Learn all about the brain in the ‘Friends’ latest forum

The Friends of Boca Grande Community Center will present the latest in their Lifelong Learning forum, “The Brain and Healthy Living,” on Friday, Feb. 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Boca Grande Community Center. The cost of the one-day symposium is $45.

The symposium chair is Bob Carlson.

Topics presented within the forum include:

• The Aging Brain - Realities and Promises
(Alan Grindal, 1 1/2 hours)
The fact that our brains age is inescapable. Some skills peak in our 20s and 30s while others persist throughout our lives. This presentation will look at why and how these changes take place. They will discuss modifiable risk factors, the difference between "normal aging" and dementia and what each of us can do to preserve our cognitive functions and age successfully.

• Older Adult Learning & Development  - Cognitive & Social Connections
(Cheryl Smith, 1 1/2 hours)
There are several domains of development that continue over the entire lifespan. These domains – biological, social, cognitive, moral, physical health and ego – are intricately connected to each other and to learning in adulthood. This presentation will focus on the interconnectedness between adult learning and adult development. The focus of the discussion will be on the cognitive and social domains of development in the later years. A sub-theme of intellectual development that will be discussed in some depth is creativity in the later years.  
Participants are encouraged to identify any current events, whether seen in print or broadcast media that relate to either of these themes.

• Older Adult Learning Theory Applied - Lifelong Learning & Its Benefits
(Bob Carlson, 1 hour)
Pre-retirement adults' pursuit of learning activities is heavily influenced by work or professional career interests. Upon retirement, however, older adults' motivation to stay active intellectually shifts from career interests to other influences. Other potential influences include one's level of curiosity, increased desire to stay socially connected, to play an active role in one's community,  and to escape from daily routines.  

These and other influences will be explored in some depth and will serve as a framework for reporting on the results of the Lifelong Ageless Learning Survey. The LALS is being administered to different older adult populations in the Sarasota area, and its results will be shared during this session.  

• Using What We Know to Live Healthier Lives - Panel Discussion
(Bob Carlson, Alan Grindal & Cheryl Smith, 45 minutes)
Check the Friends web site at friendsofbocagrande.org for suggested reading for this topic.

Please call Denise Searle at 964-0827 for more information.