Music to the Ears: It’s Great for the Brain

Music has been explored as a way to encourage social interaction, encourage self-expression, and enhance the overall well-being of those who fight illnesses such as Alzeimer’s, dementia, memory loss, and other cognitive impairments.

Many find it fascinating that individuals with memory loss and cognitive impairments are able to sing a song in its entirety despite the fact that they are unable to have a complete conversation or remember the names of common things or even the names of their family members. While no one knows for sure why this is possible, experts have suggested that it might be that musical activities are unique because they require use of every area of the brain.

People feel connected and have an increased sense of belonging. Music brings about a feeling of independence and individuals enjoy life day-to-day and gain a greater sense of fulfillment. Music also allows individuals with cognitive impairments to express themselves and engage in activity that brings focus and the chance to be completely immersed in something that interests them.

Many research studies indicate that musical activities have several positive benefits. People are reported to have better moods, be more sociable, eat better, and react more calmly to stressors. Experts say it’s the “cognitive workout” for the brain that brings on these positive traits.

So, with all the great benefits that music has for your health, why not take advantage of Lifelong Learning’s Winter Opening Week?

We have a variety of programs that include music, such as:

•  JudeoJazzistico with Aaron Kula and the Klezmer Company Orchestra on Monday, January 7, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.
•  The Prester Piano Duo in Concert: A Program of Four-Hand Piano Music featuring Robert and Marcia Prester on Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at 2 p.m.
•  Songs That Made History with Rod MacDonald & the Humdingers on Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 7 p.m.
•  Ragtime Revisited: A Look Back presented by Robert Milne on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 2 p.m.

To view additional programs during our 2013 Winter Opening Week, visit www.llsjupiter.com.

The Last Resort in the Catskills

When the idea to bring in the documentary film, Welcome to Kutsher's: The Last Catskills Resort, was presented to Lifelong Learning I had to do a little research as my knowledge of Catskill resorts was limited. I was familiar with the Dirty Dancing-era Catskills experience, but I was unaware of how it changed American pop culture in the comedy, sports and vacation industries. This documentary captures a last glimpse of a lost world as it vanishes before our eyes.

The Kutsher's Country Club is the last surviving Jewish resort in the Catskills. One of the legendary Borscht Belt hotels during its heyday, Kutsher's has been family-owned and operated for over 100 years. In 1907, Max Kutsher founded Kutsher's Country Club, the Catskills resort that (as legend has it) inspired the film “Dirty Dancing,” employed Wilt Chamberlin as a bellhop before he played for the NBA and launched the careers of stand-up comedians like Billy Crystal and Jerry Seinfeld. 

Award-winning filmmakers Caroline and Ian Rosenberg illustrate how Kutsher's thrived at the center of all this growth and excitement. This film premiered at The New York Jewish Film Festival at Lincoln Center and won the Best Documentary Audience Award at the Miami Jewish Film Festival in 2012. Lifelong Learning is excited to bring this award winning film to the FAU community during the 2013 winter semester. The filmmakers will introduce the film before the screening and afterwards answer questions about their experience making the documentary over the last five years.

This film shows how the Catskills left an indelible mark on popular culture — from comedy to sports to everything we take for granted as standard fare on a family vacation.

To register and learn more about this one-time screening at FAU's Lifelong Learning Society in Jupiter, visit www.llsjupiter.com.

Brain Training: It’s Never Too Late To Start!

While age is something that we cannot control, we can certainly control its effects on our body and our health. Aging often brings some issues with bones, muscles and memory. Therefore, it is important to not only exercise your body, but to exercise your brain as well!

The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Heart Association set guidelines for the exercise of older adults. The basic recommendation is 30 minutes of aerobic exercise five days a week with some muscle-strengthening activity for healthy aging. As people age, they also tend to challenge their brain less frequently. As a result, they are not able to maintain the mental sharpness they once utilized. The statement: "If you don't use it, you lose it" holds some real truth in this case.

Part of Lifelong Learning’s mission is to keep your mind active, but we also know that physical activity is important too. So, why should you exercise your brain as often as you exercise your body? Below are some very good reasons to start those brain exercises today.

• Just like brushing your teeth, or going for a walk in the morning, it is wise to spend just a few minutes a day investing in your mind. Brain fitness should be incorporated regularly. You may notice a great difference after only one week or so!
• The mind is much more capable of self expansion than we think! Recent studies indicate that the mind is malleable and physically grows and shapes with proper stimulation. New neuron connections are literally created and old neuron pathways are reinforced.

The good news is that it's never too late to start exercising your brain. In fact, the mind can always grow and expand. Seniors today can utilize mental exercises regularly that can have long lasting positive results on their brain and lifestyle.