Senior Scene
Accomplish something positive today

Do you want to feel good and accomplish something today? Try re-arranging your clothes closet. Now that so many organizations are sponsoring yard sales and we are all digging fall things out that we put away last year, we girls may as well face it - it is time to clean our closets anyway.

Looking in my own closet, I see those beige slacks. I love them, but they're several years old, so I know my friends are rolling their eyes when I wear them, and thinking "Oh, not again!" I guess it is time for something new to show that we're still 'with it.'

I'll keep these two sweaters - they still look pretty good. But let's get rid of these pedal-pushers - or as they call them these days, Capri pants - that length is sooo unflattering for us older gals! I know I never bought them, a 'friend' must have given them to me as a gift.

You know, one thing I have discovered about females in particular is that is is awfully hard for us to discard things. So maybe I'll just put a few things away in another closet. (But definitely not those pedal-pushers - ugh!) Well, it's a start...

***** The WWII/USO-themed gala on Saturday, Nov. 17 takes place at the National Museum of Naval Aviation, aboard NAS Pensacola, from 7 p.m. until midnight. Hosted by the Pensacola Historical Society, the dance will also feature a costume contest. Guests are encouraged to wear period dress and participate, so dig out that gorgeous dress you've saved from "way back when" and prepare to party!

Dancing to the music of Joe Occhipinti's Big Band will begin at 7 p.m. A buffet of heavy hors d'oeuvres and complimentary drinks will be served. The cost is $40 per person, or $75 per couple. For reservations and additional information, call Pensacola Historical Society at 850-434- 5455.

It's all about what those of our generation consider "our" war, when we girls volunteered at the USO and took part all around the country. The event will be rocking - you will want to be there to live it again!

*****

Now that we have had our first taste of cooler weather, it may be well to make your plans for keeping active and in good shape, health-wise, during the coming months.

While you might lose your enthusiasm for a brisk walk outdoors during the coming winter, how about a nice, warm swim at The Club? Located at 1230 Crane Cove Boulevard, it is close to the Gulf Breeze movie complex.

This 10,000-square-foot fitness center has everything you need to keep you fit. In addition to the indoor pool, you can enjoy senior fitness classes, Pilates, yoga, water aerobics and much much more. There is even a "smoothie bar." Right now there is also a discounted enrollment fee. Call 850-916- 7946 for further information. Take a look, you'll be surprised how many of your neighbors are making the most of a oneof a-kind facility so close to home.

********

Aging issues have become a priority on both the state and national scene. Whether you are a senior citizen or not, these issues are important to you because the number of seniors in Florida, and in the United States in general, continues to increase. It is expected that within the next two decades, one in every four residents of Florida will be over 64 years of age.

When I first began to write about this in my column many years ago, these trends were being carefully tracked, and the predictions have been accurate. I read back then that the population over the age of 85 was 33 percent larger than 100 years before, and since then, I myself have joined this fastest growing segment of our society. I hope you'll join me - so keep on walking!

Dog Logic

The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue. - Anonymous

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself. - Josh Billings

See you next week!