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Senior Times - May 2026 Page 3Exceptional Digestive CareAt Bronson Battle Creek Hospital, we specialize in digestive health for your colorectal and gastroenterology care to help you live without discomfort or worry. Whether it%u2019s routine screenings, specialized treatments, procedures, surgery, or managing conditions like IBS, Crohn%u2019s, or colorectal cancer, our compassionate team is here to provide personalized care every step of the way. Don%u2019t wait for the signs %u2014 schedule a consultation with our experts today to protect your digestive health and live your life to the fullest. When you choose one of us, you get the quality care and a team that knows how to make your healthcare experience an exceptional one!Learn more at bronsonhealth.com/digestivehealth.This month we%u2019re celebrating active seniors, and I have certainly met a few of them! One of the best parts of my job is interviewing centenarians about their lives. I have met so many interesting folks over the age of 100 and keeping up with them can be a challenge sometimes.One spry 101-year-old lady moves faster than a toddler with something they%u2019re not supposed to have in their hand. She keeps her house neat as a pin and very organized. She also navigates the steep stairs to her basement puzzle room like a mountain goat.Another 100-year-old gentleman who still lives alone took me on a tour of his home leaving me nearly out of breath. We found out about him because he came into our office with the ad we ran last year looking for centenarians.I had a 93-year-old gal I was helping with a Medicare appointment nearly do the limbo under a telephone cord while we were on hold with the Medicare office because she needed to get her insurance cards. The way she popped back up after going under the cord made my back sore just watching her.None of these folks look or act their age, or rather, what we perceive their age to be like. The one thing they all have in common? They keep moving. %u201cUse it or lose it%u201d is truly their motto. Sitting all day long never enters their mind. They get up early and keep moving until it%u2019s time to go to bed. They have all spent their lives working, building their own homes from the ground up, chasing their kids around, and taking active vacations up north. Most of them had a cottage, on a lake, with a boat, and lots of neighbors around that they would spend time with. Many of them had/have gardens that they tend each year for food and flowers. Most traveled the United States, Canada, and Mexico in their travel trailers, some with clubs where they made lifelong friends from other states. They belonged to clubs for dancing, cards, and bingo. Some are still active members of their local senior centers like Heritage Commons Senior Enrichment Center in Marshall, the Forks Senior Center in Albion, and the Kool Family Community Center in Battle Creek. In the more rural communities, they attend the Senior Socials in Lee Township, Athens Township, Bedford Township, Marengo Township, or Eckford Township. One gentleman was a long-time patron of the Barn Theater until his wife died, and he couldn%u2019t find anyone who wanted to go with him.In essence, the fountain of youth can be found in the ability to keep moving forward. Find what you enjoy and work at it. Socialize. Put yourself out there and find people who enjoy what you enjoy and make a point of going out to the places where they gather. If you are sedentary now, it doesn%u2019t mean you can%u2019t become active. Start slowly and work your way into an activity and it helps to have friends to do it with. Senior Health Partners has exercise classes all over Calhoun County and the instructors are some of the nicest, enthusiastic people you%u2019ll ever meet. They welcome all ability levels and make moving fun. You can contact Senior Health Partners about their Senior Fitness & Fun program at (269) 441-0948. Calhoun County Senior Centers:Albion %u2013 Forks Senior Center (517) 629-3842Battle Creek %u2013 Kool Family Community Center (269) 965-0000Marshall %u2013 Heritage Commons Senior Enrichment Center (269) 558-6150Call them today because remember, you can use it or lose it!%u201dCalhoun County Senior Services funds services for Calhoun County residents aged 60 and over with Senior Millage tax dollars. To learn more, call (269) 781-0846.%u201cUSE IT OR LOSE IT%u201d By: Rebecca de Finta, CHW, Specialist, Calhoun County Senior Services