Healthy Aging Series
By Lori Bradford, Branch Manager of Pink Hill Public Library
Alzheimer’s is a scary and often misunderstood brain disease. Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging but it still affects seven million Americans and is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S. Despite this, there is ongoing promising research into early diagnosis and prevention, making it possible for us to better understand this disease.
Pink Hill Public Library is partnering with multiple organizations to offer a free program series focused on healthy aging. As part of this series, there will be programs for the community to learn, share, and create. The first session of the series will feature guest speaker Justin Stout, Neuse Regional Libraries Head of Information Services and a community educator for the Eastern North Carolina Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, sharing insightful knowledge regarding Alzheimer’s disease. Attendees will learn the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, the stages and risk factors, current research, and treatments available for some symptoms. The Understanding Alzheimer’s & Dementia Presentation will be offered on Monday, February 3 at 1:00. p.m.
Music, dance, and art activities are often seen as an avenue for self-expression, but for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease, it can be more. Using our bodies and minds to listen and create can build a sense of accomplishment and purpose. We hope the second session will achieve this by inviting participants to participate in a fun and mindful observation of artwork from the North Carolina Museum of Art collection as well as sensory engagements. Following the observation, there will be an art-making activity related to the object. Although this program is intended for people to work in pairs - the person living with memory loss and their care partner - we encourage and welcome other community members to participate. The Creative Impressions Art Program with the NC Museum of Art will take place on Tuesday, February 18 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00. p.m.
The third and final session of the Healthy Aging series will welcome LaVerne Robinson, a staple at the Lenoir County Council on Aging, leading an arthritis-friendly chair aerobics class. Although not directly associated with Alzheimer's disease, physical activity is highly recommended as a benefit to maintain body and mind longevity. The Arthritis Chair Aerobics Class with LaVerne will take place on Friday, February 28 at 1:30.
We hope you can join us for this upcoming free program series. For more information or to pre-register, please call 252-568-3631 or email lbradford@neuselibrary.org.
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