Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
BRAIN POWER
According to The Dana Foundation, Brain Awareness Week is celebrated in March. It’s a global campaign to increase public awareness of the benefits of brain research and unites organizations worldwide in a celebration of the brain for people of all ages. Residents of Kendal— Crosslands Communities, a continuing care retirement community located in Kennett Square, share their brain health tactics.
Peggy mentioned that she doesn’t plan her days for brain health but to create a life that is meaningful and, she hopes, contributes to the community. For Peggy, living in an adult community provides her with many opportunities to develop projects in response to needs she has identified. For example, she created “Transitions,” a monthly meeting introducing newcomers to each other, to staff and to volunteer possibilities, encouraging the involvement that is essential for brain health. Other initiatives are a Women’s Lives Book Group, A Better Hearing Committee, and a CHOICES at the End-of-Life Program. Each helps create a brain healthy environment. But perhaps most stimulating for her own brain has been teaching at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute where she’s taught courses in Population Issues, The Torture Debate In Our Country, Sexuality in Later Life and Understanding Alzheimer’s. Research, curriculum development and interaction with feisty students is good for the brain as well as great fun. Writing is her other brainy activity. Condensing 60 minute presentations into 300 word articles for the community Reporter is a real challenge and editing a book, EXPERIENCES: Life in a Continuing Care Retirement
Community with stories by 45 residents is just the way to keep a brain working.
Bob Johnson
Coincidentally, Bob is participating in a group at the community of fellow neighbors who come together and share various methods of working to preserve and keep the quality of your mind. We all acknowledge we are getting older and it is helpful to ourselves and each other to come together and share ideas. Bob feels that being with people, the interactions; the connections that you never know where they might lead you, all contribute to staying mentally alert. Bob also facilitates classes at the Osher Lifelong Learning at University of Delaware. He leads a small discussion class – on a topic to be determined by the classmates. Bobs says there are many great minds and sharing, enjoying each other’s company, and talking to one another provide good brain health.
Diana Stevens
Physical exercise is one of Diana’s methods of keeping a healthy brain. But her heart benefits too. I walk quite a bit and as I walk, I stay alert, mentally to my physical surroundings (the birds, the wildlife, etc.) and observe everything around me. My mind is also working while my legs are working as well. I practice Yoga and as a result, my increased balance is important to maintain good health. Additionally, I also participate in classes at the Osher Lifelong Learning at University of Delaware. I
discovered that the courses are beneficial and helps the brain circuits. I make connections with the people in my class as well connecting the course work from one class to another. I’ve expanded my mind quite a bit since taking the classes. Also, I co-instruct the Current Issues class which involves scheduling 13 different speakers a semester, which in one way, I use my brain as if I’m putting together a large picture puzzle.
Crawford MacKeand
Crawford chuckled and asked “does sleep count for brain health.” We imagined so — that a good night’s sleep is helpful for the entire body. But Crawford enjoys a hobby of Amateur Radio. He has enjoyed this hobby starting when he was a youth in the U.K. and realizes the industry has changed and it continues to change. He converses (albeit typing) with other radio enthusiasts all over the world. The thought process to determine what to type, then thinking of responses, deciphering information, etc. all contributes to an active mind for Crawford. Crawford also participates with the Osher Lifelong Learning at University of Delaware. He has been teaching for 20+ years at the organization. He teaches a variety of classes. He says that sitting and doing nothing doesn’t get you anywhere — it’s the interaction with people that keeps you mentally involved (over the radio or in the classroom).
Compiled and submitted by Michele Berardi, Director Community Outreach, Kendal— Crosslands Communities, Kennett Square