Director's Message
Healthy Memory, Healthy Mind September 2009The huge Boomer generation is entering their 60s. Research indicates that the number of those over 85 will quadruple by 2050 and beyond.Research also shows that some of them will have some form of dementia. In response to these facts, many resources are being directed to understanding memory loss and finding ways to prevent or slow its progression. It is now understood that the brain has some ability to generate new cells and reassign old ones. A tidal wave of new products are entering the market every week that claim to be miracle cures, and every book and software vendor has a vast array of self-help products. Brain Fitness classes are popping up everywhere. When is forgetting an indication of progressive memory loss disease? How do we know what works?
Earlier this summer, I attended a workshop led by Cynthia R. Green, PhD, the founding director of The Memory Enhancement Program at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and President of Memory Arts, LLC. I was sufficiently impressed by her presentation to invite her to be the keynote speaker at our Fall conference on October 24. Dr. Green is a nationally recognized expert in memory fitness training. She has served on the faculty of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and the Mount Sinai Health System since 1990, where she is currently an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry. She has also published several books and articles, including Total MemoryWorkout , Stay Sharp and the newly released Brainpower Game Plan. More information about her can be found at www.memoryarts.com
Dr. Green maintains that for most of us, our memory is not broken, but we need to get it (and keep it) in shape. She states that there is much we can do to improve our everyday memory performance. This includes changing lifestyle factors (such as sleep, eating, emotional stress), social engagement and physical activity. She advocates memory skills training with exercises that build attention, speed, multi-tasking and memory. Dr. Green also encourages being socially engaged, doing intellectually stimulating activities, finding new interests and socializing frequently. These recommendations are consistent with our understanding and the programs we offer at PSRC.
I was impressed by Dr. Green’s knowledge and her simple, practical, inexpensive strategies. She was also a very engaging presenter. I think people of all ages will find her presentation to be very informative. The lecture will be followed by three workshops and a resource fair. The workshops are: Remembering Names, Is it Memory Loss, and Lifestyle Choices for Healthy Minds. Please join us on Saturday, October 24 from 9 am- 12 noon. Bring your friends and family.
Susan W. Hoskins, LCSW
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Previous MessagesJune 2013 - Age Friendly Communities June 2013 - Age Friendly Communities May 2013 - Navigating a Changing HealthCare Landscape March 2013 - Navigating Life’s Transitions February 2013 - Partners in Caring Princeton January 2013 - Men as Caregivers December 2012 - The Safety Net October 2012 - Documenting Your History September 2012 - A Journey of Transformation July - August 2012 - Gratitude & Moving March 2012 - Patient-centered Care February 2012 - Can you Spare an Hour? January 2012 - Challenges & Opportunities December - Are you Prepared for Emergencies? October - Chocolate for Memory September- Looking Back and Looking Forward Lessons and Legacies, March 2011 Independent Living February 2011 Witness to my Life December 2010 Elections, benefits and open enrollment November 2010 Strategic Planning September 2010 Hiring Home Care December 2009 Annual Giving by Sharon Naeole November 2009 Flu Pandemic 2009 October 2009 Healthy Memory, Healthy Mind September 2009 A Personal Perspective on Caregiving July/August 2009 Wei Ji: Crisis, Danger and Opportunity April 2009 Write your own obituary March 2009 Hope and Vision in Challenging Times Medicare Changes 2008: Take A Look! December 2008 Scams, Frauds and Rip-offs November 2008 Engaged Retirement: Beyond Financial Planning October 2008 September 2008 Caregiver Dilemmas Finding Rhythm and Purpose July/August 2008 V + OA = ER (Volunteering + Older Americans=Engaged Retirement)May 2008 Have You Had the Talk Yet? March 2008 Get Moving with FitRhythms™! February 2008 What Are Social Services? November 2007 Plan for the Future September 2007 The Up-side of Aging Summer 2007 National Conference on Aging: Let's ReThink Aging April 2007 Season of Giving December 2006 April Hill McElroy October 2006 Civic Engagement September 2006 White House Conference on Aging May 2006 Are You Prepared? October 2005 Watch Your Language September 2005 The End of the Journey May 2005 New Dietary Guidelines February 2005 Civic Engagement with GrandPals October 2004 The Challenge of Giving Care May 2004 Seniors On The Move April 2004 Random Acts of Kindness December 2003 Civic Engagement November 2003 |