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Flexing his brain power

 
Published Oct. 25, 1994|Updated Oct. 8, 2005

(ran LTCTNT, CTI editions)

At 84, Elden Smith works out daily, getting in shape for this year's Good Life Games.

His fitness equipment? Trivial Pursuit cards. It's not his biceps he's hoping to strengthen, it's his mental power. He's in training for the annual Senior Smarts, a college-bowl type competition.

"The more I practice using my memory," said the former university professor, "the faster things come back to me. I have always had a facility for remembering unimportant information."

Smith scored enough points two years ago to make the All-Star Team and advance to the state finals in the Senior Smarts competition. And although he would like to do the same this year, he says it's not winning or losing that matters most.

"It's just an enjoyable experience to participate," he said. "The Good Life Games are a good idea whether you're running, bowling or playing bridge. I feel it's very important for older people to become involved to the extent of their abilities, whatever they may be _ it's what keeps us alive."

This year the Senior Smarts competition will be Nov. 16 at the Sunshine Center, 330 5th St. N. in St. Petersburg. Questions on a variety of subjects such as math, entertainment, sports, geography, history and literature will be asked.

"The event showcases the wisdom that seniors have accumulated from their life experiences," said Jay Morgan, Sunshine Center director.

For the first time, the competition will be divided into three age categories: 55-64, 65-74, and 75 and older.

"This way we get a good representation of several age divisions," Morgan said.

The top scorers from each division and the highest scorer of all second-place finalists will advance to the All-Star Team and compete in the 1995 state finals in Fort Lauderdale.