Here’s to Your Health: Mental Strength & Brain Fitness

Here's to Your Healh at the Oak Park ArmsA representative from Interim HealthCare will present a talk titled “Mental Strength & Brain Fitness” at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, at the Oak Park Arms retirement community, 408 S. Oak Park Ave. The seminar is part of the ongoing monthly series called, “Here’s To Your Health.”

Age-related memory decline affects more than half of all seniors, the most vulnerable of which are those over 80. It was once believed that adult brains didn’t develop new cell growth, but recent studies show that new brain cells can, in fact, develop in older adults.

To support the health of new cells and keep the brain sharp, it must be regularly exercised. Mind games such as Sudoku or crossword puzzles are great alternatives to watching TV or surfing the Internet, but any activity that engages one’s memory works just as well.

To keep the brain in its best condition, it is also important to:
•    consume a diet high in fruits and vegetables
•    eat regularly and consistently throughout the day
•    drink plenty of water (the brain is made up almost entirely of water)
•    get plenty of rest

The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.

The program is free and open to the public. For more information call 708-386-4040.