Happy New Year !! Another year opens before each of us! I'm excited to be exploring new lessons to share with you this year, both in new areas (like

 
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Happy New Year !!

Another year opens before each of us! I'm excited to be exploring new lessons to share with you this year, both in new areas (like this month's Pelvic Floor series) and on topics we've covered in previous years (like Balance, Posture, and Healthy Backs).

With all the rainy weather lately, I’ve been quilting more than at other times of the year. It’s challenging to learn new techniques and to find colors that go well together. Especially when I’m trying to use up some of my “stash” (what quilters call their left-overs, plus fabric they fell in love with, though not with a particular project in mind.)

Would you believe it’s another part of my healthy aging strategy? See the article below on creativity and aging.

Marg

Creative Pursuits = Healthy Aging

Depositphotosstockimage

Stock Image - Deposit Photos

The Mayo Clinic published a study earlier this year looking at the effect of creative pursuits in the arts or in crafts, social involvements and computer activities on the development of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). They studied 256 people, average age 87, over a four-year period. Please note: the long-term nature of the creative involvement may be key here -- reduced risk was linked to being involved in the activity in middle AND older age.

Here are the results for those engaged over time in the following:
1) arts (painting, drawing, sculpting) – 73% less likely to develop Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
2) crafts (woodwork, pottery, ceramics, quilting, sewing, etc) – 45% reduced risk of MCI
3) social activities (theatre, movies, concerts, book group, Bible study, travel, socializing with friends) – 55% less likely
4) computer use – 53% reduced risk

I’m surprised music and dance were not mentioned; I’d expect benefit from those pursuits as well.

Of course, other factors intervene to increase individual risk for developing dementia. And the study doesn’t look at taking up these activities in older age. But clearly, creative pursuits and the socialization that often accompanies these activities help stimulate our brain, safeguarding mental function, possibly stimulating new neuronal growth. Read more

What’s your plan to foster your creative attributes this year? Ready to get back to -- or begin a new -- creative pursuit?

January Classes - Get the Year off to a Great Start!

NothingpermanentATM - Version 4

Exploring Connections of the Pelvic Floor

Sorry - Sr Center Class Full

Wait list available or check listing below

Depending on interest, I may be able to add a second class. Please sign up with the Senior Center for the wait list if interested.

Muscles of the pelvic floor are involved in breathing, using the legs and pelvis for walking and other daily activities. Moving beyond Kegels, explore these connections to improve overall movement as well as specific continence issues. For women and men.

Tues Jan 5 - Feb 2 (no class Jan 19) 10:30 - 11:30 am
$22 resident; $27.50 out-of-city; $8 drop-in
Chintimini Senior Center - 2601 NW Tyler Ave, Corvallis

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Photo by Rosalie O'Connor

Exploring Connections of the Pelvic Floor -- and other topics to be determined

We'll begin with the Pelvic Floor series described above and continue this quarter with topics of interest to class participants. Register at first class for the four-week series or entire ten-week quarter.
When: Tuesdays Jan 5 - March 15 (no class Jan 19)
Noon - 1 pm
Where: Corvallis Friends Meeting House,
3311 NW Polk Ave, Corvallis

4-week Pelvic Floor Series: $32 $10/class Drop-in -- Full 10-week series: $80, $10/class Drop-in
Parking available in front, and next to school yard playground across the street.
Please bring a blanket or mat for use on the carpeted floor.

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Mindful Movement with Parkinson's

Ongoing Class - Wednesdays 11:30 am-12:30 pm (no class Jan 20)
$10/class series price; Drop-in $12
2016 classes begin Wed Jan 6
A specialty class for People with Parkinson’s and their caregivers focused on movement issues important to health and safety. Participants will learn specific movement strategies to make daily activities easier and more enjoyable.

New students--first class session free! Read More
Where: Fitness Over Fifty -- 6735 SW Country Club Drive Corvallis

For More Information

Bartosek-239F - Version 6

Contact me: margbartosek@gmail.com or 541-286-4678

or check out: My Website

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