theconnectionsnj.com SENIOR LIVING PAGE 28 Your Family Becomes Our Family Our core values of Trust, Love and Sincerity are lived out daily within our communities and guide our approach to all we do. Discover our newly renovated Assisted Living & Memory Care. CALL TODAY TO BECOME A PART OF THE BRANDYWINE FAMILY. WE CAN’T WAIT TO MEET YOU! Visit our website at bit.ly/FAMILY_MR or scan the QR code for more information. Brandywine is a leading provider of assisted living, memory care, independent living, and respite care throughout NJ, PA, CT, NY, and DE BRANDYWINE MOUNTAIN RIDGE 680 Mountain Blvd, Watchung, NJ 07069 ORDLE is taking the world by storm! STRANDS STRANDS is the newest contender! CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS is the talk of the card room! MAH JONGG MAH JONGG and CANASTA are all the rage! RUMMIKUB RUMMIKUB is where it’s at! There is no doubt that the interest in games and hobbies is everywhere, and for good reason. Keeping our minds active is invaluable as we age. It is different from when we were toddlers and first learning about our environment. At that time, everything was new and exciting. Around every corner, there was something we hadn’t yet seen. As residents of planet Earth for decades, we have expectations that are typically predictable. So perhaps a bit of encouragement to explore and be open to new things is needed. In reality, it is more important than ever to change some of our experiences and expectations. This keeps our minds nimble. Of course, for those with access and the ability to play games on phones, these games are portable. In other situations, setting times to play games, even if that means leaving our comfort zone for interaction, is worth the effort. In our community, the card room is almost always available as a meeting place. Beverages and nibble snacks add to the enjoyment, but if simply playing is the goal, players can bring their own “cup of” and snacks, sit back, and play! Camaraderie is an amazing way to grow interest in games. Laughing and learning strategies together are a great way to enhance brain patterns even more. Hobbies such as knitting, crocheting, swimming, exercising, putting together puzzles, sculpting, painting, photography, etc. all beckon us at any age. Our clubhouse exhibits photography and other art which offers an opportunity to show what we have created and is a highlight of the season. The internet is a great way to access challenges by sourcing classes and supplies. Many arrive without having to leave the comfort and security of our homes. Senior communities are increasingly more aware of the connections the aging population desires. Whether it is a fitness center where seniors can “workout” together, a pool for outdoor exercise, weather permitting, or other group classes, a strong body helps to maintain oxygen and blood flow to the brain. One of the most popular classes in our community is “chair strength.” Believe me, it is challenging! Using weights, balls, strength bands, and the like certainly pushes the body to become more supple, lithe, flexible, and dependable. A goal for all of us as we age is to keep on keeping on. Games and hobbies are a great way to have fun while keeping the patterns in the brain synapsing and working together. Doing it together, socializing and even having a cup of tea or coffee afterward is a wonderful motivation and offers a great reward. SENIOR CORNER Games and Hobbies Are Not Just for Kids! By Ellyn Mantell WORDLE In reality, it is more important than ever to change some of our experiences & expectations. This keeps our minds nimble.
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