Check out this article in the New York Times focusing on the secrets of successful aging from centenarians (or almost-centenarians).
Aging Matters - News, events, and ideas from the Sheridan Elder Research Centre
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Use It or Lose It: New Evidence
This article in the New York Times has some interesting points about the value of staying in the workforce later in life. The earlier someone retires, the worse they tend to do on laboratory tests of memory.
Retirement, however, doesn't need to mean a lack of engagement in life, or a loss of cognitive stimulation - though it's a convenient stand-in for those variables in this research study. More interesting would be if the researchers examined the day-to-day activities of the study participants for more than just if they engaged in paid employment. Volunteer work, participation in clubs and other groups, and continued engagement in a vibrant cognitive and social life are all likely to be correlated with better cognitive performance - whether or not they involve paid employment.
Retirement, however, doesn't need to mean a lack of engagement in life, or a loss of cognitive stimulation - though it's a convenient stand-in for those variables in this research study. More interesting would be if the researchers examined the day-to-day activities of the study participants for more than just if they engaged in paid employment. Volunteer work, participation in clubs and other groups, and continued engagement in a vibrant cognitive and social life are all likely to be correlated with better cognitive performance - whether or not they involve paid employment.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Event at SERC: Embrace the Moment: Why Creativity Matters to Our Health
Please join us for an engaging presentation by Susan Perlstein, founder of Elders Share the Arts (ESTA) in New York City and founder of the National Center for Creative Aging in the U.S. Susan will discuss the significance of "creative aging" in relation to everyday life. She will also present findings from a study she collaborated on with Dr. Gene Cohen that has provided evidence of positive health benefits associated with involvement in arts and cultural programs. Ms. Perlstein will discuss three developmental themes characterizing the field of arts and aging: arts and lifelong learning, arts and community engagement, and use of the arts in social service and health care settings. Susan will conclude with recommendations for moving the field of arts and aging forward in the coming decades.
Date: Thursday, October 28th, 2010
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Sheridan Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning, 1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville, ON
Room number: J102 (Sheldon Levy Centre)
Refreshments will follow the presentation. This event is complimentary but seating is limited.
Please RSVP no later than Thursday, October 21st to Pat Spadafora
Tel: 905-845-9430, ext. 8615, or pat.spadafora@sheridanc.on.ca
Date: Thursday, October 28th, 2010
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Sheridan Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning, 1430 Trafalgar Road, Oakville, ON
Room number: J102 (Sheldon Levy Centre)
Refreshments will follow the presentation. This event is complimentary but seating is limited.
Please RSVP no later than Thursday, October 21st to Pat Spadafora
Tel: 905-845-9430, ext. 8615, or pat.spadafora@sheridanc.on.ca
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