Conference Highlights & Trends:From a Programming Standpoint

National Forum on Brain Health

Brain Fitness

Life Long Learning

Evidence Based Programming

Boomer Consumer Trends In Healthy Aging

National Forum on Brain Health:The Statistics are Staggering

We heard from leading specialists in the field; and the statistics spokevery loud and clear:

(A) We know that 1 in 3 seniors over the ageof 85 will develop Alzheimer's Disease- SHOCKING!

(B) We also know the risks for brain aging: -1/3 Genetics-2/3 Lifestyle Choices

The Question: So What Does This Mean???

Genetics .VS. Lifestyle Choices Well, we know that 1/3rd of brain aging is determined by our

genetic makeup and so we realize that some things are simply out of our control

However, the research also shows that preventative brain cell loss is much more effective than actually repairing brain cell loss. And this is where lifestyle choices come in to play

2/3rd of our brain aging is directly related to our lifestyle choices: Do we smoke?

Do we drink too much? Are we exercising enough?

Do we eat healthy? Do we have too much stress?

Are we keeping our brains fit?

Brain Healthy Lifestyle Strategies Associated with a Lower Risk for Dementia

WHAT WE KNOW…

• WE KNOW: Cardiovascular fitness is associated with greater memory function

• WE KNOW: Chronic stress may cause depression or anxiety which are often associated with memory loss

• WE KNOW: A healthy diet with moderate caloric intake is associated with healthy brain functioning

(Ex: Mediterranean Diet)

• WE KNOW: Brain Fitness Programming works

out the brain-and this is critical!

There are a TON of brain fitness programs available on the market today- do your research and know what you are buying

Many senior centres are already offering brain fitness programming on a regular basis- package the advertising accordingly:

*EX: Bridge Group- “Keep your Brain Fit- Play Bridge!”

No need to recreate the wheel: many pre-packaged programs geared at promoting Brain Fitness already exist

INVESTMENT: The key is to EDUCATE our seniors about investingin their health by investing in their brains

“Brain Fitness Programming”

Brain Fitness:Tips for Programmers!

Links to Share: UCLA Longevity Centre (Brain Boot Camp):

http://www.semel.ucla.edu/longevity

The Memory Academy: http://www.thememoryacademy@aol.com

Mind Alert Speakers Bureau:http://www.asaging.org/webseminars/metlife_mindalert_series.cfm.

Life Long Learning :Senior Centre Involvement

The success of incorporating Life Long Learning

programming depends on a willingness to:

*Create an environment that promotes

life long learning

*Provide meaningful opportunities for

involvement in Life Long Learning

This can be done through:

• Partnerships with local universities (Ex: ELLA, Minerva etc.)

• By utilizing volunteers with professional backgrounds who may be interested in sharing their expertise

• By using pre-packaged programs which provide visual access to some of the greatest professors of our time (Ex: Great Courses Series ©)

Life Long Learning-Success Depends On:

Accessibility: Offer accessible educational learning opportunities by bringing the university class room to the senior centre level

Affordability: Through volunteerism and a pay for fee structure, make the experience affordable

Quality: Offer meaningful educational and life long learning opportunities by investing in quality programs

Life Long Learning:Adding Meaning to the Later Years

Mentorship: Intergenerational Programming:

(Ex: Seniors helping at risk youth

learn to read)

Seniors Teaching Seniors:

(Ex: Seniors teaching seniors to use the computer)

Pre-Packaged Life Long Learning Programs:

(Ex: Staff training seniors to facilitate pre-packaged programs)

Life Long Learning Resources:

Minerva Senior Studies Institute- MacEwan University

The Great Courses Teaching Series ©

National Centre for Creative Aging (NCCA)- American Resource

National Council on Aging (NCOA)- American Resource

Evidence Based Programming:The Proof is in Rigorous Evaluation

What are Evidence Based Programs (EBP?)

Evidence Based Programs are those programs that have been shown—through research and documentation—to have a positive effect on the overall well being of seniors

Many effective approaches and strategies have been packaged into programs targeting specific outcomes to seniors

Those programs that have been found to be effective based on the results of rigorous evaluations are often referred to as “evidence-based” in nature

Why Evidence Based Programs? Evidence Based Programming has been proven to deliver

results; and is catching on like wildfire in senior centres across the Unites States for a variety of reasons; here are just a few:

(A) EBP’s are structured, researched and

tested within various populations, making

them highly attractive to service providers

(B) Instead of putting resources toward program

development, organizations can select from

the growing number of EBP’s; which are proven to be effective.

(C) Evidence Based Programs offer well-packaged program materials, staff training, and technical assistance

Implications for Canada

Unfortunately, EBP’s are quite expensive and predominately exist only in American Senior Centres

At present, our government is not offering incentives to senior centres in Canada who offer this type of programming- as they do in the states

The hope is that as our senior population continues to grow, our Canadian leaders in the senior sector emulate the success EBP’s have proven in the states

EBP RESOURCES:For more information on EBP’s, see the following links:

National Council on Aging:

http://www.NCOA.org/improving-health

Center for Healthy Aging: http://www.healthyagingprograms.org

Enhance Fitness (EF):

http://www.projectenhance.org

A Matter of Balance (MOB):

http://www.mnhealthyaging

Chronic Disease Self-Management (CDSM):http://patienteducation.stanford.edu.org

Boomer Consumer Trends in Healthy Aging:

Health & Wellness This population is an educated group who are quite

“health aware” (9/10 boomers in this survey agreed that taking more ownership of their health is the best way to promote healthy aging)

However, there is a disconnect in “knowing” & “doing”-almost 75% of those surveyed had a BMI in the overweight to obese range- indicating that barriers to maintaining good health still exist

75% of boomers however are concerned with healthy eating- meaning they “try” to read food labels, watch their sugars and control caloric intake

This is a group that will “shop around” to find quality, age appropriate programs and they won’t be afraid to articulate their demands

This is an “anti-label” group,

as was indicated in this survey:

over 85% of the folks surveyed

said they would rather divulge their yearly

salary than disclose their current age

(showing a “fear” of being labelled old and frail)

Boomers presence on Face Book has more than tripled since 2009 to 45%, showing the importance of this groups need to feel socially connected

Boomer Consumer Trends in Healthy Aging:

Social Connectivity

43% of boomers have a secure financially sound plan for retirement; 57% DO NOT

In 2010, 33% of boomers considered themselves to be a spender more than a saver; as opposed to 57% in 2006 (proving that while boomers have a lot of spending power, they are choosing to hold onto their money)

About 2/3rd of boomers feel they will continue to work even after retirement

Boomer Consumer Trends in Healthy Aging:

Financial

Boomer Consumer Trends in Healthy Aging:

Natural Marketing Institute

www.NMIsolutions.com

Thank You For Your Time

In Summary Senior centres across Canada face many challenges and as this new wave of seniors approach the demands will only increase, and the stakes will become that much greater. Keeping up with the imposed demands of an aging population coupled with a different set of needs for a younger generation of “zoomers” and “boomers”, will pose interesting challenges that require unique solutions

Challenging- YES! Attainable-YES!

I believe we’re up for the challenges ahead!