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8 | SUN LAKES LIFESTYLES | JUNE 2025 | Age surely comes for us all. Life surrenders in a series of continuing losses. The depressive spiral robs us of physical abilities, mental faculties, friends and family. Losses of cognitive function are especially challenging. Dementia and other mental impairments can lead to frustration, confusion, and difficulty communicating, potentially resulting in outbursts. Pain, illness, and medications can contribute to irritability. Loneliness and lack of social interaction can increase feelings of sadness and hopelessness, potentially leading to anger. What was once simple and easily understood turns complex and daunting. Loss of a spouse or declining independence, can be stressful and trigger emotional outbursts. The changes can drive even the most stoic to isolation. Anger and irritation supplant understanding and reason. In short, old folks can be crabby, often with good reason but, curmudgeonly still the same. So… what to do to conquer crabby? The first step is awareness. If you're feel your fuse shortening and getting lit way too often, your probably figuring out things just don't work as they once did. Many seek medical intervention, hoping to stabilize the inevitable slide. We avail ourselves of anti- everything to stem the tide. Anti-aging creams, anti-anxiety drugs, anti-coagulants, anti-inf lammatories, anti-histamines and anti- depressants all aimed to ameliorate life in the golden years. We chase Madison Avenue pushed products while ignoring our built-in secret weapon of happiness. Just smile. That tingly feeling in your gut when you smile or think back to a happy moment are endorphins being released by your body. Endorphins, also referred to as "feel-good chemicals," are neurotransmitters, chemicals in the brain that play a key role in regulating our mood and emotions. Endorphins are released in response to various stimuli such as exercise, laughter, excitement and even in reaction to certain foods. Endorphins create a sense of euphoria, excitement and well-being. People often describe feeling a "natural high" or a sense of elation. These benefits come just from smiling, regardless of how you're actually feeling. A smile not only transforms someone's face, it can change a room of frowning concern to a room full of happy faces. That's magic. That's a super power we all have. Take full advantage of the power of your smile. Groups, like the Delegate Assembly, accomplish more in camaraderie than conf lict. They employ rules designed to reduce tensions and promote good outcomes. Following an organizational structure means you're utilizing the wisdom and work of others who came before. In the right environment, strongly-held opinions slowly surrender to consensus, but the path can be quickened by goodwill derived in common purpose. Ties of friendship and bonds of love are built upon the smiles of others. We gravitate to those relationships because we are built for connection. The key to opening that door is in your grasp. Just smile. ~ Cal Martin From the Delegate Assembly EPAP ANIMAL RESCUE GROUP We meet at 10 am in the Multipurpose Room on the third Monday of the following five months each year: September, November, January, March, and May. We strive to bring interesting and informative guest speakers to our meetings to help you keep your animals safe and healthy. For more information or to volunteer, contact Sandy Burgon at (909) 855-0226.

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