Program helps seniors exercise their brains, improve memory
5HVLGHnWV DW 7KH BLrFKHV DW Arbor Square in Harleysville are using a new computer program to exercise their brains and improve their memory.
The residents have been using the Posit Science programs since June, said Janet Huffer, assistant activity director. The various programs improve listening and memory through playing specially designed computer games like “High or Low,” “Tell us Apart” and “Match It.”
Doris Heimbach, 86, formerly of Sellersville, said the games are “kind of tough.”
Her favorite is “Listen and Do.” She’d never used a computer before but Huffer helped her log in and set up the game.
CODrD “BDEH” 6LnJOHy, 86, IRrmerly of Souderton, lives at Arbor Square, where residents live independently, but she volunteers DW 7KH BLrFKHV, Dn DVVLVWHG OLYLnJ facility that’s adjacent. Singley was also using the Posit Science programs recently.
“I love it,” said Singley. “It relaxes me. It really slowed me down. I thought I knew it all. I like to ‘Match It.’ It really keeps you going.”
Diane hornfeind, 80, a former Chicago resident who came to 7KH BLrFKHV Ln 2011, VDLG, “, ORYH it here.” She enjoys playing all the computer games. “There’s not one I like better. I like the challenge of it, even if I don’t get them all.”
hornfeind said playing the games helps to “wake up” her brain.
The computer stations are set up Ln D VLWWLnJ rRRP Ln 7KH BLrFKHV that features a large bird cage with WwHHWLnJ ELrGV flyLnJ IrRP SHrFK to perch. The women wear headphones to hear the commands from the computer program so they do not disturb others.
Jeannine English, executive GLrHFWRr RI 7KH BLrFKHV, VDLG WKH company that owns the facilities, Heritage Senior Living, “invested in this program” for the residents to use to improve their cognition.
“te’re pleased at the participation level,” English said. There are 85 rHVLGHnWV DW 7KH BLrFKHV, EuW WKH classes are for three at a time so the residents have individual attention from the instructor, she said.
“Many haven’t used a computer before so we’re starting with basic skills,” she said. The three ladies in the class have touted it to other residents so there is now a waiting list, she said.
“Some residents are chomping at the bit to get involved,” said English.
According to information from Posit Science, which is based in San Francisco, the computer programs are based on research into neuroscience that shows that aging brains can be strengthened and can change at any age.
Meanwhile, harli Sweeney, an eighth-grade student at Indian Valley Middle School, has volunteered to come in and help the residents with the Posit Science programs, said Huffer.
Huffer has used the programs herself and believes they have improved her memory. She said she now beats her 10-year-old grandson playing the game “Memory.”
“It’s a lot of fun,” she said. “te exercise our muscles. te need to exercise our minds.”