Baby boomers are upbeat about aging and expect the next phase of their lives to be better than the last, but many are concerned about their financial future and long-term health costs.

Americans are living healthier and longer than ever before. The U.S. Census Bureau predicts boomers will turn 65 at a rate of 10,000 per day for the next decade, making them, along with centenarians, the fastest-growing segment of the population.

More than 75 percent of seniors questioned in the poll on aging are optimistic, think the best is yet to come, and expect to have the same quality of life, or better, during their next decade.

The reason they are upbeat is because we have changed our definition of aging. People are working longer. They see people that are older being healthier. Although many seniors feel financially secure, nearly half of low- and middle-income seniors questioned in the poll are not confident they will be able to cover their expenses over the next five to 10 years.

About a third of older Americans do not think they will be able to afford long-term care, according to the poll, and for 1 in 5 seniors, a major financial event would result in a fiscal crisis. Lower income seniors are also more likely to suffer from chronic illnesses and less likely to exercise. Seventy-two percent of people who make less than $30,000 a year said they live with a lingering health problem.

Whether it is out of necessity, a sense of productivity, or the enjoyment of it, about 20 percent of seniors over 65 said they are still working either full- or part-time. And just as many seniors are staying in the workplace longer, the vast majority want to “age in place,” or continue to live in their own home for the next decade. It could be a feasible option for most 60 something’s, but less than half of seniors in their 70s said they could live independently.

Most of us would like to age in place. Health and wellness is a big part of that. The Senior Center has many exercise programs. Some are free and some have a small fee. A key component to health is a good exercise program. Now is a good time to start. You are always welcome at the Senior Center.

 Upcoming Events

Monday: Blood Pressure Checks, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Exercise with Evie, 1 p.m.

Tuesday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.;

Scarecrow painting class, 1 p.m.; Zumba, 4:05, 5:35 and 7 p.m.; Silver Sneakers, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Art class, 9 a.m.; Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.; Stitching Bees, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.

Thursday: Silver Sneakers, 8:30 a.m.; Exercise with Evie, 9 a.m.; cards (Pinochle, Duplicate Bridge), 12:30 p.m.;

Bingo, 1 p.m.; open chess, 1 p.m.; Silver Sneakers, 4:30 p.m.; Zumba 4:05, 5:35, 7 p.m.

Friday: Tai Chi, 9:30 a.m.;

cards (Bridge), 12:30 p.m.

Weekly Card Results

Monday Bridge

Oct. 8, four tables

1st Harriet Oldenberg, 2nd Mary Johnsen, 3rd Arnie Lang, 4th Carolyne Higgins, 5th Jim Fisher, 6th Joyce Fadness

Tuesday Duplicate Bridge

Oct. 9, 3.5 tables

1st Larry Crowe, 1st Dick Hansen; 2nd Bud Higgins, 2nd Jim Fisher; 3rd Gail Schmidt, 3rd Ray Schmidt; 4th Marge Blaser, 4th Arnie Lang

Tuesday “500”

Oct. 9, four tables

1st Helen Broitzman, 2nd Dorothy Stern, 3rd Eddie Hall, 4th Barb Dickman

Pinochle

Oct. 9

Dorothy Schloo

Friday Bridge

Oct. 12, four tables

1st Betty Jorgenson, 2nd Jim Fischer, 3rd Ella Rouhoff, 4th Lois Johnson, 5th Dick Titus, 6th Harriet Oldenburg

Weekly Cribbage

Oct. 10, two tables

1st Hilton Henschen, 2nd Loretta Nelson, 3rd John Allen

Weekly “500”

Oct. 12, five tables

1st Eddie Hall, 2nd Arnold Bergstrom, 3rd Wayne Chilson, 4th Lois Anderson

 Semcac Daily Meals

Monday: Meatloaf

Tuesday: Soup

Wednesday: Sweet ‘n sour pork. Alt: Beef steak

Thursday: Meat lasagna

Friday: Hamburger or brat on bun