Thursday, February 13, 2020 – As the room darkened and images of distant stars came into view overhead in the Silvergate San Marcos community theater, attendees at an “Armchair Astronomy” gathering settled into place for an evening of enlightening discussion about the heavenly bodies that encompass earth’s massive solar system. The presentation, held on Thursday, February 13, 2020, was offered as part of the retirement community’s ongoing efforts to provide opportunities for lifelong learning and growth to local seniors.
Ken VanLew, a renowned astronomer and long-time student of celestial bodies, lead the presentation for seniors who were invited to the Silvergate San Marcos senior living community for a chance to hear more about the vastness of outer space and the interesting facts about “Star Varieties: Mass Rules.”
“I sure found out that there is so much to learn about the moon and the sun and the stars that I didn’t know before,” said Corine Lajoie, who attended the event and accompanied her friend Gloria Lopez to the astronomy presentation. “I was telling my friend…I sure hope we don’t have a quiz on all this afterwards. There was so much to discover. I like it when Silvergate opens these types of events up to seniors even if you don’t happen to be a resident of the community yet. I’m glad I went.”
Lajoie and Lopez are just two of the many local seniors who are taking advantage of the free time that retirement offers to return to educational pursuits and learn more about subjects they are passionate about.
A recent national research study conducted by neurologists in Ohio found that engaging in a lifelong pursuit of mentally challenging activities may actually help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. The study found that seniors who frequently read, played mentally challenging games like chess, or engaged in other intellectually stimulating activities are 2.5 times less likely to have Alzheimer’s, which currently impacts approximately four million Americans. The benefits to seniors who pursuit lifelong learning are abundant and include healthier brains, healthier bodies, reduced stress, decreased blood pressure, boosted immunity and lower levels of depression among many others.
“We’re especially focused on bringing thought-provoking programs into our activities roster here at Silvergate,” said Activities Director Lorraine Herschleb, who has been with Silvergate for more than 16 years. “We understand that learning something new, such as a skill or hobby, can be advantageous to memory and that continuing to learn and grow as we age improves mood, sharpens acuity and can help with cognitive skills retention. Without challenges, new activities and opportunities for lifelong learning, the mind can slow down and memory loss can set in, which is why we’re always working to bring engaging and interactive programing to our residents.”
“The colors, sizes, temperatures and compositions of stars in the galaxy are both fascinating and mesmerizing,” said Ken VanLew, who shared both surprising and little-known facts with Silvergate event attendees. “I enjoy giving a talk like this to seniors because you see their faces and know that you can never stop learning. The galaxies are just one more place we can turn to feed our imaginations about what might be out there in the universe and to ponder the overall questions humans have always had about how we fit in.”
Silvergate San Marcos offers independent living, assisted living and memory care in a premier senior living community that features studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom accommodations. Silvergate boasts a year-round schedule of lively activities, on-going events, a host of educational and life-long learning opportunities, and chef-prepared cuisine every day. Visit the community’s website at SilvergateRR.com to join the email list for notices about upcoming Silvergate San Marcos events and activities.
For apartment availability and recently released all-inclusive pricing options, call David Nelson, Marketing Director for the community at 760-744-4484 or visit www.Silvergaterr.com to learn more about the many community offerings.