Test drive brain camp this summer with Silver Threads.
The non-profit organization offers a half-price, half-length emory PLUS (Practice, Laughter and Useful Strategies) at Oak Bay United starting this month.
Use it or lose it applies to brain fitness as well as exercise, says Summer Brain Camp Memory PLUS facilitator.
“It’s often nice for people to try it out and have an opportunity to join groups in the summer,” said Toby Schnoor who recently joined the staff at Silver Threads Service. Schnoor’s educational background includes wellness and lifestyle management, counselling and life coaching. Her experience with seniors includes her recent employment at Chartwell Ross Place and Crossroads Hospice Society.
Silver Threads has a usual 12-week course for $75 and this one’s half the price and half the cost but all the fun.
“This is a really nice introduction because many of these programs are a 12-week and this is a six week so it allows people to try it out and see if it’s a good fit,” Schnoor said. “It’s a really popular program because often times people are looking for something that addresses memory loss and retaining as much memory as you can. It’s great for people looking at preventing memory loss.”
Memory PLUS is designed for seniors 55 and older to keep their minds engaged and sharp through conversation and connections. Starting the week of July 26 space is available in the Oak Bay location at Oak Bay United Church, for those interested in learning about tools and strategies to help with memory loss.
“When somebody’s missing everybody wants to know what’s going on. It’s a very caring and fun group of people,” she said. “We always have tea and coffee and there’s a bit of social there. It’s a really enjoyable couple of hours.”
With some adult clubs and programs gearing down for slow summer months, this program offers a social outing while learning and getting a brain workout.
“It’s really important to keep to with socialization because you don’t want boredom and isolation to set in,” Schnoor said. “It’s a really fun class too. That’s the joy of it, it’s really fun and each week we talk about different subjects and people feel really comfortable.”
Caregivers are also welcome to attend. Cost is $37.50 for the six weeks and each session includes tea, coffee and homemade snacks. Memory PLUS runs Tuesdays, July 26 to Aug. 30 at Oak Bay United Church, 1355 Mitchell St.
Learn more at silverthreads.ca or call 250-388-4268.
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