As we head into week 5 of physical distancing, our collective efforts are paying off. According to Oregon state epidemiologist Dean Sidelinger, MD, “Updated modeling tells us that statewide mitigation efforts are keeping the caseload and hospitalizations well below the numbers we would have seen absent our efforts as a state. We are encouraged by the continued success of our mitigation efforts, which are allowing us to begin planning for suppression strategies for when the statewide measure can begin to be lifted."

In the meantime, Village Without Walls is here for you. Let's keep supporting each other with useful tips, services, and some humor.

Do you have ideas, funny videos, or pointers to share? Please send them to villagewwnewsletter@gmail.com so we can share with the group!

Fitness While Staying at Home

Getting some exercise and moving as much as you can doesn’t just boost your immunity against viruses, it’s critical to preserving your physical and mental health.

A good walk around the neighborhood or in the local park is a good way to keep up or start a fitness routine. You can carry hand weights or just swing your arms to add some upper body toning.

If walking doesn’t appeal to you or you are used to going to exercise classes at the local gym or senior center, there are many online choices.

Here are three online exercise options to consider:

1. FlexTogether, an online fitness studio for older adults

Through a combination of low impact fitness classes and video chat, FlexTogether enhances wellness and connection. You can exercise alone in your home or with a friend or family member while you are each in your separate homes. Classes include chair yoga, cardio, balance, tai chi, Qigong, and dance.

Go to flextogether.com to find out how easy it to sign up for free (no username or password needed). You can access FlexTogether classes from a smart phone, tablet, or computer.

2. AARP 10 Minute Workouts

These beginner-friendly 10-minute workout videos with fitness experts like Denise Austin, Jorge Cruise, Lorraine Ladish, Bryant Johnson, and Kathy Smith are just enough to get you moving and feeling more energized. Visit aarp.org to check them out.

3. Silver Sneakers On Demand Fitness

If you are eligible for the Silver Sneakers program through your Medicare insurance plan, you can access over 200 on-demand videos specifically designed for people 65 and over.

There are more online fitness classes available if you do an internet search, some with a monthly fee. Remember to keep moving to stay healthy!

12 Famous Museums and Galleries You Can Visit Virtually from Your Own Couch

Museums around the world are temporarily shuttered. But fear not—you now have the perfect opportunity to stroll around them and take as much time as you want looking at all the paintings, sculptures, and artifacts.

Google Arts and Culture has teamed up with hundreds of the world's museums to create virtual tours that you can access from anywhere. Don't miss these twelve cultural treasures.

The Hidden Worlds of the National Parks

"Food 2 You" Food Pantry Delivery Program

Hillsboro launched the “Food 2 You” food pantry delivery program on Tuesday, April 7, in partnership with St. Vincent de Paul and The Salvation Army of Hillsboro. Food 2 You delivers food to those people who are medically fragile or older individuals who are unable to leave their homes due to coronavirus restrictions.

Requests are accepted by phone at 503-681-5090 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only, from noon to 4:00 PM. Orders are filled and delivered the following day (Wednesdays and Thursdays). Phones will close once order limits for that day have been met and specific dietary or other special needs cannot be filled. Available to Hillsboro residents only.

AARP Coronavirus Tele-Town Halls

AARP is hosting a weekly live Coronavirus Information Tele-Town Hall every Thursday at 10:00 AM (Pacific time). To join the live session each week, call toll-free 855-274-9507.

You can find recordings of previous town halls on the AARP website.

Video of the Week:
Willamette River Ferries, a Bridge to the Past

Do you know someone experiencing isolation or loneliness?

Isolation and loneliness can be dangerous for seniors anytime, but right now the stakes are higher than ever. Please use these resources and share them with anyone you know who could use some help.

Oregon Senior Peer Outreach Line: 1-833-736-4676

Weekly phone-based support and connection with Community Support Solutions. This free service is available to Washington County older adults (55+) experiencing loneliness and isolation. Participants are matched with a trained Peer Support Specialist and receive scheduled weekly phone calls. Se habla español.

Oregon Senior Loneliness Line: 503-200-1633

Volunteer warm line available 24/7 with Lines for Life. Trained volunteers offer support and connection at any time for older adults experiencing loneliness and isolation. Available in multiple languages.

And finally... a little humor for our times.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau premiered his new single Speaking Moistly at a press conference on April 7, much to everyone's cringy delight. Watch the video.

That's it for this week. Stay home, stay healthy!

And don't forget: send your favorite videos, classes, articles, and practical tips to us at villagewwnewsletter@gmail.com.