Seniors Learn About Brain Health

Lunch with Seniors held at the Marco Lutheran Church on March 19th had over 145 attendees eager to participate in a brain health discussion with Dr. Paul D. Nussbaum. Memory and memory function were topics of concern to everyone in the room. According to Paul, if you are asking me questions about memory, you are probably okay. 

Dr. Paul Nussbaum is highly qualified to talk about the brain. He is a Clinical Neuropsychologist and Professor of Neurological Surgery with the University of Pittsburg School of Medicine and President of the Brain Health Center.

Basics of Your Brain:

• Your brain weighs two to four pounds.
• Your brain is composed of 60% fat.
• 25% of blood from each heartbeat goes to the brain.

Dr. Nussbaum introduced a slide on Jean Calment, the only human verified to live up to 122 years and 164 days, from France. She smoked until she was 117 years and the photo showed her smoking and holding a drink with the other hand. Dr. Nussbaum added that this lady was feisty and stubborn, and this is usually what you’ll find with those who live a long life – they are not passive people. 

Dr. Nussbaum discussed critical factors to enrich our environment. Socialization is key and the room filled with seniors having lunch with friends was a perfect example of this critical factor. Nussbaum added, “I don’t want you to ever be lonely. Loneliness is an epidemic in this county; people don’t volunteer that information. Always ask about it – are you lonely? Even for young ones and teenagers, too.” 

Nussbaum’s advice to the group:

• Remain integrated and involved.
• Develop hobbies.
• Build friendship and family networks.
• Do not retire – maintain meaningful roles.
• Avoid loneliness and ask.

Dr. Nussbaum also discussed nutrition, mental stimulation, physical activity, and spirituality - all impacting our brain. How can you put your brain in an environment that is very healthy for you? According to Nussbaum, these are decisions you can make every day. When you don’t think you can do something or you don’t think you can overcome – you are underestimating the power of your brain.

Brain health is not just about memory and according to Dr. Nussbaum, “Learn to say NO and work on the word NO. You are trying to be a healthy person, and you are way overwhelmed. If someone comes to me, I very seldom ask them to do more. Like having too many shoes in the closet. The brain is the same way – too much clutter.”

Many thanks to the sponsors of Lunch with Friends: Al’s Pals, Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, Marco Lutheran Church, the Marco YMCA, and the delicious lunch was provided by the Italian Deli. As always, the program ended on a positive note with the much-anticipated door prizes.