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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 18, 2019)
Wednesday, September 18, 2019 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Of a certain age PETS: The right companion adds quality of life Continued from page 16 you9re fairly active, you may be able to handle a dog that needs lots of play-time and opportunities to run. But if you have mobility or stamina issues, you might want to choose a dog that is content with a few short walks. Some very small dogs may even be able to get all the exercise they need just by running around inside your home. Smaller dogs are easier to keep under control and are more suitable for seniors liv- ing in condos, apartments, or care facilities. Small dogs can fit in your lap, are more porta- ble than larger breeds, won9t physically overwhelm you and can be easily groomed in a sink. Keep in mind that some small dogs have lots of nervous energy and try to make up for their diminutive stature with plenty of barking. Alternatively, docile larger dogs that don9t require a lot of maintenance may be a good choice. Older dogs are better dogs for seniors to adopt than pup- pies that are super active and tend to chew and nip. Adult dogs are typically already housetrained and well-social- ized with people. Mature dogs also tend to be the calm- est dogs, with more predict- able behavior patterns. Dogs9 temperaments are influenced by the genes they are born with as well as the way they are brought up. While any dog can be raised to be friendly, some breeds are more naturally condi- tioned to be gentle and wel- coming. Beagles, retrievers, poodles, and bulldogs are among the dogs that have the best temperament. However, caring for a pet is not to be entered into lightly. It9s important for that right pet to be affordable to an older pet parent. Since many seniors live on limited incomes, it9s essential to consider a pet parents abil- ity to pay for their pet9s basic needs. Starting expenses include the adoption or pur- chase costs, spaying or neu- tering, vaccinations and a crate. Regular expenses will include food, toys, vet visits, medications and the possibil- ity of grooming. Even though pets are a source of joy for many older adults, the cost of care can be a strain for some seniors. If you9re having trouble pay- ing for food, vaccinations, and veterinary care for your pet, there may be low-cost or free resources available in your community. Here9s how to find the help you and your pet need. Kiki Dolson, founder of Furry Friends Foundation (FFF), estimates about 40 percent of the families that the nonprofit organization helps are seniors on fixed incomes. She noted, <Many live alone and have one or two pets for companionship. By providing their pet9s monthly food and other pet sup- plies it adds extra dollars to their monthly budget. Furry Friends also helps with vac- cinations and spay/neuter, all large-cost items for an indi- vidual on a fixed income. In that way we can help keep their pets healthy and in their homes.= The Humane Society of the U.S. has a state-by-state list of financial-aid resources for pet owners. With some persistence you can keep your pets in the best possible health, even on a tight budget. Fit For Sisters Andrew Loscutoff Columnist Exercise and fitness for a lifetime Exercise was once exclu- sive to young, ambitious, and driven people striv- ing for beach-body glory. However, in the recent years a monumental shift has transformed gyms, local recreational activity, and racing events like triathlon and trail running. This shift, from young hardbodies to wise grey-haired zealots has shown the potential for human longevity and why exercise is so important. According to USA Triathlon, the number of Americans age 70 or older who participated in offi- cially sanctioned triathlons (covering races of varying distances) grew 168 percent between 2009 and 2017. This isn9t the only surge in activity: A surprising sta- tistic from runnerclick.com revealed the largest growth in age groups for marathon runners was the 80-99 year old athletes. This is aston- ishing. Not only this but the fastest recreational runners are the 40- to 49-year-old age groups. When look- ing at finishing times, the group with the greatest Magazine article titled: <Rebecca Rusch Never Lets Herself Get Bored=: <Endurance sports are like any job 4 someone who9s been at it for 30 years knows more, is more effi- cient. Even though I9m not the same physically as I was at 25, the experience that I have and the knowledge and strength in my mind that I9ve accrued& it all offsets the sheer benefits of being 25.= BOOK YOUR FREE INTRO SESSION TODAY! Memberships CrossFit starting at Weightlifting $39/month! Cardio • Bodybuilding g Strongman Powerlifting Sauna • Yoga Call 541-699-7800 or email coach@level5fi t.com www.level5fi t.com | Located in Ray’s Shopping Center 24 HR. ACCESS! Th urs., Sept. 26, 2019 • 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 5 p.m. RSVP to 541-549-5634 ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/SPORTPOINT Burnin’ Moonlight Spaghetti Feed & Bingo Bring your friends and join us for a free fun evening of games and prizes and a special meal from our kitchen. improvements in average times has been the 50 to 59 age group. Where are all these late bloomer athletes coming from? There9s no doubt that the popu- lation is aging; by 2020 20 percent of the total USA population will be 65 or older, but this isn9t the end of the story. Our culture is embracing the attitude that exer- cise is essential for all ages. There are more peers for older adults to train or recreate with, and there are many more events to participate in. Not only this, but the population of retirees seems to be seeking the thrills that were on the back burner during child-rearing years. It also appears that what once was a stigma of age is no longer prevalent. It is now shown with proper exercise, rehab, and recov- ery an athlete can play at the elite level into their 40s. Some athletes defy age and continue into their 50s in the recreational elite levels. Rebecca Rusch, a 50-year-old profes- sional mountain-biker a n d a d v e n tu re a th le te sums it up in an Outside 17 Luxury Senior Assisted & Independent Living 541-549-5634 Come for free lunch and a tour! 411 E. Carpenter Ln., Sisters www.Th eLodgeInSisters.com Bring your family and friends and listen to spirited bluegrass, blues, and swing music by Burnin’ Moonlight. Open to the public, everyone is welcome! Enjoy wine and cheese, too. RSVP to 541-549-5634