Seniors tell their stories to ward off memory loss

Seniors are more worried about losing their memories than heart disease or stroke.

Ninety-eight percent of adults age 40 and up feel it is important to maintain or improve brain health, according to AARP’s 2015 Brain Health Survey. But only half are doing something about it like exercising, eating a healthy diet and reducing stress.

So, the Administration for Community Living (ACL), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is working to help seniors tell their stories.

ACL has partnered with Stagebridge, the oldest theatre company for seniors, to help the nearly 500,000 San Francisco metro area adults aged 60-69 learn how to improve their brain health.

“Our brains change as we get older,” says Jane Tilly, DrPH, MPA, brain health and dementia programs team lead for ACL, in a press release. “We want everyone to think about brain health in a whole new way, like we do our hearts or joints. This means taking action to help reduce risks—exercising, eating right, and discovering a new talent, like storytelling.”

Winning entrants will take the stage at 1 p.m. PT April 30 at Public Works to tell their stories before a live audience and panel of judges. The performance will be hosted by former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver and Mike Shumann. Olga Loya, an award-winning Stagebridge professional storyteller, will perform.

The event supports the ACL’s What is Brain Health? campaign to help older Americans understand normal signs of aging, recognize signs of concern, and learn how to reduce the risk of cognitive decline. 

Nicole Stempak

Nicole was Senior Editor at I Advance Senior Care and Long Term Living Magazine 2015-2017. She has a Journalism degree from Kent State University and is finalizing a master’s degree in Information Architecture and Management. She has extensive studies in the digital user experience and in branding online media. She has worked as an editor and writer for various B2B publications, including Business Finance.