Brain Health Expert Says OASIS Promotes Brain Fitness
Dr. Paul Nussbaum, internationally known clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in aging across the lifespan and brain health, recently identified OASIS a “health-promoting activity.”
Saint Louis, MO (Vocus) May 27, 2010
OASIS offers adults age 50 and over opportunities to challenge the mind, improve health, connect with others, build skills and serve the community. For over 25 years, OASIS has taken the guesswork out of mind and body fitness. And it hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Dr. Paul Nussbaum, internationally known clinical neuropsychologist who specializes in aging across the lifespan and brain health, recently identified OASIS a “health-promoting activity.”
A proactive brain health lifestyle builds brain reserves, says Dr. Nussbaum. Brain reserves refers to a buildup of brain cell connections that serves to help the brain in the battle of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.
“I would argue in front of policymakers that we should have OASIS as a prescription, an option, for people who are interested in brain health,” adds Dr. Nussbaum, “because really, with what’s going on in OASIS, with the wonderful, healthy, stimulating activities, you’re building brain reserves.”
Nussbaum identifies five critical areas of brain health: socialization, physical activity, mental stimulation, spirituality, and nutrition.
“Each is equally important,” adds Nussbaum, “as they reflect the fact that we are integrated and complex organisms and we do not function optimally in a fragmented manner.”
Reflecting on what that means to the 50 and over adult, Marcia Kerz, president, The OASIS Institute, talks about the tried and true programs of OASIS.
“Our evidence based programming, continual program evaluation and participant surveys help us to identify and offer stimulating programs in the arts, humanities, health, technology and volunteer service,” Kerz says, “while bringing people together to learn, lead and contribute in their communities.”
“OASIS really is mind and body fitness.”
Summer brain and body fitness programming offered throughout the OASIS nationwide network will include such classes as: “Memory Dynamics,” “Dancing Around the World,” “Piano Lessons,” “Beginning Conversational French,” “Sign Language,” “Zumba,” “Active Living Every Day,” “Wisdom Practicum,” “Energize Your Life With Tai Chi,” “Introduction to Fly Fishing,” “Google It: Finding Information in the 21st Century,” and “Technology That Will Change Your Life.”
For more information on brain health and OASIS programming, visit www. paulnussbaum. com and www. oasisnet. org.
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