Growing Older: Fun classes for brain fitness

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Nov 14, 2009 | by Sandra J Cohen

'Use it or lose it!" To remain physically and mentally fit, we must exercise our minds as well as our bodies. Starting in our 30s, but more noticeably in our senior years, the part of the brain that serves our memory starts to shrink. Exercising that part minimizes the shrinkage and thus not only helps prevent dementia but adds mental enjoyment to our later years.

The time is approaching to consider New Year's resolutions to improve our lives and contribute to others. We can review how we are exercising our minds as well as what we are feeding them and whether we want more of a balance between brain stimulation on our own and in social contexts.

Brain fitness experts encourage us to pursue whatever form of mental exercise fits our personality, stage of life, goals and personal interests. We can stimulate our memories by planning and doing chores around the house and doing crossword puzzles, as well as by taking classes in language and contributing to a volunteer planning project. Seniors who may want to combine brain fitness exercise and interaction with similarly motivated people, will be happy to know classes have survived recent education funding cuts.

Oakland Adult and Career Education in Oakland, for example, has brain fitness classes and a memory camp that can empower participants to remember more, think faster, hear better -- and even improve their driving, see more clearly and focus better. Students report engaging "life with energy and ease" and developing a "positive attitude and extra alertness."

Participants in the Senior Center Without Walls Brain Sparks program via free telephone sessions have the options to sign up for such engaging and fun activities as brain games, word scrambles and riddles, trivia questions and letter games. They can also take classes by phone about brain wellness as documented in current research with older people.

Inquire and register for winter classes at any of the following: Oakland Adult and Career Education 510-452-2074 or http:// pvas.ousd.k12.ca.us/BrainFitnessProgram.pdf; Senior Center Without Walls (available throughout the Bay Area) 877-797-7299 or www.seniorcenterwithoutwalls.org; Hayward Area Recreation Department Memory Academy 510-881-6768 or www.haywardrec.org; Mt. Diablo Adult School Brain Blast 925-685-7340 or www.mdusd.k12.ca.us/adulted; Avenidas (Palo Alto) Body and Brain Fitness 650-289-5400 or www.avenidas.org/activities/body-brain-fitness; or your local adult school.

Growing Older is written by Sandra J. Cohen, R.N., and Roger Cormier, M.A., of Cohen Cormier Home Care & Care Management. Reach them at 510-652-3377, 925-945-8855 or www.eldercaremanagers.com.