UAMS Arkansas Geriatric Education Collaborative - AGEC

September is Healthy Aging Month! It is important to keep up with both your physical and mental health, especially as you get older when both start to change. Take a proactive approach in your health by eating and drinking healthy, being more physically active, getting regular health check-ups, & engaging in stimulating activities for the brain.

Keeping up with a healthy lifestyle may help prevent common age-related health problems as well!

For more healthy aging topics visit https://patientslearn.uams.edu/agec/ for FREE community programs

The AGECaring Fall Newsletter is out! Check out all of the new upcoming calendar events happening over the next few months 📅

The 1st Annual Age-Friendly, Livable Communities Summit & Expo will be held September 12, 2024 at the West Central Community Center!

There will be fun, food, resources, & networking with more than 20 exhibitors!

Registration ends September 2, don't delay!

See flyer for details ⬇️

The month of August can mean soaring temperatures before the fall cool down. 🫗💧
Staying hydrated is very important for older adults, especially for those with chronic conditions. The sense of thirst tends to decline with age which can cause dehydration and can lead to unwanted health problems.
Remember to drink water and other clear fluids during hot weather months and stay cool to avoid being overheated. Setting reminders throughout the day to drink water can be helpful!

For more older adult health topics, check out our free community programs: https://patientslearn.uams.edu/agec/

Celebrate World Senior Citizen Day!
AGEC would like to show our appreciation & recognition to the older members in our community. Knowledge, skills and experiences are invaluable to younger generations & we thank you for the many years of service & achievements you’ve made.

📣 Upcoming FREE community programs 📣 Join live via zoom using the provided links or go to the AGEC Facebook Events page to join.
These virtual presentations will cover various health topics for older adults!
Don't want to watch alone? Watch in-person with others at the UAMS East Regional Campus - Helena

See flyer for more details⬇️

Are you ready to stay mentally sharp in your older years? Join this fun and interactive Super Noggin program where you will learn different ways to keep your brain healthy and active!
See Flyer for registration details below ⬇️

Exercise has many benefits, especially for older adults to stay both physically and mentally healthy. Exercise is one of the best activities you can do to protect your brain health in later years as well.
Proven programs such as Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention and Ageless Grace along with regular aerobic exercise can help keep you in a healthy weight range, reduce blood pressure, protect against chronic diseases and much more!”

For more information about upcoming exercise programs and activities be sure to follow us on Facebook and view our calendar of events page at https://agec.uams.edu/community-events/

Fiber is a carbohydrate that cannot be digested and is passed through the body. The right amount of fiber can have many health benefits like reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Eating fiber also helps reduce the risk of constipation and aides in healthy digestion. Foods that contain fiber include, chickpeas, oatmeal, black beans, apples, banana, almonds, and broccoli!
🥦🍎🍌🍞

Have you heard of the top 8 Super Foods for seniors? They include:

1. Dark leafy greens: kale, spinach, broccoli
2. Cruciferous vegetables: cabbage, brussels sprouts, turnips
3. Blueberries
4. Nuts and seeds: almonds, pecans, hazelnuts, pistachios
5. Eggs
6. Salmon
7. Plain Greek Yogurt
8. Avocados

These 8 food groups provide vast amounts of nutrients that support healthy aging. From seafood that promotes brain and heart health, to vegetables that combat inflammation and stress, these superfoods strengthen the body’s protective systems. Eating a variety of superfoods can boost your energy, strengthen your immunity against diseases and infections, and enhance your overall quality of life.

For more information about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can visit our website at: https://agec.uams.edu/programs/healthy-lifestyle-disease-management-for-older-adults-seniors/

Game shows that tests knowledge and problem-solving skills are not just entertaining—they may also give your brain a workout! Shows that challenge you to recall information, stay focused, think logically, and solve puzzles can help strengthen neural pathways and potentially improve cognitive functioning over time.

The competitive spirit keeps you engaged, while discussing the questions with others promotes social interaction. These mental exercises could help keep your mind sharp and may even reduce the risk of cognitive decline as you age!

AGEC's Presentation on Brain Health & Lifelong Learning can be found on our website:https://patientslearn.uams.edu/agec/

The world of technology can be exciting and open up new possibilities, but sometimes using technology comes with challenges—one being scammers. Older adults get targeted by scammers who often pose as insurance representatives, someone offering you money or a fake prize, or someone telling you that your computer has a problem.

You should never give out sensitive information or money unless you initiate the interaction yourself, and if you ever think you are being scammed, stay calm and contact family or friends for help. If you think you've been scammed, you can contact local law enforcement for help reporting the scam. For more tips on how to identify scammers and steps to protect yourself, visit: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/safety/beware-scams-targeting-older-adults

Stretching has a multitude of benefits!
It can enhance mobility, alleviate lower back pain, and improve posture. Additionally, it helps reduce the risk of falling by improving balance and flexibility while also promoting easier daily tasks.

Stretching eases aches, pains, and stiffness associated with aging. By incorporating stretching into a routine, seniors experience improved physical function, independence, and overall well-being due to increased blood flow and feelings of relaxation.

Dementia is a progressive disease of the brain that causes memory loss and cognitive decline. This disease affects more than 55 million people worldwide—Alzheimer’s being the most common form.

In support of this month, AGEC would like to bring awareness about Alzheimer's disease and support communities and those living with dementia and their caregivers, along with family and friends.

For online Alzheimer's programs and caregiver information, check out our website at https://agec.uams.edu/programs/understanding-dementia/

Don't Forget!
Arkansas now requires dementia training for law enforcement officers. Scan the QR code below to be directed to the Arkansas Geriatric Education Collaborative (AGEC) First Responder Dementia Training Course approved by the Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training (CLEST). Receive your 2 FREE hours of training or CE credits by completing this 6 module course online at your own pace.

First Responder Dementia Training: https://agec.uams.edu/courses/dementia-training-for-first-responders/

UAMS Arkansas Geriatric Education Collaborative Free wellness and educational programs for seniors, caregivers, and geriatric health professionals throughout the state of Arkansas.

Did you know that older adults need the same amount of sleep🥱 as younger adults - around 7-9 hours per night?

Many older individuals struggle to get sufficient sleep due to factors like medication side effects, medical conditions, or sleep disorders. Regardless of the reason, it's important to prioritize good sleep habits to ensure you get the recommended amount of restful sleep each night!

For more information about how to improve your sleep, you can visit The National Institute on Aging.
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sleep/good-nights-sleep #:~:text=rest%20you%20need.-,Sleep%20and%20Aging,get%20enough%20sleep%20at%20night

May 30th is National Creativity Day! 🎨🎼💃♟

Engaging in activities that promote creativity provides significant brain benefits. Learning new skills and exploring creative outlets stimulates the brain allowing it to adapt to new situations and experiences. This helps reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Additionally, participating in creative tasks that involve social interaction can help improve your cognitive abilities.

Unleash your creativity in new ways! Try an activity like:
1. Knitting, sewing, or crocheting
2. Painting
3. An in person or online cooking, art, or dance class
4. Playing a musical instrument
5. Writing poetry
6. Or anything that will get your creative juices flowing!

Walking is a wonderful way to exercise, enjoy nature, and even socialize with friends. It even comes with physical benefits like improving your cardiovascular health, strengthening your bones, and building muscle and endurance!

It is recommended you walk 30 minutes per day, 5 days a week 🚶. If 30 consecutive minutes seems difficult, you could go on shorter walks or even break your walks up into smaller increments throughout the day. Any amount of walking will provide benefits.

🚸It is also important to keep in mind your safety. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, stretch before and after, and always keep in mind your surroundings.

As summer approaches, it is time to start thinking about sun protection. With longer days and more opportunities for outdoor fun, it is crucial to be mindful of how much time you spend in the sun.
Excessive sun 🌞 exposure can lead to premature aging and even skin cancer, but don’t worry—taking proper precautions lowers these risks. Precautions like wearing sunscreen , staying in shaded areas 🕶, using a hat 🧢 or umbrella ⛱, wearing long-sleeved shirts and clothing to the ankles can minimize exposure risks.

A Matter of Balance is coming to the Bryant Senior Activity & Wellness Center! Classes begin June 4th. See flyer for details!

Sign up at the front desk to register for this FREE program!
6401 Boone Rd., Bryant, AR 72022

Normal brain changes as we age can mean things like slower processing, or having difficulties multi-tasking, especially in busy environments.

Keeping things interesting like volunteering, learning new hobbies, and doing these with a friend can have positive effects on brain health.

Creative arts, like music or theater can keep your mind active and including exercises, even low impact exercises like Tai Chi or Yoga are beneficial, not just for your body but your brain as well

May kicks off Older Americans Month! AGEC strives to provide high-quality programs to support healthy aging in Arkansas. Free educational programs, exercise classes, and caregiver tools are just a few ways AGEC stays committed to helping older adults age healthfully and stay socially connected in our community.
For free online programs visit our website: https://patientslearn.uams.edu/agec/
keep an eye on our calendar of events page for upcoming events: https://agec.uams.edu/community-events/

Salmon and a variety of other fish are a staple in the Mediterranean diet. It is recommended to eat fish at least 2xs per week for optimal health benefits. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are a powerhouse for the body. Not only is salmon beneficial for heart health but brain health as well. High levels of DHA (a type of omega-3), vitamin A and D can improve brain function and combat inflammatory diseases.

Try a new recipe today! 🍽

📣AGEC would like to invite you to a FREE community event! You will be able to learn "hands only CPR", disaster preparedness for those with disabilities, document readiness, get access to mental health resources and more!
Blood pressure & glucose checks also available.
Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, UAMS AR-ConnectNow, American Red Cross Arkansas, Alzheimer's Association - Arkansas Chapter, Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services (MEMS)

See flyer for details