoon of life is just as full of meaning as the morning; only, its meaning and purpose are different.” ~ Carl Jung ~ No news here. People are liv- ing longer and the number of older people continues to grow. People are saying that 70 is the new 60 as retirees remain active and engaged. It’s time to reframe our percep- tion of aging and overcome long- standing bias about being “over the hill.” That is where “purpose- ful aging” comes in. From our first breath we are on the way to our last. There is no reason to separate or isolate those who have been around a little lon- ger or who move a little slower. Babies are pretty helpless when they arrive, but everyone greets them with joyous attention. Why not at the end of life as well? Our elders, seniors, old folks, whatever we call ourselves rep- resent untapped storehouses of experience, wisdom, cautionary tales, humor, stories, knowledge, and history. Don’t be afraid to ask someone questions about their life, and don’t be afraid to offer your experience. I am encouraging those of us “of a certain age” to embrace our later years with purpose, creativ- ity, and passion. Become engaged in social causes, civic organiza- tions, and encore careers. We can serve as both mentors and care- givers. I am much happier when I greet my world with a sense of vitality and productivity rather than stagnation and dread. What is your meaning and purpose? Mine has become abun- dantly clear as I survey my vari- ous careers and life experience. The outer trappings may look dif- ferent — parent, therapist, transi- tions coordinator, freelance writer. But the continuum has one core purpose. I have been and am a conduit — for my young chil- dren to the outside world, for my counseling clients to themselves, and for my transitions clients to services and healthcare. As a free- lance writer, all my past experi- ences inform my writing as I pass on information and inspiration to the readers. Often, when I am talk- ing with someone, I can connect them to a person, place, or service stored in my internal Rolodex of past contacts and experiences. (Rolodex – that dates me!) Currently in Sisters we all have a wonderful opportunity for intergenerational conversations and collaboration as we work together to make our community “age-friendly.” That doesn’t just mean helping old people across the street. Rather, it is having services, facilities, and activities that maximize everyone’s experience of living in Sisters. It is a teen- ager helping the adult down the street navigate his computer. It’s the neighbor helping the young mother with her children. It’s the handy guy fixing a loose railing for Mr. Smith. It’s having acces- sible facilities for wheelchairs and strollers. When I go to the grocery store or into Bend, is there someone for whom I can pick up a few things? Does someone need a ride to a medical appointment? Do I need some help with my yard work? It’s about caring and connect- ing and making Sisters the friendly village we like to imagine it is. What is your purpose? What gives your life meaning? How can you engage and contribute? How do you want to spend the after- noon of your life? I want to live until I die. 19 Learn about joint replacement The Center Orthopedic & Neurosurgical Care is offering a free lecture on total joint replacement on Thursday, May 10, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Bend Senior Center. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Michael Caravelli from The Center will host the lecture. Dr. Caravelli has been on The Center’s orthopedic team since 2010, where he focuses on condi- tions of the hip and knee. Prior to his medi- cal career, Dr. Caravelli was a collegiate and professional baseball player. It is his goal and passion to provide high-level, patient-centered care to members of the Central Oregon com- munity, and he strives to make shared deci- sions with his patients on how best to proceed with treatment options to help them achieve their personal goals. “Leading educational events locally remains a priority for me,” says Dr. Caravelli. “I take any opportunity to help people solve problems that can aim to preserve their func- tion and enhance their quality of life.” Dr. Caravelli’s presentation will include discussions on osteoarthritis of the hip and knee, total joint replacement, outpatient joint replacement surgery, Mako Robotic-Arm- Assisted Surgery, and non-surgical joint pain treatment options. There will also be a ques- tion-and-answer period at the end of the lec- ture. Those interested in attending the event are asked to RSVP by May 8 to mwhitehouse@ thecenteroregon.com or 541-322-2211. For more information, visit TheCenterOregon.com. The Center The Center’s diverse team of doctors provides Central Oregonians with expert care and treatment options designed to get you back to what you love doing. Since 2012, Dr. Timothy Bollom has been seeing patients in Sisters at St. Charles Family Care. He treats patients of all ages and backgrounds, with a focus on comprehensive care of knee and shoulder injuries and conditions. From conservative measures to sophisticated, minimally invasive surgical techniques, he utilizes a sports medicine philosophy of returning patients to normal activity as quickly as possible. The Center is home to some of the region’s most highly skilled physicians with specialized training in orthopedics, neurosurgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation, sports medicine, and occupational med- icine. Our dedicated doctors and staff work together to offer the care you need for the best possible out- come. To learn more or make an appointment, go to www.thecenteroregon.com. PAIN? NO THANKS. Start your healing here We’re a holistic clinic offering Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Massage, and Active Release Therapy. Bigfoot W ELLN ESS Call to schedule, 541-550-3726 392 E. Main Ave., STE 1A, Sisters Sisters Nails & Spa T he Royal E xp erience Nails Manicures/Pedicures Shellac • Dip Powder Waxing • Foot Massage 541-904-0979 | Next to Bi-Mart, Sisters Open Mon.-Sat., 10 am. to 6 p.m., Closed Sun.
