The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

26 - The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday March 3, 2007 HEALTH Vision and hearing problems are a reality at this age. Consulting with a reputable healthcare professional can help address these issues. Marie Heintzman, Audiologist and Director of Hearing Solutions Oakville, explains the process she goes through with her clients in order to improve their hearing, "The first thing we do is listen to their concerns. This is followed by a comprehensive hearing assessment to find out the degree and type of hearing loss. We then explain the implications of their hearing loss, so that they can understand it better. And finally, we explore options for better hearing and listening, including communication strategies and information about hearing devices." While the possibility of hearing loss is never pleasant, the right facility can make the situation less stressful, and it is always a good idea to bring along a family member or friend. Age is no barrier at the Oakville YMCA. "We have marathon runners in their 70's who quickly join in any of our classes," explains Lisa Newman, Co-ordinator of Health, fitness and recreation for the Oakville YMCA. "Our indoor track is a safe place for older seniors to walk and maintain a solid footing while they get a muchneeded cardiovascular workout. We are currently participating in a research study with Wilfrid Laurier University to investigate the positive impact of exercise on people with Parkinson's disease. Lisa explains that she has seen significant improvement at the Y with their Parkinsons' participants who include regular exercise into their daily life. "Just being at the Y offers our seniors a place to maintain a healthy balance, meet other seniors and keep moving." 70's Our LivingWell Events are Open to the Public TM Thanks to our experts: HEARING SOLUTIONS 410 North Service E., 905-849-3874 YMCA OF OAKVILLE 410 Rebecca Street, 905-845-3417 Uncovering the fountain of youth You've been there, done that- twice! Time flies when you're living life! Until recently, it was believed that the best formula for a long life was to have good genetics, but according to Daniel Perry, founder and executive director of the Alliance for Aging Research: "Now we know that a vast amount is up to us, by our choices, our behaviors and the environment we live in". Living young is a state of mind; it is the difference between getting old and aging. We all age, it is a natural part of our evolution, but we don't necessarily need to "get old". "Getting old" is a mind-set which has nothing to do with our actual age. How we choose to inhabit our body and mind is up to us. The secret is now out, the veil- lifted; the fountain of youth does exist! It lies within us. Provided by Aurea Crotty, AICI, President, Coutura Image Consulting Inc. 3376 Hayhurst Cresent, Oakville, 416.882.1044 www.couturaconsulting.com KEEPING SENIORS INFORMED