and physical health, says Dr. Wynnelena Canio, a geriatric medicine specialist with Kaiser Permanente in San Rafael. “Going for a short walk with a friend, shopping, or having lunch somewhere special all encourage older adults to leave the house, feel
sharing what works and what does not. Dr. John Newman, an assistant professor at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, says the COVID-19 virus killed millions of people. A degree of isolation and protection was necessary. “Given that [isolation] was
happy and become more physically healthy. Even coming to a community or health center class like Kaiser’s 'Memory Fitness' is beneficial,” says Canio. She says classes like “Memory Fitness”—which discuss the link between socialization and aging— give older adults many tools to remain well. Participants leave the class with a fuller understanding of the links between actions like strength training and memory retention. “In addition, people end up forming groups in the class. That’s one of the most uplifting things to see, older adults creating happy memories as they learn how their brain works. We usually watch them continue to find support and offer support themselves
important—and for some people it still is—reducing the risk of getting infected involves avoiding large crowds and being careful about interactions,” says Newman. He adds it is a challenge to find ways to do this while lessening impacts on other parts of an older adult’s life and health. “Social connectedness and physical and mental activity are really important to the health of older adults. We know that older adults who are socially isolated, or who are lonely, their health is worse off in very quantifiable ways,” says Newman. Four years in, it is hard for many seniors to continue utilizing strategies that worked in the early years of
through keeping in touch with the friends they’ve made,” says Canio.
the pandemic, like long walks. This is because it is difficult to change long- held habits and older adults tend to face greater mobility challenges as they age. Finding reasons to meet friends, especially outdoors, is one of the best ways to promote mental
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Thad Golas and a classmate learn the ukelele at the Healdsburg Senior Center. [Photo courtesy City of Healdsburg, Community Services Department]
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EXPERIENCE IT AT IT’S BEST. Wine Country Weddings
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26 NorthBaybiz
February 2025
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