Fending off age-related cognitive decline on EasyLiving Front Range Colorado

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, social and mental activities play major roles in maintaining a healthy brain as one ages. This mirrors the results of a 2001 study sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Center for Mental Health Studies, the National Institute of Mental Health, and AARP in which it was found that for adults over the age of 65, opportunities to participate and attend ongoing cultural activities (singing, painting and poetry reading, for example) had healthy and encouraging benefits, including:

• better overall health
• fewer visits to their physician
• rate of need for medication decreased
• fewer falls
• vision problems diminished
• a significant decrease on the Geriatric Depression Scale.

“We see the benefits of mental and social stimulation to prevent and even reverse age-related cognitive decline,” says Mary Kirk, Director of Dignity Care of Boulder (dignity care.com). “Our caregivers have reported incredible changes in clients’ happiness, health, communication and interest in life just by reintroducing them to mental and social stimulation.”

For many seniors in their 70s and beyond, aging brings on sudden changes to activity levels due to death of a spouse, retirement, loss of driver’s license or physical limitations. “Our caregivers help seniors continue to be involved in life,” explains Kirk. “We take them on walks, to their favorite restaurants, movies, concerts, book clubs, breakfast groups and other senior activities. Even the activities at home — playing games, dancing, playing music together — help stave off mental decline.”

Kirk is also an advocate for getting seniors involved in volunteer work, such as RSVP. “Seniors have the time and it’s a win-win for everyone. We’ve got a 75-year-old woman who sits on nine boards for nonprofits. She’s sharp as a tack because she’s busy, involved, and passionate about what she does. She’s a great example of how an engaged, purposeful life can fight off cognitive decline.” — WTB

UPCOMING CLASS at the East Boulder Senior Center

Miracle Workout — Integrated Body Conditioning

The Miracle Workout (www.miracleworkout.com) is the revolutionary natural exercise system that weaves cardio-vascular (aerobic), resistance (weights) and range-of-motion (stretching) exercise into a single, exhilarating workout. Burn fat, build your heart and lungs, and strengthen muscles and bones twice as fast as any other form of exercise with delayed on-set muscle soreness. You also may have more fun!

Location: East Boulder Senior Center 5660 Sioux Dr., Boulder; 303-441-4150
Date: July 23 - August 27; 11 classes
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
Call for cost information.

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