MANKATO , MINN. -
Senior citizens with cognitive impairment or who are socially isolated participate in a variety of stimulating activities during Vine Faith In Action's program "Some Time Away". Vine Faith In Action's Mary O'Sullivan says, "The more people are stimulated, the more they can maintain whatever cognitive ability they have."
After tracking more than 10,000 aging adults, the Chicago Health and Aging Project reports one in three seniors dies with dementia. Dean of Nursing for Rasmussen College Laurie Hendrickson says, "Alzheimer's we're hearing more more about that as well as dementia. I think one of the main reasons is people are living to be older."
And as life expectancy continues to rise... Hendrickson says, "Nurses are going to have to be very well prepared to address the needs of the geriatric population"
Medical care helps, but Vine Faith In Action volunteers say more programs are needed to keep people active and social, because it too helps slow down the symptoms of dementia. O'Sullivan says, "A decline can be slowed down a bit I think if they have some stimulation and that's what we provide with our social respite program."
O'Sullivan says a lack of stimulation has a reverse affect saying, "Everything is interrelated."
She says often when people develop dementia they become less engaged, and when they're less engaged... O'Sullivan says, "Then their cognitive ability can really slide quickly if their only stimulation is sitting in front of a television in their recliner."
Some Time Away Volunteers say everyone needs a little playtime, because it reminds us of why life is worth living.
