Seniors Staying Sharp and Socially Connected
"Studies have suggested that as new information is learned, new con-nections are formed among the neurons, even in older people," says Margaret C. Sewell, PhD, director of Memory Enhancement Program and assistant professor of psychiatry at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. "People often focus on cross-word puzzles as a way to keep their brains sharp, but many activities can help, including learning new technology."Our Senior Tennis League is a great example of "Seniors Staying Sharp." The benefits of staying socially connected have been well-documented. For example, a study in the February 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Geriatric Society showed that women in their 80's who had a strong social network were less likely to experience cognitive decline. Another study, in the February 2007 issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, found that people who reported being socially connected were half as likely to develop dementia as those who reported feeling lonely. Staying in touch with family, friends, playing tennis, badminton, volleyball and other social-recreational type activities can also help to stave off depression. Depression---and chronic depression has been associated with shrinkage of the areas of the brain responsible for memory, judgement, and language.
In our Senior Tennis League, members are encouraged to email each other and to read the STL E-MAIL updates. In doing so, they get the latest information on other members in our group and receive healthy eating tips, while watching "slide shows" of our summer picnic. When they have problems opening attachments, we help them to use effective means of accessing those beautiful memories. The summer days when they played, sang and talked with those they love and who love them are never lost.
The incentive to use a computer also gives them access to millions of information sources via the Internet. You can learn about a medication you’ve just been prescribed, read the latest news, and find healthy recipes. For more mental stimulation, play free games, including cards or puzzles and you can find where to play tennis, badminton, table tennis and meet other people who live healthy lifestyles. "If you are afraid to try something new, like learning the computer, there's safety in numbers," says Dr. Sewell. "Sign up for a class at your local library with a friend."
Many libraries offer classes that introduce older adults to computer basics. You may also take classes offered by a nonprofit organization called SeniorNet, which educates older adults and provides them with access to computer technology. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) also has a section on computers and technology at its Web site, including lessons on how to use the internet.
Cell phones can be life-savers. In the 70's we used CB technology to communicate with others and especially in emergencies on the road. Truck drivers did that a long time before we did - to keep informed on road conditions, radar and just plain talk. Now you can use cell phones as a special life line. If you’ve suffered an injury or a fall and need emergency assistance, help is available (in many cases) with the press of one button. The phone numbers and names of your friends, doctor, dentist, cardiologist, tennis and badminton players can be quickly accessed by just hitting the first letter of their name and then pressing one button to dial the whole number. No need to fumble with the phone book or the Rolodex.
More of our seniors are leaning towards the new technology as a means of staying connected and now there are hands-free devices for your automobile. Need a plumber? Can’t make it home in time for the electrician, painter or a delivery?- - Use your cell phone! Before long, a lot of the names, numbers and basics of cell phone use will become second-nature to you. Seniors Staying Socially connected improves the transmission of information in your brain. Those who are now able to see their friends and family, as insurance carriers are now realizing, enjoy the importance of love, friendship and support with fewer guilt-ridden children and parents.
The bottom-line is to stay connected and feel the joy of talking to your friends, family and playmates. You will worry less about reaching out for new ideas. Calling your health care providers and service people is just a matter of scrolling down on the cell phone or touching one button in the "phonebook" of your cell phone or even accessing your "Outlook Express" on the internet for names, emails, addresses, birthdays, appointments, and even personal notes to help you remember their spouse’s name (or their pets). The internet can also remind you of all your special dates and appointments through "Lotus." Letters can be typed, spell checked, and corrected by the automatic built in "HELP" in a word processor before copying it to your email (as I am doing now).
Technology, senior groups, and internet sites of all kinds can make change your best friend. Contact information:
In our Senior Tennis League, members are encouraged to email each other and to read the STL E-MAIL updates. In doing so, they get the latest information on other members in our group and receive healthy eating tips, while watching "slide shows" of our summer picnic. When they have problems opening attachments, we help them to use effective means of accessing those beautiful memories. The summer days when they played, sang and talked with those they love and who love them are never lost.
The incentive to use a computer also gives them access to millions of information sources via the Internet. You can learn about a medication you’ve just been prescribed, read the latest news, and find healthy recipes. For more mental stimulation, play free games, including cards or puzzles and you can find where to play tennis, badminton, table tennis and meet other people who live healthy lifestyles. "If you are afraid to try something new, like learning the computer, there's safety in numbers," says Dr. Sewell. "Sign up for a class at your local library with a friend."
Many libraries offer classes that introduce older adults to computer basics. You may also take classes offered by a nonprofit organization called SeniorNet, which educates older adults and provides them with access to computer technology. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) also has a section on computers and technology at its Web site, including lessons on how to use the internet.
Cell phones can be life-savers. In the 70's we used CB technology to communicate with others and especially in emergencies on the road. Truck drivers did that a long time before we did - to keep informed on road conditions, radar and just plain talk. Now you can use cell phones as a special life line. If you’ve suffered an injury or a fall and need emergency assistance, help is available (in many cases) with the press of one button. The phone numbers and names of your friends, doctor, dentist, cardiologist, tennis and badminton players can be quickly accessed by just hitting the first letter of their name and then pressing one button to dial the whole number. No need to fumble with the phone book or the Rolodex.
More of our seniors are leaning towards the new technology as a means of staying connected and now there are hands-free devices for your automobile. Need a plumber? Can’t make it home in time for the electrician, painter or a delivery?- - Use your cell phone! Before long, a lot of the names, numbers and basics of cell phone use will become second-nature to you. Seniors Staying Socially connected improves the transmission of information in your brain. Those who are now able to see their friends and family, as insurance carriers are now realizing, enjoy the importance of love, friendship and support with fewer guilt-ridden children and parents.
The bottom-line is to stay connected and feel the joy of talking to your friends, family and playmates. You will worry less about reaching out for new ideas. Calling your health care providers and service people is just a matter of scrolling down on the cell phone or touching one button in the "phonebook" of your cell phone or even accessing your "Outlook Express" on the internet for names, emails, addresses, birthdays, appointments, and even personal notes to help you remember their spouse’s name (or their pets). The internet can also remind you of all your special dates and appointments through "Lotus." Letters can be typed, spell checked, and corrected by the automatic built in "HELP" in a word processor before copying it to your email (as I am doing now).
Technology, senior groups, and internet sites of all kinds can make change your best friend. Contact information:
http://www.seniornet.org/(408-651-0699),AARP: http://www.aarp.org/learningtech/
Jitterbug phones: http://www.jitterbug.com/ or (800) 918-8543)
"Enjoy Yourself, It’s Later Than You Think"-- Music and words of wisdom are all around us for the effort and the "Magic Pill" is no more than fantasy and a money maker.
Jitterbug phones: http://www.jitterbug.com/ or (800) 918-8543)
"Enjoy Yourself, It’s Later Than You Think"-- Music and words of wisdom are all around us for the effort and the "Magic Pill" is no more than fantasy and a money maker.
Remember to LIVE well, Love often, and Laugh a lot.
posted by Stan Kent at
10:56 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home