From BGSU OPTIMAL AGING INSTITUTE
The Optimal Aging Institute at Bowling Green State University invites older adults to embrace wellness with a full list of programs, ranging from pet therapy to osteoporosis prevention to photography made during the Great Depression. All programs are free but registration is encouraged at www.bgsu.edu/oai or by calling (419) 372-8244.
The first two programs will be held at the Bowling Green State University Student Recreation Center, with free, convenient parking in Lot X off of Mercer Road, right next to the recreation center, for registrants. “Pet Therapy: Sharing the Joy” (Feb. 23 at 10:30 a.m.) explores the history of pet therapy and its benefits to older adults, and offers activities with pet therapy animals. The presenters are Cynthia Spitler, Ph.D., who is a licensed nursing home administrator and teaches in BGSU’s Gerontology Program, and Christopher Dunn, Ph.D., BGSU associate professor of criminal justice, who visits facilities with pet therapy animals and whose students conduct field research on pet therapy as part of a research methods class.
“Osteoporosis: Prevention through Exercise” (March 2, 1 p.m) will provide exercises and tips to strengthen bones and improve balance, coordination and flexibility, as well as give information on the disease. Its presenter, Robyn Miller, Ed.S., is an instructor in BGSU’s School of Human Movement, Sport & Leisure Studies, and is an ACSM-certified personal trainer.
A two-session “Ukulele for Beginners” class, which is co-sponsored by Bowling Green Parks and Recreation, will take place on March 22 and 29 from 10:30 a.m. until noon at the Simpson Garden Community Center at 1291 Conneaut Ave. If you have ever wanted to learn to play a musical instrument, register for these two sessions to learn how to strum, play a few chords, sing familiar songs and learn some new ones, all in a fun and relaxing environment. There is no experience necessary and instruments will be provided. The presenter, Lisa Gruenhagen, Ph.D., is an associate professor of music education at BGSU; while at the Eastman School of Music, she became involved with the New Horizons music program, which provides entry points to music making for “chronologically gifted” adults ages 50 and older.
“Images of the Great Depression in America,” on April 6 at 10 a.m. in the Wood County District Public Library, will explore images made in the 1930s, including some here in Ohio, by Farm Security Administration photographers working to promote the New Deal. This program will be presented by Andrew E. Hershberger, Ph.D., a professor of contemporary art history at BGSU who enjoys introducing older adults to photographic history.
On April 20, at 5:30 p.m. at the Simpson Garden Community Center, “Communicating with Loved Ones Who Have Dementia: Practical Pointers” provides simple strategies to help make communication easier and discusses communication-based activities that can provide stimulation and mental exercise for people with dementia. The presenter, Brent Archer, Ph.D., is assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders at BGSU, specializes in aphasia, and has both professional and personal experience working with people with degenerative brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
The last program this spring is the quarterly “Care Compass Project” for caregivers, on April 26, 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the First Christian Church in Bowling Green. This session will discuss personal care training for caregivers and will offer information on legal services. Respite care and lunch will be provided by Brookdale of Bowling Green. Please register for the Care Compass Project by emailing programs@wccoa.net or calling (419) 353-5661.
