•

Beef Up Your
Brainpower!

T

he movie The Bucket List
Engaging with others has brain
gave us a name for all the
health benefits, too. Social interactions
things we want to do, accom-
can help insulate you from depression,
plish or experience before we die. At
which is known to accelerate mental
Professional Parent Care, we ask new
decline. Is there an activity that you
clients what's on their bucket lists
really enjoy? Try taking a class in your
because the answers morph into valu-
community. You'll gain the double ben-
able discussions that teach us the best
efit of enjoying an activity while meet-
way to care for each person.
ing new people with a common interest,
We also talk about individual fears
perhaps cultivating a new friendship.
that may be limiting their
Everyone likes to laugh,
quality of life as they age.
but research shows it may
The two most significant
also improve brain health.
specific fears of older adults?
Scientists who study laughter
Suffering a significant
and its effects on the body have
fall injury and contract-
uncovered surprising circuitry
ing Alzheimer's disease.
in the brain. Laughter engages
Thankfully, there are steps
many
parts of the brain and can
4114
older people can take to pre-
strengthen your immune system,
Sandy
vent both.
boost your energy, diminish pain
Linden
Alzheimer's disease, the
and protect you from the damag-
most common form of
ing effects of stress.
dementia, is now the fifth-leading cause
A study at University of Southern
of death for people over 65. The good
California led by Professor Richard
news is, however, researchers are rising
Restak showed that one hour a day of
to meet this challenge and, in fact, have
intensive brain exercises like playing
discovered that humans have the ability, brain games, could ward off dementia
in many cases, to stop and even reverse
and age-related memory loss. Brain
cognitive decline.
games come in many forms such as
Hint: Increasing brainpower can be
free online games, board games or TV
fun. The process can include dancing,
shows.
socializing with friends, laughing and
Living independently is mostly about
playing games.
living safely, maintaining good nutri-
Any physical activity is helpful to
tion and fitness, and keeping your brain
brain health. Dancing, beside the cardio stimulated and growing. This requires
benefits of movement, stimulates parts
vigilance and keen awareness that with
of your brain that are often underuti-
aging things need to change to achieve
lized, requiring you to remember the
a better quality of life. Playing defense
steps, listen and move to the rhythm
and using a safety-first strategy in your
of the music. Music itself is known to
home environment are crucial. *
release dopamine, which counters age-
Sandy Linden is founder and president of
related decline.
Professional Parent Care in Southfield. Email him
If dancing isn't your style, you can
at slinden@professionalparentcare.com .
try tai chi. It's a very gentle exercise
that clears the mind, releases stress and
restores flexibility.

PREVENT FALLS

•Secure or get rid of throw rugs.
•Affix nonslip surfaces on the bathtub or shower floor.
•Increase wattage of lighting.
•Arrange all electrical cords in a safe manner.
•Install grab bars and handrails in the bathroom.
•Eat a balanced and healthy diet of fresh foods and water. Nutritional defi-
ciencies can accelerate the loss of muscle mass and strength, weaken the
immune system and increase the risk of infections.
•Exercise. Physical activity reduces joint and muscle pain and improves
mobility and balance, all which reduce the risk of falling.

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Women's Open House and Israel Fair
Sunday, November 15, 2015

Stern College for Women
Sy Syms School of Business
Beren Campus

Men's Open House and Israel Fair
Sunday, November 22, 2015

Yeshiva College
Sy Syms School of Business
Wilf Campus

www.yu.edu1212.960.52771yuadmrt@yu.edu

October 15 •2015

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