One of the most common health risks associated with seniors is the development of dementia. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently reported that dementia is a rapidly growing health problem. Right now, dementia affects about 50 million people worldwide. It is a major cause of disability and dependency among seniors, and it is a huge expense to victims and to the health care system.
Dementia is not one disease, it is a group of symptoms that can be caused by several brain disorders. Alzheimer’s disease is just one of several types of dementia, but it does account for most (60% to 80%) of dementia cases. The World Health Organization report confirms some points that your own doctor may have already told you:
- The cause of Alzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia, is not known.
- Right now, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
- There are some things you can do to reduce the likelihood of developing some dementias, including Alzheimer’s disease. You can read those guidelines at the WHO site, Dementia Prevention Guidelines.
Physical activity and social interaction are strongly recommended for seniors with normal cognition to reduce the risk of cognitive decline. We have always known that one of the keys to good senior health is remaining active and engaged with the people and the community around you. The entire OurSeniors.net Family is dedicated to making that goal easier to achieve. We are so fortunate to have our Partners, who help us so greatly. One of those OurSeniors Partners is the City of Daytona Beach Leisure Services Department, with its four recreation centers: the Peggy Schnebly Recreation Center, the Midtown Cultural and Educational Center, the Yvonne Scarlett Golden Center and the John Dickerson Community Center. They all provide programs and activities for all ages, especially for our seniors.
At Schnebly Recreation Center, you can find exercise classes aimed at seniors, monthly luncheon & field trips, a fitness room, game room, quilting, arts & crafts, and even more indoor activities. They have outdoor basketball courts, tennis courts, and two new pickle ball courts for everyone’s enjoyment! Here are two senior-friendly programs going on right now at the Schnebly Recreation Center:
- Fridays 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM – Live and in Person Bailey’s Best Ballroom Dancing – Instructor Dave Bailey
- Monday & Friday 10AM to Noon – The Art of Tai Chi – Instructor C. McCloud
You can find out more about these and other senior-oriented programs by calling 386-210-7690. Contact an OurSeniors.net Advisor by phone at 866-333-2657 (se habla Español), or by using Contact Us. Check out our website at Ourseniors.net and take an online look at our senior living magazine, OurSeniors.net Magazine.
