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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 15, 2012)
Page 10 The INDEPENDENT, August 15, 2012 Seniors should jog their memory every day to keep it working Virtually every day more re- search is focusing on issues impacting senior citizens. One recent example is a study that says keeping the mind active is a key to good health. As we age, we lose neurons, but these neurons can form new connections. Research is being conducted now to deter- mine if new brain connections develop with mental and physi- cal exercise. The brain of a senior citizen is similar to the brain of a healthy young per- son. But, like muscles in our body, the brain can grow and change. The harder a person uses their brain, the more it grows and the healthier it be- comes. Each day we commit mil- lions of pieces of data into our short and long term memories. As we get older, it becomes harder to retrieve because we’re on overload. Plus, we don’t memorize as easily be- cause we don’t practice the skill as often. There are ways to compen- sate for age-related declines in working memory. For example, presenting information at a slower pace, organizing and elaborating gives time to process and establish links be- tween new and previously learned information. You can also use exercises to improve specific mental functions. For example, do a daily mental exercise each morning. You could begin the day by counting our loud back- ward from 100 or reciting the alphabet giving each letter a word. Simple activities like setting the table in a different way, try- ing a new recipe, going to visit a place you have never been before or walking a different route also work the memory. Many of the same activities that we use to stimulate the minds of young children can be fun and stimulating for us as Jim Dandy Farm Market B EANS , A PPLES C HERRIES & P EPPERS Open 7 Days • 9 AM - 6 PM 45770 NW Sunset Hwy, Banks 503-324-3954 older adults too. It is true that our brains change and slow as we age, but most people do not have serious loss of memory or intel- ligence. The key is to try and SALEM, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking a qualified candidate to represent the public-at-large on the Fish Restoration and Enhancement Program Board. The application deadline is Au- gust 24. The Fish Restoration and Enhancement Program is fund- ed by a surcharge on sport and commercial fishing licenses and commercial poundage fees. The R&E Board reviews grant proposals from various organizations and agencies and recommends funding for fish restoration and enhance- ment projects throughout the state. Board members are ap- pointed to four-year terms by the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission. The group meets INEXPENSIVE – EFFECTIVE Food Tastes Better On America’s BEST Smoker • Auto-start System • Fully Automatic • Smoke, Grill, Bake and Barbecue • 12 Varieties of Hardwood Pellets AIR CONDITIONERS Starting at $ 179 Source: Dr. Jim Wirth, human de- velopment specialist, University of Missouri Extension New member sought for ODFW Fish Enhancement Board Action Ads G ETTING A LITTLE HOT UNDER THE COLLAR ? do something new to keep your brain and mind young. 503-429-9410 three or four times each year in various communities through- out the state to review project funding applications, hear pub- lic testimony, act as liaisons be- tween the program and the public and to conduct other program business. Board members are volunteers; how- ever, Board-related travel ex- penses are reimbursed. The seven-member citizen Board is made up of three sport fishing representatives, three representatives from the salmon troll, gillnet and seafood processing industries and one public-at-large repre- sentative. To obtain an application or learn more about the R&E Pro- gram, visit the R&E website at http://www.dfw.state.or.us/fish/ RE/ All applications must be post marked or e-mailed by Fri- day, August 24 to be consid- ered. Please contact the Pro- gram Coordinator at 503-947- 6259 if you have further ques- tions about the position. N OW S ERVING ! Jim’s Famous Bar-B-Q Fridays & Saturdays Serving the local community since 1944 660 So. Main, Banks • 503-324-2171 2008 Main Street • Forest Grove • 503-357-6011 Shop from home at www.vandykeappliance.com Store Hours: Mon - Fri 8:30 - 5:30 Saturday 8:30 - 5:00