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For Seniors
Information and
Resources for Seniors
Gyms Are Not
Just for Your Body
By Kathryn E. Eriksen
A new
industry has arrived – the “brain fitness” industry. Scientific
studies now support the argument that your brain should continue to
receive stimulation to maintain its cognitive functioning. Think of it
as “brain training” – instead of working out just your body, you also
work out your mind!
Recent studies conducted by neuroscientists indicate that as the human
brain ages, it loses various cognitive functions. That is nothing new,
but the studies went further, and suggest that the loss of cognitive
functioning can be reversed, if those parts of the brain are used more
frequently. Good nutrition, physical exercise (to improve oxygen flow)
and mental stimulation can improve or increase the brain’s ability to
process information more accurately and quickly.
With baby boomers at the front edge of the retirement tidal wave,
various companies have conducted their own research to support their
own brain training products. Posit Science is one of the companies who
subjected its brain training course, called “Brain Fitness Program” to
numerous scientific studies. According to their website,
www.PositScience.com, “some of the world’s leading brain scientists”
have contributed “their knowledge to [Posit Science’s} development
efforts.” The computer program automatically adapts to the user’s
individual ability, so the mental drills never become too difficult or
too easy. The price of the program is a bit pricey - $395 for a
single-user; $495 for the two-user program.
At least two major health insurers are also jumping on the bandwagon.
MetLife provides a 61-page book called “Love Your Brain” to new or
prospective insureds. Humana has taken it one step further. Humana,
Inc. offers the Brain Fitness Program developed by Posit Science at no
charge to its Medicare Advantage customers, and charges $100 to its
Medicare prescription drug benefit customers. Humana is also
sponsoring “brain fitness camps” at community colleges.
Several websites are also available to use 24/7 for a small monthly
fee. For example, www.HappyNeuron.com charges $9.95 a month or buy an
annual membership for $99.95. This site offers games in 5 different
categories: Memory, Attention, Language, Executive Function and
Visual/Spatial. Another site that is priced slightly less expensive is
www.mybraintrainer.com ($9.95 for 3 months or $29.95 for a year). My
Brain Trainer recommends use of the exercises every day for ten
minutes to achieve the maximum effect.
Retirement communities in Texas have also seen the light and make at
least one of these programs available for their residents. For
example, about 130 communities have purchased Posit Science’s program
for their residents. One of the first in Texas to institute the
program was Dallas-based Conservatory Senior Living, with two
communities – one in Keller and the other in Austin. The 35 residents
who completed the program participated in a “graduation” ceremony –
complete with caps and gowns! Diplomas were handed out to the beaming
residents, in front of proud families.
Whether you have just received your AARP membership packet in the mail
(because you are about to turn 50) or you are much older, please
explore how one of these programs might benefit you, or someone you
love. Use of one of these “brain gyms” will help keep the neurons
firing and hopefully will maintain a higher level of brain fitness.
Just click on one of the many links provided in this article to learn
more about keeping your brain active and healthy.
S e n i o r s
M a r k e t P l a ce
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Youth
and Seniors
By Kathryn E. Eriksen
I recently have been spending a
lot of time going through my mother’s office and papers. She was a
remarkable woman who never accepted that to grow old in years meant to
grow old in attitude.
One day, while I was going through a stack of papers, a small, worn
piece of paper fell onto the floor. When I picked it up and read the
following essay on “Youth,” I immediately understood how my mother
kept her wonderful, joyful attitude about life intact, even though
faced with serious health issues. And I resolved to integrate
enthusiasm, a sense of adventure and wonder into my life at every
moment. My face may be showing signs of growing older, but my soul
dances with joy! May your soul do the
same…
It wouldn't
be funny if it wasn't so true... Julie Andrews turns 69
 To
commemorate her 69th birthday on October 1, actress/vocalist, Julie
Andrews made a special appearance at Manhattan's Radio City Music Hall
for the benefit of the AARP. One of the musical numbers she performed
was "My Favorite Things" from the legendary movie "Sound Of Music."
Here are the lyrics she used:
Maalox and nose drops and needles for knitting,
Walkers and handrails and new dental fittings,
Bundles of magazines tied up in string,
These are a few of my favorite things.
Cadillacs and cataracts, and hearing aids and glasses,
Polident and Fixodent and false teeth in glasses,
Pacemakers, golf carts and porches with swings,
These are a few of my favorite things.
When the pipes leak,
When the bones creak,
When the knees go bad,
I simply remember my favorite things,
And then I don't feel so bad.
Hot tea and crumpets and corn pads for bunions,
No spicy hot food or food cooked with onions,
Bathrobes and heating pads and hot meals they bring,
These are a few of my favorite things.
Back pains, confused brains, and no need for sinnin',
Thin bones and fractures and hair that is thinnin',
And we won't mention our short, shrunken frames,
When we remember our favorite things.
When the joints ache,
When the hips break,
When the eyes grow dim,
Then I remember the great life I've had,
And then I don't feel so bad.
(Ms. Andrews received a standing ovation from the crowd
that lasted over four minutes and repeated encores.)
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