The Senior Solution!
…on the importance of staying independent!
ISSUE 39
JULY 2014
The Benefits of Pursuing Hobbies… It is halfway through the month of July and the summer activities are in full swing. And what better way to celebrate all things summer than to bring you a newsletter focused on maintaining your independence as a senior by enjoying a favorite activity or hobby! So the question is, how does one maintain independence, especially if memory loss causes one to have difficulty? Firstly, we will delve into some of the beneficial preventative measures that may slow down cognitive decline! In the past few years, new research has brought much light into the mysterious phenomenon that causes cognitive decline. Robert Wilson, a professor of neurological sciences and behavioral sciences at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago and lead author of two new studies, said, “Part of what your brain is like in old age has to do with what you are asking it to do on a regular basis. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities is one course to improving the health of your brain. “Also, being mentally active translated to better cognitive function, possibly because the brains of mentally active people are better able to handle damage over time,” said Wilson. Gay Hanna, the executive director of the National Center for Creative Aging, in Washington D.C. states, “Humans have this enormous capacity to learn, and the arts are so intrinsic within us that even with dementia we still retain that ability for imagination and creativity.” So whether it is playing games such as Sudoku or crossword puzzles, or engaging in writing programs, storytelling, dance, music, or painting, each have their own particular benefit and give a purpose to a senior’s life. For someone who struggles with dementia, creative writing allows them to bypass the traditional language that they may not always be able to remember, and slip into their own ‘world of metaphor.’ Dance, drama, and singing can also incur improved physical health as well. Engaging in such activities can bring about a sense of community and companionship, which is able to break through feelings of isolation that would have led to quicker decline. Perhaps engaging in hobbies and activities might be a bit too difficult for you to participate in alone. That is why the At Your Place Senior Care caregivers are here to help! Our mission is to help seniors Continued on other side..
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live confidently and age gracefully in their own homes for as long as possible. We choose to make a positive difference in the lives of mature adults and their families who love them. Our At Your Place team will perform with confidence, concern, commitment, cheerfulness and care. We will treat every contact as a friend, every client as family, and perform every task with honor. At Your Place wants to help you stay independent for as long as possible and live a fulfilling life! So whether it is transportation for shopping or helping you with a craft or hobby at home, we are here to help! Please call us today at 360-859-3085! The studies were published online April 4 in the Journal Neurology, and were supported by the National Institute on Aging and the Illinois Department of Health. http://www.everydayhealth.com/senior-health/0405/brain-falters-near-end-of-life-but-games-puzzles-might-slow-decline.aspx http://www.everydayhealth.com/senior-health/0904/seniors-creativity-can-thrive-despite-dementia.aspx
Senior Activity Ideas! • The Messenger Newspaper—3rd largest newspaper in Clark County. Mailed free to anyone 50 or older who requests it. Read about travel, staying active, health, education, leisure, and legislation.
Senior Activity Centers: *Luepke Senior Center 1009 E McLoughlin Blvd Vancouver, WA 98663 (360) 487-7050
*Firstenburg Community Center 700 NE 136th Ave Vancouver, WA 98684
*Battle Ground Senior Center 116 NE 3rd Ave Battle Ground, WA 98604
• Meals-On-Wheels—Enjoy a hot, nutritious meal provided by the Meals on Wheels People, a non-profit organization. Anyone 60 years of age and older is welcome to join us for lunch. Suggested donation is $3. • Volunteer Opportunities for Seniors—‘Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP):’ People from all walks of life contribute their skills, knowledge and time to worthwhile community efforts through RSVP. Enjoy an active retirement lifestyle while helping others. Call (360) 735-3683 • ‘Human Service Council’: The Human Services Council is a non-profit corporation the works to coordinate the effective delivery of community services in SW Washington. The mission is to improve people’s lives by connecting them to opportunities, information and services that respond to their individual and family needs. Call (360) 6946577. http://www.cityofvancouver.us/parksrec/page/fifty-and-better http://www.cityofvancouver.us/cmo/page/senior-activities-messengermarch-2013