Terrorism can hit seniors HARD says an article in USA Today (10-17-01). The current anthrax bioterrorism , the war in Afghanistan, and frequent television replays of the horrific events of Sept. 11 have left many people feeling depressed, worried, helpless, sleepless, and anxious about what's going to happen next.

More than most people, seniors have been seriously affected by the terrorism news on TV and in the newspapers. Older folks usually don't have jobs and family responsibilities to distract them as do younger people, so there is often less opportunity to find outlets to relieve built up stress.

What's the remedy? Turn off the TV and minimize reading all the details in newspaper articles. How about phoning or visiting your family, a neighbor, or your grandchildren? How about lunch or shopping with a friend? Or take a drive to see our beautiful fall foliage displaying its glorious October colors in Northeast Ohio?

One of the greatest ways to temporarily forget about all this bad news is to get outside and take a walk. Even if you just walk around the block in your neighborhood, exercise brings new thoughts into your mind and pushes out the bad ones. Better yet, walk in a local park and look at the wonders of nature.

You begin to see new things you've never seen before--trees, flowers, streams, rocks, wildlife, birds, sky, clouds. Nature has a way of quieting the soul in uneasy times. It's peaceful out there under a canopy of trees and the birds don't know what happened on Sept. 11. They are busy feeding and flocking up for the long trip south.

While walking along, listen to the sounds of nature and simply let your mind witness and appreciate what your senses bring to its attention. Thoreau once said, "The doctrine of despair was never taught by such as shared the serenity of nature."

If you don't want to walk alone, find a walking buddy or try joining a walking group. The Cleveland Hiking Club lists over 50 walks and hikes in their monthly schedule.

The CHC mailing address is listed under Resources in CLEVELAND ON FOOT and BEYOND CLEVELAND ON FOOT. These books, published by Gray & Co., Publishers, list over 100 walks and hikes in Northeast Ohio and are available in local bookstores.