“Exergames” boost brain function in older adults
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eniors who exercise using interactive video games experience greater cognitive health benefits than those who rely on traditional exercise alone. This news could make exercise more appealing to older adults and help stave off conditions such as dementia, one of the most debilitating effects of aging. “We found that for older adults, virtual-reality enhanced interactive exercise, two to three times a week for three months, yielded greater cognitive benefit and perhaps added protection against
mild cognitive impairment than a similar dose of traditional exercise,” Cay AndersonHanley, assistant professor of psychology, said of her research with Paul Arciero, a professor of exercise science at Skidmore College. Their study appears online and in the February issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Additional work by Anderson-Hanley has shown that weight-lifting also sharpens mental acuity in older adults. To learn more, visit www.union.edu/news or turn to page 30.
Cay Anderson-Hanley, assistant professor of psychology, with John Youmans, 90, one of the participants in the study.
Building our Third Century PLANNED GIFTS: A charitable remainder trust was established by Alan L. & Susan M. Maycock, Class of 1972, naming Union College as remainder beneficiary. Ultimate proceeds will be added to the Byron A. Nichols Endowed Fellowship for Faculty Development. A pooled life income distribution was received from the estate of Richard M. Baird, Class of 1930. Fifty percent of the proceeds were added to the Richard M. Baird 1930 Scholarship Fund and fifty percent will be used at the discretion of the trustees. A charitable gift annuity distribution was received from the estate of Lee L. Davenport, Class of 1937. The proceeds were added
to the Lee L. Davenport (1937) Summer Research Fund. Dr. Davenport also left a bequest; the proceeds to be used at the discretion of the trustees. A bequest was received from the estate of Philip E. Duchscherer, Class of 1939; the proceeds added to the H. Gilbert Harlow Endowed Fund. A bequest was received from the estate of Thomas E. Axelson, Class of 1951. The proceeds will establish the Thomas E. Axelson, 1951 Scholarship. A charitable gift annuity distribution was received from the estate of Charles D. Lothridge, Class of 1944. The proceeds established the William E. & Anna S. Lothridge Endowment Fund in memory of his parents. Funds will be used in support of a biennial dance program.
Proceeds were received from the estate of Samson O.A. Ullmann, professor emeritus of English. Along with earlier gifts, these were added to the Samson O.A. Ullmann Endowed Scholarship and the Samson O.A. Ullmann Endowed Fund. CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES Established by: • Grace Elaine Munzer, widow of Hans W. Munzer, Class of 1939 • Paul E. Kummer, Class of 1943 • Randolph W. Meyer, Class of 1957 • George W. Vosburgh, Class of 1950 • G. William Meeker, Jr., Class of 1958 • William W. Fairchild, professor emeritus of mathematics
CHARITABLE LEAD TRUST Distributions were received from: Willard G. Taylor, Class of 1952—proceeds were added to the Willard G. Taylor (1952) Scholarship Nathan & Romana Obenzinger—proceeds were added to the Ronald Matthew Obenzinger (1961) Memorial Premedical Scholarship and to the Ronald M. Obenzinger (1961) Prize. Margaret N. Deal— proceeds were added to the Harold S. & Margaret N. Deal Memorial Scholarship in support of students majoring in either biochemistry or pre-health programs.
Spring 2012 UNION COLLEGE
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