Commun ty Matters Manor of the Plains
April 2016
Courtesy of ThinkStock
The surprising secret to really aging well By Barbara Knickerbocker Beskind for Next Avenue
Walking has enormous benefits — emotionally and even creatively — as recent studies show.This is in addition to the well-known benefits to the pulmonary and cardiovascular systems. A sturdy gait pattern with alternating arm/leg movement helps maintain balance reflexes and strength in lateral hip muscles. Good posture goes hand-in-hand with good walking, stride and vertical balance. Going out for a walk midday frees up the frontal lobes from the clutter of study or business.This can enhance creativity as well as reduce stress and/or depression. Poor posture, compromised gait patterns and less daily walking lead me to think that people under 30 in particular, but also others tied to electronic devices throughout their lives, have a heightened risk of early aging. POSTURE, continued on page 2
Gus Liebl and Mae Rodgers wave hello from the Texas state line.
Mystery trippers make three states in one day The suspense builds every month until it’s time to board the Manor of the Plain bus and hit the road for another Mystery Trip. In February, residents were surprised by a trip to Beaver, Okla., home of the World Championship Cow Chip Throwing Contest. Beaver is about 80 miles due south of Dodge City. Health Care Activity Director Jacque Soltero launched the monthly Mystery Trip a little over a year ago. Residents have a lot of fun guessing where the next destination will be, but it’s a closely held secret until they are well on their way. The Beaver County Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual chip throwing contest in tribute to the town’s pioneer past. In frontier days, fuel for heating and cooking was scarce, but they discovered that well-dried buffalo and cow chips burned cleanly—and even odorlessly. The chip was key to their survival, and now Beaver TRIP, continued on page 3