Staying Sharp Program:  Oregon Retired Educators Association's focus for 2007-2009. 

"The aging mind, if we take care of it and avoid disease, has the potential for growth, creativity and wisdom.":  Dr. Gene Cohen

New research has discovered that our brains are not hard-wired; instead the brain continues to replace old cells and connections  even through advanced age.   Source:  Roger Anunsen          

Staying Sharp is a national effort to promote understanding about the brain and brain health led by NRTA: AARP’s Educator Community and The Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives.  Oregon Retired Educators Association has been chosen as a lead organization in the Oregon Brain Health Initiative (OBHI), which is designed to bring the healthy brain message to the people of our state. 

Our resource team of Stuart Langton, Roger Anunsen,  Michael Patterson, and local  AARP staff are leading us in a pilot project that focuses on delivering the message of brain health throughout Oregon using short presentations by members of Oregon Retired Educators Association. 

The study of recent  brain research is a “draw” for new membership;  we all have an interest in staying mentally sharp and agile.   In next year’s calendar,  most Units are already planning at least one meeting devoted specifically to brain study with regular updates and OBHI announcements expected at each meeting. 

In a larger sense, all of our meeting topics are related to Staying Sharp.  Agendas such as  legislative updates, guest speakers, travel reports, entertainment, healthy menus,  and time to visit with friends all contribute to better brain cells!  Here's to an exciting and "memorable" year ahead.

We hope all continue to practice what we have learned about Staying Sharp.  Here is a short excerpt from an article by Pearl Jurvis, former Health Chairman, from Roger Anunsen’s presentation in Medford .  There are six areas of action essential for the mature mind to function at its optimum. 

1. Physical exercise

2. Mental exercise

3. Socialization

4. Stress management

5. Diet and nutrition

6. Sleep and naps

See the whole article in the Chalkboard in October.

Create the Good

Now we want to move on to changing our theme to “Create The Good” which gives all of us more tools to use for expanding volunteerism. This program was established in 2009 to engage people in new and different service opportunities, using the free resources from AARP.  Check out their web site at  www.createthegood.org.  and see their free DIY Toolkits to view “Do-it-Yourself” toolkits on multiple subjects for organizing a book sale, helping military families, local group saving money on energy bills, start a walking group, and many more topics with new ones being developed every day.

BrainWell
Brain Wellness Initiative

“The aging mind, if we can avoid disease and take care of it, has the potential for continued growth, creativity and wisdom.” Dr. Gene Cohen, M.D., Ph.D.

The Brain Wellness Initiative in Oregon (BrainWell) is a collaborative effort to promote brain health and wellness led by AARP Oregon, the Oregon Retired Educators Association and Oregon Health & Sciences University.  BrainWell is supported at the national level by the 2award-winning Staying Sharp program from NRTA: AARP’s Educator Community and the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives.  

BrainWell Goals:

• Increase awareness of the importance of brain wellness, with a focus on the potential of the mature mind.
• Challenge the perception that cognitive decline is inevitable with age.
• Provide accurate scientific information about how to maintain and improve brain wellness, based on the latest insights in brain research.
• Encourage people to adopt behaviors that promote brain wellness.

BrainWell Activities: 

• BrainWell provides free Oregon BrainWell Calendars (online and hard copy) that highlight brain wellness educational presentations and activities in communities throughout the state of Oregon.
   
• Using staff and volunteers from participating organizations, BrainWell offers free brain wellness presentations developed by the Staying Sharp program from NRTA: AARP’s Educator Community.

How Can You and Your Organization Get Involved? 

For information about scheduling a Brain Wellness Presentation, leave your name and phone number at 877-926-8300 or contact Glenna Sams via Email at gmslr@eoni.com or by phone at 541-963-2930, or contact Margaret Dutton via Email at margaretdutton@hotmail.com or by phone at Ph: 541-928-9644.  Reservations may be made for Fall of 2010or Winter/Spring of 2011.  The calendar for Fall of 2010 will be available in early September and requests for fall programs must be received by August 15 with a December 14 deadline for the 2011 calendar.