Be happy Be Social

more research is needed, researchers think that over the long term the participants may have decreased their risk for disability, dependency, and dementia in later life. Many causes need help from volunteers. For example, groups that help homeless people need volunteers to serve meals or organize clothing donations. The USO needs people to send care packages to soldiers stationed overseas. Animal shelters need help caring for dogs and cats. Senior groups need aides to help people with disabilities run their errands. The list goes on. Researchers have found that older adults, like Maria, who take part in these types of activities often do so to make a difference in their communities and feel good about what they are doing.

But, there are plenty of other options for places to volunteer or be socially active. Where you look to find these opportunities might depend on what you are interested in doing. The following are some examples of social and productive activities you might like:

Volunteering at a library, hospital, or other community health facility

Joining a senior center

Playing cards and other games with your friends

Going to the theater, a movie, or a sporting event

Traveling with a group of older adults, perhaps a retiree group

Visiting friends and family

Trying different restaurant

Gardening in your backyard or at a community park

A number of early studies found that people who are involved in hobbies and other social and leisure pursuits may be at lower risk for (and less likely to develop) some health problems, including dementia.

Research shows that people who are sociable, generous, and goal-oriented may be happier and less depressed than other people. Sitting at home alone could help explain why Melvin is not feeling like himself. Volunteering might help Melvin feel better. According to researchers, older adults who participate in what they believe are meaningful activities, like volunteering in their communities, say they feel healthier and happier. For example, older adult volunteers from an urban community worked approximately 15 hours a week in their neighborhood public elementary schools, in a special program designed to improve children’s school success. Researchers learned that the older volunteers increased their cognitive, social, and physical activity levels. Participants also reported feeling personal satisfaction from the experience. Although

Organizing a park clean-up through your local recreation center

Taking a cooking class

Singing in a choral group

Joining a local theater troupe

Forming or joining a book club

Going dancing

Taking a group exercise class

Playing a musical instrument, learning a new instrument

Joining a group interested in a hobby like knitting or wood carving

Getting a part-time job

Everyone has different limits to the amount of time he or she can spend on social or other activities. What is perfect for one person might be too much for another. Ted may cut back his volunteer hours and find that doing a little less is just right for him. His friend Rasheed may feel that doing two activities—a monthly book club and tutoring once a week in the high school—is enough.

How the Aging Brain Affects Thinking

Aging may also bring positive cognitive changes.

Some changes in thinking are common as people get older. For example, older adults may:

Be slower to find words and recall names

Find they have more problems with multitasking

Experience mild decreases in the ability to pay attention

Participate in Research

Researchers are working to understand normal brain aging, why some people stay cognitively healthy longer than others, and what might protect your brain as you age.

Aging may also bring positive cognitive changes. For example, many studies have shown that older adults have more extensive vocabularies and greater knowledge of the depth of meaning of words than younger adults. Older adults may also have learned from a lifetime of accumulated knowledge and experiences. Whether and how older adults apply this accumulated knowledge, and how the brain changes as a result, is an area of active exploration by researchers.

Despite the changes in cognition that may come with age, older adults can still do many of the things they have enjoyed their whole lives. Research shows that older adults can still:

-Learn new skills

-Form new memories

-Improve vocabulary and language skills

-Changes in the Aging Brain

As a person gets older, changes occur in all parts of the body, including the brain.

Certain parts of the brain shrink, especially those important to learning and other complex mental activities.

In certain brain regions, communication between neurons (nerve cells) may not be as effective.

Blood flow in the brain may decrease.

Inflammation, which occurs when the body responds to an injury or disease, may increase.

These changes in the brain can affect mental function, even in healthy older people.

For example, some older adults may find that they don’t do as well as younger individuals on complex memory or learning tests. However, if given enough time to learn a new task, they usually perform just as well. Needing that extra time is normal as we age. There is growing evidence that the brain maintains the ability to change and adapt so that people can manage new challenges and tasks as they age.

The Secrets of Cognitive Super Agers

Some people in their 80s, 90s, and beyond defy the common assumption that cognitive decline goes hand in hand with aging. These people, called cognitive super agers, have memory performance comparable to people 20 – 30 years younger. Research is ongoing to understand what sets these people apart to help others prevent (or reverse) age-related cognitive decline.

Talk with your doctor if you’re conerned about changes in your thinking and memory. He or she can help you determine whether the changes in your thinking and memory are normal, or whether it could be something else.

There are things you can do to help maintain your physical health and that may benefit your cognitive health, too. Learn more about cognitive health and take steps to help you stay healthy as you age.

Many factors can influence healthy aging. While some of these factors, such as genetics, are not within our control, research shows there are steps you can take to help manage your health as you age. Even making small changes in your daily life can help you live longer and better.

What is assisted living

Assisted living is an excellent option for seniors seeking an independent and vibrant lifestyle, while also receiving the help they want and need with daily activities. Assisted living is the senior living option that combines housing, support services,and health care, as needed. Seniors who choose assisted living enjoy an independent lifestyle with assistance customized to meet their needs, benefits that enrich their lives, and an environment that promotes well-being and family connectedness. Staff is available to meet both scheduled and unscheduled needs. Communities typically offer dining, as well as social and wellness activities designed to support a wellrounded lifestyle. Assisted living is a housing and health-care option that combines independence and personal care in a residential setting.

The Residents

More than one million Americans currently live in assisted living communities. Assisted living is appropriate for someone who wants and needs some level of assistance with everyday activities, such as meal preparation, medication management, transportation, and bathing, for example. Some residents may have Alzheimer’s or other cognitive impairments, or they may need assistance with mobility, incontinence, or other challenges.

The Communities

Assisted living communities offer the latest amenities, privacy, comfort, and beautifully decorated home inspired environments for seniors. There is no single blueprint for assisted living because consumers’ preferences and needs vary widely. Most communities have suites varying in size from a single room to a full apartment. They may be operated by nonprofit or for-profit organizations.

Typical Costs

Costs vary with the community, apartment size, and types of services needed by residents; however, assisted living often is less expensive than home health services or nursing home care in the same geographic area. The basic rate may cover all amenities and personal services or there may be additional charges for special services. Every community is unique. As you begin your search for an assisted living community, assess your current needs and be prepared to ask each provider how it might accommodate any changes in your needs over time.

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