Baycrest

She facilitates supportive counselling groups for family members of people with dementia and mild cognitive impairment, and finds that people build relationships that extend beyond their time in the group. Recently, after one group ended, the members continued to meet online. They also get together in person – at their homes, coffee shops and other places to discuss similar life situations. Dr. Anderson says the beauty of social engagement is that you can seek out groups and activities you like. "You don't have to do any one kind of thing to enjoy these brain health benefits. You can really tailor it to your interests." A gift to someone else – and you! Volunteering is another great way to stay connected. A qualitative, comprehensive review of 74 different studies, led by Dr. Anderson, found that volunteering is associated with less depression, a better sense of quality of life, reports of better physical health, fewer functional limitations, and longer life compared to people who don't volunteer. For more articles like this visit: baycrest.org/brainmatters BrainMatters SPRING 2017 5 Dr. Nicole Anderson WAYS TO STAY SOCIALLY CONNECTED: 1. Sign up for a class 2. Take a group course to learn a language 3. Volunteer 4. Join a discussion group, book club or art class 5. Take a group fitness class 6. Go for walks with friends 7. Join a sports team 8. Play cards or board games Volunteer and make a difference Baycrest is seeking volunteers for two new initiatives that pair them with residents. • The Programme for Leisure Engagement for Active and Spontaneous Experiences (PLEASE) is recruiting volunteers aged 16 and older to engage residents in social activities such as playing cards, listening to music, talking or reading. • Senior scientist Dr. Nicole Anderson is seeking youth volunteers aged 16-24 and retired teachers to participate in a cognitive stimulation study with residents. Call 416-785-2500 ext. 2572 or email volunteer@baycrest.org Training is provided. Volunteers must commit to a minimum of 2-3 hours per week. "We might read a story or sing a song, all very simple activities, but I often see tears in their eyes, so we are obviously striking emotional chords. I know that I am touching something deep inside them, and I am honoured to be part of this." - PLEASE volunteer Katherine Latibeaudiere MORE LONELY PEOPLE? The number of one-person households rose 10.4 per cent from 2006 to 2011 – to more than 3.6 million, according to Statistics Canada. Over the same period, the number of lone-parent households rose 7.8 per cent.

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