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SCIENCE FOR SENIORS- AN OVERVIEW
By Gloria Hoffner, BA, ADPC

Science for Seniors – A hands-on activity program that brings the fun and excitement of learning to your facility.

I bet you and your residents have heard the old saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Science is proving this saying wrong every day!

Clive A. Wilson, author of “No One Is Too Old to Learn: Neuroandragogy: A Theoretical Perspective on Adult Brain Functions and Adult Learning” discusses how adults can learn new concepts and sharpen their minds throughout life. Wilson’s book discusses how adults can learn new concepts and sharpen their minds throughout life. This is possible, he states, because brain plasticity still occurs late in life. Even more interesting Wilson points out humans may be able to experience new brain cell growth as we age if we continue the lifelong process of learning.  His book also makes an argument for the theory of a possible delay of Alzheimer’s disease in people who continue to learn.  

Scientists have discovered that when you recall a song or repeat an action, your brain lights up with the memory and the stored path of the original connection. However, when you learn new information, your brain must find new connections.  These connections strength the brain and add weight to the brain which increases brain health.

Science for Seniors is a fun way to strengthen these connections by learning about new discoveries, answering questions, and finding out how things work.

A Science for Seniors Activity Program has four basic components:

• Introduce a topic – the list is endless. It could be a current event such as the BP Oil Leak in the Gulf; a chance to learn more about an animal like the therapy dog who visits monthly; or a way to discuss a question as big as the universe, example: how did the sun begin and how will it end?
• A video on the topic.   There are DVDs available free from public, school or college libraries through interlibrary loan. They may be rented from video stores, video vending machines or home subscription services such as Netflix for a low fee. Videos may also be purchased online from websites including: Amazon.com; Science.Discovery.com; ShopPBS.org; and Shop.History.com.
• Demonstration/ experiment: Using everyday items found in the kitchen, the craft room and even on the outside grounds of the facility you can conduct demonstrations and experiments that are safe and engage the residents as participants.
• Discussion and follow-up. After the experiment have residents discuss what surprised them, did it remind them of any other experiences. Have a few library books for those interested in learning more on the topic. Always ask – what would they like to do in the next science program?