EAST BRUNSWICK–Recognizing the importance of mental fitness, the East Brunswick Senior Center’s “Memory Matters” group helps its patrons work out their brains.
“The brain controls all that we do. Our cognitive abilities impact how we take care of ourselves, aiding us in living independently with quality of life. Maintaining a brain healthy life is important throughout the lifespan,” Department on Aging Director Danielle Micale said. “It is even more important later in life, given that changes occur in our body, including the brain, as we age. These changes can affect our mental function.”
Micale said Memory Matters is a small group program that focuses on mental fitness and brain health designed for registered participants of the East Brunswick Senior Center.
“Memory Matters was spearheaded over a decade ago by our former Assistant Director and Licensed Professional Counselor Sharon Reilly-Marosy with the goal of providing education and mental stimulation for our older adult participants, aiding them in leading a brain-healthy lifestyle,” Micale said.
The program is normally held twice a month at 1 p.m. on Thursday afternoons at the East Brunswick Senior Center, located at 3 Jean Walling Civic Center.
“Memory Matters is both educational and fun at the same time. We discuss how the aging brain affects thinking and cognition while providing resources, education, mental stimulation and exercises that may help improve brain function,” Micale said. “We often plan and implement cognitive-based games in which participants have the opportunity to learn new skills while having fun and socializing with others.”
Micale said that Department on Aging Counselor Marisol Meza typically moderates the group; however, if Meza is unavailable she will step in.
“[Many] older adults report difficulties with attention, comprehension, multi-tasking and/or recall. As the Alzheimer’s Association states, ‘Research is still evolving, but evidence is strong that people can reduce their risk of cognitive decline by making key lifestyle changes including regular physical activity, maintaining good heart health and by staying mentally and socially active,'” Micale said. “We hope to continue growing this program to take steps to maximize brain health coupled with the other innovative physical, cognitive and social programming that we offer.”
For more information, visit www.eastbrunswick.org/content/202/251/default.aspx.
