LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST - LIFE BEGINS AT 50
As the ads say, Just Do It!

By Julie Bailey

Limited, yet limitless – sometimes life for mature adults is a bit of a paradox. On the one hand there is more time, hopefully fewer expenses and the desire to explore and experience hobbies, travel, volunteering – the gamut. On the other hand, limited health, reduced income, loss of loved ones can be issues demanding lifestyle changes and difficult adjustments. All in all, it would seem that making the golden years golden takes preparation and planning and the ability to make the best of life, whatever comes our way.
Living as we do in beautiful Whatcom County, opportunities abound for exploring our own backyard, so to speak. We are very fortunate to have the resources of the Blaine Senior Center available to us. Having made a recent visit to the center, I am thoroughly impressed with the staff, the variety of activities, weight training, the lunch and salad bar and the opportunity to meet interesting and active people. If you are not a member, the $15 membership will certainly be a good investment.

As we get older, it’s important to keep our strength and balance up. Studies have shown that weight training is very helpful in maintaining and increasing mobility as well as enhancing the overall quality of life. The Blaine Senior Center has weight training equipment available to members at designated times after they have taken a pre-qualifying class ($35). Aerobics classes are also available twice a week. As well, there are two other fitness options available: Whatcom Physical Therapy (332-8167) and an aerobics class conducted by Mary MacDonald (319-7302) – (her class in Blaine might be used as a follow-up to the weight training program).

Further afield, there are other options available to boost fitness, physical or mental. St. Luke’s Community Health Education Center (738-6720) offers weight classes, fitness evaluations and stress management. The Community Food Co-Op (734-8158) offers talks and classes on health related issues. St. Joseph Hospital South Campus (738-6720) is another source of community support through education. Not to be overlooked are the Whatcom Community College (676-2170), Bellingham Technical College (738-0221 ) and Western Washington University (650-3000) for adventures in learning.

Day trips can banish the winter doldrums. Ideas might include a mini museum and art gallery tour beginning with the galleries right here in Blaine and continuing through the county. Get ambitious – plan a day in Seattle or Vancouver for cultural inspiration. Treasure hunting for antiques can also begin in Blaine and continue as far as time allows. Some particularly interesting towns include LaConnor, Lynden, Old Town Bellingham, and Snohomish.

Blaine has its own performing arts center and a concert series that would make a big city proud. Next up is True North Brass May 5, 3:30 p.m. For tickets, call 332-9561. Watch for local school performances and plays staged here and throughout the county. Wonderful recitals, concerts and plays happen at WWU. Some are free – check the website for schedules. The Mt. Baker Theatre has much to offer, including possible volunteer opportunities, to usher and see the show, free. As well, Little Swan on the Bay Theatre at 671-0110 and the Claire Thomas Theatre (354-4425) offer glimpses of great local talent.

Getting “out and about” whether it be in Blaine or one of our surrounding communities or metropolitan areas should be enjoyable and enriching. Lots of opportunities, more than we could ever take advantage of in our lifetimes, are available to us within a short radius. So go ahead explore and enjoy!
Blaine resident Julie Bailey mans the desk at the Blaine Visitor Information Center.
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