PROVIDENCE LEADERSHIP 2024-2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tim Breems Paul Buikema Chair
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS By Chair Paul Buikema
Here’s a statistic that may surprise you: According to the Alzheimer’s Association, about 1 in 9 people age 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease, which comes out to about 6.9 million people. As the amount of people age 65 and older grows, it’s projected that, by the year 2050, America will have 12.7 million
Ed Damstra III Dave DeGraff Ted Feenstra Ken Hoving Vice Chair
Karen Huizenga Secretary/Treasurer Patti Jabaay Arnold Koldenhoven Gary Leo Rob Petroelje Darren VanEssen Asst. Secretary/Treasurer David Voss Dr. Eric Woo Kyle Yonker BOARD OF GOVERNORS Jacob Groenewold Chair Don DeGraff Justin Kats Bastian Knoppers
citizens afflicted with Alzheimer’s. On a related note, the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease reported that those who experience the loss of a spouse are 50% more likely than others to show signs of dementia within three to six months following their bereavement. Mental health is as important as physical health; in fact, research continues to show that physical activity helps stimulate mental activity. A recent article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that regular physical activity can reduce our risk for cognitive decline while promoting emotional health and our abilities to think, learn, and problem-solve. What do these statistics and research studies mean for us at Providence? It is now more vital than ever to continue our commitment to walking alongside those with memory issues. In this newsletter, you’ll read about the remodeling that’s underway on the Memory Care wing at Victorian Village. We have several programs designed to meet the needs of those with memory decline. We will also introduce you to different strategies and interventions designed to keep our brains as active as possible for as long as possible. This includes addressing emotional needs related to grief and loss by hosting GriefShare groups to facilitate walking the path of grieving in community. We could not enhance the lives of those we serve in these ways without your gracious help. Thank you all for supporting us through your generosity.
Dave Larsen Bruce Leep Dick Molenhouse
Cal Tameling Don Van Dyk Richard Van Hattem Dr. Eric Woo Liaison to Board of Directors
Robert Workman William Zandstra
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